Banijay Brands whips up new deals for MasterChef

Posted on 18th May 2022 by Sam Giltrow

Banijay Brands has announced further growth of its hugely successful brand licensing programme for MasterChef, the world’s most successful cookery television format. The company is building on its existing partnership with leading European housewares company Arovo, plus rolling out new deals across cookware and games.

Arovo’s MasterChef collection includes a broad selection of products such as ceramics, tableware, textiles, cookware, knives, utensils and small domestic appliances. The affordable kitchen and tabletop MasterChefrange will be launching in the U.S. in May alongside a brand-new US MasterChef Amazon store. And across Europe, interior design retail chain CASA have developed the Elite collection with Arovo, consisting of a series of high-quality, stylish kitchen must-haves and appliances, available exclusively in all 500+ CASA stores and at casashops.com.

In addition, Banijay’s Endemol Shine North America (ESNA) has partnered with leading retail product manufacturer Creative Concepts for a unique collection of MasterChef silver-ion and 18K gold coated cookware sets which are now available online.

ESNA has also furthered its partnership with Wilder Toys for a bite-sized edition of the successful MasterChef Family Cooking Game which is available at Walgreens.

Elsewhere, Endemol Shine Brasil has just announced the arrival of three Spanish MasterChef wines available in the region exclusively with local wine online retailer Grande Adega.

Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands says: “MasterChef is an evergreen brand that resonates strongly with consumers all around the world, and by collaborating with teams across Banijay’s footprint we deliver a truly global licensing programme. We only work with the best partners in the business, who will uphold the integrity and quality associated with the brand, and it is wonderful to see these partnerships grow.”

Created by Franc Roddam, MasterChef celebrated its 500th series globally in 2021, with 49 productions in 33 territories airing last year. An international ratings hit, the format has a number of successful iterations including Celebrity MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, Junior MasterChef, MasterChef All Stars, and the recently announced Young MasterChef (w/t) with BBC Three in the UK, which will be dedicated to up-and-coming young food talent between the ages of 18 and 25.

With more than 90 licensees around the world, the MasterChef brand extends into a huge range of successful commercial activities. Millions of consumer products have sold globally, the extensive publishing range has proved lucrative, and audiences around the world can engage with MasterChef through live experiences from restaurants to cruises and tours.

The MasterChef format and finished programmes are represented internationally by Banijay Rights.

WildBrain CPLG starts a new chapter with HarperCollins Productions

Posted on 17th May 2022 by Sam Giltrow

Entertainment, sport and brand licensing agency WildBrain CPLG has further expanded its entertainment portfolio with the signing of worldwide licensing and merchandising (L&M) rights for a trio of HarperCollins Productions’ popular properties: Carmen Sandiego, The Oregon Trail, and Pretzel and the Puppies.

WildBrain CPLG’s L&M rights for Carmen Sandiego include the hit animated action-adventure television series, which is produced by HarperCollins Productions and WildBrain for Netflix and based on the media franchise of the same name. The agency will also represent L&M rights to the Carmen Sandiego Netflix movie, which is currently in development.

The Oregon Trail is a mega-hit video game franchise from the 1980s and ’90s, which has recently launched as a top-ranked game on Apple Arcade. The popular property has also been extended into books and licensing with major media in development, but not yet announced.

Pretzel and the Puppies is a children’s book by Margret and H.A. Rey, the authors of Curious George, originally published in 1946 and recently re-released by Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books. It is now an Apple TV+ animated series, which follows Pretzel, the world’s longest dachshund, and his wife, Greta, as they encourage their pups to get their paws up to solve problems and “make their bark” on the world.

Under the deal secured by WildBrain CPLG’s North America office, the agency will build strategic licensing programmes for each of the properties across multiple new categories, including apparel, footwear, fashion accessories, electronics, toys and games, health and beauty, back-to-school, and homewares. The partnership also includes promotions and location-based entertainment rights.

