The toy industry continues to see the Hispanic demographic as a niche market while other forms of entertainment recognize the power of marketing to this rapidly expanding population. That was my take away from an article in the Hollywood Reporter entitled: “Lionsgate, Televisa detail Hispanic film venture.”
It seems that Lionsgate, the home of the Tyler Perry franchise, sees an opportunity to expand its success with movies directed at the African-American market. Televisa, a major Mexican studio is joining with Lionsgate to form Pantelion Films which will produce movies for the Hispanic market.
Here is why: “…26 million U.S. moviegoers are Hispanic and that this group represents the fastest-growing part of the overall audience and more than one-fourth of all frequent moviegoers. A video package highlighted that Hispanics accounted for $1 billion in 2008 movie ticket sales.”
If its good idea for the studios, it seems like it must be a good idea for the toy industry; don’t you think?