Category Archives: Entertainment

Warner Bros and DC launch first AR Batman mobile app featuring digital comics, games and more

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Warner Bros Consumer Products and DC Comics have lifted the cowl on a new Batman mobile experience for young fans with the launch of the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app – a free mobile app that immerses fans in a story that takes a deep dive into the technology of the caped crusader.

The new app encourages kids to join Batman’s crime-fighting team, the Knightwatch, and experience a first of its kind augmented reality immersion in the world of the Dark Knight himself, learning how to use his Bat Tech to fight crime and defend Gotham City from his evil adversaries.

COPPA compliant, free to use and available in 13 different languages, the new app experience is DC and Warner Bros Consumer Products’ latest leap into the digital space to bring young fans a fully interactive and immersive dive into the world of the DC Super Heroes.

The Joker, Mr Freeze, The Riddler, and other DC Super-Villains each make an appearance in the narrative-driven app game, while in addition to learning about Batman’s technology through the app’s AR storytelling features, kids can play mini games, transform photos with AR face filters and stickers, and read exclusive digital comics.

Fans will also be able to watch Batman Bat-Tech themed video content and gain access to the Batcomputer, the super-computer where Batman’s tech secrets are stored.

“Batman is one of our most important franchises, so bringing together the DC and Warner Bros. Consumer Products teams to develop this app featuring his fan-favorite gadgets and crime-fighting tech was a chance for us to give fans yet another way to engage with a favorite DC Super Hero,” said Pam Lifford, president, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences.

“The app creates a truly unique experience that gives kids around the world a chance to immerse themselves in the DC Universe — there’s no other app like it available today.”

Kevin Morris, vice president, franchise management and marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, added: “The Batman mobile app showcases Batman’s innovative technology, using augmented reality like never before, and gives kids a way to unlock the mystery behind Batman’s crime-fighting gadgets.

“Kids can now experience being a DC Super Hero alongside Batman, and while learning and playing they can also help save Gotham City.”

At launch, the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app features Augmented Reality mission to complete as kids become members of Batman’s new Knightwatch team, Mini Games such as the Batman themed mobile driving game, the Batarang Practice campaign, or the Grapnel Launcher game, AR face filters featuring Batman, The Joker, Batgirl, and more, and Sticker packs that kids can use to decorate photos.

The app, meanwhile, will also house Batman Bat-Tech video content delivered through its connection to the popular DCKids’ YouTube channel. A new series titled Batman Science Lab will launch this autumn, exploring the real world application of Batman’s technology.

New missions, games, filters, sticker packs, and video content will be added and updated on a regular basis.

On top of all of this, the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app will host an exclusive digital comic series – Batman – Knightwatch, through which kids can explore how the Knightwatch programme was created and follow along with Batman and his Super Hero team as they take on Gotham City’s Super-Villains.

Fans can download the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition today and help Batman save Gotham City.  Available for free on the App Store and the Google Play store, the app is playable on both tablets and smart phones. The app is available globally and is localized in 13 different languages.

Genius Brands begins third series production on hit animated IP Rainbow Rangers

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Production has begun on a third season of the popular animated series, Rainbow Rangers as the Genius Brands property continues to grow its audience numbers through global broadcast partnerships with the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video Direct, HBO Max, Nickelodeon Latin America, and China’s CCTV.

The series is now gathering momentum with audiences across the world, reflected in its popularity on platforms such as Netflix, where the release of season one propelled it to the Top Ten children’s programmes on the platform.

 “It takes time for a brand to establish itself, but we are clearly seeing that this is now occurring with Rainbow Rangers across multiple-platforms, including the recent release of season one on Netflix, where the series cracked the Top 10 of children’s programs for the first time, and is consistently a top performer in Netflix categories such as “Girls Take the Lead,” “Everyone’s Watching,” and “Exciting TV Shows,” said Jon Ollwerther, president of Kartoon Channel and EVP of business development at Genius Brands.

