Category Archives: Highlight

Noblechairs debuts Elden Ring gaming chair

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Bandai Namco Europe and noblechairs have teamed up to launch the official Elden Ring gaming chair. The chair is available now for pre-order in EMEA and America.

Co-developed by FromSoftware and Bandai Namco Entertainment, Elden Ring was voted “most anticipated game of 2022″ and launched globally on 25 February. Set in a vast, fully fledged fantasy world where players are able to enjoy a wide variety of RPG experiences, the game has been created in collaboration between FromSoftware director Hidetaka Miyazaki and Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin.

In addition to the deal with noblechairs, Bandai Namco Europe has recently closed other Elden Ring licensing agreements with Difuzed, EMP and Level Up Wear for apparel, and Pyramid International for wall decor and gifts.

 

 

New products and partners for Sinking Ship’s Dino Dana

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Canada’s Sinking Ship Entertainment (SSE) has announced that the company’s Dino Dana franchise will continue to stomp across the world with new products and partners.

The upcoming offerings include a Dino Dana audio book published by Recorded Books, a new Dino Dana activity book published by Mango Publishing, and new Dino Dana dinosaur figures – Zuul, Nanotyrannus, and Stygimoloch – released by Safari Ltd., with realistic, accurate details and innovative augmented reality features, set to launch in 2022.

Dino Dana, an Emmy Award-winning series created and directed by Sinking Ship’s J. J. Johnson, follows Dana, a 10-year old girl who loves dinosaurs. Her life changes forever when she’s given a Dino Field Guide, which not only teaches her new things about dinosaurs, but gives her the power to imagine dinosaurs into real life.

Developed as a follow-up to the Dino Dan series, Dino Dana is produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment in association with TVOkids and Amazon Prime. The series premiered in the US and UK on Prime Video in May 2017 and was followed by the release of Dino Dana the Movie, presented by Téléfilm Canada, on Prime Video in September 2020.

“The loving reception to Dino Dana from kids and families across the world has been incredible to see,” says Kate Sanagan, Sinking Ship’s Head of Sales and Distribution. “Education, curiosity, and spreading joy are at the core of Dino Dana and we are always looking for new ways to expand the franchise’s positive impact. From books to toys, we cannot wait to share all of the new and exciting Dino Dana products and partners throughout the year.”

The Dino Dana expansion comes on the heels of another big year for the franchise. Last June, the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in Florida debuted the Dino Dana Experience. The fully immersive experience, complete with Dino Dana the Movie, a touring exhibit, an AR experience and a camp guide, garnered 652 million impressions with an audience reach of 778,000 during its opening weekend. It was the museum’s highest paid attendance in 2021 and had record breaking sales at the retail gift shop. Other museums, including Orlando Science Center, Science Museum of Minnesota, Kentucky Science Center, and Peoria Riverfront Museum, have picked up and begun showing Dino Dana The Movie.

Dino Dana also recently secured additional broadcast partners in Latin America, including Canal Once in Mexico as well as Senal Colombia and Canal Capital in Colombia. Additionally, the Dino Dana Field Guides have sold over 75,000 copies internationally to date. Additional information on the specific timing of the releases will be shared at a later date.

BBC Studios signs new UK partners for Bluey and Hey Duggee

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BBC Studios has signed UK licensing deals for Bluey and Hey Duggee for health and beauty products and wheeled toys, as Bluey is named the UK’s number one new toy property for 2021 by NPD.

New deals with H&A and MV Sports will see both properties expand in the UK and follow the recent announcement of agreements with Danilo, Amscan and Character Options for Bluey.

Mandy Thwaites, Director, Magazines & Consumer Products, UK Division at BBC Studios, says: “We’ve been extremely busy behind the scenes with Bluey and Hey Duggee and it’s great to see the interest both properties are generating. Personally, it was a real highlight to attend London Toy Fair and we had so many lovely conversations about the brands. It’s clear that our top dogs have great appeal across preschool audiences and people really connect to their warmth, inclusivity and humour.

“I’m excited to welcome H&A to our fabulous roster of partners and can’t wait for fans to see a great range of Bluey and Hey Duggee bath products on shelves. MV Sports has been a wonderful partner for Hey Duggee wheeled toys and are adding to that range as well as launching Bluey products in the UK. I’m also pleased to share details of further Character Options arts and crafts product lines for Bluey in addition to the deal we announced in December.

