Tag Archives: news

World’s first Super Nintendo World is launching at Universal Studios Japan in 2021

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The world’s first Super Nintendo World, a ‘spectacular area themed around Nintendo’s characters and universes,’ is scheduled to open at Universal Studios Japan in spring 2021. The new area will bring with it themed attractions, restaurants, shops, and other initiatives such as the ‘asobi experience’.

In anticipation of the new zone and its big launch in 2021, a Mario Cafe and Store will open at the theme park’s Hollywood Area, separate from the Super Nintendo World next week. The Mario Cafe and Store will bring together restaurants and retail stores scattered around the world of Mario.

Mario and Luigi’s iconic green and red caps will stand as monuments to the characters over the doors of the new cafe and store, wall decorations will take inspiration from the legacy of the gaming franchise, while tables will be themed around the mushrooms abundant in the world of Mario.

Meanwhile a selection of themed foods, such as the “pancake sandwich” and “fruit cream soda” inspired by Mario and Luigi hats, as well as soft drinks in a special “Super Mushroom Drink Bottle” will be available to visitors. Merchandise such as Mario and Luigi caps and Princess Peach crowns will be available to visitors ahead of the Super Nintendo World’s opening next year.

Nintendo has stated it will be offering up more information on the Super Nintendo World in the coming weeks and months.

Beano Studios brings Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed to the big screen with special episodes screenings

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Beano Studios is bringing Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed to the big screen through a distribution partnership with Generation Media that will see six hand-picked episodes of the popular series screen across the UK and Ireland this October half term.

The episodes, packaged under the Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed! On The Big Screen title will air back to back in a 70 minute long screening which will also include bespoke interstitials featuring jokes and songs inbetween episodes.

Chosen episodes will include Bathmaggedon, Beat the Bus, P Factor, Spud U Love, Things Get Chilli, Molar Power, and a sneak peak at the as yet unaired episode, Thumb Wars.

Vanessa Andreis, director of franchise planning and partnerships at Beano Studios, said: “We’re very excited that our much-loved Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed! Season 2 will be heading to cinemas across the UK and giving kids their first cinematic experience with their favourite Beano characters.

“Bringing Dennis & Gnasher’s adventures to the big screen will not only promise a blamtastic’ day out for families, but also introduce a new generation to the wonders of big screen entertainment.”

Greta Bisetto-Donelan, director of content at Generation Entertainment, added: “We are incredibly proud to be working with Beano Studios and some of the top exhibitors in the market, to bring such an iconic brand to the big screen.

“As we continue to expand our content distribution capabilities, cinema remains one of our key priorities. This is where our clients can showcase their brands and content, in a quality environment, to an engaged audience.”

The critically acclaimed Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed! received nominations from the British Animation Awards, Kidscreen and an International Kids Emmy. The show’s second season premiered on CBBC in July 2020 with more new episodes premiering this winter.

Jazwares to launch toy line for YouTube’s Like Nastya with lifestyle licensing roll-out to follow

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The next six months will witness the global launch of a new line of toys based on and inspired by the current YouTube sensation, Anastasia (Nastya) Radzinskaya, lead by the leading toy company, Jazwares. The new range will encompass the first Like Nastya doll land in January 2021, followed by toys, games, dress-up, role-play and more.

Anastasia Radzinskaya is a six year old YouTube sensation who has risen to fame having hit more than 170 million subscribers and over 85 billion total views on YouTube – more than any other creator in the world currently. The YouTube channel and its fun, educational videos will now be brought to life through the Jazwares toyline and a subsequent lifestyle collection.

In a suite of new partnerships brokered by IMG Licensing, the brand’s global exclusive licensing agent, and launching just in time for the holiday season, a colorful collection of apparel, accessories, bags and stationery featuring Nastya will be available globally on Amazon by early November, with additional Like Nastya sleepwear, headwear, accessories, bags, girls underwear and apparel collections set to launch in stores and online in spring 2021.

January 2021 will see the first Like Nastya doll, created by leading toy company Jazwares, released exclusively on Amazon, with a full Jazwares collection of toys, games, dress-up, role-play and more set to launch widely online and in stores from spring 2021.

“Over the past couple of years, Nastya has become a global phenomenon and the most popular YouTuber in the world with localized content in 12 languages,” said Eyal Baumel, CEO at Yoola and Anastasia’s manager.

“Her fun, playful, educational, and unique content has created such a deep connection with her fans, that they see her not just as an entertainer and role model, but more importantly, a good friend.

