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Korea’s popular animated IP Pucca makes play for US with King Features

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The popular Korean animated character, Pucca is looking to make waves across the North American market, having appointed King Features as the brand’s exclusive licensing agent for the region. King Features will look to build on the international success of the brand with a licensing programme targeting milennials and children.

This year sees Pucca brand owners, CJ ENM celebrate 20 years of its flagship IP, a noodle delivery girl who falls in love with a reserved martial arts boy. First introduced to the public as the star of an animated online e-card service, Pucca’s popularity exploded around the globe, eventually leading to an ongoing animated television series, which recently aired its latest season in 3D CGI on Netflix, as well as 2D specials on Kidoodle TV in 2019.

The 3D CGI, Pucca: Love Recipe, series also airs around the world on channels including Discovery Kids, Tooniverse and MBC, and will soon launch on Prime Video and Roku, where the first two 2D seasons are currently available. Pucca has a strong international fanbase, with over 18 million views on Facebook and over 171 million views to date on YouTube.

“In times like these, everyone could use more positivity in their lives,” said Carla Silva, vice president and general manager, global head of licensing, King Features. “Pucca teaches us to love fiercely, to express freely and above all to be ourselves, and we are thrilled to welcome this vibrant and energetic brand to the King Features’ portfolio.

“Consumer demand around classic properties like Pucca remains strong and we look forward to expanding the brand into new categories through strong foundational and creative partnerships in North America that will promote long-term success.”

Young Wook Kim, head of animation at CJ ENM, said: “We are delighted to team up with King Features, whose impressive expertise and track record make them the perfect partners to further build Pucca’s appeal across North America.

“Pucca’s cool and unique look, style and joyful philosophy really strike a chord with today’s kids and young milennials and with King’s astute strategy – fresh and innovative while still staying true to the brand – we are very excited for Pucca’s future success in the territory.”

Pucca is the latest brand to join King Features’ expanding portfolio of licensed properties including Popeye, Betty Boop, Cuphead, The Phantom, Flash Gordon, Archie Comics and recent IP additions, Moomin, Tulipop and PURENorway.

The Pucca representation comes on the heels of King Features’ announcement that they have expanded representation for classic literary and art-based brand Moomin with publishing rights and new product launches in North America as they continue to grow their presence in the territory.

Mojang’s Minecraft ‘hits new heights in Australia and New Zealand’ through Merchantwise Licensing partnerships

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Mojang Studio’s hit video game franchise, Minecraft is ‘hitting new heights’ across the Australian and New Zealand markets through a raft of locally developed merchandise partnerships and major retail initiatives across the territory.

The programme has been developed by Microsoft, owners of Mojan Studio and the Minecraft video gaming brand, in partnership with the IP’s local licensing agent, Merchantwise Licensing.

Minecraft is recognised as the best-selling video game in history with over 126 million unique monthly players and over 200 million copies sold worldwide. In Australia it is tipped as the most popular video game among boys and girls aged seven to 14.

To compliment top global partners such as LEGO, Mattel and Harper Collins, new partnerships with best-in-class local licensees now include apparel and accessories with Caprice Australia, New Zealand apparel and accessories with MacEwen Apparel, apparel, accessories, gifts and novelties with EB Games, back-to-school stationery, bikes and outdoor toys with Hunter Leisure, lucnhing, drinkware, and home decor with Zak! Australia, and calendars, diaries, wall art, puzzles, and gifting with Impact Merch.

New products have been rolling out since July, achieving very strong sales across leading retailers led by Big W, Target, Kmart, The Warehouse and EB Games / Zing. The range includes product categories now available to local consumers for the first time.

Meanwhile, this month sees BIG W launch the first Minecraft cross-category retail marketing event in Australia. Marketing activity includes dedicated point-of-sale units across all stores, catalogue, website takeover as well as extensive digital and social media.  Plans are already underway for a major back-to-school event in the new year.

Also, from October, EB Games is launching uniquely designed ranges of gamer-centric apparel, accessories, gifts and novelties across both EB Games and Zing Stores, supported by strong digital and in-store marketing.

“It is a pleasure to be working with Merchantwise Licensing, our licensees and top Australasian retailers such as BIG W and EB Games to expand our presence down under,” said Microsoft Retailer Business Development, Minecraft marketing director, Bob Brennecke.

“Together we are creating innovative and world class Minecraft retail programs that will engage and excite local Minecraft players.”

Merchantwise Group CEO, Alan Schauder, added: “Everyone loves Minecraft, and now players can fully immerse themselves in the Minecraft world with some brilliant new merchandise across all leading categories.

