Category Archives: Entertainment

This ISlides and Warner deals allows horror fans to walk in the shoes of their favourite movie monsters

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Horror fans can now take a walk in the shoes of some of their favourite movie monsters, from A Nightmare on Elm Street’s Freddy Kruger to The Shining’s Danny Torance, thanks to a new partnership between Warner Bros Consumer Products and the customised slide sandal company, ISlide.

The new partnership will see ISlide create new footwear ranges inspired by over 100 blockbuster franchises, including The Shining, Friday the 13th, and The Exorcist. The deal also spans DC favourites, Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.

“Warner Bros. has created some of the most iconic movies to date and we’re excited to be able to bring a new take on the characters through our slides,” said Justin Kitterdge, president and CEO of ISlide. “Whether you’re a fan of Batman or Friday the 13th, we’ll have a new slide for anyone who loves these properties as much as we do.”

Slides inspired by Warner Bros. iconic horror movies such as A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, The Exorcist, and The Shining have already been made available for the Halloween crowds, while this November 5th will see the launch of slides inspired by DC Super Heroes including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman.

The A Nightmare on Elm Street collection includes four unique designs with black, red and white colorways featuring the A Nightmare on Elm Street logo, fire imagery, a Springwood High School Slashers logo and Freddy Kruger himself.

The Friday the 13th collection includes a handful of detailed custom Jason designs using Black and Red accents. The collection also includes variations of the extremely popular “Friday the 13th” wordmark.

The Exorcist collection includes unique custom designs that feature an all white iteration of the movie logo, the notorious Regan script wordmark, and an insanely detailed live shot from the movie itself.

The Shining Collection includes four unique designs with black and white colorways featuring variations of the Shining Logo and Danny Torance portraits.

Meanwhile, in the DC collection, the Batman range features over 10 custom designs on a variety of ISlide colors, including the highly sought after black/yellow speckle. In addition to the Bat Emblem and other iconic comic images, the collection includes the popular The Joker.

The Superman collection includes custom designs utilizing ISlide’s red and royal sandal colorways. With designs ranging from Superman’s S-Shield to Metropolis logos, this collection is by far the most colorful.

The Wonder Woman collection includes four unique designs with black, red and white colorways featuring the Wonder Woman logo and the iconic Wonder Woman herself.

These slides will retail starting at $44.99 and will be available on islideusa.com.

Toys and Consumer Products revenue lifts as WWE negotiates Coronavirus fall-out

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The chairman and CEO of the sport and entertainment franchise, WWE, has championed the business’ creativity throughout a challenging environment, highlighted a strong performance for the brand in its third quarter financials.

WWE has been among the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic that has rendered live events – the model upon which WWE generates a majority of its income – impossible to maintain to the same volume and capacity of live audiences as pre-Covid times. Despite the impact that has driven a 97 per cent decrease in revenue generated by live events, the organisation remains optimistic.

Consolidated results see the franchise hit third quarter revenue of $221.6 million, an increase of 19 per cent – or $35.3 million – on the same period last year, that has been primarily driven by the growth of core content rights fees in the media segment. This revenue was partially off-set by the loss of ticket and merchandise sales that resulted from the cancellation, postponement and relocation of its live events.

Revenue generated from live events plunged to $0.7 million.

However, the brand’s consumer products sales witnessed a revenue increase of 17 per cent on Q3 2019, taking it to $19.9 million in reflection of increased merchandise sales at the Company’s e-commerce site, WWE Shop, and higher video game and toy royalties. Increased sales via its e-commerce platform substantially off-set the absence of venue merchandise sales resulting from the absence of ticketed audience events in the quarter.

“Our third quarter financial performance was strong and reflected our ongoing creativity in a challenging environment,” said Vince McMahon, WWE chairman and CEO. “We continue to adapt our business, as demonstrated by the creation of WWE ThunderDome, focusing on increasing audience interaction and engagement to support the value of our content globally.”

Kristina Salen, WWE chief financial officer, added: “In the quarter, we delivered revenue of $221.6 million and Adjusted OIBDA of $84.3 million based on increased rights fees for the Company’s flagship programming. With $638 million in cash and short-term investments at quarter-end, we believe WWE has substantial capital resources to manage challenges that may lie ahead and to deliver on key strategic initiatives.”

