Brandship to handle UK and European licensing push for LAIKA’s portfolio

Following the recent 15th anniversary release of Coraline, animation studio LAIKA is bolstering its UK and European presence with key partnerships in consumer products and licensing.

LAIKA has engaged Brandship to represent the studio’s expansion of consumer products licensing and brand collaborations in the UK and Europe. Brandship will work closely with LAIKA’s US licensing agency – Licensing Street – on the expansion.

LAIKA’s portfolio includes Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings and Missing Link.

The first deal to kick-off the Brandship partnership sees LAIKA embark on its first direct-to-consumer partnership in Europe with Truffle Shuffle. Elsewhere, Anime Ltd./Plaion Pictures has acquired LAIKA’s catalogue for home video release in the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Benelux, Spain and Portugal.

“The timing couldn’t be better, and I’m really excited and privileged to be working with the LAIKA team,” said Brandship Founder and CEO Lisa Shapiro.

“With pent up demand and a highly engaged audience, there are number of best-in-class partners in key categories that are being secured.”

Michael Waghalter, LAIKA’s Senior VP and Head of Business Development, added: “Fans want to engage more deeply with the characters and worlds of our films, and we’re excited to partner with Anime LTD/Plaion Pictures and Brandship to bring compelling, fan-centred products and experiences to the UK and Europe.”