Category Archives: Highlight

Sesame Workshop rolls out new content for its Caring for Each Other platform

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Building on its launch last week of the Caring for Each Other initiative, Sesame Workshop is rolling out new content to help families stay physically and mentally healthy as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

Today’s release on SesameStreet.org/caring includes animations on healthy habits, resources providing comfort, and activities that caregivers can use to spark learning in areas like reading, math, science, and more. The animated spots – which will be available in 19 languages – include Elmo’s new Washy Wash song, as well as Sesame Street Muppets learning how to sneeze properly.

New messages of love, kindness, and fun will be posted on a regular basis on Sesame Street social media channels, including Snack Time with Cookie Monster, Singalong with Elmo, Move & Groove with Abby Cadabby and Grover, and Story Time with Alan.

“Sesame Street is there for children and families whether it’s a sunny day or a stormy one, and unfortunately many families are facing unprecedented challenges right now,” said Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, senior vice president of US social impact, Sesame Workshop.

“Through Caring for Each Other, we’re committed to supporting families for the duration of this crisis and beyond – equipping them with the tools they need to get through this together and look to the future with hope and optimism.”

The new animated spots will be distributed through a wide range of partners in the US and globally, including HBO, PBS KIDS and local PBS stations, Univision, the Ad Council, YouTube, Sesame Street in Communities partners, and international broadcast partners.

They will be available in the coming days in languages including English, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Bangla, Dutch, Dari, German, Hausa, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Kurdish, Mandarin, Pashto, Portuguese, Rohingya, Somali, Swahili, and additional dialects.

“As families around the world adjust to their new realities, parents and caregivers are looking for help in creating new routines, staying healthy, and fostering learning at home,” said Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, senior vice president of curriculum and content, Sesame Workshop.

“At Sesame Workshop, we’re here to support the caring adults in children’s lives as they help their children navigate these challenging times.”

The Caring for Each Other initiative was launched last week in response to the unprecedented uncertainty facing young children and families. SesameStreet.org/caring will be updated to meet the needs of families as the situation evolves on an ongoing basis, with resources designed to help parents provide comfort and manage anxiety, as well as help with creating routines, fostering playful learning at home, and staying physically and mentally healthy.

Postponed Olympic and Paralympic Games to keep Tokyo 2020 trademark for merchandise and licensing partners

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The postponed Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 are to maintain their trademarked names in a bid to alleviate concerns around merchandise and licensing partnerships, despite the event being moved to 2021 amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The International Olympic Committee and the 2020 Games’ host nation, Tokyo, reached the decision last week to postpone the global events scheduled to take place this summer as the world continued to deal with the ongoing issue of the coronavirus.

The weighty decision was the subject of much speculation in the weeks leading up to the announcement, as it faced major reluctance to not hold the Olympics and Paralympic Games in Tokyo this year. The move has marked an unprecedented course of action as this is the first time in its 124 year modern history that the Olympic Games has been delayed.

The games have before been cancelled altogether in 1916, 1940 and 1944 during World War One and World War Two.

Among the many elements surrounding the Olympic and Paralympic Games to be affected by the decision, of course, are its many merchandise and licensing partners now in various stages of development, production, and distribution of the official Tokyo 2020 consumer products.

A spokesperson from the IOC told Licensing.biz that while conversations with licensees have only just started, what is known is that the Games “will keep the name Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, so that the trademarks are not changed.”

“We are, of course, working in close collaboration with all of our licensees to ensure the success of their respective collections launch,” they said.

“As you certainly know this is an unprecedented situation and the first time in Olympic history that the Games will be postponed.”

The IOC intends to keep the industry updated on developments.

Opinion: How will we adapt to a post-coronavirus economy? – Trudi Bishop

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By the time this goes to print the state of the COVID-19 pandemic will be in a very different place than it is now so bear with me.

We are experiencing unprecedented times. The pandemic is not just affecting the health of the global population, but it is also having an effect on the health and wellbeing of the planet as a whole. Due to the various lockdowns we have seen a significant reduction in air pollution over these countries. To give some context (but not wanting to downplay the significance of the pandemic), according to WHO, air pollution kills almost 7million people every year. But this barely gets a mention in people’s conversations or on the news.

