Sixteen South’s preschool series Odo prepares to take flight in the US and Latin America

The recently launched preschool series, Odo – recognised for its warm-hearted and comic storytelling – is taking flight in the US and Latin America following a new broadcast deal between Sixteen South and WarnerMedia Kids & Family.

Under the partnership, the series will air on the company’s upcoming Cartoonito preschool programming block, slated for HBO Max across the two regions. Cartoonito will launch this autumn on HBO Max and Cartoon Network.

Meanwhile, Odo is now set to premiere in the UK on Channel 5’s Milkshake this summer, before rolling out to the German PSB children’s channel, KiKA as well as other territories. Currently in production with co-production partners, Letko, Odo will welcome kids aged three to five into a world of possibilities depicted in its hand drawn, 2.5D animation.

Although he is one of the littlest campers at the Forest Camp for Young Birds, Odo knows he can do absolutely anything that he sets his mind to.

The series aims to teach young children self-efficacy and to believe in themselves. Comedic and warm, with gender neutral appeal, the stories also deal with important themes such as immigration, racism and respect for others, and shows kids how to deal with setbacks in a meaningful way while promoting the development of social skills.

Colin Williams, showrunner and creator of Odo at Sixteen South, said: “Odo has had a fantastic response even before it is completed and is already taking flight around the world. We’re delighted that he has now also landed on the mighty HBO Max Cartoonito strand and that his adventures will be seen by kids all across the Americas – and we hope that they will love him as much as we do.”

Sixteen South Rights are managing the international distribution rights for Odo and Bulldog Licensing has been recently appointed to represent the global licensing rights for the brand.

The WarnerMedia Kids & Family/Cartoonito deal follows recent sales of Odo to Canal+ France, ABC Australia, TVO-Kids! Canada, RTE Ireland, Mini Mini Poland, SVT Sweden, NRK Norway, S4C Wales and VRT Ketnet Belgium.

Odo is produced by Sixteen South and Warsaw-based 2D animation studio Letko with funding provided by the UK government funded Young Audiences Content Fund (YACF), which is managed by the BFI, NI Screen and the Polish Film Institute.

The London Toy Company launches its first TfL train sets all made from recyclable plastics

The London Toy Company has lifted the lid on its venture into new toy categories this year, with the launch of its Transport for London licensed train set and trains, all made from recyclable plastic.

The new launch marks the first time that The London Toy Company has entered the plastic toys market, having made a name for itself in the plush sector, working with a wealth of reputable licensing partners, including TfL.

Following a two year period of product development, the curtain has been drawn to reveal the firm’s new London Underground Electric Train Set (£39.99), which includes a track and tunnels made from cardboard that can be constructed at home. Having worked closely with TfL engineers, the track presents an authentic shape and feel to a London Tube station, and features an included sound module, reminding fans to ‘Mind The Gap’.

The new line-up also includes a standalone entry level model of the newest S Stock trains on the system, priced at £7.99.

“It’s all very exciting for us to be expanding on our ever-successful Underground soft toy range with a raft of new products for all ages and budgets,” Joel Berkowitz, founder and director of The London Toy Company, told Licensing.biz.

“Although our soul lies in soft toys, we had fantastic opportunities to expand into the plastic/hardlines category with our licensors. The price point for our new products will fit well into the pocket money category which was a key area we have been wanting to access.”

Early reaction to the toy line has been extremely positive, Berkowitz has revealed, with clients already telling the team that its new Underground Train Set ‘will be the star of the show this Christmas. Many have also championed the company’s decision to use recyclable materials in the production of its new range.

“We have committed to offsetting our carbon footprint and that’s why we have taken the decision to ensure all of our new plastic toys are made from recyclable materials, and are also recyclable themselves,” said Berkowitz.

“TfL is all about encouraging a greener lifestyle and what better way to emphasise this with sustainably manufactured toys that capture the brands’ identity and values.”

Already on board to stock the range this season are the likes of Very.co.uk. Amazon, and IWOOT, while Berkowitz is filled with surety that the range “will fly” at wider retail.

The company has since teased numerous developments across other key brands within the portfolio and strong performances with Harry Potter and JCB.

“We are also working directly on projects with a number of clients such as Boeing, The Tank Museum, Merseyrail, Goodwood, RAF, Steven Brown Art and other on some incredible new toys,” said Berkowitz.

