Category Archives: Lifestyle

HarperCollins secures exclusive world rights for Cbeebies hit show Tee and Mo

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HarperCollins Children’s Books has secured exclusive world rights to publish the tie-in books for the BAFTA award-winning CBeebies hit show Tee and Mo. The deal was concluded by Juliet Matthews, Colour Publisher at HarperCollins Children’s Books, from Plug-In Media via Val Fry and Fryday Brands.

Exploring the relationship between Tee, a little monkey, and Mo, his first-time monkey mum, Tee and Mo is narrated and sung by Lauren Laverne, and is a multi-platform brand that has captured the hearts of parents and children worldwide. Featuring light-hearted storylines and catchy melodies, it has gained huge popularity since the show first aired in 2018. With an album of original music, animated original songs as well as a YouTube channel and apps, there are multiple ways for fans to engage with the brand. Series two launches in spring 2022.

The new range of colour publishing will launch in May 2022 with Are We Ready to Go?, the first in a series of paperback picture books with original stories based on BAFTA-winning animated music-video series Tee and Mo Song Time. This will be accompanied by simultaneous audio downloads of the story and the song.

“I was excited by Tee and Mo the very first time I saw it and have been following its development over the last few years,” says Juliet Matthews at HarperCollins. “Now, with a raft of creative accolades and global ambition, it’s the perfect time to launch a series of books and audio based on the original songs, sung so brilliantly by Lauren Laverne. Tee and Mo embody that wonderful and slightly overwhelming relationship between a first-time mum and her child in such a charming and funny way that you can’t help but fall in love with them.”

Dominic Minns at Plug-In Media says: “Tee and Mo has always been designed as a dual-audience brand, creating opportunities for children and their caregivers to see themselves reflected in the stories, and in doing so laugh and bond together. There has never been a more dual audience platform than picture books and it has always been our dream for Tee and Mo to find a home in print. HarperCollins has the most incredible track record in creating iconic stories that bring people together. We are incredibly honoured that they have chosen to bring Tee and Mo into their wider family of brands, and we look forward to a long relationship together.”

 

King Features and Jade City Foods introduce Popeye foods line

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King Features Syndicate, a unit of Hearst and home to some of the world’s most popular entertainment characters, along with Florida-based food and beverage company Jade City Foods, has announced a new collection of high-end Popeye & Friends-inspired hot sauces and coffee. This latest expansion within the food category further solidifies Popeye as one of the most sought-after pop culture properties.

The spinach-loving sailorman and his friends will feature on packaging for four Popeye Signature Hot Sauces: Popeye’s ‘Strong to the Finish Hot Sauce’ (Jalapeño Spinach), Eugene the Jeep’s ‘Jeep! Jeep! Magic Hot Sauce’ (Pineapple Habanero), Wimpy’s ‘I’ll Gladly Pay You Tuesday for Some Burger Sauce Today’ (Sweet & Smokey Sriracha) and Bluto’s ‘You Can’t Handle My Hot Sauce, Runt!’ (Reaper, Scorpion & Ghost Peppers).

Additionally, the Jade City food line includes Popeye Signature Coffee, which will be available in three unique blends: Olive Oyl’s ‘I’m Too Kind-Hearted Blend’ (a Clean & Fruity Light Roast), Bluto’s ‘No Good Sailor Blend’ (a Bombastic & Balanced Medium Roast) and Popeye’s ‘Blow Me Down Blend!’ (a Courageously Strong Dark Roast).

“The Jade City team knows good food and they really connect with the Popeye brand,” says King Features Vice President, North America Licensing, Jarred Goro. “Their focus on delivering top-quality products that taste good paired with their creative approach to the development process — from ingredient selection to packaging — makes them the perfect partner to release this unique line of hot sauce flavours and signature coffee blends. We are thrilled to kick off the launch and can’t wait to see how fans respond.”

