The second annual conference, Saban Summit: Building on Success, held in Los Angeles last month, laid out the entertainment company’s plans for the coming year, emphasizing what the company called ‘the big four initiative,’ a comprehensive promotional strategy concerning four key properties. ‘Our strategic focus [for 1998] is on shows that can be breakout winners,’ said Susanne Lee, senior vice president of licensing and merchandising. The four properties singled out to receive maximized promotional and marketing efforts include: The All New Captain Kangaroo, Power Rangers in Space, Mystic Knights and Thoroughbred Adventures.

The All New Captain Kangaroo, it was announced, has cleared 92 percent of the country. Local appearances by the Captain, special promotions with affiliates and a new syndicated Captain Kangaroo newspaper column have helped to keep the Captain visible.

Mystic Knights, a boys live-action property based on a comic book, will feature a toy line comprising role-playing toys, action figures and toy weaponry, said Brian Goldner, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Bandai, the master toy licensee. Saban’s premiere action show will go galactic with Power Rangers in Space, which will feature an extensive toy, accessory and vehicle line, also from Bandai.

The live-action Thoroughbred Adventures, set in Kentucky horse country, will feature a retail toy launch by Galoob for the 1998 holiday season. Galoob will obtain the master toy license, provided the show is picked up by Fox.