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This is Iris partners with TeamTO to launch Mighty Mike to the UK licensing scene

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The children’s entertainment company, TeamTO has joined forces with the licensing agency This Is Iris to launch Mighty Mike, ‘the world’s most licensable pug’ to the UK. Mighty Mike’s licensing career will be launched with a prominent platform on CITV and Cartoon Network’s Boomerang channels.

The new agreement follows a first publishing deal for the show in Italy with the high-end publishing outfit, Edizione Play Press for sticker, colouring, magic colouring, and activity books. Mighty Mike has already picked up momentum on a global licensing scale that includes partnerships with Surge Licensing in the US, France Televisions, and Uyoung in China.

“Mighty Mike is a show with great appeal, it’s packed with personality and stand out characters that engage the audience the minute the show starts,” said Sarah Lawrence, This is Iris. “The characters’ incredible photorealism and the non-stop comedy make this show ideal for a great range of products. We are delighted to be working with TeamTO on this exciting property and look forward to updating our partners on Mighty Mike’s potential and standout performance on CITV.”

Patricia de Wilde, TeamTO’s VP of marketing, added: “We are delighted to be working with the experienced and talented team at This is Iris. With Sarah’s uniquely creative and quality-driven approach to licensing, and great platforms on ITV and Boomerang, Mighty Mike could not be in better hands.

“Add to that the series’ combination of subtle and sophisticated humor inspired by the daily life of pets and  you have a perfect formula for success in the UK’s animal loving market.”

Mighty Mike stars a refined pug with sophisticated taste who longs for a quiet life but is forced to defend his house from a bunch of furry intruders and maddening pets. Raccoons, turtles and Fluffy the cat have a knack for showing up at the worst possible moment, dragging Mike into a series of outrageously funny twists and turns – making him miss yet another opportunity to impress Cindy, the neighbour’s elegant dog.

It’s an original TeamTO production with Canada’s Digital Dimension. TeamTO manages all Licensing rights worldwide and TV distribution in France, Germany and China, while CAKE distributes the TV series in all other territories.

Sagoo signs fashion brand Difuzed for Rilakkuma apparel, fashion bags and more

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The fashion and lifestyle brand Difuzed has partnered with the independent licensing agency Sagoo to launch a range of apparel for kids and adults, as well as fashion bags, backpacks, and accessories, inspired by the Japanese character brand, Rilakkuma.

The new line will include tech accessories including phone cases and tablet and laptop covers and sleeves featuring the popular bear character and his friends. The complete range will retail throughout Europe.

Launched in Asia in 2003, Rilakkuma embodies relaxation and a stress-free lifestyle. The chilled-out bear cub quickly became popular in Japan, Asia and the US as it began life as an illustration on products such as stationery. The licensed merchandise quickly grew, and to date, 5.8 million of the Rilakkuma story books have been sold, while the new apps launched monthly have over half a million members. In total, over 20,000 Rilakkuma products have launched in Japan.

Now a Netflix star and hugely popular on social media, Rilakkuma is beginning to see the same trajectory of success throughout Europe and leading licensing agency, Sagoo, is partnering with best in class licensees to build a robust consumer products offering in the territory.

Jeremy Orriss, licensing director of Difuzed, said: “We are very happy to be part of the lovely Rilakkuma family and we are confident that the cooperation between Difuzed and the Sagoo team will be stress-free just like Rilakkuma and it will create great results. We cannot wait to develop Rilakkuma apparel and accessories collections and have them in retailers all around Europe.”

Veronique Pichon, president, Sagoo, added: “We’re excited to welcome Difuzed on board for the rapidly growing Rilakkuma brand. The property is showing signs of the same popularity in Europe as it has enjoyed in Asia and the US, and these new lifestyle products will be perfect for the Rilakkuma fans.”

 

Men’s Health launches toiletry gifting sets from Thumbs Up to UK retail

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The leading lifestyle and fitness brand, Men’s Health has secured retail placement within two of the UK’s biggest retailers for its new toiletry and gifting collection developed by the brand’s most recent licensee, Thumbs Up UK.

The new range consists of body washes, deodorants, and shower gels enhanced with accompanying gifting products such as a sports bottle, sports earphones, and sports armband. The range taps into and provides a gifting opportunity for a growing market of regular exercisers.

The ranges will go on shelves in Superdrug from August and in Primark from October this year.

The new range isn’t the only positive news to come from the Hearst owned title. Men’s Health UK page views rose by 84 per cent (year-on-year) to 11.5M during the month of May alone, with more than 4.8M unique users looking for online fitness and nutritional advice. The increased traffic also led to a sales spike for the well-established Men’s Health home fitness range at Argos.

