LAS VEGAS (June 6, 2012) – Knockout Licensing Co-Presidents Carole Postal and Tamra Knepfer today announced that their agency has been appointed by NBCUniversal International Television Production to launch and manage the licensing program for the Downton Abbey™ entertainment brand in the US & Canada.
“Audiences around the world have connected with Downton Abbey and the reaction from American viewers has been incredible,” said Brad Wald, Chief Commercial Officer, NBCUniversal International Television Production. “The Knockout team understands the Downton Abbey brand and we are looking forward to working with them to develop a strong licensing program that brings to life the Downton experience.”
“I’ve been a Downton Abbey fan since the first season,” said Postal. “I love the writing, the fashions, the décor, and everything else about the story and setting that makes Downton Abbey such a compelling brand for licensing.”
Downton Abbey is a Primetime Emmy™ and Golden Globe™ Award winning British television series now entering its third season. The period drama is produced in association with Masterpiece Theatre and airs on PBS in the U.S. to critical acclaim and high ratings. Downton is transmitted in more than 200 other territories around the world. In February 2012, 5.4 million viewers watched the final episode of Season Two making Downton Abbey PBS’s most-watched program since the Ken Burns documentary “National Parks” premiered in 2009. Season Three of Downton Abbey is scheduled to debut on PBS in January 2013.
“Downton Abbey has a large, loyal and very enthusiastic fan base,” added Knepfer. “We have already spoken to some potential licensees and retailers who are extremely enthused about being a part of Downton Abbey by offering products that bring to life the look, the feel, sensibility and humor of the show.”
Knockout Licensing is actively seeking manufacturing and retail partners to launch the brand into U.S & Canadian markets via key product categories including Apparel, Accessories/Bags, Health & Beauty Aids (including Fragrance), Jewelry, Social Expressions, Gift & Novelty, Checks, and Promotional Tie-Ins. The agency will also be exploring Costumes, Puzzles/Games, Collectibles, Housewares, Kitchenware, Bed & Bath, Food (Tea, Jams), Home Furnishings, Home Décor, and other appropriate products.
About Knockout Licensing
Knockout Licensing (www.knockoutlicensing.com) is a full-service licensing agency for big-name brands. Knockout was formed as a joint venture in 2012 with Carole Postal, President of CopCorp Licensing, and Tamra Knepfer, President of TK Brand Group, combining forces as Co-Presidents. Together Postal and Knepfer bring decades of combined experience to their agency.
Knockout Licensing will be exhibiting its roster of client properties (including not only Downton Abbey but also BOO – The World’s Cutest Dog) at the 2012 Licensing International Expo in Las Vegas, Booth #5317.
CONTACT: KNOCKOUT LICENSING
Carole Postal
cop@knockoutlicensing.com
(212) 947-5958
Tamra Knepfer
tk@knockoutlicensing.com
(917) 514-0701