DreamWorks Consumer Products division has "struck" two
licensing deals with NASCAR's Joe Gibbs Racing and toymaker
Action Performance Co., according to Wayne Friedman of the
HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. The logo of the DreamWorks-Universal
Studios summer film "Small Soldiers" will be emblazoned on
Gibbs' cars for five races, including Bobby Labonte's car
for the Pepsi 400 at Daytona Int'l Speedway on July 11.
Action Performance will make Matchbox-sized toy cars, as
well as apparel and other souvenirs, which will be sold at
Daytona and other major NASCAR and NHRA racing events.
DreamWorks had a "similar but smaller" deal last year for
"The Lost World: Jurassic Park" in which the logo was
featured on Jeff Gordon's car. Friedman writes that sources
say that deal grossed merchandisers $10M in revenue, while
DreamWorks took in around $1M (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 6/16).
JUNK YARD? Actors Patsy Kensit and Balthazar Getty have
joined Daryl Hannah in the cast of "Speedway Junky," a
racing drama that starts shooting in July (VARIETY, 6/16).
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT: BUSINESS WEEK's Dale Buss looks
at product placement in films and TV, and highlights CO-
based RAM Sports, which spends up to 20% of its $250,000
marketing budget to place Classic brand sports ball, which
competes with Wilson and Spalding. Ram, with $10M in sales,
has won placement in such films as "Flubber" and "He's Got
Game." Ram co-Owner Randy Jones: "When we have an exposure,
our phone rings off the hook" (BUSINESS WEEK, 6/22 issue).
