Category Archives: Highlight

Forbidden Planet partners BBC Studios and Titan Merchandise on ‘most ambitious Doctor Who merch project ever’

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Geek pop culture and hobby retailer, Forbidden Planet has partnered with BBC Studios and Titan Merchandise to launch an exclusive apparel and giftware range for Doctor Who: Time Lord Victorious, in what it has billed its ‘most ambitious Doctor Who merchandising project ever.’

Doctor Who: Time Lord Victorious is a multi-platform adventure that tells its one story across a range of books, magazines, audio, comics, vinyl, games, escape rooms, immersive theatre, figurines and t-shirts.

The first announced retailer special is a variant edition of Titan Comics’ Doctor Who: Time Lord Victorious #1. This exclusive design combines the Daleks and the iconic Forbidden Planet rocket logo and is available now via the Forbidden Planet website.

It is limited to just 500 copies and is part of the celebration for the 42nd anniversary of Forbidden Planet in 2020 – a milestone number with some significance to fans of British science-fiction and fantasy.

There is also an exclusive glow in the dark Brian the Ood t-shirt, featuring text written by James Goss. This narrative ties into the overall Time Lord Victorious story, offering fans the chance to learn who Brian really is, and how to hire him. Alongside this one of a kind t-shirt is further apparel featuring the Dalek Emperor, as well as Lee Binding’s Time Lord Victorious Iconic image.

Anthony Garnon, licensing and special projects manager at Forbidden Planet, said: “The most ambitious Doctor Who merchandising project ever, finds a home at Forbidden Planet. Fans are excited, and we’re delighted to offer them the entire range of releases in one easy to navigate home – the Time Lord Victorious microsite at ForbiddenPlanet.com. Thanks to James Goss and the team at BBC Studios for making this happen.”

ForbiddenPlanet.com will act as an official retailer, stocking all items and offering exciting first looks at merchandise. It will feature strictly limited edition comic books and merchandise specifically created for the retailer.

More exclusive reveals coming soon to ForbiddenPlanet.com, highlighting characters and concepts from across the Time Lord Victorious journey. 

For more information please visit: https://forbiddenplanet.com/promotion/doctor-who-time-lord-victorious/. 

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air with this limited edition capsule collection

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It’s been 30 years since Will Smith first said to his homies, ‘smell ya later’ and rocked up as the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and to celebrate, the Fresh Prince clothing brand has unveiled a new limited edition capsule collection exclusively available at the newly-launched Fresh Prince online store.

The 30-piece unisex collection is known as the 30th Anniversary, and features an array of premium apparel and accessories, including jackets, t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, hats, masks, bags, and more, all of which are inspired by The Fresh Prince himself, Will Smith, along with his Grammy Award-winning music partner, DJ Jazzy Jeff.

The nostalgic capsule comes out exactly 30 years to the day that the pilot The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air first premiered on television on September 10, 1990. The inaugural episode (titled “The Fresh Prince Project”) focused on Smith’s character as he moved from the streets of West Philadelphia to Bel-Air, Los Angeles to live with his wealthy relatives.

The range is currently available at www.freshprincestore.com.

“Very rarely do television programs have such a significant cultural impact 30 years after its release, but to generate this type of excitement in 2020 is really a testament to the fans,” said DJ Jazzy Jeff. “This is really a celebration of a legacy and it’s incredible watching the series evolve into a fashion brand and influence an entirely new generation.”

The “30th Anniversary” collection pays homage to Smith’s Philadelphia roots and also pulls inspiration from his Bel-Air experience in the show, such as starring on the Bel-Air Academy basketball team. Each piece features patterns and prints inspired by the show and the fashion trends of the ’90s.

The Fresh Prince clothing brand and online store first launched in May 2020 with a 10+ piece unisex “Summertime” collection that was inspired by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince’s 1991 smash hit “Summertime.” Both the brand and store launched in conjunction with a live virtual block party on the @FreshPrince Instagram account that featured live sets from several of the biggest DJs in the world, including Jazzy Jeff, D-Nice, Just Blaze and Clark Kent, among others.

