Category Archives: Entertainment

Acamar Films launches Bing dental and bath time products with Solent Brands

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Acamar Films, producers of award-winning TV show Bing along with Brown Bag Films, has launched Bing’s first health and beauty products in the UK with new partner Solent Brands.

Hitting shelves now are a Bing toothbrush and toothpaste, launching in B&M, and tissue packs, available in Poundland.

“Bing is a great addition to the Health and Beauty category in our Solent Brand group,” says Anthony Balkin, Managing Director of Solent Brands. “A much-loved gender-neutral license, Bing supports real life learning and skill development and we are excited to encourage this with the launch of our Bing oral care products and tissues. We look forward to extending the range in 2022.”

Louise Simmonds, Head of UK Licensing at Acamar Films, says: “It is wonderful to begin this exciting new partnership with Solent Brands and to see Bing launch into a new category in the UK. We hope these fantastic new products will delight Bingsters as they build healthy bedtime routines and equally, support the grown-ups in their lives.”

 

WildBrain CPLG to develop licensing programme across Nordic territories for Little Grey Fergie

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Farmyard Stories, the owner of Little Grey Fergie, and bRAND-WARD Services, the international kids IP consultancy, have appointed WildBrain CPLG to develop a licensing program across Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland for Little Grey Fergie, the property created by Morten Myklebust and produced by Anne Thovsen.

Created in Norway, Little Grey Fergie is a live-action series for preschoolers telling the story of a Ferguson TE20 tractor who is not only alive, but also secretly set on helping on the farm where he lives. It has been a domestic success since its first airing on leading local broadcaster NRK in 1998, which was followed by the production of a TV series, movies, books, toys, merchandise, stage shows and a theme park. Little Grey Fergie has since then expanded its audience internationally with a popular YouTube channel engaging fans around the world.

The brand will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2023 and the new licensing program will be a big step towards familiarising kids beyond Norway with Fergie and its values: honesty, frugality, kindness and playfulness.

Anne Thovsen, CEO and Producer at Farmyard Stories, says: “With a strong platform for Little Grey Fergie on YouTube, families around the world want to know more about our tractor and its friends. It is therefore with great enthusiasm and joy that we enter this collaboration with WildBrain CPLG which will help us extend fans’ experience of the brand”.

“Our expertise in bringing character brands to life through consumer products programmes makes Little Grey Fergie an exciting addition to our preschool entertainment portfolio,” says Jenny Strehle Ilic, Commercial Director Nordics, WildBrain CPLG. “We see great potential and are looking forward to growing his happy presence amongst kids and families in the Nordics.”

Genius Brands announces acquisition of WOW! Unlimited Media

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Genius Brands International, Inc. and WOW! Unlimited Media have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Genius Brands will acquire WOW! for approximately US$53million in cash and stock.

WOW! Unlimited Media, based in Toronto, Vancouver, New York and Los Angeles, has built one of the world’s leading animation production companies producing for the top broadcasters and IP holders including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sony, Hulu, Dreamworks, Moonbug, Peacock and Mattel. Based on the last twelve months (LTM) from July 2020-June 2021, the Company’s revenue and EBITDA were US$56.4million and US$5.1 million respectively, and its growing order book has over $62 million dollars of contracted production in the next year alone.

Andy Heyward, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Genius Brands, says: “The acquisition of WOW! substantially accelerates the financial growth of Genius Brands, delivering on our promise to shareholders to execute meaningful and accretive acquisitions, as we seek to rapidly consolidate the marketplace and become the foremost producer, broadcaster, and consumer product licensor of high-quality children’s entertainment in the world.

“I have known and worked with WOW! Chairman and CEO Michael Hirsh throughout my career, and there is nobody more talented, accomplished or well regarded.  His track record of many hits includes the first Star Wars animated programs, Magic School Bus, Care Bears, Babar, Johnny Test and Beetlejuice, among others.

“In addition to the animation productions of WOW! today and the exciting new brand brought to the table for Genius Brands, WOW! has a massive social media footprint across YouTube, TikTok, Giphy, and so on, expanding the Genius Brands kids’ audience demo into the lucrative teens and young adult marketplaces. The company has over 1 billion views per month on its Frederator YouTube Network, with over 2,500 advertiser supported channels, making it the number one talent driven animation YouTube Network.”

 

 

 

 

 

Pocket.watch partners with YouTube sensations The Onyx Family for new animated series, video games, apparel and more

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Kids and family entertainment company Pocket.watch today announced the wide release of animated comedy series Onyx Monster Mysteries and related games, merchandise and original music, marking an expansion of their successful ‘Onyx Family’ partnership.