“We are excited to expand the franchise into consumer products that represent Nastya’s spirit and values, and will allow kids and families all over the world to enjoy the Like Nastya experience in a variety of ways.”

Laura Zebersky, chief commercial officer, Jazwares, added: “With her vibrant personality and relatable adventures, it comes as no surprise that Like Nastya has quickly become one of the most popular YouTube channels for kids and parents to co-view.

“We are looking forward to bringing families a robust toy line that embraces the playful, imaginative nature of Nastya’s storytelling and gives kids a new way to engage with their favorite YouTube superstar.”

Gary Krakower, vice president of licensing, IMG, said: “The fact we’ve built such an extensive licensing programme in just a few short months shows Like Nastya’s global influence and ability to inspire and entertain through imaginative, playful and educational content.

“We’re excited to explore additional categories including outdoor toys, footwear, homeware, food and beverage, and arts and crafts.”

Nastya was recently named to Variety’s 2020 Power of Young Hollywood list and is ranked third on Forbes’ 2019 Highest-Paid YouTube Stars list.

Fashion UK, Portico Designs and Rubber Road among new UK partners for How the Grinch Stole Christmas

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Fashion UK, Portico Designs, and the pop culture licensee Rubber Road are among a tranche of new UK licensing partners now signed for Dr Seuss Enterprises festive IP How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The latest signings arrive as WildBrain CPLG secures a new wave of European deals for the property.

In the UK, Portico Designs will release a line of calendars and diaries, Fashion UK is developing new kids’ daywear, and Rubber Road has introduced The Grinch to it popular collectables line up Tubbz. Meanwhile, Enesco is launching figurines and CHristmas decorations, Ecell is developing new phone covers and accessories, and Widdop & Co has signed up for gifting and home accessories.

Additional fashion partnerships have been secured outside of the UK with Trucare for the Middle East and North Africa, and Elyaf for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The new product ranges will launch from October 2020.

John Taylor, VP Northern Europe and managing director UK and France at WildBrain CPLG, said: “Thanks to his quirky humour and holiday spirit, the Grinch has firmly established himself as an icon for the festive season. This broad line-up of new partners means the brand will continue to have a robust presence during the Christmas retail period, and also have a wider range of products available than ever before.”

“We are excited about the broad reach of Grinchmas at retail this year, due in large part to all the great work WildBrain CPLG has done to select fantastic licensees who creatively connect our fans with the Grinch through consumer products,” said Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

These new partnerships join long-standing apparel and homeware UK licensees for the brand which include: Somerbond, BC International, Park Agencies, Misirli, Brand International, Dreamtex, Paul Dennicci, Cooneen, IG Design Group, Hype and Aurora.

Beyond the UK, the licensing programme also features European partners LPP for adult and kids wear and H&M for apparel and accessories, alongside Thalia for gifting in Germany, Australia and Switzerland.

Acamar Films lands major multi-year deal with Italian theme park Leolandia for hit pre-school IP Bing

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Acamar Films has secured a major new partnership with Italy’s leading theme park destination, Leolandia, for its hit pre-school property Bing as the kids’ IP continues to go from strength to strength in the region. The new deal marks the first multi-year theme park agreement for Bing.

The new agreement will enable the theme park, which is located close to Milan, to become the first park in the world to host a dedicated Bing themed attraction. It grants exclusive rights in Italy to Leolandia for the development of a fully themed 9,500 sqm area, with the first phase due to open in 2023.

The attraction will feature interactive play areas, live show venue, restaurants and shops, and aims to create a fully immersive environment that brings the world of Bing to life.

The deal between Leolandia and Acamar Films was brokered in close collaboration with Maurizio Distefano Licensing, who represents the Bing brand in Italy and manages a highly successful licensing programme of over 40 licensees.

The plans for the theme park attraction follow the overwhelming success of a test Meet and Greet activity and an exclusive show with Bing and Flop at Leolandia in April 2019. Proving hugely popular thanks to Leolandia’s storytelling abilities, with a guest-rated experience of 9.5/10, the partnership was extended for a full year in 2020 as discussions began on a permanent area within the park.

Giuseppe Ira, president at Leolandia, said: “The partnership between Leolandia and Acamar Films, both well-renowned in the kids’ entertainment industry, has produced great feedback and results from the 2019 season. The park has set many precedents with the most beloved characters, exclusive areas and dedicated shows, attracting millions of visitors over recent years.

“Innovation and vision are our driving forces; therefore, we are very pleased to have signed this agreement extending our collaboration with Acamar Films and Bing and strengthening the popularity of Leolandia among our core pre-school audience. We look forward to enriching our offer with the exciting development of a dedicated Bing area at Leolandia.”

