Category Archives: Entertainment

Shaquille O’Neal to star in and executive produce Genius Brands animated series, Shaq’s Garage

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NBA legend, Shaquille O’Neal has partnered with Genius Brands International to executive produce a new animated comedy series for kids called Shaq’s Garage. The series will star Shaq as it follows the secret adventures of hi extraordinary collection of cars, trucks and automobiles.

O’Neal joins a team of executive producers on the show, made up of Genius Brands, PRP and ABG Entertainment. Through the partnership, O’Neal also becomes a shareholder in Genius Brands.

Shaq’s Garage will depict the adventures of O’Neal’s collection of vehicles, all of which have unique attributes, intellects, and skills ranging from musical stylings, Shaq Fu, and their mastery of the ultra-secret language of Shaqanese and the Shaqtionary.

Whether in Sheijing on a secret mission or visiting an ancient shrine in the lost city of Shaqmandu, each story will be as special as the vehicles and Shaquille himself.

“We challenged ourselves to come up with the most exciting storylines and vehicle designs inspired by Toy Story, Tony Stark, and 007!, that could only be imagined by ‘Big Diesel,’ himself,” stated Genius Brands Chairman & CEO Andy Heyward. “The lead vehicle is named Big Diesel and will be voiced by Shaq.”

O’Neal said: “Ever since I was a kid I have been fascinated by cars. I’m so excited to bring this series to life with Genius Brands. We plan to showcase the most amazing, tricked out assortment of vehicles that can only be found in my garage.

“They will all have larger than life personalities, larger than life missions and of course, larger than life sound systems. One of our cars is a vehicle missing a wheel, but she is as strong, fast, and smart as any other vehicle. This will be a kid’s show which will highlight inclusivity for all.”

Heyward continued: “Through comedy and adventure, we will showcase strong and diverse characters as positive role models with purposeful storytelling. This is going to be a special show that touches every button–music, adventure, humor, and positive prideful messaging for kids.

“I have known and admired Shaq for many years and am thrilled that we can come together to make this important show for all kids around the world, and Shaq will become a part of the Genius Brands family.”

Shaq’s Garage is slated to premiere in early 2022 on the new free digital Kartoon Channel!, which launched on June 15, 2020, and is available in over 100 Million U.S. television households across multiple AVOD and OTT platforms. Kartoon Channel! is a COPPA-compliant free children’s programming service focused on positive entertainment.

Scottish board game company lands Rangers FC, Chelsea FC and The Open licensing partnerships

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The Scottish board gaming company, Taxi Game, has launched a raft of new titles under its Taxi! trivia board game range, with the addition of three new sports-themed editions for Rangers FC, Chelsea FC, and The Open, as well as two destination-themed games for Liverpool and Greater Manchester.

The launch follows the recent success of the company’s Edinburgh, Glasgow, Celtic, Scottish Rugby and London edition that have sold with ‘rocketing success’ over the course of the year, as lockdown measures across the UK have forced families to take up new hobbies while spending more time at home.

Taxi Game has also stated that the games have found an appeal among fans who are currently missing live sport.

Each Taxi! trivia board game tests players’ knowledge of a particular destination or sport and includes alternative general knowledge questions. The better a player’s knowledge, the more tips they collect and the more money they earn.

The trivia game, which now boasts 18 different editions, was invented five years ago by former taxi driver Derek Carroll, who came up with the idea while sitting on the taxi rank one winter’s evening waiting on his next fare. The game is based on the working life of a taxi driver with players travelling around the board, picking up passengers,  receiving a ‘tip’ based on their ability to answer trivia questions about that city, sports team or general knowledge.

There are also opportunities to ‘sound off’ like a cabbie, a moment in the game in which players are given a subject to talk about for 30 seconds with six key words that you have to identify, the more included, the more they can earn.

Gordon Drysdale, one of the company’s founding directors, said: “As a result of the coronavirus lockdown, many people have gone back to basics, spending more time with their family and friends, and playing board games together has been a popular and fun past-time.

“Games such as Taxi! also impart useful facts and general knowledge about a destination or sports team which stays with you long after the game is finished. We have seen a significant rise in game sales in the last six months, and it’s fantastic to be adding to our existing range of games with the launch of these new editions.”

The benefits of board games appear to go beyond simply entertainment and connecting as a group. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have recently suggested that playing board games can help to improve thinking skills in the elderly, with a range of cognitive health benefits well into old age.

The Taxi Game company is now at what it calls “an exciting point in its development”, with a long line of clubs and different sports in the UK and further afield, looking to partner up in 2021.

