Tag Archives: news

Outfit 7 scoops another Diamond Creator Award for 10 million Talking Angela YouTube channel subscribers

Posted on by

The family entertainment company, Outfit 7 has been handed the Diamond Creator Award from YouTube, having reached an impressive 10 million subscribers milestone for its hit Talking Angela channel. This is now the third Outfit 7 channel to receive the Diamond Creator Award to date.

The awards are further confirmation of the incredible popularity of Outfit7’s channels. Combined, they have over 35 billion views and more than 61 million YouTube subscribers to date. In July 2020, the company reported over 67 million views across its channels in just one day, a new record for the brand.

The Talking Tom channel, which also has a Diamond Creator Award, has been number one in YouTube’s family entertainment category for the past three months, according to Tubular Labs. It also consistently ranks among the Top 50 most viewed channels in the world.

The other Outfit7 channel with a YouTube diamond is Talking Tom and Friends, which hosts the franchise’s popular animated series. The series is currently the ninth most in-demand family show online on the planet, with 7.1 times the demand against the average same-category shows globally.

“It’s incredible to see how many people from all over the globe tune in to watch the adventures of Talking Tom and Friends,” said Jaka Benedičič, senior media content director. “The recent awards and achievements mean a lot to our team. We’re working hard on the upcoming pipeline of exciting new content – so watch this space.”

The franchise also celebrates another impressive milestone this month, with the launch of the newest game, My Talking Tom Friends. The new virtual pet mobile game, which is now available to download on iOS and Android, soared into the top charts for Android and iOS worldwide within days of its release.

To date, the game received over 90 million downloads. Even its four trailers have had incredible success, with over 70 million views recorded in just one month.

Licensing International heralds its German event, Day of Licensing a virtual success

Posted on by

Licensing International has heralded its Day of Licensing – its premier German licensing event usually held in Cologne – as a virtual success, having transposed the conference to an online only event last week.

Over 600 registered visitors attended the virtual show – a change of pace from its usual gathering in Cologne due to the ongoing covid-19 measures – where they got a better look at the franchises and properties driving the industry forward in the near future.

The event hosted a number of brand presentations, many of which are still available for registrants to download, with one presentation bringing in 3,000 views. All together, the Day of Licensing boasts 3.8 terabytes of data for 9.5 hours of content.

“Overall a fantastic, smooth running day, thanks in no small part to the excellent platform-build and back-end support from Blank Promotion,” said Peter Hollo, external lead consultant for Licensing International in Germany. “It’s never easy to translate a physical gathering into a virtual setting, but I’m proud of what we were able accomplish. With this Digital Day of Licensing, I think we’ve set a high bar for future events – a great template for more events of this kind.”

Gisela Abrams, SVP global partnerships, Licensing International, added: “Ensuring that this important event could happen virtually was crucial to us to support our members and the industry. I am grateful to all the participants who engaged with the platform and more importantly, with each other, to make this event such a success.”

The event saw the likes of Alibaba/Alifish executive Alex Tsai offer insights into the world of a giant of commerce in the keynote session, while anchoring the day were video streams from exhibitors including Bavaria Media, CAA-GBG, Edel Kids, Euro Lizenzen, Hasbro, Jochen Schweizer, KIDDINX, Mattel, Playmobil, Pokemon Company, ProSieben Sat1 Licensing, Studio100 Media, Studio71, ViacomCBS Consumer Products, WDR mediagroup, Wildbrain CPLG and ZDF Enterprises.

Attendees also had access to a Matchmaking Area and the Licensing Lounge, which allowed attendees to share fun snapshots into their home offices and pet “colleagues.” All presentations are still available in the “Mediathek,” where they can be downloaded at www.tagderlizenzen.de until July 24, even for new visitors who register now.

 

Ricky Zoom is racing onto Australian TV screens for the first time

Posted on by

Entertainment One has secured new broadcast deals for its latest CGI animated pre-school series, Ricky Zoom, that will see the already popular property race onto TV screens across Australia for the first time.

The 52×11 min episodes from series one of Ricky Zoom are set to launch on Nickelodeon’s pre-school channel, Nick Jr., in Australia from today (Monday, 20 July, 2020), with new episodes airing weekdays at 10am. From November this year the series will also begin airing on Australia’s Channel 9.

