Category Archives: Entertainment

Waxwork Records lifts lid on Universal’s 1932 classic horror The Mummy Spinature

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Waxwork Records, the cult and pop culture record label and specialist in the collectables space, has lifted the lid on its latest Spinature collectable figure: The Mummy, as played by British actor William Henry Platt (stage name of Boris Karloff) who played the infamous monster in Universal’s 1932 classic fantasy horror film.

The new Spinature features a detailed sculpt of Karloff in his iconic mummy look and stands at around four inches tall. The new release features detailed likeness, bandages, ring, and The Mummy’s classic pose.

This is the latest launch from Waxwork Records who partnered with Universal to release a series of collectable Spinatures figures from across its vault of Monster movies. Earlier this year, the firm launched its Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein figures, while – hitting the Halloween market – it detailed its Halloween II and Halloween III collection on October 30th.

Many more Spinatures are to come this autumn/winter, including Dracula, The Phantom of the Opera, The Creature From The Black Lagoon, The Wolfman, and The Invisible Man. 

WildBrain CPLG readies a raft of new UK partners for In the Night Garden

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WildBrain CPLG has signed a raft of new UK toy partners for the popular pre-school property, In the Night Garden, including 8th Wonder, Paul Lamond Games, TOMY, Grabo Balloons and the children’s audio platform, Toniebox.

The latest slate of partners join the current product portfolio as WildBrain CPLG continues to focus on driving “even more exciting initiatives across our integrated platform of content, distribution and consumer products.”

Under the newest developments for the hit pre-school brand, 8th Wonder will develop and launch an In the Night Garden themed plush chair and range of wooden toys, while Paul Lamond Games will develop a new line of games and puzzles for pre-schoolers. Meanwhile, TOMY will apply the license to its hit Aquadoodle mats, and Grabo Balloons will launch new foil balloons.

Completing the line-up, Boxine, the firm behind the Toniebox, has signed for an Iggle Piggle figurine to be used on the audio platform. The launch will provide In the Night Garden audio content, including a narrated story and music.

WildBrain’s premium kids and family AVOD network and studio, WildBrain Spark, also manages In the Night Garden on AVOD platforms including YouTube and YouTube Kids, where it has achieved an average of 15 million monthly views this year.

The brand’s channels now have over 635,000 global subscribers, and episodes are currently available in English, Polish, Arabic, Swedish, Spanish, Norwegian, and Italian. The original In the Night Garden series is also an established fixture in CBeebies’ bedtime schedule, where characters Iggle Piggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and their friends are an integral part of the sleep time routines for many families.

Emily French Ullah, licensing director hardlines at WildBrain CPLG, said: “In the Night Garden remains front of mind with pre-schoolers and parents alike, as demonstrated by the continued positive response from licensees and retailers, and the strong broadcast and AVOD viewership.

“We’re delighted to welcome these wonderful new partners to the UK licensee base and look forward to seeing young fans across the UK enjoy this engaging array of new products.”

Michael Riley, chief brands officer for WildBrain, said: “In the Night Garden has an eternal quality that continues to resonate with families worldwide, and these new licensees signed by WildBrain CPLG will provide UK fans with more opportunities to celebrate their love of the brand offscreen.

“In the Night Garden is a key preschool property for WildBrain, and we are highly focused on driving even more exciting initiatives across our integrated platform of content, distribution and consumer products that are sure to keep parents and young children engaged and entertained for years to come.”

Sutikki to develop animated and live action series based on the Digital Dream Labs’ hit Cozmo robot

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The children’s entertainment company, Sutikki – best known for the popular UK series, Moon & Me – has inked a new partnership with the US-based educational technology company, Digital Dream Labs, to create, develop and distribute an animated series and live action content based on the robot duo Cozmo and Vector.

Under the partnership, Cozmo has taken its first steps from best-selling toy brand to entertainment franchise with the premiere of its first animated featurette, making its debut on the newly launched Cozmo & Friends YouTube channel

The journey from best-selling toy brand to entertainment franchise starts today with the premiere of the first animated featurette which debuts on the newly launched Cozmo & Friends YouTube channel.  The hub will host a steady flow of innovative and creative content that will further explore Digital Dream Labs’ revolutionary robot creations.