Every day our children walk to school they breathe in the poisons from our commuters’ cars (it’s also worth recognising children in buggies are at the same height as a car exhaust) yet we don’t seem to find social media meme’s saying ‘stay safe’ for our kids but simply accept this is how life is.

With the sudden and exponential onset of COVID-19 we are seeing businesses having to rethink their whole way of operating. Working from home has become the ‘right and safe thing to do’. Amazon has stopped all ‘non-essential’ deliveries. With these small changes we will see an immediate positive effect on our children’s wellbeing.

Beyond this, as public events, sports and schools close we will be ‘forced’ to spend more time with each other as families. This may be a little daunting for some, but it can also be seen as an opportunity. We have the chance to reconnect with our children and allow life to slow down to really think on what is important. As the UK is not in full lock down it also allows us to reconnect with, notice and appreciate nature.

The ‘business as usual’ mentality has had to change in light of this tragedy. Attitudes to our consumption behaviour have changed whether through necessity (due to lack of goods) or due to focussing on our health and wellbeing. And despite the selfish act of stockpiling by many people, it has also brought out the good in humanity. We have neighbourhoods looking out for the elderly and housebound by buying and delivering goods for them. Behaviour has changed and it is the more positive results of the pandemic that I hope we can show children on how society really can be.

But what happens once the pandemic passes and business as usual returns? The economic scars could be long and deep. There will be the temptation (as we see in China already loosening rules on pollution) to ramp up production and put the long-term negative effects on the environment aside for short term monetary gain to get us all ‘back on track’.

Surely as we all have to rethink how we work, live and shop, this presents us with the opportunity to make the permanent and systematic shift toward a better future, giving us a very real chance of saving humanity and the precious environment.

We owe it to our children and we owe it to ourselves.

Products of Change Group supports The Insights People’s first UK industry report to track sustainability

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The Products of Change Group is supporting The Insights People in producing the industry’s first ever annual UK report – one that will track the consumer products and licensing industry, and capture data around sustainability for the first time.

The report will be based on results of surveying professionals who work across the kids and licensed industry.

The initiative has been launched amid rapid and fundamental changes across the kids’ industry, and a response from The Insights People, who states it has seen the speed and significance of the changes first hand, from consumers purchasing behaviours to the increased awareness of climate change, sustainable products, and currently with COVID-19.

Industry colleagues have been invited to take part in the survey which will analyse individual’s confidence levels and explore how their business is changing. All respondents receiving a complimentary copy of the report. The survey will take approximately 5-8 minutes to complete.

Nick Richardson, CEO The Insights People, said: “There is no doubt that all aspects of the kid’s industry are going through fundamental changes at the moment. The comforting news for you is no matter if you are in Entertainment, FMCG, Policy, Publishing, Retail, Sports or even Toy industry, the feedback is the same: ‘we are in a state of flux – these will no doubt be challenging times for some, and exciting times for others.’

“By taking part in this study it will enable individuals to share their opinions and see how they compare and contrast with their peers.”

Helena Mansell-Stopher, founder of Products of Change, added: “For us to implement sustainable change within the industry we first need to understand where we currently track as an industry, what our ambitions are and our knowledge around the subject. 

“We can then put in place an industry wide plan that we collectively work towards achieving. Together we can drive change.”

Take part in the survey here.

eOne’s Ricky Zoom speeds onto Channel 5’s Milkshake this April

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Ricky Zoom, the newest animated pre-school IP from Entertainment One, is preparing to speed onto Channel 5’s multi-platform pre-school block, Milkshake, where is will air daily from April 20th this year.

To crank up excitement around the show’s terrestrial launch in the UK, Milkshake! is supporting with pre-promotional on-air exposure and social media support nearer the time of TX.

Entertainment One is backing its latest pre-school property with an investment in PR and digital marketing activity to drive tune-in. Building on the company’s previous success with music releases for Peppa Pig and PJ Masks, eOne is readying the digital release of three Ricky Zoom songs that will include an extended version of the theme tune and two all-new original songs.

The new songs will be available on streaming platforms from mid-April. A nationwide influencer outreach campaign spanning parenting influencers, with a combined platform of 1.2 million across the UK, will promote the positive brand values of fun and family to encourage co-viewing.

