Category Archives: Entertainment

Most popular kids’ videos on YouTube revealed

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Website hosting platform hosting.co.uk has been looking into the kid-friendly YouTube videos with the most views.

According to its research, YouTube’s most popular children’s video – with 9.8B views – was ‘Baby Shark’ on the South Korean Pinkfong channel. Not only is this the most-watched kids’ video, it’s also the most-watched video of all time on YouTube.

Aside from Baby Shark, ‘Johny Johny Yes Papa ’, on the channel LooLoo Kids, was the most watched video, with 6 billion views. The video is of a popular nursery rhyme that encourages children to be honest after Johny gets caught eating sugar by his father.

Next up was ‘Bath Song’ on ‘Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes’. Despite being third on the most-watched list, ‘Cocomelon’ was the most subscribed-to kids YouTube channel with 122M subscribers.

The top 10 most-watched YouTube videos from the most subscribed-to kids’ channels were:

  • Pinkfong Baby Shark – Kids’ Songs & Stories, Baby Shark Dance: 9.8B
  • LooLoo Kids – Nursery Rhymes and Children’s Songs – Johny Johny Yes Papa: 6B
  • Cocomelon – Bath Song: 4.7B
  • Masha and the Bear – Recipe for Disaster: 4.4B
  • ChuChu TV Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs – Phonics Song with TWO Words – A For Apple – ABC Alphabet Songs with Sounds for Children: 4.3B
  • Little Baby Bum – Wheels On The Bus: 2.4B
  • Infobells – Hindi – Chal Chal Gurram: 2.1B
  • Super Simple Songs – This Is The Way: 2B
  • Kids Diana Show – LIKE IT: 1.6B
  • El Reino Infantil – El Gallo y la Pata: 1.5B

In 2019, Ofcom found that children between the ages of 5 and 15 were more likely to choose YouTube over other services such as Netflix. They also discovered that children between the ages of 3 and 4 using Youtube had more than doubled between 2015 and 2019.

CEO of hosting.co.uk Frederick Schiwek says: “YouTube is host to some of the most popular and watched videos in the world.

“Children often have their own devices and they know exactly how to navigate their way around and find their favourite videos. Children-themed channels are some of the most subscribed-to on the platform and we expect to see this continue to increase in coming years.”

Read hosting.co.uk’s full report here.

 

Rainbow Group’s Pinocchio and Friends joins CBeebies lineup

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Italy’s Rainbow Group has inked an exclusive agreement with the UK’s leading free-to-air preschool channel CBeebies to broadcast its new CGI animated series Pinocchio and Friends from early 2022.

The new adaptation featuring the much-loved wooden character ranks as the most watched and top-rated show on Italian channel Rai Yoyo, which premiered Pinocchio and Friends last November.

Produced by Rainbow in collaboration with Rai Ragazzi and Toonz Media Group, the 26 x 12-minute action-comedy show retains the original values that made Collodi’s novel a timeless classic, while taking the audience on brand-new adventures set in the artfully designed, contemporary world.

The puppet is joined on his adventures by Freeda, a pirate doll always ready to board, and grumpy Talking Cricket, appointed by the Fairy with Turquoise Hair to keep an eye on them. Among old and new encounters, modern technology, and surprising twists, Pinocchio aims to take the audience on a funny journey to discover everyday little wonders and universal values such as inclusion, friendship and the power of dreams.

Rainbow’s Founder and CEO Iginio Straffi, who devised the concept for the new show, says: “I have been waiting for the right time to bring this concept to light with the attention and quality it deserves. My new Pinocchio brings out the essence of what makes this story so inspirational while speaking to children in a light-hearted, educational show that empowers their dreams with key life values and exciting dynamics.

“I couldn’t be more delighted that we’ve partnered with top-quality broadcaster BBC to air on CBeebies for British children next year, and we look forward to seeing the series thrive.”

 

 

 

BBC Studios signs new UK deals for Bluey

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BBC Studios has signed UK licensing deals for Bluey with Character Options for Weebles, as well as Danilo (calendars, cards and gift stationary) and Amscan (party wares).

The deal with Character Options should see Bluey versions of classic toy Weebles on UK shelves in July 2022.

Mark Hunt, Marketing Director, Character Options, says: “We are delighted to be a part of the Bluey family. Weebles has heritage with iconic branding that is highly recognisable amongst parents, and we believe Bluey figures that wobble but don’t fall down, is a play pattern that perfectly aligns with the target age group.”