“At the same time, we are witnessing adoption across a growing base of broadcasters, including the launch of Rainbow Rangers on Paramount Plus network on August 18th”

 The broadcast success corresponds with the development of a new 2022 retail program with master toy partner, Never Wrong Toys. The retail program is based on a broad range of preschool products, initially focused in the toy category. The launch is planned to coincide with the world premiere of season three of Rainbow Rangers, exclusively on Kartoon Channel!

 Genius Brands’ chairman and CEO, Andy Heyward, said: “The recent success of Rainbow Rangers reminds me of the early trajectory of Strawberry Shortcake, which started with Hasbro Toys, but moved to Bandai Toys, and Playmates, where it eventually drove a highly successful, multi-billion dollar global licensing program.

“We are taking a page from the Strawberry Shortcake playbook, with Emmy Award-winning producer Mike Maliani of that property leading the production of Rainbow Rangers in season three, introducing a twist in the new season – the addition of a scent in the storyline. Not unlike Strawberry Shortcake where all the dolls and products were scented strawberry, the dolls and products coming forth from Rainbow Rangers will be scented as well.

“We believe this will be a huge driver in the girls’ product category.” 

With two seasons available and season three currently in production, Genius Brands has a growing slate of media partners around the world on board for Rainbow Rangers, including Netflix (U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East), Amazon Prime Video Direct (U.S., U.K.), Nickelodeon (U.S.), Kartoon Channel! (U.S.), HBO Max (Latin America), Nickelodeon & NOGGIN (Latin America), and CCTV (China).

Kerry Phelan, executive vice president and general manager of Global Franchise Management at Genius Brands stated: “Rainbow Rangers is a special series that is clearly resonating with young audiences around the world as we continue to build our viewership with new partners, such as Netflix, coming on board.

“To crack the Top 10 for the first time so quickly on Netflix, coupled with the traction we’re gaining on Amazon and our own platform, Kartoon Channel!, is a testament to the strong appeal of the themes and positive messaging of the show.

“Our strategy continues to center around growth in viewership, which, in turn, is designed to feed our long-term merchandising strategy. We are enthusiastic about our partnership with Never Wrong Toys and are excited about developing an exciting range of preschool toys that tap into the most appealing elements of the show for 2022.”

Rainbow Rangers is a rescue-based series that follows the adventures of seven girls who are Earth’s first responders – protecting people, animals, resources, and the natural beauty of our world.

Warner Bros Consumer Products opens new office in Mexico to grow channel for local partners

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Warner Bros Consumer Products has opened a new office in Mexico City in order to provide local partners with new opportunities to develop licensing programmes around the company’s portfolio of brands by working directly with the studio.

WBCP Mexico will offer fans unique retail entertainment experiences and promotions inspired by its slate of global properties including the likes of Space Jam: A New Legacy, Fantastic Beasts 3, and DC’s The Suicide Squad, The Batman, The Flash, Aquaman, and more.

“Mexico is a hugely important market for us and having our own flagship office there working directly with our amazing partners simply makes sense,” said Preston Kevin Lewis, senior vice president of WBCP Latin America. “As we drive new business and partner across WarnerMedia divisions currently based in Mexico, including HBO Max, WB Games, WB Home Entertainment, and others, having our team in market allows us to be much more collaborative with our licensees and ensure the highest quality fan experience.”

Javier Garza will be the new head of Warner Bros. Consumer Products Mexico. He will report into Lewis and Sharon Zyman, General Manager of WarnerMedia Mexico and Colombia. Garza will also join the local WarnerMedia Mexico executive leadership team.

Garza previously worked for WBCP for more than 14 years as the licensing vice president for Latin America and general manager of Mexico, before launching his own agency, The Brand Licensing Entertainment Co. (BLEC), in 2015. Now Garza brings his years of experience within WB and serving as a WBCP licensing agent to best serve partners and deliver programs with a fan-first approach.

