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BBC Studios expands consumer products division with double appointment

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BBC Studios is expanding its consumer products division with the appointment of Louise Rigby and Gaby Dior as its new licensing managers, with a focus on expanding the programmes around Bluey, Hey Duggee, BBC Earth, and Doctor Who.

The pair will report to BBC Studios’ licensing director merchandise, partnerships, and interactive, Rikesh Desai. Rigby will manage UK deals while Dior will oversee the licensing operations and agent relationships across EMEA.

Desai said: “Louise and Gaby bring a wealth of experience and creativity from the brand and licensing world. They have worked with some of the most popular brands and I’m thrilled they’re joining us at an exciting time to provide our fans with more opportunities to interact with their beloved programmes and characters in new and exciting ways.”

Rigby joins from Fashion UK & Global Licensing with over 12 years’ experience working in the brand and licensing industry. She has worked with over 100 world renowned brand owners including LEGO, Disney, WB, Hasbro, Nickelodeon and PlayStation, and has led PR, marketing and account management for product areas including soft lines, accessories, footwear and health & beauty.

She said: “I’m so pleased to be joining BBC Studios at such an exciting time, when the consumer products team is supporting the success and significant growth of preschool properties like Hey Duggee and Bluey.

“I’ve also seen their dedication to supporting partners with sustainable, ethical and environmentally friendly manufacturing which is an amazing thing to be part of. I’m looking forward to working with our existing partners and building new relationships for potential future collaborations.”

Meanwhile, Dior has over 15 years’ experience working in licensing and consumer products and has previously managed licensing programmes across EMEA for leading international agency Wildbrain CPLG, and internationally for Zodiak Rights (now Banijay Rights).

She has worked on leading entertainment brands including The Simpsons, Sonic The Hedgehog, Sesame Street and most recently Brown & Friends, BT21, the Spin Master portfolio, Ghostbusters and the Sony Pictures Entertainment TV portfolio.

“I am thrilled to be joining the team at BBC Studios, home to the very best of British creative content,” she said. “Tapping into my experience across the European markets, I am looking forward to developing and growing the footprint of the licensing business for the new and award-winning preschool brand Bluey and the wider portfolio of existing and trusted brands across the EMEA region.”

The announcement follows a successful year for BBC Studios’ consumer products division which has secured an extensive catalogue of licensees in the UK to coincide with the launch of Emmy Award-winning pre-school series Bluey on CBeebies, new partnerships and renewed deals for Hey Duggee including its first confectionery product with Kinnerton, and successful BBC Earth branded product launches.

BBC Studios is looking to expand its brand footprint in both the UK and EMEA and they will lead key projects in 2021 and beyond.

DKB takes on UK distribution of premium homewares specialist, Uncanny Brands

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Uncanny Brands, the premium homewares brand with established presence in the US and Canada, has appointed DKB as its exclusive UK distributor across all of its key lines, spanning kitchen accessories based on hit IP such as Star Wars, Marvel, Pokemon, and others.

The partnership marks the latest signing for DKB Toys and Distribution who has already been working with the likes of Hasbro, Alex Global Brands, and Crazy Forts, while the business recently acquired MightyMast.

Best known for pop culture small appliances, Uncanny Brands is dedicated to creating licensed products that include kitchen accessories ranging from popcorn makers to toasters and hand blenders, all designed around iconic characters from some of the biggest entertainment franchises.

With initial product lines selling out instantly, DKB is committed to bringing in new shipments to supply its core and new retailer base. With limited distribution for 2021, the company is planning 2022 volumes now ahead of time so as to be able to respond quickly to growing consumer demand for these fantastic homeware’s products. 

“I am very proud to be working with a company like Uncanny Brands. Together we will offer fans of some of the worlds’ biggest licenses the opportunity to own a gadget or appliance featuring their favourite characters,” said Chris Lohmeyer, MD of DKB Distribution & Toys.

“The enduring appeal of these licensed ranges has had a huge impact on demand across UK retail and we are preparing well in advance for 2022 in order to facilitate as many orders as possible. We are starting small in 2021 but I cannot wait to see the success of Uncanny Brands in the UK in 2022 and beyond.”

The Insights Family partners with kids’ charity Starlight to help improve children’s hospital experience

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The kids, parents, and family market intelligence unit, The Insights Family has partnered with the national children’s charity, Starlight in a move to better understand UK families and modernise and improve the hospital experience for children.

The partnership was formed after new The Insights Family data helped enable Starlight to affirm its new strategic changes and shine a light on areas to focus on. The organisation, which focuses on improving the experiences of children in hospital, used The Insights Family to help further understand UK families’ attitudes, behaviours, and consumption patterns.