The directors are now looking for further investment to help them realise the opportunities in front of them and are in discussions with potential investors.

Egmont Magazines launches new Power Rangers title based on new Beast Morphers series

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Egmont Magazines is expanding its licensed primary boys’ portfolio with the launch of Power Rangers magazine, based on the new Beast Morphers series.

The new magazine launched on October 21st making its debut with exclusive Power Rangers comic strips, created by Egmont, as well as inside info on the rangers and their skills. Each issue will come with puzzles, posters, and competitions, as well as come accompanied by a Power Rangers gift developed in collaboration with Hasbro.

Egmont’s Kiran Vara, said: “We know that kids and parents alike love Power Rangers, and we’re thrilled to be able to bring the larger-than-life feel of the brand to print.

“The magazine’s content really is bursting with the Power Rangers’ trademark feel-good adventure and humour, and we know that our readers will love feeling like one of the team with the help of the Power Rangers branded gift on every issue.”

Sony Consumer Products’ hit TV series Outlander moves into jewellery with Aurora Jewellery

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Aurora Jewellery has launched an official Outlander collection of jewellery thanks to its partnership with Sony Consumer Products brokered by WildBrain CPLG. Having been developed over recent months by the experts at Auora, the range is now available in outlets across Scotland.

Steven Cooper, owner of Aurora Jewellery, said: “We were delighted to be approached by WildBrain CPLG and invited to collaborate on an Outlander collection. Our existing range of jewellery and tartans are greatly inspired by the islands’ history and culture, so the Outlander theme was the perfect fit for us. And, since we are also fans of the series, it has been an absolute pleasure to work on the new range.”

Laura Quinn, category manager UK, at WildBrain CPLG, added: “We are so excited to see the Outlander collaboration with Aurora Jewellery launch. Aurora Jewellery has created a wonderful collection, which reflects Scottish style and design beautifully, and is the perfect gift for any Outlander fan.”

The great success of the series is believed to be responsible for the recent surge in visitors to Scotland and also contributing to a boost in the textiles industry. Outlander boasts its very own unique tartan, registered by the Scottish Tartan Authority and owned by Sony Pictures.

The show attracts a worldwide audience and enjoys a very passionate fan base. It follows the story of a time-travelling 20th century doctor Claire Fraser and her 18th century Highlander husband Jamie Fraser.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Aurora Jewellery to bring their unique and authentic handcrafted designs to Outlander fans around the world and people who visit Scotland’s many Outlander tourist locations,” said Jamie Stevens, EVP, worldwide consumer products, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“Our strategy is always to put our fans first and it is important to us to work with licensees who are fans themselves and can champion our brands – and we have found that with the talented team at Aurora Jewellery. Created in the beautiful Orkney Islands, Aurora Jewellery is uniquely suited to offer the Outlander fans product they want. We hope that this program will lead to more amazing products and licensees to come on board.”

The full range of Aurora silver, gold and diamond jewellery is available in their shops: in Albert Street, Kirkwall; Rotterdam Street, Thurso; and Commercial Street, Lerwick. It is also available online at www.aurora-jewellery.co.uk

TeamTo acquires TV, film, and licensing rights to fantastical graphic novel series Ninn

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TeamTo has acquired the television, film, and licensing rights to NINN, a popular series of graphic novels by Jean-Michel Darlot and Johan Pilet, marking the content producer’s first foray into limited series animation for the seven years plus market.

NINN follows the stories of the young Parisian girl, Ninn, who has an unusual passion for the city’s underground, Paris Metro. Skateboarding through its tunnels is her favourite hobby, where she encounters all manner of fantastical happenings, such as swarms of butterflies visible only to herself, or an origami tiger that guides her on her search for the secrets of her past.

Despite her father’s concerns, Ninn and the tiger explore every dark tunnel and abandoned station, eager to uncover the clues and connections she has been searching for her whole life.

“As soon as I saw the first album, I immediately felt attracted to its graphic design style, which is both classic and fantastical,” said TeamTo executive producer, Corinne Kouper.

“I fell in love with the independent and free-thinking spirit of this little urban girl on the platform of the Paris Metro, visibly protected by her large and warm white tiger. I also liked the idea of Ninn roaming freely through the underground tunnels on her skateboard as if it were her bedroom, and her unique and touching relationship with her two dads.”

Mary Bredin, TeamTo creative development executive, added: “Stories that are grounded in locations are really appealing to me and this one is set in the Paris Metro – how surprising and intriguing is that?!

“Our hero’s story is at once unbelievable and yet so relatable. Adapting graphic novels is a bit of a trend right now but I think it is because they play in a darker, more dramatic space which provides a depth that isn’t normally present in a lot of animated series.”

