[BLE 2024 Special] An exclusive interview with Corentin Besse

In anticipation of the upcoming Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) event in London from September 24-26, which is the only pan-European trade show dedicated to licensing and brand extension, The European Animation Journal, in collaboration with BLE, provides exclusive insights into the animation companies attending the event.

Here’s an interview with Corentin Besse, Brand Manager at HARI.

Founded in 2006 by Josselin Charier and Antoine Rodelet, HARI is one of the top players in animation that creates, produces and distributes original creations dedicated to kids and family across TV and digital media platforms. Specialized in bringing feature-quality CGI animation to the small screen, Hari has built a reputation for developing original character-driven properties with a distinct comedic value for family audiences.

Focused on quality rather than volume, Hari develops premium IPs with a strong brand potential and consolidates its position as a key player of the kids entertainment industry by developing a slate of CGI TV series as well as a slate of movies.

Internationally recognized for its editorial line, Hari won many international awards, including a Kidscreen Award (USA), a Pulcinella Award (Italy), an Emil Award (Germany) – and the French TV Export Award, which recognizes Hari as the French production company that signed the most TV sales in 2019. Its latest production Grizzy & the Lemmings Season 2 is nominated in 2020 for an International Emmy Kids Award.

Why do you consider BLE to be an unmissable part of your yearly networking calendar?

We can meet the right people here. The BLE provides us with the opportunity to connect with key decision-makers from across EMEA, including licensees and retailers of varying influence. Engaging with both licensees and retailers simultaneously is crucial for developing the licensing strategy.

Are you launching new brands, products and announcing any news at BLE? Which properties will be your main focus at this year’s event?

We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of both Season 5 & 6 of Grizzy & the Lemmings, as well as a feature film. Additionally, we have a new apparel collection planned to be launched in stores such as Bershka, Primark, and Zara this Winter. For Mystery Lane, we are thrilled to reveal the launch of a special 44′ episode that will premiere this Christmas.

The main focus will be on our globally popular cartoon series, Grizzy & the Lemmings, which has secured a spot as a top 10 kids show on Netflix worldwide in 2023. Our adventure and action-packed series, Mystery Lane, has garnered a fantastic audience across the globe, paving the way for the upcoming 44′ episode special airing this Christmas and the development of a second season.

What will make your stand at BLE 2024 a must-visit for attendees?

At Booth #E185 we will display new images of our new content: Grizzy and the Lemmings Season 4, and Mystery Lane episode special!

What do you hope to achieve by the end of the three days?

To have started conversations and discussions with brands in the following categories we are focusing on: toys & plushes, food, back to school, bedding and nightwear, party goods, gifts, and more.

What do you think are the biggest challenges and opportunities the licensing sector faces over the upcoming months and into 2025?

Several topics have people really concerned (different wars, AI technology, inflation,…), and in such an uncertain time, brands and entertainment can provide comfort and entertainment. Licensing main purpose is to capitalize on consumers’ desire for security, emotional connections and lifestyle/leisure time. In particular, Grizzy & the Lemmings brings this fun-packed content in households, making it a quality amusement and emotional time for both kids and parents.