Category Archives: Highlight

Asmodee Entertainment teams with Ablaze for Spot It! graphic novel

Posted on by

Asmodee Entertainment has entered into an agreement with publisher ABLAZE to produce a graphic novel based on Spot It!, the award-winning visual perception game from Asmodee’s Zygomatic games studio.

Spot It! (known as Dobble outside North America) is a gaming phenomenon and worldwide bestseller in the family games market.

Rich Young, ABLAZE VP Creative & Managing Editor, says: “We’re very excited to be working with the team at Asmodee on this project, and on such an iconic global brand. We are planning to deliver something unique and fun here, that I think fans of the game and graphic novel fans will both enjoy immensely.”  

Characters from the game, including Dobbly, the famous anthropomorphic hand that features in the game’s logo, will appear in an original adventure story written by Derek Fridolfs and illustrated by Gabriele Bagnoli. Derek is the New York Times bestselling writer of the Secret Hero Society series and the Eisner-nominated co-writer of Batman Li’l Gotham, and has worked for a range of publishers including Scholastic, DC Comics, Disney, and more.  Gabriele is a talented artist, and a part of Arancia Studio, who has worked on projects like Snow White for Disney, as well as Steven Universe for BOOM, and for other publishers such as Dark Horse, Glenat and Dupuis.

 “I am so very glad that with Rich and the ABLAZE team we found such a passionate partner,” says Alexander Thieme, Licensing Manager at Asmodee Entertainment. “Seeing the first art concepts and reading the first story bits show me that this project is going to be a very popular addition to the brand family and will bring old and new fans so much new joy.” 

The Spot It! graphic novel will be available to retailers through Diamond Comics and Diamond Book Distributors and is due to launch in Summer 2022, with further details expected soon.

IMC Toys signs Retail Monster for Cry Babies Magic Tears UK licensing programme

Posted on by
Leading toy company IMC Toys has signed Retail Monster as its licensing agent and launched a licensing programme for Cry Babies Magic Tears in the UK.
The new partnership is testament to the performance of the Cry Babies Magic Tears brand in the UK, which has seen phenomenal growth and success over the last 18 months.
Licensing is a major part of IMC’s business in Spain, and other territories worldwide. In less than two years the company has entered into agreements with more than 65 licensees in 40 regions, launching more than 500 licensed products across publishing, apparel, educational games, personal care and confectionery categories.
IMC Toys hopes its licensing agreement with Retail Monster will translate into a similar success story for Cry Babies Magic Tears in the UK market, where the licensing roll-out will launch with apparel and publishing.
Gemma Witts, Managing Director EU at Retail Monster, says: “We’re excited about the opportunity to develop the Cry Babies Magic Tears licensing strategy at retail and with consumer fans, and to bring added breadth and growth to a top selling brand”.
“We’re experiencing rapid growth of our licensing programme worldwide, it’s a significant addition to our retail strategy,” adds Cristina Camprubi, Licensing Director at IMC Toys.  “We’re thrilled about our new partnership with Retail Monster and the potential their expertise can bring to the UK market for Cry Babies Magic Tears”.
For more information on ranges by IMC Toys, contact info.uk@imctoys.com

BlackMilk Clothing debuts Squid Game apparel

Posted on by

Fans of Netflix’s hit series can showcase their Squid Game love with a capsule collection from BlackMilk, featuring instantly recognisable clothing and images from the show.

The 13-piece collection allows fans to cosplay their favourite Squid Game players with tracksuits inspired by those worn by characters on the show, featuring the numbers of fan favourites 001, 067, 218 and 456. A customisable tee also lets fans choose their own player number.

Other printed pieces feature icons and imagery from the show, including the Red Guards, the ‘Red Light Green Light’ doll and the iconic staircase that leads players to each game.

The BlackMilk Squid Game collection is now available on the BlackMilk website.

BlackMilk to release The Witcher capsule collection

Continue reading →

Pokémon’s 25th birthday celebrations continue with Selfridges toy-space takeovers

Posted on by

The Pokémon Company International has taken over part of Selfridges’ toy space in three UK stores.