“Popeye has always been a love of mine from the early Fleischer cartoons to more recent IDW comics,” says Jade City founder Cliff Wiener. “It’s really fun to dig in and create foods inspired by the characters we know and love.”

The signature coffee blends and hot sauces are available in the US at the new online store, www.food.popeye.com, starting from November 16. Following the initial launch, Jade City Foods is set to introduce three hot cocoa blends – ‘Sea-Salty Sailor Salted Caramel,’ ‘Goo-Goo Gooey Chocolate’ and ‘“Oh, Dear!” Peppermint’ – along with a limited-edition ghost pepper hot sauce, ‘Bruiser Boys Club’ (Ghost Pepper Blueberry Hot Sauce), on Black Friday.

 

The Point.1888 jumps on board with new client Flip Out

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Flip Out, the UK’s leading trampoline and adventure park operator, is to embark on its first ever brand licensing programme with the help of its new agent The Point.1888.

With 27 sites across the UK offering slides, free running, inflatables, assault courses, synthetic ice rinks, bumper cars and crazy golf, Flip Out has amassed a huge fanbase. It hopes to use brand licensing to boost engagement and generate new revenue opportunities.

The Point.1888 was Flip Out’s first choice thanks to the agency’s knowledge and experience working with some of the world’s biggest brands in sport and kids entertainment, such as Team GB, British & Irish Lions, CoComelon, Moomin and Blippi.

Product ranges in planning include apparel, activity products and trampolines, and key to the strategy will be Flip Out’s ability to get kids, teens and families away from their screensand having fun in an active way. This is much needed following the release of research earlier this year which showed a 100% increase in kids’ screen activity compared with the same period in 2020.

Hannah Stevens, Head of Sports and Retail, at The Point.1888, says: “We are acutely aware of how the world is progressing as we all spend more time than ever glued to screens. This has also been a major factor in the struggles of retail as people choose to shop online rather than on the high street. Flip Out has a huge opportunity to reverse this trend by using products to entice people to get out and be more active, experiencing more of real life.

“Flip Out is more than a trampoline park; it’s a space to get lost in and explore, with everything from Ninja obstacle courses to Cyber Towers. Combined with its electric urban identity, you really are taken on a complete adventure. It is this purpose, authenticity and creativity that we find incredibly exciting and why Flip Out will be able to deliver incredibly powerful products.”

“The Flip Out brand is focused on getting young people and families active and having fun,” says Richard Beese, Co-Owner at Flip Out. “Our parks offer a range of activities to appeal to all ages and we believe this partnership with The Point.1888 will enable us to deliver these benefits to a wider audience.”

 

Penguin Random House Children’s plans 120th birthday celebrations for Peter Rabbit

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The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter was first published in 1902 and since then the iconic rabbit in a blue jacket has gone on to win the hearts of millions of families around the world. The original Tale has sold over 46 million copies globally and has been published in 48 languages including Braille and Hieroglyphics.

Penguin Random House Children’s will be celebrating Peter’s 120th birthday with a suitably adventurous, fun-filled campaign, creating a wealth of opportunities for families to party with Peter throughout 2022.

The Owned Brands team at Penguin Random House Children’s will launch a purpose-driven PR and digital campaign, working with high profile partners and ambassadors in the outdoors space to reaffirm Peter’s continued relevance and appeal to young families. Peter Rabbit’s role as children’s ambassador for the Queen’s Green Canopy will see Peter supporting tree planting initiatives throughout the year whilst celebratory Picnics for Peter will take place during the summer supported by key partners and at locations throughout the UK.

“With an incredible legacy that has endured since 1902, we wanted to use this milestone for the brand to celebrate Peter Rabbit’s continued relevance and resonance with today’s families,” says Izzy Richardson, Global Director, Owned Brands, Penguin Random House Children’s. “Our ambitious, year-long series of birthday celebrations will enable us to connect parents, young children and fans with The World of Peter Rabbit, helping to continue Beatrix Potter’s legacy for a new generation. Through new immersive experiences, digital and social content, consumer products and publishing, everyone is invited to celebrate with Peter in 2022.”