“Adding to our existing strong roster of international broadcasters we’re thrilled to be bringing Ricky Zoom to the number one weekday pre-school destination in the UK,” said eOne’s Monica Candiani, EVP, content sales, family and brands.

“The show is full of enjoyable all-bike adventures that will ignite young imaginations and we look forward to introducing the colourful world of Wheelford to future fans in the UK ahead of the consumer products rollout later this year.”

The launch of Ricky Zoom on Channel 5 follows a strong debut for the show last autumn on Nick Jr. in the UK where it has been viewed by nearly 1.5 million to date. The show will join Nick Jr.’s promotional slate in Easter with a seasonal episode special set to air for audiences during the school holidays.

The growing broadcast exposure will drive awareness for Ricky Zoom as eOne builds up to the consumer products rollout in autumn which will see additional toys released by master toy partner, TOMY.

Angry Birds lands on Netflix with new animated series scheduled for 2021

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Rovio Entertainment has struck a new partnership with Netflix and CAKE that will see a new animated series Angry Birds: Summer Madness land on the streaming platform next year.

Based on the world of Angry Birds, the run of 40 new 11 minute episodes will debut in 2021 and take its cue from the humour and tone of The Angry Birds Movie franchise. It will however, fly onto screens with a ‘fresh new look.’

The new deal marks the latest collaboration in a long-term partnership between CAKE and Rovio, which includes the international distribution rights to Rovio’s library of non-dialogue short form animation.

Ed Galton, CCO and managing director at CAKE, said: “Angry Birds are about to smash the small screen and we are thrilled to be making the journey with Netflix as our global partner.”

Ville Heijari, CMO at Rovio, added: “Angry Birds animated content plays a key role in our long-term franchise strategy. After more than a decade in hit games, blockbuster movies and licensed products, this is the Angry Birds’ first foray into a long-form series.

“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with CAKE and can’t wait to unveil the world of Angry Birds: Summer Madness to viewers on Netflix.”

Curtis Lelash, director of Original Animated Series Netflix, concluded: “Angry Birds has been a true phenomenon for kids around the world and we’re excited to bring them home to thee nest at Netflix where they will be angrier and bird-ier than ever.”

Surge in Disney+ subscribers amid global lockdown boosts demand for Hasbro’s ‘Baby Yoda’

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The surge in subscribers to Disney+ amid global coronavirus lockdown measures has already provided a boost to Hasbro’s licensed toy sales, particularly, the global toymaker has stated, to the popularity of the ‘Baby Yoda’ character from the Disney original TV series, The Mandalorian.

Demand for the character – officially called The Child – was already high when Disney+ first launched to US audiences in November last year, but, according to Hasbro’s CEO Brian Goldner in conversation with Yahoo Finance, the recent spike in Disney+ subscribers looking for entertainment while in self isolation, has drive the demand further.

“We clearly have seen that streaming has become more of a force in making connections with consumers and driving merchandising,” Goldner said earlier this week. “That’s always been a question: Could streamed content drive merchandising? And clearly Baby Yoda has done that. We saw that in the fourth quarter with some of our product directly related to The Mandalorian.

“Our pre-sales around Baby Yoda have been incredibly robust and we’re very excited to ship Baby Yoda late spring.”

Available for pre-order for the past few months, Hasbro newest Star Wars The Mandalorian toy range – including the Baby Yoda product line – will be landing on shelves this spring.

On top of this, Goldner has revealed that it’s not just Star Wars merchandise that has received a boost recently, but so too has Frozen, other Disney Princess lines, and Marvel toys.

“We’re seeing that overall Star Wars sales are performing well year-to-date, because the movie [‘Rise of Skywalker’] was incredibly popular, and then the home entertainment window has come more quickly, as has ‘Frozen 2.’ Disney has advanced those windows and made those home entertainment windows available to consumers more quickly on Disney+. We clearly see Disney+ as a major advantage to Disney and also to licensees of Disney like Hasbro,” said a representative from Disney.

Spotlight Licensing named US and Canadian licensing agent for Call the Midwife

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Spotlight Licensing and Brand Management has been appointed to launch and manage the US and Canadian licensing programme for the long-running Call the Midwife television series.

The appointment was made by Neal Street Productions, the rights owners of the critically acclaimed and popular television series.

