Tag Archives: news

BlackMilk Clothing readies to launch Cyberpunk 2077 capsule collection as game lands this month

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BlackMilk Clothing is marking the release of what has been tipped to be the video game of the decade, with the launch of its own Cyberpunk 2077 capsule collection.

The launch of the Night-City-inspired clothing range will take place in tandem with the game’s release on December 11th. The eight piece capsule collection features skin-hugging leggings, dresses and long sleeve crops sporting cyberware-inspired designs, as well as a feminine take on V’s signature Samurai Jacket.

The range has been developed under license by and in partnership with Cyberpunk 2077’s developers, CD Projekt Red. The selection will be available at www.blackmilkclothing.com from 7am AEST on December 11th.

Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world, action-adventure story set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification. Players take on the role of V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.

Acamar Films eyes further digital and international growth for Bing with new chief content officer

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Acamar Films, the independent studio behind the International Emmy Award-winning pre-school series Bing, has appointed Jodie Morris to the newly created role of chief content and audiences officer with immediate effect.

Morris joined Acamar two years ago and has been instrumental in leading the organisation’s successful development and implementation of a global strategy across a range of digital platforms and content formats. Reporting to Mikael Shields, Acamar’s CEO and producer and series voice director of Bing, Morris will take on an expanded leadership role within the company, overseeing the future strategy, planning and operation of the global distribution of Bing content.

She will also be responsible for driving audience growth across all platforms.

Under Morris’ leadership, Bing has already achieved substantial digital audience growth. The last 12 months in particular have witnessed exponential rises in views across a global YouTube network, significant growth across social media channels and over 750,000 downloads of Acamar’s proprietary Bing: Watch, Play, Learn app – an on-demand and games offering, launched in September 2019 and currently available in the UK, Italy and Poland.

With a wide range of major new local language productions now underway, Acamar is committed to deepening its relationship with the global pre-school audience – with a focus on broadening its Bing content offering, building a series of strategic platform-partnerships and expanding Bing’s geographic reach.

Bing continues to deliver outstanding performances across global linear and on-demand platforms, with the BBC having confirmed over 66 million iPlayer requests for Bing within just three months in 2020. A new series of Bing is currently enjoying high ratings as it launches internationally.

As chief content and audiences officer, Morris will work closely alongside Mikael Shields, Sandra Vauthier-Cellier (chief commercial officer), Julie Fitzjohn (chief operations officer) as well as the broader Acamar leadership team to build on the organisation’s remarkable success.

BBC Studios launches digital trading cards collection Doctor Who: Worlds Apart on blockchain

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Doctor Who has completed its jump into the realm of digital trading cards with the launch of Doctor Who: Worlds Apart, a digital platform that features more than 200 trading cards for Whovians and collectors to obtain.

Developed by a pairing of BBC Studios and Reality Gaming Group, the new collection features trading cards based on characters, scenes, and objects drawn from the entire 57 year history of Doctor Who. Digital card packs are available to buy from today on the Doctor Who Worlds Apart website.

 There are four different packs for fans to purchase, each containing between five and ten limited-edition cards with hand drawn images. Fans can also collect 13 different cosmetic card frames.

As with physical trading cards, some will be rarer than others, for example, the TARDIS will be rarer than the Silurian. Collectors will be able to trade their cards in the marketplace launching early next year, giving fans another opportunity to trade their favourite character with other collectors

Each card is secured and protected on the blockchain, which means there can be no copies or disputes about ownership.

From next year collectors will be able use their cards to go head-to-head with friends in turn-based contests in the Doctor Who: Worlds Apart card game, a free-to-play tactical card game which will be released for PC in 2021.

The game will be action-packed, with battles fought on digital tabletop boards depicting recognisable locations from Doctor Who. Collectors will play a Time Lord, strategically outsmarting their opponents by building decks that are able to combat a wide variety of tactics.

Morten Rongaard, co-founder of Reality Gaming Group, said: “We are tremendously excited to be working with BBC Studios to bring Doctor Who’s huge global community an exciting new digital experience based on a pastime we all know and love – trading cards.

“The cards used in Doctor Who: Worlds Apart are both functional and collectible, so fans can actually own a piece of the game while they play.”

John Kavanagh, licensing manager, gaming and interactive, BBC Studios, said: “We’ve worked closely with Reality Gaming Group to deliver a fantastic opportunity to collect and own these beautiful cards and use them in a unique game experience.”

The digital card packs are available to buy now from $4.99 RRP on the Doctor Who: Worlds Apart website at https://doctorwho-worldsapart.com.