Kirsty Southgate, director of promotions and partnerships at Acamar Films, added: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Leolandia on such an exciting new development for Bing and their family focused and world-renowned theme park. It’s testimony to the growing success of Bing in Italy and a real step-change for Bing both there and globally, paving the way for the expansion of Bing’s international experiential entertainment footprint.”

Maurizio Distefano, president, MDL added: “The popularity of Bing in Italy has allowed us to secure deals in product categories that can only be activated with one-of-a-kind properties.

“Leolandia is proof of this and we strongly believe that this new theme park area will connect “Bingsters” with their favourite characters in an even deeper way, creating a world that existed only in their dreams.”

Since its launch on TV in February 2018, Bing has rapidly become a top pre-school property in Italy. A firm favourite on Rai Yoyo – and the number one show on its app – Bing is also available on pay TV channels DeA Junior (where it’s the number one show), TIMVision and soon Amazon Prime Video.

Bing’s Italian YouTube channel has amassed over 438 million channel views and more than 32.6 million watch time hours in just two years. A hit at retail, Bing was named Property of the Year 2019 at the Bologna Licensing Fair Awards.

Tracey Colliston’s Owls’ Nest and George Mackay’s Eejits win Festival of Licensing’s License This! competition

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The winners of this year’s all virtual License This! competition have been declared, with the grand prizes being handed to the Lancashire-based Tracey Colliston in the Brand & Design category, and George Mackay from Caithness in Scotland in Character & Animation.

It was Colliston’s sentimental Owls’ Nest illustrations of British woodland creatures that won over the judges of the Brand & Design category, celebrating the designs that can currently be found on a line of gifts and greetings cards. Mackay’s Eejits brand took the win in Character & Animation for turning heads with its menagerie of misfortunate misfits born in the Highlands of Scotland.

Tracey Colliston’s Owl’s Nest greetings cards and handmade gifts are currently stocked in over 80 independent retailers across the UK and she would love to see her illustrations licensed across many more categories. 

Tracey Colliston’s Owls’ Nest took home the Brand & Design win

“Winning License This! feels fantastic!,” said Colliston. “I absolutely love what I do, and it means so much to me that the hard work developing Owl’s Nest into a brand has been recognised. I’m very excited about the opportunities this may bring, and I’m keen to develop Owl’s Nest into lots of other products; stationery, ceramics and homeware, baby and nursery and more gift products. The versatility of Owl’s Nest and its collectability will hopefully open up many avenues. It’s so exciting!”

Mackay’s Eejits also currently feature on greetings cards and the creator has equally big ambitions for reaching a much bigger audience. 

“An eejit is an idiot, a fool, a gormless ignoramus,” he explained. “Born in the Highlands of Scotland, these weird and wonderful creatures are even rarer than the famous haggis. Due to their incredibly stupid nature and natural curiosity, they have now been collected together for their own safety. A curious collection of creatures gathered together for the world to see.

“The eejits are primarily aimed at seven to 12 year olds, as well as big kids (like me). Their quirky nature, the charming art style and sometimes slightly self-deprecating humour is a draw to kids, and I think they would be ideal for a wide range of products such as soft plush or vinyl toys, but the ultimate dream would be to see the brand feature in hilariously humorous animated shorts. That’s the BIG goal of mine. Seeing the eejits brand on screen would be simply awesome.”

This year’s two License This! winners will receive a free exhibition stand at Brand Licensing Europe 2021, one year’s membership of industry trade association Licensing International, PR support, and invaluable advice from the panel of industry experts.

In addition, all finalists will receive legal consultation from competition sponsor Wynne-Jones. 

This year’s judges were: 

  • Kelvyn Gardner, Managing Director, Asgard Media (Chair Of The Judging Panel)
  • Sarah Ward, CEO, The Giftware Association 
  • Kirsty Barr, Grapevine PR
  • Sonia Amrar, Trademark Attorney, Wynne-Jones

Character & Animation award

    • Dan Grant, Licensing Director, Danilo Promotions
    • Clare Piggott, Managing Director, Larkshead Media
    • Ben Woodman, Commercial Manager, GB Eye Ltd            
    • Ian Downes, Director, Start Licensing
    • Nico Franks, Editor, C21 Kids 

Brand & Design award

  • Stuart Cox, owner, I Like Birds
  • Vicki Thomas, owner, Vicki Thomas Associates  
  • Sarah Lawrence, director, This is Iris  
  • Jehane Boden Spiers, founder, JEHANE Ltd
  • Will Stewart, founder and managing director, The Point.1888

Character & Animation judge, Ben Woodman said: “I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this year’s judging panel. It’s always exciting to see new properties and brands. I would like to wish George the very best of luck and I certainly hope that we can see him make that transition into the mainstream consumer market.”