“Over the last year and a half, I have experienced the roller coaster of extreme pessimism, and extreme optimism.. Collapsed tunnels, yet also tunnels with the brightest light at the end. What I can say is that we have emerged from Covid in ways I had never imagined.

“Silver lining really are a thing. Stay focussed, stay passionate, and do the things you don’t always want to do… and and have fun.”

 

Wizards of the Coast and consumer products drive ‘excellent Q2’ for Hasbro as sales surge 54 per cent

Hasbro has seen record releases across its Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment, as well as increased sales within its consumer products division fuel the global entertainment through a stellar second quarter this year.

Sales have surged by 54 per cent on Q2 2020, and nine per cent pro forma 2019 to hit $1.32 billion throughout what Hasbro boss, Brian Goldner has billed as ‘an excellent quarter’ for the toy firm. Its consumer products segment saw revenues increase 33 per cent.

Meanwhile, Hasbro’s Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming sement more than doubled, fuelled by ‘record releases’ in Q2 in Magic: The Gathering Strixhaven and the second installment of its Magic: The Gathering Modern Horizons narrative, Modern Horizons 2.

Chairman and chief executive officer, Goldner, said: “Hasbro delivered an excellent second quarter, with revenues up 54 per cent versus the second quarter of last year, and nine per cent versus pro forma second quarter 2019.

“Wizards continued to generate outstanding results behind a compelling analog and digital release schedule for Magic: The Gathering. Consumer products revenue increased as demand remains robust for Hasbro toys and games and entertainment revenue grew as we are producing entertainment with strong deliveries.”

The CEO praised the Hasbro team and its high level of performance as it ‘tracks to its target of double digit revenue growth for the full year.’

The quarter’s strong results have been reflected in each Brand Portfolio category under the Hasbro business, with gains witnessed across Magic: The Gathering, NERF, Transformers, Play-Doh, Baby Alive, and My Little Pony. Partner brands revenue increased behind growth in Hasbro products for the Marvel portfolio, Lucasfilm’s Star Wars and The Mandalorian, Disney Princess and Beyblade.

Meanwhile, Hasbro Gaming saw revenue increase on 2020 and 2019, led by Dungeons & Dragons and Duel Masters, as well as a the launch of Foosketball.

In the consumer products segment, revenue and operating profit grew in Hasbro Franchise Brands NERF, Transformers, and Play-Doh, as well as products for Marvel and Star Wars. Point of sale for toys increased, but was off-set by a decline in games point of sale compared to the sector’s strong performance on Q2 2020.

Elsewhere, and it was in the Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment in which records were set. Wizards had two record releases in Q2 in Magic: The Gathering Strixhaven and Modern Horizons 2.

Deborah Thomas, Hasbro’s chief financial officer, said: “Strength across Hasbro’s brands and business backed by strong execution from the entire team drove superb results for our second quarter.

“As we invest to unlock value from our brands across the blueprint, we are on track to reach our objectives for the year while expanding the reach of our business, reducing debt, and paying our dividend. The discipline in our business is evident from the $1.2 billion in cash we had on hand at quarter end, reporting the lowest days sales outstanding in our recent history, and repaying $250 million in debt.”

Story House Egmont reveals its new PAW Patrol kids’ magazine, PAW Patrol Extra

Story House Egmont has launched its newest preschool magazine, teaming up with Spin Master Entertainment to introduce PAW Patrol Extra, a new monthly title designed to ‘satisfy the incredible demand’ for PAW Patrol content.

The new launch marks the second PAW Patrol licensed title in the Story House Egmont portfolio and follows the successful launch of the PAW Patrol flagship magazine some five years ago. Half a decade on, and Egmont still reports “incredible demand” for the UK’s leading preschool magazine.

Last year, amid what is recognised as a challenging year for the children’s magazines market, the flagship PAW Patrol title sold 880,000 copies and delivered £4 million in RSV. Out of a 17-issue publishing schedule, 2020 saw three issues selling over 63,000 copies and generating close to £1 million in RSV on those issues alone.

The new PAW Patrol Extra has now been billed as ‘the perfect complimentary purchase for PAW Patrol fans’, focusing on specific characters, themes and seasonality, and creating new and captivating content. The branded covermounts are closely linked with the editorial and will reflect important core themes from PAW Patrol TV episodes like empathy and friendship.

