News Briefs
SESAME WORKSHOP:
has formed a partnership of Japanese companies called Sesame Street Partners Japan (SSPJ) to feature Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster and new Muppet characters in a local adaptation of the award-winning series. Sesame Workshop and SSPJ will launch two seasons of 52 half-hour episodes on TV Tokyo in October. SSPJ will have exclusive rights to Sesame Street for all media and ancillary businesses as well as oversee marketing and promotional activities in Japan.
CALVIN KLEIN: has signed Hilary Swank as the company’s exclusive celebrity model of the upcoming launch of its Sensual Support intimate apparel collection. The Oscar-winning actress will be featured in ads for the new collection, including print, outdoor and other media. The new collection will be available in July.
ROSIE JONES: is believed to be the first mainstream professional athlete to have a national endorsement deal with a gay and lesbian-orientated travel firm, Olivia. According to published reports, the 44-year-old golfer plans to wear Olivia’s logo on her shirts and hats. Jones, who had planned on retiring from the LPGA tour after this season, said the endorsement deal may extend her playing career.
JOHN DEERE: and marketing-firm ignition are going on a 10-week, 22-city road trip to showcase John Deere’s 100 Series Lawn and Garden Tractor. Interactive multi-element mobile attractions will visit shopping malls and a handful of minor league baseball stadiums in the eastern and central states starting March 27 in New Orleans and Orlando.
MELISSA DATA: Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, has been chosen by Saab Cars USA to provide real-time verification of customer data. Saab Cars USA spokesman Richard Amling said Melissa Data’s point-of-entry verification service will be especially useful in recognizing fraudulent entries for promotions.