 Brand & Design judge, Will Stewart added: “I thoroughly enjoyed being invited to judge the License This! competition again this year. Despite all the challenges of lockdown, the quality of the entries was outstanding once again. This competition provides a huge opportunity for anyone to pivot their career to focus on something they are passionate about: imagine making a living out of something you love!”

 Last year’s winners – Rosie Brooks and Drew Bristow (Carrot & Toast) – are both exhibitors at BLE 2020 and can be found online at www.festivaloflicensing.com.  

Asmodee’s Aconyte Books details publishing plans for hit board game IP Zombicide and Terraforming Mars

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Aconyte Books, the fiction imprint and publishing arm of Asmodee Entertainment, has detailed a raft of new partnerships with some of the leading names in tabletop gaming to develop a series of novels set within the worlds of a selection of the most critically acclaimed board games.

Kicking off the latest signings, the publishing arm has secured a multi-year agreement with CMON – otherwise known as Cool Mini Or Not – to create a new series of novels set in the worlds of its popular Zombicide range of games.

Having made its debut back in 2012, Zombicide became the first of a wildly popular series of tabletop games that pit players against the walking dead. Featuring detailed miniatures and fast-action gameplay, the games have since picked up legions of players around the globe.

As well as the modern day original, CMON has also developed versions set in medieval times (Zombicide: Black Plague) and far out in the depths of space (Zombicide: Invader). Aconyte now plans to publish novels based on all three settings with the first title expected to hit shops in time for Halloween 2021.

Aconyte publisher Marc Gascoigne, commented: “We love Zombicide, for the all-out mayhem of the game, the passion of its dedicated following – and the lovingly detailed (and incredibly deadly) worlds that its designers have created. There are a whole bunch of stories we want to create, to explore their secrets further.”

CMON’s COO David Preti, added: “We designed the Zombicide games to tell exciting stories populated with iconic characters who had unique personalities that came through in the gameplay.

“We wanted each play session to feel like its own pulp novel. We’re so happy to have a great partner in Aconyte, who understands the world and tone of the game, and is going to put these stories in prose for the first time.”

Continuing its ambitious mission to set up new content platforms for its own and third-party properties, Aconyte has also detailed a multi-year agreement with FryxGames to create new novels set in the world of its own Terraforming Mars games.

Since its launch in 2016, the original Terraforming Mars has been a firm favourite with gamers, and currently sits at number four in the all-time best games list on Boardgamegeek.com.

Designed by Jacob Fryxelius and published by the Swedish games company set up by him and his brothers, the game has grown in scope with several expansions, and is now available in more than 25 languages. Set in the early 2400s, Terraforming Mars explores the many challenges facing mankind as rival corporations attempt to open up the inhospitable surface of the Red Planet to make it fit for human settlers.

The underlying spirit of the game is one of optimism and scientific progress, qualities the novels will embody.

Aconyte’s Gascoigne, said: “We’re big fans of the Terraforming Mars games, and we’re looking forward to telling epic tales of science fiction exploration and adventure in this exciting setting. We may have our problems down here on Earth, but these novels will provide a much needed escape to a different world.”

FryxGames’s CEO, Enoch Fryxelius, added: “Terraforming Marsis a game of bold and innovative ideas to take on the hostile environment of an alien planet, and turn it into a living, breathing biosphere and a vibrant human civilization.

“We are excited to see some of these ideas come to life and become the backdrop of inspiring stories. Through these novels we hope that more people will be dreaming about Mars and the future of human exploration.”

The first Terraforming Mars novel is expected to hit shops in summer 2021, with several further volumes being planned.

The Pokémon Company grows European apparel portfolio with Erve Europe and Van Der Erve

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The Pokémon Company International is expanding its European reach once more, having tapped Erve Europe/Van Der Erve, Europe’s licensed apparel and brands specialist, to develop kids and adult apparel for the German, Austrian and Swiss markets.

The new deal will see fashion powerhouse Erve Europe / Van Der Erve collaborate with Pokémon for a collection of kids’ and adult daywear, nightwear, and accessories, all of which is planned to launch at retail in 2021 across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Specialists in fashion-forward licensed apparel, Erve Europe / Van Der Erve are front runners in design, sourcing, and distribution of branded apparel and accessories in Europe. A preferred supplier of sustainable fashion to leading retailers, they work with department stores, fashion retailers, supermarkets, hypermarkets, discount chains, and resellers, creating bespoke items and collections on demand.