The first issue of PAW Patrol Extra focuses on Marshall – the fan favourite fire-fighter pup. From the firehouse to his fire truck, Marshall is a Dalmatian who is all action, which is exactly what readers will find in the first issue of PAW Patrol Extra. As well as stories, stickers, games and posters, issue number one is complimented by four Marshall-themed gifts.

Kiran Vara, publisher of PAW Patrol Extra magazine, said: “We’re thrilled to be celebrating the launch of PAW Patrol Extra magazine. In such a highly competitive market, the sustained growth and popularity of the flagship magazine is a testament to the strength of this incredible evergreen brand and we’re so excited to be giving fans even more action-packed fun with the launch of PAW Patrol Extra.”

Crayola and OceanX | “We’re encouraging partnerships to have a profound impact on supporting our planet”

The global non-profit ocean exploration organisation, OceanX has expressed its hope that its new partnership with the children’s arts and crafts brand, Crayola, will inspire more collaboration between brands and conservation groups.

The pair joined forces earlier this month to launch a new range of crafts kits to the US market, each designed to educate and inspire the next generation of ocean explorers and conservationists by blending hands-on creativity with a digital experience.

Titled The Crayola Experience Home Adventure Ocean Edition, the kits aim to ‘bring the wonder of the sea into homes across the US,’ by guiding children through a learning experience spanning the five layers of the ocean. Crayon characters will take them on their journey as they create a series of crafts inspired by sea creatures.

The education experience will also engage kids with its interactive video content, featuring nine activities including a drawing tutorial led by a Crayola designer.

Mark Dalio, founder and creative director at OceanX, told Licensing.biz that the hope is the partnership between the two will “encourage other companies and organisations to think about how they can creatively collaborate” to “have a profound impact on supporting our planet.”

He said: “This partnership exists at the intersection of Crayola’s creativity and youthfulness and OceanX’s mission to share the wonder and beauty of the ocean with the world. It’s always been our goal to put audiences in the front seat of exploration, and partnering with Crayola will help us spark a lifetime of interest, curiosity, and love for the ocean.

“Crayola is one of the world’s most renowned family brands, trusted by parents and educators everywhere to use its signature thoughtful, colourful creativity to educate and inspire children.

“This partnership illustrates Crayola’s role in highlighting important issues facing our society while also inspiring the next generation to be stewards of our planet’s most treasured natural resource.”

Designed to inspire environmentalism and conservation, the Crayloa and OceanX collaboration has also launched an immersive experience across the Crayola brand’s own physical Experience attractions in the US.

The message, says Crayola’s executive vice president and general manager of Crayola Attractions and Retail, Victoria Lozano, is “consistent and congruous” with the brand’s mission to “help parents and educators raise creatively alive kids and inspire the next generation.”

Lozano told Licensing.biz: “This includes teaching them to preserve the world in which they will live in as adults. Our partnership with OceanX will help us create content and engaging experiences to accomplish that through cultivating a sense of wonder for the mysterious playground of the deep blue.

“This partnership will continue to develop creativity products and educational content to bring to kids everywhere.”

Dino Ranch renewed for second season at Disney as its US preschool licensing slate readies for growth

The popular preschool series, Dino Ranch has been renewed for a second season at Disney, with a scheduled broadcast date on Disney Junior and Disney+ in the US and Latin America for the beginning of 2022.

A broad licensing programme is already underway with a master toy line from Jazwares preparing to launch this year, while Boat Rocker is currently working with its master publishing partner, Scholastic, to design and produce a wide range of Dino Ranch readers, sticker story books, novelty, activity books, and audio books with products slated to land this autumn.

Further licensees have been secured in the US for apparel, bedding and bath, watches, Halloween costumes, and costume characters for live events.

Season two of Dino Ranch follows a successful first season, which saw the series premiere on CBC in Canada, and was the number one US cable series among Kids aged two to five at launch on Disney Junior. Season one has also just launched on SVOD service Disney+ and is coming to Disney Junior Latin America in August, and SRC Canada in September.

“Dino Ranch has received an incredible response from kids and parents around the world and we couldn’t be happier to have the opportunity to produce a second season,” said Michel Pratte, president, Boat Rocker Media, and general manager, Boat Rocker Studios.

“The show is a shining example of franchise IP for Boat Rocker and we are looking forward to continuing to build brand affinity and engagement love for ‘Dino Ranch’ with our partners.”

