Category Archives: Highlight

Moonbug Entertainment appoints Susan Vargo as Head of Live Events

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Moonbug Entertainment Ltd. has appointed Susan Vargo as Head of Live Events. She will be work across all the Moonbug properties, including Blippi, CoComelon and Little Baby Bum.

In the newly created role, Vargo will lead, oversee, manage and drive all of Moonbug’s brand and franchise specific live shows, branded areas, character events and experiences in locations such as theme parks, water parks, attractions and more. Vargo will be based in the UK head offices, working closely with the Moonbug team in the USA.

Vargo is the Tony Award nominated and Drama Desk Award winning executive producer of The SpongeBob Musical on stage and for television. Before joining Moonbug, she oversaw global creative development for Nickelodeon live entertainment, including stage adaptations, theme park programmes and resort entertainment.

During her time at Nickelodeon Vargo was also responsible for the strategic expansion of the live theatrical business from one domestic US touring theatrical to multiple simultaneous domestic and international tours, including preschool megahit adaptations of Paw Patrol Live! and Dora The Explorer Live!

Previously, Vargo managed licensing of stage adaptations for Paramount Pictures, including Ghost the Musical, The First Wives Club, Mad Hot Ballroom, Leap of Faith, and Clueless.

Earlier in her career, Vargo worked on Broadway general management for shows including Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam, Beauty and the Beast, Chicago and more. She has also advised theatrical producers Fiery Angel Productions, Limelight Productions and Cinema Gypsy Productions on creative development, global licensing expansion and property acquisition and continues to develop independent projects for the stage.

“I am thrilled to be joining Moonbug at such an exciting time of the company’s growth,” Vargo says. “There are so many opportunities to bring the joy of our brands to parents and preschoolers across the globe via events and attractions. I can’t wait to get started.”

Simon Philips, Managing Director Global Consumer Products at Moonbug Entertainment, comments: “In just three years we have become an award-winning global entertainment company with a portfolio of leading children’s brands. Susan’s Vargo’s recent appointment is a key role in our continued growth and reflects our commitment to bringing the best quality content both online and offline to parents and preschoolers across the globe. Susan has a wealth of experience and expertise, and we are excited for her to join us on the next stage of the Moonbug journey.”

 

 

 

 

MGM and Play.Works debut The Pink Panther’s Secret Slots game

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Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) and Play.Works, a leading connected TV influencer video and games network, have announced that The Pink Panther’s Secret Slots game is now available through connected television devices.

The game is available to play through the Play.Works Network, which reaches over 200 million homes and has the largest connected TV games catalogue in the world. It is the second of three titles being developed around MGM’s iconic character, with Pink Panther Time Traveler having launched in 2021.

The Pink Panther’s Secret Slots game allows players to experience the much-loved character in a playful social game containing a 3X5 slot component with 30 lines of fun. The game includes four Pink Panther Jackpots: Minor Pink, Lucky Pink, Major Pink and Super Pink.

Play.Works developed and built The Pink Panther’s Secret Slots game from the ground-up for TV, and it will be available on leading platforms such as Roku and FireTV. Connected TV streaming devices remain the most-used way for viewers to watch online videos and Play.Works is leveraging this growing trend by creating games for these devices to give players the optimum viewing experience through a suite of easy-to play and highly engaging games.

Robert Marick, Executive Vice President, MGM Global Consumer Products & Experiences, says: “We are thrilled to continue to grow our relationship with our friends at Play.Works through the launch of The Pink Panther’s Secret Slots, and look forward to engaging Pink Panther fans both old and new with this exciting collaboration.”

 

 

Ben Sherman introduces Team GB-inspired Humanz NFTs

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Extending the Ben Sherman and Team GB collaboration to outfit the official delegation of Team GB athletes, Ben Sherman has re-imagined the iconic line as wearables for the Metaverse. 

Through a partnership with Tokns Commerce and Humanz, Ben Sherman is offering an exclusive opportunity for Team GB fans to own the first custom-designed Humanz NFTs.

The delegation of 250 unique Humanz will wear artist interpretations of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games Opening and Closing Ceremony look worn by the Team GB at the Beijing Games. While the physical items retail as a limited-edition Ben Sherman x Team GB collection available to purchase online from Ben Sherman and Team GB websites, the NFT collection will be available exclusively at TeamgbNFT.com.

Humanz is the creation of a team of illustrators, designed to be a simple, fun and appealing form factor, capable of endless possibilities, representative of familiar characters throughout history, and from all over the world and beyond. An ambitious collection of the remaining 10,000 Humanz will be available to the broader NFT community in a public minting event in March 2022.