Hasbro partners with PATH to launch Monopoly themed refillable water bottles

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Hasbro is marking the 85th anniversary of the Monopoly brand with a special partnership with PATH to launch a series of limited edition refillable bottles featuring Rich Uncle Pennybags and other nostalgic Monopoly icons.

“It’s an honor to partner with Hasbro and bring Monopoly fans a commemorative refillable PATH collector’s bottle,2 said Shadi Bakour, CEO and co-founder of PATH. “Generationally, both Monopoly and sustainability has been a big part of my family, and I’m excited to give Water Works a new meaning with this partnership.”

Face to face gaming has been at the centre of a resurgence since the late 2000s, while the inter-generational

Since the late 2000s, there has been a drastic rise in face to face gaming, while inter-generational game Monopoly continues to gain popularity across the age groups. Likewise, environmental stewardship is on the rise, and youth are becoming more involved in taking sustainable actions.

“I love that we are merging sustainability and fun to create a deeper connection and engage with so many people of all ages through this partnership,” said Ali Orabi, chief marketing officer and co-founder at PATH. “It helps seal the deal for making a commitment to stewardship for this new generation and for generations to come.”

The bottles will be available online at drinkpath.com/themoneybottle and via select retail channels. Adhering to a playful vibe and sustainable choices, the bottles will inspire fun and “Free Parking” for your favorite water.

The spirit is strong with Original Stormtroopers as IP sees ‘huge online demand’ and new product launches

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The Sourceror Ltd has called ‘all hands to the pump’ over the current surge in demand for Original Stormtrooper Beer, a licensed line produced in partnership with Vocation Brewery and Shepperton Design Studios, that has risen in popularity over the course of what had been dubbed Lockdown 2.0.

It’s according to The Sourceror’s Ben Fowler that such is the increase in online ordering of the licensed beer that supply chains for the business have been ‘massively challenged’, and that now ‘it really is all hands to the pump’ in order to meet demand.

Meanwhile, the Original Stormtrooper licensing programme is experiencing pick-up across the alcoholic beverage sector where it has recently launched three new 70cl gin variants to complement its successful Salted Caramel and Vodka liqueurs in B&M stores. The new spirits from Blue Tree Gifts strengthen the brand in the BWS category where it has already driven sales of over 150,000 Original Stormtrooper gift-sets.

Finally, licensee Beer Buddies is ready to unveil a new hand-sculpted wall mounted Original  Stormtrooper bottle opener: a sure sign of the brand’s potential in this space.  

Shepperton Design Studio’s Andrew Ainsworth, commented: “Any connection  between these products and the Stormtrooper’s failure to shoot straight is purely coincidental.” 

Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group in ‘potential rescue talks’ with Debenhams

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Retail tycoon Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group is in talks over a ‘potential rescue transaction’ for the British department store Debenhams. The brand fell into administration last week, putting some 12,000 jobs at risk.

Frasers has said that it was ‘in negotiations with the administrators of Debenhams’ UK business’ on a possible deal, but it has warned that time is short for the retail brand.

In a stock market statement, it said: “Whilst Frasers Group hopes that a rescue package can be put in place and jobs saved, time is short and the position is further complicated by the recent administration of the Arcadia group, Debenhams’ biggest concession holder.

“There is no certainty that any transaction will take place, particularly if discussions cannot be concluded swiftly.”

Details of the talks were first disclosed over the weekend by The Sunday Times.

Finance director Chris Wootton reportedly said that under the deal, Frasers would “hope to be able to save as many jobs as possible.”

Debenhams announced that it was to wind down its business and close all 124 stores after JD Sports ended discussions over a rescue deal for the struggling department store chain. Talks ended between the two companies following the collapse of Arcadia Group.

The sports chain was the only remaining bidder for the company, but with the news of the collapse of Arcadia Group last week – the biggest concession stand operator across Debenhams stores – so too came the decision of JD Sports to terminate its talks of a takeover.

Debenhams slid into insolvency in April this year and has been on the search for a buyer since the summer. Without a buyer, the business faces going into liquidation or being wound down. This spring saw Debenhams axe 6,500 jobs. Its current predicament puts a further 12,000 at risk.

Poetic Brands brings Gigantosaurus into its baby, children’s wear and accessories fold

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Poetic Brands has added the award-winning children’s IP, Gigantosaurus to its growing baby, children’s wear and accessories division. The move marks a new partnership between bRAND-WARD Services and Cyber Group Studios, brokered by Riverside Brands.