“It is a great responsibility to lead the Mexico office, knowing the huge opportunities this market provides Warner Bros. The goal for our team will be to develop unforgettable content, products and world class experiences for fans of Warner Bros. brands and franchises,” said Garza.

WBCP Mexico will be staffed by a team of passionate professionals with expertise in merchandising, retail, marketing, creative and more ready to deliver premier experiences for fans of DC, Wizarding World, Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera, HBO, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim.

WBCP Mexico will also support global franchise opportunities this summer/fall 2021 including the annual Back to Hogwarts celebration, Wonder Woman’s 80th anniversary, Batman Day, and DC FanDome.

Jazwares taps costume industry veteran Stephen Stanley to lead its new Costume Play division

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Jazwares has detailed the formation of its Costume Play division, a new department that will focus on the development of licensed costumes for all ages to be led by the costume industry veteran, Stephen Stanley.

Under Stanley’s watch, the division will look to bring stylised features and innovation to the costumes sector, enabling fans to dress up as their favourite characters from across the pop culture and entertainment space. The division will produce costumes for fans of all ages.

Items within the portfolio will span dress-up trunks with outfits, masks, and role-play accessories for kids’ everyday costume play, as well as high-end cosplay outfits, masks, and accessories for comic conventions. The division will also develop pet costumes, seasonal Halloween items and treat carriers.

Jazwares’ first lineup of dress-up trunks and everyday costume play products will be available beginning Spring 2022, with all-new styles launching across retail channels for Halloween 2022, including hundreds of costumes, masks and other costume accessories featuring beloved characters from the Star Wars galaxy, the Marvel Multiverse, Spider-Man’s Spiderverse, and Squishmallows.

Costume industry veteran, Stanley will oversee the Costume Play team as General Manager. Stanley, a co-founder of the Halloween and Costume Association, has more than 20 years of costume business experience. He served previously as co-president of Disguise and was most recently managing director of the licensed costume business at Rubie’s Costume Company.

Reporting to Jazwares’ executive VP and partner Michael Rinzler, Stanley leads a team of costume industry executives. He is joined by divisional design lead Anthea Koveos Rodgers, who was previously head of costume design at both Disguise and Palamon.

The team will also consist of Halloween & Party senior sales director Michael Esposito, who was most recently national sales manager at Rubie’s; senior brand director Thomas Schilling, previously category manager at FunWorld and the Marvel and Star Wars brand manager at Rubie’s; and VP and general manager of Jazwares Costumes in China, Terry Ma, who joins the company from his previous role as general manager of Disguise China.

Rounding out the team are Angelina Castro as marketing director, Maxwell Lux as Senior Brand Manager, and Daniel Jung as Associate Brand Manager.

“As we continue to grow Jazwares’ offerings into new categories of play from pet toys to costumes, we are thrilled to launch a dedicated division for all things costume play,” said Rinzler. “Stephen has earned an incredible reputation as a leader in the Costume business and we are thrilled to welcome him and this tremendous team of industry experts into the Jazwares family.”

The Jazwares Costume Play team is supported by Jazwares executives across multiple areas, including global licensing, sales and planning, design, product management and development, and Jazwares China.

Anderson Entertainment launches limited edition silkscreen print collection inspired by its iconic IP

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Anderson Entertainment has stepped into the world of wall-art with the launch of a series of limited edition silk-screen prints insipired by some of its most iconic properties. Featuring characters, craft, and scenes from Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet, the imagery will be drawn from the popular Anderson comics that appeared in the ’60s and ’70s.

Anderson Entertainment was founded by Gerry Anderson, the man behind iconic shows like Thunderbirds and Space: 1999 as well as more modern hits like Space Precinct and the 2005 reimagining of Captain Scarlet.

In its latest artistic endeavour, the company is launching a series of 50 limited edition prints by the artist John Patrick Reynolds, whose handmade silkscreen prints, inspired by classic cartoon characters, have been popular with collectors and fans all over the world, as well as stockists and art lover in the UK, since 1999.