“It’s a rare privilege to be working with Mojang, Microsoft and our local partners, helping to take the local Minecraft merchandise program to even greater heights.”

Funko names former Hasbro senior director Malcolm Ottley its new VP of sales for EMEA

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Funko has appointed the former Hasbro senior director, Malcolm Ottley to the role of vice president of sales for its EMEA business, where he will take on a major strategic role heading up the outfit’s sales department.

A toy sales veteran, Ottley joins the unit from Hasbro, where he spent a ten year stint, most notably as sales director, where he lead and coached a large sales team across the UK, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. His role saw him lead and re-shape the channel and commercial strategies for specialty retailers across the European business.

Speaking of his new position, Ottley, said: “I am really excited to have joined Funko and look forward to helping build upon their excellent achievements in recent years, as well as help to shape the future direction of the business across EMEA.”

Andy Oddie, managing director of Funko (EMEA), added: “I am pleased to welcome Malcolm to the Funko family. His extensive knowledge and experience in both sales and leadership will no doubt enrich our company further.”

Female fitness channel Blogilates launches first signature sporting goods through Semaphore Licensing partnership

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The female fitness YouTube channel, Blogilates has developed its first line if signature sporting goods in partnership with the US retail giant Target in the brand’s first foray into licensing. The partnership was brokered by the channel’s rights and merchandising agency, Semaphore Licensing Solutions.

Semaphore Licensing is continuing to create opportunities for its ‘new media’ brands to expand their reach within the retail world. The Blogilates deal follows from the previously detailed licensing expansion for the YouTube skateboarding channel, Braille Skateboarding in deals that took the brand into toys and recently into footwear.

Blogilates is recognised as the leading female fitness channel on YouTube with over 812 million lifetime views and 5.36 million subscribers. The channel features full-length POP Pilates, HIIT, and total body sculpting workouts that can all be done at home, led by certified Pilates an fitness instructor, and the CEO and founder of Blogilates, Cassey Ho.

The brand’s extended reach currently engages nearly 11 million wellness loving fans across several other social platforms, including 2.1 million TikTok followers and 1.9 million Instagram followers.

The licensing opportunity with Target will allow Blogilates to bring stylish sporting good essentials into the hands of consumers who value quality fitness equipment, as at home workouts become the new normal. The line of products that will be available via Target stores and Target.com will include items such as luxurious vegan suede yoga mats, beautiful gold dumbbells, and blush toned resistance bands.

“Our goal is to create licensing opportunities that connect consumers with their favorite brands via retailers they trust,”said Lisa Berlin Wright, senior vice president of licensing, Semaphore Licensing Solutions

“Target understands the emotional connection that new media stars have with their audience. We are thrilled to be elevating the at home fitness experience through high-quality products at accessible price points for consumers nationwide,” added Michael Bienstock, founder and CEO, Semaphore Licensing Solutions.

Smyths Toys launches Funko Pop! Vinyl to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity

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The UK toy giant, Smyths Toys, has teamed with Funko to create a special Smyths Toys exclusive Pop! Vinyl figure of the retailer’s own mascot, Oscar in a fundraising effort for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity in support of seriously ill children across the UK.

The initiative kicked off this week, making the special Oscar Pop! Vinyl available across of of Smyths Toys Superstores in the UK. The figure retails at £9.99.

Last Christmas, Smyths Toys raised £50,000 for GOSH Charity following profits from the sales of their Oscar Plush. The retailer has now committed to donating at least £50,000 to GOSH Charity again this year.

Sinead Byrne, joint head of marketing at Smyths Toys, added: “We are delighted to launch Oscar as a Funko POP! Vinyl to bring our character Oscar to life this year. Smyths Toys is proud to partner again with GOSH Charity to help support seriously ill children from across the UK and continue to be amazed at the work the Charity carries out on a daily basis.”

Liz Tait, director of fundraising at GOSH Charity, said: “Now in the fourth year of our partnership, we are thrilled that Smyths Toys Superstores are supporting GOSH Charity once again with the launch of the Oscar POP! Vinyl. This is a brilliant opportunity for us to raise much-needed funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital, at a time when the hospital needs our support more than ever, so for that we’d like to say a huge thank you.”

Eva Verhaak, head of strategic marketing and sales – Funko EMEA, added: “Smyths Toys Superstores’ initiative to support GOSH Charity is an amazing cause and we are absolutely delighted to be part of it, working with Smyths to create an exclusive collector’s item, a POP! Vinyl figure of the well-known character, Oscar.”