Sutikki’s initial focus will be on Cozmo, an expressive little robot with a mind of its own and a one-of-a-kind personality that evolves and learns over time. Cozmo blazed a trail when it launched in 2017 earning the top spot for the best-selling toy on Amazon US two years in a row and the best-selling toy on Amazon in the UK and France in 2017.

Sutikki plans a comprehensive content campaign, initially on its dedicated YouTube channel, leveraging its experience and expertise in building highly engaging brand franchises that speak to the discerning, tech savvy kids of today. The short-form videos will tap into the production company’s ability to engage consumers through compelling storytelling and to showcase IP on a global scale.

Beyond plans for new video content, Sutikki is planning to launch a global consumer products program. Digital Dream Labs’ pre-order for updated versions of both of their popular consumer robots opens on 20th November 2020 ahead of the holiday season with the new robots hitting retail in Spring 2021.

“We’re looking forward to introducing Cozmo and friends to the world,” said Hannah Mungo, CEO, Sutikki. “Cozmo is an extraordinary character who is not only an educational asset and friend for children, but also full of play and exploration. We are extremely excited to tap into the unique characteristics of DDL’s amazing robot line through creative content and bold new consumer products that will form the blueprint for what is certain to be one of entertainment’s most exciting future franchises.”

Digital Dream Labs is a global leader of creating hands-on educational technology for children of all ages. The high-tech firm specializes in creating engaging, language and system-agnostic products that connect with kids of all ages. Its line of robots are more than simple educational tools and have already gained an online following that sets the stage for a successful evolution into the entertainment realm.

“It’s been a real pleasure for our team to watch the animators capture Cozmo’s unique personality,” added co-founder and CEO of Digital Dream Labs, Dr. Jacob Hanchar. “We’re really excited to see this partnership grow and know that families around the world will welcome Cozmo into homes across many different interactive touchpoints.”

Anderson Entertainment plans portfolio expansion following deal with ITV Studios

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Anderson Entertainment, the content production company set up by the late Gerry Anderson, has signed a new license agreement with ITV Studios, to expand the Gerry and Sylvia Anderson portfolio into apparel, publishing, toys and figures, homeware and giftware – and then sell products worldwide.

Anderson Entertainment’s portfolio is home to iconic retro and heritage properties such as Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, UFO, and Space: 1999.

Today, with Gerry’s son Jamie, a respected writer and producer, as its managing director, Anderson Entertainment develops its own IP and projects from its founder’s personal archive, as well as manages his estate and existing works. Anderson Entertainment has also developed new content for delivery across a variety of viewing and audio platforms.

Another important part of Anderson Entertainment’s business is its ecommerce offering – the Official Gerry Anderson Store, which sells and makes official and exclusive merchandise available to Anderson fans across the globe. The store has been trading for five years, selling licensed merchandise and a number of exclusive products. Its range encompasses such categories as DVD, Blu-ray, audio, toys, collectibles, clothing and accessories, books, comics, homeware and giftware

Under the terms of the new agreement with rightsholder ITV Studios, Anderson Entertainment is now able to build on the global recognition of the Gerry and Sylvia Anderson portfolio. Importantly, the new agreement also enables the company to build sales opportunities with other retail partners.

Recent years have seen a strong growth in the popularity of the classic Gerry and Sylvia Anderson hits and growing demand for new content from Anderson Entertainment. Product demand has also grown; sales from the Official Gerry Anderson Store are already on course to double the 2019 figure.

Jamie Anderson said: “We’re delighted to have come to this agreement with ITV Studios, which retains its interest in a group of properties with massive revenue-producing potential, while growth is driven by the instantly recognizable Anderson name and iconic brands – many of them known and loved around the world for more than 50 years.”