The capsule launch also comes in the same week that Smith formally announced that NBCU’s Peacock had picked up two seasons of the dramatized reboot of “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which is based on the viral video created by cinematographer Morgan Cooper.

Visit www.freshprincestore.com and follow @freshprince to stay up to date with all things Fresh Prince.

Festival of Licensing details its retail programme with Trends Bible, Buyers Eye, and Kids Industries

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In another update for the month-long virtual celebration of the global licensing industry running throughout October, Festival of Licensing has detailed its retail programme, a track that will feature exclusive content and expert advice for retailers at all experience levels.

The programme will deliver content from the likes of Trend Bible, Buyers Eye, Kids Industries, and an Ask Me Anything live session that will feature a line up of European industry experts.

The Trends Bible Mini Series will enable retailers to learn how to use trends to spot the early signs of change and ensure they are in the best position to engage future consumers with relatable messages and the right products and services at the right time, while Buyers Eye, led by Julia Redman will see the industry expert draw on her experience at some of the UK’s biggest names to outline the licensing opportunities open to retailers. She will identify how retailers can enter the world of licensing, make it work for them and help build growth across the product category.

Next up, Kids Industries, led by Gary Pope, will present five short mini-documentaries that deliver usable insights and include the unveiling of primary research specifically undertaken for Festival of Licensing that explores consumers attitudes to the new retail landscape from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the UK.

“The changes to the retail landscape are seismic and families are feeling the pinch,” said Gary Pope. “But entertainment is the thing that, in times of difficulty, keeps a family together so there are reasons to be cheerful, it’s just a case of knowing where to look for them. The Kids Industries’ series will share never-before-seen fresh data and insights that are applicable and usable in the ever-changing world of retail and licensed product.”

Festival of Licensing is also hosting ‘Ask Me Anything’ live sessions enabling retailers to ask a panel of experts anything they need to know about brand licensing and retail. European experts include:

  • Julia Redman, Retail Expert, Buyers Eye, Buying and Sourcing Consultancy
  • Ruth Golightly Asda, Head of Buying – Children’s Clothing, Asda/George
  • Angeles Blanco, Licensing Executive
  • Dave Collins, co-founder PowerStation Studios
  • Bethan Garton, Commercial Director, The Point.1888

The one-hour sessions will run as follows:

  • Europe: Tuesday 6 October & Thursday 8 October from 11-12pm BST
  • Americas: Tuesday 20 October & Thursday 22 October from 11-12pm PST

Dave Collins, co-founder of PowerStation Studios, said: “Retail needs to evolve from stock show room to an experience environment wrapped in brand narratives. I will be talking to retailers about how they can use blended digital and physical experiences that can drive footfall and increase basket spend.”

Retailers already registered to attend Festival of Licensing include Asda, Zara, Target, C&A, Selfridges, Tesco, Walmart, Forbidden Planet, Pottery Barn, Calzedonia, Oasis, Cath Kidston, Hamleys, Moonpig, Next and The Entertainer.

European retailers from Ann Summers, Asda George, Bubblegum, character.com, Dreamland, El Corte Ingles, Halfords, Joanie Clothing, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons Nutmeg, Sainsbury’s Argos, Sainsbury’s Tu, Selfridges, Tesco, The Entertainer, The Very Group and Vendula London are also taking part in the 2020 Retail Mentoring Programme.

Anna Knight, VP, Informa Markets’ Global Licensing Group, said: “When it comes to educating, informing and supporting European retailers who work across the licensing category, we take that role very seriously and, given the challenges many retailers are facing as a result of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever for us to play our part by sharing useful content and valuable advice that can help them in their jobs and careers.”