Season 1 of the series, consisting of 12 episodes, will be widely released across dozens of streaming services just in time for Halloween. A special sneak preview of all 12 episodes of Season 2 is available exclusively on Amazon Kids+ beginning today and will go into wide release in December.

In Onyx Monster Mysteries, created by Albie Hecht, pocket.watch’s Chief Content Officer, and starring the Onyx Family (3.5 million subscribers), the Onyx Family is transformed into cartoon characters in an adventure series about the most endangered and misunderstood species in the world: monsters.

Onyx Monster Mysteries promotes diversity throughout the production, with the voice and musical talents of the Onyx Family as well as diverse production talent behind the camera. The show is proud to include the perspectives of showrunner Doreen Spicer (The Proud Family), Producer Jon Barnett and Creative Consultant Adrienne Lopez.

Fans can now stream Season 1 of ‘Onyx Monster Mysteries’ across 20+ platforms and Season 2 exclusively on Amazon Kids+.

The soundtrack of songs, all written and performed by the Onyx Family, is available across all major music services, including iTunes and Spotify, and weekly music videos featuring the animation will drop on the Onyx YouTube channel and across the family’s TikTok and Instagram accounts.

Four Onyx Monster Mysteries HTML mini-games, ‘Yeti Family Rescue,’ ‘Matchup!,’ ‘Spot the Difference,’ and ‘Word Search’ are available now on the pocket.watch mobile app.

Finally, Amazon will carry a brand new collection of Onyx Monster Mysteriesmerchandise, which includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, PopSockets, phone cases, and tote bags. Product is launching globally and available at amazon.com/onxyfamily.

“We are so lucky to get to work with the incredibly talented Onyx Family,” says Kerry Tucker, Chief Marketing and Franchise Officer, pocket.watch. “Onyx Monster Mysteries is an animated celebration of everything that makes this family so popular – music, humour, adventure and teamwork. At pocket.watch, we strive to create franchises that proudly represent our diverse global audience and we are thrilled to bring it to so many people, in such a unique way, through this many platforms at once.”

Amassing over 7 million social media followers, more than three billion views on their YouTube content and many more viewers more across major OTT platforms and streaming services including Hulu, Prime Video, and The Roku Channel, the Onyx Family consists of parents, Mirthell and Rita, and their four children Shalom, Sinead, Sade (Shasha), and Shiloh. Their mission is to reach families around the world to “Tell the Story, Feed the soul, Make them Laugh, Heal the heart.” Through funding community outreach programs, contributing to HBCU scholarships, and participating in various mission projects, their vision is to give back by inspiring families and children around the world to live out their greatest hopes, dreams, and aspirations.

The Onyx Family’s multi-million dollar portfolio includes videos, books, music, courses, podcasts, branded merchandise, consumable products, websites, speaking engagements, television appearances, animations, and streaming shows on multiple platforms and streaming services.

 

 

Viacom18 Consumer Products launches exclusive range of Garfield merchandise in India

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With 18 million social followers, global awareness of 92 per cent and licensed across 111 countries, Garfield – the lasagne-loving orange cat – is one of the best known entertainment icons in the world. In an endeavour to bolster Garfield’s fandom beyond television screens, Viacom18 Consumer Products is set to introduce an exclusive range of Garfield merchandise to bring young Indian fans and their families closer to their favourite character.

Over the past year, Viacom18 Consumer Products has appointed 10 new licensee brands across 10+ categories for apparel, accessories, eyewear, furnishings and more, aimed at both adults and kids.

“At Viacom18 Consumer Products, we have endeavoured to constantly expand our reach and build a portfolio of iconic characters and become the one-stop destination across multiple touchpoints for the fans in India,” says Mahesh Shetty, Head of Network Sales, Viacom18. “Garfield is an iconic and relatable character in the animation ecosystem for both kids and adults. The character’s quirky and honest appeal is unlike any other. Starting from a comic strip, Garfield has grown to become a globally sensational character. With the addition of Garfield to our products portfolio, we aim to get one step closer in our endeavour to provide our viewers with an opportunity to connect with their most-loved characters beyond screens.”

Mark Kingston, Senior Vice President, International Licensing, ViacomCBS Consumer Products, says: “At ViacomCBS Consumer Products, we aim to provide vital support to our consumers who have been trying to navigate through the unprecedented situation of the pandemic. As families are adjusting to the new normal, our team has been at the forefront to translate ‘content watched to products purchased’. With the launch of Garfield merchandise in India, we aim to bring truly unique products to the market that fans will enjoy and appreciate.”

 

 

Kids First and Amazon Kids+ expand the world of Hello Kitty with new 3D animated series

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Kids First today announced its first-ever collaboration with Amazon Kids+ on an original children’s programme based on Hello Kitty. The two companies are creating a new episodic series, entitled “Hello Kitty: Super Style!,” which will bring lifestyle brand Sanrio’s global pop icon to life in premium 3D animation. The new series will premiere in major territories around the world, including the US.

