Tag Archives: news

Asembl strikes up Unilever Australia and Cotton On partnership for Streets ice cream apparel

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A selection of Unilever Australia’s best-loved ice cream brands, including Golden Gaytime, Bubble O’ Bill, Paddle Pop, and Splice, are entering the fashion aisles thanks to a new partnership with Australia’s largest global retailer, Cotton On.

Under the deal, Cotton On will launch a collection of summer fashion items for men and women. The partnership was forged by Asembl, the brand extension agency for Unilever Australia.

The Cotton On x Streets collection includes t-shirts and singlets for him and her, summer accessories including towels and flip flops, and sleepwear.

“We can’t wait to see the Streets brand come to fashion life in Cotton On stores across Australia. Nothing says summer more than Golden Gaytime, Bubble O’ Bill, Paddle Pop and Splice so what better way to enjoy your favourite ice-cream brands than with tees, singlets and accessories from Cotton On,” said Unilever Australia brand manager, Samantha Jarmul.

“We are thrilled with this deal Asembl has brokered for us and can’t wait for further new category product roll-outs throughout this year to continue to deliver what our fans have asked for.”

Asembl managing director, Justin Watson, added: “The Streets ice-cream brand is synonymous with an Australian summer, so we are thrilled to be partnering this much-loved Unilever Australia brand with local retailer favourite, Cotton On.

With Golden Gaytime, Bubble O’ Bill, Paddle Pop and Splice branded apparel and accessories for him and her, this range is guaranteed to be incredibly popular with Australians of all ages.”

Shop the range from January 4 2021 in Cotton On Australia stores or online at cottonon.com

STEM and eco-focused pre-school series Briko makes international debut to ‘tremendous interest’

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Briko, a new pre-school series aimed at encouraging children into STEM-focused DIY activities has made its international debut having launched on the Turkish children’s channel MinikaCocuk. According to the teams behind the series, it has already received ‘tremendous interest’ from children, parents, and national media.

The new series is co-produced by the Istanbul-based Fauna Entertainment and Singapore’s Toonz Media Group. The show aims to lay a strong emphasis on environment conservation and recycling as it empowers children to be imaginative and take up new, creative activities.

Fauna has already kickstarted a licensing and merchandising programme for the show in Turkey that will launch with the official Briko magazine, followed by activity books and STEM based toys.

In the series Briko and his best friend Hepi, a white rabbit, find a surprise box hiding a not very exciting everyday object, which they turn into fun and exciting games or art crafts using their imagination and creativity. The animation series also includes a live action DIY tutorial to inspire viewers to take up similar crafts and activities. 

Currently being pitched to buyers by Imira Entertainment – Toonz’s own distribution arm, Briko is premiering in international markets such as Mipcom, ATF, MipCancun and soon at Kidscreen 2021.

Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment opens nominations for Wonder Women Awards 2021

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Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) has opened its nominations for the 17th Annual Wonder Women Awards, a well-established industry initiative that honours the top female executives, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers for their accomplishments.

Coinciding with WIT’s 30th anniversary, the 2021 Wonder Women Awards are expected to be held for the first time in Los Angeles in late September this year. The date and the location of the event will be announced soon.

“The WIT Wonder Women Awards celebrate the women whose exceptional achievements and successes have made a significant impact on our industry,” said Wonder Women co-chair, Genna Rosenberg. “We look forward to celebrating and recognizing these remarkable leaders, and to reimagining this exciting annual event for the entire WIT community.”

Co-chair, Jennifer Caveza, added: “Each year, WIT brings together hundreds of industry players to honor powerhouse women who inspire us all, and who play a pivotal role in their companies. This will be a celebratory night for all in our industry, in a special new location befitting of the superstars we will honor.”

From now through to April 30th, anyone may nominate a colleague, friend, themselves, or any woman who has made an impact in toys, licensing or entertainment. 2021 Wonder Women Award categories include:

  • Designer | Inventor

  • Licensor | Entertainment

  • Licensee | Manufacturer

  • Marketing | PR

  • Rising Star

  • Social Good

  • COVID-19 Hero

  • Deal Maker

  • StoryTeller

  • Unsung Hero

  • Wonder Girl

Click here for full category descriptions and guidelines.

All Nominee submissions will be reviewed by the Wonder Women Committee and WIT staff to ensure eligibility is met. The slate of finalists will be determined by vote conducted by the WIT Board of Directors, Advisory Board and Chapter Chairs, and will be based on the Nominee’s achievements and criteria provided.

Voting for the winners will be conducted by the entire WIT community, including all active WIT members, Chapter Chairs, its Board of Directors and Advisory Board. Winners will be revealed at the Wonder Women Awards in September in Los Angeles

To nominate a WIT Wonder Woman, please visit www.WomenInToys.com.

 

Playmobil teams with Volkswagen to launch Camper Bus and VW Beetle models

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Playmobil has extended its partnership with VW to immortalise two of the car maker’s classic models in Playmobil rendering with the upcoming launch of the original Camper Bus ‘Bulli’ from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and the popular VW Beetle.

