Maurice Sendak brilliant on Colbert Report

Maurice Sendak appeared in a two part feature on The Colbert Report this week, and I have to say that he is one of the most entertaining and insightful guests I have ever seen.

In case you don't know, Maurice Sendak is best known as author and illustrator of the 1963 book Where the Wild Things Are.  He was illustrator of the book series Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik, which inspired the Nelvana-produced Little Bear animated series.  I was fortunate to have the opportunity to be responsible for the merchandise licensing program for Little Bear at Nelvana, and was thrilled to see 84 year old Sendak on The Colbert Report.

For his take on kids' literature and more, watch here:

Comedy Central (US) part 1

Comedy Central (US) part 1

Comedy Network (Canada) part 1

Comedy Network (Canada) part 2

Franklin, Barbie, and Calliou - LIVE!

Live entertainment for kids' brands is often a key component of a solid marketing strategy. For leading brands, live shows in theaters and malls are a great source of revenue. For other brands, live shows can heighten awareness and appeal among kids and their parents.

By coincidence, I have worked closely on all the brands featured in ad in this weekend's Toronto Star for Toronto's Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. I started my career in the toy industry working on Barbie branded products. Franklin the Turtle was every kids' best friend when I worked at Nelvana for four years, and it was like he became my friend too. It appears that the Franklin live show is similar (identical?) to the "Franklin and the Green Knight" program that I worked on at Nelvana. Finally, I got to know Caillou as master toy licensee when I was Marketing Director at Irwin Toy.

It's nice to see how these classic brands continue to entertain kids and gratifying to know that I played a part.