“Call the Midwife has engaged tens of millions of viewers over the years with its profound storytelling, compelling portrayals, and period costumes and setting,” said Spotlight Licensing president Carole Postal. “Knowing PBS expects the upcoming season to reach 16.9 million unique viewers when Call the Midwife returns for Season 9 starting March 29, Spotlight is honoured and excited to be given this opportunity to make this powerful and beloved property available now for licensing here in the U.S. and Canada.”

In announcing her agency’s appointment, Postal was pleased to reveal her agency has already signed and begun working with its first Call the Midwife licensee. Rizzoli International Publications has been granted the license to publish Call the Midwife 2021 Wall Calendars and 2022 Wall Calendars under its Universe Publishing imprint.

“Call the Midwife has already been renewed through Season 11 in 2022,” continued Postal. “So it’s great to know fans will have beautiful calendars to mark as they wait for each new season to air on PBS and then Netflix.”

Spotlight Licensing will act as exclusive North American sub-agent for Call the Midwife – coordinating efforts with the property’s global master agent London-based Metrostar as they actively seek licensing partners across a wide range of appropriate product categories including gifts, novelties, apparel, accessories, housewares, stationery, puzzles, games, dolls, and more

“Metrostar has worked with Carole and her team before so we are delighted with Spotlight’s appointment to lead Call the Midwife licensing efforts in the U.S. and Canada,” said Claire Potter, managing director of Metrostar.

Flossy and Jim lands on photo-editing app Meitu as activity in China beings to pick up

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Flossy and Jim is making new headwinds in China having landed a new partnership with the global mobile app, Meitu. The deals arrives as life in China slowly begins to return to normal following a two-month period of lockdown across the region.

With partner in the region now back in the office and activity picking back up in the country, Edutainment Licensing has confirmed the new partnership that now brings Flossy and Jim to the popular photo editing app.

Available on Google Play and in the App store, and endorsed by celebrities and key influencers, the Meitu app was selected as one of iTunes top 10 apps of the year.

It has become one of the most popular photo editing apps of all time giving users access to an incredible suite of professional filters, frames, effects, stickers and other tools to turn their smartphone photos into works of art.

Launched in 2008, Meitu is a global innovator in mobile technology with its apps being used by more than 450 million monthly active users worldwide, generating more than 6 billion photos and videos each month.

Riverside Brands signs raft of partners for Zuru’s Rainbocorn toy brand

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Zuru’s popular Rainbocorns toy line is embarking on a new licensing programme under the guidance of Riverside Brands, the UK agency to have just signed a variety of new partnerships for the plush toy brand.

The mystery surprise plush has risen to popularity recently, recognised for its reversible sequin hearts that hide a special surprise. Rainbocorns has already proved to be a hit with girls aged three to seven since the launch of the range in 2018.

Rainbocorns even won the UK and Australian Plush Toy of the Year, and the coveted People’s Choice Award at the Toy Industry Association’ 2020 Toy of the Year Awards. The recognition came as the toy pulled in 147,000 votes from consumers.

New partners to the licensing program covering apparel, accessories, arts and craft, novelty toy collectibles, magazines, back to school, puzzles, greeting cards and wrap in a variety of EMEA territories include: Fashion UK,  Roy Lowe & Sons, Sambro International, Sinco Creations, Redan Publishing, Kids First Group, W&O, and Danilo Promotions.

More partners will be announced across other key categories shortly.

Speaking about the brand’s rising popularity, Aneisha Vieira, global brand director of Zuru, said: “We’re thrilled that the brand’s ethos of all things magical and quirky has really transcended the toy category. We’re excited to work with partners who share our vision for Rainbocorns and are bringing the brand to life in so many different spaces.”

Ashley Holman, managing director of Riverside Brands, added: “We are excited to be working with such great partners on Zuru Rainbocorns. The product looks fantastic and is launching in store from spring onwards, so we look forward to seeing kids everywhere enjoying the wider Rainbocorns offer.”

Following its sell-out introduction, a year and half ago, Zuru has since unveiled several iterations of the plush hatched from a mystery egg – from the giant Rainbocorns Big Bow Surprise to the miniature Rainbocorns Sparkle Heart Surprise, and kids can look out for even more new Rainbocorns coming this year.