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February 20, 2008

Hasbro to produce movies with Universal Pictures

Pawtucket-based Hasbro and Universal Pictures said this morning they have signed a six-year agreement to produce at least four movies together.

The movies, the first of which will be released in 2010 or 2011, will be based on Hasbro's games such as Monopoly, Candy Land, Battleship and Clue. After the first movie, at least one film will be released each year, the companies said.

Hasbro's Transformers toys made a splash with a blockbuster film last year. A sequel is now in production. There's also a movie being made based on Hasbro's G.I. Joe toys. Neither of those toys is covered by the new partnership.

"Universal's creativity and worldwide marketing and distribution strength make them the perfect partner," Brian Goldner, Hasbro's chief operating officer, said in a statement. "Today's Hasbro is so much more than a traditional toy and game company, and this partnership is a powerful example of how we are offering our consumers new ways to enjoy unique and immersive experiences with our brands."

Hasbro recently hired Lisa Licht as its new general manager of entertainment and licensing; she is based in Los Angeles. In addition, in August 2007, Hasbro announced an agreement with Electronic Arts to develop digital games based on many of its properties across a variety of platforms.

Universal Pictures is owned by General Electric Co.

-- John Kostrzewa with reports from the Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry  at 2:18 PM | Permalink

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