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Approved with Changes

Powering Iconic Entertainment Brands Through

Brand Licensing and Merchandising Partnerships

Hello! I'm April.
 
I’m a dynamic and confident leader with a passion for bringing
big ideas to life and elevating brands that resonate globally.
 
With an extensive and diverse background in Entertainment Brand Licensing and Merchandising Partnerships, Marketing, and Product Development, I thrive at the intersection of creativity and commercial strategy.
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About Me

There are at least three beverages next to my workspace at all times.

I’ve led high-impact initiatives across all categories of licensed consumer products, driving revenue and relevance for both iconic properties and

emerging brands.

 

I’m known for my ability to connect the dots between vision and execution, developing innovative branded merchandise, cultivating global partnerships, and scaling licensing programs that deliver long-term value for IP owners and fans alike.

My style is proactive, collaborative, and relentlessly curious. I seek out opportunities to improve processes and produce meaningful results. Whether leading cross-functional teams or navigating complex stakeholder relationships, I bring a flexible, forward-thinking approach to organizations where I can help teams evolve and stay ahead of the curve.

Experience

My favorite comment to give and receive during product development is Approved with Changes.​

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​​It means we're on the right track with room to elevate.
 

The best feedback doesn’t just critique, it guides.

It’s specific, actionable, and drives the project forward.

Creative Licensing

Director of Marketing and Product Development

Asset Management and Distribution

Brand Partnerships

Catalog Film Franchises

Collateral Materials - Design and Production

Direct-to-Consumer Programs

Global IP Representation

Go-to-Market Strategy

International and Domestic Trade Shows - Production

IP Representation

Legal and Trademark Clearances

Licensed Product Development - All Categories

Licensee Onboarding and Management

Licensing Software Implementation

Press Releases and Deal Announcements

Processes and Best Practices

Published Articles - Industry Publications

Retail Strategy - All Channels

Royalty Reporting

Stakeholder Collaboration

Talent Participation and Clearances

Trademark Law

Sony Pictures Entertainment

Director of Product Design and Development

Animated Theatrical Franchises

Catalog Film Franchises

Asset Management and Distribution

Consumer Products Showcases

Creative Merchandising Ideation

Cross-Functional Relationship Building

Direct-to-Consumer Programs

Direct-to-Retail Programs

Exhibitor Relations - In-Theater Concessions

Global Relationship Building

Interactive and Slot Games - Mobile and Casino

International and Domestic Trade Shows

International Licensing Agent Management

Legal and Trademark Clearances

Licensee Onboarding and Management

Licensee Roadshows - International

Licensing Software Implementation

Location-Based Entertainment

Processes and Best Practices

Product Development - Hard Lines and Collectibles

Retail Roadshows - Domestic

Retail Strategy - All Channels

Stakeholder Collaboration

Style Guides and Creative Asset Development

Talent Participation and Clearances

Television Franchise Management

Trademark Law

NBC Universal

Global Product Development Manager

Animated Theatrical Franchises

Catalog Film Franchises

Consumer Products Showcases

Creative Merchandising Ideation

Cross-Functional Relationship Building

Direct-to-Retail Programs

Factory Audits and Product Safety Testing

Global Product Development - Soft Lines

International Licensing Agent Management

Licensee Roadshows - International

Processes and Best Practices

Retail Strategy - All Channels

Style Guides and Creative Asset Development

Junk Food Clothing | Delta Apparel

Licensing Manager

Catalog Film and Television Properties​

Creative Rollouts

Cross-Functional Relationship Building

Departmental Strategy Alignment 

Factory Audits and Product Safety Testing

Financial Reporting and Auditing Functions

Inventory Management

Major League Sports Franchises

Music Artists and Properties

Processes and Best Practices

Retail Strategy - All Channels

Royalty Reporting

SOX Compliance

Team Management - Coordinators and Interns

Theatrical Franchises

Trademark Law

True Religion Brand Jeans

Licensing Manager

Developed Branding and Style Guides

Established Licensee Submissions Process Guidelines

Implemented Contractual Sampling Requirements

Processes and Best Practices

Product Development - Licensed Fashion Collections

Retail Strategy - All Channels

JEM Sportswear | Awake Inc.

Licensing Manager

Apparel Design and Development

Inventory Management

Licensed Product Submissions

Pre-Production and Final Production Sampling

Product Safety Testing

Retail Buyer Sampling

Education

Applied knowledge is power, and I like to utilize both sides of my brain equally.

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One side analyzes data, and the other is sketching in the margins.

California State University Northridge

Marketing

California Institute of the Arts

Fine Art

Products
and Projects

Over the past 17 years, I've had the privilege of leading and contributing to a wide range of licensing and merchandising initiatives. 

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Here a few that truly stand out.

Contact

Let's Work Together


Do you have a brand licensing project that needs a fresh perspective, or a challenge looking for a solution?

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Whether you're expanding a beloved franchise or launching a new IP, seeking ideas and partners for the perfect licensing program, or just need a hand with product approvals, I’m here to help!

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Drop me a line and let’s start a conversation.

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approvedwchanges@gmail.com

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© 2025 Approved with Changes and April Canlas Eddy

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