Joy Tashjian Marketing Group, LLC (JTMG), the exclusive licensing rep for NBC's prime-time line-up, has secured a merchandise licensing agreement with THQ Inc for the popular weight loss competition series, The Biggest Loser.
THQ Inc, recognized as a leading publisher of interactive entertainment, has interactive fitness games based on the hit show currently in development exclusively for Wii, Nintendo DS and DSi which are scheduled for release this fall. The Biggest Loser products from THQ Inc are being developed pursuant to a license agreement with NBC Universal Television, DVD, Music and Consumer Products Group and Reveille LLC.
"The Biggest Loser continues to dominate in the ratings and Biggest Loser consumer products continue to be best sellers in the publishing, exercise videos and weight management products," said JTMG's Tashjian. "THQ is an extraordinary company that will add immeasurably to the hugely popular Biggest Loser franchise through the high quality and innovative product they will bring to the retail market."
"We are really proud to be able to introduce this game as part of the great line of product affiliated with The Biggest Loser," said Kim Niemi, Senior Vice President, NBC Universal Television, DVD, Music and Consumer Products Group. "This game presents an opportunity for the whole family to exercise and get fit, while having fun together."
"The Wii is the perfect video game platform for The Biggest Loser encouraging activity and motivation," said Mark Koops, Managing Director at Reveille, the production company behind The Biggest Loser. "The game promises to not only offer a really fun way to work out but will also provide users with a cool weight loss tool to help them meet their personal goals. It is a perfect complement to our existing Biggest Loser lifestyle products."
"The Biggest Loser interactive fitness games are unique in that they incorporate the expertise of The Biggest Loser trainers and doctors," said Doug Clemmer, senior vide president of THQ Inc. "The exercise programs incorporate cardio, upper and lower body circuit routines and yoga, monitoring players fitness and diet progress every step of the way-people can really change their bodies and change their lives using these companion products."
THQ Inc. joins a licensee roster that includes Lang Holdings ("The Daily Dose" weight management calendars), Jakks Pacific (recipe organizers, recipe cards, and kitchen stationary accessories), iToys (personal handheld electronic device and a portable personal trainer device), Rodale Publishing (The Biggest Loser fitness books, cookbook, weight loss books & magazines); Lions Gate (Six The Biggest Loser Workout DVDs sold into mass market retailer, two new DVDs to launch December 2008); Taylor Precision Products (Eleven total digital weight management scales & food scales, seven new ‘Double Up' kitchen appliances for 2009); Street Strider (Three-wheeled human powered elliptical cycling machines); Next Protein by Designer Whey (Protein powders sold into mass market retailers and fitness retailers); Gaiam (Five exercise & fitness accessories for 2009); Bistro MD (Home Delivery Meal Plan); Trends (2009 & 2010 Calendars); and Subway (In-store cross promotional program tied with Fresh Fit Menu). The Biggest Loser Season Seven finale on May 12 generated NBC's highest-rated Tuesday night in adults 18-49 in more than three years, since December 6, 2005. The finale averaged a 4.7 rating, 12 share in adults 18-49 and 11.8 million viewers overall. It was the highest-rated "Biggest Loser" telecast in adults 18-49 since the finale of the third "Loser" cycle on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006.