Tag Archives: news

BGFG launches AgencyGMR to service tech and gamer brands

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Tech, gaming and esports digital publisher By Gamers For Gamers (BGFG) is this month launching a full-service digital agency. AgencyGMR will provide creative, content and strategic services for brands in the tech, gaming and hardware industries, with plans to move into the wider consumer electronics market.

As an official TikTok partner, AgencyGMR aims to help brands reach new audiences across the globe via live commerce.

“We bring experience and credibility from our digital publishing arm. With our owned IP we know how to create content that resonates with gaming and hardware audiences,” says Craig Kirkcaldy, AgencyGMR’s Managing Director and COO of BGFG Group.

Roddy Burns, AgencyGMR’s Head of Partnerships, adds: “With a growing global audience of gamers and hardware enthusiasts, we have unparalleled strategic data and insight. We’re a recognised player within the sector and in our network, putting us in a great position to help brands create content that resonates.”

AgencyGMR also plans to host product experience workshops in its dedicated event space, providing brands with a physical hub to showcase their products. AgencyGMR is also working closely with SODA (School of Digital Arts) at Manchester Metropolitan University, and HOST Salford, to help develop the next generation of industry talent.

Made up of “passionate and experienced” gamers and tech lovers, BGFG aims to provides unbiased reviews, buyer’s guides, and answers to FAQs, designed to keep its global audience abreast of the latest tech and gaming trends. The company was founded in 2019 by brothers Andrew and Craig Kirkcaldy and William Blears, and benefited in 2021 from financial backing from Bill Holroyd – one of the original investors of global appliance firm, AO.com.

For more information or to discuss up and coming campaigns get in touch at hello@agencygmr.com or visit https://www.agencygmr.com/

 

Twycross Zoo unveils Gruffalo Discovery Land

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Leading conservation charity Twycross Zoo has announced that a multi-million pound major new development, The Gruffalo Discovery Land, will open this spring, in a UK first. 

The new four-acre attraction, located at the Warwickshire zoo, brings together the much-loved characters from best-selling children’s book The Gruffalo, created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and a conservation organisation that exists to protect wildlife, preserve endangered species and educate the next generation on the importance of protecting our planet.

Twycross Zoo’s aim for the new experience, developed in partnership with The Gruffalo brand owners Magic Light Pictures, is to inspire and inform more children than ever before about the importance of conservation and the natural world. Featuring real-life animals, animatronics, film clips and much more, The Gruffalo Discovery Land at Twycross Zoo will allow visitors to encounter Fox, Snake, Owl, Mouse and the Gruffalo along their interactive journey through the Deep Dark Wood.

The announcement comes following research by Twycross Zoo that reveals over three quarters of children, as young as four, have a good or extensive understanding of extinction or endangered animals. However, when it comes to the solution, only 16 per cent have a strong understanding of how conservation efforts could help to tackle climate change, showing that more needs to be done to educate the next generation on how they can help to protect our planet.

Sixty-five per cent of parents believe that the less time children spend outdoors, the less they appreciate wildlife and nature, and 85 per cent of parents feel that imaginary characters from books, such as The Gruffalo, have a positive impact on children’s understanding of conservation, and play an important role in encouraging their children to care about wildlife.

Dr Sharon Redrobe OBE, CEO of Twycross Zoo, says: “We hope to spark the imaginations of our youngest visitors about the wonders of nature in this most engaging and interactive way. Even small actions can, collectively, have a big impact on the future health of our planet – and every young person can play their part.

“The arrival of The Gruffalo Discovery Land moves us closer to achieving our 2030 vision to become a European Centre of Excellence for conservation. This brand-new immersive experience will educate more young children than ever before and increase their understanding of the vital role that they will play to ensure our planet thrives in the future.”