Entertainment One’s Monica Candiani, EVP content sales, family brands, said: “We’re proud to be bringing Ricky Zoom to audiences in Australia by extending our partnership with Nickelodeon and welcoming Channel 9 as our terrestrial partner in the region.

“Ricky Zoom is an action comedy adventure series with real heart and these latest deals are testament to the strong appeal of the show.”

Since it debuted on screens in late 2019, Ricky Zoom has achieved strong ratings in multiple markets. Nick Jr. is already home to the show in both the US and UK, while Australia’s Channel 9 joins a growing list of broadcast partners bringing the show to a global audience.

The show currently airs on CCTV (China), Channel 5 Milkshake! (UK), Clan TV (Spain), Discovery Kids (Latin America), Thai PBS (Thailand), Gulli (France), Karusel (Russia), Minika Cocuk (Turkey), NRK  (Norway), RAI (Italy), Spacetoon (MENA), Super RTL (Germany), SVT (Sweden), Treehouse (Canada) and Youku (China).

Barbie launches health and beauty partnership with GlamGlow

Posted on by

The health and beauty specialist, GlamGlow has teamed up with Mattel to unveil a new, limited edition with the fashion doll icon, Barbie, and the toy brand’s own GlamGlow beauty collection.

The new collection has been developed to celebrate self-confidence through self-care skin health, and features Barbie themed spins on popular lines in the GlamGlow range, including the Charcoal Clearing Treatment Mask, and the GlowStarter Mega Illuminating Moisturiser.

The fashionista is also lending herself to GlamGlow’s SuperMud, that helps draw out dirt, oil, congestion and impurities.

A press release read: ‘GlamGlow’s GlowStarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer,-in Barbie Glow Getter custom shade, floods skin with lasting hydration while universally flattering Illuminating Pearls instantly blur, reflect and enhance the look of bare skin or makeup for an instant Hollywood glow.’

The Barbie Limited-Edition SuperMud retails at £44, and the Barbie Limited-Edition GlowStarter at £36. Both are available online now.

Video game industry pioneer Intellivision lands licensing deals with Major League Baseball and Evel Knievel

Posted on by

Recognised by many as the pioneers of the video game industry, Intellivision Entertainment LLC has detailed a raft of new licensing agreements with a focus on sports-themed games that include Major League Baseball, Evel Knievel, and the American Cornhole League.

The new slate of partnerships now bring a portfolio of US-centric, yet highly recognisable, brands to Intellivision Amico through a series of officially licensed games.

“My early memories of playing the original Intellivision Major League Baseball game with my dad and brother helped inspire our vision to launch Amico,” said Intellivision CEO and president, Tommy Tallarico. “Looking to the future, Intellivision is proud to offer a wide breadth of content for everyone in the family to enjoy, from favourite sports and recreational games to thrilling, daredevil action. We continue to diversify our portfolio and gameplay experiences for Amico.”

The licensing deal between MLB and Intellivision comes 41 years after the two groups launched their first partnership. The historic collaboration represented the first video game license with a professional sports league – a pioneering trend in the industry that Intellivision embraced across almost every sport.

Intellivision’s Major League Baseball game was the first home video game to feature spoken voice (e.g. “YER OUT!”). The original Major League Baseball is the best-selling Intellivision game of all time with approximately one in three Intellivision households owning the title.

Bringing yet another first to the baseball video game industry, Intellivision’s MLB licensed game will introduce a competitive play option. This option will allow multiple players to join in the fun and set up head-to-head competition in different ways or all versus the computer. All 30 current MLB teams will be featured.

“Baseball video games have brought family and friends together for more than 40 years. Our renewed partnership with Intellivision continues that tradition with simplicity and fun for the whole family,” said senior vice president, games and VR, Jamie Leece.

“We look forward to joining Intellivision with the shared mission of bringing family and friends together with the love of the game and passion for our sport.”

Next up, and paying homage to the Knievel legacy, Intellivision is working with the Evel Knievel Family and Barnstorm Games to bring a multiplayer game to the Amico platform. The updated version of the Evel Knievel game will feature enhanced graphics, sound, and art, plus a variety of multiplayer options utilizing Amico’s unique controllers.

