News Briefs

DIC ENTERTAINMENT:

is taking the classic spiky-haired Trolls and updating them with a new line of tween-aged characters called Trollz, which it will market as Internet, TV, video and merchandising properties. DIC acquired worldwide entertainment and licensing rights to the Troll characters from the Denmark-based Troll Co., and will launch the new Trollz on the Internet in December. In June, DIC will launch animated direct-to-video titles in the U.S., an animated TV series for international audiences and a consumer products campaign.

COLLEGEFEST: is now under new management and will be expanded to 25 additional markets over the next five years. Steven Burnett recently purchased CollegeFest and will begin expansion with three shows this fall: Boston, Philadelphia and Austin. Three additional markets will be added for Spring 2005, including Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Columbus, OH. CollegeFest brings students products and exhibits from various exhibitors and marketers.

FOOD NETWORK: DVDs will be bundled as a gift with purchase in May, in various World Kitchen products including brands like Corelle, CorningWare, Pyrex, Chicago Cutlery and Baker's Secret. In May, 375,000 specially produced Food Network DVDs will feature a 17-page booklet with Cooking From the Grill recipes featured on the Kitchen Network. Participating retailers will feature P-O-P displays and ads promoting the DVD. Additionally, Reston, VA-based World Kitchen will advertise on Food Network with 30-second spots that run from May to June. An embedded micro site featuring World Kitchen products can be accessed from www.foodnetwork.com.

CANDIE'S, INC.: announced a three-year license agreement with LaRue International, Inc. for handbags and leather goods under the Candie's label.