ER, Mattel in Multiyear Deal for Barbie Movies

LONDON, September 27: Entertainment Rights (ER) has entered
into a multi-picture, multi-year agreement with Mattel for the long-term
distribution rights to the entire Barbie
film franchise.

The agreement covers new releases of up to six additional
movies, taking the number of Barbie
films licensed to ER to 15 with rights to the entire Barbie film franchise extended on a long-term basis.

In a relationship dating back to the first-ever Barbie feature length film released in 2001, ER has
released eight titles through its own home entertainment label, Right
Entertainment, and sold over 12 million units. Meanwhile, Barbie programming
has been licensed to 170 countries worldwide. The ninth title, Barbie
in The 12 Dancing Princesses, will be
released on October 16.

Jane Smith, the group commercial director at ER, commented,
“We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with the leading
global toy company Mattel. The Barbie movies are an extremely successful global
franchise. With their engaging story lines and high quality production values,
Barbie movies have proved a hit with girls all over the world. The success of
the Barbie film franchise is testament to the high quality movies coupled with
the distribution expertise of ER’s international sales team and our home
entertainment division, Right Entertainment.”

Richard Dickson, the SVP of marketing, media and entertainment
at Mattel Brands, added, “In continuation of our long-term brand extension
strategy to partner with the ‘best-in-class,’ we’re thrilled to announce our
extended alliance with ER. Mattel and ER have had an extremely favorable
business relationship since 2001 with the launch of the first Barbie movie, and
we look forward to growing the franchise in the U.K. together over the next few
years.”