Jean-Michel Darlot, author of Ninn, commented: “I have definitely been influenced by Miyazaki in finding the magical in the ordinary, and I have always been inspired by the Paris Metro. This is where the story comes from, the Metro is not just a means of transportation. It has its own personality and we portray it as a character in our story – a character with some secrets of its own.”

Published by boutique Belgian publisher Kennes Éditions, the series was written by Jean-Michel Darlot and illustrated by Belgian artist Johan Pilet. To date, four graphic novels have been distributed in France, Belgium and Canada, with over 100,000 copies sold in France; a fifth and sixth novel of the series are in production.

LEGO unveils 123 Sesame Street set through LEGO Ideas and Sesame Workshop partnership

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The LEGO Group has lifted the lid and taken us all on a trip down Sesame Street, as it prepares to launch its LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street building set. Voted for by LEGO fans the world over, the set is the latest product from the LEGO Ideas collection.

Created with all the elements of 123 Sesame Street, the new set is packed with authentic details from the famous New York City neighbourhood. From Bert and Ernie’s apartment, to Big Bird’s nest, where the grown-ups finally met Mr. Snuffleupagus in person – builders can now live out some of Sesame Street’s most memorable moments.

LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street allows fans to pass by Hooper’s Store, Oscar the Grouch’s trash can, and plenty other quintessential Sesame Street locations. The set includes a cast of exclusive buildable minifigures that have been created specifically for the set, including Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Big Bird.

The new LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street set is part of the LEGO Ideas collection, which offers fans the opportunity to submit their own brick creations with the chance to have their concept brought to life with the help of LEGO master designers and a share of the profits.

123 Sesame Street is the result of the artistic efforts of LEGO enthusiast Ivan Guerrero, who said: “As a long-time fan of the LEGO Group and Sesame Street, it has been a dream come true to be able to merge my two passions into a memorable set for fellow builders to enjoy.

“LEGO bricks and Sesame Street shaped both my childhood and adult years, and the opportunity to work with the LEGO Ideas team to bring this quintessential New York street to life has been thrilling.”

Federico Begher, VP of global marketing at The LEGO Group, added: “We were instantly drawn to Ivan’s idea, as we had never created an official LEGO product with Sesame Street before. It was clear from the submission that Ivan is passionate about Sesame Street and he really brought it to life with the wide array of characters and bright, classic colours.

“For the first time in the history of LEGO Ideas, we also had the opportunity to create brand new minifigures for a set – bringing something new and exciting to our LEGO fans.

“Knowing the impact Sesame Street has had on the world for decades, sharing similar values with generations past and present, this felt like an exciting way to blend novelty with nostalgia, and pay homage to the truly iconic 123 Sesame Street through LEGO Ideas.”

Gabriela Arena, Sesame Workshop’s vice president of licensing, North America, added: “Your imagination and creativity can take you places—and with the help of LEGO Ideas, it’s now transporting fans to Sesame Street where you’re never too old for a playdate.”,

The new set weights in at 1,367 LEGO pieces, measuring 24 cm high, 35cm wide, and 21cm deep. LEGO® 123 Sesame Street will be available directly via LEGO.com and LEGO Stores from 1st November.

LEGO unveils 123 Sesame Street set through LEGO Ideas and Sesame Workshop partnership

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The LEGO Group has lifted the lid and taken us all on a trip down Sesame Street, as it prepares to launch its LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street building set. Voted for by LEGO fans the world over, the set is the latest product from the LEGO Ideas collection.

Created with all the elements of 123 Sesame Street, the new set is packed with authentic details from the famous New York City neighbourhood. From Bert and Ernie’s apartment, to Big Bird’s nest, where the grown-ups finally met Mr. Snuffleupagus in person – builders can now live out some of Sesame Street’s most memorable moments.

LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street allows fans to pass by Hooper’s Store, Oscar the Grouch’s trash can, and plenty other quintessential Sesame Street locations. The set includes a cast of exclusive buildable minifigures that have been created specifically for the set, including Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Big Bird.

The new LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street set is part of the LEGO Ideas collection, which offers fans the opportunity to submit their own brick creations with the chance to have their concept brought to life with the help of LEGO master designers and a share of the profits.

123 Sesame Street is the result of the artistic efforts of LEGO enthusiast Ivan Guerrero, who said: “As a long-time fan of the LEGO Group and Sesame Street, it has been a dream come true to be able to merge my two passions into a memorable set for fellow builders to enjoy.