Jasen Wright, VP North America at WildBrain CPLG, says: “As our North America office continues to expand its entertainment portfolio, it’s fantastic to welcome a company of HarperCollins Productions’ calibre into our roster, a group which is home to some incredibly popular franchises that we know have significant consumer products potential. What’s more, the Carmen Sandiego brand is a perfect example of how WildBrain is positioned to offer 360-degree strategies for IP owners who are looking for integrated content, distribution, and licensing all under one roof.”

Caroline Fraser, Head of HarperCollins Productions, adds: “HarperCollins publishes some of the best children’s titles in the world. When we adapt these titles to screen, kids, families and authors enjoy wider access to our beloved characters and stories. We are excited to work with WildBrain CPLG to bring our properties to an even wider audience through licensing and merchandising.”

An award-winning production company within HarperCollins Publishers, HarperCollins Productions develops and produces TV, film, and interactive projects adapted from books published by HarperCollins, with projects ranging from preschool to YA to family entertainment, in both live-action and animation.

MGM’s iconic franchise RoboCop makes Fortnite debut

Posted on 17th May 2022 by Sam Giltrow

The iconic “part man, part machine, all cop” cyborg, RoboCop, is landing in one of the most popular free-to-play video games ever made.

Epic Games’ Fortnite and Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) have announced that sci-fi franchise RoboCop is making its highly anticipated Fortnite debut for a limited time only from May 13 to May 21.

Just in time to celebrate RoboCop’s 35th anniversary this year, players will be able to bring the iconic franchise to life with inspired outfits and cosmetics available in the Fortnite Item Shop. The collaboration includes the Robocop Outfit, the LEG-209 Back Bling, and the leg of ED-209 that doubles as a Pickaxe. Additionally there will be a traversal Lil’ ED-209 Emote, where players using this Emote will be able to ride on a mini ED-209.

“RoboCop is celebrating its 35^thanniversary this year and the thrilling sci-fi franchise continues to appeal to fans around the world. We are excited to work with Epic Games’ Fortnite on this RoboCop integration and bring dedicated fans new interactive experiences,” says Robert Marick, Executive Vice President of Global Consumer Products and Experiences.

The first RoboCop film in 1987 launched a massive franchise with three film sequels, a live-action and animated television series, video games, books, “inspired-by” media campaigns and comics. The four films grossed over $350 million at the worldwide box office. The franchise continues to resonate with audiences around the world today and has transcended pop culture with a robust consumer products and licensing programme and a strong legacy in the gaming space.

Paramount Consumer Products taps Dan Cook as SVP of global e-eommerce

Posted on 17th May 2022 by Sam Giltrow

Paramount Consumer Products today announced a new leadership hire responsible for the operational management and growth strategy of the expanding e-commerce business. Dan Cook is joining the team as Senior Vice President of Global E-Commerce, leading strategy and execution for Paramount Consumer Products’ e-commerce growth through pure play e-commerce retailers, omni channel retailers and third-party marketplace accounts.

In this role, Dan will bring valuable insights from previous experiences to create a global centre-of-excellence and help expand e-commerce penetration by defining innovative sales strategies and developing marketing programmes to drive consumer engagement across Paramount products and franchises.

Dan will also be tasked with setting the strategy for e-commerce maximisation at all omnichannel accounts, developing new business models to optimise all CP categories in the traditional licensing business.

Based in Los Angeles, Dan will report to Dion Vlachos, Executive Vice President of Hardlines and Retail, Paramount Consumer Products.

“Dan’s extensive experience and leadership in digital commerce will strengthen our connection with fans of our franchises and allow us to more quickly flex to the needs of our customers and partners,” says Vlachos. “We could not be more thrilled to have Dan join our Paramount Consumer Products team.”

Prior to joining Paramount, Dan held various e-commerce positions with Unilever, Mondelez International, and Walmart where he was accountable for digital performance and competitive growth. Dan has also held previous positions at Target, The Nielsen Company, Supervalu and Macy’s.

