Tag Archives: MDL

International Space Archives takes giant leap into bedding and homewares through MDL deal

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The International Space Archives (ISA) is taking one giant leap into the bedding and homeware sector thanks to a new partnership with the homeware licensing expert, Hermet. The deal has been brokered by ISA’s licensing agent, Maurizio Distefano Licensing.

Under the new deal, Hermet will create a bedding collection consisting of bedding sets and quilts, as well as a homeware collection featuring bathroom and kitchen textiles, living room rugs and cushions, tableware and beach towels. The collection will be customised with images of space exploration mission and the famous symbol of the American space programme.

The collection will be distributed in mass-market stores and in specialty stores for home furnishings. It will also be available online.

Over the past 50 years, manned and unmanned space programmes launched from the US and other countries have amassed a library still and motion photography. For the first time in its history, the International Space Archives has brought together a collection of the best imagery to be made available for licensing worldwide through LMI, and in Italy through MDL.

The Mission Patches, photos, films and video contained in the archive come from a variety of sources including, of course, the American space programme, as well as the international space programmes of Russia, Japan, China, India and the European Union.

Maurizio Distefano, president of MDL, said: “We are thrilled that imagery from the International Space Archives has been an inspiration to a company like Hermet, whose creativity will I’m sure deliver an impactful and eye-catching collection dedicated to space exploration.”

Maurizio Distefano Licensing to represent Motorhead, Iron Maiden, and Slayer in Italy under Global Merchandising Services deal

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Maurizio Distefano Licensing has begun its partnership with Global Merchandising Services by adding some of the most iconic artists in music history to its brand portfolio, including the likes of Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Slayer, and Backstreet Boys.

Thanks to its partnership with Global Merchandising Services, MDL now represents a library of artists who together have sold in excess of one billion records. MDL will look to build licensing programmes for each across the Italian market.

As well as some of the biggest names in rock music, MDL will also broker deals for Little Mix, Louis Tomlinson and the celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay.

This group of artists – who can boast sold-out tours all over the world and an influence on global fashion trends across a variety of musical genres – will offer MDL opportunities for a wide range of projects in a wide range of categories. Apparel, accessories and footwear are only a few of the possibilities these properties offer, but food and beverage, makeup or home and living are among many other promising areas.

Maurizio Distefano, CEO of MDL, said: “We are eager to start working with Global Merchandising Services and the properties it offers to the Italian licensing market. This partnership enriches our portfolio and allows us to access another inspirational branch of the licensing world which, even at this early stage, has attracted many potential licensees.” 

“We are delighted to work with Maurizio Distefano Licensing,” said José Santiago, international licensing manager at Global Merchandising Services. “This is a great opportunity to grow and continue to develop licensing for our clients’ in the key Italian market.”

Maurizio Distefano Licensing named Italian licensing agent for Moonbug’s CoComelon, Blippi, and Morphle

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Maurizio Distefano Licensing has partnered with Moonbug Entertainment to become the licensing agent for CoComelon, Blippi, and My Magic Pet Morphle across the Italian market.

The move is the latest in Moonbug’s continued licensing push for a portfolio of brands that within just two years, has helped the firm become a powerhouse in the children’s programming sector. Moonbug currently boasts a librayr of more than 550 hours of content, distributed on more than 100 platforms globally.

CoComelon teaches children how to take on everyday activities and role models positive behavior with a sense of enthusiasm. Kids can easily relate to the universal themes and everyday narratives such as eating your vegetables, learning to tie your shoes and getting ready for bed.

CoComelon attracts children aged one to four to sing and dance along with Baby JJ and his siblings as they learn letters, numbers, animal sounds, colors and more. It is available on all major platforms including Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, Roku and Netflix and has surpassed 100 million subscribers on YouTube and garnered nearly 100 billion views on the platform.     

Meanwhile, Blippi is an energetic and loveable character clad in orange and blue that jumps off the screen with his goofy mannerisms and friendly demeanor. He’s taught millions of kids how to count, colors, letters, and much more. In just a few years since his inception, Blippi has become a global sensation with over 11 million YouTube subscribers and 700 million views per month.

Blippi is also available on some of the largest premium streaming services such as Hulu, Amazon Prime, Roku, Virgin Media and Kidoodle.

Morphle is a magical red pet who can morph himself into anything – a sweet puppy, a giant truck, a cool dinosaur or anything that his human companion Mila’s playful mind can imagine.

The series is aimed at children aged three to six and is available in 12 languages. With over 250 episodes in its library, the show teaches preschoolers the themes of friendship, problem solving and creativity, and is available on a range of digital platforms including YouTube, Amazon, Netflix, Apple TV, and most recently, was part of a deal to be shown on Virgin Media platforms.

A hit with tots and their families worldwide, the Morphle YouTube channel has 9.6 million subscribers and has had over 6 billion views since it was established in 2011.

