The Magic of the Reveal Growing up as a cultural mash-up meant I was always surrounded by little symbols of identity - milagros from Mexico, worry dolls from Guatemala, Russian nesting dolls hiding secret treasures. These objects taught me something fundamental: the smallest things often carry the deepest meaning. That same emotional connection is at the heart of today’s blind box phenomenon - a marketing trend turning surprise into status. In this article, Hollywood Branded explores how bl...| Hollywood Branded Insider
Fizzy first movers What do Barbie, Spongebob, Minions, the Lakers, and Minecraft have in common? They’ve all teamed up with fizzy, fruit-forward prebiotic sodas - and not just for the aesthetics. Two once-niche beverage brands are now dominating a billion-dollar category, thanks to smart timing and even smarter partnerships. In this article, Hollywood Branded explores how Poppi and Olipop took over the prebiotic soda market with first-mover advantage and brand partnerships.| Hollywood Branded Insider
More Than an Icon: Meryl Streep as a Brand Powerhouse Meryl Streep is a name that carries weight in Hollywood - and beyond. Known for her incredible acting range, artistic integrity, and enduring career, she represents the pinnacle of excellence in entertainment. But what many may not realize is that her influence stretches far beyond the silver screen. Streep’s poise, intelligence, and multi-generational appeal make her not just a film legend but also a powerful force in the world of brand...| Hollywood Branded Insider
public drama, brand strategy, and smart marketing A kiss-cam moment at a Coldplay concert thrust data workflow company Astronomer into the global spotlight, a spectacle that quickly spread across TikTok, X, and Instagram. What began as personal embarrassment for the company’s CEO and HR chief became a touchpoint for smart PR and memorable brand moments. As brands, from airlines to publishers, scrambled to meme-jack the scandal and amplify their relevance, Astronomer pulled a masterclass in ...| Hollywood Branded Insider
Pop Culture’s New Powerhouses Every Friday at 8:30 am PST, our Hollywood Branded team gathers from across the globe for “Watch Cha Watchin’?” - our half-hour ritual where we swap what we’re watching, listening to, and loving in pop culture. It’s fun, yes - but it’s also our not-so-secret tool for staying ahead of cultural shifts before they hit the mainstream. One trend has emerged louder and more insistent than any other in recent years: the rise of Korean and broader Asian pop...| Hollywood Branded Insider
A New Cultural Phenomenon The collectible world has seen many crazes, but few have captured a moment like Pop Mart. The global explosion of Pop Mart didn’t come from a typical corporate ad campaign, it came from a grinning little monster named Labubu. With its oddly charming design and The Monsters series behind it, Labubu became more than a collectible, it became a cultural phenomenon. What followed wasn’t just success; it was the rise of a new kind of licensing empire. Through key col...| Hollywood Branded Insider