Matt Bailey teams with The Galactic Empire for Bone Head Coffee

Posted on 17th May 2022 by Sam Giltrow

Matt Bailey, the tattoo artist with a serious fanbase and social media following, is branching out into beverages with the imminent launch of Bone Head Coffee.

Like Matt’s artwork, this coffee is not for the faint hearted. The first roast, Rocket Fuel – a single origin from Guatemala with notes of milk chocolate, blueberry and digestive biscuit – will soon be available online direct to fans worldwide, along with a high-quality enamel tin mug that holds more than a pint of coffee. Each pack of Bone Head Coffee comes with a limited edition, high-end framable postcard of the artwork on the coffee label.

Licensee The Galactic Empire Ltd has great experience in selling high-quality coffee and accessories direct to fans, as they are they powerhouse behind Original Stormtrooper Coffee.

The license was negotiated by Reemsborko, worldwide agent for Bailey.

Rupert Carroll of The Galactic Empire commented: “Matt Bailey has a hardcore following and we will be selling directly to them, proving the concept and building the brand, and we will eventually take Bone Head Coffee into retail.”

For licensing and merchandise enquiries, email Max Arguile at max@reemsborko.com

Omens Studios scores raft of international sales for season two of Leo the Wildlife Ranger

Posted on 16th May 2022 by Sam Giltrow

Award-winning animation company Omens Studios has secured a raft of international sales for season two of its hit CGI animated series Leo the Wildlife Ranger across Latin America, Europe and Asia.

Globo Brazil has taken season two of the adventure preschool series for Brazil, while Czech TV has picked up the show for the Czech Republic. MTVA in Hungary and Good TV in Taiwan are also on board for season two.

Previous sales secured for the new 52 x 11’ Leo the Wildlife Ranger second season include: Tencent for China; TV3 for Catalonia; MBC for MENA; Zoomoo for APAC and Latin America; Celestial Tiger for South Korea and Indonesia, and Amazon for North America.

The series aims to encourage knowledge and appreciation of wildlife and nature and to develop eco-awareness in young children. The show, aimed at 3-6-year-olds, features Junior Rangers Leo and Katie and their loyal canine companion Hero, on their quest to learn more about the beautiful animals and plants that surround us on this planet. The second season sees more exotic wildlife, more adventures and fun for Leo, Katie, Hero and Ranger Rocky, as well as an expanded cast of new Junior Rangers from around the world.

Chi Sim Tang, CEO of Omens Studios, says: “The combination of playful and vibrant adventures as well as important environmental themes throughout Leo the Wildlife Ranger continue to resonate with young audiences providing a fun and engaging way to learn more about our world. We are thrilled to expand the series’ global footprint further and introduce new audiences to the Junior Rangers!”

Season two of the series won Best Preschool Programme (Country) at the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2021 and the silver winner for Series-Television at the 2021 Telly Awards, and was also nominated for Best 3D Animated Programme at the Asian Television Awards 2021.

Season one of Leo the Wildlife Ranger has sold to over 50 countries internationally winning Best Preschool Programme and a nomination for Best 3D Animated Programme at the Asian Television Awards in 2016.

Omens Studios scores raft of international sales for season two of Leo the Wildlife Ranger

Posted on 16th May 2022 by Sam Giltrow

Boat Rocker signs toy manufacturer Simba Dickie for Dino Ranch

Posted on 16th May 2022 by Sam Giltrow

Global entertainment company Boat Rocker has announced that Simba Dickie Group – one of the top five toy manufacturers in Europe – has signed a licensing deal for Dino Ranch, as the preschool hit continues to rapidly expand its global footprint.

The product range will feature the Big Bloxx Junior Building Construction set, which contains a minimum of 15 pieces, including exclusive figurines and accessories. Other highlights include foot to floor ride-ons, scooters, school and kitchen large role-play sets, pocket money toys– such as bubbles, magnetic drawing boards, glow in the dark sets and a light projector – and seasonal products including buckets, spades and sand toys.