The pair also worked together to better understand what matters to children when it comes to technology, as well as helping to cement the charity’s new strategy. Working with The Insights Family team, Starlight was able to understand the nuanced difference of kids at different age ranges.

The data shone a light on how kids’ habits differ greatly as well as reiterating the importance of technology being an enabler when it comes to creativity, imagination, and storytelling. It also helped Starlight identify the latest characters and influencers that children know and love.

The data has therefore helped to fuel a new strategy with an aim to modernise and improve the hospital experience for children.

 Cathy Gilman, CEO, Starlight, said: “The Insights Family data helped support Starlight by illustrating the importance of new technology and digital trends. We have provided gaming consoles and DVD players for children, and we are now trialling VR and have recently launched a new partnership with Tonies, to entertain children through interactive stories. From all of us at Starlight, I want to thank The Insights Family for their incredible support and I’m looking forward to our future together.”

 Nick Richardson, founder and CEO The Insights Family, added: “Our purpose is to provide children, parents, and families with a voice to shape their world and this partnership with Starlight helps us deliver that.

“We are delighted to start working with Starlight and already have an exciting campaign of fundraising events lined up throughout the year, starting with my CEO challenge.”

Nick’s CEO Challenge will involve walking over 10 miles against the clock between Manchester hospitals. Finishing his route at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Nick will be dressed as the only kid’s character that fits his 6ft 5 frame – Sesame Street’s Big Bird.

You can sponsor him here:  www.justgiving.com/fundraising/the-insights-family

Macmillan Children’s Books launches new Dear Zoo babywear collection to Tesco

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Macmillan Children’s Books has launched a new clothing range for Tesco based on the classic and much-loved children’s story, Dear Zoo, created by Rod Campbell. The latest collection follows the success of the first Dear Zoo apparel range across Tesco stores in 2020.

The babywear collection is now available in-store and is made up of six garments for babies aged 0 to 24 months, including a sleepsuit, sleeping bag, pyjama sets, vests, and bibs. The new designs introduce two new colours to the Dear Zoo palette, which fit alongside the existing and classic Dear Zoo imagery.

A large social media influencer campaign accompanies this launch and will showcase sample outfits and books to over 350k consumers.

Stephanie Barton, publisher, preschool, brands and classics, Macmillan Children’s Books, said: “We were delighted by the success of the Dear Zoo babywear in Tesco last year and couldn’t have been more pleased when they wanted to do a new range for 2021. They are a brilliant partner, and the clothing sits well alongside the other bespoke licensing that we have for Dear Zoo.

“The classic story continues to grow in popularity each year and has now been loved across three generations of families. This new apparel gives something extra to families who really love the brand, while introducing new families to the animals and the story.”

The Dear Zoo classic storybook offers the magic of a shared storytelling experience as a variety of animals are sent from the zoo. The story brings a sense of humour, anticipation and discovery as the child turns the pages. It continues to be at the heart of families throughout the UK and around the world and was the bestselling picture board book in the UK in 2019.

Macmillan Children’s Books will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of Dear Zoo in 2022 and plans are being laid for an extensive on- and off-line consumer marketing campaign across the brand. The Dear Zoo Live on Stage play production hopes to tour 20 venues with 80 shows nationwide in autumn 2021, depending on COVID regulations. Since its launch in 2018, nearly 85,000 children and families have already enjoyed the performances and it has also successfully toured in the UAE, Hong Kong and Singapore.

This new clothing launch continues the growing story around Dear Zoo and Macmillan is looking forward to building on its success in the soft toy, nursery, gifting and stationery sectors shortly.

Pop culture retailer Geek Retreat marks Star Wars Day and its eighth anniversary with National Autistic Society donation

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The UK’s geek culture retailer, Geek Retreat, combined its Star Wars Day celebrations earlier this week with its eighth anniversary by donating eight per cent of its turnover generated on the day (Tuesday, May the Fourth) to the National Autistic Society.

Geek Retreat , which opened its first store on May 4th 2013 in Glasgow and now boasts 24 shops, is a gaming cafe, retailer, and events hub rolled into one. In a show of commitment to the hallowed day of the geek, the retailer enabled customers to celebrate Star Wars Day with special merchandise such as posters, clothing, figures, and memorabilia.

Visitors throughout the day were also able to enjoy a special Jaffa the Hut milkshake, a blend of Jaffa Cakes and ice cream.

All of the brand’s stores commit to a COVID-19 secure environment, with strict social distancing and hygiene measures in place, to give customers extra piece of mind that they can visit in confidence.

Stephen Walsh, founder of Geek Retreat, commented: “Making sure that Geek Retreat provides an inclusive, welcoming, and social environment for our more vulnerable customers, like those on the autistic spectrum, or with mental health issues has always been extremely important to us.