Christina Lima, VP global franchise management and creative services at ITV Studios, added: “ITV Studios has been working with Anderson Entertainment for some time now, and it’s very clear to us that they have a loyal, engaged and growing fanbase around the world.

“They are the perfect partner to drive consumer product development and sales in an authentic and sensitive way which balances a commercial approach with respect for a group of highly respected heritage brands.”

Arts and crafts firm Craft Buddy lands major Disney licensing partnership

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The arts and crafts specialist, Craft Buddy, has struck up a major licensing partnership with Disney to bring a raft of new licensed Crystal Art lines to market in spring next year. The range will be based upon some of Disney’s most iconic and popular characters.

The license will be available in a range of kits and sets across Craft Buddy’s established Crystal Art range (also known as diamond painting or diamond art), targeting an audience of children aged eight and upwards. Kids and adults across the UK will now be able to create pieces of wall art, cards, notebooks and more.

The technique used to produce sparkling Crystal Art is similar to painting by numbers with each design featuring a numbered, adhesive template. Using the magic pick up pen (included), artists can simply lift up the coloured crystals and place them on the corresponding dots. The result is a piece of rhinestone art which can be kept or gifted to loved ones.

Famous Disney characters will feature across all areas of the Crystal Art portfolio with more designs and products being added to the collection across the year. Disney fans can now re-create iconic movie characters using Crystal Art in four new Notebook designs: “Pride Rock” scene from The Lion King , “The Little Mermaid”, “Classic Minnie” and “Moana”.

Crystal Art Canvas Kits are available in a host of different sizes and multi-character designs, each pre-mounted on wooden frames making them easy to display. Four 30x30cm kits featuring a host of instantly recognizable Disney family favourites will launch as part of the new collection: “Elsa, Anna & Olaf”, “Lion King Family”, “Pooh and Tigger” and “Minnie and Mickey”.

Larger designs include three 40x50cm Crystal Art Kits “The Lion King Medley”, “Beauty and the Beast Medley” plus “Lady & The Tramp” alongside a 70x70cm Kit featuring “Frozen Friends” and a dazzling 90x65cm “Disney Princess Medley” design.

“This is an incredible range that we can’t wait to bring to market and which we have worked extremely hard to develop in partnership with the team at Disney,” said Gary Wadhwani, co-director at Craft Buddy UK Ltd.

“Crystal Art is a creative medium which appeals to all ages and through which we can see characters and scenes brought to life in dazzling formats. It lends itself perfectly to re-creating those iconic and much-loved Disney characters and we are already seeing huge potential at retail for this extensive range.”

Utilising their extensive fan base across their company social channels, Craft Buddy ran a survey earlier this year to find out which Disney characters their consumers would love to see integrated into their hugely successful Crystal Art collection.

Winnie The Pooh came top of the list of favourite characters chosen by their consumer base followed by Mickey and Minnie, Bambi and the Lion King; all of which feature heavily across the new licensed range.

Hasbro launches Peppa Pig audio stories across Amazon Prime, Apple Music, and Spotify

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Hasbro has revealed its plans to release a series of new Peppa Pig audio stories across multiple digital streaming platforms around the world, including on Amazon Prime, Apple Music, and Spotify from today (Monday, November 23rd) onwards, with plans for more to come.

Marking a new first for Peppa Pig, the ten audio stories will be narrated by the familiar voice of John Sparkes and will be based on some of the most popular stories from the animated TV series. They will be available in English language only and will launch in batches of two every two weeks.

Titles under the portfolio of audio stories include George’s New Dinosaur, Shake, Rattle & Bang, Mr Bull’s New Road, Whistling, Nursery Rhymes, Secret Club, Pirate Treasure, Grandpa Pig’s Greenhouse, Noisy Night, and Bedtime Story.

 “We want to be wherever our fans are with great content and our move into audio-first content reflects that,” said eOne’s Esra Cafer, SVP global brand management.

“What we’re really excited about is just how good these stories are. They capture all the values, storytelling and humour of our brilliant show to give our listeners a wonderfully immersive audio story experience – we can’t wait for Peppa fans to discover them.”