Net Income for the WWE business was $48.2 million, an increase from $5.8 million in the third quarter 2019, primarily reflecting stronger operating performance.

Evolution USA named American, Australian and New Zealand agency for the LIFE brand

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Meredith Corporation has named Evolution USA as its North America, Australia and New Zealand licensing and brand management agency for the LIFE brand and The LIFE Picture Collection, effective immediately.

In its role, Evolution will actively seek new licensing and brand expansion opportunities for LIFE and its photo archive in a variety of product classifications and consumer experiences, including apparel, accessories, home furnishings, housewares, gifts and collectibles, food and beverage, stationery and paper goods.

Alongside it will also look to roll-out licensing partnerships across brand and artist collaborations, hospitality, location-based entertainment experiences, gaming, and promotions.

“We’re excited to partner with Evolution to bring our iconic brand to new audiences. There’s enormous potential in these images and we can’t wait to share them with the public in creative and innovative ways,” said Jill Golden, director, The LIFE Picture Collection.

 Tom Rowland, vice president of partnerships, licensing and syndication and business affairs, Meredith Corporation, commented: “We are thrilled to be working with the talented and accomplished team at Evolution.

“Their operational expertise, proven relationships, entrepreneurial spirit and passion make them the perfect partner to facilitate unique and highly commercial expansion opportunities for these properties. With their guidance, we look forward to crafting and effectively managing a robust consumer products program for the beloved LIFE brand.”

“The LIFE Picture Collection contains so many stunning visuals, relevant themes and genres. We realized that nothing captures the zeitgeist of the 20th century like LIFE, and as such we see huge potential for consumer products at multiple levels of the market. The entire team at Evolution is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the very talented executives at Meredith to deliver upon their corporate brand expansion vision,” said Travis J. Rutherford, co-founder and chief revenue officer of Evolution.

Themed collections include topics spanning Americana, History, Hollywood, Innovations in Photography, Sports, Science and Tech, Fashion and Music.

Netflix original pre-school series Buddi is returning for a second season this autumn

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Buddi, the Netflix original animated series for early pre-schoolers, is returning for a second season this autumn with industry veteran, Keith Chapman, once again taking the helm alongside Jason Jameson from Unanico Studios.

Buddi is a unique pre-school series which has garnered support and unprecedented feedback from parents who’ve said its on-screen calming effects helps to ease anxious youngsters and those with learning disabilities.

The feedback drove Chapman and Jameson to focus on night-time episodes in the new series, Star and Glowpods, that parents could air for their children ahead of bed time, which is the time when most youngsters have a fear of being in their own bed, have night terrors or need general calming.

Season two consists of eight new episodes in which the five Buddi friends interact with one another working as teams to overcome hurdles and gain confidence as they explore their new-found lands in the world of Buddi. Three new lands include Snowland and Buddi Sands and Buddi stream, which encourage a sense of exploration and curiosity in the young audience.

Chapman said: “There is something very special about Buddi and I’m delighted to be Executive Producer on the second series. What we set out to achieve in delivering a series for families and their children with content that enriches their young minds has exceeded our expectations.

“The first-hand feedback from series one that Buddi soothes little ones who don’t settle easily, but also has episodes which stimulate them with immersive sights, sounds and innovative use of ‘Buddi lands’ has been fantastic. Series two sees us take a further step forward by embracing the positives and delivering even more of that special Buddi magic for tiny minds.”

Additionally, a ten-minute seasonal special sees the Buddi clan enjoying the delights of snow and meet a new [guest] character friend. Drawn on inspiration from the northern lights in Scandinavia, the visual special is a Buddi adventure exploring the starry night sky and snow-covered mountains.

Buddi is a series like no other that gives parents a first content platform for their toddlers to engage with visually – non-dialogue but with familiar sounds such as coo’s and giggles, and more of a focus on music in season two, alongside the bright visual character shapes of the animation, for which it has become renowned.

