SONY PICTURES CONSUMER PRODUCTS PROMOTES MARK CAPLAN TO SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

CULVER CITY, Calif., October 8, 2015 – Mark Caplan has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Global Consumer Products for Sony Pictures Consumer Products, it was announced today by George Leon, executive vice president, Worldwide Consumer Marketing for Sony Pictures Entertainment.
In his new role, Caplan will oversee and manage licensing, merchandising, location based entertainment, and interactive gaming efforts for Sony Pictures Entertainment’s (SPE) most notable franchises. He will work closely with manufacturing partners, retailers, and international agents to create quality products and experiences that extend the consumers’ relationship with each of SPE’s properties in exciting and innovative ways. Caplan previously served as Vice President, Sony Pictures Consumer Products, overseeing sales efforts for film and television properties.
Commenting on the announcement, Leon said, “Mark is an innovator who has done an exceptional job at managing licensing programs for our consumer products group. He has taken the lead with new categories and has helped reestablish and relaunch existing franchises like Ghostbusters. His incredible knowledge of the industry and keen instincts will be a great asset in this new role.”
Caplan has been involved with licensing for a variety of film and television properties including: The Smurfs, Pixels, Goosebumps, Hotel Transylvania, Spider-Man, Men in Black as well as Breaking Bad, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.
For over 10 years, Caplan has also managed one of studios’ most popular and beloved franchises  – Ghostbusters. The Ghostbusters merchandising program started in North America, expanding into every major international territory.  With over 100 licensees covering many categories, Ghostbusters has continued to provide fans of the franchise with interesting and dynamic product.
ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 142 countries. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.
 
Contact:
Steven Argula
Publicity & Corporate Communications
Sony Pictures Entertainment
310-244-7924
 
GHOSTBUSTERS
CONSUMER PRODUCTS FACT SHEET
 

• The Atari video game was the main component of the Ghostbusters licensing program.  It was the first time Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) was able reunite the original cast.  While a video game is usually an afterthought when studios reboot franchises, in the case of Ghostbusters, the video game helped to resuscitate the idea of a film sequel.
• Mattel signed on to develop a line of collectible figures, vehicles, and role play toys.  These items were a catalyst to demonstrate to other categories that the business of merchandise developed for all age groups was of value. [This last sentence doesn’t really flow well.  Reword?]
• Ghostbusters: The Board Game was launched by a successful Kickstarter campaign in partnership with Cryptozoic Entertainment.  This is the first officially licensed Ghostbusters tabletop game in nearly 30 years and will be distributed to retailers in October 2015.
• Rubies Costume Company joined the program over 10 years ago to develop and sell a costume based on the original Ghostbusters suit.  To date, that has expanded into many costume versions to include kids, female, and pet costumes along with a host of Ghostbusters themed decorations for Halloween.
• The official franchise legacy book, Ghostbusters: The Ultimate Visual History by Daniel Wallace will look back at three decades of ghostbusting fun. Covering the production of the first two films in extensive detail, this deluxe book will include rare behind-the-scenes images and in-depth commentary from cast and crew, including director Ivan Reitman and stars Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Sigourney Weaver. The book will also explore the entire Ghostbusters universe, including comics, toys, video games, and the animated shows The Real Ghostbusters and Extreme Ghostbusters.   It will be filled with incredible removable items, as well as never-before-seen photographs and concept art from SPE’s archives.
• Apparel has been a key staple in the Ghostbusters classic program with partners like Mad Engine, Freeze, Mighty Fine, and Signorelli developing evergreen styles that remain a staple in retailers’ choices on a year-round basis.  They have created a well-balanced line comprised of basic t-shirts and fashion hoodie sweatshirts, recently expanding to also include jackets and jumpsuits.
• Ghostbusters has made a strong transition into this ever growing mobile gaming market.  Beeline™ Interactive, Inc., a leading developer and publisher of social games for smartphones and tablets is developing Ghostbusters Puzzle Fighter, a new match-three, puzzle battle game, based on the beloved franchise. The game lets you assemble the ultimate team of Ghostbustersand ghosts. Part puzzler, part card game, part RPG, Ghostbusters Puzzle Fighter gives you the chance to collect characters from the Ghostbusters universe.  Relive all your favorite moments from the original Ghostbusters movies and revel in awesome 80s nostalgia, including the official Ghostbusters theme song.
• Collectible Ghostbusters products of many types have been developed with manufacturing leaders such as Underground Toys, as well as Funko who created an exceptional line of Ghostbusters Pop! vinyl figures.