NBCUniversal Brand Development Group today announced the appointment of Black White Orange as its licensing and merchandising agent in India and South Asia. Under the agreement, Black White Orange will manage licensing for NBCUniversal’s expansive portfolio, including major franchises such as Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures’ Despicable Me, as well as Universal and Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic World and Universal’s Fast & Furious; upcoming films like Illumination and Universal’s The Secret Life of Pets; and classic films from the studio’s library, including Back to the Future and Jaws, amongst others. The latest installment in the Fast & Furious franchise, Furious 7, currently ranks as the highest-grossing Hollywood film ever in India, with Jurassic World ranking No. 2.
As NBCUniversal enters into the Indian and South Asian markets for the first time, Black White Orange will unleash each film’s potential in the form of authentic licensed merchandise such as apparel, toys, stationery, gifts, novelty, back-to-school, home décor, innovative non-traditional categories and more. Black White Orange will establish, grow and expand NBCUniversal’s business in India, as well as in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and other South Asian markets.
“Through franchise properties including Fast & Furious, Jurassic World and Minions, NBCUniversal has seen massive box-office success in India” said Bhavik Vora, CEO and Founder, Black White Orange. “NBCUniversal’s library also includes many all-time classics, and the company has a blockbuster upcoming lineup. We are extremely thrilled & proud to bring these phenomenal properties to such a huge fan base in India on the consumer products platform.”
“The NBCUniversal portfolio boasts some of the biggest properties in movies and TV with fans that span across age groups, making it one of the most sought-after propositions in India,” said Marc Low, Senior Vice President, Consumer Products International, NBCUniversal Brand Development Group. “We are truly excited to venture into the Indian and South Asia market, and we are delighted to have found a partner in Black White Orange. We are confident that its unique and promising strategic approach will build the Universal brand in India and South Asia and help us reach our fans in these key and growing territories.”
Black White Orange, which launched in September 2015, has also signed on leading brands like Sesame Street, YouWeCan, The Emoji Company and bCreative. The addition of NBCUniversal to its client list further strengthens its position in the Indian licensing industry.