Fred Rogers Productions names Scholastic master publishing partner for Alma’s Way

Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s educational media organisation behind multiple Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series, has tapped Scholastic as worldwide master publishing partner for Alma’s Way, the critically-acclaimed animated PBS KIDS series created by Sonia Manzano (Sesame Street).

The multi-year agreement includes a range of readers and activity books in both English and Spanish, which will begin publishing in spring 2023.

“We are delighted to partner with Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, and welcome them to the Alma’s Way family,” says Matt Shiels, VP of Business and Legal Affairs, Fred Rogers Productions. “The upcoming Alma’s Way titles will provide engaging stories and creative activities that will allow children to fully immerse themselves in Alma’s world.”

“We can’t wait to bring the wonderful role model, Alma, to young readers everywhere with Fred Rogers Productions and the inspirational Sonia Manzano,” says Debra Dorfman, VP and Publisher, Scholastic Global Licensing, Brands & Media. “In every story, children will relate to the everyday issues Alma faces and learn from her thoughtful reasoning as she thinks her way through life’s ups and downs.”

Through the new partnership, Scholastic will have exclusive rights to multiple formats, including: 8x8s; leveled readers; board books; jacketed hardcover picture books; novelty, activity, and sticker books; phonics and bind-ups/box sets; e-books; and audiobooks. In addition, Scholastic holds non-exclusive rights to sticker and activity books outside the U.S.

Aimed at viewers ages 4-6, Alma’s Way follows 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl, who lives in the Bronx with her parents, Abuelo, and younger brother, Junior, as well as a diverse group of close-knit and loving friends, family and community members. Each episode models self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and empathy, while encouraging kids to generate and value their own ideas and questions. The series’ 40 half-hour episodes showcase different aspects of Latino culture through music, food, language, and more.

Alma’s Way is created by, Sonia Manzano, best known to generations of kids and families as “Maria” on Sesame Street, and produced by Fred Rogers Productions.

PMI Partners with Skydance Animation for “Spellbound” toy, plush and stationery line

PMI Ltd has announced it has signed a global toy, plush and stationery licensing agreement with Skydance Animation for Spellbound, Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation’s upcoming animated feature film, in a deal brokered by IMG.

Directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek) and written by Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin (Mulan) and Linda Woolverton (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast), Spellbound follows a young girl who sets out to break the spell that has divided her kingdom in two. The original score for the film hails from Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pochontas), with lyrics by Glenn Slater (Tangled). Chris Montan serves as executive music producer.

PMI’s Spellbound line will feature craft, activity and play sets, 2D and 3D plush, talking plush, plush backpacks, capsule toys, stationery such as stampers, pencil cases, toppers and erasers, keychains, figural torches with light-up functions, and a branded matchify card game.

Luis Fernández, Head of Consumer Products, Skydance, says: “We’re excited to partner with PMI to expand the enchanting world ofSpellbound beyond the screen and look forward to delivering engaging experiences for the consumer with these products.”

Omer Dekel, VP International Sales, PMI Ltd, adds: “We are so excited to be teaming up with Skydance Animation and can’t wait to roll out the fabulous Spellbound line we are designing. It’s going to be an amazing ride for all of us! This partnership is another major achievement for PMI and a huge addition to our broad range of popular branded stationary, collectibles, toys and school supplies.”

 

BLE confirms first roster of exhibitors for September event

Brand Licensing Europe – Europe’s leading event for licensing and brand extension, organised in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International – has announced the initial list of companies confirmed to exhibit at the 2022 event, which runs from 20-22 September at ExCeL London.

Reflecting the event’s truly European nature, the list boasts a large number of companies already confirmed from Belgium, France, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, including The Smurfs, Chefclub, Gallimard Jeunesse, GO-N, Le Petit Prince Licensing, Perfetti Van Melle Group, Planeta Junior, Sophie La Girafe, Spain Licensing Pavilion, Asterix, AC Milan, TF1 Licensing, Toei Animation Europe, Tour de France & Dakar, Alpha Group, Ferly, Mediatoon Licensing, Roadsign, Millimages, Sagoo, Xilam Animation, Rights & Brands and many more. See the full list here.

