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Scholastic Entertainment to co-produce and develop Animorphs feature film with PictureStart

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The popular ’90s book series, Animorphs has landed its first live-action motion picture deal, thanks to a new partnership between Scholastic Entertainment and PictureStart that will bring the 54 book series to a new generation of fans.

Written by Katherine Applegate and Michael Grant, the Animorphs book series has sold more than 35 million copies in its lifetime. The new feature film venture will be jointly produced and developed by Scholastic Entertainment’s president and chief strategy officer, Iole Lucchese, and SVP and general manager Caitlin Friedman, and PictureStart’s founder and CEO, Erik Feig and EVP, production, Lucy Kitada.

Overseeing script development will be Scholastic Entertainment’s Friedman with PictureStart’s creative executive Royce Reeves Darby.

“The central themes of Animorphs have resonated strongly with kids for more than two decades, and the time is right for a feature film that takes this captivating sci-fi adventure to another level for audiences today,” said Lucchese. “PictureStart has an incredible track record of success, and Erik and his team are the perfect partners to help bring this exciting new series based on the adventure-packed books to movie screens.”

Feig added: “We couldn’t be more excited to work with Scholastic to adapt Animorphs, an iconic book series with a wildly unique combination of exciting, witty, outlandish and grounded elements that feel all too relevant for our times.

“We know these books have a deservedly deep bench of passionate fans – ourselves included – and we hope to make Katherine Applegate and her co-author, Michael Grant, proud as we bring Jake, Marco, Cassie, Rachel, and Tobias to life for a new generation.”

In addition to the film, Scholastic will launch a graphic novel adaptation of the Animorphs series via its Scholastic Graphix imprint on October 6.

Scholastic will also introduce a Retro Box Tin this fall, featuring the first six books in the Animorphs series, all in their original ‘90s covers. The titles in the collectable tin will include: The Invasion, The Visitor, The Encounter, The Message, The Predator, and The Capture.

Animorphs was a seminal read for millennials going through adolescence in the ‘90s, with many readers identifying with the intense and gritty themes of the sci-fi war stories. The main plot revolves around five teens – Jake, Marco, Cassie, Rachel, and Tobias – who can each morph into any animal they touch in order to fight a secret alien invasion. Each adventure deftly balances humour and fun with much heavier questions about mortality, war, and sacrifice.

Animorphs was published by Scholastic from 1996 to 2001 and then partly re-issued between 2011 and 2012 with lenticular versions of the memorable covers featuring the main characters gradually morphing into animals or insects.

IMG to develop licensing portfolio for Jim Beam brands as the iconic bourbon celebrates 225 years

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IMG has signed with Beam Suntory to help extend the James B. Beam Distilling Company’s portfolio of brands through a raft of new strategic licensing partnerships.

The company is widely known for its Jim Beam Bourbon, a global brand of bourbon that is celebrating its 225th anniversary this year. The James B. Beam Distilling Company’s American Whiskey portfolio also includes Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s, Booker’s, Baker’s, Legent and Little Book.

Under the partnership, IMG will be tasked with developing products that celebrate the company’s rich history, its good-natured and convivial style and its bold flavor profile. Targeted categories will include experiential, fashion, home, gift, memorabilia, grilling and bourbon-flavored foods.

Tom Bufalino, director at James B. Beam Distilling Company, said: “As we celebrate our 225th year, this is the perfect time to extend our iconic brands to products and experiences that create new platforms and occasions to welcome consumers, old and new, to our product and personality. With its deep experience and resources, there is no better partner than IMG to accompany us on that journey.”

Bruno Maglione, president of licensing at IMG, added: “It’s an honour for us to join the First Family of bourbon. This is a beloved quintessentially American brand and a time-venerated quality product that is all about family values, shared experiences and accessibility. Through the Jim Beam licensing program, we will develop products that place an accent on each of those attributes.”

