Tag Archives: news

Spotlight to represent Samurai Rabbit

Posted on by

2022 may be the Year of the Tiger but it is also shaping up to be a big year for the rabbits of the highly anticipated Netflix animated kids series Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles, and the long-running and award-winning Stan Sakai comic book series Usagi Yojimbo that inspired it.

Spotlight Licensing has been appointed by Gaumont to launch and manage the global merchandise licensing programme for Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles (which debuted on Netflix April 28).

“We are incredibly proud of Samurai Rabbit! It’s a fun, funny, action packed, gorgeous, animated kids series that younger viewers will love. Creator Stan Sakai was involved every step of the way so we hope his comic fans will love it as well,” says Terry Kalagian, Executive Vice President of Creative Content at Gaumont US.

Spotlight has simultaneously been tapped to handle global merchandise licensing for Sakai’s creator-owned Usagi Yojimbo.

“Usagi Yojimbo’s Miyamoto Usagi is an ancestor of Samurai Rabbit’s teenage star Yuichi Usagi  and – because Miyamoto is such an integral figure in Yuichi’s life and story – it made sense to consolidate and coordinate licensing efforts for both the series and comics with one agency,” says Sakai, who is an executive producer of the Samurai Rabbit series and has remained involved throughout development to ensure the show would be well-crafted and respectful of Japanese culture.

“We are thrilled to be working with Gaumont and Stan Sakai to find the right licensing partners in the U.S. and around the world for each property, Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles and Usagi Yojimbo, either separately or together if appropriate,” says Spotlight Licensing President Carole Postal.

Spotlight is actively seeking licensing partners across a broad range of product categories including not only toys and games but also clothing, costumes, accessories, figurines, collectibles, and other items. As global agent, Spotlight will also be looking for evaluating potential licensing partners and sub-agents around the world.

 

FuturumKids adds Charlie’s Ark to its roster of preschool series

Posted on by

With global broadcast sales and licensing activity for its hit preschool property Paddles ramping up and production well under way on its newest preschool property Ling Ling, animation and media company FuturumKids has announced development plans for a major new property, based on the delightful children’s book Charlie’s Ark.

 

Charlie’s Ark tells the story of Charlie, a five-year-old boy, and the ark-shaped toy box in which he keeps his toy animals with their ark-inspired rainbow top-knots, manes and tails. But these are not just toys; they all come to life when Charlie whispers the magic ‘wordspell’, and together Charlie and the toys have many magical adventures.

The books, created and written by award-winning illustrator Mike Payne and illustrated by Adam Pescott and Mike Payne, have clear televisual appeal, and the response to the concept was extremely positive at MIPTV in April. Mike is the creator and original artist of the globally popular grey, blue-nosed bear ‘Tatty Teddy’, which he drew for 17 years.

The 52 x 11 animated series, which has already started production in Ireland and Las Palmas, aims to replicate the engaging style of the books, whose charm, evocative storylines and emotionally engaging illustrations have strong cross-generational appeal.

Longer-term plans will include licensing and merchandising, building on Mike Payne’s enormous success in commercial greeting card design, books, and gift concepts that have sold hundreds of millions worldwide.

Charlie’s Ark is a major addition to the fast-growing FuturumKids portfolio, which already includes Paddles and Ling Ling. Roy Smoothe, international strategic branding specialist, recently joined the Charlie’s Ark team in the role of Global Branding Licensing and Merchandising Director. Arthur Maxfield, former CEO of World of Books, is also involved as a Board Member of the Charlie’s Ark team.

FuturumKids includes members of the team behind the seven-time Emmy-award-winning children’s series Jakers! as well as senior figures from HIT Entertainment and its global franchises Bob the Builder, Barney and Thomas and Friends.

Eamon Mac Giolla Bhuí, CCO at FuturumKids, says: “With two children’s shows already broadcasting or in production we were keen to build on our success to date. However, we needed to find the right property to support our growing reputation as a producer of quality children’s entertainment. Charlie’s Ark is just that property. Both visually and as a magical piece of storytelling it’s ideal for children’s TV. We’re looking forward enormously to developing Charlie’s delightful adventures for the screen.”

FOMO Lab and Banijay partner to launch Mr Bean NFT collection

Posted on by

Banijay has announced its first activation in the Metaverse with a Mr Bean NFT drop, in collaboration with intellectual property specialist and Metaverse architect FOMO Lab.

