Big Idea to Launch Licensing Program for VeggieTales Movie

NASHVILLE, June 19: Big Idea, a subsidiary of Entertainment Rights, will launch an extensive licensing program to support the winter release of Universal Pictures’ The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything—A VeggieTales Movie, including the rollout of movie-themed toys, apparel and books that will be available at retail beginning this October.

Big Idea recently secured a deal with Blue Box to create bathtub toys and a pirate ship playset inspired by the movie. Big Idea has also teamed up with Manhattan Toy for a line of new finger puppets, and with Pint Sized Productions for the development of collectible plush toys of various sizes of the three main veggie-Pirate characters. In addition, Big Idea has also partnered with Talicor for the creation of puzzles.

For apparel, Big Idea reached a deal with Crossroads Apparel for a line of toddler and youth-sized movie-themed T-shirts. The company has also appointed Thomas Nelson as the exclusive publisher for the movie, with six new titles currently in production for rollout this October. Thomas Nelson will also release a Pirates-themed Vacation Bible School (VBS) curriculum in January 2008. The new VeggieTales movie will follow the comic misadventures of three animated veggie pals who reluctantly set sail for adventure and discover that real heroes don’t have to be tall, strong, handsome, or even human.

Terry Pefanis, the COO of Big Idea, commented: “We are thrilled to be working with Universal Pictures on the production of The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything—A VeggieTales Movie. The film provides us with a wonderful opportunity to bring the VeggieTales humor, silly songs and life lessons to an even wider audience.”

The VeggieTales animated series has sold over 50 million videos and seven million albums since 1993. The series is currently part of the qubo Saturday morning programming block, which airs on NBC, Telemundo and ION.