Smiffys lands Masha and the Bear costumes and tableware through Lisle Licensing deal

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The party and fancy dress specialist, Smiffys has been named the costume and tableware partner for the popular children’s animated IP, Masha and the Bear. The partnership arrives via a deal brokered by Lisle Licensing, the UK licensing agency for Masha and the Bear.

The popular animated series has become a firm favourite with children across the world, and now, thanks to Smiffys latest signing, will be able to delight in a range of officially licensed costumes, scheduled to launch at the start of 2021.

This will be followed by the roll-out of a range of Masha and the Bear tableware. Both will be made available across the UK and Europe.

Smiffys has long been recognised as a leading supplier of fancy-dress costumes, wigs, accessories and make up. The company, originally founded as R H Smith & Sons (Wigmakers) but now more commonly known as Smiffys, is a family-run company and has been in business since 1894.

The firm is proud to design all of its costumes and accessories “in-house” in the UK.

Innovators of licensed plush The London Toy Company is launching ‘huge toy range for 2021’

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The London Toy Company – the plush artists formerly known as High Resolution Design – famed for pushing the envelope of plush design with licenses such as TfL and Harry Potter, has revealed its plans for the non-plush toy space next year.

Founder and director, Joel Berkowitz, has told ToyNews that fans and customers of the brand can expect to witness the launch ‘of a huge range of new toys’ across its existing portfolio of licenses. Products will span the likes of train sets and diecasts, as well as bakewear and squishy toys.

The project has been a top secret one and the work of the London toy Company as it continues to grow in the space, expanding its portfolio of products, designs, and licensing partners along the way. The firm currently holds partnerships with Warner Bros. for its Harry Potter collection of plush toys – brokered via a partnership with Wow! Stuff – Transport for London, and more.

“I can’t share it all right now,” said Berkowitz, “but it is all majorly exciting for us as we continue to grow.”

It was during the UK’s nationwide lockdown period that Berkowitz took the opportunity to evolve the company beyond its High Resolution Design moniker and rebrand as The London Toy Company. In what has been a year of trepidation, Berkowitz’s outfit has managed to achieve both growth and recognition when it took home the SME News Awards for Enterprise’ Best Soft Toy Manufacturer 2020 accolade.

Here, ToyNews catches up with company founder and director, Joel Berkowitz to talk about the successes of the past 10 months.

Hi Joel, it’s good to catch up with you! To kick us off – another award to the company name – Congratulations! Can you talk us through the award win and what this means to you guys? 

Thank you, Rob! Given all we have been through this year, it was an incredible surprise to have won the SME News Awards for Enterprise – Best Soft Toy Manufacturer 2020! We have been recognised for commercialisation, brand partnerships and innovation of our portfolio licenses.

How is the award win reflective of the London Toy Company today, the ‘journey’ that the business has made to date and the strength of the company in 2020?

This award is humbling to know that we are recognised for the work we have been able to accomplish over the last 4/5 years. The diversity, capability and integrity of the team has put us in a really good position in the market and things seem to be snowballing for us!

Over the last few years we’ve seen you guys push the boundaries and innovating in the plush toy aisle further and further. How important is it to you that The London Toy Company keeps pushing that envelope and reinventing the plush category?

When entering any industry, it is important to have a vision of difference. We have created our own niche in the vehicles soft toy category. We’re different to other manufacturers as we avoid character-plush and settle for complex, sometimes near impossible shapes and forms that vehicles typically elude.

We are constantly innovating and developing new toys and finding out what works and doesn’t work so we can streamline our offerings for the marketplace.

You’ve got some big licenses like Harry Potter, Transport for London and JCB on the books – how did these partnerships come about? What do you guys look for in a licensing partnership? What inspires each next step of the business?

Based on our vision for super-realistic vehicle soft toys, we decide to work with brands where there is a gap in the market. We always try to ensure that when entering into an agreement, that it is a fair partnership where expectations can be managed by both parties in a sensible fashion.

We’ve found that our licensors have been very sensitive to us given that we are relative newcomer to the industry and we appreciate their support greatly.