Targeting children aged three to six, Poetic Brands’ Gigantosaurus collection is due to include a range of children’s apparel, outerwear and swimwear, as well as luggage. The collection is inspired by the popular Gigantosaurus, and the case of characters, including Rocky, Bill, Tiny and Mazu.

Written by Jonny Duddle, published by Templar, and sold to 300,000 units in the UK alone, Gigantosaurus follows the adventure of four dinosaur friends who are trying to avoid the Gigantosaurus while playing in the forest. 

In 2018, the story was adapted into an CGI-animated TV series by Paris and Los Angeles-based producer and distributor, Cyber Group Studios. The popular CGI-animated programme, currently airing its first season on Disney Junior worldwide, Tiny POP (UK) and on other major broadcasters, is also available on Netflix and Disney +.

In addition, the series has just been commissioned by The Walt Disney Company and France Télévisions for seasons two and three and by Super RTL (Germany) for season two. 

Gigantosaurus has also been adapted into a video game. Developed by Cyber Group Studios and published by Outright Games, Gigantosurus the Game was launched on March 27th, 2020.

In addition, Jakks Pacific Inc introduced a Gigantosaurus toy range in the US in Q4 last year and Templar will have 40 new TV tie-in books published over the next three years in the UK. Many more categories will be announced and are in discussion for launch in 2021.

Anne Bradford, director, Poetic Brands, said: “Gigantosaurus was actually the first licence that we signed for our Baby and Children’s wear division which was a significant moment for us! Although extinct, dinosaurs will never go out of fashion, and this has already been a really fun collection to start creating and sharing at retail.

“With a huge following across boys and girls, we are looking forward to sharing the collections and providing everything for pre-schoolers from tee shirts and joggers, to puddle suits and jackets. We have also just found out that Gigantosaurus will be one of the 12 featured book titles for World Book Day 2021, so now is the perfect time to speak to us and create some amazing product for spring.”

Trudi Hayward, co-founder of bRAND-WARD Services Limited, added: “We are delighted to be partnering Poetic Brands, as they are a great company to work with and Cyber Group Studios has been delighted with their interpretation of Gigantosaurus on their range of clothing products, and will look forward to seeing lots of children wearing their favourite dinosaurs when the product launches early next year.”  

Ash Holman from Riverside Brands, concluded: “Poetic Brands has a best in class retail distribution network, and we are in the midst of some very exciting joint launch plans. Fans of the show will love to wear the product that will be available on shelves early next year.”

Genius Brands International promotes Michael Jaffa to COO

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Genius Brands International has promoted Michael Jaffa to the role of chief operating officer from his previous role as general counsel and senior vice president of business affairs. In his new position, Jaffa will continue to report to GBI chairman and CEO, Andy Heyward.

As COO, Jaffa will be responsible for overseeing the business operations of production, consumer products, global distribution, as well as legal, human resources and the diversity divisions. Additionally, he will continue to oversee the business and legal operations of the Company’s digital channels, Kartoon Channel! and Kartoon Classroom!, while retaining his responsibilities as general counsel.

“Since joining Genius Brands in 2018, Mike has been a tireless leader in driving the business forward as we lay the foundations for the next great kids company,” said Heyward.

“Heading into 2021, we are poised to take a giant leap forward with the execution of business strategies for our new brands, Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, Shaq’s Garage, and Stan Lee Universe, joining tentpoles Rainbow Rangers and Llama Llama, and the continued rapid expansion of our digital platform, Kartoon Channel! now in over 100 million U.S. TV households, and available in virtually the entire country.

“He will additionally oversee the integration of the recent acquisition of Chizcom Media, the largest buyer of children’s advertising in North America. Mike’s pedigree coming from Hasbro Productions, and DreamWorks TV Animation, is another example of building Genius Brands into a powerhouse entertainment company with proven leadership from the world’s most successful companies in the entertainment and broadcast industries.”

Jaffa said: “There are tremendous opportunities for growth in the years to come for Genius Brands. I am honored to take on this expanded role and look forward to working together with Andy, my management colleagues, our dedicated employees, and all of the departments across our business to continue our transformation to one of the foremost producers and distributor of enduring first-class content for kids and their families.”

Prior to joining Genius Brands as general counsel and SVP of business affairs, Jaffa served as head of business affairs at DreamWorks Animation Television and was responsible for all studio business and legal affairs matters, including the negotiation and drafting of hundreds of development, production, acquisition, talent, digital and music agreements.