In addition to new levels and gameplay features, more action such as the Skycycle X-2 rocket that was used in his infamous Snake River Canyon jump in 1974 will be added.

“My dad was a larger than life character who was a hero and inspiration to millions of people,” said Kelly Knievel, son of Evel Knievel. “We are excited to work with Intellivision to keep his legacy alive, introduce his bold spirit to a new generation of fans, and take the thrill of the jump from the arena to the living room on Amico.”

Finally, developed exclusively for the Amico system with some of the world’s greatest professional cornhole players, the American Cornhole League, which has been broadcasted on ESPN since 2016, is bringing America’s fastest-growing recreational sport into the living room.

With the intention of providing a game for everyone in the family, regardless of skill level, users can utilize the unique Amico controller with touchscreen and motion controls. Gameplay is available in career, arcade, multiplayer, or free play mode and features over 100 unlockables, multiple challenges, skill levels and ways to play – no summer BBQ picnic required.

“We are thrilled to work alongside Intellivision and some of the world’s greatest players and to bring cornhole to the Amico console,” said Stacey Moore, commissioner and founder of the American Cornhole League.

“We cannot wait for people to experience throwing ACL virtual bags in the comfort of their own home.”

Intellivision is currently working on many more exciting partnerships in preparation for the Amico system launch. For more information please visit www.IntellivisionAmico.com.

 

Video game industry pioneer Intellivision lands licensing deals with Major League Baseball and Evel Knievel

Posted on by

Recognised by many as the pioneers of the video game industry, Intellivision Entertainment LLC has detailed a raft of new licensing agreements with a focus on sports-themed games that include Major League Baseball, Evel Knievel, and the American Cornhole League.

The new slate of partnerships now bring a portfolio of US-centric, yet highly recognisable, brands to Intellivision Amico through a series of officially licensed games.

“My early memories of playing the original Intellivision Major League Baseball game with my dad and brother helped inspire our vision to launch Amico,” said Intellivision CEO and president, Tommy Tallarico. “Looking to the future, Intellivision is proud to offer a wide breadth of content for everyone in the family to enjoy, from favourite sports and recreational games to thrilling, daredevil action. We continue to diversify our portfolio and gameplay experiences for Amico.”

The licensing deal between MLB and Intellivision comes 41 years after the two groups launched their first partnership. The historic collaboration represented the first video game license with a professional sports league – a pioneering trend in the industry that Intellivision embraced across almost every sport.

Intellivision’s Major League Baseball game was the first home video game to feature spoken voice (e.g. “YER OUT!”). The original Major League Baseball is the best-selling Intellivision game of all time with approximately one in three Intellivision households owning the title.

Bringing yet another first to the baseball video game industry, Intellivision’s MLB licensed game will introduce a competitive play option. This option will allow multiple players to join in the fun and set up head-to-head competition in different ways or all versus the computer. All 30 current MLB teams will be featured.

“Baseball video games have brought family and friends together for more than 40 years. Our renewed partnership with Intellivision continues that tradition with simplicity and fun for the whole family,” said senior vice president, games and VR, Jamie Leece.

“We look forward to joining Intellivision with the shared mission of bringing family and friends together with the love of the game and passion for our sport.”

Next up, and paying homage to the Knievel legacy, Intellivision is working with the Evel Knievel Family and Barnstorm Games to bring a multiplayer game to the Amico platform. The updated version of the Evel Knievel game will feature enhanced graphics, sound, and art, plus a variety of multiplayer options utilizing Amico’s unique controllers.

In addition to new levels and gameplay features, more action such as the Skycycle X-2 rocket that was used in his infamous Snake River Canyon jump in 1974 will be added.

“My dad was a larger than life character who was a hero and inspiration to millions of people,” said Kelly Knievel, son of Evel Knievel. “We are excited to work with Intellivision to keep his legacy alive, introduce his bold spirit to a new generation of fans, and take the thrill of the jump from the arena to the living room on Amico.”

