Category Archives: Highlight

DC to celebrate global Batman Day and puts wheels in motion with GPS app Waze

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DC has revealed its plans for a global Batman Day celebration taking place on September 19th this year, inviting fans from across the globe to participate in a range of Batman-themed activities.

The celebration will kick off with a new partnership with the GPS navigation app Waze, introducing a Batman and The Riddler theme to the system, alongside a collection of Waze and DC Super Hero or Super-Villain playlists on Spotify while driving via the Waze Audio Player feature to complete the driving experience.

On top of this, free digital comics, free activity kits for kids, a Batman Virtual 5K and 10K run or walk, and even a digital mystery to solve in which fans can take on the role of the caped crusader, will all launch in celebration of the DC super hero.

Fans can also team up with Batman to protect Gotham City in a series of digital activities, such as joining the celebration on social media and helping Batman to piece together a series of clues left behind by The Riddler. Players who successfully decode the mischievous hints will unlock exclusive, limited-time reveals.

The adventure begins when the virtual Bat-Signal lights up at 12PM PT, September 18, on the @DCComics Twitter.

The new Waze Batman theme allows for more than 100 million monthly active Waze users to ride along with Batman and The Riddler from August 31 to October 31.

Waze drivers can opt to hear directions in the style of Batman, voiced by Batman: The Animated Series actor Kevin Conroy, as well as select a custom Batmobile icon and Batman mood. Drivers who want a slightly more villainous experience can select The Riddler voice directions (voiced by actor Wally Wingert), mood and custom vehicle. Waze users worldwide can experience the Batman theme in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

ZAG details slate of licensing partnerships and renewals for Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir

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ZAG has detailed a slate of new key licensing partnerships and renewals across key categories including publishing, apparel, food, and home decor as the company continues to ‘set new milestones’ for its flagship brand, Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir.

The latest update follows the recent appointment of leading veteran consumer products executives at ZAG, brought on board to help propel the success of the Miraculous brand as it continues to build on its global network of major licensing partners.

New to the Miraculous licensing programme is Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, a division of the Hachette Book Group, and InSpirit Designs, a division of the lifestyle retailer Spencer Spirit Holdiongs that owns and operates Spencer’s and Spirit Halloween. The multi-year deal with LBYR includes picture books, leveled readers, storybooks, chapter books, middle grade novels, guide books, and sticker books.

Meanwhile, InSpirit Designs will create costumes and accessories for wholesale retailers. Other new licensees for the North American region include Jay Franco for bedding and home decor, Handcraft Manufacturing for underwear, and Customized Personal Solutions for print on demand merchandise for kids.

In Europe, multi-territory licensees Panini and Ferrero – Miraculous partners since the brand’s launch – are continuing their relationship with ZAG. Panini has renewed its multi-product deal that includes its signature sticker album, monthly magazine, and traditional books in Germany. Ferrero has now launched Miraculous Kinder Surprise Eggs and other seasonal products in more than 50 countries.

In France, ZAG is extending is partnership with McDonald’s that saw a May/June 2020 promotion launch featuring Miraculous themed arts and crafts kits with collectable cards, while a new license has been signed with La Plume Doree for a range of back to school Miraculous products.

Turbulences launched a new Miraculous Lifestyle magazine in June, and Prodhex will launch first aid kits for new adventurers. Elsewhere in Europe, new publishing agreements have been signed for a variety of products, including Eksik Parca Yayincilik Ticaret (Missing Piece Publishing) in Turkey, Ranok Publishing Limited in Ukraine, and Kennedy Publishing (UK).

In Latin America, the newly appointed The Novelty Book Company becomes ZAG’s pan-regional publishing partner, with book programs going into Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, and Peru.

Also recently renewed is an agreement with Australia’s Five Mile Press who will continue to publish chapter books, novelizations, guide-books, and book gift sets, together with additional new categories.

“Miraculous continues to be one of the most beloved brands around the globe and bringing aboard so many new best-in-class partners, as well as continuing our long-standing relationships,  is a testament to the tremendous popularity of the brand,” said Julian Zag, EVP global operations.