“LEGO bricks and Sesame Street shaped both my childhood and adult years, and the opportunity to work with the LEGO Ideas team to bring this quintessential New York street to life has been thrilling.”

Federico Begher, VP of global marketing at The LEGO Group, added: “We were instantly drawn to Ivan’s idea, as we had never created an official LEGO product with Sesame Street before. It was clear from the submission that Ivan is passionate about Sesame Street and he really brought it to life with the wide array of characters and bright, classic colours.

“For the first time in the history of LEGO Ideas, we also had the opportunity to create brand new minifigures for a set – bringing something new and exciting to our LEGO fans.

“Knowing the impact Sesame Street has had on the world for decades, sharing similar values with generations past and present, this felt like an exciting way to blend novelty with nostalgia, and pay homage to the truly iconic 123 Sesame Street through LEGO Ideas.”

Gabriela Arena, Sesame Workshop’s vice president of licensing, North America, added: “Your imagination and creativity can take you places—and with the help of LEGO Ideas, it’s now transporting fans to Sesame Street where you’re never too old for a playdate.”,

The new set weights in at 1,367 LEGO pieces, measuring 24 cm high, 35cm wide, and 21cm deep. LEGO® 123 Sesame Street will be available directly via LEGO.com and LEGO Stores from 1st November.

ViacomCBS details raft of UK partners for Blue’s Clues & You following ‘overwhelming demand’

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With a master toy line already in the works from the global toy company, Just Play, Nick Jr’s hit pre-school series Blue’s Clues & You has now confirmed a raft of UK partners that include Kids Designs, Imagine8, and Kimm & Miller.

The news of the latest signings was announced during the Festival of Licensing’s Americas week by ViacomCBS Consumer Products, vice president for the UK and Ireland, Venetia Davie. It supports a major licensing programme for the property that is now scheduled to hit shelves in July 2021.

Earlier this year, VCP partnered with Just Play to develop a master toy line for the pre-school series. The toy line, targeting pre-schoolers aged two to five years old, includes plush and interactive toys, developed to ‘enhance the key brand attributes to translate success from screen to shelves across the UK.’

Additional partners for Blue’s Clues & You now include Kid Designs for consumer electronics, Imagine8 on accessories and Kimm & Miller who will work on novelty food gifting.

Meanwhile, Fashion UK, who also partners with VCP for PAW Patrol: The Movie, will cover daywear, while Character World will focus on bedding and Amscan on costume and dress up.

In the publishing space, Egmont have acquired the UK rights for Blue’s Clues & You! themed magazines and Signature Gifts on personalised books.

Since launching in April this year in the UK, Blue’s Clues & You! has quickly become a key driver for Nick Jr. The show now ranks as the number fourth show on the channel, only behind ratings juggernauts PAW Patrol and Peppa Pig as well as recently launched The Adventures of Paddington.

A remake of the curriculum-driven interactive series Blue’s Clues, Blue’s Clues & You! follows Blue as she invites viewers to join her and the host Josh on a clue-led adventure and solve a puzzle in each episode. With each signature paw print, Blue identifies clues in her animated world that propel the story and inspire the audience to interact with the characters.

“It’s indicative of the huge popularity of Blue’s Clues & You! that toys and products have been in such overwhelming demand since the series relaunched earlier this year,” said Davie.

“It’s fantastic that Just Play is on board as master toy licensee, and I cannot wait to see how they, together with our other partners, turn Blue and her universe into toys and playthings for this next generation to enjoy.”

Blue’s Clues & You! will be launching this month on Channel 5’s Milkshake! with a second season heading to Nick Jr. in November and a third season already greenlit for 2021.

The property is also available in different formats, including a dedicated YouTube channel which received over 98M global views between March and July this year alone and the Storytime with Josh & Blue podcast which launched this summer on Spotify, reaching over 100k people in just three weeks.

ViacomCBS details raft of UK partners for Blue’s Clues & You following ‘overwhelming demand’

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With a master toy line already in the works from the global toy company, Just Play, Nick Jr’s hit pre-school series Blue’s Clues & You has now confirmed a raft of UK partners that include Kids Designs, Imagine8, and Kimm & Miller.

The news of the latest signings was announced during the Festival of Licensing’s Americas week by ViacomCBS Consumer Products, vice president for the UK and Ireland, Venetia Davie. It supports a major licensing programme for the property that is now scheduled to hit shelves in July 2021.

Earlier this year, VCP partnered with Just Play to develop a master toy line for the pre-school series. The toy line, targeting pre-schoolers aged two to five years old, includes plush and interactive toys, developed to ‘enhance the key brand attributes to translate success from screen to shelves across the UK.’