Finally, developed exclusively for the Amico system with some of the world’s greatest professional cornhole players, the American Cornhole League, which has been broadcasted on ESPN since 2016, is bringing America’s fastest-growing recreational sport into the living room.

With the intention of providing a game for everyone in the family, regardless of skill level, users can utilize the unique Amico controller with touchscreen and motion controls. Gameplay is available in career, arcade, multiplayer, or free play mode and features over 100 unlockables, multiple challenges, skill levels and ways to play – no summer BBQ picnic required.

“We are thrilled to work alongside Intellivision and some of the world’s greatest players and to bring cornhole to the Amico console,” said Stacey Moore, commissioner and founder of the American Cornhole League.

“We cannot wait for people to experience throwing ACL virtual bags in the comfort of their own home.”

Intellivision is currently working on many more exciting partnerships in preparation for the Amico system launch. For more information please visit www.IntellivisionAmico.com.

 

The Point. 1888 lines up Kombucha drinks for Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage

Posted on by

River Cottage, the food and events business established by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, has signed a new deal to start producing its own range of Kombucha drinks in partnership with Equinox Kombucha. The deal was brokered by the UK licensing agent, The Point. 1888.

The antioxidant-rich tea based drink is commonly consumed for its wide-ranging health benefits and was marked as number one on River Cottage’s wish list of products. Under the new deal, River Cottage Organic Kombuchas will be made in partnership with Equinox, who have been making organic Kombuchas at their artisan “brewery” near Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire since 2013.

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s successful food and events business brought on The Point.1888 back in February 2019 to help it generate further brand awareness and encourage the nation to eat more sustainably and ethically through the introduction of a broader range of consumer products.

These innovative products are being developed as part of River Cottage’s on-going mission to create Food to Inspire Change, and in line with its SLOW ethos of foods that are Seasonal, Local, Organic and Wild.

Since starting work with the brand, The Point.1888 has helped to secure six new partnerships for River Cottage, including an organic and eco-friendly coffee producer; one of the leading organic breweries in the UK; a bees wax plastic-free, food-safe wrap manufacturer, and an award-winning organic artisan cider producer.

This latest deal is with Equinox Kombucha, one of the UK’s fastest-growing makers of this increasingly popular traditional drink, based on brewing with live cultures known to be beneficial to a healthy gut.

Fearnley-Whittingstall, said: “I’ve been a big kombucha fan for a few years now. I think it’s a fantastic drink and I believe it’s not only helped me to maintain a diverse gut biome, but also to reduce my alcohol consumption by offering a complex and delicious alternative without a load of sugar and additives.

“I’ve been brewing my own at home and sampling almost any kombuchas being sold in the UK that I could get my hands on. But it frustrated me that so many of them are imported from abroad, and pasteurised so they are no-longer “live”. When I sampled the Equinox range I was blown away by the quality and delighted to note that it was fully organic, completely live, and being made right here in the UK.

“It’s been a fantastic experience to collaborate with Daniel and Rupert at Equinox to create a range of completely original River Cottage kombuchas, based on some of our favourite ingredients, from the Garden, Orchard, Hedgerow and Meadow.”

Louise Williamson, head of specialist brands at The Point.1888, added: “This partnership is significant, not just because it topped our client’s wish list, but also because we expect the timing of our launch should make it incredibly rewarding.

“While we continue to battle a global outbreak of Covid-19, there is a significant rise in the demand for immunity-boosting foods and beverages, particularly kombucha.”

Equinox has seen sales of its own brand of Kombucha rise significantly in retail over the last few years, something it ascribes to the rise in social awareness of gut health and the holistic health benefits of fermented living foods and drinks. With  increasing evidence that there are links between our gut health, and our mental wellbeing and immunity, kombucha is poised to sky rocket in the marketplace in the wake of Covid-19.

With the River Cottage kombucha range now in production and packaging designs being finalised, The Point.1888 and Equinox are currently holding meetings with retailers to agree where the range will be stocked. It is expected to be in stores towards the end of September.

The Point. 1888 lines up Kombucha drinks for Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage

Posted on by

River Cottage, the food and events business established by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, has signed a new deal to start producing its own range of Kombucha drinks in partnership with Equinox Kombucha. The deal was brokered by the UK licensing agent, The Point. 1888.