Tim Reid, Senior Vice President, for Ben Sherman, commented: “We are thrilled to extend our support of Team GB beyond the Beijing 2022 Games and into the Metaverse. As an iconic fashion brand, this is part of a comprehensive plan to bring Ben Sherman into the world of virtual goods and spaces.”

“We are very excited to partner with Ben Sherman to make creative collectibles available to Team GB fans first,” adds British Olympic Association Commercial Director Tim Ellerton. “As the first Olympic Team to launch an official NFT collection in support of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, we are proud to include this collection alongside our Official Team GB collection at TeamGBNFT.com.”

 

Signature Publishing partners with One Animation for Oddbods magazine

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Signature Publishing and One Animation have inked a deal to launch a dedicated Oddbods-themed issue of Signature’s successful changing-theme magazine for preschool children, ‘ADVENTURES WITH’. Under the partnership, the ‘ADVENTURES WITH Oddbods’ issue will go on sale in the UK from 10 February.

One Animation’s Oddbods is a global phenomenon, airing in 180 countries across 90 broadcasters worldwide. The brand has also generated 25 billion digital views and averages 14 million views on YouTube per day.

The magazine will follow the quirky but charming Oddbods on their adventures and will feature branded stories, puzzles, colouring and more. The magazine will also include a pizza set toy, which ties in with the magazine content and provides imaginative play value.

“We are so excited to be publishing ‘ADVENTURES WITH Oddbods’ magazine,” says Amanda Clifford, Signature Publishing’s Editorial Director. “The brand is so bright and colourful, celebrating individuality and friendships, and creating an Oddbods magazine has been an absolute joy. We’re sure it’s going to be a great success and bring laughter, learning and fun to every child who reads it.”

Sashim Parmanand, CEO at One Animation, adds: “We’re always looking for creative ways to bring the Oddbods characters to life for fans, and this partnership with Signature Publishing provides a perfect opportunity to achieve just that. Signature Publishing has effectively captured the Oddbods’ spirit and created a really fun and engaging magazine, which we know is going to be a huge hit with our fans.”

The three-time Emmy Award-nominated slapstick comedy series follows the adventures of seven adorable, highly unique friends. Together, despite their differences, they survive the perils of everyday life, unintentionally turning ordinary situations into unexpected, extraordinary, and always humorous events.

‘ADVENTURES WITH Oddbods’ magazine is available to buy in the UK at supermarkets, newsagents and magazine stockists and is priced at £4.99.

Jetpack brokers three new deals for Moley

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Jetpack Distribution has announced three new deals that will see the top-ranking CGI animated series Moley (52 x 11 minutes) and the 30-minute special Master Moley: By Royal Invitation hit free-to-air screens in Germany and New Zealand, and TV screens in Brazil.

German public service broadcaster ZDF has acquired the free TV and video-on-demand (VOD) rights. The special launched in December.

Further afield, Latin America’s Globo has paid for the TV and SVOD rights to air in Brazil. Both the animated series and the 30-minute special are available on Globoplay, Brazil’s largest video streaming platform.

In New Zealand, the country’s leading broadcaster TVNZ has bought the free TV and VOD rights.

Following a massive launch campaign and premiere at London’s Leicester Square Odeon, Moley hit EMEA screens in October this year.

The uplifting family animation, aimed at ages four and upwards, is inspired by bedtime stories about a magical mole, created by entrepreneur James Reatchlous, and told to his daughters.

It features an award-winning cast including Warwick Davis, who is also Executive Producer, (Harry Potter, Star Wars, Moominvalley), Julie Walters (Mamma Mia!, Harry Potter, Billy Elliot), Gemma Arterton (Their Finest, Quantum of Solace) and Richard E. Grant (Can you Ever Forgive Me?, Horrid Henry: The Movie).

Jetpack’s CEO, Dominic Gardiner, says: “Charming, warm-hearted and extremely high quality, Moley is a timeless gem, perfect for families across the world. I’m very happy to see the show acquired by such prestigious networks, ones we highly value, respect and enjoy working with. We’re looking forward to bringing Moley to more screens globally.”

 

 

Game of Thrones Studio Tour opens in Northern Ireland

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The official Game of Thrones Studio Tour has been launched by fan favourites Isaac Hempstead Wright (Bran Stark), Kristian Nairn (Hodor), and Nathalie Emmanuel (Missandei), who together helped to ‘Break the Chains’ for the new global visitor attraction based in Northern Ireland.