IMG will develop strategies and pursue licensing opportunities for many of the other distinctive brands in the James B. Beam Distilling Company’s portfolio including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s, Booker’s, Legent and Little Book.

Aardman promotes Rob Goodchild and Alison Taylor to new director roles

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The independent animation studio, Aardman, has promoted Alison Taylor and Rob Goodchild to the positions of director of distribution and business development and commercial director, respectively.

These newly created roles in the sales and marketing arm of the business form part of a departmental restructuring to consolidate all the studio’s sales, marketing, and brand management expertise. Both Taylor and Goodchild will be central to providing market insight, financing, distribution and licensing for Aardman’s portfolio of brands.

In her new role, Taylor will be responsible for driving the financing, distribution and long-term content exploitation strategy for each brand. She joined the firm’s broadcast and development department in 2004, where she advanced through the sales team before being promoted to head of sales and acquisitions in 2016.

Since then, Taylor has led the international distribution team and is responsible for global distribution of Aardman’s own award-winning series such as Shaun the Sheep and Timmy Time, along with third party distribution for children’s properties such as Digby Dragon(Blue Zoo Animation) and Brave Bunnies(Glowberry / Anima Kitchent) across all content platforms.

Taylor also played an integral part in securing Aardman’s first Original with Netflix, Robin Robin, with financing content for new and existing brands being a key part to her new role.

Meanwhile, Goodchild joined Aardman as UK licensing manager in 2008 before progressing to head of licensing. In that time he secured major partnerships for all of Aardman’s key brands supporting global business growth, particularly in Japan and China, as well as working to deliver innovation-led projects such as The Big Fix Up, a new Wallace & Gromit immersive story told through AR (augmented reality) in collaboration with Fictioneers.

In his new position as commercial director, Goodchild will assume strategic responsibility for the selling and marketing of the studio’s services including third party commercials and short films, the rights exploitation for all Aardman brands, and defining new business opportunities such as the development of IP and animated content for third party brands, theme parks and attractions.

He will be tasked with delivering revenue across different categories and markets, influencing growth in key territories across Europe and Asia. Goodchild also directs the development of Aardman’s branded interactive business, working to increase its presence in the gaming space and with pioneering companies to grow the studio’s output in new technologies including AR and Blockchain.

Both will report to Sean Clarke, managing director at Aardman.

Clarke said: “Behind each of our beloved brands is a wealth of knowledge across rights, distribution, sales and marketing that, over recent years, has allowed us to start very successfully representing third party brands in addition to our own IP.

“The restructuring of our sales and marketing arm is the natural next step in maximising this industry-leading expertise, to continue to realise the full potential of Aardman’s IP alongside developing our studio service work for third party brands. Alison and Rob will make a formidable partnership, working alongside Lucy Wendover who will continue to lead the Marketing and Brand team.”

Upcoming Aardman projects include the recently announced Robin Robin, a half-hour, festive, musical tale coming to Netflix in 2021, and a Shaun the Sheep half hour special also for Christmas 2021.

In autumn of this year, the studio will launch Wallace & Gromit: The Big Fix Up, a brand-new AR immersive experience created in collaboration with Fictioneers backed by funding from UK Research & Innovation (UKRI). Rendered in CG using the latest technology, fans will be able to interact in a host of new ways and get closer than ever to the iconic duo.

Kennedy Publishing partners with The Social Store to launch Hearts By Tiana themed issue of Totally

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Kennedy Publishing is celebrating a successful partnership with The Social Store that will see the children’s magazine publisher launch a one-shot issue of its hit Totally magazine featuring the ten-year-old YouTube sensation, Tiana Wilson, face of the Hearts By Tiana brand.

The 36 page magazine will be based on Tiana’s licensed brand, Hearts By Tiana, which launched exclusively with ASDA where it saw a 60 per cent sell through in the first week. Tiana currently boasts more than 16 million subscribers across hr two YouTube channels and total video views of three billion.