Penguin Ventures, the licensing team at Penguin Random House Children’s, will be growing a number of existing product ranges throughout 2022 in the UK including new apparel collections with expanded retail placement from Dennicci as well as new gardening lines from Jardinopia. In addition DNC are confirmed to launch picnicware and online retailer My First Years is signed for personalised infant product. A number of special commemorative ranges will also launch across plush, apparel and gifting categories.

Penguin Ventures has also confirmed a programme of experiential activations in the UK offering families immersive events throughout the year. A brand new Peter Rabbit Story Time Trail will launch in March and tour libraries and gallery spaces across the country, with venues booked up until July 2023 offering little ones the chance to step into The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Meanwhile the first Peter Rabbit themed entertainment parties will launch in 2022, in a new deal with children’s party entertainers Captain Fantastic, combining party games, magic and plenty of Peter Rabbit’s trademark mischief.

In addition, Happy Birthday Peter Rabbit, a brand new stage production, will be launching at the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in the Lake District next summer. The show encompasses music, puppetry and live action, offering audiences an exciting and memorable theatrical experience.

Outside of the UK, celebrations will include a major touring exhibition of Potter’s original Peter Rabbit artwork in Japan with exhibition partner Toei, marking the first time the collection will have left the UK. The exhibition will tour three major cities from March through to November and is expected to attract over 160,000 visitors, and will be supported by a national media campaign. Additionally, a new permanent Peter Rabbit English Garden will open at Fuji Motosuko Resort in a deal brokered by Sony Creative Products with Fujikyuko Co. Ltd. The attraction will include a café, shop and museum. A new Japanese publishing partner, Hayakawa, has also been confirmed, reflecting Penguin Random House Children’s strategy to bring the World of Peter Rabbit publishing to family audiences in this key territory for the brand.

In Australia, a collectable 120th anniversary stamp pack will be produced by Australia Post and consist of 12 commemorative stamps. The pack will be available in around 1,000 Australia Post stores across the country. In addition, plush partner Jasnor will be launching a range of a special edition Peter Rabbit plush to commemorate the anniversary.

“The birthday moment presents a fantastic opportunity for both our existing licensees as well as new partners in the UK and other key international territories,” says Susan Bolsover, Global Licensing and Consumer Products Director, Penguin Ventures. “We have been delighted with the way in which licensees, promotional partners and retailers are supporting this milestone moment, helping create memories for existing and new Peter Rabbit fans alike, be that through products, experiences or events. There is much more to look out for in 2022!”

Finally, Penguin Random House Children’s will be launching a range of commemorative publishing throughout 2022 including a picture book edition of The Tale of Peter Rabbit, featuring Beatrix Potter’s original text and iconic illustrations. This new large format will be perfect for families to share together, helping new readers discover Peter at his most adventurous. The Tale of Peter Rabbit will be released in picture book format in April 2022, and will be supported with a creative and high-profile Publicity and Marketing anniversary campaign.

MOLANG partners with Gen Z influencers and youth charity for World Kindness Day

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MOLANG, the digital property owned and produced by Paris-based production studio Millimages, has recruited a group of UK-based Gen Z influencers as the #MolangKindnessCrew to help spread kindness.

In another act of kindness, MOLANG has donated £10,000 to The Mix – the UK’s leading support service for young people – to help fund its upcoming #OneKindWord campaign which aims to curb cyberbullying.

Timed to coincide with this year’s World Kindness Day (13 November) and the UK’s Anti-Bullying Week (15-19 November), this is MOLANG’S first purpose-led activity in the UK.

The Mix provides a free and confidential 24-hour support network for under 25s.  MOLANG’s donation will fund a two-week digital campaign focused on cyberbullying, providing support and advice for those affected by online bullying and trolling, as well as aligning with the UK’s Anti-Bullying Alliance’s 2021 theme “One Kind Word” by creating, promoting and inspiring kindness pledges.