Previously, he was the vice president of legal and business affairs for Hasbro Studios, working directly with Hasbro Studio’s president, CFO, and general manager to help create programs and launch strategy for a new studio and related network.

The Red Arrows to publish its official history with Penguin Random House’s Century

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The world-famous aerobatics display team division of the Royal Air Force, The Red Arrows, is to publish its official history with Century, an imprint of Penguin Random House, thanks to a new deal brokered by IMG. The book will be published in hardback, audio, and e-book on April 29th, 2021.

Called the Red Arrows: The Story of Britain’s Iconic Display Team, the title is written by head of the Red Arrows, Wing Commander David Montenegro, a former Red 1 and Red Arrows team leader. The title will feature tales from Red Arrows pilots, past and present, as it celebrates the division’s history of courage, daring, and skill of the past 50 years.

The book will also provide an insight on how the team represents the RAF and the United Kingdom around the world, its important role and work.

David Montenegro, Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, said: “Ever since our first dynamic display, the Red Arrows has aimed to inspire and enthrall through precision and teamwork – showcasing the excellence of the Royal Air Force, worldwide.

“Much of this activity, and the strength and success of the team, is achieved through the tireless application, innovation and dedication of our highly-trained personnel – individuals who have served operationally, helping the RAF to secure the skies and protect our nation.

“I hope readers, who may have seen one of our nearly 5,000 displays since 1965, or perhaps just have an interest in high-performing teams, will gain a new, unique and colourful perspective on the Red Arrows. However, above all, I want to bring all of the excitement, speed and vibrancy synonymous with a world-class Red Arrows show to even more people through a book illustrating the very best of British.”

Jess Ballance, editor at Century, Penguin Random House, added: “We couldn’t be more proud and excited to be publishing The Red Arrows. It grants readers a fascinating pilot’s-eye perspective of what it means to fly in those iconic aircraft. This book is a true celebration of the Red Arrows, one of Britain’s national treasures, and their fascinating history, featuring personal stories from the people behind the planes and exploring the skills and incredible mindset of the world-class Red Arrows pilots.”

Ballance commissioned world rights to the project from IMG, the Ministry of Defence’s exclusive licensing representative.

Plug-in Media and Fryday Brands eye toy partners as pre-school hit Tee and Mo returns to CBeebies

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Plug-in Media is eyeing potential toy partners for its popular pre-school property, Tee and Mo, an animated monkey duo that made its return to CBeebies last month with the premiere of Big Boots Birthday: A Tee and Mo Mini Musical.

The animated property’s tenth musical special to launch on the channel, Big Boots Birthday: A Tee and Mo Mini Musical featured three new songs and once again starred the voice talent of BBC Radio 6’s Lauren Laverne.

The Tee and Mo Mini Musical launched with the aim of re-imagining the musical genre for pre-schoolers, aged two to five. The 11-minute episode is designed to help young children feel understood, and focuses on the theme of what it feels like to grow up.

Released on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, November 21st this year, alongside an EP of the songs it featured on Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon Music, Big Boots Birthday: A Tee and Mo Mini Musical has already been watched 160,000 times on BBC iPlayer, all within the first seven days of its launch.

The popularity of the special episode, along with previous episodes and series of Tee and Mo, has given encouragement to producers Plug-in Media, who is working with licensing stalwart Valerie Fry to build out a consumer products programme for the IP. The plans kick off with a current focus on appointing a toy partner for the brand.

Fry said: “Fryday Brands is proud to work with the fantastic and creative team at Plug-in Media to develop Tee and Mo products for its huge fan base. With over 185 million YouTube views and a 50 per cent increase in iPlayer views to over 15 million in 2020, we know from our social media engagement that fans are clamouring for products.”

Written and Directed by Plug-in Media’s creative director, Dominic Minns, Big Boots Birthday sees yet another successful collaboration with BAFTA-winning composers Ellie Wyatt and Joss Peach.

The Tee and Mo Mini Musical was produced entirely through remote-working, due to the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. Plug-in’s team of exceptionally talented production staff and animators rose to the challenge of developing new workflows for efficient collaboration under unique circumstances.

Big Boots Birthday takes place on the morning of Tee’s birthday, who wakes up a whole year older and a whole inch taller. To mark the occasion, Mo has given him a brand new pair of Big Boy Boots to wear. However, a chance encounter with his old favourite Froggie Wellies gives him pause for thought. Does being big mean that he can’t be little anymore?

As ever, Mo is on hand to listen to his worry and reassure him that no matter how big he gets, she’ll always be his Mum. Cue the best birthday party ever.