The pop-up activation, which launched on December 13 and will run until the end of January, forms part of the final celebrations of the yearlong celebration of the brand’s 25th anniversary.

Special branded areas have been created at the Selfridges stores on Oxford Street in London, in Birmingham’s Bullring and in the Trafford Centre in Manchester, to promote the Pokémon range in-store and provide a fun and immersive experience for fans of all ages. In addition to a wide selection of Pokémon products, the activation also offers great photo opportunities, including costume character visits to the Oxford Street store

The Pokémon spaces have a Pikachu motif — the iconic Pokémon has been the face of the 25th anniversary. Its bright yellow image can be seen on displays and shelving, as well as digital screens that share promotional content from the different Pokémon brand pillars.

Winner of Best Gaming Licensed Property at the 2021 Licensing Awards, Pokémon is offering a wide range of product across the pop-ups, including special 25th anniversary items.

On display are toys from Jazwares (distributed by Character Options), including an exciting relaunch of the volcano-themed backpack playset, as well as new silver figurines and Pokémon plush. Construction sets from Mattel, collectibles from the Wand Company and Funko Pop! exclusives are also available. The Wand Company’s new Poké Balls feature their latest release, the Dusk Ball replica, while new Funko Pop! Pokémon include silver metallic anniversary figurines.

The new launch from the market-leading Pokémon Trading Card Game is also available. Pokémon TCG: Celebrations commemorates 25 years of the brand and includes remakes of classic TCG cards. Jointly featured is the newly released Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike expansion.

“We are delighted to team up once more with Selfridges for this exciting activity,” says Mathieu Galante, Licensing Director (EMEA) forThe Pokémon Company International. “We have had an amazing year as we’ve celebrated our 25th anniversary and there could be no better way to conclude the festivities than with this takeover in such a prestigious store. We’re sure fans old and new will be thrilled with what’s on offer when they visit these fun and vibrant Pokémon pop-ups.”

The takeover follows a successful collaboration with Selfridges in 2018, at its flagship Oxford Street store, which featured a branded wall, exclusive merchandise and a special event.

Yahoo Ryot Lab, Charli Cohen and Selfridges create virtual 3D experience for limited edition Charli Cohen x Pokémon collection

Genius Brands appoints Zrinka Dekic as Chief Financial Officer

Posted on by

Following a major year of expansion with the recently announced acquisition of Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media, Inc., and a major stake in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment AG, Genius Brands International, Inc. continues to strengthen its global operations and strategy with the appointment of Zrinka Dekic as Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy and Mergers and Acquisitions.

Ms. Dekic brings nearly 20 years of entertainment industry and financial markets experience, including corporate strategy, investment banking, investment management and corporate finance at The Walt Disney Company, and before that, Goldman Sachs.

At The Walt Disney Company, she held posts in Corporate Strategy, Strategic Planning and Business Development, where she was involved in a number of high-profile projects and strategic initiatives for the company. Prior to joining Disney, Ms. Dekic served as a Vice President in the Investment Management division at Goldman Sachs in New York, on the U.S. Fundamental Equity Portfolio Management team overseeing nearly $30 billion of assets under management.

Most recently, she served as Vice President of Houlihan Lokey’s Investment Banking Technology, Media & Telecom (TMT) Group, where she was responsible for business development and execution across the sector, including media and entertainment, digital media, streaming technologies, animation and video games. Ms. Dekic holds a B.A. from Amherst College and an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School.

“We are excited to welcome Zrinka as Chief Financial Officer of Genius Brands at this major inflection point in the company’s development, given the rapid revenue growth, expanded distribution, and a powerful slate of new content,” says Andy Heyward, Chairman & CEO of Genius Brands. “With the recently announced acquisition of WOW! Unlimited Media in Canada and our strategic investment in Your Family Entertainment traded on the Frankfurt Exchange, providing us control over one of Europe’s largest animation catalogs and now a global channel footprint, the addition of Zrinka, with her impressive professional pedigree… will empower us to maximise value for shareholders.