Brand new to the show this year are Van Gogh Museum, License This! winners Sophie Jonas-Hill and Joel Mercer of Seed Folk, Le Petit Prince Licensing, Chefclub, Outfit7 and Nelly Jelly World.

Marijn Veraart, Licensing Manager, Van Gogh Museum, says: “We are tremendously excited to connect with our industry peers in real life again and look forward to showcasing opportunities to celebrate the Van Gogh Museum’s 50th anniversary together in 2023. You will find us at BLE, where we invite you to explore the inspiring world of Vincent van Gogh through his world-famous art and life story

Thomas Riviere, Brand Manager, Le Petit Prince, says: “The Little Prince is back at BLE! On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of The Little Prince in 2023, we’re inviting BLE visitors to come and meet The Little Prince Licensing team on Stand C150 to discuss new licensing opportunities. An anniversary celebrated all over the world: exhibitions, shows, new products, new licenses, new 2D animated TV series!”

The event sees many familiar names return this year, showcasing some of the world’s biggest brands and capturing the breadth of the industry with a wide variety of names confirmed across all key sectors of licensing ranging from entertainment to sports, and gaming to heritage. Exhibitors include:

  • Character & Entertainment: Aardman Animations, Acamar Films, Animaccord, BANDAI NAMCO Europe, Banijay Brands, Bulldog Licensing, Caroline Mickler, Crunchyroll, Cyber Group Studios, Hasbro, Le Petit Prince, Mattel, NBCUniversal, NECA, Penguin Ventures, SEGA, Sanrio, Rocket Licensing, Rainbow, The Pokémon Company, The Smurfs, Warhammer, Studio 100, Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe, TF1 Licensing, Toei Animation, Walker Books, Wildbrain CPLG, WWE, and more.
  • Brand & Lifestyle: Admiral Sportswear, art ask agency, Imperial War Museums, Metrostar, Natural History Museum, The National Gallery, Tour de France & Dakar, V&A (Victoria & Albert Museum), Yale University, Beanstalk, Tinderbox, TSBA, Pink Key Licensing, Perfetti Van Melle, AC Milan, Metrostar, Dorna Sports, Roadsign, Brandgenuity, Golden Goose, and more
  • Art, Design & Image: Caroline Mickler, Vicki Thomas Associates, Scatterbrain Studios, Sophie Jonas-Hill and more. 

The event returns to London this September with a new fashion theme, which will include a world-renowned keynote, daily themed catwalk shows, product showcases and conference sessions.

Companies wishing to find out more about exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities, please email greg.mcdonald@informa.com or cassius.anderson@informa.com

Visitor registration is open now at www.brandlicensing.eu

BLE confirms first roster of exhibitors for September event

Brand Licensing Europe – Europe’s leading event for licensing and brand extension, organised in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International – has announced the initial list of companies confirmed to exhibit at the 2022 event, which runs from 20-22 September at ExCeL London.

Reflecting the event’s truly European nature, the list boasts a large number of companies already confirmed from Belgium, France, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, including The Smurfs, Chefclub, Gallimard Jeunesse, GO-N, Le Petit Prince Licensing, Perfetti Van Melle Group, Planeta Junior, Sophie La Girafe, Spain Licensing Pavilion, Asterix, AC Milan, TF1 Licensing, Toei Animation Europe, Tour de France & Dakar, Alpha Group, Ferly, Mediatoon Licensing, Roadsign, Millimages, Sagoo, Xilam Animation, Rights & Brands and many more. See the full list here.

Brand new to the show this year are Van Gogh Museum, License This! winners Sophie Jonas-Hill and Joel Mercer of Seed Folk, Le Petit Prince Licensing, Chefclub, Outfit7 and Nelly Jelly World.

