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Get permission to use a celebrity's image on your packaging?
phdillard's Avatar
Paul Dillard

I’m not really sure what forum to put this under, hopefully this is the right one.

I’m designing a board game…I suppose it isn’t technically an invention, just another rearrangement of the staples of classic board games…anyway I would like to contact a celebrity of sorts and seek permission to put their image on the packaging of my game. I suppose this would be considered an endorsement. Has anyone had any experience in how this works?

To be specific, it is a zombie board game, and I’d like to put Bruce Campbell on the box with a statement to the effect of “Ash Approved” (sorry if no one knows what I’m talking about). What type of arrangement is standard here. I’m hoping not too expensive since all I really need is permission to use an image, but I have no idea if this type of thing is paid for in a lump sum payment, royaties, etc…

Any input?

posted January 16, 2012 21:11 (
)


emcohen's Avatargold
Emily C
82,000
Insider Points

Paul,

Celebs have gotten more and more creative with their endorsement deals these days, so any of the above could be valid. It could be an upfront sum for advertising, or if you want to negotiate a deal where he’s invested in the product’s success, offer him a deal where he benefits if the product sells with a percentage of royalties. Unless he’s openhearted and likes your idea and decides to be charitable, you’ll most likely have to pay for the privilege of his image.

Your best bet may be likely to try to arrange a hybrid deal with a small upfront fee in exchange for his ongoing efforts to promote the game at appearances, social media, etc, and then he shares in its success. Really just depends how flexible he and his lawyer are feeling…

posted January 16, 2012 23:27 (
)



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