Kids’ audio system Tonies adds Disney and Pixar hits to growing licensed line-up

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The children’s audio system Tonies has added a slate of Disney and Pixar characters to its line up of licensed character Tonies, welcoming children’s favourites Frozen, Cinderella, Toy Story and Finding Nemo to the fold. The new characters will join the portfolio in October and November this year ahead of what the firm’s believes will be a ‘bumper Christmas for the brand.’

The Toy Story Tonie will be available from October 22nd this year and will feature a 17-minute re-telling of the modenr classic, as well as timeless tunes such as You’ve Got a Friend in Me, performed by Randy Newman.

The Frozen Tonie, meanwhile, includes four iconic songs from the hit film, such as Let It Go and For the First Time in Forever, before transporting listeners to Arendelle and telling the story of Elsa and Anna’s magical journey.

Next up, children will be transported to an underwater world with the Finding Nemo Tonie, which tells the aquatic tale along with songs like Sea Cruise and Under the Waves.

Lastly, one of the original Disney princesses will also be gracing the Toniebox; the Cinderella Tonie will tell this enchanting story and play four songs including the iconic Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo.

The Frozen, Finding Nemo and Cinderella Tonies will be available from November 12th.

Tonies UK, general manager, Manon Sel, said: “We are excited to announce four fantastic additions to our Disney and Pixar collection, all of which are sure to fill bedrooms across the country with audio magic this Christmas. The perfect stocking filler, these family favourites join an already stellar line-up and enhance our expanding range of stories and songs.”

Launched in the UK in 2018 by Patric Faßbender and his friend and co-founder Marcus Stahl, the Toniebox is an intuitive speaker system that is revolutionising story time for children. An interactive way for three to eight-year-olds to play their favourite stories and songs, they can simply place a Tonie on top of the box and the audio content related to that Tonie will begin to play.

Over 14 million Tonies and 1.5 million Tonieboxes have been sold across Europe since the launch and 2020 started with the exciting announcement of the brands’ expansion to the USA – expected towards the end of this year.

Women in Toys, Licensing, & Entertainment reveals WIT Launch: Innovation Summit

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Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment has revealed its newest educational programming series, WIT Launch. The WIT Launch umbrella includes a series of multi-dimensional virtual programs designed to boost innovation and creativity within the $90 billion global toy, game and entertainment industry.

Aligning with the organisation’s mission of advancing women through leadership, networking and educational opportunities, each WIT Launch program will include interactive workshops, panels and keynote speakers; industry expert Q&A sessions; mentorship; hands-on learning; and networking with an inclusive community that opens doors to people, resources and opportunities.

“Female leadership matters, and its positive impact on business is more evident today than ever,” said Janice Ross, WIT President. “With WIT Launch, we’re building a pipeline of fresh ideas, actionable concepts and distinct perspectives.”

The series kicks off with WIT Launch: Innovation Summit, which will take place on October 5, 2020. Sponsored by Hasbro, this full-day learning experience is a “Toy Industry 101” for inventors, entrepreneurs or anyone wanting to learn more about the toy business. The Innovation Summit will enlighten, inspire and leave inventors and entrepreneurs with tangible take-aways to help bring their concept or product to life.

WIT Launch: Innovation Summit Sessions | October 5, 2020 | 11am EST – 7pm EST

  • Keynote by Jess Weiner, Cultural Expert and CEO of Talk To Jess
  • Where Do (Toy) Babies Come From?
  • The Building Blocks of Prototyping
  • If You See It, You Can Believe It: Representation in Toys
  • Expert Empower Hour: Live Sessions with Toy Industry Leaders
  • Pitch Perfect: The Do’s and Don’ts of Pitching Your Invention
  • WIT Launch: Innovation Summit Networking Happy Hour

The WIT Launch: Innovation Summit is a lead-in to WIT Launch: Invent, an immersive, eight-week virtual educational program to be held in Spring 2021, where women will learn how to develop, protect or license their ideas; create a winning prototype; brand, market and promote their product; navigate the ins and outs of the toy industry; and how to pitch their ideas to any audience. WIT Launch: Invent will culminate in pitching opportunities to toy companies and retailers.