The prints are now available at the official Gerry Anderson Store, where they will target a growing customer community numbering in the tens of thousands. They will also be available at John Patrick Reynolds’ site, thecomicartwebsite.com.

The silkscreen printing approach is highly suited to comic imagery, a medium that is stylised and that uses strong colours and inks. The silkscreen process highlights and enhances these bold graphics to powerful effect.

Highly regarded by art collectors and fans for over 20 years, John Patrick Reynolds’s handmade silkscreen prints have been featured on TV shows and in newspaper and magazine features. His best-selling titles include Asterix, Dennis the Menace, Minnie the Minx and Alf Tupper. All his prints are limited editions printed on paper from St Cuthbert’s Mill in Somerset – one of the last English paper mills.

The launch of these silkscreen prints comes hard on the heels of a new agreement with rightsholder ITV Studios which allows Anderson Entertainment to expand its ranges of product derived from its classic brands. This agreement will enable a wide range of new and innovative products inspired by the best-loved Gerry Anderson creations.

John Patrick Reynolds said: “As a child I was a big fan of Gerry Anderson’s inventive and exciting shows and I’m not at all surprised that his characters and concepts are still popular today. It’s an absolute delight to be asked to produce silkscreen prints of some of his best-loved properties based on some wonderful and striking imagery.”

Writer, producer, director, and MD of Anderson Entertainment, Jamie Anderson added: “Limited edition prints are a new category for Anderson Entertainment and one that I’m certain will be welcomed by fans of Gerry’s shows. John Patrick Reynolds’ work is rightly admired, and he has produced some amazing and exciting prints based on classic Anderson imagery that will be much sought-after – by fans and art lovers alike.”

Licensing 360 celebrates 20 years of Wet Hot American Summer with Monzo and Bioworld

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The US comedy, Wet Hot American Summer, starring Paul Rudd, Bradley Cooper, and Amy Poehler, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with the launch of a new range of nostalgic, collectable merchandise.

In new deals brokered by Licensing 360, Rusted Wave and the film’s producers have partnered with Mondo and Bioworld to create a unique new collection of posters and apparel, spanning t-shirts, hats, jackets, bags, and more.

“With these anniversary pieces, our goal is to showcase the iconic scenes, phrases, and moments of the film that fans remember deeply and want to own through merchandise,” said Stephanie Kupperman of Licensing 360.

Eric Garza of Mondo, added: “Wet Hot American Summer is an iconic film with an unbelievably stacked cast, so to celebrate its anniversary, we wanted to give fans a fun, high-energy poster that reminds them of not only the Camp Firewood shenanigans, but maybe even of their own summer camp experiences. Artist JJ Harrison delivered on all fronts.”

Bioworld will develop a full collection of Wet Hot American Summer merchandise including tees, hats, jackets, lounge pants, bags, and water bottles. The collection will initially be available on Dumbgood.com, a direct-to-consumer site blending streetwear and pop-culture that is a part of Bioworld’s best in class consumer engagement model.

“We are pleased to offer fans this Wet Hot American Summer collection,” said Bioworld’s Paul Beck. “This is well overdue for fans, so we think they will leap at the opportunity to collect the pieces.”

To inquire about becoming a Wet Hot American Summer licensee please email stephanie@licensingthreesixty.com or visit the website, licensingthreesixty.com

Return of live events helps WWE to 19 per cent growth in Q2 2021 as consumer products see marginal lift

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The return of live events has helped revenue increase 19 per cent at WWE, with knock-on effects prompting lifts across the business, including the consumer products business which saw slight increases fueled by this year’s WrestleMania.

Reported in its second quarter 2021 financials, WWE has seen revenue hit $265.6 million – a lift of $42.2 million – driven by increased monetisation of content in its Media segment, as well as increases in Live Event revenue and WrestleMania, the company’s first ticketed event since Q1 2020.