“With this in mind, we are delighted to donate eight per cent of our turnover to the National Autistic Society to mark our eighth anniversary and the hugely popular Star Wars day.”

Kimberly Scoltock, head of philanthropy and partnerships at the National Autistic Society said: “Thank you so much to Geek Retreat for donating eight per cent of their turnover to our charity on this special day. This means even more at the moment, when we’re trying to weather the financial toll of coronavirus.

“We’re facing a significant funding gap and working hard to adapt how we work so we can continue helping tens of thousands of autistic children, adults and their families each year, and fighting for better support and services. Your brilliant and welcome support is helping us to fill this gap.”

Autism is a lifelong disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world.

There are around 700,000 autistic people in the UK. Because it’s a spectrum, every autistic person is different and will have their own strengths and face varying challenges. Some autistic children and adults need 24-hour care and support, others may need clearer communication or a little longer to do things at school or work.

True and the Rainbow Kingdom lands Warner Music deal for singles and album releases this year

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Brand-Ward Services and Guru Studio, a leader in children’s entertainment, have detailed a major new collaboration with Warner Music for the popular preschool animated series, True and the Rainbow Kingdom.

The new deal will see Warner Music launch its first True and the Rainbow Kingdom single later this month, which will then be followed by additional singles and albums throughout 2021. It follows the release of TRUE: Tunes, the franchise’s first album which was released by Guru Studios last year. The album garnered over 100,000 streams in the first 30 days.

Warner is expecting to see similar success with its own singles and album release this year.

“There’s been incredible demand for True products and content from kids and parents all over the world,” said Jonathan Abraham, VP of sales and business development at Guru Studio. “This is the first of many announcements we have coming up for True products.”

Trudi Hayward, co-founder of Brand-Ward Services, said: “We are delighted to be working with Warner Music on such a musically inspired show. Fans of the show will be able to sing along to their favorite True tunes, which can be as entertaining and engaging as watching the show.”

True and the Rainbow Kingdom is produced by animation powerhouse Guru Studio based on the artwork of FriendsWithYou, and is executive produced by world-renowned artist Pharrell Williams. The series first launched on Netflix in 2017, and has since become a ratings hit around the world.

Following the successful launch on Tiny Pop in April 2020, the demand for the hit preschool series continues to grow. On AVOD platforms such as YouTube and YouTube Kids, True and the Rainbow Kingdom has amassed a sizable audience with over 525 million views and over 2.7 billion minutes watched.

In the UK consumer products are getting ready to launch for True and the Rainbow Kingdom, with soon to be announced global partners, licensees and retailers launching products later this year.

Masha and the Bear secures its first publishing deal in Japan as Animaccord partners with Kodansha

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Animaccord has secured its first publishing deal in the Japanese market for its flagship children’s property, Masha and the Bear.

The international licensing company and entertainment studio has partnered with Kodansha Ltd in a move that sees the company firm up its global presence by tapping into Japan’s publishing sector. The new licensed picture books – in both physical and e-book format – will feature original stories based on the Masha and the Bear series.

The first title in the series launched across Japan earlier this month, with a story that takes inspiration from one of the animated series’ best-loved episodes Laundry Day and Jam Day.

Nikolay Apukhtin, senior licensing manager for APAC, Animaccord, said: “We are very excited about the opportunity to bring Masha and the Bear picture books to Japanese readers and extremely grateful to our partners from Kodansha ltd. for believing in the brand from the very beginning by choosing our IP and developing the original stories best suited for the little audience in Japan.”

Yuri Sakai, editor in charge, Kodansha Ltd. added: “Masha and the Bear finally arrived to Japan. We are going to tell Japanese Children about delightful days of cute Masha and you-always-can-rely-on Bear through our picture books.”

Comic book series Trese enters licensing arena with Reemsborko as Netflix series readies to land

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Ablaze Publishing’s award-winning comic, Trese, is making its leap into the licensing arena, having appointed the pop culture licensing entity, Reemsborko as its global representative across all categories for merchandising.

The deal marks the latest addition to the portfolio for Reemsborko, founded by Max Arguile, who earlier this week welcomed the webcomic and clothing brand Zombie Makeout Club to its library of pop culture and fan-focused brands.

Created by writer Budjette Tan and the artist Kajo Baldisimo, Trese is set in Manila where the mythical creatures of Filipino folklore live in hiding among humans. The story follows the heroine Alexandra Trese as she battles with a criminal underworld run by malevolent supernatural beings.

The comic has seen seven volumes released within the Philippines to date, and are now being steadily republished worldwide by Ablaze.

Clothing is about to appear in the US courtesy of two apparel licensees and apparel is in discussion already in Europe. Reemsborko’s Max Arguile believes that the property is due to become ‘even more popular this year when the animated version starts on Netflix.’