“Innovation is a key driver for our industry’s sustained growth, and WIT is more deliberate than ever with our mission and our goal to bring more women into our industry as inventors and innovators,” says Alita Friedman, WIT Launch: Innovation Summit/Invent Chair. “Our Innovation Summit and WIT Launch: Invent programs will give women the tools they need to put them on the path to succeed.”

Registration is now open for the October 5th WIT Launch: Innovation Summit. The event is free for WIT members and $49 for non-members. For more information and to register, visit https://www.womenintoys.com/summit/

The Point. 1888 named UK licensing agent for The Brilliant World of Tom Gates

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The Point. 1888 has been named the UK licensing agent for The Brilliant World of Tom Gates, a popular book series that has just been commissioned for its first Sky Originals children’s TV series.

Written and illustrated by Liz Pichon, the Tom Gates series of books is published by Scholastic and has sold more than 11 million copies in 44 languages across the world to date. The series features doodles, pictures, and handwritten font throughout, all of which documents Tom’s adventures at home and school.

The new 2D, stop-motion and live action TV series presented by Pichon herself will follow a modular, mixed-media magazine format, bringing TOm’s antics to life for six to 12 year olds. In support of the recent Sky Originals commission, TG Entertainment has appointed The Point. 1888 to handle its UK licensing programme.

Making its debut on Sky Kids UK in the UK and ROI in early 2021, the launch of the TV series will coincide with the 10th anniversary of the first book and the publication of the 18th book in the series – Tom Gates Ten Tremendous Tales.

 The Tom Gates’ brand licensing will focus on encouraging children to get creative through illustration, music and doodling.

Pichon, said: “I am delighted that The Point.1888 has been appointed as brand licensing agent and I can’t wait to start working with them on ideas to take Tom’s world off the page and inspire even more children to pick up pens, pencils and paintbrushes and explore their own creativity.”

Janine Richmond, senior commercial manager at The Point.1888, added: “We’re thrilled to be working with Liz and TG Entertainment Ltd on this exciting brand licensing programme. Liz puts so much focus and energy into bringing the World of Tom Gates to life as evidenced by her incredible creativity during events, signings, festivals and more.  It’s time to bring a bit more fun into children’s lives and we can’t wait for Tom Gates to do just that.”

Liz Keynes, commercial director, TG Entertainment Ltd, concluded: “All the activity around Tom Gates in early 2021, means the launch of a licensing programme couldn’t be more timely.  Centered around everyday life, this fun and funny unisex brand connects ’brilliantly’ with children and offers stand-out opportunities for partnering on unique and creative brand activations.”

The Point.1888 has already begun its brand immersion phase, which will then be followed by further research and competitor analysis, before the team dive in to engage with their vast network of retail and licensee contacts.

Raydar Media teases new partners for pre-school hit Buddi as season two lands on Netflix

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Raydar Media, the rights holder and licensing management business for the early pre-school property, Buddi, is poised to reveal a slate of new consumer product partners throughout this year’s Festival of Licensing, as the series prepares to return to Netflix for season two this month.

Season two of Buddi sees PAW Patrol creator, Keith Chapman return to the early pre-school scene and join forces with Unanico Studios and series creator, Jason Jameson, as the trio continue to develop the series and its focus on emotional intelligence in younger years children. As well as exploring feelings throughout each episode, the second season will also feature special night-time episodes, as well as explore new lands.

Buddi is a non-dialogue show in which the characters express themselves with giggles and coos, giving the show universal appeal, and allowing its pre-school audience to apply their own versions of the character’s conversations to the show by using their imaginations.

It’s billed as an inclusive show with diverse character shapes and vibrant colours that uses teamwork and positivity to help the Buddis overcome problems as they interact with one another. Season two of the show will launch worldwide on Netflix from September 11th, bringing eight new episodes to Buddi fans.