“The relatable content in these properties makes them highly accessible, involving both children and parents in their first learning phases,” said Maurizio Distefano, president of MDL. “The successes that these series have collected since their inception demonstrates their strength, and we’re excited to help fans access products that include their favorite characters.”

Cyber Group Studios appoints MDL as Italian licensing agent for Gigantosaurus

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Cyber Group Studios has named Maurizio Distefano Licensing Agency its exclusive Italian licensing representative as the firm continues to strengthen its multi-award winning children’s property, Gigantosaurus across the region.

Gigantosaurus, the multi-award winning adventure comedy series produced by Cyber Group Studios, is based on Jonny Duddle’s book of the same name, published by Templar. The book has sold more than 500,000 units worldwide.

The first season is streaming on Netflix and Disney+ globally. The first episodes have been available on Rai Play since September 12th and the series will be broadcast on Rai YoYo as of September 21st. 

Soon to air on Rai (Italy), the series is also currently airing on major international networks throughout 2020, such as Disney Junior worldwide, CCTV in China, Tiny Pop in the UK, Super RTL in Germany, SRC in Canada, SVT in Sweden, and many others.

In addition, seasons two and three have been commissioned by The Walt Disney Company and France Télévisions, while Super RTL (Germany) has acquired season two. 

Buoyed by the series’ on-screen ratings success worldwide, a raft of licensing agreements have been signed with prestigious companies such as Clementoni for puzzles (EMEA), Dino Bikes for bicycles, Templar for books, Play Press for activities and colouring books for kiosks and Witor’s for Easter eggs.

All products will be available in Italy between the end of 2020 and next Easter 2021.

In addition, as part of a global launch, the Master Toy licensee Jakks Pacific Inc will sell a toy line this November in Italy. The Master Toy products are already distributed in the USA, Latin America, Germany, Denmark and Belgium. 

Already available globally and distributed by Bandai in Italy, “Gigantosaurus: The Game” has been designed by Outright Games in collaboration with Cyber Group Studios and developed by Wildsphere Studios. 

Maurizio Distefano CEO of Maurizio Distefano Advisory Srl said: “We truly believe in the strong potential of this series in the Italian territory.

Gigantosaurus has already won the hearts of all children and families globally, thanks to its themes and engaging stories. In each episode, preschoolers jump into a new epic adventure with our four dinosaur friends looking for Gigantosaurus. With the licensing products soon available in Italy, children will be able to recreate these scenes at home with their friends and families.”

Bruno Danzel d’Aumont, International Licensing & Marketing Vice President, Cyber Group Studios, added: “Gigantosaurus is a great global and long-term upper preschool property. I am very confident that Gigantosaurus will be successfully launched in Italy under Maurizio’s leadership by working with the major key players and major retailers.

“Maurizio Distefano has impressive experience in the licensing business that goes back many years and is recognized as such in the Italian market. It is a great pleasure to have Maurizio and his team on board and have them as our brand ambassador in Italy.”

MDL builds European licensing programme for Zafari following Rai Yoyo broadcast success

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Maurizio Distefano Licensing has secured a raft of new European partnerships for the popular pre-school animation, Zafari, a series that has seen sweeping success across the region since it started airing on its children’s network, Rai Yoyo.

A property of Ink Group, Zafari is a new CGI animated series produced by Zafari Holdings and distributed worldwide by NBC Universal. The series comprises 52 11-minute episodes and is aimed at children aged four to nine.

Building on its early broadcast success across Italy, MDL has been building a licensing programme around Zafari that now spans partners including Salani for master publishing who will now develop a line of colouring and activity books, as well as puzzle and novelty titles, Ravensburger who is developing a range of puzzles and memory games, and Publievent who is to produce costume characters based on the stars of the series for special events and meet and greets.

These will be joined by Pon Pon Edizioni, who will launch the official Zafari magazine his year, Multiprint and its assortment of stamp sets and markers, Edizioni Play Press whose Magic Albums, puzzles books, and activity books will populate kiosks across Italy, and Dolfin, who will launch a range of Zafari chocolate and confectionery items.

Completing the line up, Clementoni is launch a range of educatioal toys, and Modecor will launch a line of Zafari cake decorations.

Zafari follows the adventures of Zoomba, a baby elephant born with zebra stripes who worries about being different until he and his best friend, a Borneo tarsier monkey named Quincy, discover Zafari, a world in a valley at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Zafari takes up themes such as inclusion, tolerance and friendship through funny and exciting stories, creative characters and high-quality production values that bring beautiful locations and animals to life in stunning computer graphics.

In addition, a partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has allowed the creation of 52 special mini videos, one of which will appear at the end of each episode. The videos will show real images of animals in their natural habitat, adding a touch of real-life magic to each delightful animated tale.