Mathieu Galante, licensing director EMEA for The Pokémon Company International, said: “We are delighted to be working with Erve Europe / Van Der Erve. Its vast experience from 35 years in the industry, exceptional quality, and sustainable practices make it the perfect partner to further grow Pokémon’s fashion presence in Germany, where – as across the whole of Europe – demand for Pokémon apparel and accessories continues to expand.”

Pokémon’s partnership with Erve Europe / Van Der Erve further strengthens its increasing status as a fashion icon and high-street staple. Its growing apparel offering now includes successful ranges at global giants such as Zara, H&M, Bershka, Pull&Bear, and Undiz, innovative collaborations with the likes of Adidas, UNIQLO, and Original Stich, plus capsule collections from leading fashion brands and designers including GCDS, Jeremy Scott, and Bobby Abley.

Spin Master and Nelvana sign Hachette Publishing for Bakugan book series in France

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The global children’s entertainment company Spin Master and the children’s animated content distributor, Nelvana have struck up a partnership with Hachette Publishing to launch a new Bakugan book series in France.

The partnership will kick off this autumn with the release of two new titles: Le Bakugan Dore, which lands on bookshelves this month, and a second release to land in December this year.

“Building on the strong foundation our team has secured with prime broadcast placement on Gulli and Canal J and along with the support of Spin Master’s international roll-out of toys, we are excited to launch a new publishing programme for Bakugan in France with Hachette,” said Mellany Masterson, head of Nelvana Enterprises.

“Hachette’s leadership and expertise in publishing make them the perfect partner to bring the world of Bakugan to more fans in new ways.”

Season One, Bakugan: Battle Planets (100 x 11 min) and Season 2, Bakugan: Armored Alliance (104 x 11 min) currently air on Gulli weekdays at 4:35PM in France and on Canal J at 6:45PM.

Both seasons air on Cartoon Network in the US, and TELETOON in Canada, as well as on Cartoon Network in Spain, Italy, Middle East, Gulli, Canal J and M6 in Africa, Sony Pop in the UK, Super RTL in Germany, RTL in the Netherlands, Hungary, and Croatia, Nine GO! In Australia, TVNZ in New Zealand, Star in Greece, 1+1 in the Ukraine, PopTV in Slovenia, VMMa in Belgium, and SIA in Lithuania.

Spin Master launched Bakugan: Armored Alliance toys internationally this autumn after a successful launch in North America this past spring 2020. An additional wave of products will also launch internationally this coming Spring. Nelvana, who co-produces the series with Spin Master and TMS Entertainment, manages the franchise’s licensing programs in both France and Canada.

Bakugan: Armored Alliance (104 x 11 min) follows the adventures of Dan Kouzo and his best friends: the first kids on Earth to bond with the mysterious alien creatures known as Bakugan. The fate of not one but two planets rests in the hands of this new breed of Bakugan Brawlers.

Poetic Brands to make an impression with Van Gogh Museum apparel and travel collection

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The popular apparel licensee, Poetic Brands is looking to make an impression next year when its new partnership with the Van Gogh Museum will witness the launch of a comprehensive range of men and women’s apparel, along with a collection of travel accessories.

The deal – brokered by Licensing Link Europe, who managed the rights for the Van Gogh Museum – taps into the current consumer demand for iconic and well-known pieces to be incorporated into their daily lives. The new range is due to launch in the UK next year and has already garnered strong interest from retail.

Following the death of the renowned artist, Van Gogh’s brother Theo and his wife managed the works, before their son, Vincent Willem, founded the Vincent Van Gogh Foundation in the ’60s. He went on to build the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam to preserve the family’s collection for future generations, which now houses the world’s largest compilation of works by the artist, with over 200 paintings,500 drawings and more than 700 letters.

“Van Gogh is universally recognised and we are excited to create a brand new range for the property, bringing it further into the lifestyle of the modern consumer,” said Elliott Matthews, executive director of Poetic Brands. “It is unique in our portfolio, and we have already been overwhelmed by the reaction of retailers to the proposed lines.”

Chris Taday, director of Licensing Link, who brokered the deal, added: “We’re thrilled to have Poetic Brands on board for this prestigious property. The team work tirelessly to create on-brand and on-trend designs which appeal to both retail and consumers alike. We’re very much looking forward to seeing the final pieces.”