The look and style of Buddi takes inspiration from the landscapes and nature of Scandinavia, taken from creator Jason Jameson’s own time spent in Finland. As a result, the Buddis all have secret Finnish names.

Raydar Media is currently managing the rights to Buddi in collaboration with Unanico, Keith Chapman, GCI Film, FroG-Land Productions, Shanghai Motion Magic, and Spider Eye Studios. Raydar has stated that it is Buddi’s ownership of its early pre-school credentials, ‘combined with its stunning and unique visual style,’ that has triggered the strong reaction from broadcasters and consumer products partners.

Raydar is now preparing to announce a sweep of partnerships for the pre-school property in the follow up to MIP Junior and this year’s Festival of Licensing.

NFL stars to appear as playable characters in hit mobile game Subway Surfers

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Stars of the National Football League are to appear as playable characters in the hit mobile game Subway Surfers in a first of its kind partnership for SYBO Games, the NFL Players Association, and OneTeam Partners.

The endless runner mobile game crossed three billion downloads worldwide in August and was the number one most downloaded mobile game in the US on the App store for both games and apps this past July. The new deal was brokered by OneTeam, the NFLPA’s group licensing representative in the video game category.

For three weeks, beginning September 10th, Subway Surfers gamers can unlock and play as some of the world’s most famous runners. Six NFL players along with their names, numbers, images, and likenesses will be unlockable and playable as Subway Surfers in an American football-themed game event.

Tom Brady (Quarterback, Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Lamar Jackson (Quarterback, Baltimore Ravens), Patrick Mahomes (Quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs), Odell Beckham Jr. (Wide receiver, Cleveland Browns), Dak Prescott (Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys) and Saquon Barkley (Running back, New York Giants), will each feature in the game for the limited time.

In addition, in-game hoverboards based on the six NFL player characters will be unlockable prizes.

“The partnership with the NFLPA and OneTeam marks yet another amazing milestone for us,” said Naz Amarchi-Cuevas, SYBO Games’ chief commercial officer. “Coming just after we crossed three billion downloads, this collaboration is yet another first for Subway Surfers. The integration of the NFL stars, combined with our premium gaming experience and overall digital content will galvanize gaming and sports fans alike.”

Steve Scebelo, interim president, NFL PLayers Inc, the marketing and licensing arm of the NFLPA, added: “The endless runner’s storyline, the game’s monthly visit to different cities and its all-around hip and diverse attributes, make Subway Surfers such a natural playing field for the NFLPA.

“We’re excited to offer both mobile gamers and football fans alike a truly one-of-a-kind experience by personifying NFL players in the world’s most downloaded endless runner game.”

In August, Subway Surfers crossed three billion downloads globally and is currently leading the download charts in the United States as the most downloaded free game and free app on iOs, as per industry analyst Sensor Tower. It was named the most downloaded game of the decade in late 2019 by App Annie.

Originally conceived as an animation property in 2009, creators Sylvester Rishøj Jensen and Bodie Jahn-Mulliner won first prize for best animation movie about a cool character that hangs out at an old subway station, avoiding a grumpy inspector and his dog. Their short film gave birth to Subway Surfers, the mobile game in 2012.

Penguin Random House to bring Bluey book series to the US and UK in BBC Studios partnership

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Penguin Random House has been appointed the master publishing partner for the popular global pre-school brand, Bluey. Working in partnership with BBC Studios, the publishing house will be launching the first three books in the series to the US market this October, before rolling them out to the UK in the second half of 2021.

The Emmy-winning animated series, created by Ludo Studio, will be landing on Disney+ in the UK next year. With the global rights in all languages (excluding China and Chinese languages), Penguin Random House will be launching two storybooks and one activity book to regions across the globe.

Jan Paterson, the head of book and audio publishing at BBC Studios, said: “We are delighted to partner with Penguin Random House to bring Bluey from the screen to the page for a wonderfully varied collection of fantastic story and activity books for little ones around the world.”