“Finally, I’m delighted to hear that Bluey has been confirmed as the number one new property in the UK. The buzz around the brand is phenomenal and it’s really capturing the hearts of the public – and we’re having so many fascinating conversations with potential and existing partners about what we can do to create innovative, sustainable and engaging products for fans of the show.”

Details of the new partnerships are as follows:

H&A, the UK’s number-one supplier of kids’ licensed toiletries, has signed an agreement with BBC Studios to produce health and beauty products including bubble baths, foams, bath bombs, shower gels, soaps and shampoos as well as bathtime accessories for both Bluey and Hey Duggee.

Livy Coare, Licensing and Marketing Manager at H&A, says: “H&A has a long-standing history with BBC Studios and we are thrilled to be working with them again to develop creative and innovative products across both Bluey and Hey Duggee. We are aligned with the BBC in our strategy to further develop sustainable products for kids’ bath time, and will be working closely together to execute exciting new product development.”

MV Sports, the UK’s leading designer of licensed wheeled toys, has agreed a deal to produce a range of Bluey branded bikes, trikes, scooters, ride-ons and accessories. MV Sports is an existing partner of BBC Studios; it already holds the license for Hey Duggee wheeled toys and has recently unveiled additions to the product range.

Phil Ratcliffe, Joint Managing Director, MV Sports, says: “We are delighted to be working on such a prestigious preschool property. Bluey already has a very strong pedigree of sales in other markets which we hope will be exceeded in the case of our UK range of wheeled toys.”

In addition to the recently announced deal for Bluey licensed Weebles toys, BBC Studios has agreed a licence for Character Options to produce activity-based arts and crafts products including colour-your-own backpacks; tabletop easels; craft sets; paint-up plaster figure sets; and scribblers. The new arts and crafts range is set to launch in A/W 2022.

 

MasterChef serves up tea-licious partnership with Akbar Brothers

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Banijay Brands has partnered with one of the world’s largest tea producers to inspire a collection of tea blends designed to win over any MasterChef judge.

The partnership will see Sri Lanka’s Akbar Brothers create a unique collection of teas that aim to capture the sense of flair, creativity and quality that the MasterChef brand is known for.

MasterChef: The Champions Collection will be available for tea drinkers worldwide with blends such as Ceylon tea, Earl Grey, Moroccan Mint, Jasmine green tea, Rooibos Orange, Masala Chai, and more.

Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing at Banijay Brands – which represents the MasterChef brand internationally – says: “Akbar Brothers is a market leader in driving sustainable practices and renowned for creating high-quality products. This is a partnership that fits perfectly with the MasterChef identity, promoting the core values at the heart of the brand. We hope that millions of MasterChef viewers worldwide can now sit back and enjoy the show with a cup of tea from the Champions Collection.”

“We are delighted to bring this collection to market with blends that we have perfected since 1907,” adds Akbar Brothers Director Mansoor Akbarally. “Every tea in this unique collection is held to the highest standard with the MasterChef seal of approval.

“MasterChef is renowned as a premium brand and one synonymous with quality and integrity, which marries perfectly with our company’s values as one of the largest tea exporters in the world.”

Akbar Brothers delivers leading environmentally sustainable practices, with its tea production facility the first in Asia to reach a net-zero carbon footprint through carbon insetting, certified by The Sustainable Future Group.

To find out more about MasterChef: The Champions Collection, contact the team at info@mastercheftea.com.

Stellar Partners teams with BuzzFeed to develop branded stores in U.S. airports

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Leading U.S. airport retailer Stellar Partners, Inc. and digital media company BuzzFeed have entered into an exclusive agreement to bring premium news convenience stores to airports across the United States. The partnership will tap into BuzzFeed’s consumer insights to elevate the merchandise strategy. 

The first two BuzzFeed stores will open in the spring of 2022 in LaGuardia Airport’s newly built Terminal C.

“We are incredibly proud of this collaboration to develop exciting retail stores that bring the power of BuzzFeed news and entertainment to airports nationwide,” says Stellar CEO Padraig Drennan. “Stellar’s retail expertise combined with BuzzFeed’s trendsetting appeal will help redefine newsstands and convenience for the modern traveller.”