“We are currently in production on seasons four and five of the series with two new TV movie specials set to debut on Disney Channel and Disney+ at the end of this year and early next ahead of our US$70m theatrical move release. We’ve sold over 150 million products at retail over the past three years, and Miraculous is the number one direct-to-retail license for Spirit Halloween for kids and adults.

“Winning 15 prestigious awards, and with over 100 million downloads of the official app, the future continues to look absolutely Miraculous.”

The new consumer products deals for Miraculous coincide with the retail roll-out of the new toy line from ZAG Lab, ZAG’s toy division, and Playmates Toys.

The first product line from the two companies – since announcing their long-term global alliance earlier this year – is set to debut this fall across key European territories, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Benelux, as well as Mexico, and throughout the rest of the world in 2021.

Additionally, season three of the series launches this summer and fall around the world. Seasons one and two currently air in key territories, consistently ranking number one in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Brazil and Mexico and top-ranked in the U.S. on Disney Channel.

According to Parrot Analytics, Miraculous was the most in-demand children’s show on Netflix when it launched in the U.S. and Russia (2018 and 2019).

Miraculous follows the adventures of two seemingly typical teens with secret identities, Marinette and Adrien, who magically transform into superheroes, Ladybug and Cat Noir. As secret superheroes, Ladybug and Cat Noir are partners in the action. But in the daytime, Marinette is just a normal girl, living a normal life. Cat Noir will do anything to support and impress Ladybug but does not know this is Marinette from his class. Marinette, the regular girl, in turn dreams of Adrien and simply gets little response. When evil threatens, can they beat the unexpected villains?

Moose Toys named toy partner for Warner Bros.’ Space Jam: A New Legacy and Tom & Jerry live action movie

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The global toy maker, Moose Toys, has partnered with the entertainment powerhouse Warner Bros. Consumer Products to develop a range of toys to based on both its upcoming Space Jam: A New Legacy and Tom & Jerry feature films.

Space Jam: A New Legacy is the hotly anticipated re-imagining of the original beloved 1996 film Space Jam and stars NBA Superstar LeBron James alongside Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and other Looney Tunes characters. Tom & Jerry, meanwhile, is a live-action animated comedy inspired by the classic cartoon duo.

“We couldn’t be prouder to collaborate with Warner Bros., a recognized leader in entertainment around the globe,” said Paul Solomon, co-owner, Moose Toys. “With this partnership we are pushing innovation and design boundaries to create toys that are truly remarkable and worthy of the films and characters themselves.”

The partnership cements Moose Toys’ position as a key player in licensing. The toy maker continues to thoughtfully expand its collaborations, with the Warner Bros. deal joining an impressive list of recent licensing wins including, the master toy of Australian mega-hit animated series, Bluey and the activity line with leading YouTube creators Collins Key.

As part of its agreement, Moose will create a range of toys including figures, collectibles, plush characters and more. Additional details about the various lines will be shared closer to launch and will hit shelves slightly ahead of the movie release dates.

Both films are slated for release in 2021, with Tom & Jerry slated for March 5 and Space Jam: A New Legacy out July 16.

Sambro teams with ViacomCBS and Pinkfong for Baby Shark arts & crafts, novelty, and outdoor toys

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Sambro International has detailed its new partnership with ViacomCBS Consumer Products and Pinkfong to produce and launch a range of children’s arts and crafts, novelty, and outdoor products inspired by the Baby Shark brand.

The new range will include painting sets, doughs, and inflatable play products, and is scheduled to hit shelves in spring 2021.

Tony Hicks, Sambro CEO, commented: “We are delighted to be continuing our long running partnership with ViacomCBS Consumer Products and are excited to be diving into the exciting world of Baby Shark.”

Next year will see Baby Shark swim from YouTube and onto Nick Jr. with a new series titled Baby Shark’s Big Show, featuring a whole cast of characters, a humorous script, and a collection of songs billed ‘just as catchy as the original.’

Venetia Davie, vice president of consumer products, ViacomCBS UK, added: “We are thrilled to be working with Sambro and Pinkfong to expand the world of Baby Shark and create innovative new products that will be hitting homes, gardens, swimming pools and the great outdoors early next year.”