Located at one of the acclaimed series’ original filming locations – Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge – the Game of Thrones Studio Tour aims to take fans closer to the Seven Kingdoms than ever before. Guests can step inside the iconic Great Hall at Winterfell where Jon Snow was proclaimed the King in the North, see Daenerys Targaryen’s imposing Dragonstone throne, delve into the incredible props, weaponry and visual effects of Game of Thrones and learn more about the skills and craftmanship that helped bring the show from script to screen.

Julian Moon, Head of EMEA Warner Bros. Consumer Products, says: “The Game of Thrones Studio Tour marks a first for Warner Bros Themed Entertainment in Northern Ireland. It’s a world-class attraction where fans can explore, up close and personal, a vast array of authentic sets, as well as a comprehensive collection of costumes, props, set pieces, and so much more.

“We’re incredibly grateful for our partnership with Linen Mill Studios who have helped bring this concept to life with the attention to detail, along with the scale and depth of production, that makes this experience so special and worthwhile. We are proud to be part of the legacy of the beloved Game of Thrones franchise and we can’t wait for fans around the globe to step inside and immerse themselves in all corners of the Seven Kingdoms and beyond.”

HBO’s Game of Thrones aired in more than 200 countries and territories, culminating in record-setting ratings. The series continues to engage passionate fans and ignite audiences’ excitement with the next iteration of the franchise, House of the Dragon, set to premiere on HBO and HBO Max in 2022.

www.gameofthronesstudiotour.com

Brands & Retail Pitch Smarter Summer Conference set for 6 & 7 July

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Following huge support for the Winter Pitch Smarter Conference from the UK’s consumer product and retail industry, Ryan Beaird, Event Director for Brands & Retail UK, has announced there will be a Summer Conference in July.

Taking place on 6–7 July 2022, again at the British Library, the event will close with a Summer Terrace Party for over 200 industry executives at the end of Day 2.

“The support from licensors, licensees and retail buyers has been phenomenal for the Winter Conference and demand was so high I had a reserve list of licensors wanting to book pitching slots, which meant I had to expand the show,” says Beaird.

“I am delighted that Acamar Films, Mattel and ViacomCBS are supporting the new summer event, having taken the first three slots on Day 2, and I will be announcing more great brands who have reserved slots very shortly.

“I now want to open the event up to sports, charity, publishing, heritage, commercial/lifestyle brands, so planning is going into bringing these licensors into the conference and giving them the opportunity to share their updates and their fantastic brands to a room full of licensees and retailers.

“I am working with the British Library events team on holding the conference party on their amazing Roof Terrace which will be welcome news to those reading this. I think we are all longing for sunshine and being outside again.

“I am also delighted to confirm that the conference price for the audience will stay the same – 100 per cent FREE.”

Free registration for the Brands & Retail UK Pitch Smarter Summer Conference will go live on 25 February 2022.

For more information about taking part, visit www.brandsretail.uk or contact Ryan Beaird at Ryan.Beaird@BrandsRetail.uk.

Twenty tickets (at time of press) are still available for the Winter party at the Ivy Club on 24 February. Priced at £75 each, they are available from the website.

 

Twycross Zoo unveils Gruffalo Discovery Land

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Leading conservation charity Twycross Zoo has announced that a multi-million pound major new development, The Gruffalo Discovery Land, will open this spring, in a UK first. 

The new four-acre attraction, located at the Warwickshire zoo, brings together the much-loved characters from best-selling children’s book The Gruffalo, created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and a conservation organisation that exists to protect wildlife, preserve endangered species and educate the next generation on the importance of protecting our planet.

Twycross Zoo’s aim for the new experience, developed in partnership with The Gruffalo brand owners Magic Light Pictures, is to inspire and inform more children than ever before about the importance of conservation and the natural world. Featuring real-life animals, animatronics, film clips and much more, The Gruffalo Discovery Land at Twycross Zoo will allow visitors to encounter Fox, Snake, Owl, Mouse and the Gruffalo along their interactive journey through the Deep Dark Wood.

The announcement comes following research by Twycross Zoo that reveals over three quarters of children, as young as four, have a good or extensive understanding of extinction or endangered animals. However, when it comes to the solution, only 16 per cent have a strong understanding of how conservation efforts could help to tackle climate change, showing that more needs to be done to educate the next generation on how they can help to protect our planet.

Sixty-five per cent of parents believe that the less time children spend outdoors, the less they appreciate wildlife and nature, and 85 per cent of parents feel that imaginary characters from books, such as The Gruffalo, have a positive impact on children’s understanding of conservation, and play an important role in encouraging their children to care about wildlife.