Jon Rutherford, president, Boat Rocker Studios, Kids & Family and Rights, said: “We’re very excited to continue our strong partnership with Disney for Dino Ranch. Disney’s incredible support, along with the show’s ability to resonate with audiences through its unique blend of dinosaurs, family and engaging storytelling has helped us achieve immediate success. With Season two, we plan on deepening engagement with our fans by unveiling new characters and locations, and many new thrilling adventures with the Cassidy family.”

Internationall, the show has seen strong sales, including with Disney+ in the UK and Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. It’s also landed with Super RTL/TOGGO Plus in Germany, Gulli plus TiJi and Gulli Africa in France, Cartoonito in Italy, Hop in Israel, and SVT in Sweden. NRK in Norway, DR in Denmark, YLE in Finland, TVP in Poland, and HRT in Croatia have also picked up the series.

Dino Ranch is created by Matt Fernandes (of Industrial Brothers) and produced by Industrial Brothers and Boat Rocker Studios, in association with CBC Kids and Radio-Canada. Boat Rocker Studios manages global franchise development, including content distribution and consumer products. Animation services for season two of Dino Ranch will be provided by Boat Rocker’s Jam Filled Entertainment.

Magic Light Pictures’ Pip and Posy sponsors this year’s Playday event with communities across the UK

Magic Light Pictures’ new preschool series, Pip and Posy, has joined forces with Play England, Play Scotland, Play Wales, and PlayBoard Northern Ireland to sponsor this year’s Playday event.

Recognising the fundamental need for play among children and their health, wellbeing, and development, Playday is a national day for play in the UK and an annual celebration that aims to highlight the importance of play in children’s lives. This year’s event will take place on Wednesday, August 4th.

Under its new partnership, characters from Pip and Posy, the hit new preschool series about a mouse and a rabbit whose live revolve around play, will feature in a resource pack designed with Playday that will be available online at www.playday.org.uk.  The pack will feature tips and downloadable activities to help families, carers, and communities create their own Playday event.

Michael Rose, executive producer and co-founder, Magic Light Pictures, said: “Play is central to the world of Pip and Posy so we are delighted to team up with Playday, a fantastic initiative that promotes the importance of play. Both our series and this wonderful event celebrate the joy of play and Pip and Posy are looking forward to helping many more friends have fun throughout the summer.”

Anita Grant, chair of trustees Play England, said: “With their love of play and understanding of how it can help to forge friendships and solve problems as well as being huge fun, Pip and Posy are the perfect Playday partners. The past year has been very challenging and play can greatly help children and young people cope with stress and anxiety.

“We are proud that not only is Playday continuing across all four nations of the UK but we are also encouraging a whole Summer of Play. We can’t wait to see the creative ways that families and carers will be celebrating on Playday and beyond with the help of a little Pip and Posy magic.”

MTV, Milkshake! and Ben Fogle among ViacomCBS UK’s live event and summer festival line-up

ViacomCBS UK is embarking on a summer of live and in-person events across its portfolio of entertainment brands, from Channel 5’s Milkshake to MTV, thanks to its first 5 on the Farm summer festival and a new partnership with Parkdean Resorts.

Taking place at Cannon Hall Farm in South Yorkshire, 5 on the Farm is a new, live outdoor festival taking place across the August bank holiday weekend, from 28th to 30th, featuring a line-up of Channel 5 stars, including Ben Fogle, Amanda Owen, the cast of the hit drama All Creatures Great and Small, Milkshake! Monkey and more.

The three-day festival will be hosted by This Week on the Farm’s Helen Skelton, JB Gills, and Jules Hudson and will offer more than 70 hours of live entertainment for families through a series of workshops, activities, live panels, and demonstrations.

As it makes its preparations for the event, ViacomCBS UK has brought in Lindeman’s Wines and the outdoor clothing and camping specialist GO Outdoors as sponsors. Lineman’s Wines will be the exclusive wine partner of the event and will bring with it a carbon absorbing mural installation in celebration of the brand’s Carbon Neutral Certification across its European product range.

Meanwhile, GO Outdoors will have an integrated presence with branding and products visible throughout the site promoting outdoor activities to families and inspiring the public to get out and enjoy nature.