“We are thrilled to build a long-term partnership with Stellar and extend the BuzzFeed brand to airports across the country,” adds BuzzFeed’s SVP of Consumer Products, Melanie Summers. “We’ll utilise our data-driven research and insights to give consumers a curated travel experience with the products they want most.”

Travelers at LGA will be able to quickly grab travel supplies, snacks, magazines, beauty and lifestyle items, and more while speeding through self-checkout. While travelers are browsing, they will be able to see the latest news and entertainment provided by BuzzFeed on monitors throughout the store. Stores will also support local businesses and carry products for purchase that will vary by region.

The new LGA news convenience stores and partnership with BuzzFeed represent Stellar’s vision to introduce new and exciting concepts to airports. These locations will be the latest in Stellar’s portfolio of news convenience stores across 21 U.S. airports.

Pop-up The Batman experience swoops into Singapore

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WarnerMedia has unveiled a unique pop-up experience, The Batman “Unmask The Truth”, in the heart of Singapore’s famous shopping district on Orchard Road.

The interactive event, which was made possible with the support of Singapore Tourism Board and local partners XM Studios, Secretlab and Shopee, as well as global partners LEGO, Spinmaster and McFarlane, will be open daily from February 25 to March 13, and is timed to run alongside the theatrical launch of The Batman in cinemas.

The Batman “Unmask The Truth” pop-up event, at Level 1 of Shaw House, Orchard Road, offers the perfect selfie location with a life-sized Muckle figure of The Batman, a replica Bat Signal and a thematic photo booth. Attendees have the perfect chance to recreate their own movie poster with the movie’s distinctive red-and-blue lighting.

On site, there will be displays of limited-edition merch from local Singaporean brands. XM Studios has released a collectible showcase – The Batman’s Greatest Battles – while Secretlab will unveil the latest addition of the all-new The Batman Movie Edition chair with a magnetically detachable Bat Emblem – the first for any gaming chair.

Fans looking to purchase movie-themed memorabilla can also visit Shopee from February 27 to March 13 and look out for attractive deals and giveaway prizes to be won. Via the e-commerce platform, other DC products from LEGO, Spinmaster and McFarlane will also be on show.

Passersby and shoppers who are around in the evening can look across the street to ION Orchard and catch the Bat Signal for the ultimate photo opp. Every night from 7-10pm, the iconic distress call will shine out from the mall’s enormous ambient screen.

 

DC fans can also participate in The Riddler’s Challenge, an interactive online riddle-based game sending players on a journey down Orchard Road as they test their knowledge about Singapore’s famous shopping stretch. The first 2,000 participants who register for the challenge on the event microsite will redeem an exclusive “The Riddler’s Pack” containing The Batman-themed merchandise. Superfans who complete all of the riddles and share why they are the biggest fan of The Batman stand a chance to win the grand prize worth S$400.

For more details of the event, visit DCTheBatmanExp.com.  

The Batman premieres in cinemas internationally, including Korea on March 1, Indonesia and Philippines on March 2, and in Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Malaysia on March 3. The movie opens in India and the US on March 4.

WarnerMedia’s streaming service HBO GO will feature 35 Batman-related titles during the campaign month.

 

The Point.1888 doubles Moomin UK licensing programme with raft of new partnerships

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The Point.1888 has announced a raft of new Moomin licensees for the UK market, including The Hut Group and Moonpig.

Since announcing its partnership with Moomin Characters Ltd and Rights & Brands in January 2020, The Point.1888 has focused its retail-first brand extension model to widen both retail and licensing partners on the much-loved heritage brand.

The last two years have been hugely exciting for the Moomin brand, from celebrating their 75th anniversary to launching their ABC initiative, a literacy programme to help develop young readers and writers. This initiative has been hugely successful and will be the basis of a touring exhibition, with the first stop being held at the Eden Project this February half term.