Studio 100 to handle licensing, merchandising, and global distribution for new CGI comedy FriendZSpace

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Studio 100 Group is the handle the licensing and merchandising programme, as well as the worldwide distribution of a new CGI animated series called FriendZSpace, a comedy adventure series about three human children who are dedicated to making friends with young aliens from across the universe.

The project is the work of a collaboration between Studio 100 and T&B Media Global in partnership with Flying Bark Productions. The trio will be presenting the series at this year’s MIPCOM Rendezvous Cannes.

Created by Dan Clark (“Team Smithereen”, Disney and “Yo Gabba Gabba”, Nick Jr.) and Oscar Covar (“Team Smithereen”, Disney and “Tasty Tales of The Food Truckers”, T&B) – the first season is set for delivery in 2021.

Jwanwat “Dr. Tan” Ahriyavraromp, founder and CEO at T&B Media Global, said: “Every new friend is a new window into a world totally unknown to us. It is my hope that FriendZSpace will show our young viewers how to connect with the wonderful tapestry of humanity that we share this planet with.”

Dan Clark, executive producer and co-creator of FriendZSpace, added: “FriendZSpace is about three human kids traveling from planet to planet for the sole purpose of befriending dozens of funny and cool alien kids. The production itself is based across Thailand, Australia, Germany, Mexico, and the US, mirroring the series itself. Many cultures, much creativity, all working remotely (Covid-style), sharing a positive vision and, most importantly, making new friends.”

Martin Krieger, CEO at Studio 100 Media, concluded: “Many shows circle around ‘having’ friends. With FriendZSpace the core of the show is how to find friends. It’s very easy to make friends with others who are just like you, but it’s so rewarding to make friends with completely unique people – even if they are aliens in all shapes and sizes.

“Making friends as the essence of the show means being open, showing kids that they should have fun exploring diverse perspectives on life, cultures, ideas and people. This is what enthused us about FriendZSpace, right from the very beginning. With such ingenious creators like Dan Clark and Oscar Covar, together with T&B Media Global and Flying Bark Productions, we are excited about FriendZSpace – a brand-new show that is literally reaching for the stars.”

The Last Kingdom fans can now own a replica of Uhtred Ragnarsson’s iconic sword thanks to Jalic Blades

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Spotlight Licensing is calling its The Last Kingdom kinsmen to arms with the news that fans will now be able to wield an exacting replica of the sword of Uhtred Ragnarsson himself, thanks to a new partnership with Jalic Blades.

The officially licensed display replica comes with the sword’s fullered blade and distinctive amber pommel, marking itself as the trusted weapon carried by Uhtred, the hero of The Last Kingdom series on Netflix, and focus of pop culture iconography in recent months.

It’s now thanks to a collaboration brokered by Spotlight Licensing on behalf of Carnival Films with Jalic Blades that fans will be able to re-live the adventures of the hero from the comfort of their armchairs.

“During filming of The Last Kingdom’s most recent season, Jalic was able to pull dimensions from the actual screen used prop and get detailed, high-resolution photos to be used for reference,” said Spotlight Licensing president, Carole Postal. “The result – drawing upon Jalic’s years of expertise and experience in creating movie and television replica weapons – is a truly beautiful and amazing replica.”

“Knowing how important this unique sword is to Uhtred as a character and to the overall story, we wanted to make sure we got the look and feel of this replica right for our fellow fans,” said Jalic Blades owner Chris Beasley.

Jalic’s 1:1 scale replica of Uhtred’s Sword is over three feet long with a stainless steel blade, antiqued nickel-plated cast handle, faux leather wrap and a custom molded acrylic pommel gem with faux inclusions. Uhtred’s sword will be available online and through specialty retailers.

Each sword will be serial numbered and come with a special display plaque featuring a silkscreened design based on Uhtred’s armor.

Hasbro joins Festival of Licensing with new Peppa Pig content, PJ Masks toy plans and more

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Hasbro will be joining the Festival of Licensing virtual event – the four-week digital event that will run throughout October and replace Brand Licensing Europe this year – to present the latest opportunities across its portfolio of brands including Nerf, My Little Pony, Play-Doh, Monopoly, Transformers, and Power Rangers.