The new range will look to celebrate the innovation, technology, and quality found in the 80 year history of the Volkswagen name, as it brings together two icons in German manufacturing. Playmobil has been a staple of the toy industry since its launch in 1974.

Together, the pair will launch realistic Playmobil models of the iconic vehicles later this month. The VW Camper Van – affectionately known as the “Bulli” – has been a reliable companion for the most diverse challenges in daily life for 70 years.

The cult vehicle carries a carefree “California feeling” that has, over the years, made it a loyal companion for adventures. The Playmobil-Volkswagen T1 Camper Van comes equipped with a seating area, travel kitchen, sleeping area and storage space.

Meanwhile, the second Volkswagen addition to the Playmobil fleet is a legend in its own right. The VW Beetle is a true classic and, with over 21 million units produced, was the world’s best-selling car for a long time before it was surpassed by the VW Golf.

The Playmobil miniature will arrive with a roof rack and plenty of accessories for the next family outing.

“Fans of both brands can look forward to two authentic models that will delight new and long-standing fans alike,” read a press release from Playmobil. “The two Volkswagen legends and PLAYMOBIL will also continue to write automotive history together in the future.”

The two new models will be available from January 15th this year.

Take a first look at the new Peaky Blinders: Faster Than Truth card game from Steamforged Games

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Fans have been offered a sneak first peek at the upcoming Peaky Blinders: Faster Than Truth card game, a tabletop gaming title developed by Steamforged Games under a licensing agreement with Banijay Brands and Caryn Mandabach Productions.

The card game is scheduled for release on February 26, 2021 and will pay homage to the award winning series that follows the misadventures of the Shelby family as they fight to maintain an empire across the lawless streets of 1920s Birmingham and beyond.

In Peaky Blinders: Faster Than Truth, players can take a walk down those very streets as they try to gather resources to beat their rivals. Players use cards to gain resources and money as well as hinder their opponents. To get through the game, players must rely on their ability to bluff and garner intelligence as they make and break alliances in the bid to come out on top.

The game has been designed for two to six players with a playing time of 30 minutes. Check out the first images of the card game below.

Take a first look at the new Peaky Blinders: Faster Than Truth card game from Steamforged Games

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Fans have been offered a sneak first peek at the upcoming Peaky Blinders: Faster Than Truth card game, a tabletop gaming title developed by Steamforged Games under a licensing agreement with Banijay Brands and Caryn Mandabach Productions.

The card game is scheduled for release on February 26, 2021 and will pay homage to the award winning series that follows the misadventures of the Shelby family as they fight to maintain an empire across the lawless streets of 1920s Birmingham and beyond.

In Peaky Blinders: Faster Than Truth, players can take a walk down those very streets as they try to gather resources to beat their rivals. Players use cards to gain resources and money as well as hinder their opponents. To get through the game, players must rely on their ability to bluff and garner intelligence as they make and break alliances in the bid to come out on top.

The game has been designed for two to six players with a playing time of 30 minutes. Check out the first images of the card game below.

TikTok and Walmart debut new livestream shopping service ‘shortening distance from inspiration to purchase’

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The social media platform TikTok has pioneered a new method of online shopping, having partnered with the US retail giant Walmart to launch a new shoppable livestream capability for its users to engage with.

The new in-app shopping tool was piloted last week when Walmart hosted a one-hour livestream session that enabled customers to shop for Walmart fashion items featured by ten TikTok creators, without having to leave the app.

The event marked the first time that TikTok has hosted a shoppable livestream in the US, reports the Retail Gazette. Now finished, customers can still head to Walmart’s TikTok page to shop the featured items. The event allowed app-users to tap on items worn by influencers in order to add them to their shopping carts.

“We’ve shortened the distance from inspiration to purchase by making it shoppable,” Walmart chief marketing officer William White said via a blog post on the retailer’s website.

“The TikTok community will be able to tap on a product when they see a Walmart fashion item they like during the event. This makes it easy to add the item to their cart and check out, all while doing what they love – enjoying fun content from their favourite creators.

“We’re excited to engage with TikTok on this new experience and learn what’s possible for shopping on a platform that brings its community so much joy. We can’t wait to see what we learn. And we can’t wait to see what you like, comment on, share – and shop – from the show,” White added.

TikTok and Walmart debut new livestream shopping service ‘shortening distance from inspiration to purchase’

Posted on by

The social media platform TikTok has pioneered a new method of online shopping, having partnered with the US retail giant Walmart to launch a new shoppable livestream capability for its users to engage with.

The new in-app shopping tool was piloted last week when Walmart hosted a one-hour livestream session that enabled customers to shop for Walmart fashion items featured by ten TikTok creators, without having to leave the app.

The event marked the first time that TikTok has hosted a shoppable livestream in the US, reports the Retail Gazette. Now finished, customers can still head to Walmart’s TikTok page to shop the featured items. The event allowed app-users to tap on items worn by influencers in order to add them to their shopping carts.