The Point.1888 has now added new partners to the licensing programme, covering a broad range of categories and distribution channels including, but not limited to:

The Hut Group for a DTR consisting of apparel, homewares, furniture, stationery & paper goods, own brand, and collaborations

Fashion UK for kids’ and adult daywear, hosiery, and accessories

Denicci for baby and kids’ day and nightwear

Aykroyds for nightwear, swimwear and underwear

William Lamb for footwear, bags, purses, wallets and umbrellas

Moonpig for personalised POD greeting cards

IAMFY for prints, cushions, and throws

PSTR for print on demand art prints

Heart & Soul for celebration crackers

Artisiana Miniatures for miniature figurines

Potato Cellar for tote bags via Etsy

The Point.1888 has worked alongside Moomin Characters to grow the depth of distribution over the past two years, with licensing deals ranging from a partnership with Oxfam to HMV cross-category activations, through to new lines with dedicated partner Truffle Shuffle for key trade events.

2021 also saw the launch of new babywear SKUs within ASDA George, and new ladieswear lines.

Katie Wilkinson, Head of Publishing & Operations at The Point.1888, says: “We are so privileged to work with Moomin Characters and Rights & Brands on Moomin. It’s a brand whose values are more relevant today than ever before and that chimes so clearly with us as a business and individuals.

“The love for Moomin from both retailers and licensees is palpable and we are excited for how much there is in the pipeline for this brand.”

The Point.1888 secures 7 more licensees for Percy the Park Keeper

JAKKS Pacific announces new Sonic the Hedgehog 2 toys and costumes

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JAKKS Pacific and Disguise have announced a new line of toys and costumes launching in spring 2022 in celebration of Paramount Pictures’ feature film, Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

The new line of merchandise from JAKKS is set to include action figures, playsets, vehicles, plush toys and other collectibles just in time for the film’s international release.

Disguise, the costume division of JAKKS Pacific, will also be designing and manufacturing costumes and accessories inspired by characters from Sonic the Hedgehog 2, which will be available to fans this autumn.

“JAKKS Pacific is proud to celebrate the release of the new feature film Sonic the Hedgehog 2 with an all-new line of memorabilia commemorating the Blue Blur’s next great adventure,” says Craig Drobis, Senior Vice President of Marketing at JAKKS Pacific, Inc. “With new waves of collectible action figures, cool new playsets, multiple sizes of plush toys, and an all-new radio-controlled Sonic Speed RC, there is something for every Sonic fan and collector.”

“We’ve seen such a great response from fans to the Sonic the Hedgehog products created by JAKKS Pacific, and we’re thrilled to continue working with them to celebrate Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” adds Alex Gomez, Director of Licensing & Partnerships for Sonic the Hedgehog. “We hope that fans of the Blue Blur will see the collection as a testament of our appreciation and create memorable Sonic experiences with the products for years to come.”

Through the collaboration, Sonic and JAKKS will launch the following new merchandise items:

  • Figurines – An all-new line of 4-inch figures including Dr. Robotnik, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles will be available at retail. Ages 3+
  • Plush Toys – The 9-inch plush assortment is based on fan favourite characters from the movie, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles, and will be available on shelves and online this spring. Additionally, a new 13-inch Sonic Plush will also be available exclusively at Target this spring.
  • Sonic Speed RC Set – The new Sonic Speed RC lets fans recreate the action from Sonic the Hedgehog 2. This set will be available at retail and includes an iconic ring-shaped controller for forward motion, turns and spinning action. The RC lights up when you select Turbo mode for that extra boost. The 6-inch scale articulated Sonic figure is removable. Ages 4+
  • Costumes and Accessories – Disguise has developed a range of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 costumes and accessories in Toddler, Child and Adult sizes, a dress version of Sonic and a Child accessory kit. All styles are coming to retail in stores and online this autumn.
    • Toddler – The Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Toddler includes a super soft jumpsuit with white sleeve cuff detailing, a soft headpiece with Sonic’s signature quills and an attached clear vinyl visor that can be worn up or down.
    • Basic Costume – Sonic Basic is a comfy hooded jumpsuit costume featuring a hood with the stiff felt ears and classic Sonic quills.
    • Classic Costumes – Sonic and his friend Tails both come in a Classic style version. Both costumes have a comfy hooded jumpsuit of velvet minky material with dimensional ears, embroidered eyes and quills for Sonic and a hair tuft for Tails.
    • Sonic Dress Costume – Disguise has also created a dress version of Sonic. This super soft dress with lightning detailing on the skirt comes with a pair of glovettes and a cute headband with Sonic’s signature quills and ears.
    • Sonic Deluxe Costume – This super soft jumpsuit with a detachable tail featuring a detailed Sonic headpiece with attached ears and inflatable quills to give this costume a true movie feel. Also includes a pair of Sonic gloves.
    • Sonic Accessory Kit for Children – The accessory kit comes with a headpiece with ears, inflatable quills, gloves and a pair of red foam shoe covers with lightning bolts.
    • Sonic Adult Unisex Jumpsuit – An extremely soft velvet minky hooded jumpsuit with Sonic’s signature quills and dimensional ears.
    • Hooded Jumpsuits – Disguise will also launch two Fancy Dress styles in the UK and US for Tails and Sonic. These comfy hooded jumpsuits feature stiff felt ears and classic Sonic quills. Stitched tails at the back give the Tails costume an authentic look.