Fans will be able to own Mr Bean digital assets and collectibles, inspired by the hit animated series. The genesis Mr Bean NFT collection will be an assortment of 3,333 unique digital collectibles, available to purchase from 25 May using cryptocurrency Ether on FOMO Lab’s NFT marketplace, TheAvenue.market.

By purchasing the Mr Bean digital collectibles, holders will also have access to phygital rewards, competitions and redeemables, including a signed, unpublished hand-drawn still of Mr Bean from the first animated series. Further Mr Bean NFT drops with FOMO Lab are planned throughout 2022.

“Banijay has many exciting Metaverse projects to announce this year, as we continue to adopt new technologies to futureproof our brands,” says Owain Walbyoff, Chief Commercial Officer, Banijay. “With his huge global following, Mr Bean is rightly taking his first steps into this space, and the combination of digital and physical rewards gives the NFT long-term value for the lucky few who manage to purchase them.”

Khalil Kassam, Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer, FOMO Lab, adds: “”FOMO Lab is the bridge between brands entering the Metaverse and NFT space and the Web3 community, changing the digital landscape forever, and we are delighted to partner with innovator Banijay to launch the official Mr Bean NFT collection.

“We are continuously evolving our product offering, working closely with tier-one brands, as well as the next generation of creators, relentlessly providing value to our community. It’s our mission to bring NFTs to a wide audience, with exclusive access to the latest and most sought-after products on the market.”

One of Britain’s most famous comic creations of all time, Mr Bean, first appeared on screens in 1990, with the versatile performer Rowan Atkinson playing the hapless hero. The show has now been in continual distribution for over 30 years, spawning a globally successful animated series voiced by Atkinson, which launched in 2002.

The brand attracts significant digital audiences, with over 129 million followers on Facebook, making it the biggest TV brand on the platform; nearly 50 million subscribers and 15 billion lifetime views across official YouTube channels; 8.7 million followers on Instagram; and 8.3 million likes on TikTok.

FOMO Lab’s recent partnerships include collaborations with road racing cyclist Mark Cavendish, MEFCC (Middle East and Film Comic Con), entrepreneur Roland Berger, and the heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. The legacy NFT collection with Tyson Fury saw FOMO Lab achieving the highest bid in NFT boxing history, selling the 1-of-1 NFT for $987,000

FOMO Lab is creating an entire product suite which includes a multi-chain NFT marketplace, a staking ecosystem, FOMO Lab Launchpad – a Metaverse platform with a ground-breaking mobile social application for NFT collectors – and many more products. The Avenue provides its holders with full control over their digital assets with over 3,000 users signed up, alongside an average visitor count exceeding 30,000 monthly.

Mr Bean: The Animated Series is produced by Tiger Aspect Kids and Family, part of Banijay Kids and Family.

Iconix completes global acquisition of athletic brand PONY

Posted on by

Brand management company Iconix International Inc has now completed the acquisition of the global rights across all product categories to the PONY brand (excluding China and Taiwan), from Hong Kong based company Symphony Holdings Ltd.

Iconix will leverage its expertise in operating athletic and lifestyle brands to maximise the value of PONY by uniting the global PONY brand rights under one roof. The global brand will be run from Iconix’s New York City office, bringing a united PONY brand back to its roots.

In Asia Pacific, the PONY brand will be managed as a joint venture with Symphony, bringing together the two brand owners to leverage the partners’ respective regional expertise. The timing of the acquisition coincides with a big moment for the heritage athletic brand, as 2022 marks PONY’s 50th anniversary.

Founded in Manhattan in 1972, the PONY brand has a rich history of influencing New York’s culture of cool. PONY stands for “Product of New York,” and has been worn by legendary athletes across multiple sports including basketball, football, baseball, boxing, soccer and tennis.

Bob Galvin, CEO of Iconix, says: “We are proud to announce our global ownership of PONY, which will allow Iconix to control and invest in the brand’s considerable equity, including improved product development and a greater focus on digital and data-based marketing.

“Sports remains a key focal point of our portfolio and PONY, with its strong brand recognition and rich heritage in both sport and fashion, has significant potential for global growth. We look forward to evolving the brand to introduce it to a new generation, while also connecting with consumers that already value its heritage.

“In addition, PONY will be celebrating its 50th anniversary later this year with a very exciting relaunch of the brand with our partners around the world.”

For more information on PONY, visit PONY.com

 

Mondo TV to license popular property Bread Barbershop in Italian market

Posted on by

Mondo TV Group, one of the largest European producers and distributors of animated content, and a licensing agent for many major international brands, has announced that it has been appointed by brand owner Monster Studio to represent licensing for the hit Korean show Bread Barbershop in the Italian market.