Marijn Veraart, Licensing Manager, Van Gogh Museum, says: “We are tremendously excited to connect with our industry peers in real life again and look forward to showcasing opportunities to celebrate the Van Gogh Museum’s 50th anniversary together in 2023. You will find us at BLE, where we invite you to explore the inspiring world of Vincent van Gogh through his world-famous art and life story

Thomas Riviere, Brand Manager, Le Petit Prince, says: “The Little Prince is back at BLE! On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of The Little Prince in 2023, we’re inviting BLE visitors to come and meet The Little Prince Licensing team on Stand C150 to discuss new licensing opportunities. An anniversary celebrated all over the world: exhibitions, shows, new products, new licenses, new 2D animated TV series!”

The event sees many familiar names return this year, showcasing some of the world’s biggest brands and capturing the breadth of the industry with a wide variety of names confirmed across all key sectors of licensing ranging from entertainment to sports, and gaming to heritage. Exhibitors include:

  • Character & Entertainment: Aardman Animations, Acamar Films, Animaccord, BANDAI NAMCO Europe, Banijay Brands, Bulldog Licensing, Caroline Mickler, Crunchyroll, Cyber Group Studios, Hasbro, Le Petit Prince, Mattel, NBCUniversal, NECA, Penguin Ventures, SEGA, Sanrio, Rocket Licensing, Rainbow, The Pokémon Company, The Smurfs, Warhammer, Studio 100, Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe, TF1 Licensing, Toei Animation, Walker Books, Wildbrain CPLG, WWE, and more.
  • Brand & Lifestyle: Admiral Sportswear, art ask agency, Imperial War Museums, Metrostar, Natural History Museum, The National Gallery, Tour de France & Dakar, V&A (Victoria & Albert Museum), Yale University, Beanstalk, Tinderbox, TSBA, Pink Key Licensing, Perfetti Van Melle, AC Milan, Metrostar, Dorna Sports, Roadsign, Brandgenuity, Golden Goose, and more
  • Art, Design & Image: Caroline Mickler, Vicki Thomas Associates, Scatterbrain Studios, Sophie Jonas-Hill and more. 

The event returns to London this September with a new fashion theme, which will include a world-renowned keynote, daily themed catwalk shows, product showcases and conference sessions.

Companies wishing to find out more about exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities, please email greg.mcdonald@informa.com or cassius.anderson@informa.com

Visitor registration is open now at www.brandlicensing.eu

Moonbug launches CoComelon spinoff, It’s Cody Time

Moonbug Entertainment is launching It’s Cody Time, CoComelon’s first-ever spinoff channel featuring Cody Green and his family. The musical preschool series debuts on YouTube with two special episodes, “Cody’s Spy Song” and “I’m going to be a Big Brother”.  

Since his debut on CoComelon back in 2019, Cody has grown from being JJ’s classmate, to next-door neighbor, to best friend, and now he’s ready for his own channel. Similar to CoComelon’s common themes of childhood fun and celebrating big moments for little kids, It’s Cody Time will include nursery rhymes as well as original songs. The initial story arc will focus on pregnancy, becoming a big brother and the joys of family, and will aim to help children learn through relatable situations and to prepare them for big-sibling responsibilities and expectations. 

“Cody’s been a fan favourite to our global audience for years. We’re excited to launch It’s Cody Time and give fans a chance to get to know Cody and his family a bit better,” says Patrick Reese, General Manager, CoComelon at Moonbug Entertainment. “Representation matters and we want to bring more content with diverse lead characters, inclusive storytelling and aspirational role modeling to children around the world.” 

Cody’s parents feature prominently in the show and play an important part in plot themes. The family, also known as ‘The Greens’, come from diverse backgrounds. Cody’s father, Kwame, is a chef and comes from Jamaican and Ghanian descent. His mum, Toni, is African American and works full-time as a pediatrician.  

CoComelon is the #1 most-watched kids brand on YouTube globally, generating over 3.3 billion average monthly views and boasting over 135 million YouTube subscribers. In 2021, videos centred on Cody garnered over 91 million watch hours. The brand has become a perennial leader on major streaming platforms like Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, Roku and Netflix, where it set the record for 120 consecutive days in the Top 10 ‘Most Watched TV Shows.’ 

