Dentsu, Marvel Alum Marc Harrington Launches New Agency

Marc Harrington has launched Lucky Helmet, a new company focused on assisting creators, producers and other IP owners with commercialization strategies for existing brands and with the development of new content-based franchises.

Lucky Helmet will work with property owners in setting-up procedures, securing the right merchandising and licensing partners, expanding collaborations and building communities around their original characters and content. The company will work with artists and creators, in the earliest stages of brand development, to integrate play patterns, wish-fulfillment and other elements that can make a property more attractive for toys and gaming.

Cartoon Saloon has signed Lucky Helmet to consult on L&M opportunities based on its original IP, including the animated feature film Wolfwalkers, the Puffin Rock series, Puffin Rock-The Movie and Silly Sundays series.

“The landscape, for kids’ content especially, has changed dramatically in the past few years; discoverability has become a huge challenge,” said Harrington. “Property owners cannot depend on distribution partners to build their brand, and while retail will surely return in force, rights holders are going to need to take more responsibility than ever before for attracting consumers directly, and for engaging with fans.”

He added, “Most importantly, an authentic voice and an emotional connection with the story and characters must come across—but, when you have that right, there are certainly decisions that can be made, and elements that can be incorporated, in order to improve opportunities for consumer product programs and for the range of a property’s appeal.”

Brian Tyrrell, general manager of brand development with Cartoon Saloon, stated: “Marc has been very helpful in setting-up processes for our ancillary rights business and for introducing Cartoon Saloon to highly respected potential partners. We look forward to working with Lucky Helmet on a number of upcoming projects.”

Prior to setting up Lucky Helmet, Harrington developed and managed toy integrated animation projects with Dentsu Entertainment USA, where he executive produced the original animated series Mega Man: Fully Charged and Monsuno.  Prior to Dentsu, Harrington was responsible for branding initiatives, merchandising and other partnerships for Genuine Character, Marvel Entertainment and Paramount Pictures.