Danilo product lines are set to include calendars, cards, gift wrap and sets and will launch in spring/summer 2022.

Amscan have extended their partnership with BBC Studios to include Bluey, and will have foil/latex balloons, party goods and dress up/costumes available for fans from January 2023.

Mandy Thwaites, Director, Magazines & Consumer Products, UK Division at BBC Studios, says: “Bluey has been a huge success for us in 2021, rounded off with a great performance at Christmas in the UK. We’re delighted to bring new partners on board to continue this growth and can’t wait to work with Character Options, Danilo and Amscan on exciting new products for Bluey fans.”

These new product lines complement a growing range across UK and EMEA which has been bolstered recently by licensing expansion in Italy and Greece. New products will also be launched in Spring 2022 from master toy partner Moose, including talking plush toys and the Bluey caravan. Crayola are also set to launch product lines in the UK in early 2022.

Bluey is produced by multi-Emmy award-winning Ludo Studio for ABC Kids Australia, co-commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios, and distributed internationally by BBC Studios outside of Australia.

New licensing opportunities for hit animation Bluey as it launches in Italy and Greece

Forever 21 teams with Virtual Brand Group for Roblox experiences

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Virtual Brand Group, a metaverse creation company which accelerates global brands into the metaverse, and iconic fashion brand Forever 21, owned by Authentic Brands Group, today announced an exclusive partnership to build a fashion retail experience on Roblox, the global online platform for shared experiences connecting tens of millions of people every day.

The all-new experience, Forever 21 Shop City, is designed to allow Roblox users, fashion influencers and creative world builders to own and manage their personal store.

Users will be able to buy and sell Forever 21 merchandise, including accessories and clothing, hire non-player characters (NPCs) as employees and express themselves by customising every aspect of their own store as they try to become the ‘top shop’ in the experience.

Forever 21 Shop City is a community-first game launching in collaboration with some of Roblox’s most “fashion fabulous” user generated content creators and Roblox influencers. Sam Jordan @Builder_Boy curated the Forever21 Shop City fashion line in partnership with @Beeism, @OceanOrbsRBX, and @JazzyX3 who have all created exclusive items for Forever 21 Shop City and collectively had millions of item sales on the platform.

In addition, Forever 21 Shop City will feature personally designed stores by influencers such as KrystinPlays, Shaylo, and the Sopo Squad.

“The metaverse is the most transformative innovation since the creation of the internet,” says Justin Hochberg, VBG’s CEO. “Roblox is one of the platforms creating the biggest business opportunities for brands with more than 50 million daily active users who socialise and live digital lives for hours every day, just like my son, daughter and all their friends do.

“Our collaboration with Forever 21 marks not just one of the biggest metaverse launches this year, but also one that uniquely combines the physical and virtual worlds by delivering IRL content from Forever 21 in-game and finding ways for Roblox UGC creations to exist in real life.”

Katrina Glusac, Chief Merchandising Officer at Forever 21, says: “With Forever 21 Shop City, our goal is to expand how we engage with customers, extending our presence and product in new ways. We’re excited to provide a new space on Roblox where our fans can connect with their community and bring their own vision of Forever 21 to life.”

Every 21st of each month, Forever 21 Shop City will have “Forever 21 Day”, integrating new themed content and activities. December 21st will mark the first-ever Forever 21 Day and will commence with a holiday-themed update.

 

Shaun the Sheep gets merry in Merino in new partnership with The Woolmark Company

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To mark the launch of Shaun the Sheep’s latest film Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas, multi-award-winning animation studio Aardman has created a unique short film with The Woolmark Company, celebrating planet-friendly fibres this festive season.

The short film, which can be watched here, sees Shaun and the flock busily knitting Christmas jumpers from 100% pure wool to gift during the holidays.

“Christmas has come early for us as we deliver another wonderful partnership with The Woolmark Company,” says Aardman Marketing Director Lucy Wendover. “We’re delighted to celebrate the gift of giving natural wool jumpers and Shaun the Sheep is the perfect fit. The respect of nature and sustainability are key themes for Shaun the Sheep and increasingly important to the whole studio, so it’s great to have this at the heart of the campaign.”

“We’re thrilled to partner once again with Aardman on another Shaun the Sheep film,” adds John Roberts, CEO of Australian Wool Innovation (parent company of The Woolmark Company).