“Given the authority of Men’s Health across all aspects of personal grooming, the value proposition for these fine products stands alone amongst our avid audience and loyal brand-enthusiasts,” said Steve Ross, global chief licensing officer and head of brand development for Hearst Magazines. “We’re pleased to partner with a terrific company like Thumb’s Up on this new holiday gifting initiative.”

Charlie Rudge from Thumbs Up, said: “Despite, or perhaps because of, the lockdown, retail interest in this fitness inspired range of toiletries has been very strong and we look forward to launching it for this Christmas.”

Antonia Habdank-Toczyska from Golden Goose, added: “We have represented Men’s Health for over seven years now and continue to find opportunities for this versatile and highly relevant brand – perhaps one of the few to see growth during lockdown.”

 

Kids’ lifestyle brand Lemon Ribbon looks to licensing with Glue Creative Thinking

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The children’s lifestyle brand, Lemon Ribbon, has tapped Glue Creative Thinking to expand its consumer awareness and engagement through licensed product and brand collaborations by working with influential children’s brands and licensees that ‘complement the Lemon Ribbon aesthetic.’

The firm, one that started out life designing for major international children’s wear, homeware, stationery and trend companies itself, is looking to plug into home, fashion, toys, animation, publishing, gift, and stationery markets. To do so, it will utilise its bright and bold style as well as its ‘refreshing, inclusive and joyous characters.’

Together Lemon Ribbon and Glue Creative Thinking will look to bring families closer together with the refreshingly creative, fun and educational characters that includes, Lion, Panda, Cat, Bunny, Monster and Croc. With licensed product already available across eleven countries, including USA, Spain, China, Russia and Taiwan with Licensees such as Adalberto, K Stationary and NICI, the cast of characters is awaiting a warm welcome here in the UK.

“The team and I have been keen to work with Glue for some time now,” said Edward Weale, director of Lemon Ribbon. “Though it’s certainly been an unnerving couple of months for all, we’re ready and excited to welcome the wider UK market to the world of Lemon Ribbon. We hope our inclusive, cheerful messaging will enlighten and educate both parent and child.”

Carla Bowden, founder and director of Glue Creative Thinking, added: “We’ve been huge fans of Lemon Ribbon Studio for a while, we are so thrilled and honoured we’re on this journey with them to expand the Lemon Ribbon brand here in the UK. It’s an incredibly relevant brand right now, their creative, cheerful and educational messages are enchanting and uplifting, we can’t wait to see it come to life through product.”

Glue Creative Thinking is actively building the Lemon Ribbon licensed portfolio, starting with a three-year comprehensive strategy.

AC Milan strike new partnership with Roc Nation to ramp up digital and commercial activities

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Giants of Italian football, AC Milan, has signed a new, wide-ranging partnership with Jay Z’s Roc Nation agency, that will include supporting the club’s digital and commercial activities. The deal marks Roc Nation’s first partnership with an elite European football club.

The Jay Z owned company will be tasked with ramping up AC Milan’s current and future commercial partnerships, spanning philanthropy, music programming, merchandise, third-party collaboration, branding and creative activation, the execution of digital strategy, commercial sales, and cultural events and experiences.

The deal was signed off after Roc Nation provided assistance on the production of the recent From Milan with Love digital music event. The tribute to frontline workers put on by Milan in May incorporated talent from Roc Nation’s roster, including Alicia Keys.

Michael Yormark, president of Roc Nation’s international sports division, said: “Both brands possess a strong commitment to community, which was evident through the success of ‘From Milan with Love’. I am looking forward to building on that success by creating more opportunities together that combine the integrity of the club’s rich history and Roc Nation’s signature ability to create and move culture.”

Milan chief executive Ivan Gazidis, added: “This partnership between AC Milan and Roc Nation represents the coming together of two powerful organisations with strong values at their core. Our shared commitment to inclusiveness, progressiveness and excellence will drive everything that we do and I am very excited for what’s to come.”

Roc Nation’s partnership with the Rossoneri marks its latest move in European soccer, with the agency’s roster of talent having been bolstered by the likes of Romelu Lukaku, who plays for Milan’s local rivals Inter, and Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne.

Roc Nation also recently agreed to represent Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford for his off-field interests, having supported his successful campaign to provide free meals for British school children during the summer holidays.

Archie Comics partners with Kate Spade New York for Betty Cooper and Veronica Ledge collection

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Kate Spade New York is to launch a collection of handbags, tote bags, backpacks, and more featuring characters from and with a look inspired by the classic 1940s Archie Comics.

In a deal brokered by King Features Syndicate, the likes of Betty Cooper and Veronica Ledge will now appear across a selection of Kate Spade New York bags and accessories. The classic comic book friends will come with their differing personal styles; Betty’s classic preppy flair, and Veronica’s sleek dark style, to bring the look at the comics to the collection.

