ZAG partners with Emoji for global licensing programme

Award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG has signed an exclusive agreement with Emoji Company to develop and launch a one-of-a-kind collaboration that will combine the strength of two power brands, Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir and emoji.  The announcement was made by Julian Zag, EVP Global Operations and Head of Consumer Products, ZAG, and Marco Hüsges, CEO and Founder, The Emoji Company.

This new agreement will see the magical superhero world of Miraculous and the energetic and optimistic characteristics of emoji combined to create an emoji x Miraculous brand collaboration that will offer new partners a dedicated, state-of-the-art brand style guide featuring unique emoji x Miraculous brand icons for licensing across categories such as apparel, accessories, footwear, electronics, figurines and collectibles, drinkware, fan merchandise, home goods, stationery, and more.

Since bursting onto the global stage in 2015, Miraculous has become one of the world’s favourite superhero shows, topping TV series ratings charts with leading global broadcasters, dominating across social media with over 30 billion views on YouTube, and hitting over US$1 billion in retail sales at the end of 2021.

“The emoji brand is globally known for its expressive consumer goods, events and entertainment services, and is one of the most versatile and used forms of communication and icons in the world,” says Julian Zag. “We are at the most exciting point in our Miraculous adventure to date, with a $100+ million animated feature premiering later this year, and season five rolling out this autumn following astounding season four ratings, and we look forward to creating a unique and exclusive brand collaboration for emoji and Miraculous fans the world over,”

Miraculous, featuring the beloved Ladybug and Cat Noir, has become a worldwide phenomenon with its unique stories and strong values of friendship, empowerment, and courage,” says Marco Hüsges. “With emoji ’s global brand recognition across all age groups, we will work together with ZAG to bring this new collaboration to key licensed categories with an initial focus on apparel and giftables.” 

Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir is ranked by IMDB amongst the Top 10 Best Animated Shows in the last 20 years. Available in over 120 countries, season five of the series will debut this autumn, alongside the highly anticipated $US100M+ animated feature to be supported by several yet unannounced co-branded partnerships with some of the most influential companies across the globe across numerous consumer products categories.

With a massive fan base of young adult “Miraculers”, (ages 15-25), Miraculous has become a digital planetary craze with over 30 billion views on YouTube (authorised and user-generated content); over 180 million downloads of the official app; and over 300 million+ plays on Roblox. Over 280 million products have been sold to date, and retail sales have surpassed US$1B worldwide to date.

Miraculous is the winner of 27 awards, and was a finalist for Best Licensed Brand among perennial classics in the Licensing International Excellence Awards, 2022.

Emoji renews slate of US licensing partners as Retail Monster continues to grow the brand

The Emoji Company has renewed a slate of US licensees across apparel, accessories, health and beauty, and fabrics in a sweep of deals brokered by the brand’s North American licensing agent, Retail Monster LLC.

Under the renewed partnerships, Emoji licensed product will continue to be developed and rolled-out by ASO, American Marketing Enterprises and Briefly Stated, David’s Textiles, Decopac, and Isaac Morris Limited, ensuring the brand’s continued presence in sleepwear, fabric, cake decorations, apparel, and more.

Michael Connolly, founder and CEO of Retail Monster, said: “The Emoji brand has proven universal, with Emoji licensed products having become staples at across retail and e-commerce 365 days a year. Even in a year full of uncertainty, Emoji- the Iconic Brand and our partners continue to deliver.”

Marco Huesges, founder and CEO of the Emoji Company, added: “We have the strongest and most collaborative partners in the business. Each of these partners has been committed to ongoing innovation and new product development, and has had best selling SKUs for years across retail. Coupled with our extensive portfolio of Emoji – the Iconic Brand licensees, we remain confident the best is yet to come.”

These renewal partners are part of a stable of licensees, which includes: Alcove (Vitamins); Aristocrat (Gaming); Bentex Group, inc. (Kids apparel); EVZ Inc. (E-commerce); Fast Forward (bags), Handcraft (underwear), and more. In addition to these US licensees, Peter Noonan of NPZ Consulting Inc. works in tandem with Retail Monster to oversee the brand’s Canadian licensees.

Partners in the Canadian market include Brand Partners Group, Centura, Isaac Morris, Regal Confections, and more.

The Emoji Company and WildBrain launch new 2D series Emojitown in major brand extension

The Emoji Company and WildBrain have forged a new, far-reaching content and licensing partnership to launch Emojitown, a new digital first series and consumer products extension of Emoji.

Under the partnership, WildBrain’s AVOD network and digital studio, WildBrain Spark has teamed up with Emoji to develop and co-produce Emojitown, a new 2D series targeting teens and young adults.

WildBrain Spark holds exclusive global distribution rights to the new series and will premiere Emojitown on YouTube with a dedicated channel launching at the end of May, when viewers will be able to enjoy the first four episodes of the fast-paced, language-agnostic show, followed by additional episodes rolling out weekly.

Tapping into its expertise in brand management on YouTube, WildBrain Spark and the Emoji Company have created the series for AVOD audiences and is supporting the launch with extensive digital-marketing, paid-media campaigns and dedicated social-media strategies.

WildBrain Spark will also exclusively handle branded content opportunities and advertising sales for Emojitown on YouTube.

Meanwhile, WildBrain CPLG will handle the worldwide licensing and merchandising rights for Emojitown, building on the agency’s successful programme for the Emoji brand across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and other territories.