 

Cyber Group Studios bolsters core team with industry veterans

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Cyber Group Studios (CGS), producer and distributor of animated series for children and families worldwide, has named three industry veterans to lead its production, development and R&D. The new hires are in response to the company’s strong business growth which is now at a historical high, with 10 series in production and 10 more in development this year. 

The newly named executives are Laurence Barret, appointed Vice President Studio Operations (Paris); Stéphanie Legraverant, promoted to Managing Director of CGS’ Roubaix studio (Hauts-de-France); and Andreas J Carlen, elevated to Chief Technology Officer for the entire group. All three will report to Dominique Bourse, COO and Co-founder of Cyber Group Studios.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with such a talented team of executives at an exciting moment of growth for our company, where new opportunities are constantly arising in this very fast-evolving industry worldwide,” said Bourse.

Laurence Barret, in her new role as Vice President Studio Operations, will be in charge of managing the Paris studio. She will also supervise all production budgets and the allocation of resources for all the company studios. In addition, Barret will determine and allocate production resources to new projects in development for the company. Barret was previously Head of Production & Studio Director at Ellipse Studio and Head of Production at TeamTO.

Stéphanie Legraverant, previously Production Director at Cyber Group Studios’ Roubaix (Hauts-de-France), has been promoted to Managing Director, Roubaix Studio, in charge of developing the company’s facilities and resources. During her tenure, the Roubaix studio developed a unique 2D production expertise and forged ahead into real-time production with the development of an Unreal native pipe, inaugurated with the studio’s first digital program, Giganto Club (26×11’). Produced in 2021/2022, the digital series exclusively for AVOD platforms and social networks, launched worldwide in partnership with YouTube, on February 3, 2022.

Andreas J Carlen, a veteran software engineering wizard and a Technical Director with more than 25 years of experience in the animation production and videogame industries, has been promoted to Chief Technology Officer of the group. Together, Andreas and his team will be responsible for furthering the real-time production pipe initiated in 2021 to create the Giganto Club; as well as industrializing the production process while keeping it creative-driven for the entire group worldwide.

 

Bugatti partners with Bytech for first electric scooter

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Luxury sports car marque Bugatti has joined forces with Bytech to launch its first electric scooter, in a deal brokered by IMG. The new state-of-the-art model was revealed at the CES 2022 expo, attended by prominent technology companies from around the world.

Available in blue, black and silver, the electric scooter includes a 700w maximum motor power, nine-inch run-flat tires, three speeds with cruise control, and a 36v/10ah battery. The scooter is constructed with a magnesium alloy frame.

Eli Mizrahi, Business Development Executive at Bytech, says: “We are excited to partner with such an amazing brand that represents luxury, elegance and top quality in a growing industry yearning for enhanced design and improved performance. Focusing on rider safety, we have also incorporated the evolving needs of the consumer through innovative technologies.”

Randy Klein, Vice President of Licensing, IMG, adds: “This collaboration between Bugatti and Bytech further establishes Bugatti as an iconic 360° luxury and lifestyle brand. We are really excited to see the launch of this electric scooter and we have no doubt it will be very popular.”

Recognising safety as a first and foremost concern, the Bugatti electric scooter is equipped with cutting-edge technologies to ensure driver protection. For those purposes, the electric scooter features unique lighting functions. Its dual-turn signals are located on the ergonomic handle grips, as well as above the rear mudguard. Additionally, there are illuminated base lights on the sides of the deck, and a back “EB” monogram projection logo. It has a dual-braking system, a front left hand break lever and rear E-ABS electronic brake for added security and comfort.

The scooter is available in the US, Canada and Mexico.