Warner Bros. Movies

Warner Bros. Consumer Products Puts Movie Licensing in Focus at Licensing Show International to Support Warner Bros. Studios' Robust 2003 - 2004 Film Slate.

BURBANK, Calif. -- June 10, 2003 -- Warner Bros. Consumer Products: Licensing Close-Up On "Looney Tunes: Back In Action," "The Matrix Reloaded," "The Matrix Revolutions," "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," "Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed" and "The Polar Express" -- Warner Bros. Consumer Products Celebrates 20 Years of Licensing The World

And... action! From the loveable "Looney Tunes" to everyone's favorite wizard, "Harry Potter," Warner Bros. Consumer Products unleashes dynamic licensing strategies for the studio's powerhouse 2003-2004 film slate. With a theatrical release line-up including such highly anticipated feature films as "Looney Tunes: Back In Action," "Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed," "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," and "The Matrix Revolutions," as well as the holiday-season charmer "The Polar Express," Warner Bros. Consumer Products has a rich platform of beloved characters and diverse franchises for innovative film licensing programs. Ushering in its 20th anniversary, Warner Bros. Consumer Products will celebrate its position at the forefront of product and brand licensing with a tremendous presence at Licensing Show International 2003.

"In today's competitive marketplace, theatrical releases based on franchise properties present a prime opportunity to develop fully integrated licensing programs that will stand the test of time," says Dan Romanelli, President of Warner Bros. Worldwide Consumer Products, throughout the division's 20-year history. "Uniting with the best companies in the world including key promotional partners and exceptional licensees worldwide, we are able to build and maintain consumer interest, while keeping our properties vital and relevant."

"Looney Tunes: Back In Action"

The irreverent "Looney Tunes" characters join a star-studded cast of celebrities in Warner Bros. Pictures' live-action feature film, "Looney Tunes: Back In Action," slated for release on November 14, 2003. Mattel, the master toy licensee for the "Looney Tunes" brand, has created a new line of toys inspired by the upcoming film, incorporating the physical slapstick humor and over-the-top antics that set "Looney Tunes" apart from the rest. Warner Bros. Consumer Products Interactive Entertainment has begun co-publishing a "Looney Tunes: Back In Action" video game title with Electronic Arts (EA), to be released on PlayStation 2, GameCube and Game Boy Advance, day-and-date with the upcoming film. Players will be able to switch off playing either Bugs or Daffy on a scavenger hunt adventure around the world, with themed levels inspired by the film's diverse and wild locations. The films' promotional partners are an all-star lineup, including Wendy's, Sprint, General Mills, Poore Brothers, Action Performance Cos. and Saputo.

"The Matrix Reloaded" and "The Matrix Revolutions"

"The Matrix Reloaded," released May 15, 2003 and "The Matrix Revolutions," scheduled for release in November 2003, are supported by a targeted licensing campaign, including "Enter The Matrix," the new interactive game from Atari. Developed by renowned Shiny Entertainment, "Enter the Matrix" for Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube and PC, is the most aggressive collaboration between a video game publisher and a Hollywood movie studio to date. Produced, directed and featuring a script written by the Wachowski Brothers, writers/directors of "The Matrix" film trilogy, the game's plot closely parallels "The Matrix Reloaded" and, at times, intersects with scenes from the movie. Additionally, McFarlane Toys has created a line of adult collectible figures, Blinde Sunglasses introduced a high-end line of sunglasses based on the property and Rubies has produced a line of adult costumes.

"Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed"

The sequel to the blockbuster hit "Scooby-Doo," planned for a March 26, 2004 release in North America, reunites the Mystery Inc. crew for another groovy mystery-adventure. The entire cast is returning, including Freddie Prinze, Jr. as Fred, Sarah Michelle Gellar as Daphne, Matthew Lillard as Shaggy, Linda Cardellini as Velma, and, of course, their canine co-star, Scooby-Doo. Capitalizing on the global success of the first film, the second film will once again be supported by a full licensing program covering all major categories. The film will be supported with a multi-million dollar advertising and promotional campaign, including an extensive BURGER KING(R) promotion that will feature "Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed" kids meals with a different toy each week, TV advertising and in-store merchandising at the popular fast-food chain's 8,000 U.S. locations. Products will feature key elements from the film, and will directly tie-in the successful core-licensing program.

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"

2004 will see the launch of two new licensing programs from Warner Bros. Consumer Products -- one based on the literary world of "Harry Potter" and the other based on the "Harry Potter" films. Each program uniquely brings to life the magic and adventure of "Harry Potter" with separate and distinctive creative styles. On June 4, 2004, Warner Bros. Pictures will release the third "Harry Potter" film, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." Harry Potter and his friends return to their third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where they delve into the mystery surrounding an escaped prisoner who poses a threat to the young wizard. Production began in early 2003 with Academy Award-nominated director Alfonso Cuaron ("A Little Princess," "Y Tu Mama Tambien") at the helm. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have returned as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. New additions to the cast include acclaimed actors Gary Oldman (Sirius Black), Michael Gambon (Headmaster Albus Dumbledore), David Thewlis (Professor Lupin) and Timothy Spall (Peter Pettigrew).

"The Polar Express"

A holiday classic comes to life for Holiday 2004 in Warner Bros. Pictures' new feature film, "The Polar Express." Based on Chris Van Allsburg's award-winning children's book, "The Polar Express" is a wondrous tale about a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, embarking on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. The film will expand on the original book, wrapping Van Allsburg's timeless story in an all-new thrilling animated adventure. Starring Tom Hanks ("Philadelphia," "Forrest Gump") and directed by Robert Zemeckis ("Cast Away," "Back to the Future"), "The Polar Express" will feature state of the art motion capture technology and charter new territory in digital animation. A focused licensing strategy is currently being developed by Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

About Licensing 2003 International

Licensing 2003 International, which is being held June 10-12 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York, continues to be the most important marketplace for concepts and creative ideas related to the biggest brands in the world. Consumers spend more than $95 billion on licensed products annually. Located at booths #3019 and #3219, Warner Bros. Consumer Products is one of the largest exhibitors at this year's show.

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.