The new project is produced by Paris-based production companies Watch Next and Monello (Banijay Group) with Milan-based Maga Animation Studio and distributed worldwide by Kids First, with Japanese distributor ABC Frontier, Inc. in charge of Asian territories.

In this cheerful, action-packed new series, Hello Kitty stars as the friendliest face in the tight-knit community of Cherry Town, where she will stop at nothing to help friends in need. In each episode, Hello Kitty uses the power of her magical bow to activate an amazing transformation, changing her outfit to be a brave explorer, a top-notch chef, a sensational pop star and more to help her pals overcome silly setbacks.

“I believe that children all over the world will be empowered by this Hello Kitty series to live happily in harmony with one another to create a brighter future for all. We hope you’ll also enjoy the new characters that appear alongside Hello Kitty as she explores the important themes of friendship and kindness throughout the series!” says Yuko Yamaguchi, Head Designer of Sanrio Company, Ltd.

“Having a well-known international digital video service and soon to be announced best-in-class linear broadcasters all backing the project demonstrates the wide appeal of one of the most popular and adorable characters on earth,” added Philippe Alessandri, CEO of Kids First and Watch Next.

YouTube Originals greenlights new episodes of hit Korean animated series Pinkfong Wonderstar

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YouTube Originals today announced the new episode pick-up of Pinkfong Wonderstar, SmartStudy’s popular animated series, returning with new adventures this November. The 13 new episodes of the series will be sequentially released on Pinkfong’s Korean and English official YouTube channels and will be available on the YouTube Kids app from November 9.

Pinkfong Wonderstar was the first Korean animated series on YouTube Originals in 2020. The first 13 episodes have been streamed in English and Korean since December 2020 with 73 million views as of October 2021.

YouTube Originals also launched the first 13 episodes of the series in four additional languages – Spanish, Portuguese, Indonesian and Russian – in 2021.

Pinkfong Wonderstar follows two best friends, Pinkfong and Hogi, as they team up to solve their friends’ problems in Wonderville, using Pinkfong’s magical powers and Hogi’s great ideas. Exclusive to YouTube Originals are special clips at the beginning of every episode featuring Pinkfong and Hogi’s fun explanation of key learning takeaways from each episode’s story.

“We are delighted to introduce another fun-filled adventure of Pinkfong Wonderstar on YouTube Originals,” says Min Seok Kim, CEO of SmartStudy. “We hope the series continues to bring joy to children across the globe and help them to learn the important values of life with exciting stories and songs and lovable characters.”

“Building on our successful partnership with SmartStudy, we are thrilled to bring the global YouTube Kids audience new episodes of Pinkfong,” says Nadine Zylstra, Head of Family, Learning and Impact, YouTube Originals. “It is so exciting to see the impact of launching a global IP across the world and in multiple languages on the same day.”

Pinkfong Wonderstar is the latest addition to an expanding roster of YouTube Originals focused on kids and family, including the award-winning Lockdown, and recent hits such as Get Curious with Vice President Harris, BookTube Jr, The Workout Badges, Growing with Lottie Dottie and Break the Record.

 

 

One Animation adds new fan experiences and product ranges for Oddbods

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Singapore-based creation, distribution and licensing studio One Animation is finding new ways to bring hit CG-animated property Oddbods to fans, securing new seasonal activations and consumer products partnerships in Europe and Asia.

In the Netherlands, One Animation has inked a deal with Just In Between Pictures for an Oddbods Halloween-themed 55-minute theatrical experience, consisting of two existing extended 22-minute length specials – ‘Party Monsters’ and ‘Oddbeard’s Curse’ – and seven-minute ‘Halloween Heroes’ episode. The experience is currently available across 75 local cinemas.

In Malaysia, One Animation’s local consumer products agent ANIMONSTA Studios has secured a new publishing deal with Ladybug for a range spanning activity books and interactive products, which will launch in Q4 2021 across extensive local retail and distribution networks. A further deal has also been signed in the territory with Dr Mama for self-sanitising kids’ fabric face masks and additional personal care items, such as hand sanitisers, with the collection launch scheduled for Q1 2022.

Sashim Parmanand, CEO at One Animation, says: “A core part of our Oddbods strategy is ensuring we’re bringing the brand to life for fans all around the world through innovative, captivating, and accessible experiences – it’s important that the Oddbods gang plays a role in their lives beyond the screen. Both the new cinema activation and merchandise ranges give young fans and their families a variety of colourful and interactive ways to engage with the brand.”