“One of Woolmark’s key pillars is to champion conscious consumption and drive more sustainable purchasing pathways. There’s never been a better time than the festive season to champion this message and encourage people to think about what they gift to friends and family.

“Shaun and his flock choose to gift wool jumpers, knowing this natural fibre is not only long-lasting but its emotional value is strong as it is handed down to from one owner to the next.”

UK department store Fenwick has joined Shaun and friends to celebrate the eco-credentials of wool, creating an edit of seasonal woolly essentials available in store and online. Shop the range here.

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One Animation’s Oddbods heads to Sky Kids in the UK

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Award-winning content creation, distribution and licensing studio One Animation has secured a new deal with Sky Kids in the UK for its hit CG-animated series Oddbods. Under the deal, Sky Kids has acquired rights for season three of Oddbods’ long-form series (60 x 8’) and the seasonal special ‘The Festive Menace’ (1 x 23’).

The Oddbods content will launch on Sky Kids from Friday 17 December. In the UK, previous seasons of Oddbods have been licensed by Turner (now WarnerMedia) as part of an EMEA wide deal, as well as ITV.

Oddbods is a three-time Emmy Award-nominated, non-dialogue comedy featuring seven highly unique pals who together, despite their differences, survive the perils of everyday life, unintentionally turning ordinary situations into unexpected, extraordinary, and always humorous events.

Michele Schofield, SVP, Content Distribution at One Animation, says: “This deal marks the first time we’re teaming up with Sky Kids and we’re confident Sky Kids will make the perfect new UK home for Oddbods’ latest season.

“Oddbods fills a need for kids and their family to be entertained and laugh together at the funny events arising from everyday situations. We can’t wait to see Sky Kids’ audience enjoy adventures with the Oddbods gang over the festive season and beyond.”

One Animation adds new fan experiences and product ranges for Oddbods

 

New Angry Birds consumer products programme to accompany Netflix series

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Ahead of the global debut of Angry Birds: Summer Madness on Netflix on 28 January 2022, Rovio Entertainment is working with IMG to build a consumer products programme for fans of the popular franchise.

The 32 x 11-minute and 4 x 22-minute special episodes is the latest collaboration in a long-term partnership between Rovio and independent entertainment company CAKE, which includes international distribution rights to Rovio’s expanding library of non-dialogue shorts.

Angry Birds: Summer Madness will see sparks and feathers fly when a teenage Red, Chuck, Bomb and Stella spend a wild summer together with other Angry Birds at Camp Splinterwood. Explosive antics, improbable pranks and crazy summertime adventures will see the birds pushing boundaries and breaking all the rules while fending off the brash, obnoxious Pigs on the other side of the lake.

IMG has signed deals across core categories including apparel, QSR, confectionery and promotions in location-based experiences in the US and Europe and is now targeting other licensees in key categories including F&B, promotions, apparel, plush, hardlines and more.

Sam Barker, Senior Licensing Director at IMG, says: “Following the global success of the movies, Angry Birds: Summer Madness marks an exciting new step in Rovio’s evolution of this iconic franchise and is a fantastic opportunity for brands and licensees to become part of it. The new series promises to deliver a fresh perspective on these globally loved characters, and even more fun for fans, with the same humour of the movie franchise.”

 

TheSoul Publishing confirms global distribution deal with Believe

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Becoming the first global media publisher to reach 100 billion social media views in 2021, TheSoul Publishing is now expanding into music, having announced the signing of a distribution deal with Believe, one of the largest music distribution platforms in the world.

This autumn, TheSoul’s music division successfully launched its first independent digital music artist, Polar. Polar’s new track, “Close To You,” recently premiered at an exclusive Viewing Party in the game Avakin Life and was viewed by more than 660,000 players in the game itself, with the music video topping one million views on YouTube. Polar’s TikTok channel is also attracting more than 10,000 followers a day.

Believe, the owner of TuneCore and various music labels, as well as its own-branded indie services platform, recently successfully completed an IPO in Paris. Launched in 2004, Believe now supports 850,000 artists worldwide and is one of the largest music partners on YouTube.

Utilising Believe’s groundbreaking in-house technology and data organisation, this new partnership will support the distribution and global promotion of TheSoul Publishing’s brand new and rapidly expanding music division across the leading music platforms including Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, Amazon Music and more than 200 digital stores and music services worldwide.