“When you think of best friends, the first people that come to mind are Betty and Veronica,” said Archie Comics CEO and publisher Jon Goldwater. “Having the chance to partner with Kate Spade for this amazing collaboration is a dream, and Betty and Veronica are a perfect match for the Kate Spade New York brand.”

King Features Syndicate is the home to some of the world’s most popular entertainment characters and is the licensing agent for Archie Comics. Archie Comics’ own library consists of the likes of Archie, Jughead, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Katy Keene, and Josie and the Pussycats.

“We are thrilled to be working with Kate Spade New York on behalf of Archie Comics to bring Riverdale High’s most fashionable duo to fans across the nation and select markets around the globe,” said King Features vice president and general manager, global head of licensing Carla Silva. “This collection not only celebrates Betty and Veronica’s unique sense of style, but also the special bond of their friendship.”

The Kate Spade x Betty and Veronica collection is available worldwide at Kate Spade New York Outlet stores.

Other product launches King Features has recently fostered on behalf of Archie Comics include a Betty & Veronica x Torrid x Project Runway All-Stars apparel collaboration, apparel from Bioworld and Philcos, a gaming app from Ludia, collectable toys from Funko, toys from Super7, statues and miniatures from Icon Heroes, puzzles by Outset Media, Zynga slot machines and more.

Licensing International to unveil findings of its diversity in the industry study this August

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The industry trade association, Licensing International, will unveil the findings of the first global study into diversity within the licensing industry in special webinar to be held on Monday, August 3rd. The study was conducted by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media at Mount Saint Mary’s University and was commissioned by Licensing International’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Committee in February this year.

Licensing International will use the research to benchmark the industry and evaluate progress in the years ahead. The study also serves as the starting point for development of a Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit, providing guidance and resources for companies as they tackle this important issue.

The study is part of the ongoing work of the Licensing International IDEA committee, which is sponsored by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), with additional support provided by Sony Pictures, Sybo Games and USAopoly.

“The findings of this study bear out what I think we all already know – there is work to be done when it comes to ensuring inclusivity and equal representation across our industry,” said Maura Regan, president, Licensing International. “This is a moral and a business imperative. Our goal is to provide the leaders of our industry with the knowledge and tools they need to take action and change the status quo. Sharing the findings of our research is just the first step in that process.”

“We applaud Licensing International for taking a leadership role by committing to this ground breaking research, which can serve as a blueprint as they build a more inclusive and equitable environment for their members,” said Madeline Di Nonno, CEO of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.

“Given the global reach and impact that the licensing industry has on consumers, and particularly children, embracing and building a culture of cultural equity and inclusion will drive relevant strategies around product development which will ultimately benefit our global society.”

Licensing International member companies from around the world participated in the study, and their responses were combined with supplemental research and data analysis by the Geena Davis Institute. Key learnings include:

  • 30.2 per cent of survey respondents report that their organization has a D&I program.
  • 17.8 per cent of small organizations (1-50 employees) have a D&I program, compared with 67.5 per cent of large organizations (501+ employees).
  • In the U.S., people of colour account for 38 per cent of the population, but only 13.5 per cent of CEOs among member organisations.
  • Women make up 51 per cent of the global population, yet 24 per cent of member organization CEOs are female, compared with 76 per cent who are male.

The full results will be presented by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media at Mount Saint Mary’s University in a free webinar Monday, August 3 at 9 am PDT / Noon EDT.

The event will also include a discussion about the path forward with experts and corporate leaders. Licensing International’s new Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit will be made available after the event and is also being shared with a number of other related trade associations.

Formed last June, the Licensing International IDEA committee, chaired by Jamie Stevens, Sony Pictures Entertainment EVP of Consumer Products and Licensing, also plans to launch a diversity recruitment program that will attract and grows a diverse talent pool to brand licensing right out of college. Through partnerships with universities, Licensing International aims to develop and implement a targeted internship program, formalized mentorship opportunities and quarterly speaker series.

 

Marshmello and Moe Shalizi remix kids content with new entertainment concept, Mellodees

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Music’s Moe Shalizi and Marshmello have struck up a new partnership to create a ‘cutting edge experience for children’ in the shape of a new entertainment initiative called Mellodees – a musically-driven video property.

Mellodees will feature Dee the musical robot with music produced by Marshmello, and promises to deliver ‘relevant messages and energetic music for the pre-school set and their millennial parents to enjoy.’

“Over the past year, we’ve been diligently working on merging electronic music with educational content for children,” said Moe Shalizi, founder and CEO of The Shalizi Group (TSG), a leading management company. “Positive and inspiring content is critical, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when children’s screen time is at an all-time high.