Operating income for the entertainment company, however, saw a dip of 17 per cent year on year, to hit $46.3 million. This was primarily driven by higher television and event-related production expenses, $8.1 million in severance expense, and the return of employees from furlough. 

It’s still a positive outlook for the company who is celebrating “solid financial results” as it continues to focus on fan engagement. WWE announced the return of its live event touring on July 16th this year. The five events that aired throughout July have been close to full capacity, with current demand for future events on “on par with 2019.”

Meanwhile, digital video views hit a record 11.2 billion – an increase of 13 per cent – as the total hours consumer hit a new record 394 million across digital and social platforms.

“During the second quarter, we generated solid financial results as we continued to focus on building fan engagement,” said Vince McMahon, WWE chairman and CEO.

“With the announced return to live event touring and robust ticket demand, we believe we can further consumption across platforms, maximise new business opportunities and drive long-term growth.”

Kristina Salen, WWE chief financial officer, added: “In the quarter, Adjusted OIBDA results reflected an increase in television production expenses to enhance the viewing experience of WWE’s fans.

“Although Adjusted OIBDA declined, key performance metrics demonstrated positive trends and we continue to realise better than expected television production efficiences, stronger sponsorship sales and heightened demand for our live events.”

In its consumer products segment, WWE saw Q2 revenue hit $22.5 million – an increase of one per cent on the year prior – as higher toy royalties and venue merchandise sales from WrestleMania offset lower e-commerce merchandise sales.

The decrease in e-commerce sales reflected ‘a tough comparison to elevated Covid-related sales in the year before.

Pokémon is heading to the BBC for the first time as iPlayer catches series and movies

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Pokémon is heading to the BBC for the first time.

The British broadcaster has acquired two complete story arcs from the Pokémon the Series collection to be housed on the BBC iPlayer, along with the story arcs’ accompanying feature-length Pokémon the Movie for both linear broadcast and the iPlayer.

This will mark the first time that Pokémon has been broadcast on the BBC platform. From this August, BBC iPlayer viewers will be able to watch the adventures of Ash and Pikachu, with all 189 episodes of Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, and all 142 episodes of Pokémon the Series: Black & White.

Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl will be exclusively available to UK audiences on BBC iPlayer from August 2, while Pokémon the Series: Black & White will follow this autumn on a non-exclusive basis. The deal lands in time to help fans continue to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Pokémon brand this year, marking a quarter of a century since it was first launched in Japan in 1996 with two Game Boy titles.

Pokémon is one of the world’s most popular and successful entertainment properties. Its anime began in 1997 and now spans 24 series, with over 1000 episodes, and accompanying movies, which have aired in 176 different countries and regions in over 30 languages.

Emily Arons, SVP of licensing at The Pokémon Company International, said: “We are delighted to team up with such a world-renowned broadcaster as the BBC to bring the exciting adventures of Ash, Pikachu, and their friends to their huge UK audience.

“In our 25th anniversary year, it gives Pokémon fans old and new even more to celebrate with this wonderful opportunity to revisit or discover the wonderful world of Pokémon in these thrilling animated series. In addition, the Diamond and Pearl episodes will provide a great introduction to the fascinating Sinnoh region.”

Mattel partners with contemporary artist and activist Shepard Fairey to launch environmentally focused UNO

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Mattel has partnered up with the renowned contemporary artist, activist, and illustrator, Shepard Fairey for the release of a new UNO deck made with sustainable materials and themed around the artist’s environmental activism.

The new deck has been designed by both Fairey and the UNO team at the artist’s LA studio, Studio Number One and features new, original environmentally-themed art in Fairey’s iconic graphic style and design elements. These elements include a consistent illustration style and colour palette to mirror the artist’s signature style.

The latest in Mattel’s UNO Artiste Series, the new launch – housed on Mattel Creations – joins a line up of previous artists to have featured in the UNO series, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Nina Chanel Abney.

Shepard Fairey’s collaboration with Mattel sees the toymaker deliver an UNO deck made entirely with sustainable materials, including recyclable cards, a paper belly band around the cards, wood-free paper for the instruction sheet and the removal of all cellophane wrapping.