With 29 intellectual properties and content available in 32 languages, Moonbug Entertainment averages over 6.1 billion monthly views on YouTube and has an estimated 340 million subscribers to its channels. 

Click here to watch It’s Cody Time, now available for free on YouTube.  

Moonbug launches CoComelon spinoff, It’s Cody Time

Moonbug Entertainment is launching It’s Cody Time, CoComelon’s first-ever spinoff channel featuring Cody Green and his family. The musical preschool series debuts on YouTube with two special episodes, “Cody’s Spy Song” and “I’m going to be a Big Brother”.  

Since his debut on CoComelon back in 2019, Cody has grown from being JJ’s classmate, to next-door neighbor, to best friend, and now he’s ready for his own channel. Similar to CoComelon’s common themes of childhood fun and celebrating big moments for little kids, It’s Cody Time will include nursery rhymes as well as original songs. The initial story arc will focus on pregnancy, becoming a big brother and the joys of family, and will aim to help children learn through relatable situations and to prepare them for big-sibling responsibilities and expectations. 

“Cody’s been a fan favourite to our global audience for years. We’re excited to launch It’s Cody Time and give fans a chance to get to know Cody and his family a bit better,” says Patrick Reese, General Manager, CoComelon at Moonbug Entertainment. “Representation matters and we want to bring more content with diverse lead characters, inclusive storytelling and aspirational role modeling to children around the world.” 

Cody’s parents feature prominently in the show and play an important part in plot themes. The family, also known as ‘The Greens’, come from diverse backgrounds. Cody’s father, Kwame, is a chef and comes from Jamaican and Ghanian descent. His mum, Toni, is African American and works full-time as a pediatrician.  

CoComelon is the #1 most-watched kids brand on YouTube globally, generating over 3.3 billion average monthly views and boasting over 135 million YouTube subscribers. In 2021, videos centred on Cody garnered over 91 million watch hours. The brand has become a perennial leader on major streaming platforms like Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, Roku and Netflix, where it set the record for 120 consecutive days in the Top 10 ‘Most Watched TV Shows.’ 

With 29 intellectual properties and content available in 32 languages, Moonbug Entertainment averages over 6.1 billion monthly views on YouTube and has an estimated 340 million subscribers to its channels. 

Click here to watch It’s Cody Time, now available for free on YouTube.  

LICENSING EXPO: Q&A with Julian Zag, EVP Global Operations and Head of Consumer Products, ZAG

Ahead of this month’s Licensing Expo, Licensing Biz caught up with Julian Zag, EVP Global Operations and Head of Consumer Products at family entertainment powerhouse ZAG, to talk about the incredible global success of Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, and what’s next for the smash-hit brand in the licensing space.

Can you briefly describe ZAG, and your role at the company?

ZAG is a global independent entertainment studio specialising in world-class storytelling across TV, film and digital platforms. Our foundation is rooted in creating compelling characters and developing masterful storytelling, all infused with original musical scores.

ZAG’s founder and CEO Jeremy Zag is a visionary director and composer. He initially formed ZAG in France in 2009, then expanded the company to the USA in 2012 with the Global Brand Franchise office in Santa Monica, California, and more recently, an additional head office in Miami, Florida.

Our company is home to several world-class entertainment properties under the ZAG HEROEZ label, including our flagship, globally renowned property Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, a 3D-CGI-animated superhero aspirational action-comedy series. New titles include Power Players and, most recently, Ghostforce, which just started to roll out last year.

Miraculous has taken off in a huge way, globally. Why do you think it appeals to kids so much?

Fans across the globe have fallen in love with the series protagonists, Ladybug and Cat Noir. The characters are engaging, likeable and admirable, but most importantly relatable, as family and friendships are always an important part of the storylines. At its core, Miraculous is a coming-of-age series about awkward kids learning about loving themselves and finding their true powers. Ladybug and Cat Noir are faced with discovering their own powers even if it scares them, even when it is hard to do. Core values are family, friendship, courage, love, and girl empowerment.

