NBC Universal Announces Expanded Deal with Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Hallmark to get use of current and future film and TV content
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA (June 1, 2009) – NBC Universal has signed a pact with Hallmark Cards, Inc., which incorporates film properties from Universal Partnerships & Licensing (UP&L) and television properties from the NBC Universal Television, DVD, Music and Consumer Products Group.
The deal expands upon a previously existing partnership and gives Kansas City-based Hallmark Cards use of NBC Universal’s current and future slate of film and television product as well as its extensive library of film and television properties for a wide range of social expression products. The deal also allows Hallmark exclusive access to the extensive NBC News archives for e-greetings. The announcement was made today by Stephanie Sperber, Executive Vice President, Universal Partnerships & Licensing, and Kim Niemi, Senior Vice President, NBC Universal Television, DVD, Music and Consumer Products Group.
Included in the deal is Universal Pictures’ inaugural 3-D CGI feature Despicable Me. Planned for a 2010 theatrical release, Despicable Me is the first film produced for the studio through Chris Meledandri’s (Ice Age, Robots, Horton Hears a Who!) Universal Pictures-based family-entertainment shingle, Illumination Entertainment, and stars Steve Carell (Horton Hears a Who!, Get Smart, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, “The Office”). Also included is “Curious George,” the top-rated, Emmy® Award winning preschool television series currently airing on PBS KIDS.
"Universal and Hallmark have enjoyed a great partnership for many years, and our alliance brings the partnership to a new level of commitment," said Sperber. "By drawing on our incredible library and amazing line-up of new films, Hallmark customers will now be able to express themselves through the most unforgettable moments from their all-time favorite movies."
On the television side, the deal includes NBC’s multiple award-winning shows “The Office” and “30 Rock,” and SCI FI Channel’s award-winning “Battlestar Galactica.” Hallmark has already garnered success around product based on NBC Universal television and film properties. The company’s e-cards featuring characters from NBC’s “The Office” were among the top five best-sellers for the company last Valentine’s Day, and sound cards from Universal’s robust film catalog like 40-Year-Old Virgin, Jaws and Sixteen Candles have all been top sellers as well.
“This is an incredible opportunity to open up NBC Universal’s vast television archives to Hallmark for social expression products,” said Niemi. “Hallmark is the gold standard in social expressions, and we are really excited to expand on our partnership with such a creative company.”
“The expanded partnership gives millions of consumers new ways to celebrate meaningful occasions and include their favorite television shows and movies,” said Karen Mitchell-Layton, Hallmark Vice President of Licensing. “This aligns with our company’s purpose of enhancing relationships and enriching lives.”
Tricia Chaves, Senior Director of Licensing, North America, Universal Partnerships & Licensing, was integral in doing the deal on behalf of the studio.
About Universal Partnerships & Licensing
UP&L oversees Universal’s consumer product licensing, film and home entertainment promotions, and all corporate alliances for Universal’s theatrical, home entertainment, theme parks and stage productions. This dedicated division is also responsible for monetizing the Studio’s vast library of films and characters through licensing, branding and marketing opportunities. UP&L is part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% owned by Vivendi.
About NBC Universal Television DVD, Music, and Consumer Products Group
NBC Universal is a leader in providing entertainment programming to the domestic and international marketplaces. NBC Universal Television DVD, Music, and Consumer Products Group manages all global ancillary television business endeavors for the NBC Universal Television Group, including third-party home entertainment distribution, consumer products, musical soundtracks, special markets projects and the NBC Universal Online Store.
About Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Kansas City-based Hallmark is known throughout the world for its greeting cards, social expression products, and television’s most honored and enduring dramatic series, the “Hallmark Hall of Fame.” Hallmark greeting cards and other products can be found in more than 41,500 places in the U.S. alone, with the network of Hallmark Gold Crown® stores providing the very best selection. The Hallmark brand also reaches consumers online at Hallmark.com and on television through Hallmark Hall of Fame original movies and the top-rated Hallmark Channel. In addition, Hallmark publishes products in more than 30 languages and distributes them in 100 countries across the globe. The company’s Crayola subsidiary provides fun and imaginative ways for children to colorfully express themselves. In 2008, privately held Hallmark reported consolidated net revenues of $4.3 billion. For more information about the company, visit http://corporate.hallmark.com.