Victor Potrel, Vice President of Platform Partnerships at TheSoul Publishing, says: “We’ve been tremendously excited to build on our experience in digital media by expanding into music. As we continue to grow into all areas of the digital entertainment space, TheSoul Publishing needs to partner with innovative and forward-thinking companies, who share our goals and ambitions. Believe feels like a perfect fit for us as we continue to evolve and grow beyond our 1 billion followers.”

TheSoul Publishing’s universe of well-known channels includes 5-Minute Crafts, Bright Side, 123 GO!, Avocado Couple, La La Life, Slick Slime Sam and Teen-Z. Its most-viewed channel, 5-Minute Crafts, is the number one DIY digital brand in the world and the only brand to rank among the Top-10 of all YouTube channels and among the Top-10 of all Facebook pages.

Current initiatives include expansion across additional social media, podcast and streaming platforms — such as TikTok, Instagram, Snap, Roku, Apple, Spotify, Amazon Prime and Chinese platforms including Xigua, Douyin and Bilibili — as well as the continued growth of its global production team.

TheSoul Publishing hires BuzzFeed leader to spearhead expansion

 

 

Four new licensing partners for BRAVE BUNNIES

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Glowberry, creator of the popular preschool animation series BRAVE BUNNIES, and Big Picture Licensing (BPL), its exclusive licensing agent for UK & Eire and master-agent across EMEA and APAC, plus Centa IP, the licensing agent for ANZ region, have signed agreements with four new partners for a range of products that will expand the offerings for the hit kids’ brand.

New deals for the BRAVE BUNNIES brand include Caprice Australia, PMI, Five Mile Press (the publishing division of Regency Media) and Roy Lowe & Sons.

In Australia and New Zealand, Caprice is on-board for apparel, footwear, bags, and home décor. The deal with Five Mile Press includes sticker books, activity books, colouring books, novelty books, flap books and educational books.

The PMI deal spans a wide range of products, including Homeware, BTS/Stationary and Collectables to launch worldwide. Roy Lowe & Sons have signed on for the UK in their specialist category.

Dan Frugtniet, MD at Big Picture Licensing, says: “Big Picture Licensing is very proud to have been working with BRAVE BUNNIES for the last two years… to appoint key strategic partners, licensing agents and new licensees around the world for this beautiful preschool property.

“Our first-wave licensees include Spin Master, Penguin Random House and DeAgostini/Planeta Libra; they are all aligned and launching their products in 2021-22, and now PMI, Roy Lowe & Sons, Five Mile Press and Caprice are all aboard the Bunny Bus for launch in 2022 across Global, UK and Australia/NZ respectively. We are thrilled to welcome to them to the BRAVE BUNNIES family!”

BRAVE BUNNIES, created by Glowberry in coproduction with the leading animation studio Anima, tells the story of the curious and courageous Brave Bunnies Family. They go on a BIG Journey to explore the diverse world around them and find new friends. A unique aspect of the show is its focus on helping children with their first socialization through various games. It also teaches kids to accept the differences of others and be courageous in exploring the world around them.

 

 

 

IMC Toys signs Retail Monster for Cry Babies Magic Tears UK licensing programme

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Leading toy company IMC Toys has signed Retail Monster as its licensing agent and launched a licensing programme for Cry Babies Magic Tears in the UK.
The new partnership is testament to the performance of the Cry Babies Magic Tears brand in the UK, which has seen phenomenal growth and success over the last 18 months.
Licensing is a major part of IMC’s business in Spain, and other territories worldwide. In less than two years the company has entered into agreements with more than 65 licensees in 40 regions, launching more than 500 licensed products across publishing, apparel, educational games, personal care and confectionery categories.
IMC Toys hopes its licensing agreement with Retail Monster will translate into a similar success story for Cry Babies Magic Tears in the UK market, where the licensing roll-out will launch with apparel and publishing.
Gemma Witts, Managing Director EU at Retail Monster, says: “We’re excited about the opportunity to develop the Cry Babies Magic Tears licensing strategy at retail and with consumer fans, and to bring added breadth and growth to a top selling brand”.
“We’re experiencing rapid growth of our licensing programme worldwide, it’s a significant addition to our retail strategy,” adds Cristina Camprubi, Licensing Director at IMC Toys.  “We’re thrilled about our new partnership with Retail Monster and the potential their expertise can bring to the UK market for Cry Babies Magic Tears”.
For more information on ranges by IMC Toys, contact info.uk@imctoys.com