Dr Sharon Redrobe OBE, CEO of Twycross Zoo, says: “We hope to spark the imaginations of our youngest visitors about the wonders of nature in this most engaging and interactive way. Even small actions can, collectively, have a big impact on the future health of our planet – and every young person can play their part.

“The arrival of The Gruffalo Discovery Land moves us closer to achieving our 2030 vision to become a European Centre of Excellence for conservation. This brand-new immersive experience will educate more young children than ever before and increase their understanding of the vital role that they will play to ensure our planet thrives in the future.”

The Gruffalo Discovery Land at Twycross Zoo will open in Spring 2022. For further details, visit www.twycrosszoo.org/the-gruffalo-discovery-land/

WildBrain to bring Jay Ward Productions’ classic animation IPs to a new generation

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Kids’ and family entertainment company WildBrain and Jay Ward Productions have signed an agreement across distribution, production and licensing for the entire portfolio of classic Ward-owned IP that includes such legendary properties as George of the Jungle, Mr. Peabody & Sherman, Dudley Do-Right, Rocky & Bullwinkle, Super Chicken and more.

Under the agreement, WildBrain will add 788 episodes of Jay Ward Productions’ classic animation to its distribution library, and the two companies will create brand-new content based on the Ward portfolio.

The new partnership reunites WildBrain’s CEO, Eric Ellenbogen, with Tiffany Ward, President of Jay Ward Productions and daughter of the late, acclaimed animation producer Jay Ward, who was the creator of some of the most iconic cartoons of the 1950s and 60s. Twenty years ago, Ellenbogen and Ward created Bullwinkle Studios through Ellenbogen’s former company, Classic Media, which was sold to DreamWorks in 2012 and ultimately became part of NBCUniversal.

“Everything old is new again,” says Ellenbogen. “I’m delighted to be reunited with Tiffany to bring to new audiences the hilarious characters and shows created by her father, which are part of the canon of the world’s greatest animation. Never has there been a better time to refresh classic branded IP like this, just as we are doing with so many of our evergreen WildBrain brands.”

“I’m thrilled to be teaming up with Eric again,” says Tiffany Ward. “Our past partnership with Bullwinkle Studios was prolific and successful, and now that Eric is at the helm of a creative powerhouse like WildBrain, I’m excited to work with him and his fantastic team to broaden the legacy of my father’s work to reach new generations of kids and families.”

The prior collaboration between Ellenbogen and Ward resulted in such projects as DreamWorks’ 2014 animated feature film Mr. Peabody & Sherman, as well as two new series animated by WildBrain (then called DHX Media), including 52 episodes of the Emmy-nominated The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show, commissioned by Netflix from DreamWorks; and 26 episodes of the Emmy-nominated The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle, commissioned by Amazon Studios from DreamWorks. Also, 52 episodes of George of the Jungle were produced by Bullwinkle Studios and a further 52 episodes later produced by August Media.

In addition to various new production, licensing and merchandising rights on Ward’s portfolio of the classic IP, the new venture sees WildBrain grow its distribution library with such beloved classic Jay Ward series as The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle (326 x 3.5’), Peabody’s Improbable History (91 x 5’), Dudley Do-Right (38 x 4.5’), Hoppity Hooper (104 x 4.5’), Fractured Fairy Tales (91 x 5’), Aesop and Son (39 x 5’), Mr. Know-It All (60 x 1.5’) and Bullwinkle’s Corner (39 x 1’).

 

BlackMilk Clothing to release tokidoki collection

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BlackMilk Clothing has announced an all-new collaboration with iconic kawaii lifestyle brand tokidoki.

Fans of tokidoki’s fun characters and bold, cute style will be able to wear designs featuring their favourite characters from the brand’s universe – including Unicornos, Mermicornos, Cactus Friends, Moofia and more – on BlackMilk’s signature leggings, overalls, jackets and dresses.

The collection, entitled ‘Sometimes…’, will also introduce a new category for BlackMilk customers with the debut of the company’s very first backpacks, featuring favourite tokidoki prints.

A BlackMilk spokesperson said: “BlackMilk Clothing is well known for both its unique licensed collaborations and its fun, brightly coloured prints, so the playful nature of tokidoki is a perfect fit for the brand.”

The ‘Sometimes…’ collection features 17 quirky licensed tokidoki styles complemented by original BlackMilk prints and designer pieces, and can be viewed on the BlackMilk website. The collection will be available for purchase from 8 February.