Funnily enough, we were introduced to the guys at Wow! Stuff after a friend of our co-director suggested we think about Harry Potter. I had thought about the idea previously, but were concerned about commitments to Warner Brothers at the time. We ended up producing some samples of the Knight Bus, Hogwarts Express and Ford Anglia and met with Wow! who really went WOW! Our partnership was made official and the toys were born.

How has business been for you guys through 2020? How have you guys adapted to the changes that have been thrown at the industry?

Given the rapid move to even more online shopping, we took the chance to rebrand our company during lockdown. We were previously known as High Resolution Design, but needed something much simpler, fresher and easier to understand for the online consumer.

The London Toy Company couldn’t have been a better fit for us and we are almost finished rolling this out across the business. Our sales with online retailers have skyrocketed and our Harry Potter range has turned things around for us much quicker than we hoped.

One thing that has struck amid the pandemic is the evolution of the consumer and the value they place on play. Where do you think the plush sector fits in today, what are consumers looking for from their plush toys today and how is The London Toy Company delivering that?

With all toys, they have a lifecycle that we are all familiar with. The difference for plush is that often, they are seen as an emotional play item that is comforting and versatile. Sadly, as less consumers visit shops, they don’t get the same interaction online as they would in person.

For the Christmas season, we will have videos with footage produced remotely that pick up on this emotional connection to the toys to help customers understand the product as best as they can.

How are you guys looking as we head into the key Christmas period? How optimistic are you for 2021?

We have been working with a number of influencers to help consumers get a better feel for our toys, right from their living rooms. We have some exciting content that I cannot wait to see.

I think we will see a slower year of growth in ’21 as we play catch-up with franchises and content to work with, but there is plenty for us to be getting on with in the meantime.

What’s the next big move for you guys?

In 2021 we are going to be entering into the non-plush space with the launch of a huge range of new toys within our existing licenses. I can’t share it all right now as they are top secret projects, but they are along the lines of squishy stress toys, train sets and diecast as well as the bakeware and footwear categories. All majorly exciting for us as we continue to grow .

Anything you’d like to add?

Wishing everyone a very safe and prosperous end to this crazy year. Most retailers beat me to it with their Christmas range already on display since August, but here’s to a Merry Christmas and a Happy Chanukkah to all in our fantastic industry!

Strong licensing and kids’ brands presence in DreamToys Top 12 Toys for Christmas listing

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It’s a strong selection of children’s licenses that make up this year’s DreamToys Top 12 Toys for Christmas selection, not only a line-up that underlines a shift towards ‘slow play’ over the course of 2020, but a further lean into the brands and entertainment franchises that parents and families have taken comfort in throughout a rocky past 10 months.

PAW Patrol, Star Wars, Peppa Pig, and Super Mario have all managed to find their place on the big dozen products selected by the DreamToys committee this year, further cementing the intrinsic relationship between the toy and licensing communities and the brands that have powered an industry through a pandemic.

On top of this, it is the ‘slower play’ toys that have come out on top this year, with brands like LEGO, Barbie and Monopoly featuring in a list that has in previous years been dominated by the surge in demand for collectables. Lockdown restrictions and access to shops has fueled a shift in consumer mindset over the course of the coronavirus crisis, with parents making more considered purchases over the ‘fast sell’ pocket money pick ups.

While the list has been revealed to inject some festive spirit into a year mired by lockdowns, social restrictions and economic woes, the coronavirus situation remains present even still. The DreamToys committee has, alongside its listing, released a call to action from the UK’s shoppers to get their Christmas shopping done early, avoid the usual final weeks Christmas dash, and avoid disappointment on missing out on products in short supply.

“We implore consumers not to leave their Christmas shopping to the final few weeks of the year,” explained Gary Grant, chair of the DreamToys selection committee. “Due to Covid-19 restrictions across the country, retailers will simply not be able to service as many people in store due to social distancing.

“In addition, couriers are already overloaded and will struggle to meet the demand to get presents to people before Christmas. Added to this is the limited availability of stock compared to previous years; our advice is to shop early to avoid missing out.”

The DreamToys list is selected by a panel of retailers and industry experts, the list is independent of toy manufacturers and makers.