“In particular, Zrinka brings a proven track record in M&A, which will continue to be an important component of our strategy as we execute on our vision of becoming one of the world’s leading global children’s entertainment companies. In support of this goal, she brings extensive relationships across Wall Street and the entertainment industry, spanning animation, media and entertainment, sports, and consumer product companies across North America and globally,”

Bob Denton will assume the new role of Executive Vice President of Finance and Accounting at Genius Brands.

Heyward continues: “Bob Denton has made tremendous contributions to the Company as CFO over the past years, as we transformed Genius Brands from an emerging children’s entertainment company to a diversified global organisation with a solid balance sheet, positioned for long term growth. We look forward to his continued contributions as Executive Vice President of Finance and Accounting, as we accelerate our focus on expansion.”

Genius Brands expands into Europe with acquisition of German company Your Family Entertainment AG

 

Zavvi’s second Money Heist collection released in line with final season

Posted on by
Fans of Netflix’s hit Money Heist can now get their hands on the second installment of exclusive merchandise from online retailer Zavvi. 

Launching in line with the new season, which premiered on Friday 3 December, the collection is emblazoned with the iconic Dali Mask and the memorable line “Bella Ciao!”.

The exclusive range contains everything from t-shirts and hoodies, to blankets and face masks. The Dali Mask Cushion and fleece blanket have been designed to help create a cosy environment to binge-watch the latest season on Netflix.

The new range is available on Zavvi.com, with prices starting from £7.99.

Ladybird to produce books based on preschool animation BRAVE BUNNIES

Posted on by

Glowberry, creator of the popular kids’ series BRAVE BUNNIES, and Big Picture Licensing (BPL), its exclusive licensing agent, have announced the signing of Penguin Random House as a strategic multi-territory licensee, joining DeA Planeta Libri as publishing partners.

A publishing team and series creators are already at work on the first series of books about the journey and adventures of the Brave Bunnies and their friends.

The first products to hit the shelves will be picture books, board books and little libraries, which will launch Easter 2022 around the world.

The deal was made with Ned Hartley, Commissioning Editor, Ladybird, who says: “We fell in love with BRAVE BUNNIES as soon as we saw it, and we knew that it would work brilliantly as publishing. We’re sure that these books are going to hop off the shelves!”

The contract with Ladybird, Penguin Random House Children’s UK is a crucial stage in the sequence of successful deals for the Ukrainian team, following contracts with Spin Master Toys Company, DeAgostini Publisher, and other internationally acclaimed companies.

Olga Cherepanova, the author of the idea behind the BRAVE BUNNIES series and Glowberry’s creative producer, has also announced several regional and European licensing deals that are now are in their final stages.

The series already airs in 63 countries, including the UK, Italy, Spain, Norway, Germany, Sweden, Israel, Latvia, South Korea, Finland, Australia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Ukraine.

 

Preschool animation series Brave Bunnies scores Italian book deal

 

Warner Bros Games and DC announce Wonder Woman video game

Posted on by

Warner Bros Games and DC have announced a new third-person, open-world action-adventure video game featuring the iconic DC Super Hero, Wonder Woman.

In development by Monolith Productions, creators of the critically acclaimed Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and sequel Middle-earth: Shadow of War, the single player open-world action game will introduce an original story set in the DC Universe and allow players to become Diana of Themyscira in the fight to unite her Amazon family and the humans from the modern world.

Powered by the Nemesis System, gamers will forge deep connections with both enemies and allies as they progress from a heroic fighter into a proven leader.

“Wonder Woman is one of the most iconic DC Super Heroes of all time, standing for truth, justice and equality for over 80 years, and we’re proud to be creating an exciting new gaming chapter in this legendary character’s legacy,” says David Haddad, President, Warner Bros Games. “The talented team at Monolith Productions is building upon their strengths to bring players a Wonder Woman game that is unlike anything they have ever experienced.”

“At Monolith Productions, we believe in the power of player-driven storytelling to unite people,” comments David Hewitt, Vice President, Studio Head, Monolith Productions. “The stories our players share inspire us every day, and we are honoured to take players on a unique personal journey, driven by the values embodied in Wonder Woman.

“The Nemesis System raised the bar for player-driven storytelling and we’re excited to push the open-world genre forward, combining cutting-edge action with inventive narratives to create a Wonder Woman game everyone will want to play.”