Moomin grows its presence across the US as King Features adds publishing rights to the licensing slate

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The classic literary and art-based brand, Moomin, is expanding its presence across North America as its US licensing agency King Features adds publishing rights to its licensing slate as well as brings the brand into active baby wear for the first time in the region.

As the Tove Jansson creation continues to celebrate its 75th anniversary this year, and as part of a global deal negotiated by its Nordic licensing agency, Rights & Brands, King Features has partnered with Reima, a leading kids activewear brand from Finland, to bring its Moomin Baby Kit for newborns to the US market.

Inspired by the carefree and adventurous Moomin characters, the collection includes a stylish wardrobe full of the essential wear that babies will need during the first six months, including 17 pieces of exclusive gender neutral Moomin items.

In addition to growing Moomin in new categories in North America, King Features has also added publishing rights for Moomin to its slate and is expecting a lineup of exciting titles to come.

“Moomin has been one of the world’s most beloved character properties for generations with a highly successful global licensing program,” said King Features vice president and general manager, global head of licensing, Carla Silva.

“We look forward to introducing the next generation of families across North America to the classic heartwarming adventures of the Moomin family and their friends through fresh publishing and products.”

Moomin already has an extensive fan base in European territories and is gaining popularity in North America. The classic publishing property consists of a library of illustrated editions that celebrate the Moomin values of friendship, love, kindness, adventure, courage, tolerance, equality, freedom, individuality and respect for nature.

Moomin characters also star in a new 3D CGI series, Moominvalley, currently airing in multiple territories around the world. The new Moomin Baby Kit from Reima is the latest product line available in the US, following the launch of Moomin plush from Aurora and apparel from Ripple Junction.

Moomin can be seen next at King Features virtual exhibitor booth during the upcoming Festival of Licensing Americas event from October 20 through 22. Registered attendees can click this link to make an appointment with the U.S. licensing team.

Italy’s dance-inspired lifestyle brand Dimensione Danza appoints Librex as its international licensing agent

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The Italian dance-inspired lifestyle brand, Dimensione Danza , has appointed Librex Ltd as its international licensing agency, as the popular fashion name makes its move for the wider world of licensing in territories including Japan, Poland, Switzerland and key markets in Europe.

Fusing the style and energy that characterizes the art of dance and bringing it into women’s apparel collections across athleisure, dance, fashion, fitness and sport, Dimensione Danza is beginning to break into new markets with its first clothing line for infants and girls sold under the sub-brand Dimensione Danza Sisters.

Additional licensed categories currently include nightwear, underwear, hoisery bags, footwear, and stationery.

Librex’s managing director, Arvin Annia, said: “I am delighted to represent Dimensione Danza and build on the success that the brand has achieved to date. I have a longstanding relationship with the brand owner, A Moda S.p.A, a pioneer in the Italian apparel market.

“They know how to build brands in a meaningful and sustainable way. Their proven expertise in design, marketing and product makes them a really great licensor to represent. I look forward to working very closely with them in establishing an international licensing programme.”

Alessandro Bastagli established the Florence-based A. Moda S.p.A in July 1978 and took the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors, which he still holds today. A. Moda S.p.A. is a subsidiary of Gruppo Finalba S.r.l., a holding company that acquires corporate shares and deals in real-estate investments.

Specializing in clothing and accessories for men, women and children, with special emphasis on sportswear and activewear, A. Moda currently has a portfolio that includes both directly owned brands and those under licensing agreements. The brands produced and marketed by A. Moda over the years include famous names such as Gianni Versace, Gold’s Gym, Neil Pryde, Go Silk, Henry Lehr Jeans, Alpha Industries, Smith’s American, Momo Design, and Police.

Aware of the market’s demands, and working with world-famous in-house and outside designers, A. Moda consistently aims for innovation in styling and graphics, and constant research on materials and special treatments to satisfy the many and changing needs of an increasingly demanding consumer. 

MasterChef and MasterChef Junior cook up new toys, games, cookware and experiential deals in the US

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Endemol Shine North America has secured a new slate of partnerships for the hit culinary competition series, MasterChef and MasterChef Junior, taking the brand into interactive toys, board games, cookware, and live experiences.

Kicking off the new slate of licensing partners, Abacus Brands, a leader in educational virtual reality toys, will be developing a unique interactive cooking experience with a MasterChef Junior cooking kit. The STEM focused kit features AR and VR technology, allowing kids to learn about cooking techniques, where food comes from, as well as tips and tricks from former MasterChef Junior contestants.

Meanwhile, Wilder Games will be creating the first MasterChef-themed board game for the US market. The board game puts families to the test and will give them the chance to experience the cooking series on game nights with real cooking-themed competition and culinary know-how.