The antioxidant-rich tea based drink is commonly consumed for its wide-ranging health benefits and was marked as number one on River Cottage’s wish list of products. Under the new deal, River Cottage Organic Kombuchas will be made in partnership with Equinox, who have been making organic Kombuchas at their artisan “brewery” near Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire since 2013.

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s successful food and events business brought on The Point.1888 back in February 2019 to help it generate further brand awareness and encourage the nation to eat more sustainably and ethically through the introduction of a broader range of consumer products.

These innovative products are being developed as part of River Cottage’s on-going mission to create Food to Inspire Change, and in line with its SLOW ethos of foods that are Seasonal, Local, Organic and Wild.

Since starting work with the brand, The Point.1888 has helped to secure six new partnerships for River Cottage, including an organic and eco-friendly coffee producer; one of the leading organic breweries in the UK; a bees wax plastic-free, food-safe wrap manufacturer, and an award-winning organic artisan cider producer.

This latest deal is with Equinox Kombucha, one of the UK’s fastest-growing makers of this increasingly popular traditional drink, based on brewing with live cultures known to be beneficial to a healthy gut.

Fearnley-Whittingstall, said: “I’ve been a big kombucha fan for a few years now. I think it’s a fantastic drink and I believe it’s not only helped me to maintain a diverse gut biome, but also to reduce my alcohol consumption by offering a complex and delicious alternative without a load of sugar and additives.

“I’ve been brewing my own at home and sampling almost any kombuchas being sold in the UK that I could get my hands on. But it frustrated me that so many of them are imported from abroad, and pasteurised so they are no-longer “live”. When I sampled the Equinox range I was blown away by the quality and delighted to note that it was fully organic, completely live, and being made right here in the UK.

“It’s been a fantastic experience to collaborate with Daniel and Rupert at Equinox to create a range of completely original River Cottage kombuchas, based on some of our favourite ingredients, from the Garden, Orchard, Hedgerow and Meadow.”

Louise Williamson, head of specialist brands at The Point.1888, added: “This partnership is significant, not just because it topped our client’s wish list, but also because we expect the timing of our launch should make it incredibly rewarding.

“While we continue to battle a global outbreak of Covid-19, there is a significant rise in the demand for immunity-boosting foods and beverages, particularly kombucha.”

Equinox has seen sales of its own brand of Kombucha rise significantly in retail over the last few years, something it ascribes to the rise in social awareness of gut health and the holistic health benefits of fermented living foods and drinks. With  increasing evidence that there are links between our gut health, and our mental wellbeing and immunity, kombucha is poised to sky rocket in the marketplace in the wake of Covid-19.

With the River Cottage kombucha range now in production and packaging designs being finalised, The Point.1888 and Equinox are currently holding meetings with retailers to agree where the range will be stocked. It is expected to be in stores towards the end of September.

ALG Brands to represent the estate of John Belushi and the Blues Brothers

Posted on by

ALG Brands has been tapped to represent the estate of John Belushi and the Blues Brothers for licensing and legacy opportunities, it was announced this week by ALG COO, Scott Austin.

The branding firm will manage Belushi’s personality rights and will oversee the evolution of the Blues Brothers’ iconic intellectual property via brand collaborations, media projects, experiential events and more. ALG will advise and collaborate with Belushi’s widow, Judith Belushi Pisano, on all matters relating to the estate and the late comedian’s legacy.

In addition, ALG will work closely with Blues Brothers Approved Ventures partners Belushi Pisano and Dan Aykroyd to expand the Blues Brothers brand across categories.

“I spent two years looking for brand management with the right fit, and I am confident this is it,” said Belushi Pisano. “Ashley and Scott could not be more qualified, passionate, creative and dedicated. This is a partnership I put my trust in for the future.”

Austin added: “Like Jake and Elwood Blues, we too are on a mission…to ensure that John Belushi and the Blues Brothers endure as pop culture heroes for generations to come. We are thrilled to be working with Judy and Blues Brothers Approved Ventures on behalf of these timeless and beloved icons.”