ZAG has taken great pride in creating breathtaking animation that draws in the audience and keeps them coming back for more. As a result, Miraculous resonates with a much broader audience than we originally anticipated. TV ratings clearly indicate that both girls and boys watch the show (55% to 45% on average). Digital data from YouTube, Tumblr, Netflix and social media from Twitter to Instagram all indicate we index high in the pop culture space with teens and young adults.

Do you have any recent viewing facts and figures/social media stats for the property?

Season four of the series debuted last year. It had its global premiere in April on TF1 in France, garnering an outstanding 47.7% market share amongst kids 4–10 years old, while in the U.S., the new season premiere on Disney Channel garnered incredible #1 ratings for girls 6–11 across all cable channels. In Germany, it achieved a 46.4% share among all kids on Disney Channel and is the #1 series. We are also ranked #1 on Disney Channal in Japan, and on Super! in Italy. Miraculous is still topping the ratings charts in Latin America, and on Gloob in Brazil, Miraculous has remained the #1 series for girls for four consecutive seasons, with the overall audience a 48/52 boy/girl split, highlighting that the show appeals widely to both boys and girls and family audiences.

Miraculous is huge across social. On YouTube, Miraculous just crossed 30 billion views!

Roughly how many licensing partners do you have for the property? I know last year it was around 300, has that number increased?

Yes, we currently have approximately 400 licensees around the globe, including several global and pan-regional partners. Global deals include Playmates for toys; Ferrero for chocolates; Swatch’s Flik Flak for watches; Epopia, which is a unique epistolary letter format that encourages children to read and write through interactive storytelling; PMI for a line of collectibles, impulse, stationery and school supplies; PEZ for candy dispensers, and Spread Group for print-on-demand.  We also recently extended our deal with Rubies for costumes across EMEA. Other pan-regional partners include Crayola and InSpirit Designs.

It’s nice to see a girl superhero for once. Is diversity and inclusion important to ZAG?

What is important to ZAG is that everyone has to be able to connect to the story, from anywhere in the world, at any age. We care about telling honest stories to help people to ”discover themselves”. Therefore, everything has to be grounded in real life, with a little touch of magic to help our heroes to jump through their reality.

Where is growth coming from? E-commerce is clearly strong… In terms of markets, is there one territory that performs better than others? Are there any untapped markets you’d like to enter?

All territories are performing well and we continue to see huge growth across the board.

 In terms of untapped markets, The Middle East and Africa have become a top priority for ZAG, and the Disney/MBC broadcast combination is a perfect duo for us to reach children across the region.  Miraculous is garnering strong ratings, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where the series ranked in the #1 slot on MBC, following its launch in 2018, and has remained in the top 20 programmes ever since.  We recently appointed Carlotta Caracciolo as our first VP, Middle East and Africa, to oversee the company’s consumer products strategy in the region.

And, most recently, our consumer products programme in Japan is becoming very successful, especially now that Miraculous has become number #1 on TV on Disney Channel Japan, which is incredible since Miraculous is not a Manga property.  We see seeing increasing requests from companies wanting to join our licensing programme every day.

Are you able to give details of any licensing deals around the release of the Miraculous Awakening movie this autumn?

The movie release will be supported by a major QSR programme; an expanded toyline from ZAG Lab and Playmates which will be available online and at bricks-and-mortar stores and incorporates new characters, the first vehicle featuring a convertible scooter, a collectible line of Kwamis, a movie 2-pack, and Movie Collector Ladybug; the launch of the first Miraculous Console Game from ZAG Games, developed by Magic Pockets and published by GameMill Entertainment, to be available on XBOX, Playstation and Nintendo Switch; a new mobile puzzle game from ZAG Games, developed with Crazylab; and several co-branded partnerships with some more of the most influential companies across the globe for numerous consumer products categories, including one with one of the biggest automobile companies in the world.

What are your goals at Licensing Expo? If you have your ‘dream’ show, what would that involve?

We have so much good news to share with our partners who we haven’t seen in person for over two years, and we want to celebrate our success with them. For example, we hit over $1billion in retail sales, sold over 250 million products, and just hit 30 billion views on YouTube. We also have big plans in the works to share with partners around the launch of our Miraculous US$100+ million theatrical movie as I mentioned. We know we will have a dream show!