Already a success in Italy, where it launched at the end of 2020 on Discovery Italia free-to-air children’s television channel K2, the 3D animated comedy series for kids aged 6-9 is a makeover show – with a difference. All the characters are different kinds of cake and dessert. They come to master craftsman Bread, a renowned cake decorator, in the hope he will use his skills to change their appearance for the better.

A wealth of supporting characters, including clumsy but lovable Wilk, grumpy receptionist Choco, Sausage, Hamburger, Butter and, of course, a lot of hilarious customers, along with jokes, music and action, keep the comedy and energy levels high.

In Italy, Bread Barbershop ranked first among kids’ FTA commercial channels on the target 4-14 from September 2021 to March 2022.  

“In Bread Barbershop, while the main character gives life-changing makeovers that will put any customer in an amazing mood, one always learns that at the end of the day each of us is special in our own unique way,” says Sandro Sgrulloni, Programming & Content Acquisition Senior Manager, Warner Bros Discovery. “We’re delighted that this series has become one of the most appreciated titles on K2, as it fully reflects our mission to promote diversity and inclusion in an accessible, fun way. That’s why we believe our channel is the place to be for Bread Barbershop.”

Bread Barbershop has also been one of the best-performing shows on pay TV channel DeAKids since its launch at the beginning of 2022. It also boasts well over 1.5 million followers on TikTok, tens of millions of views on YouTube, and a top 10 placing on Netflix, where the first two seasons are now streaming. After the success of series one (39 x 7’) and series two (26 x 11’), series three (26 x 11’) will arrive in English-speaking markets later this year.

In its home market, Korea, Bread Barbershop has already inspired a number of successful product lines. Mondo TV, whose licensing division has successfully built a number of major overseas brands in the Italian market, is now developing a licensing campaign across a wide range of categories including toys, games, books, food and other products.

Matteo Corradi, Mondo TV President and CEO, says: “Bread Barbershop is engaging, colourful, clever and very funny. It’s also highly original – there’s no other show quite like it. This an ideal time to pursue licensing opportunities in an Italian market that has clearly embraced the show and its characters. We’re delighted that Monster Studios has appointed us to manage licensing for this unique property in Italy.”

Hyun Ah Ko, Chief of International Business, Monster Studio, says: “We’re thrilled to be working with Mondo TV on building a licensing programme for Bread Barbershop, and certain that it will be as much of a merchandising success as it has already been a broadcasting success on K2. We are now developing toys, books and other products for fans of Bread Barbershop, which we expect to be a lasting success in Italy.”

 

Warner Bros. Discovery EMEA jumps on board for series 2 of Mush-Mush & the Mushables

Posted on by

Leading kids’ entertainment specialist CAKE, France’s La Cabane and Belgium’s Thuristar have announced a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery EMEA for season two of the Emmy-nominated comedy adventure, Mush-Mush & the Mushables.

Fifty new episodes, including two specials, are now in production and will air on HBO Max and Cartoonito in EMEA.

Warner Bros. Discovery EMEA joins Canal+ (France), VRT-Ketnet, RTBF (Belgium) and RTS (Switzerland), who have already confirmed their commitment to the second season. Season one of Mush-Mush & the Mushables has successfully launched in over 150 territories to date, most recently in the US on preschool block Cartoonito on HBO Max and Cartoon Network.

Created by Elfriede de Rooster, multi-award-winning Mush-Mush & the Mushables is produced by Perrine Gauthier, directed by Joeri Christiaen (Mush-Mush & the Mushables, season one, My Knight and Me) and produced by La Cabane and Thuristar in coproduction with CAKE, which is distributing the series worldwide. Copyrights Group, brand owner and licensing agent for Paddington, is acting as the global licensing agent.

 

LICENSING EXPO: Bulldog Licensing to showcase a stellar mix of brands, from Magic Mixies to Care Bears

Posted on by

Bulldog Licensing is readying for its second face-to-face trade show since restrictions were lifted, with an appearance at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas later this month.

The licensing agency will have a range of brands on board its stand, including Care Bears, as it celebrates a big milestone anniversary; the much-loved heritage brand, Sesame Street; the ever-popular Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir; sell-out Christmas sensation Magic Mixies; and new preschool animation Odo, among others.