Coolabi Group plans to “spook kids silly” this Halloween with comedy brand Scream Street

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International rights owner Coolabi Group and its “spooktacular” stop-motion animation Scream Street are celebrating the launch of Series 2 on CBBC and BBC iPlayer, with a hybrid campaign of fun brand activations, promotional partnerships and brand extensions for the popular comedy this autumn.

Following a preview of the first five episodes in Halloween 2020, all 26 x 11’ episodes of Scream Street Series 2 will launch on BBC iPlayer from 23 October, with 10 brand-new episodes playing out across Halloween week on CBBC from 25 October, bringing the total number of episodes created to 78.

After successfully launching ‘Escape Scream Street’ on Roblox last year, a new Roblox experience called ‘Scream Street Playground’ will launch on the platform on 22 October. The game will allow players to visit various locations in the town with friends starting with Resus Negative’s house. At launch players can play two different themed games – ‘Candy Smash’ and ‘Masks’ – with more mini games added over time as the town is expanded.

A promotional partnership with family restaurant Frankie & Benny’s has also been announced. The initiative, which launched earlier this month, will see Scream Street activity sheets distributed to families in all their restaurants in the UK. It features a competition prize for a free family theme-park visit, with prizes of Scream Street books for runners-up. The partnership will also form part of Frankie & Benny’s Halloween meal with Deliveroo, a Scream Street-themed food offering for the Halloween school holidays that will run until 16 November.

Coolabi Group, Comedy Club 4 Kids and MEGA Magazine have also co-produced a video series about stand-up comedy for kids on MEGA’s official YouTube channel. The four part series, called ‘Screaming with Laughter’, launched this week and features a crash course on how kids can kick-start their comedy careers.

Coolabi and Comedy Club 4 Kids will bring their partnership to life with an in-person family series launch and kids stand-up comedy event that will take place at Everyman Kings Cross on Saturday 23 October for media, influencers and families. The event also marks the release of the Scream Street’s brand new Spooktacular Joke Book, from Walker Books, which came out earlier this month.

Continuing a successful partnership with Girl Talk, established in 2020, Coolabi Group has teamed up with the media title once again to co-produce content for the magazine’s YouTube channel, Girl Talk World. This Halloween, talented 13-year-old chef Sienna Cecco, a specialist in Italian cuisine, will create a Scream Street themed cook-a-long dish.

“We are completely delighted to be launching the much-anticipated new series of Scream Street on CBBC and iPlayer this Halloween,” says Michael Dee, Director of Content for Coolabi Group. “It’s a fun and engaging brand, which is evidenced in the range of partnerships and promotions we have delivered to amplify the launch and bring Halloween fun to families across the UK.”

In addition, the Scream Street costume characters will be appearing at Alton Towers from now until 12 November for daily in-park meet and greets and an interactive dance challenge experience, where visitors can learn the moves to the Scream Street theme tune.

The celebrations continue with the return of the free downloadable ‘Scream Street Halloween at Home’ party pack, which launched last year. The newly updated pack will be available to download on the Scream Street and CBBC website and is filled with activities to get the party started, from Scream Street character masks and puzzles, to cupcake toppers, decorative tent cards and monster making crafts.

Scream Street returns to CBBC on 25 October with all episodes available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 23 October. 

Nelvana secures distribution of The Hardy Boys on Disney+ internationally

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Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, international producer, distributor and licensor of children’s animated and live-action content, has secured international distribution for The Hardy Boys on Disney+ outside of the US and Canada. Season 1 (13 x 60min) and Season 2 (10 x 60min) of the Daytime-Emmy nominated live-action mystery series, developed and produced in Canada by Nelvana and Lambur Productions in association with Corus Entertainment, will launch in select international markets in 2022.

The inaugural season of The Hardy Boys locked in the #1 programme spot last spring on Corus’ YTV network in Canada, as well as garnering industry recognition with multiple award nominations, including a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Young Adult Series, two DGC Award nominations for Outstanding Directorial Achievement and Best Picture Editing, and a CSC Award nomination for Best Cinematography in TV Drama.

“We are so excited for audiences around the world to experience The Hardy Boys series, whether it’s their first introduction to the franchise or they’re fans of the original books,” says Mellany Masterson, Head of Nelvana Enterprises. “Disney+ is the perfect platform to connect families and teens internationally with the high-stakes adventure, compelling storylines and endearing characters that resonate so well with audiences.”

The Hardy Boys is based on the popular books by Franklin W Dixon and features the principal characters in their teen years.

Nelvana and Lambur Productions recently wrapped production of Season 2 in Toronto and Southern Ontario. The second season picks up six months after the events of Season 1. Season 2 is set to premiere on Hulu in the US, YTV and STACKTV in Canada, and Disney+ internationally in 2022.