HOW TO WIN CHRISTMAS: Born Licensing’s Represented Christmas Properties
Christmas in the UK is like the Super Bowl in the US - it’s BIG. And characters win.
In 2022 we worked with Havas London to negotiate a licensing agreement to use Buddy the Elf for ASDA's 'Have Your Elf a Merry Christmas'. The results were incredible: the campaign was named "the nation's favourite ad of 2022" by ITV and System1, and it was also "one of the most emotionally effective Christmas ads" System1 has ever tested.
In 2023 System1 tested again the emotional response of viewers via its Test Your Ads platform and ranked ads from 1 to 5.9 stars. We were not surprised to see that, once again, characters (both fictional characters and brand characters) have performed extremely well.
You get the point: the public loves fictional characters. They have the power to resonate with multiple generations, they are instantly recognisable, and they are generally less controversial than celebrities, musicians and sport stars.
As licensing agents to the fictional stars, Born Licensing’s portfolio of represented fictional talents includes several properties which are perfect for Christmas campaigns - and they are all eager to work with you!
Have you already thought about your 2024 Christmas superstar? If not, we have some suggestions for you.
Mean Girls
We all know that iconic dance routine on the notes of ‘Jingle Bell Rock’, when the Plastics performed in front of the rest of the school and parents wearing Santa Claus costumes.
There is so much going on in that scene. Regina switched positions last minute. Gretchen was trying to “make fetch happen”, but instead accidentally kicked the boombox that was playing the famous Christmas tune. Regina’s mom was loving the choreo, while Cady’s parents seemed horrified. It’s the perfect mix of emotions that is so typically Christmas!
Bridget Jones’s Diary
Bridget Jones’s Diary remains one of the most successful romcoms of all times, and an undisputed Christmas classic. We can all agree on how iconic Mr. Darcy’s ugly reindeer jumper was. Or how relatable Bridget’s list of resolutions after the festive period was.
And we can all remember the famous scene when Bridget smokes and drinks on the notes of ‘All By Myself’. There are not many Christmas movies that accurately depict the loneliness that some people go through during the festive period - but Bridget Jones’s Diary is definitely one of them.
Love Actually
Love Actually has recently turned 20 years old, but we’re not over it yet. It’s another Christmas classic that we can never get tired of.
The movie deals with nine intertwined stories that examine the complexities of the emotion that the festive period is all about: love. With legendary dance routines, heartfelt cards on the doorstep, Christmas songs and decorations, Love Actually reminds us that the holidays are better when you spend them with the people who care about you.
The Grinch
In the town of Whoville, the Whos are filled with excitement about celebrating Christmas. The only one who is not thrilled is the grumpy and green-furred Grinch, who tries to ruin the Whos’ Christmas celebrations in every way.
The Grinch teaches us that loved ones can make Christmas an enjoyable holiday, and that caring for others feels better than bitter solitude - even for the one like him, born with a heart being ‘two sizes too small’.
Christmas Wishes Bear
Whether they're surprising a friend with a heartfelt gift, or baking Christmas cookies, this jolly Care Bear carries the spirit of Christmas with them always.
Of course, Christmas Wishes Bear loves presents, but they know that being nice, and doing nice things for others, is the best gift of all. And that is a gift that can be given every single day no matter what time of year it is.
The World of The Snowman
One winter’s night, a snowman comes to life and an unforgettable adventure begins. Raymond Briggs’ story is a true piece of Christmas magic. This timeless tale captures the wonder and innocence of childhood and is now recognised around the world as a Christmas classic.
The Snowman’s nostalgic and enduring appeal has become a much loved staple of the festive season, with iconic and beloved characters such as The Snowman, The Snowdog, Billy and James.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
In this Peanuts’ special, Charlie Brown is done with how commercialised Christmas has become. To cheer him up, Lucy suggests that he becomes the director of the school Christmas play. But Charlie is mocked by all his peers when he tries to use a small Christmas tree as centrepiece in an effort to bring back the true spirit of the holiday.
Eventually Linus will teach him (and all of us) what Christmas is all about!
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