Simba Dickie Group plans to launch its new ranges from SS23 across the UK & Eire and EMEA, including France, Iberia, Italy, Benelux, the Nordics, CEE and GSA.

Dino Ranch continues to be a ratings hit amongst kids aged 2-5 on Disney Jr and CBC, where it premiered in January 2021. Sustaining the number one position in its timeslot on Disney Jr has led to the show being sold to over 170 countries and made available in 15+ languages, with Tiny Pop in the UK the latest to come on board. Its unique mash-up of dinosaurs and cowboys set in the great outdoors continues to prove hugely popular across all platforms. Series two is currently in production and is set to premiere in the US this summer, including a 22-minute tentpole special.

Kate Schlomann, EVP Brand Management and Content Marketing, Boat Rocker, says: “We’re delighted to welcome Simba Dickie to our ever-growing herd of best-in-class licensees for Dino Ranch. As one of Europe’s leading toy manufacturers, this new deal will further strengthen our international reach, and the Dino Ranch brand. Their expertise will help expand the world of Dino Ranch for our preschool-aged fans, offering additional ways to play which complement our master toy range from Jazwares.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Boat Rocker Studios on Dino Ranch. This is a really unique new show for preschoolers and we’re excited to develop this Trrrrific range across our line,” says Werner Lenzner, Simba Dickie Group’s Licensing and Strategic Development Manager.

Simba Dickie joins a distinguished list of licensees already saddled up for Dino Ranch, including Master Toy partner Jazwares, which is launching its dynamic line across EMEA this summer; Scholastic, whose story and sticker books launched recently in English language territories; Rubies for dress up; Ravensburger for puzzles and games; Character World for bedding and soft furnishings; Immediate Magazine for a standalone magazine; and Kennedy for inclusion in their compilation titles.

Dino Ranch (104 x 11’ 3D animation) is created by Matt Fernandes (of Industrial Brothers) and produced by Industrial Brothers and Boat Rocker Studios, in association with CBC Kids and Radio-Canada. Boat Rocker manages the global franchise development, including content distribution and consumer products.

Boat Rocker signs toy manufacturer Simba Dickie for Dino Ranch

Posted on 16th May 2022 by Sam Giltrow

Simba Dickie Group plans to launch its new ranges from SS23 across the UK & Eire and EMEA, including France, Iberia, Italy, Benelux, the Nordics, CEE and GSA.

MARKET introduces Guns N’ Roses x Smiley collaboration

Posted on 16th May 2022 by Sam Giltrow

LA-based brand MARKET has announced the release of a unisex capsule collection in collaboration with Guns N’ Roses, The Smiley Company and Bravado.

As a Los Angeles-based brand, MARKET seized the opportunity to honour Guns N’ Roses nearly 40 years after the band had its debut performance at the storied Troubadour in Los Angeles.

In order to properly pay homage to the heritage of Guns N’ Roses, the MARKET team sourced vintage denim from the 1980s and 1990s for the hero pieces of the collection. The team upcycled denim jeans and jackets of the time with new custom patches and airbrushed-style graphics, referencing the bad boy aesthetic that defines Guns N’ Roses and their music.

In addition to the vintage denim pieces, the collection features five apparel styles and a trucker hat, which draw inspiration from the iconic ‘Appetite for Destruction’ album cover and the electricity that Guns N’ Roses brought to rock ’n’ roll.

“The way in which Guns N’ Roses relentlessly stood for freedom of expression and creativity – at all costs – has always been an inspiration to me and to people around the world,” says creative director and founder of MARKET, Mike Cherman.

“The no-holds-barred attitude of Guns N’ Roses resonates with our approach to collaborations and design, so we were extremely excited to have the opportunity to fuse the rebellious energy of Guns N’ Roses with the irreverent and wacky world of MARKET and the irresistible spirit of our longtime partner SMILEY.”

This limited-edition collection will be available worldwide through MARKET’s website, ranging in price from $45 – $200 USD, in sizing XS-XXL.