The loveable, huggable Care Bears from the whimsical land of Care-a-Lot are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. First introduced in 1982 through a line of greeting cards, the Care Bears have amassed fans of all ages over the decades, and are now featured everywhere from consumer products and plush toys to animated television shows and feature films. Bulldog’s recent deals for the iconic bears include luxury knitwear label, Chinti & Parker, with a range of adult cashmere jumpers, hoodies, sweatpants and T shirts; Character World for a collection of children’s bedding and soft furnishings; and Eat Glitter and Shine for a homeware line based on the globally recognised faces of Tenderheart Bear, Wish Bear and Love-a-Lot Bear.

Heritage brands continue their reign during uncertain times and Sesame Street remains as popular as ever over 50 years since its initial launch. Another property which spans generations in its reach and popularity, Sesame Street still airs daily on leading commercial preschool broadcaster, Tiny Pop, and Bulldog has curated a number of best-in-class deals for the brand, providing a diverse and wide-reaching range of consumer products.

A more recent addition to Bulldog’s carefully selected portfolio of brands is warm-hearted and comic animated series Odo, a co-production between BAFTA winning Belfast-based Sixteen South and Polish animation studio Letko. Odo is a little owl with big ideas; the series launched on Milkshake! in the UK, Cartoonito on HBOmax in the US, ABC Australia, MiniMini in Poland RTÉ in Ireland and, TVO and Knowledge Network in Canada in 2021 with a series of 52 x 7-minute episodes, aiming to teach young children self-efficacy and to believe in themselves. The series has been sold to over 150 territories and was created to help combat the worrying rise in anxiety and depression rates in children. Each episode sees Odo positively tackle challenges with the help of his friends.

Bulldog’s first licensee for the property is master toy partner Wow! Stuff. The deal will see Wow! Stuff create a comprehensive line of Odo toys including plush, dolls, figures and accessories, role-play toys, vehicles, play sets, track sets, construction toys and bath toys. Bulldog has also signed Macmillan Children’s books as Odo’s global publisher.

ZAG’s Miraculous, Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, everyone’s favourite superhero story, first aired in 2016 in the UK on the Disney Channel and quickly became the top-rated show for the channel. Ladybug and Cat Noir then joined the POP line-up where the show airs daily in prime-time and ranks amongst the top 3 series for Kids 4-15 (Sep 21-Feb 22). On-demand viewers can find Miraculous on Netflix, Disney Plus, and Google Play. The series has been sold to over 120 countries worldwide with season 5 currently in production for a fall 2022 launch, and the US$100 million animated feature will also premiere later this year. Recently, the brand hit over one billion dollars in retail sales with over 250 million products sold around the globe, while on social media, Miraculous has racked up 30 billion views on YouTube alone.

Recent additions to Bulldog’s consumer products line-up include Kennedy Publishing for a standalone magazine, and Zak, which will offer a dining collection including tabletop and dinnerware, drinkware and breakfast sets. The ZAG Lab and Playmates toy line is enjoying massive success at retail with the UK being one of the top 3 markets worldwide, and is a Top 10 Brand in the Fashion Doll category according to NPD data.

Sell-out Christmas toy sensation Magic Mixies, from Moose Toys, is one of the latest additions to the Bulldog family. The innovative magic cauldron caught the attention of the nation at the end of 2021 and was included on Christmas lists from retailers, the Toy Retailers Association, and children alike up and down the UK.

Magic Mixies sales rocketed the brand to become the highest grossing SKU in Moose Toys’ history with stock selling through as soon as it hit shelves. The interactive showstopper then went on to be crowned the Creative Toy of the Year at the 2022 Toy of the Year Awards. Bulldog is now in discussion with a range of leading licensees to partner with the brand for a range of consumer products.

Rob Corney, Managing Director, Bulldog Licensing, says: “The Bulldog team is so excited to be back in Las Vegas for Licensing Expo. Our return to the trade show arena after restrictions were lifted was at BLE and we had a great show seeing customers face-to-face again, so we can’t wait to do it again later this month. The Bulldog roster is the strongest it has ever been at the moment and we’re excited to share all of our news and brand updates with existing and new customers at the show.”

Bulldog Licensing will be at stand B129 at Licensing Expo, Mandalay Bay Convention Centre, Las Vegas, from 24–26 May, 2022.

Andy and the Odd Socks appoints Brands with Influence to manage worldwide licensing

Posted on by

When Andy and the Odd Socks formed in 2017 and played the world-famous Glastonbury Festival, they had no idea that just a few years later they would have a hugely successful TV show in the UK, Australia and the USA, plus over 100 live shows under their belt, and a social media reach of 100 million.