Also being showcased under Hasbro this year will be the 2020 acquisition of Entertainment One and its popular pre-school numbers Peppa Pig, PJ Masks, and Ricky Zoom.

The licensor will look to highlight its continued efforts to innovate and expand the ways it brings brands to life through music, publishing, promotions, digital and location-based entertainment alongside an array of consumer products spanning key categories, including toys and games, fashion and lifestyle, homewares, health and beauty, FMCG and gifts, and increasingly, personalised products.

Milestone anniversaries, including the 35th anniversary of Transformers in 2021 and the 85th anniversary of Monopoly commencing Q4 2020, give cause for timely celebration and will be leveraged with exciting collaborations, consumer promotions and retail activations.

Meanwhile, it’s game on for Nerf  as the property is on target for rapid expansion across multiple categories. Hasbro continues to cement its position as an active lifestyle and sports brand with cross-generational appeal and huge consumer relevance as health and wellbeing trends prevail.

Next up, the world of Equestria is expanding to introduce a new generation of ponies to a new generation of fans. With more humor, heart, and music than ever before, Hasbro hopes that audiences will be swept away by the new cast of ponies and the incredible adventure that awaits them. Fall in love with My Little Pony all over again when the all-new, computer-animated theatrical feature hits theaters everywhere in September 2021.

It’s still ‘Go Go Power Rangers’ in 2021 as Season 28 of the enduring hit show debuts. Power Rangers: Dino Fury journeys back to the core roots of the brand with the action being led by the original five rangers. The popularity of the show, beloved by so many kids for so many years, is driven by Hasbro’s commitment to new content but also the vast back catalogue which is streamed on Netflix and therefore continually accessed by a huge worldwide audience.

A new global brand theme for Peppa Pig entitled Peppa’s Adventures is kicking off in 2021, as a celebration of all the places that Peppa, her family and friends have visited since the show began. With trips to the USA lined up in the future, combined with a library of existing content, Peppa’s Adventures is a way for fans to explore and discover the world around them.

New series premieres will be rolling out for Ricky Zoom throughout the year and excitement for the expansion of the brand’s consumer products programme – driven by the strength and reach of best-in-class broadcast partners across the region – will follow the phased roll-out of toys in all key markets in 2020, as secondary categories will be available from SS21.

Finally, a robust plan is in place for PJ Masks which will be boosted by Series 4, set to launch this Q4, the Disney+ roll out in multiple territories, and Series 5 global launch coming in 2021. In a first for the company, Hasbro will be launching its first toy range for the brand with a core range of exciting new products hitting retail for AW21.

US metal band Deftones celebrates 20 years of White Pony album with Belching Beaver IPA

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The American alternative metal band, Deftones has extended its partnership with the Belching Beaver Brewery for another collaborative launch, this time celebrating the 20th anniversary of the band’s third studio album, White Pony.

Available in the US only and for a limited time, the launch – a Double Dry Hopped IPA – arrives with artwork styled upon the platinum-selling 2000 album. According to Belching Beaver, the 7 per cent ABV beer features ‘an upfront flavor of pineapple but finishes with a soft grapefruit note with a mild bitterness and medium mouthfeel.’

The anniversary launch marks the third collaboration between the US metal band and the Belching Beaver Brewery in the past four years. The relationship was kickstarted in 2016 when the two aligned to release the Phantom Bride IPA. The two reunited in 2018, when, after attending a Deftones concert in San Diego, the Belching Beaver team were inspired by the band’s Dia de los Muertos artwork and later went on to develop the Mexican-style lager, Dia de los Deftones.

At the time of the launch, Deftones’ lead vocalist, Chino Moreno, said: “[Belching Beaver’s] commitment to quality and excellence aligns perfectly with our ethos; from our music to our aesthetics, and now to our collaborative beer, we want our fans and consumers to experience only the best. We want it all to reflect the time and attention that was put into it.”