“We’ve shortened the distance from inspiration to purchase by making it shoppable,” Walmart chief marketing officer William White said via a blog post on the retailer’s website.

“The TikTok community will be able to tap on a product when they see a Walmart fashion item they like during the event. This makes it easy to add the item to their cart and check out, all while doing what they love – enjoying fun content from their favourite creators.

“We’re excited to engage with TikTok on this new experience and learn what’s possible for shopping on a platform that brings its community so much joy. We can’t wait to see what we learn. And we can’t wait to see what you like, comment on, share – and shop – from the show,” White added.

Japan’s biggest anime feature movie Demon Slayer has its sights on US licensing with Lucky Helmet

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The Japanese animated feature film, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train is set to expand its licensing and merchandising presence across the US through the efforts of the IP development business, Lucky Helmet.

It will mark the first in a sweep of new IP to be brought to the region’s licensing sector thanks to the firm’s appointment by Aniplex of America Inc to represent selected titles released in North America.

Lucky Helmet is a newly launched agency focused on assisting creators, producers, and other IP owners with commercialisation strategies on existing brands, as well as with the development of new content-based franchises.

The partnership will be led by Demon Slayer, a highly anticipated film based on one of the best-selling manga series. According to the film’s official Twitter account, the film had grossed ¥28.8 billion ($277.5 million) as of December 7, overtaking the American film, Titanic. It is now the second highest-grossing film in Japan, ever, behind only Studio Ghibli’s 2002 release, Spirited Away.

The Demon Slayer film is breaking records in other Asia territories as well. In China, the movie surpassed China’s Jiang Ziya to become the highest-grossing animated feature of 2020; and in Taiwan, the film quickly earned over $15 million, making it the biggest release of the year, and the highest-grossing animation release of all-time in the territory.

The movie centers on the hero Tanjiro Kamado’s efforts to save the lives of passengers aboard the Mugen Train, named after the Japanese word for infinity, on which countless people have gone missing.

The film is currently being adapted for American audiences, and is expected to release in the US in 2021 by the Sony-owned division Aniplex of America in association with Funimation.

“Demon Slayer’s box-office success overseas, in the middle of a pandemic, is nothing less than extraordinary,” commented Marc Harrington, founder of Lucky Helmet.

“We are incredibly excited to have the opportunity to support Aniplex on its licensing and merchandising efforts in North America, and we are confident that the film will further excite fans, and that there will be great potential for new licensing partners across many categories.”

Lucky Helmet previously announced that it had signed four-time Academy Award-nominated animation studio, Cartoon Saloon, to consult on licensing and merchandising opportunities based on its original IP, including the animated feature film, Wolfwalkers; the International Emmy Award-nominated series, Puffin Rock, and its upcoming film, Puffin Rock-The Movie.

Japan’s biggest anime feature movie Demon Slayer has its sights on US licensing with Lucky Helmet

Posted on by

The Japanese animated feature film, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train is set to expand its licensing and merchandising presence across the US through the efforts of the IP development business, Lucky Helmet.

It will mark the first in a sweep of new IP to be brought to the region’s licensing sector thanks to the firm’s appointment by Aniplex of America Inc to represent selected titles released in North America.

Lucky Helmet is a newly launched agency focused on assisting creators, producers, and other IP owners with commercialisation strategies on existing brands, as well as with the development of new content-based franchises.

The partnership will be led by Demon Slayer, a highly anticipated film based on one of the best-selling manga series. According to the film’s official Twitter account, the film had grossed ¥28.8 billion ($277.5 million) as of December 7, overtaking the American film, Titanic. It is now the second highest-grossing film in Japan, ever, behind only Studio Ghibli’s 2002 release, Spirited Away.

The Demon Slayer film is breaking records in other Asia territories as well. In China, the movie surpassed China’s Jiang Ziya to become the highest-grossing animated feature of 2020; and in Taiwan, the film quickly earned over $15 million, making it the biggest release of the year, and the highest-grossing animation release of all-time in the territory.

The movie centers on the hero Tanjiro Kamado’s efforts to save the lives of passengers aboard the Mugen Train, named after the Japanese word for infinity, on which countless people have gone missing.

The film is currently being adapted for American audiences, and is expected to release in the US in 2021 by the Sony-owned division Aniplex of America in association with Funimation.

“Demon Slayer’s box-office success overseas, in the middle of a pandemic, is nothing less than extraordinary,” commented Marc Harrington, founder of Lucky Helmet.

“We are incredibly excited to have the opportunity to support Aniplex on its licensing and merchandising efforts in North America, and we are confident that the film will further excite fans, and that there will be great potential for new licensing partners across many categories.”

Lucky Helmet previously announced that it had signed four-time Academy Award-nominated animation studio, Cartoon Saloon, to consult on licensing and merchandising opportunities based on its original IP, including the animated feature film, Wolfwalkers; the International Emmy Award-nominated series, Puffin Rock, and its upcoming film, Puffin Rock-The Movie.