This special deck follows an earlier launch of UNO Nothin’ But Paper, recognised as the first fully recyclable UNO deck that did away with its cellophane packaging materials as part of the brand’s plan to remove the cellophane from 100 per cent of standard, paper-based decks in 2021. This is also in line with Mattel’s goal to achieve 100 per cent recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastic materials across its products and packaging by 2030.

To take the partnership to the next level, Mattel is also making a donation on behalf of Fairey to Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the oceans through federal and state legislation, in support of his initiatives.

Barbie, Jurassic World, and Masters of the Universe help drive Mattel Q2 2021 sales to $1.03bn

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The global toy maker, Mattel has seen its Q2 2021 net sales increase 40 per cent on last year, with particular success across EMEA where the firm’s growth has exceeded the industry by 11 percentage points.

Mattel bosses have billed it ‘another exceptional quarter’ having witnessed ‘outstanding consumer demand for products,’ driving its net sales for the quarter to $1.03 billion. It’s according to the latest NPD figures that Matte’s point of sale growth outpaced the industry, with ‘strong consumer demand across the portfolio.’

Across the EMEA region, the toy maker was up 54 per cent, with POS increasing double digits.

“We believe we are in the strongest position we have been in many years to improve profitability and accelerate topline growth,” said Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and CEO of Mattel. “This is an exciting time for Mattel.”

The firm’s CEO stated that the company’s performance over the quarter is now adding momentum to its transformation strategy, establishing Mattel as an “IP-driven, high-performing toy company.”

Net sales for the firm for the first six months of the year are now up 43 per cent. Gross Billings in its North America segment increased 30 per cent, driven by growth in Vehicles, including Hot Wheels, Cars, and Matchbox; Dolls including Barbie, Spirit, and Polly Pocket; Action Figures, Building Sets, Games, and Other, including Jurassic World, Masters of the Universe, WWE, and MEGA.

Its Infant, Toddler, and Preschool segment, including Fisher-Price and Thomas and Friends also performed well.

Meanwhile, net sales in the international segment increased 57 per cent, while across EMEA, Mattel outpaced the industry in the first half of 2021, growing two times faster than the industry total.

According to NPD, in Q2 alone, Mattel was up five per cent while the industry declined.

International sales have been driven by growth across Mattel’s Dolls, Vehicles, Action Figures, Building Sets, Games, and Other, as well as Infant, Toddler, and Preschool.

Worldwide Gross Billings for Dolls were $395 million, up 51 per cent versus the prior year’s second quarter, while worldwide Gross Billings for Infant, Toddler, and Preschool were $229 million, up 15 per cent on last year. This was primarily driven by Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends.

Worldwide Gross Billings for Vehicles were $266 million, up 68 per cent and driven by Hot Wheels, Matchbox, and Cars, while worldwide Gorss Billings for Action Figures, Building Sets, Games, and Other were $258 million, up 32 per cent. This was driven primarily by growth in Jurassic World, Masters of the Universe, WWE, and MEGA. It was partially off-set by Games, including UNO.

Amid the second quarter success for the toy maker, however, Mattel has been making headlines this week as bosses at the global company indicate towards upcoming price increases, following a rise in costs of raw materials and the ongoing issues around shipping and the current ‘sky-high’ prices of containers.

“We will be looking at increasing prices in the second half of [the] year,” Mattel’s chief executive Ynon Kreiz told the BBC.

“We haven’t broken out [which products will be affected], but this is in response to some of the inflationary pressures. We’re not the only ones who did it, in our industry everyone did – and no-one is surprised by [price increases].”

Mattel encountered supply chain issues due to problems with shipping but had got around the worst of them due to the scale of the business.

“We were able to leverage our size and partnerships that we have with our vendors and retail partners and mitigate some of these issues, so we did not have any impact on our business in the second quarter,” he said.