Born in Chicago, John Belushi created his own comedy troupe, the West Compass Players, from which he stepped directly onto the main stage at The Second City. There he honed his craft and met lifelong collaborators, Harold Ramis and Bill Murray. In 1973, he starred in the first National Lampoon stage show, National Lampoon: Lemmings, and later found himself at the centre of the comedy universe alongside future stars Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner and Dan Aykroyd.

In 1975, Belushi became an original cast member of Saturday Night Live, delivering some of the show’s most memorable moments, including the first opening sketch and the characters Samurai Futaba, Olympia Pete and others.

He starred as “Bluto” Blutarsky in National Lampoon’s Animal House and as “Joliet” Jake alongside longtime friend and creative partner, Dan Aykroyd, in The Blues Brothers.

 

GBI taps Archie Comics for Stan Lee Universe comic books and brings in Batman’s Michael Uslan to develop the property

Posted on by

One week after it presented its major plans to develop the Stan Lee Universe, Genius Brands International has entered into a comic book publishing agreement with Archie Comics to publish comic books and graphic novels based on the never before exploited Stan Lee IP.

An iconic name in the comic books circles, Archie Comics is home to some of the most recognisable properties, including Archie, Betty& Veronica, Sabrina, Josie and the Pussycats and more.

“It is only fitting that the comic book roots of Stan Lee, which began with Marvel, give birth to the next generation of great Stan Lee properties. I have long felt that the greatest Stan Lee characters and stories have yet to be told, and the next Marvel has yet to be built. That is Stan Lee Universe,” said Genius Brands CEO and chairman, Andy Heyward.

“Archie Comics are everywhere. You can’t go to a supermarket checkout stand and not see them, and soon that will be the same with Stan Lee Universe. Under the leadership of Jon Goldwater, shows like Riverdale and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina have become huge hits. Jon understands better than anyone the unique value of Stan Lee and his ideas. There is no better publishing partner than Archie to bring Stan Lee Universe comics to market.”

 The initial property slated for publication as a comic book in partnership with Archie will be Superhero Kindergarten.

 “I had the great pleasure of knowing Stan Lee and understanding his genius,” said Archie Comics CEO and publisher, Jon Goldwater. “Getting the chance to partner with Andy and Genius Brands to introduce an entire universe of Stan Lee ideas to the comic book and graphic novel marketplace is an opportunity we can’t pass up.”

 Concurrent with the announcement of the Archie Comics publishing deal, Genius Brands has also announced that Michael E. Uslan will bring his decades of experience and expertise to advise and help mine the IP in the Stan Lee Universe to build ongoing global branded franchises. 

The treasure chest of post-Marvel Stan Lee IP will be guided by Uslan, whose input will cover all film and TV development and production under the banner.

Uslan, who works with his son, David Uslan, is best known as the originator and executive producer of the Batman movie series, starting with Tim Burton’s 1989 film, continuing through Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy, Todd Phillips’s JOKER, and the upcoming The Batman in 2021.

He also served as Executive Producer of Warner Bros. The Lego Movie (2014) and The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part(2019).

“Michael is the foremost expert today in comic book IP. Period. He is the only person we ever considered to guide us through the process of building franchises under the banner of his idol, mentor, and friend, Stan Lee,” said Heyward.  

“He was a close friend of Stan, and there is nobody more qualified to guide this creatively forward. Michael has stewarded some of the biggest and most successful hits from comic books through film, TV, and merchandising.”

Uslan stated: “In my world, there is no bigger honour than to be entrusted to carry the mantle of Stan Lee forward. This is taking the Olympic torch on the final leg up Mt. Olympus. We look forward to bringing the most talented writers and artists in our field to the next generation of Stan Lee creations.”

Stan Lee Universe, a joint venture between Genius Brands and Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment, managed by Genius, owns the worldwide rights, in perpetuity, to the name, physical likeness, physical signature, live-action and animated motion picture, television, online, digital, publishing, comic book, theme park, and merchandising/licensing rights from the repository of characters and IP created by Stan Lee drawn from over one hundred creations (post-Marvel Entertainment), including Tomorrow Men, Stringbean, Black Fury, Virus, Superhero Kindergarten, and more.

Genius Brands will develop seven new franchises per year, primarily targeted for families and kids.