 

Rowing Blazers x Babar debut “Fait du Ski” capsule

Posted on by

Rowing Blazers has teamed up once again with Nelvana, the international producer, distributor and licensor of children’s animated and live action content, and The Clifford Ross Company, to deliver another collection of distinctive pieces featuring the legendary literary character Babar: a ski-inspired capsule inspired by the 1966 book Babar Fait du Ski. 

The book’s illustrations, along with Babar’s own unique style in the story, provided the inspiration behind Rowing Blazers’ latest collaboration with Babar.

“Some of my favourite Babar illustrations are those of Babar skiing,” says Jack Carlson, Founder & CEO of Rowing Blazers. “I’ve wanted to produce a Babar ski capsule for a long time, both creating ski and après pieces emblazoned with the illustrations, as well as recreating pieces from the books themselves, like Babar’s geometric ski jumper, matching mittens, and his red hat with the ear flaps (how were they supposed to cover his elephant ears anyway?). That’s what we’ve done in this collection, and it’s one of my favourite collections we’ve ever produced!”

The Rowing Blazers x Babar Fait du Ski collection consists of a cotton twill dad hat; a polar fleece hat; lambswool beanies, mittens and sweaters; French terry loopback sweats; a winter jacket; a deep-pile sherpa fleece; heavyweight rugbies; a tee shirt; a canvas bag and a nylon jacket. Each piece features ski-related imagery from the beloved children’s books.

Highlights from the unisex capsule include the Babar Ski Team Patch Sweater, which is a special recreation – made from 100% lambswool – of the sweater Babar wears in the book; a Windbreaker that features a Babar Fait du Ski print, rib knit cuffs and hem, and side-entry pockets, and a Polar Fleece made from deep-pile sherpa fleece and designed with the Babar Fait du Ski pattern.

“We’ve seen massive success with our past Babar collections from Rowing Blazers, which is a true testament to the icon Babar has become since it was first introduced to the world 90 years ago,” says Mellany Masterson, Head of Nelvana Enterprises. “We’re excited to be partnering with Rowing Blazers once again on the new Babar Fait du Ski collection; another line that perfectly embodies the spirit and style of Babar.”

The Rowing Blazers x Babar Fait Du Ski capsule is available now at rowingblazers.com. Prices range from U.S. $48-$398 / U.K.  £40 – £390.

 

Menswear brand Larusmiani launches Pink Panther collection

Posted on by

Luxury gentleman’s brand Larusmiani and MGM have collaborated on a limited-capsule collection inspired by the Pink Panther.

Marking the Italian menswear brand’s first ever character collaboration in its nearly 100-year history, the range makes use of the new Pink Panther Pink Pantone colour, and embodies all the joie de vivre and sophistication of the iconic character as interpreted by Larusmiani.

The line with Larusmiani marks MGM’s first foray into men’s luxury goods, with the licensing team having plans to further expand in the category in the future.

The apparel within the collection is enhanced with embroidered or printed images of the Pink Panther and his distinguishing features, while on the classic Gentlemen’s Essentials, they are hand-painted or engraved. Featured items in the collection include a cashmere crew neck sweater, baseball cap, boxer shorts, a velvet silk robe, manicure set, card holder, shoehorn and watch case.

The collection is available at the Larusmiani boutiques in Milan, Porto Cervo (next spring/summer), St. Barths (next spring/summer), and online (at www.larusmiani.it).

To support the launch of the collection, The Milan boutique will feature special signage and décor in the store and a display of the line in the store windows.

Robert Marick, MGM Executive Vice President of Global Consumer Products and Experiences, says: “Larusmiani  is known for its stylish and sophisticated lines for gentlemen, making the collaboration a perfect fit for Pink Panther. We are sure that fans of both will appreciate the craftmanship and seeing these two beloved icons come together.”

MGM’s iconic character Pink Panther started life in the front and end credits of the legendary detective series of the same name more than 50 years ago. Its popularity spawned TV series, specials, comics and merchandise and remains an icon of the era. Pink Panther continues to be discovered by new generations and remains one of MGMs best-known franchises.