Marco Huesges, founder and CEO of emoji company, said: “This is a significant development for the Emoji brand, bringing our globally recognizable icons into the digital-content space. With their preeminent reputation on digital platforms, including YouTube, and their deep understanding of licensing and brand amplification, WildBrain Spark and WildBrain CPLG are the ideal collaborators for our push into new content creation and consumer products for the teen and young-adult audience. Together we will take this hugely exciting step in the evolution of Emoji.”

Maarten Weck, EVP and MD of WildBrain CPLG, said: “Building on our strong relationship with the emoji company, this expanded partnership combines the strengths of the much-loved emoji brand with our creative and collaborative capabilities across consumer products licensing, digital-content production, and AVOD management.”

Rachel Taylor, commercial director of WildBrain Spark, added: “With its universal appeal, the Emoji brand is ideal for the creation of an animated digital-first content offering, and our creative team has produced a funny, wry and edgy series, underpinned by bespoke data and insights drawn from our premium YouTube network.

“We’re delighted that the emoji company saw us as the right partner to co-develop and launch this extension of its brand for today’s digital-savvy audience of modern teens.”

In Emojitown we see daily struggles and nightmares ranging from the mundane to the absurd. The perils of dating apps, the instant regret of a DIY haircut, the cringe of a poolside bikini fail and more, are all played out in 2D-animated color. The story will focus on Jo, a girl in her late teens who, despite trying to “live her best life” with a cheery, optimistic outlook, simply cannot stop encountering the everyday “horrors” of modern life. Throughout it all, Jo is the relatable underdog, as she, along with her emojitown pals, navigate the pitfalls of life.

Joining Jo in Emojitown are Jaya, Jon, Jess, Jay, Julia and Joanie, plus the bizarre duo of Poophead and Unicorn Man. The cast has been develop to represent not just characters to sympathise with, but for viewers to actively see themselves or someone they know in. They have been developed to represent “real people” – the kind encountered every day, reflecting attitudes, style, ethnicity, gender, ability and sexuality as diverse and representative as real life.

Emoji Company partners with Redbubble to allow fans to curate their own licensed merchandise

The Emoji Company has partnered with the world’s largest fan-driven artist marketplace Redbubble in a partnership that will allow fans to develop their own Emoji products by selecting the artwork and the product options they want to see it on.

The official Emoji marketplace and Fan Art Partner programme includes a variety of artwork and product options for fans to choose from. The partnership is the latest move in the customisation movement, bringing fans of the brand exclusive product that can only be found on the Redbubble marketplace.

The deal was brokered by Retail Monster LLC, the emoji company’s North American licensing agent. 

In response to the current recommendations from the CDC and other health organizations regarding face masks, Redbubble has also added the new essential accessory to the Emoji brand merchandise store.

“We know that the creativity of the Emoji branded masks – both the ones in their official store and those designed by independent artists – can help brighten people’s day in these challenging times,” said Redbubble SVP of content partnership and general manager of global licensing, Eric Morse.

“Redbubble is committed to helping make the transition to widespread mask use a bit easier.” 

“Our companies are both rooted in creative expression, building the perfect synergy,” said Marco Hüsges, CEO and founder, The Emoji Company. “We are so excited to see the designs our fans will create. This is the perfect place for people to be able to express themselves and their individuality through high-quality, everyday products they love.” 

The Emoji face masks are now available worldwide on the marketplace. 

The Emoji Company secures new wave of licensing partners through Retail Monster

The Emoji Company is now poised for ‘its best year yet,’ having secured its latest wave of licensing partners thanks to the efforts of its North American licensing agent, Retail Monster.

Building on the universality of the Emoji brand, the team is continuing to build up a global roster of licensees. Complimenting its current portfolio of partners, Emoji has now signed a ‘slate of new and innovative deals,’ that are set to cement the brand’s reputation as a true evergreen.

“We truly have the greatest, most creative and collaborative partners in the business, and we cannot wait for the retail world and consumers alike to experience the expressive product ranges that will be available,” said Marco Hüsges, CEO and founder of the Emoji company.

“It’s important that our licensees convey customisation, creativity and innovation to their ranges, connecting with consumers and how they express themselves. Our extensive existing licensee roster and the new partners that came on board will truly deliver a great Emoji brand experience to the consumer.”

The new licensees will produce a variety of product ranging from toys and collectibles, apparel and accessories, home goods, health and beauty, publishing and calendars, and promotional opportunities.

New partners to have signed with the brand include The Bentex Group for Newborn, Infant, and Toddler Apparel, Brunswick Bowling Products for branded technology for Bowling Center, Card.com for debit cards, credit cards, and gift cards, and Fast Forward who will develop a range of emoji branded backpacks and bags

They will be joined by the likes of Handcraft Manufacturing Corp who will develop branded children’s underwear, and Otter Products, LLC for OtterBox premium mobile device cases and accessories.

These new partners join a line-up of industry leaders that includes ACCO Brands (Calendars, Alcove Brands (Health & Vitamins); ASO (First Aid), Bendon (publishing), Centric Brands (sleepwear), DanDee International (Seasonal & Non-Seasonal Toys, Collectibles, Home Décor, Pet and Baby Products),  and David’s Textiles (fabric).

The portfolio is completed with the likes of Decopac (cake decorating), Fabpops (Mobile Accessories), Gotta Love It (apparel), Isaac Morris, LTD (Apparel); Jay Franco (domestics), Paramount Brands (fragrance), RedBubble (Fan Art/E-Commerce); Running Press (publishing), and more.