Do you want to talk about the latest viewing figures/licensing deals for GhostForce?

Or course! Disney Channels U.S. acquired the series and premiered it on October 4, 2021, on Disney XD. The series also launched in most European countries and is getting incredible ratings, regularly ranked among the top #3 shows. In Latin America, the series debuted on Discovery Kids in December, except for Brazil where it debuted on May 2.

Looking to the future, are you considering any new ways for kids to engage with ZAG properties, ie, through NFTs or live experiences, or via the metaverse?

We are seeing strong demand for immersive and live experiences. The Miraculous live-action stage tour from Proactiv was very popular in Spain prior to the pandemic, and we’re pleased that this will be relaunching, starting with Latin America this summer, and Europe in the autumn. We’re also close to announcing a U.S. partner to bring a new live show to North America.

Earlier this month, we launched and already sold out of tickets for Miraculous Paris – Tours of Ladybug and Cat Noir, a virtual family getaway to Paris. Led by a travel guide, families can join a virtual tour to visit real Parisian monuments, and the event includes original Miraculous content, behind-the-scenes secrets and games. We will continue the event this summer.

We’re also in negotiation with a theme park – more on that to come!

What trends are you noticing globally among kids? Do you think anxiety is a big factor after covid? 

For us, we are seeing kids wanting to interact with our brands in any way they can, and we want to deliver the very best experiences for them so that they can enjoy themselves even amidst the events of the world around us.

ZAG will be at Licensing Expo, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, from 24-26 May 2022. 

Beanstalk marks 30th anniversary with charitable promotion Licensing Labs

To celebrate Beanstalk’s 30th anniversary, its services and expertise, the global brand licensing agency is offering a series of complimentary Licensing Lab workshops to brand owners that either have an existing licensing programme or are seeking to develop one. In exchange for the agency’s consulting work, the winning brand owners will be asked to donate an amount of their choice to UNICEF to aid in Ukraine’s relief efforts.

This is a unique and one-time opportunity to have Beanstalk’s brand extension experts carry out an evaluation of a brand’s licensing programme, provide insights on how to improve its performance and establish new best practices, or recommend how to establish a new licensing programme that is positioned for long-term success. ​Following review of the contestants’ applications, Beanstalk will select up to three winners that meet the criteria to participate in this exclusive opportunity. Each of the Licensing Labs will be led by a Beanstalk senior executive with a team of licensing specialists.

Beanstalk’s President and CEO Allison Ames says: “As part of our 30th anniversary this year, we want to give back to brand owners as well as to a very important cause through the benefit of Licensing Labs. Licensing Labs gives brand owners a unique opportunity to access our best-in-class talent and expertise to evaluate their current programme or to identify how to enter the world of licensing to evolve their business. We are truly proud of what we do every day at Beanstalk, and to be able to support UNICEF makes it all the more meaningful.”

The application process is currently open and will run through June 30, with winners selected in July. To find out more and to apply to participate in Licensing Labs, visit www.beanstalk.com.

Beanstalk marks 30th anniversary with charitable promotion Licensing Labs

To celebrate Beanstalk’s 30th anniversary, its services and expertise, the global brand licensing agency is offering a series of complimentary Licensing Lab workshops to brand owners that either have an existing licensing programme or are seeking to develop one. In exchange for the agency’s consulting work, the winning brand owners will be asked to donate an amount of their choice to UNICEF to aid in Ukraine’s relief efforts.

This is a unique and one-time opportunity to have Beanstalk’s brand extension experts carry out an evaluation of a brand’s licensing programme, provide insights on how to improve its performance and establish new best practices, or recommend how to establish a new licensing programme that is positioned for long-term success. ​Following review of the contestants’ applications, Beanstalk will select up to three winners that meet the criteria to participate in this exclusive opportunity. Each of the Licensing Labs will be led by a Beanstalk senior executive with a team of licensing specialists.