Additional partners for Blue’s Clues & You now include Kid Designs for consumer electronics, Imagine8 on accessories and Kimm & Miller who will work on novelty food gifting.

Meanwhile, Fashion UK, who also partners with VCP for PAW Patrol: The Movie, will cover daywear, while Character World will focus on bedding and Amscan on costume and dress up.

In the publishing space, Egmont have acquired the UK rights for Blue’s Clues & You! themed magazines and Signature Gifts on personalised books.

Since launching in April this year in the UK, Blue’s Clues & You! has quickly become a key driver for Nick Jr. The show now ranks as the number fourth show on the channel, only behind ratings juggernauts PAW Patrol and Peppa Pig as well as recently launched The Adventures of Paddington.

A remake of the curriculum-driven interactive series Blue’s Clues, Blue’s Clues & You! follows Blue as she invites viewers to join her and the host Josh on a clue-led adventure and solve a puzzle in each episode. With each signature paw print, Blue identifies clues in her animated world that propel the story and inspire the audience to interact with the characters.

“It’s indicative of the huge popularity of Blue’s Clues & You! that toys and products have been in such overwhelming demand since the series relaunched earlier this year,” said Davie.

“It’s fantastic that Just Play is on board as master toy licensee, and I cannot wait to see how they, together with our other partners, turn Blue and her universe into toys and playthings for this next generation to enjoy.”

Blue’s Clues & You! will be launching this month on Channel 5’s Milkshake! with a second season heading to Nick Jr. in November and a third season already greenlit for 2021.

The property is also available in different formats, including a dedicated YouTube channel which received over 98M global views between March and July this year alone and the Storytime with Josh & Blue podcast which launched this summer on Spotify, reaching over 100k people in just three weeks.

Wallace & Gromit head to Kickstarter and Aardman and The Vine Lab celebrate 25 years of A Close Shave

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Wallace & Gromit is heading to the crowdfunding platform, Kickstarter in a bid to bring to life a detailed collectors’ model to celebrate the silver anniversary of the Academy Award winning short film, Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave.

The project is the combined work of Aardman and The Vine Lab, who together are looking to celebrate the 1995 film, the third in director Nick Park’s trilogy, recognised as the team’s most ambitious project to date.

Designed using rare production images from the making of the film, the intricately detailed, silver-effect model will depict the moment that Gromit flies into the air in his sidecar plane at the end of the sequence that ultimately leads to the demise of the film’s villain, Preston.

The model will include a host of special features to add to its collectability, including limited edition numbering and a unique Aardman fingerprint signature.

In a nod the film’s original release date, there will be just 1,995 models available as part of the special edition release. However, in order to make the concept a reality, The Vine Lab is asking fans to pledge their interest in securing one of the unique models via Kickstarter.

The site will be live from 22nd October and will remain open for just 35 days, or until all the models have been claimed.

Pledgers will not only get their hands on one of the ultra-rare anniversary models but, in a first for Wallace & Gromit fans, will also be invited to become a vital part of the product development team. Throughout the project, fans who back the campaign will be able to see how the product develops as well as gain access to never-seen-before seen photos and videos from the original production.

Merlin Crossingham, creative director of Wallace & Gromit said: “We are really excited to have teamed up with The Vine Lab to create a very special 25th anniversary collectable. It’s obvious to us that the team at The Vine Lab are huge fans of our work and they have crammed in all of the amazing detail we expect from our models into this collectable and the packaging.

“We are so pleased to offer something truly unique to our fans and know that they will value getting involved in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

There are a number of pledge packages available across various price brackets, each offering buyers the opportunity to access original sketches and unseen behind-the-scenes content from the making of the film.

Early-bird prices for the model start at £225, and come complete with white handling gloves, a certificate of authenticity, a storyboard print, behind the scenes art cards, and an acknowledgement in the end credits. In addition, there are five deluxe packages available for £2,500, which include an illustration signed by Nick Park, The Making Of book signed by Merlin Crossingham, and the money-can’t-buy opportunity for pledgers to receive an Aardman model of themselves.

Emma Beeson, co-founder of The Vine Lab, commented: “At The Vine Lab, we live and breathe pop culture and are huge fans of Aardman.

“We have worked painstakingly to recreate Gromit’s plane using hundreds of archived images and rare footage in order to guarantee an intricately detailed collectors’ model that we know will appeal to film fans, collectors and investors alike. We’re looking forward to working alongside our pledgers to create something truly unique.”

Pledges will be open until 26th November via: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thevinelab/wallace-and-gromit-a-close-shave-collectors-model