The band unveiled the latest Belching Beaver collaboration, the White Pony IPA, via its social media platforms this week. It arrives as the band prepare for the release of its latest album Ohms this September, and the anticipated release of a White Pony album 20th anniversary remix called Black Stallion.

Novel Entertainment to host virtual Horrid Henry ‘Summer of Slime’ Festival this bank holiday

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Novel Entertainment is hosting its first Horrid Henry ‘Summer of Slime’ festival, running virtually across the UK bank holiday weekend this August 29th to 31st and via a curated playlist on Horrid Henry’s YouTube channel and social media platforms.

The festival will feature exclusive behind-the-scenes content, specially commissioned videos, competitions, readings, live performances and more.

Throughout the event, Horrid Henry fans will be able to enjoy acts including behind the scenes chats with Horrid Henry creatives Gary Andrews (director), Lester Barnes (composer), and Sue Elliot-Nichols (voice of Moody Margaret, Anxious Andrew, and the Demon Dinner Lady). They will also be preview to premieres including Sunshine Special, a compilation of new videos and favourite episodes, Tales from Toon Island – the true story behind Henry’s recent visit to Toon Island, and the Imaginary Friends video, helping to raise awareness of the NSPCC’s Childline service.

Also featured will be new make and do videos, cooking themed videos and recipes, a specially commissioned Air Guitar performance from the UK’s 2018 Air Guitar Champion Sparkly Sven Spandex, and the exclusive first look at new Horrid Henry content.

Fans will also have the chance to win a variety of prizes linked to the ‘Summer of Slime’ festival including the obligatory festival wellies from Grass & Air, school shoes to rock out in from Start Rite, a selection of Jaques of London wooden toys, and glow-in-the-dark Playfoam from Learning Resources.

To encourage fans to have fun preparing for the event, Novel Entertainment has created a ‘Get Festival Ready’ booklet which is available to download for free on www.horridhenry.me. The booklet features interactive activities including brand new puzzles, challenges and crafts.

Lucinda Whiteley, creative director and co-founder of Novel Entertainment, said: “After a challenging few months, we wanted to provide children with a moment of celebration before they return to school and a virtual festival felt like a natural extension to the activities we’ve been working on during this time.

“Horrid Henry’s ‘Summer of Slime’ festival will provide families with the perfect opportunity to enjoy some holiday fun together, wherever they are. Never mind Glastonbury, this is Ashtonbury.”

The ‘Summer of Slime’ festival is part of Novel Entertainment’s recently created content output, produced under the banner of Horrid Henry Unlocked and designed to offer a familiar environment for fans to discover more about the world of Horrid Henry.

As well as the recently launched Horrid Henry podcast and audio books, new content includes Horrid Homework activities, creative projects, puzzles and challenges and bespoke videos including newly created songs, pop promos and behind the scenes content.

Hamleys expansion and investment ‘will be significant and worthy of a 260 year old brand’

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Hamleys is pushing forward with expansion plans for its 260 year old toy selling business which includes a refurbishment of its iconic London store on Regent Street and the potential to open new stores across the UK.

The toy retailer’s current owner Reliance Brands has underlined its plans to for ‘significant investment’ in the Hamleys name, stating that the expansion is a ‘sign of confidence in the brand and strategy’, rather than a ‘foolhardy ambition.’

The plans arrive at an interesting time for the high street, which has been hit by the pandemic and the surge in online shopping that the UK’s lockdown measures have facilitated in recent months. Recent months and weeks have seen numerous British retailers implement job cuts and store closures, citing the coronavirus as the cause of the decline.

However, Summit Yadav, CEO of Reliance Brands told Bloomberg that while ‘it has been quite an eventful journey,’ it would not be holding back making long-term investments. Yadav has declined to say just how much money is being invested in the expansion, but described the sum as ‘significant and worthy of a brand that is nearly 260 years old.’

“The Hamleys experience cannot be diluted,” he said.

Reliance, owned by the richest man in India, Mukesh Ambani, bought the 259-year-old toy retailer from Chinese footwear group C.banner International for £68m.

During the acquisition, Reliance said the transaction would “catapult Reliance Brands to be a dominant player in the global toy retail industry”.