Beanstalk’s President and CEO Allison Ames says: “As part of our 30th anniversary this year, we want to give back to brand owners as well as to a very important cause through the benefit of Licensing Labs. Licensing Labs gives brand owners a unique opportunity to access our best-in-class talent and expertise to evaluate their current programme or to identify how to enter the world of licensing to evolve their business. We are truly proud of what we do every day at Beanstalk, and to be able to support UNICEF makes it all the more meaningful.”

The application process is currently open and will run through June 30, with winners selected in July. To find out more and to apply to participate in Licensing Labs, visit www.beanstalk.com.

Surge Licensing and WEBTOON announce exclusive licensing and merchandising partnership

WEBTOON, the world’s largest digital comics platform, has appointed brand management company Surge Licensing as the exclusive North American licensing agent for the platform. Genuine Entertainment’s Joe LeFavi was instrumental in developing the partnership and will continue to collaborate with WEBTOON and Surge as a strategic advisor in the endeavour.

Surge Licensing has been retained to develop an overall brand licensing strategy for WEBTOON as well as licensing and merchandise programmes in North America for the platform’s individual original IP. Surge Licensing will expand WEBTOON’s licensing and merchandising business, developing franchises through categories that include apparel, fashion collaborations, toys, tabletop games, promotions and more. Among WEBTOON’s existing merchandising work is a capsule collection for Lore Olympus, available at Hot Topic.

WEBTOON is the global leader in digital comics, where some of the world’s biggest comic creators and series have built massive global fandoms. The company has redefined comics for Gen Z and the digital era, with 82 million monthly active users globally and 15 million US users. With 1.3 million titles and 10.5 billion global monthly page views, WEBTOON is home to a new generation of comic creators and fans.

Among WEBTOON’s most exciting creators is Rachel Smythe, whose smash-hit Lore Olympus has more than 1.2 billion global views and 5.7 million subscribers on WEBTOON. The digital comic became a #1 New York Times bestselling graphic novel in autumn 2021, and is in development as an animated series from Wattpad WEBTOON Studios and the Jim Henson Company. The modern retelling of the relationship between the Greek goddess Persephone and god Hades won a Harvey Award and received nominations for an Eisner Award and a Ringo Award.

A growing number of digital comics from WEBTOON have achieved broad awareness through live-action and animated TV adaptations, including the 2022 zombie apocalypse series, All of Us are Dead, which achieved the #1 position on Netflix at launch in January 2022 and spent 11 weeks in the streamer’s global Top 10 (Non-Eng Series); the apocalyptic horror series Sweet Home, which recorded over 1.3 billion views on WEBTOON and was released on Netflix in December 2020; the global rom-com phenomenon True Beauty, which was adapted into a popular drama in 2021, and will be published as a graphic novel from WEBTOON Unscrolled in 2022; and popular anime adaptations such as Tower of God, Noblesse, and The God of High School.

“We’re bringing comics to a new generation of readers around the world,” says Eugene Kim, Head of Business Development at WEBTOON. “WEBTOON comics and creators already have huge global fandoms, so the time is right to begin offering fans new, fresh, and unique ways to  celebrate the comics they love. We’re excited to begin our partnership with Surge Licensing to create memorable experiences beyond our platform.”

“Given that WEBTOON is the #1 comic book entertainment app in the world with massive engagement and awareness, the possibilities for creating dynamic brand programs for their original IP are endless,” says Elan Freedman, Surge Licensing EVP. “In the U.S. alone, WEBTOON touts over 15 million monthly users, which is tremendous with room for major growth. We look forward to introducing the WEBTOON brand and its key titles to potential partners at the upcoming Licensing Expo.”

Genuine Entertainment’s Joe LeFavi stated: “WEBTOON has redefined how creators and fans alike can share and celebrate their favourite stories with a global audience. Boasting one of the biggest fandoms and a veritable treasure trove of IP, it’s an enormous opportunity to build meaningful programmes and give this inclusive community more ways to engage with the content and creators they know and love. And since Surge has been championing comic creators since first taking TMNT from comic racks to riches… suffice it to say, they were an ideal fit for the job.”