The CBBC/CBeebies family show led by Andy Day has gone from strength to strength and Ninja Pig Productions, which put together the band and produces the show, has now appointed Brands with Influence to manage its worldwide licensing programme.

Martin Lowde, MD of Brands with Influence, says: “The energy you get from this series and this band is infectious. They amplify fun, make great music and deliver a really positive message on anti-bullying. They have been building a large loyal fan base over the last few years and we are excited to be asked to help serve this audience by creating fab merchandise.”

With a core audience of 4-9 year olds, Andy and the Odd Socks is a family brand, with parents loving the great music and positive messaging about inclusivity and anti-bullying. Content is now being delivered across TV, live tours and social media, and the brand is attracting guest stars like Brian May to join the fun.

Odd Socks Day in November 2021, which marked the start of Anti-Bullying Week, engaged over 7 million children and 15,000 primary schools in 2021.

Tamsin Skan, Creative Director of Ninja Pig Productions, says: “We were really impressed by BWI’s understanding and passion for what we are producing here at Ninja. We promote a positive social message throughout the TV show, our live show and original songs and we deliver it via a heady mixture of fun, comedy and music.

“Andy and the Odd Socks encourage children to celebrate difference and individuality, which is so important, especially in today’s world. Everyone is invited to join the Odd Socks and we look forward to embracing licensees who share our vision and positive ideas.”

George Leon to host Licensing International Excellence Awards

Posted on by

Licensing International has announced that industry veteran George Leon will host the 2022 Licensing International Excellence Awards. With more than 25 years of experience, Leon is a respected expert in the global promotions and franchise development space.

Leon will take centre stage on May 23 at 5:30pm PST at The LIGHT Vegas Nightclub as the master of ceremonies for this year’s Excellence Awards. He has himself won multiple Licensing International Excellence Awards, including the 2003 Entertainment License of the Year for Spider-Man, the 2005 Overall Best License of the Year for Spider-Man 2, the 2005 Best Promotion of the Year, and the 2015 Academic Excellence Award.

Leon founded California-based Cakewalk Entertainment in 2017. He previously spent 16 years at Sony Pictures Entertainment, most recently serving as EVP of Consumer Marketing for global branded entertainment, licensing, and product placement. Leon has also worked with the teams at Saban Entertainment and Camelot Licensing.

“I’m beyond excited to honour this year’s incredible nominees and celebrate the winners as the host of the Licensing International Excellence Awards,” Leon says. “And after two years of virtual meetings, I can’t wait to get dressed up and gather together with my colleagues across the licensing industry.”

The Licensing International Excellence Awards recognise outstanding achievements and innovation in the licensing industry around the world. This year’s Excellence Awards feature 165 finalists from 20 countries in 25 categories.

Registration for the Excellence Awards ceremony is now open. Licensing Expo will take place from May 24-26 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, and registration for the event is available online.

 

George Leon to host Licensing International Excellence Awards

Posted on by

Licensing International has announced that industry veteran George Leon will host the 2022 Licensing International Excellence Awards. With more than 25 years of experience, Leon is a respected expert in the global promotions and franchise development space.

Leon will take centre stage on May 23 at 5:30pm PST at The LIGHT Vegas Nightclub as the master of ceremonies for this year’s Excellence Awards. He has himself won multiple Licensing International Excellence Awards, including the 2003 Entertainment License of the Year for Spider-Man, the 2005 Overall Best License of the Year for Spider-Man 2, the 2005 Best Promotion of the Year, and the 2015 Academic Excellence Award.

Leon founded California-based Cakewalk Entertainment in 2017. He previously spent 16 years at Sony Pictures Entertainment, most recently serving as EVP of Consumer Marketing for global branded entertainment, licensing, and product placement. Leon has also worked with the teams at Saban Entertainment and Camelot Licensing.

“I’m beyond excited to honour this year’s incredible nominees and celebrate the winners as the host of the Licensing International Excellence Awards,” Leon says. “And after two years of virtual meetings, I can’t wait to get dressed up and gather together with my colleagues across the licensing industry.”

The Licensing International Excellence Awards recognise outstanding achievements and innovation in the licensing industry around the world. This year’s Excellence Awards feature 165 finalists from 20 countries in 25 categories.

Registration for the Excellence Awards ceremony is now open. Licensing Expo will take place from May 24-26 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, and registration for the event is available online.