In this special issue of Totally, readers can find out all about Tiana and read what she has to say in her own words. Fans can take the TT squad quiz, solve puzzles, get involved with squad pranks and make fun crafts. There will also be pull-out Tiana posters and an exclusive competition for Hearts By Tiana product. Readers will receive a Squad Set gift including gel pens, notepad, scrunchie and surprise collectable.

The Hearts By Tiana range, including daywear, nightwear, bags, shoes, accessories and stationery is now available at over 1000 retailers across the UK. Readers can find an exclusive discount code inside the magazine to put towards their favourite items.

“We are excited to be working with Tiana for this new one-shot edition of Totally magazine,” said Sophie Rowlands, licensing director at Kennedy Publishing. “High quality editorial, design and gifts combined with Tiana’s huge following will ensure the magazine is a great success at retail.”

Ian Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Social Store added: “[Hearts By Tiana] has opened up a new category of licensors injecting new opportunities into the retail space and demonstrated the power of licensing in a new, high profile and rapidly growing influencer industry.

“We are very proud to work with Kennedy Publishing on this landmark magazine and are sure it will be a huge success for kids looking to learn more about Tiana.”

Licensing Link Europe scores Phat Kandi for the UK and Eire

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Licensing Link Europe is continuing to build its portfolio, this time with the addition of the popular, bittersweet character brand, Phat Kandi, an IP that is inspired by ‘rule breakers and misfits.’

The partnership will see Licensing Link Europe manage the brand’s licensing opportunities across the UK and Eire. The team joins a wider network of licensing agents for the brand which already includes EASIA’s Empire Multimedia corp and Italy’s Brand Licensing Studio Di Ambra Farioli.

Licensing Link Europe currently represents brands such as Molang, Build a Bear Workshop, The Van Gogh Museum, and Pantone within its portfolio.

“Chris and I are both flattered and really excited to be working with such an enthusiastic and proactive licensor,” said Ian Wickham, director at the agency.  “The brand DNA, the handwriting and delivery are going to make for a strong lifestyle statement at a time when individuality is very much embraced.”

Phat Kandi has been described as a bold statement brand with a Japanese, edgy twist that lends itself to consumer products in categories such as fashion, personal care, stationery, and digital campaigns

Asmodee’s Aconyte Books strikes UK distribution deal with Simon & Schuster

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Aconyte Books, the fiction imprint of the global games company, Asmodee Entertainment has entered into a distribution agreement with Simon & Schuster for the UK book trade.

Under the new deal, the publishing house will handle sales and distribution when the Aconyte portfolio launches in the UK this October. A partnership with Simon & Schuster is already in place for the US market.

Aconyte’s mission it to create deep tie-in fiction set in the fantasy world’s of much of Asmodee’s game portfolio, as well as those of other partners including Marvel.

Sarah Anderson, client publishing director at Simon & Schuster, said: “We are delighted to welcome Aconyte to the Simon & Schuster family, and we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership over the years to come.”

Aconyte’s publisher, Marc Gascoigne added: “This is lovely news. We’re doing something a little different with fantasy fiction, and the experienced team at Simon & Schuster are a perfect fit. With their impressive track record handling tie-in books based on world-famous properties, Simon & Schuster are the ideal partners to help launch our novels into the British book trade.”

British cycling brand Le Col launches new collection with Eurosport amid growth in UK engagement

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The premium British cycling brand, Le Col has partnered with the European home of cycling, Eurosport to launch a new Le Col x Eurosport collection that draws on the colours, sights and sounds of the pr-peloton and buzz of a race day atmosphere.

Consisting of a jersey, gilet and bib shorts, and available in both men and women’s cuts, the collection is equipped with Le Col’s renowned Italian fabrics and fit that helps riders push themselves faster and further.

Late last year, Le Col, announced it had been chosen as the technical kit partner for Bahrain McLaren the brand’s first time supplying its expertise at the World Tour level. Le Col has also been partners with Eurosport since 2018, supplying branded shirts to Eurosport presenters and commentators for the season.

