LAIKA Expands Its Global Reach
LAIKA is setting out on an ambitious path to broaden its influence in the UK and Europe, especially following the impressive success of its 15th Anniversary re-release of Coraline. This initiative aims to create important partnerships in areas like consumer products, licensing, and home entertainment.
Key New Partnerships
To support its growth, LAIKA has teamed up with Brandship, a well-established brand management firm. Brandship will help LAIKA expand its consumer products licensing and brand collaborations throughout the UK and Europe. Working closely with LAIKA’s licensing agency in the US, Licensing Street, Brandship wants to ensure that fans have easy access to a wide range of products inspired by LAIKA’s cherished films.
Direct-to-Consumer Initiatives
This partnership also marks LAIKA's first direct-to-consumer collaboration in Europe with Truffle Shuffle, a well-known UK retailer specializing in pop culture apparel. This relationship is expected to bring unique items to an ever-growing fanbase.
Ventures in Home Entertainment
In another exciting development, Anime Ltd./Plaion Pictures has acquired LAIKA’s prestigious catalogue for home video distribution in various European nations, such as the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Benelux, Spain, and Portugal. Fans are eager to revisit Oscar and BAFTA-nominated titles like Coraline, The Boxtrolls, ParaNorman, and Kubo and the Two Strings.
Connecting with Global Fans
Michael Waghalter, LAIKA's Senior VP and Head of Business Development, shared some exciting insights about fan engagement, saying, “Millions of moviegoers have returned to theaters to experience Coraline once more, highlighting the enduring global appeal of LAIKA’s films. There’s a strong desire for deeper connections with our characters and stories, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with Anime Ltd./Plaion Pictures and Brandship to provide engaging, fan-focused experiences.”
Shared Goals for Growth
Lisa Shapiro, the Founder and CEO of Brandship, expressed her enthusiasm about working with LAIKA. She feels this partnership comes at an ideal time, stating, “We’re honored to collaborate with the LAIKA team and are dedicated to securing top-tier partners in key areas to meet the significant demand.”
Revitalizing Classic Films
Andrew Partridge, Managing Director of Anime Limited, underscores how important this collaboration is for reviving the physical releases of LAIKA’s remarkable collection. The recent success of Coraline’s re-release shows just how strong the love for these animated tales is. The aim is to share LAIKA’s films with a new generation across the UK and Europe.
Box Office Triumphs
The re-release of Coraline for its 15th anniversary has been a major box office hit, raking in over $51 million worldwide, thanks to strategic distribution efforts with Fathom in the United States and Trafalgar Releasing internationally. Additionally, audiences were given a sneak peek of LAIKA’s much-anticipated animated project, Wildwood, making for an impressive summer for animation enthusiasts.
Remarkable Achievements
In the UK, Coraline's re-release achieved a significant milestone, outperforming iconic films like Titanic and ET, and securing the title of the highest-grossing re-release in the past twenty-five years. Other notable accomplishments include:
Global Milestones
- The highest-grossing re-release in the US over the last decade.
- The highest-grossing release (both new and re-releases) in Fathom’s distinguished history.
- A record-breaking lifetime US gross for any stop-motion animated feature.
- The highest-grossing re-release in Mexico’s film history.
- Coraline’s re-release earnings exceeded those of its original run across various Latin American countries.
About LAIKA
Founded in 2005 by visionary Travis Knight, LAIKA is celebrated for its engaging animated films. The studio has produced five iconic films—Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings, and Missing Link—all of which have been nominated for Academy Awards for Outstanding Animated Feature. LAIKA's innovations in 3D printing were recognized with a Scientific and Technology Oscar in 2016. The studio is currently working on its next animated feature, Wildwood, along with several other exciting projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is LAIKA's newest initiative?
LAIKA is expanding its presence in the UK and Europe through strategic partnerships focused on consumer products and home entertainment.
2. Who is LAIKA partnering with for consumer products?
They are partnering with Brandship to increase consumer product licensing and brand collaborations.
3. What films will Anime Ltd. release in Europe?
Anime Ltd. has acquired LAIKA's catalogue for home video release, which includes films like Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings.
4. How has the re-release of Coraline performed?
The re-release has achieved over $51 million in the global box office, a considerable success for LAIKA.
5. What future projects are underway at LAIKA?
LAIKA is currently producing Wildwood and is working on several other animated feature films.