Animations, GIFs and images of MOLANG will feature across the campaign’s content (co-created by young people and experts). Comprising videos, articles, Q&As, quizzes, reels, social resource packs and a competition, the content will be promoted across The Mix’s social media channels, online community, email newsletter and website with a dedicated Bullying Support hub page: themix.org.uk/bullying-support.

Zoë Bailie, Deputy CEO at The Mix, says: “Bullying can have a massively destructive impact on the lives of young people, leading to poor mental health and low self-esteem. The Mix is hugely grateful to  MOLANG for championing our work on this issue, by funding our campaign and helping us reach even more young people who are experiencing bullying and offering them free and confidential support. MOLANG is the perfect partner to collaborate with to spread kindness and compassion during Anti-Bullying Week.”

Set to be unveiled on World Kindness Day, the #MolangKindnessCrew initially comprises four Gen Z influencers who will post co-branded video content across Instagram and TikTok, inviting their followers to tag a friend – with a kind word about them – in the comments and in stories. Millimages hopes the #MolangKindnessCrew will grow exponentially in 2022, so that more social communities engage with MOLANG’s mission to spread kindness worldwide.

Marina Narishkin of Millimages comments: “MOLANG’s core value is kindness – something that particularly resonates with today’s Gen Zs who are a key target audience for the property worldwide – and partnering with the Mix is kindness in action. We are also excited to recruit our first UK members of the #MolangKindnessCrew and roll out the concept internationally, with the help of our 11 international licensing agents, as part of our long-term brand strategy.”

MOLANG started life in 2010 as a doodle by Hye Ji Yoon, a Korean illustrator, but quickly grew into a digital sensation, with over 16 billion views on GIPHY and more than 4 million social media followers. Having acquired global rights in 2015, Millimages produced a MOLANG Tv series of over 260 episodes sold in 190 countries, thanks to author and creator Marie-Caroline Villand, which has now evolved into a lifestyle brand with a successful consumer products programme, supported by 11 international licensing agents.

The UK licensing agent for MOLANG is The Point. 1888

 

FC Barcelona taps IMG for Southeast Asia licensing programme

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Five-time UEFA Champions League winning football club FC Barcelona has appointed IMG as its master licensee in Southeast Asia to develop a consumer products programme for fans in the region.

Part of the club’s broader merchandising strategy and evolution into a global lifestyle brand, the multi-year deal will see IMG focus on lifestyle and fashion apparel, accessories, luggage and bags, gift and novelty, homeware and textiles, and digital and tech product categories.

Miki Yamamoto, SVP of Licensing, IMG, says: “FC Barcelona is one of the most recognised football clubs in the world and there’s huge untapped potential for brand extension in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, where football has always been extremely popular. This, combined with Barça fans’ unwavering passion for the club and desire to show support for their team, presents extensive licensing opportunities in the region.”

Barça Licensing and Merchandising (BLM) is working with leading companies like IMG to expand FC Barcelona’s lifestyle footprint and provide a 360-degree merchandising experience for Barça fans around the world.

Myprotein and Hotel Chocolat launch luxury collection for Christmas

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Sports nutrition brand Myprotein has partnered with luxury chocolatier Hotel Chocolat to launch a range of layered bars and protein chocolate.

Available online, the limited-edition collection has been 18 months in the making and has been created to add a touch of luxury and indulgence to Myprotein’s sports nutrition range in the run-up to Christmas.

The Hotel Chocolat line, made using more cacao and less sugar, includes the following festive products:

Chocolate Orange Layered Bar (RRP £16.99): Two layers of chocolate flavour and orange flavoured protein with a caramel layer, soya protein nuggets and cacao cookie drops, enrobed in a dark couverture chocolate.

Chocolate & Salted Caramel Layered Bar (RRP £16.99): Two layers of chocolate flavour and caramel flavour protein with a caramel layer, soya protein nuggets and cacao cookie drops, enrobed in a dark couverture chocolate.