Le Col founder and former GB pro rider, Yanto Barker, said: “We are thrilled to launch this collaboration with Eurosport and further support our cycling audience with this special kit. When I was a young pro, watching some of the most iconic cycling races on Eurosport helped inspire my career, so it’s been a pleasure to design this performance orientated core collection with them.”

The launch arrives at a time in which British cycling is seeing some its biggest numbers in terms of consumer engagement. According to data from GlobalData, 1.3 million UK consumers have now bought a bike since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis.

“As much of the UK works from home – 51.0 per cent of the working population in early June – consumers have saved on travel costs and many have found themselves with more time to exercise and no gym open to visit, making a new bike an appealing option,” said Sofie Willmott, lead analyst at GlobalData.

Retailers have benefited from the surge in demand, with 21.7 per cent buying their bike from Halfords, boosting the retailer’s overall performance, followed by 15.4 per cent purchasing from Evans.

Willmott added: “Although the bike market will see a spike in demand this year boosted by the lockdown, there is further opportunity for retailers to benefit in the future as current bike owners may choose to upgrade now they have reignited their interest in cycling. In addition, with 72.4% of current home workers expecting to do so more often post-crisis, there will be stark changes to pre-COVID commuting habits with public transport likely to remain unappealing and many consumers turning to bikes for some journeys.”

WildBrain Spark appoints new vice president and head of US advertising sales

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WildBrain Spark, the digital media division of  the independent kids’ and family entertainment units, WildBrain has named Charles Gabriel its new vice president and head of US advertising sales.

Gabriel brings over 15 years of experience in digital advertising to the role aimed at expanding WildBrain’s digital AVOD sales efforts to its current partners, US media agencies and US brands reaching kids and families.

Over the course of his career he has built and led sales organisations inside major media companies like AOL and Disney and growth-phase startups alike. Gabriel, based in Los Angeles and New York, reports to Jon Gisby, managing director, WildBrain Spark.

“WildBrain has secured its position as a leader in premium content for kids and family audiences across linear broadcasting and SVOD, and WildBrain Spark has become one of the segment’s largest AVOD networks on YouTube,” said Gisby. “Now, we will amplify our AVOD business globally with direct ad sales. Charles’ extensive track record is perfect for WildBrain Spark as it enters this new growth phase.”

WildBrain Spark is the integrated marketing and digital network within WildBrain, the award-winning entertainment company that owns iconic IP like Peanuts, Inspector Gadget, Strawberry Shortcake, Teletubbies, Caillou, and Yo Gabba Gabba!, among others, and produces premium series like Primetime Emmy Award Nominees Carmen Sandiego for Netflix and Snoopy in Space for Apple TV+.

With over 168 million subscribers globally and over 21 million unique monthly viewers in the US, WildBrain Spark has a market-leading position in the kids’ space on YouTube, reaching over 40 per cent of kids under 13 in the territory.

“I’m excited to join WildBrain Spark to lead the growth of US Advertising at the moment when the kids AVOD sector is being shaped, streaming is at its highest, and family connections are more important than ever,” said Gabriel. “In the kids and family category, AVOD is essential for brands to reach consumers and WildBrain Spark is uniquely positioned to deliver.”

WildBrain Spark was established to bring premier entertainment to kids and families worldwide and works with many major studios, IP owners and toy companies, helping brands such as Fireman Sam, Polly Pocket, Woody Woodpecker, Popeye, LOL Surprize!, and Playmobil to connect with viewers.

Weidenfeld & Nicolson to publish The Wisdom of Call the Midwife

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Weidenfeld & Nicolson is to publish a collection of narrations and life-affirming quotes from the hit TV drama, Call the Midwife, in a new compendium titled The Wisdom of Call the Midwife. The collection will be taken from the original scripts by Heidi Thomas and will offer up lessons on love, friendship, motherhood, and more.