 The launch will be supported by an extensive marketing campaign across social and digital media including the brand’s own high reach digital channels.

This latest deal follows the huge success of the brand’s first digital music album release, Peppa Pig: My First Album, in July 2019 which has hit more than 24 million streams worldwide and inspired a licensing range for teens in Urban Outfitters this autumn in the US.

On the EDGE Conservation outlines licensing plans as it launches endangered animals virtual influencers

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On the EDGE Conservation, a charitable foundation dedicated to the promotion of biodiversity and conservation, is building on its debut in the worlds of mobile gaming and educational publishing with a series of anthropomorphic virtual influencers set to entertain and engage young YouTube audiences.

The aim of the new influencer series of content is to highlight the predicament of each endangered creature while presenting it in a format recognisable and enjoyed by children and viewers today.

Launching today, OTEC’s new Youtube channel will host weekly, short-form video diaries posted by the first characters in the series: Lexi the Aye Aye and Eric the Pangolin. Tegan the Kakapo will join the group in the coming weeks, and each will have its own Instagram profile, and Tik Tok channels set to launch in February.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLPQ1dKb2f4&feature=youtu.be

To allow the characters to behave with the timeliness of influencers popular with kids aged nine to 12 years old, OTEC has humanised them using a new form of motion capture, where the face, hands and body movements are rendered simultaneously (instead of afterwards). This process enables animation in real time, delivering the pace and feel of a classic vlogger.

These virtual influencers are the brainchild of experienced content-maker Bruna Capozzoli who has invented modern-day lifestyles for the characters and commissioned Emmy award-winning screenwriting partnership, Mark Huckerby and Nick Ostler to create culturally relevant storylines that will resonate with kids.

Lexi the Aye Aye is a wannabe superstar DJ living in London, whilst Eric the Pangolin is studying environmental science at Uni.

“In this project we have really evolved our storytelling,” said Capozzoli, head of creative content at OTEC.

“Through the beauty of virtual influencers, we have surpassed relaying retrospective news and moved towards cultural commentary. The key to ensuring our characters could evolve and gain lives of their own was mastering the technology that sits behind motion capture.”

As an extension of the foundation’s disruptive approach to the traditional model of conservation work, OTEC has ambitious plans to leverage its IP in future across different channels including licensing, third-party brand collaborations and co-produced content.

The adopted motion capture pipeline was designed by Doppelganger, a collaborative of technical specialists who came together to deliver OTEC’s brief for this project. In addition to using motion capture data to control the character 3D model live, Doppelganger used cutting-edge technology to capture data from face, hands and body movement together at the same time, which is usually combined afterwards.

The On the EDGE YouTube channel follows the launch of mobile game, Kakapo Run, and underpins OTEC’s ambition to promote biodiversity differently. By using popular digital platforms, OTEC hopes to inspire and engage a growing number of young activists to champion all of the diversity of life in our natural world.

Beth Blood, founder and CEO of OTEC, added: “By giving a voice to unfamiliar but endangered animals through modern story-telling techniques, we will promote biodiversity as something to be celebrated in pop culture.

“The characters in our animation are delightful and surprising, making refreshing new spokes-animals for the wonders of the natural world and the challenges it faces.”

Cornwall’s Beer Buddies details launch of Original Stormtrooper bottle opener range

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Cornwall’s own Beer Buddies – the designer and distributor of character wall-mounted bottle openers – is preparing to launch its fourth licensed product taking the form of the Original Stormtrooper from the first ever Star Wars film.

The launch arrives as the latest addition to Beer Buddies’ ICON range, a collection that to date features the likes of Motorhead, Iron Maiden, and Judge Dredd Beer Buddies bottle openers.

The range was set to launch earlier this year, but suffered delays owing to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The company has now confirmed that its Original Stormtrooper line will launch on December 4th.

Based in Helston in Cornwall, Beer Buddies has become synonymous with the men’s gifting sector, and has been met with a surge in demand for product over the course of the year.