Luxury Protein Slab (available from 1 November, RRP £5.99): The iconic Hotel Chocolat chocolate with 20g of Myprotein’s best-selling whey protein isolate.

The Myprotein and Hotel Chocolat range is available online.

Epic Rights to develop global L&M programme for Cyndi Lauper

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Epic Rights is now representing Cyndi Lauper, the Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning musical star behind hit songs “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Time After Time” and “True Colors.”

Epic Rights will be developing a robust licensing programme across multiple categories such as fashion, apparel, footwear, accessories, health & beauty, home décor, digital gaming, collectables, and more. Initial product launch for some categories will be spring 2022.

Headquartered in West Hollywood, Epic Rights represents a diverse roster of music artists and brands including AC/DC, KISS, Aerosmith, David Bowie, John Lennon, Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Britney Spears,  and *NSYNC. It offers a range of services, including retail licensing, tour merchandising, D2C e-commerce, VIP/fan experiences, merch bundles, and fan engagement opportunities. For more information, visit www.epicrights.com.

UEFA launches sales process for UEFA national team football licensing rights

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UEFA has announced that it is inviting interested parties to make proposals for certain licensing and marketing rights in relation to the Master Licensee, Onsite Retailer and Online Retailer categories for certain UEFA national team football competitions taking place during the period 2023 -2028. The national team football competitions in question are: the UEFA European Football Championship 2024 and 2028, the UEFA Nations League Finals 2023, 2025 and 2027, the UEFA European Women’s Championship 2025, the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2023, 2025 and 2027 and the UEFA European Futsal Championship 2026.

Interested parties should send an email to CAA Eleven via the address below as soon as possible and include the following initial information in their email:

  • Company profile presentation;
  • Details of any relevant licences held and events operated.

Any company wanting to take part in the formal request for proposals (“RFP”) process should register its interest to CAA Eleven Sàrl via: licensing@caa11.com by no later than Friday 26 November, 2021

The RFP process will be administered by CAA Eleven Sàrl on behalf of UEFA.

 

Nickelodeon and ViacomCBS Consumer Products partner with Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels

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Nickelodeon and ViacomCBS Consumer Products have announced a consumer products partnership with music icon Darryl McDaniels, also known as acclaimed producer and musical artist DMC, and one of the founding members of the groundbreaking hip hop group Run-DMC.

Under the agreement, McDaniels will partner with Nickelodeon and ViacomCBS Consumer Products for a cross-category consumer products programme that includes apparel, a publishing deal with Random House Children’s Books, and a collaboration with Noggin, Nickelodeon’s interactive learning service for preschoolers.

The collaboration between Noggin and McDaniels features the music icon lending his voice to episodes of Noggin’s brand-new original series What’s the Word? (15 episodes). Each short-form animated music video features a new word – such as cooperate, opposite and persevere ­– for kids, while utilising songs and fan-favourite characters from hit series, including Blue’s Clues & You! and PAW Patrol, to help illustrate and teach the meaning of the word.

Additionally, consumer product plans are underway for a selection of apparel and accessories inspired by McDaniel’s childhood that will be available exclusively on the Nickelodeon brand store of Amazon, along with a future collaboration with The Felix Organization, a nonprofit organisation and longstanding partner of ViacomCBS that was founded by McDaniels and EMMY Award-winning casting director Sheila Jaffe, which aims to help enrich the lives of children in foster care.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been very fortunate to have a diverse group of fans, including kids,” says McDaniels. “Working with Nickelodeon and ViacomCBS Consumer Products and having the opportunity to help make a positive impact on their lives and develop their self-esteem is so special to me.”

Pam Kaufman, President, Global Consumer Products, ViacomCBS, says: “Darryl McDaniels is a remarkable talent, with an equally inspiring background, who has positively impacted the lives of millions through his music and philanthropic work.  We are so excited to work with him and extend his platform to reach today’s generation of kids around the globe with his message of empowerment, encouraging all kids to chase their own dreams.”