But that’s not all that ViacomCBS UK has in store for this summer, as it continues to build its event footprint through a new partnership with British Travel Awards 2020 Best UK Family Holiday Company winner, Parkdean Resorts to bring Channel 5’s Milkshake!, Nickelodeon, and MTV entertainment brands to British holidaymakers at the group’s 40 parks across the UK.

The branded entertainment will include sessions such as Milkshake! Mornings and Nickelodeon Summer Entertainment with SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and PAW Patrol for families and younger children, in addition to MTV-themed activities and music-fuelled MTV Weekender events for over 18s later in the year.

Dates and locations will be detailed in the coming months.

Virginia Monaghan, VP, events and experiences, VCN UK & Ireland, said: “We’re thrilled to be back with more live events this summer after a very tough year for the events sector. ViacomCBS UK is uniquely positioned to cater to all ages, from families with young children to hard-to-reach teenagers and young people.

“We’re looking forward to working with Lindeman’s Wines, GO Outdoors and Parkdean to safely entertain British holidaymakers and festival fans through our branded events across the UK.”

Line Friends partners with Universal to launch Minions x Brown & Friends collaboration

The internationally celebrated character brand, Line Friends, has partnered with Illumination and Universal Brand Development to unveil its Minions x Brown & Friends collection, a new line-up of products that will feature the Minions’ Stuart, Kevin, and Bob alongside Line Friends’ own Brown and Sally.

A collaboration long over-due, early reaction among Millennials and Gen Z has – understandably – gone viral, as the first glimpse of Brown and Sally dressed in the signature Minions’ get up of overalls and goggles ignited the imaginations of its core audience the world over.

 Launched as part of the collaboration between these two powerhouse brands, the Minions x Brown & Friends collection consists of fashion and tech accessories ranging from AirPods cases to phone grips to canvas tote bags, as well as to golf accessories and camping gear. Collection items are anticipated to hit a record-breaking sellout worldwide.

The Minions x Brown & Friends collection is available for global purchase on the official on- and offline stores of Line Friends in countries and regions including Korea, the US, Japan, and China, from July 22. Line Friends is also slated to drop big surprises of digital contents, including Line messenger stickers and Instagram AR GIFs for this collaboration, sparking viral sensation among Millennials and Generation Z.

“With our unrivalled creative capabilities, Line Friends once again captures the hearts of Millennials and Generation Z across the world with this collection jointly collaborated with long-standing partners Universal Brand Development and Illumination,” said the Line Friends team.

“We anticipate that this phenomenal collaboration between Brown & Friends, originally created for use as Line messenger stickers, and the beloved Minions will stir up fun and excitement for fans worldwide.”

Silvergate Media’s animated TV series Hilda picks up two Daytime Emmy Awards

Silvergate Media has expanded its trophy collection this week, having secured a double win at the 2021 Daytime Emmy Awards for its highly acclaimed Netflix animated TV series, Hilda.

During the live streamed ceremony on Friday, Hilda found itself the recipient of the coveted award in the Outstanding Children’s Animated Series category, as well as in the Outstanding Editing in a Daytime Animated Series. The series had picked up Emmy nominations in three other categories.

The show’s latest plaudit establishes what has become a winning streak for Hilda which recently triumphed at the Annie Awards in April where it took home no fewer than three awards.

“It’s been an incredible year so far for Hilda and we’re all enormously proud of these latest Daytime Emmy Award wins,” said Waheed Alli, chief executive at Silvergate Media. “As each new season of Hilda unfolds and we go deeper into the world of Trolberg, its very gratifying to receive critical recognition at such a high level and together with Mercury Filmworks we look forward to bringing audiences more exciting adventures for Hilda in 2022.”

First launched to Netflix in September 2018, Hilda is the result of a collaborative effort between Silvergate, Mercury Filmworks and Hilda creator, Luke Pearson who first debuted the character in a popular graphic novel format.

A second season was released on December 14th 2020, delivering new adventures for the blue-haired heroine as she delves deeper into the magical wilderness of Trolberg. Through her entertaining and inspiring adventures, Hilda learns that not everyone shares her open-minded view of the ‘hidden world’, while her Mum worries that her growing rebelliousness will lead to more trouble than Hilda can handle.

Both season one and two of Hilda are now available in 130 countries on Netflix’s global platform and Silvergate has an extended special in the pipeline. There is a consumer products program in place that spans toys, games, publishing, accessories, apparel and homewares.