This year’s Top 12 list is dominated by the big classic toy brands and licenses that have entertained children for generations such as Barbie, Monopoly, Harry Potter, LEGO and Star Wars as well as the massively popular Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, Pokémon and L.O.L Surprise.

The complete Top 12 list is:

5 Surprise Mini Brands Mystery Capsule – Zuru – £6.99

Barbie 3-in-1 DreamCamper – Mattel – £79.99

Harry Potter Hedwig – LEGO – £34.99

LOL Surprise OMG Remix Fashion Doll Asst – MGA Entertainment – £39.99

Laser Battle Hunters Vehicle – Character Options – £59.99

Monopoly For Sore Losers – Hasbro – £22.99

PAW Patrol Dino Rescue Dino Patroller – Spin Master – £64.99

Peppa Pig Peppa’s Shopping Centre – Character Options – £39.99

Pokemon Carry Case Play-Set – Character Options – £39.99

Present Pets Asst – Spin Master – £54.99

Star Wars The Mandalorian The Child “Baby Yoda” – Mattel – £29.99

Super Mario Adventures with Mario Startercourse – LEGO – £49.99

Toys and play has been highlighted as a major form of entertainment for children and families throughout the UK’s period of lockdown, as statistics from the NPD show that toy sales have increased by six per cent on the first nine months of 2020, while Games and Puzzles saw a surge of 32 per cent.

A survey conducted by the Toy Retailers Association of 2,000 parents showed 56 per cent of parents have spent more time playing with their children since lockdown, while 88 per cent felt that toys had helped them bond more closely with their children.

Frederique Tutt, vice president, global industry expert, toys, The NPD Group, said: “Toys and games have proved their value in 2020. As in other markets, Britons turned to toys and games to help fill the long weeks of lockdown.

“For the period of lockdown alone, sales rose by 15 per cent. However, unit sales are down nine per cent for the first nine months of the year. As consumers have not been able to visit stores, sales of lower price point collectables have decreased in favour of ‘slow’ play toys such as those in this year’s DreamToys list.”

Grant added: “This year’s DreamToys Top 12 includes a range of products from classic brands such as Monopoly and Barbie, to popular licenses and innovative new toys to suit all price points. Toys have been an important part of families’ lives during lockdown and we believe many on this list will put a well-deserved smile on faces this Christmas.”

To see the Top 12 in more detail, and the full longlist of DreamToys, consumers can head to the DreamToys Facebook page (www.facebook.com/dreamtoysUK).

Spin Master acquires Rubik’s Brand in move that strengthens its Games & Puzzles portfolio

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The global children’s entertainment company, Spin Master, has reached an agreement to acquire the London-based Rubik’s Brand Ltd, owner of the world famous Rubik’s Cube.

Invented by Ernő Rubik in 1974 and launched globally in 1980, the Rubik’s Cube became a worldwide  craze,selling hundreds of millions of units, and has inspired and challenged both young and old ever since. As a STEM-accredited puzzle, the Rubik’s Cube supports brain development and cognitive skills by allowing  children and adults to use their creativity, while developing and encouraging intelligence.

“The Rubik’s Cube is an iconic puzzle that has permeated pop culture and captivated fans for more than 40 years,” said Elizabeth LoVecchio, Spin Master’s vice president marketing, games. “We are excited for the opportunity to put our marquee innovation on the entire Rubik’s portfolio and expand distribution  through our global footprint.”

Erno Rubik, said: “It is really exciting that Spin Master will continue the legacy of the Rubik’s Cube and fulfill my vision of  nurturing smarter, future generations through play. We chose Spin Master because of  their long-term lens and character.”

Spin Master has been strengthening its position within the games category through acquisitions of new titles and innovative partnerships and collaborations. The Games & Puzzles category is one of the fastest growing super categories in 2020 with families spending more time at home.

Today, Spin Master is the third largest games company in the United States.

“There are many growth opportunities for Spin Master with the Rubik’s brand as we transition to a  blended model of direct sales in combination with existing partners globally,” said Anton Rabie, Spin  Master’s chairman and co-CEO. “Our games division has continuously grown over the past decade and is  a cornerstone of Spin Master’s diversified portfolio. The addition of the legendary Rubik’s Cube to our  roster of games is a historic moment and we are honored to continue the legacy.”