He said: “Trese is phenomenal storytelling. Budjette and Kajo first learned of these mythical beasts as kids via bed-time stories from their parents. Once the Netflix series hits, we should already have product in the market for the fans.”

Rich Young, co-founder of Ablaze, said: “We are delighted to have Reemsborko on-board helping create a must-have range of merchandising for Trese. This is going to be great.”

King Features builds global licensing slate for hit video game IP, Cuphead

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King Features Syndicate has detailed a ‘robust international expansion’ for its hit gaming property, Cuphead, with activity encompassing new agents and licensing deals on a global scale for the brand.

The raft of new signings will see Cuphead grow its domestic and international presence with products across apparel, accessories, novelties, publishing, and more, all of which will land ahead of the debut of The Cuphead Show this year. The series has been developed in partnership with Netflix Animation.

Studio MDHR’s award-winning video game will now come to life across the Asian market, with new accessories, apparel, houseware, novelties, toys and games from Ensky and Elsonic this year, along with a collection of apparel and accessories inspired by the game from GZ Fanthful.

Cuphead and Mugman will also be growing their presence in new territories as King Features taps new international licensing agents for the Cuphead brand. The property will be represented by Caravanserai in Spain and Portugal, and by Vertical Licensing in Brazil.

“Cuphead is a true gaming and pop culture sensation, with its popularity continuing to grow as it is discovered in new territories around the globe,” said King Features vice president and general manager, global head of licensing, Carla Silva.

“With the new animated series set to debut on Netflix later this year, we expect the demand for the property to skyrocket and we are thrilled to be expanding our licensing programs with new partnerships and renewed deals to continue bringing fans around the world products inspired by Cuphead, Mugman and their adventures.”

King Features is also growing Cuphead’s publishing program with additional graphic novels from Dark Horse Comics, which has renewed its worldwide deal to expand its existing lineup of Cuphead books. Dark Horse has also expanded its publishing programme internationally on behalf of the “Art of Cuphead” and the graphic novels, with Pix ‘N Love in France, Editoriale Cosmo in Italy, Norma in Spain, Comme il faut in Russia and Sebundo/G Novels in Japan.

Meanwhile, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, who released two Middle Grade novels inspired by the video game in 2020, is expanding its programme into Russia with the Exmo Publishing Group in 2021 and releasing a new “How To Draw” format in late 2022.

Last but not least, Running Press (a subsidiary of Hachette) is joining the roster of new partners with plans to release a Cuphead “Mini Kit” in Spring 2022, consisting of a mini book and a Cuphead character figure.

Cuphead-inspired apparel, accessories, art, toys, and novelty items are available from partners including Fifth Sun, PowerA, YouTooz, Forbidden Planet, Insert Coin Limited,

Rockpool Licensing nets Golden Bear as plush partner for CBeebies’ The Baby Club

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Golden Bear has been named the plush partner for the popular CBeebies and iPlayer pre-school series, The Baby Club, presented by Giovanna Fletcher and Nigel Clarke.

In a deal brokered by Rockpool Licensing, Golden Bear will be developing plush based on the growing family of characters featured in the show, beginning with Baby Bear, who appears with Giovanna and Nigel and stars in all activities, play, songs, and stories.

The third season of the hit BBC commission launched last month and is broadcast twice a day on CBeebies. 60 episodes and a library of songs are now available on BBC iPlayer, while The Baby Club has been a major success since its launch in 2019.

Tracy Griffiths, head of brand and licensing at Golden Bear, commented: “We’re delighted to be on board and can’t wait to launch a range of fun, innovative plush which reflect the TV programme’s ethos of baby development, exploration and parental empowerment.

“Golden Bear is looking forward to Baby Bear joining our strong portfolio and encouraging real-world play and interaction, inspired by The Baby Club’s on-screen activities.”

Vickie O’Malley, MD Rockpool Licensing, added: “Fans of The Baby Club have been clamouring for Baby Bear plush since the show launched and it’s a privilege to be working with such an esteemed partner as Golden Bear to make this happen. We’re thrilled to be able to say, “They’re on their way!”

The Baby Club is a ground-breaking TV series made for CBeebies by Three Arrows Media, Tiny House Productions and CMP Productions. Aimed at babies up to 18 months and their grown-ups, it’s the channel’s first overtly dual-facing brand with interactivity at its heart.

Each episode explores ‘What’s in the Bag?’ which can be anything from a household item like a wooden spoon or a pan, to a bath time toy or an item of clothing, all discovered together through play, story and song.

The Baby Club is firmly rooted in the latest research with input from leading experts and has been designed to help baby development, empower parents, aid bonding and attachment.