More rumors of a new Transformers movie

Sunday, December 22nd, 2002 12:34PM CST

Category: Rumors
Posted by: Professor Smooth Views: 76,792

The following is directly from the AP to Yahoo.

Hasbro Agrees to Movie Licensing Deal
Thu Dec 19,12:14 PM ET Add Business - AP to My Yahoo!
PAWTUCKET, R.I. - Toy maker Hasbro Inc. has signed a licensing deal with a newly formed Los Angeles production company to make films featuring Hasbro products.
The company, called Fat Rock Entertainment, will begin releasing the films next summer. The movies will be G-rated and shown at selected theaters in the early morning and midday.
"It´s part of our core-brand expansion strategy," said Jane Ritson-Parsons, president of Hasbro Properties Group. "What we´re looking to do is really expand our brands within the world of the consumer, within every part of their lives."
Hasbro, based in Pawtucket, has been licensing many of its brands. Transformers can be found in cobranded comics and on cobranded apparel and backpacks. In Las Vegas, gamblers can find Monopoly slot machines, and in Atlantic City, there´s a retail-entertainment complex based on Monopoly, called Park Place on the Boardwalk.
Hasbro declined to release terms of the movie deal, though Ritson-Parsons said the company is not investing in the pictures. The movies, which will be combinations of live action and animation, will be made with an estimated budget of $5 million to $10 million each.
Smooth note: This does add fuel to the fire of an impending Transformers movie. And though I should be jumping out of my smooth-boots for joy one thing bothers me. The 5-10 million budget worries me. I know FANS who spend that much on Transformers. Of course, I jest, but that does seem a little low. Of course, I´ll post more information on this when it becomes available.

SMOOTH NOTE 2: It says the films will be G rated. And only be shown in the early and mid-day in selected theaters. Take note of this, as it´s the info MOST likely to change.

Credit(s): AP