“Blending our creativity and passion for innovation, The Shalizi Group and Marshmello proudly present Mellodees, which aims to fill a gap in children’s programming.”

Mellodees creates a 3D animated world filled with lovable characters where children and parents can learn, play, dance, and discover together. The star of the show, Dee, is a fun and friendly robot with musical built-in features. With Dee’s imagination, he and his friends go on wild adventures providing families with music, special dance moves and more. By “Following the Beets,” kids can easily read and sing along with the lyrics.

“Mellodees provides a safe place to learn not only educational material, but also age-appropriate holistic topics such as self-care, diversity, physical and mental well-being, community and culture,” said Krista Carnegie, COO of TSG.

Mellodees launches globally with the quintessential “ABC’s Song,” followed by other favourites such as “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” “Twinkle Twinkle” and “Wheels On The Bus.”

“We are starting with a fun twist on the classic nursery rhymes to introduce Mellodees and the characters,” added Hildi Snodgrass, CFO of TSG. “And then our goal is to expand into original music and storylines later this year, with an eye toward toys and other consumer goods in 2021.”

Mellodees will reveal new music and videos each week on all DSPs, beginning July 10, 2020.  Parents can find more information at Mellodees.com and follow their social media at:

Marshmello and Moe Shalizi remix kids content with new entertainment concept, Mellodees

Posted on by

Music’s Moe Shalizi and Marshmello have struck up a new partnership to create a ‘cutting edge experience for children’ in the shape of a new entertainment initiative called Mellodees – a musically-driven video property.

Mellodees will feature Dee the musical robot with music produced by Marshmello, and promises to deliver ‘relevant messages and energetic music for the pre-school set and their millennial parents to enjoy.’

“Over the past year, we’ve been diligently working on merging electronic music with educational content for children,” said Moe Shalizi, founder and CEO of The Shalizi Group (TSG), a leading management company. “Positive and inspiring content is critical, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when children’s screen time is at an all-time high.

“Blending our creativity and passion for innovation, The Shalizi Group and Marshmello proudly present Mellodees, which aims to fill a gap in children’s programming.”

Mellodees creates a 3D animated world filled with lovable characters where children and parents can learn, play, dance, and discover together. The star of the show, Dee, is a fun and friendly robot with musical built-in features. With Dee’s imagination, he and his friends go on wild adventures providing families with music, special dance moves and more. By “Following the Beets,” kids can easily read and sing along with the lyrics.

“Mellodees provides a safe place to learn not only educational material, but also age-appropriate holistic topics such as self-care, diversity, physical and mental well-being, community and culture,” said Krista Carnegie, COO of TSG.

Mellodees launches globally with the quintessential “ABC’s Song,” followed by other favourites such as “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” “Twinkle Twinkle” and “Wheels On The Bus.”

“We are starting with a fun twist on the classic nursery rhymes to introduce Mellodees and the characters,” added Hildi Snodgrass, CFO of TSG. “And then our goal is to expand into original music and storylines later this year, with an eye toward toys and other consumer goods in 2021.”

Mellodees will reveal new music and videos each week on all DSPs, beginning July 10, 2020.  Parents can find more information at Mellodees.com and follow their social media at:

Alpha Group and Keith Chapman partner to develop new pre-school series Camp Furly

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Keith Chapman, the creator of the global hit PAW Patrol, has partnered with Studio Liddell in the UK, and Alpha Group to develop and produce a new CGI animated pre-school TV series, Camp Furly. The new series aims to inspire children to venture outdoors and connect with the environment and nature.

Alpha Group has already secured the global master toy rights to the property, while Raydar Media will be managing all broadcast and consumer products rights and strategy outside of China and Asia.

The TV series is now in pre-production with an estimated launch in spring/summer 2022. Camp Furly welcomes viewers to join the eco-focused Furlies on their adventures outdoors, as they face challenges set by Camp Skippers who watch over the Furlies as they undertake zip-wiring, rock-climbing, treetop-trekking, and solar-biking.

The show has been described as a ‘seedbed aiming to raise more confident, considerate, and environmentally conscious kids.’

Executive producer, Isaac Lin, head of global content and brands, Alpha Group said: “Our aim is to engage pre-school kids worldwide through vivid animation; to spark their curiosity and imagination around nature; to nurture a playful connection to the amazing, natural world from a young age which may have a more serious, positive change-making impact for this generation’s future.”

Head writer and development consultant, Angela Salt at Salt Content, brings her own lifelong zeal for nature to the show saying, “Writing episodes is like creating a bucket list of the most fun a kid can have outdoors, especially right now, when children around the world have been confined due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Camp Furly is a joyous call to outward bounding. In kids TV, it’s a breath of fresh air.”