Press Release - Authentic Brands Group

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE! DMG Unveils Mini-­‐Marilyn® to Worldwide Audiences Launching a 21st Century Icon of Empowerment, Fun and Style Beijing and New York: April 9, 2015 – DMG Entertainment, the leader in global entertainment, and Authentic Brands Group, LLC (ABG), owner and manager of a global portfolio of iconic fashion, sports, celebrity, and media brands, unveiled Mini Marilyn® to the world today. DMG and ABG will co-­‐develop the character across a vast cinematic world that will serve as the engine for licensing, retail and other brand opportunities. Mini-­‐Marilyn™ is envisioned as the first international brand icon of the 21st Century and a symbol of empowerment for young women around the world. “Mini Marilyn is more than just a character brand. We are creating a personal relationship through an immersive Mini Marilyn experience for a passionate and eager fan base,” said Dan Mintz, DMG CEO during a press event in Beijing to launch Mini-­‐Marilyn globally. “Mini Marilyn is a star, a trendsetter and tastemaker. She’ll appeal to the girl who inspires others through her creative pursuits and their developing individuality – she’s an icon of empowerment for the modern world.” Mini Marilyn® Empowering, Charming, Lovable With her trademark blonde hair, beauty mark, and red lips, Mini Marilyn is the epitome of Hollywood glamor and classic femininity. She empowers modern girls by encouraging them to be confident, to take risks and to always keep reaching for their dreams. Mini Marilyn will come to life for fans through a portfolio of animated 3D CGI content including feature films, TV, short form digital content, video games, mobile apps, music and live venue attractions, as well as through retail and consumer products. “Imagined from one of Hollywood’s most enduring legends, Mini Marilyn has an irresistible charm that shares much with her inspiration (Marilyn Monroe) including her unique blend of beauty, talent, and humor,” explained Jamie Salter, CEO and Chairman of ABG. “Our partnership with DMG positions Mini Marilyn firmly on the entertainment map worldwide.” Mini Marilyn debuted on Chinese social media with a successful soft-­‐launch seeding during the Lunar New Year holiday. Chinese fans responded to their first look on Sina Weibo and WeChat with overwhelming excitement and anticipation for Mini Marilyn. The teaser post campaign reached a top spot during the holiday period with 16+ million impression; 300k video views and 10k+ comments across Chinese social media sites. As part of the Mini Marilyn launch, DMG is debuting its official flagship store on Chinese e-­‐
commerce giant Taobao and social platform WeChat. Fans can find limited edition Mini Marilyn branded merchandise at the DMG Store on Taobao. A Cinematic Engine for Brand Licensing DMG’s cinematic interpretation of Mini Marilyn will provide the foundation for the brand’s growth strategies. ABG and DMG will partner on leveraging the content to inform business initiatives in licensing, consumer products, and retail in China and other key territories. "We are extremely excited to develop Mini Marilyn into a true global phenomenon. We look forward to unveiling this new entertainment property in both content and products across Greater China as well as in other key global locations in 2016 and beyond,” said Nick Woodhouse, President and CMO of ABG. The Cultural Force Behind Mini Marilyn® From Andy Warhol and Madonna to Gwen Stefani and Lady Gaga, Marilyn Monroe’s legend continues to inspire today's artists, musicians, designers and social influencers. Marilyn Monroe’s personal history, achievements, and contributions have made her one of the most famous celebrities of all time and a media phenomenon with a lasting influence on pop culture.
“Marilyn Monroe is one of Hollywood’s greatest legends. When I first saw her as a young girl in China, she was glamour, excitement and Hollywood. She continues to have a tremendous impact on people, culture, and style; and on how we think about and view celebrities today. Mini Marilyn embodies Marilyn’s timeless glamour, extraordinary beauty and playful spirit,” said Wu Bing, President of DMG. “Marilyn’s story has endured; and is very relevant to today’s young women who crave positive role models that inspire and motivate them. Mini Marilyn taps into how today’s audiences connect with the legendary icon and is a vehicle through which we will extend her legacy.” #### About DMG DMG is a global entertainment and media company with diverse international holdings across motion pictures, television, comic book publishing, music, gaming, creative management and entertainment-­‐
themed properties, as well as offering advertising, marketing and brand communications services. DMG Entertainment, the company’s entertainment division, makes movies and television shows, music promotion, licensing and merchandising, cinemas, gaming and comic books with a focus on telling stories that appeal to global audiences with operations in North America and Asia. DMG Entertainment’s films include the record-­‐setting blockbuster IRON MAN 3, the critically acclaimed sci-­‐fi hit LOOPER, and the techno-­‐thriller TRANSCENDENCE; along with some of China’s highest-­‐grossing films including NO MAN’S LAND, FOUNDING OF A REPUBLIC and GO LALA GO!. DMG Entertainment is currently working on the high-­‐
speed thriller AUTOBAHN, starring Anthony Hopkins, Ben Kingsley and Nicholas Hoult; and Point Break, directed by Ericson Core, for release in 2015. DMG owns a stake in Valiant Entertainment, the award-­‐
winning comic book publisher with a library of over 2,000 iconic characters, including X-­‐O Manowar, Bloodshot, Harbinger, Shadowman and Archer & Armstrong. DMG Entertainment China [SHZ: 002143] is publicly traded on the Shenzhen stock exchange. About Authentic Brands Group, LLC Authentic Brands Group, in partnership with Leonard Green & Partners, is an intellectual property corporation with a mandate to acquire, manage and build long-­‐term value in prominent consumer brands. Headquartered in New York City, ABG's mission is to further enhance brand equity through partnering with best-­‐in-­‐class licensees and direct-­‐to-­‐retail partnerships. ABG brands include Marilyn Monroe®, Mini Marilyn®, Muhammad Ali®, Elvis Presley®, Juicy Couture®, Judith Leiber®, Adrienne Vittadini®, Taryn Rose®, Hickey Freeman®, Hart Schaffner Marx®, Palm Beach®, Misook®, Prince®, Spyder®, Airwalk®, Above The Rim®, Vision Street Wear®, Hind®, Ektelon®, Viking®, Bobby Jones®, TapouT®, and Sportcraft®. www.abg-­‐nyc.com. MINI MARILYN is a Trademark of The Estate of Marilyn Monroe LLC. © 2015 The Estate of Marilyn Monroe LLC