Innovation driven home and lifestyle product makers, Creative Concepts Manufacturing Group will be designing a new line of Masterchef branded cookware featuring its signature 18 Karat Gold and Silver Ion plated finishes. The cookware line will include a full array of saucepans, fry pans, grill pans and casseroles that aim to solve multiple concerns faced by food-loving home chefs.

“We are thrilled to offer the number one food competition franchise to licensees and enter new deals for the US market,” said Amber Sheppo, SVP, licensing, Endemol Shine North America.

“Cooking has always brought families together, and that seems to be true now more than ever. With these latest partners onboard, we are able to provide new experiences for our fans through an array of fresh and unique products in 2021.”

Endemol Shine North America recently announced a range of other partnerships including the opening of the first MasterChef restaurant concept in the US with VC Capital. Meanwhile, Gander Group has signed up for a series of branded kitchen products for the casino industry.

Additionally, the company has extended its partnership with TCG Entertainment, producers of MasterChef Junior Live! with the return of the highly popular live stage show in Spring 2021, visiting over 20 cities across the US.

MasterChef has been renewed for an 11th season on FOX and MasterChef Junior season eight is set to return in the 2020-2021 season on FOX.

MasterChef is part of the global offering from Banijay Brands, the newly-launched division within Banijay which encompasses brand licensing, merchandising, gaming, gambling and music and represents brands from the world’s largest content catalogue, comprising of 88,000+ hours of original programming.

Golden Bear appoints Tracy Griffiths as head of brands and licensing amid brace of new recruits

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The Telford-based toy maker, Golden Bear has bolstered its brand and licensing division with the appointment of Tracy Griffiths who takes on the role of division head. In her new position, Griffiths will lead a team of four as the British company continues on its growth strategy in the licensing space.

Griffiths’ appointment is one of a swathe of new recruits to the Golden Bear team as it sets out its plans to drive further growth over the coming years, and expanding on its already 50-strong team.

Becs Henchey joins the company as senior creative development manager, heading up a team of seven, with responsibility for overseeing the creative process across both licensed and non-licensed ranges. Meanwhile, Saskia Hamilton becomes the new international sales coordinator.

“It’s a real coup for Golden Bear to attract talent of the likes of Becs, Tracy and Saskia,” said Managing Director Barry Hughes. “Becs is re-joining the company after a period of 12 years and we look forward to her utilising the skills and experience she has developed to really drive the creative team to new heights.

“Tracy, who is hugely well known and respected within the licensing community, has been working for us as a consultant for three years and it is a pleasure to welcome her on board as a permanent member of the Golden Bear team to head up both brand and licensing within the business.

“Our continued growth in international markets means we are delighted to see Saskia join the team to help drive global sales to the next level. It’s an exciting time for Golden Bear and our recruits are going to help us immensely with the next stage of our expansion plans.

“We have shown how strong and robust the business is despite all the challenges that Covid has brought about this year and we have been thrilled with the way that our staff have responded and how our products continue to resonate with customers.  2021 is already shaping up to be another successful year for the company.”

Hello Kitty finds her voice as Sanrio launches first short form animated series to YouTube

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Sanrio has launched a new short form YouTube animated series called Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures, a move that brings its globally popular Hello Kitty brand to animated content in a partnership with Split Studio.

Each episode in the YouTube series will catapult audiences into the world of Hello Kitty and her friends My Melody, Keroppi, Badtz-Maru, Pompompurin, and Kuromi as they embark on adventures in the world of Sanrio. Hello Kitty and Friends will share and showcase their unique personalities, going outside of their comfort zones to experience and learn new things.

Hello Kitty will lead her friends in helping each other overcome everyday obstacles and learn that through the power of great friendship, humor and fun, they can accomplish anything.

“Sanrio has always taken immense pride in its commitment to friendship, kindness and inclusivity, making the debut of the Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures animation series remarkably special during our 60th anniversary year,” said Jill Koch, senior vice president of sales and business development at Sanrio.

“Now, our fans and viewers will be able to engage and relate with our characters more closely than ever. We can’t wait to share their sweet stories and see them come to life as never seen before.”

Shaene Siders, story editor and head writer of Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures, added: “As a longtime fan of the brand, it’s an honor to give Hello Kitty a voice. Each episode will take viewers through fun and magical adventures that are relevant to today’s audience while highlighting Sanrio’s lovable characters and their unique personalities. It’s a series my daughter and I will enjoy watching together.”

Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures is the first YouTube animated series developed for the US audience that chronicles the adventures of Hello Kitty and her friends living and interacting in a shared universe. The first episode of the series is set to go live on the Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube channel on Monday, October 26 at 1PM PST.