Suzy Raia, VP consumer products and business development, BBC Studios – Americas, said: “Love for Bluey continues to grow among families with young children around the US, and we are looking forward to bringing the stories beyond screens into beloved books we know pre-schoolers will enjoy with their parents.

“The partnership with Penguin Random House is a wonderful addition to a growing licensing program that started with Moose Toys last month. There are many more exciting things ahead for our favourite Blue Heeler.”

Penguin Random House Australia already holds the publishing rights to Bluey in Australia, where the books have enjoyed phenomenal success, selling one million copies in only seven months. The first three Bluey titles, which launched in November 2019, were the second, third and fourth-highest selling Australian children’s books of the year.

Since their launch, titles from the Bluey franchise have held the number one position in Nielsen BookScan’s official Australian bestseller charts a total of 24 weeks (out of 42 weeks).

Francesca Dow, managing director at Penguin Random House UK Children’s, added: “We are thrilled to be publishing Bluey and bringing a bit of the Australian sunshine to the UK. Bluey has a unique charm that appeals to children and adults alike. Her stories are full of boundless energy, brilliant adventures and fun and, most important, are rooted in family experience, which is why they’ve been such a hit with viewers so far.

“We are excited by the unparalleled success in Australia and look forward to creating the same sensation here in the UK. Our wish is for all young children and families to fall in love with Bluey, as we have done.”

The Bluey books have received industry recognition when Bluey: The Beach was awarded the 2020 Book of the Year – the first time in the history of the Australian Book Industry Awards that a children’s picture book has won this prestigious award.

Bluey follows the adventures of a lovable six-year-old Blue Heeler, who lives with her dad, Bandit; mum, Chilli; and four-year-old little sister, Bingo. In each episode, Bluey uses her limitless Blue Heeler energy to play elaborate games that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family and the whole neighbourhood into her world of fun.

Bluey is the most watched series ever on Australia’s ABC iview, with over 261 million plays for series 1 and 43 million plays for series 2.

In June 2019, BBC Studios struck a global broadcast deal with Disney to premiere the first two series of Bluey on Disney Junior and Disney+ in all territories outside Australia, New Zealand and Greater China including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

The gaming community nutrition brand Respawn teams with Mars Wrigley to launch Respawn by 5 chewing gum

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The mental performance nutrition brand for the gaming community, Respawn, has partnered with Mars Wrigley’s to expand its consumable line-up with the launch of Respawn by 5, a new gum that has been developed to ‘add a new layer of focus to the gaming experience.’

The sugar-free chewing gum is formulated with B vitamins and nutrients such as green tea extract, and has been developed by the teams at both Mars Wrigley’s 5 gum, and the gaming division of Respawn’s sister company, Razer. It has been devised as a gum to increase the focus of gamers while they are playing.

Respawn by 5 comes in three flavours – Cool Mint, Tropical Punch, and Pomegranate Watermelon. The former is a mainstay gum flavour while the latter is among the most popular flavours of Respawn’s mental performance drink.

“Respawn was created to address the clear market for food and beverage products in gaming that help players maintain focus and mental agility during gameplay, without the intense rush provided by many energy products,” said Sean Driscoll, senior product evangelist for Respawn Ltd. “Mars Wrigley brings with them immense experience and market leadership in the gum category and was a perfect partner for our new consumable line.”

Flip Block, global brand director at Mars Wrigley, added: “Finding an innovative way to service new and existing customers, and uniquely so within the gaming space, is one way we continue growing our gum business, maintain our leadership and demonstrate expertise.

“It was an easy decision to align with Razer and Respawn’s existing drink mix line to develop this product and satisfy a new market with Respawn by 5.”

Respawn and the Mars Wrigley’s 5 gum team organised focus groups and taste tests studying the habits of gamers and their product consumption while gaming to determine the best gum in form factor, ingredients, and taste. The findings then helped the team adjust and finalise the flavors and formula.