Ex-Marvel man takes James Bond to UK franchise outfit

Marvel Entertainment Group’s former vice president Europe is to become UK managing director of licensing specialist Leisure Concepts International and will handle the relaunch of the James Bond franchise in the UK.

Clive Hill replaces Jackie Ferguson, who left the company last month. He set up his own consultancy last autumn to handle Bond in the UK, and will bring the UK rights with him to LCI.

LCI, which handles a range of licensed properties including Baywatch, already handles James Bond outside the UK.

The latest James Bond film, Goldeneye, is in production starring Pierce Brosnan as the new Bond . It opens in the UK on December 1.

Brosnan’s arrival marks a “back-to-Connery” look for the series which has recently become less action-packed, more ironic, Hill says. Already, LCI has secured 25 licensees and further additions are expected after a London presentation of early film footage next week.

Ferguson returns from maternity leave later this year to head the new European office planned by Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers’ creator Saban International.