The acquisition of Rubik’s Brand Ltd marks Spin Master’s 22nd acquisition since the company was founded  in 1994 and 12th since its initial public offering in 2015. The transaction is expected to close on January 4,  2021.

Disney’s first Mando Monday reveals swathe of new Mandalorian products, including a new scene-stealing The Child plush

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It was a new remote-control plush version of The Child – affectionately otherwise known as Baby Yoda – from Mattel that stole the show when Disney Consumer Products and Lucasfilm finally lifted the lid on a swathe of new Star Wars toys and products during its first ever Mando Monday this week.

Star Wars fans from across the globe tuned into a special Star Wars Mando Monday digital event yesterday (Monday, October 26th) where acting talent from Disney’s The Mandalorian, including Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers and Giancarlo Esposito, revealed the latest products and digital content to arrive, inspired by the series.

However, it was Mattel’s new plush The Child that outshone them all, as the global consumer product event revealed the latest in products, games, and publishing to arrive from Disney Consumer Products and its global portfolio of licensing partners.

Mattel’s Real Moves Plush allows fans to assume control of the Child through the use of a wrist strap remote control unit featuring a joystick, in order to make him spin around, move his ears, head and arms, play hide and seek, make sounds and more.

The new launch was one among over 60 new toy product reveals that included launches from Star Wars licensing partners Hasbro, Funko, Sideshow Collectables, Bandai, Diamond Select Toy, and more. Mando Mondays is an all new global consumer products, games, and publishing programme that will debut new goods inspired by the Disney+ series every Monday from now until December 21st.

Products now available for pre-order include the Star Wars Retro Collection from Hasbro, the The Child Real Moves Plush from Mattel, a Mandalorian Flying with Blaster bobblehead from Funko and The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian from ABRAMS.

A new line of skateboards, accessories and apparel inspired by The Mandalorian are also available now from Element, and starting this week, new themed content is coming to multiple Star Wars games such as the recently launched Star Wars: Squadrons from Motive.

Speaking at the event, Paul Southern, senior vice president, licensing and franchise, Lucasfilm, said: “Today’s global digital event celebrates the first of many Mando Mondays to come.

“Over the course of the next eight weeks, we look forward to unveiling the widest assortment yet of highly anticipated products and digital content inspired by beloved characters and moments from The Mandalorian.”

Fans can check out the full list of products revealed on MandoMondays.com and catch a replay of today’s event on Star Wars YouTube.

Stay tuned to MandoMondays.com each Monday through December 21 for the latest new reveals, interviews, videos and more and join the conversation via social media with #MandoMondays.

Jazwares to launch The Smurfs master toy line in 2022 as Belgian franchise looks for revival with kids

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Jazwares has been named the global master toy partner for the popular animated franchise, The Smurfs. The toymaker will develop a new toy line inspired by the classic Belgian franchise, with plans for a 2022 launch.

The partnership is part of International Merchandising Promotions & Services plans to revive the internationally popular brand for today’s generation of children.

Created by Pierre Culliford (known as Peyo), The Smurfs first appeared in 1958 as a comic strip running in the Belgian magazine, Spirou. The brand quickly became a runaway success, and in the decades since, The Smurfs have permeated every aspect of pop culture, evolving into one of the world’s most beloved family brands.

Jazwares’ Smurfs toy line will include plush, figures, and playsets featuring the eternally young, little blue imps and their mushroom village that fans of the classic franchise will immediately recognize.

“The Smurfs is an evergreen franchise with a rich history and timeless values that has ignited children’s curiosity and creativity for decades,” said Laura Zebersky, chief commercial officer at Jazwares. “We are looking forward to working with IMPS to create a toy line that appeals to today’s kids while also capturing the nostalgia that other generations feel for the brand.”

Véronique Culliford, president and founder of IMPS / Lafig and daughter of Peyo, added: “I am extremely proud of this beautiful partnership with Jazwares. It is a family company like ours that advocates for the same human values. I’m sure that with their legendary creativity, many beautiful toys will invade the world to the joy of young and old children.”