“We’ve been inundated with Star Wars fans wanting to know the release date,” said Richard House of Beer Buddies. “They don’t have long to wait now, December 4th is the day.”

 Like all Beer Buddies ranges,  the artwork for the packaging has been executed by the Falmouth designer and illustrator Elly Jahnz of Foxcub Studios.

“The packaging itself is very important to us for ecological reasons, we use virtually all cardboard and keep polystyrene and plastic to a minimum so its easily recyclable,” said House. “Once again, Elly from Foxclub Studios has done a brilliant job.”

The Stormtrooper project has taken a year to get this point as the company has had to work with extended production deadlines and transport delays due to the Covid restrictions.

“We think the wait has been worth it,” House concluded.

Toy maker Melissa & Doug lands ‘biggest licensing deal ever’ with PAW Patrol and Blues Clues & You

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The global toy brand Melissa and Doug, has signed an exclusive licensing partnership with ViacomCBS Consumer Products to develop and launch a range of PAW Patrol and Blue’s Clues & You co-branded toys for autumn next year.

The toys will be designed to educate and empower pre-schoolers through active engagement, with a focus on problem solving and creative thinking.

The global partnership with ViacomCBS marks a major milestone for Melissa & Doug as it is the largest licensing agreement the toy maker has ever signed. Through the partnership, Melissa & Doug will bring innovative and imaginative toys to retail that will span multiple categories focused on learning and education.

“Melissa & Doug has been at the forefront of children’s toys for over 30 years. We are thrilled to collaborate with them to create products based on the beloved PAW Patrol and Blue’s Clues & You! IP that continue to inspire imagination and hugely impact children’s growth and learning,” said Dion Vlachos, executive vice president, licensing and retail, ViacomCBS.

Melissa & Doug is a purpose-driven company committed to providing a launch pad to ignite imagination and a sense of wonder in all children so they can discover themselves, their passions, and their purpose. Recently, Melissa & Doug announced their alliance with the American Academy of Pediatrics to champion the health benefits of open-ended play and provide tools and resources for parents to make it an essential part of children’s everyday lives.

“We’re excited to work with a company as iconic as Nickelodeon, one that shares in our mission to make the world a more playful place through thoughtfully researched and designed products and content,” said David Henderson, chief commercial officer of Melissa & Doug. “The characters of PAW Patrol and Blue’s Clues & You! will help us introduce our hands-on, skill-building toys to an even greater number of children.”

Mattel Television is developing a game show around its popular family game UNO

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Mattel’s world popular card game UNO has landed a new television deal, as the global toy maker detailed this week its plans to develop a new game show around the family gaming brand.

Described as a ‘larger than life televised competition,’ the UNO Game Show will feature four teams who will face off to become the ‘ultimate UNO champion.’ According to Mattel’s announcement via The Wrap, the show will incorporate audience participation, over the top physical challenges, and trivia.

Mattel Television is producing the series in partnership with Propogate, with “Let’s Make a Deal” showrunner John Quinn attached to executive produce. Adam Bonnett of Mattel and Ben Silverman, Howard T. Owens and Greg Lipstone of Propagate also serve as executive producers.

UNO was first developed in 1971 and was acquired by Mattel in 1992 where it has become one of the most recognisable family games in the world. It is currently sold in more than 80 countries and boasts a wide portfolio of themed versions.

This isn’t the first time Mattel has played with the idea of an UNO television series. A previous game show adaptation was put into development in 2013 at The Gurin Company but did not move forward to series.

“UNO is the most popular game in the world and is a fixture in pop culture, making it the ideal franchise to build a reality game show around,” said Mattel’s Bonnett in a statement.

“Ben, Howard, Greg and John have deep expertise in unscripted content and are the perfect partners to help us transform UNO into a television series for the whole family.”

In a joint statement, Owens and Silverman said: “UNO is a beloved game that has been entertaining people worldwide for generations. We are excited to team with Mattel and John Quinn to translate the game for television, and think ‘The UNO Game Show’ will be perfect for family viewing.”