The collection is scheduled to publish in October 2020 and is the fruit of the efforts of editorial director Maddy Price, who acquired world rights from Claire Potter at Metrostar on behalf of Neal Street Productions.

It will feature, among others, the voices of glamorous but vulnerable Trixie, forthright Nurse Crane, the delightfully witty Sisters Evangelina and Monica Joan and of course the wise and iconic narrations voiced by Vanessa Redgrave. Heidi Thomas, the creator and writer of the show will write a foreword.

Call the Midwife is an award-winning period drama set in Poplar, in the East End of London created by Heidi Thomas.  Made by Neal Street Productions for BBC One, Call the Midwife has been one of Britain’s most popular drama series since it launched in 2012 and it continues to be the most watched drama series in the UK. The most recent series averaged nine million viewers per episode and a landmark tenth series is due to commence filming later this year.

Maddy Price, editorial director, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, said: “As the publishers of the Jennifer Worth memoirs that originally inspired the TV series, we at W&N couldn’t be happier to be publishing this lovely book of quotes from the scripts. Call the Midwife is unique in that its episodes bring so much joy and comfort to viewers, and unique also in the loyalty and dedication of its fans.”

Heidi Thomas added: “I am delighted that Weidenfeld and Nicholson have produced this beautifully illustrated volume for fans of Call the Midwife. Our lovely, loyal viewers have been asking for a book of quotes from the series for a long time, and with our tenth anniversary approaching, I know they will be thrilled with this unique keepsake.”

The Wisdom of Call the Midwife will be published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson in October 2020 in hardback and eBook.

Licensing International to host a virtual UK Licensing Essentials Course this summer

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Licensing International, the trade organisation for the global licensing industry is bringing its UK Licensing Essentials Course to the virtual sphere this summer, hosting a two-day event from Wednesday, July 29th to Thursday, July 30th.

Designed as a crash course in all aspects of brand licensing, the event is targeted to all brand licensing professionals, with a focus on retail executives, as well as other professionals looking to break into or expand their profile in the $293 billion licensing industry.

Typically held in London, this year’s course will be fully online, opening up the opportunity for professionals outside of the UK to easily participate for the first time ever. Also for the first time, there will be no cost to attend.

The programme will take place over two, half days from 13:30 to 16:00 GMT each day, and will feature both live and pre-recorded sessions broken up by a series of fun networking activities, including virtual roundtables and a happy hour at the Virtual Licensing Bar.

Content will be tailored for everyone from industry newcomers to accomplished veterans while sessions will cover best practices, basic licensing know-how and new industry standards in light of recent global events. Among the topics to be covered are:

  • It All Starts Here: How IP Comes to Life – a deep dive into the path new IP follows to make it to store shelves
  • Reality Check: License Agreements for Non-Lawyers
  • Who’s Shopping? A Profile of the Children’s Market
  • The New Normal for Licensing – a look at how licensing has been impacted by COVID-19 and how to take advantage of new opportunities

Confirmed speakers include Susan Bolsover of Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House); Andrew Carley of TILT Global Brand & Licensing Solutions, Dave Collins of PowerStation Studios, Rob Corney of Bulldog Licensing, Steven Ekstract, Informa’s Global Licensing Group, Louise French of Beanstalk, and consultant Aysha Kidwai.

They will be joined by Adrienne Mirviss of Wildbrain CPLG, Holly Oldham of Rubie’s UK, Gary Pope of Kids Industries, Claire Potter of Metrostar Media, Julia Redman of Buyers Eye, consultant Graham Saltmarsh, commercial strategist Pete Selby, and Will Stewart of The Point.1888.

“The decision to host Licensing Essentials Course online this year has allowed us to not only open it to a global audience, but also make it free to attend for the first time ever,” said Maura Regan, president, Licensing International.

“This event truly is a must-attend for anyone looking to expand their understanding of the brand licensing industry, especially retail executives who may be exploring new ways to adapt or enhance their business models in light of the disruption we’re currently seeing.”