The Gruffalo Discovery Land at Twycross Zoo will open in Spring 2022. For further details, visit www.twycrosszoo.org/the-gruffalo-discovery-land/

WildBrain to bring Jay Ward Productions’ classic animation IPs to a new generation

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Kids’ and family entertainment company WildBrain and Jay Ward Productions have signed an agreement across distribution, production and licensing for the entire portfolio of classic Ward-owned IP that includes such legendary properties as George of the Jungle, Mr. Peabody & Sherman, Dudley Do-Right, Rocky & Bullwinkle, Super Chicken and more.

Under the agreement, WildBrain will add 788 episodes of Jay Ward Productions’ classic animation to its distribution library, and the two companies will create brand-new content based on the Ward portfolio.

The new partnership reunites WildBrain’s CEO, Eric Ellenbogen, with Tiffany Ward, President of Jay Ward Productions and daughter of the late, acclaimed animation producer Jay Ward, who was the creator of some of the most iconic cartoons of the 1950s and 60s. Twenty years ago, Ellenbogen and Ward created Bullwinkle Studios through Ellenbogen’s former company, Classic Media, which was sold to DreamWorks in 2012 and ultimately became part of NBCUniversal.

“Everything old is new again,” says Ellenbogen. “I’m delighted to be reunited with Tiffany to bring to new audiences the hilarious characters and shows created by her father, which are part of the canon of the world’s greatest animation. Never has there been a better time to refresh classic branded IP like this, just as we are doing with so many of our evergreen WildBrain brands.”

“I’m thrilled to be teaming up with Eric again,” says Tiffany Ward. “Our past partnership with Bullwinkle Studios was prolific and successful, and now that Eric is at the helm of a creative powerhouse like WildBrain, I’m excited to work with him and his fantastic team to broaden the legacy of my father’s work to reach new generations of kids and families.”

The prior collaboration between Ellenbogen and Ward resulted in such projects as DreamWorks’ 2014 animated feature film Mr. Peabody & Sherman, as well as two new series animated by WildBrain (then called DHX Media), including 52 episodes of the Emmy-nominated The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show, commissioned by Netflix from DreamWorks; and 26 episodes of the Emmy-nominated The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle, commissioned by Amazon Studios from DreamWorks. Also, 52 episodes of George of the Jungle were produced by Bullwinkle Studios and a further 52 episodes later produced by August Media.

In addition to various new production, licensing and merchandising rights on Ward’s portfolio of the classic IP, the new venture sees WildBrain grow its distribution library with such beloved classic Jay Ward series as The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle (326 x 3.5’), Peabody’s Improbable History (91 x 5’), Dudley Do-Right (38 x 4.5’), Hoppity Hooper (104 x 4.5’), Fractured Fairy Tales (91 x 5’), Aesop and Son (39 x 5’), Mr. Know-It All (60 x 1.5’) and Bullwinkle’s Corner (39 x 1’).

 

BlackMilk Clothing to release tokidoki collection

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BlackMilk Clothing has announced an all-new collaboration with iconic kawaii lifestyle brand tokidoki.

Fans of tokidoki’s fun characters and bold, cute style will be able to wear designs featuring their favourite characters from the brand’s universe – including Unicornos, Mermicornos, Cactus Friends, Moofia and more – on BlackMilk’s signature leggings, overalls, jackets and dresses.

The collection, entitled ‘Sometimes…’, will also introduce a new category for BlackMilk customers with the debut of the company’s very first backpacks, featuring favourite tokidoki prints.

A BlackMilk spokesperson said: “BlackMilk Clothing is well known for both its unique licensed collaborations and its fun, brightly coloured prints, so the playful nature of tokidoki is a perfect fit for the brand.”

The ‘Sometimes…’ collection features 17 quirky licensed tokidoki styles complemented by original BlackMilk prints and designer pieces, and can be viewed on the BlackMilk website. The collection will be available for purchase from 8 February.

 

ARTiSTORY’s Seasons of Impressionists creatives set to travel the world with uin Footwear

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Art and cultural IP specialist ARTiSTORY has licensed global creative rights excluding China to the Spanish footwear brand uin for launching a new collection in partnership with the National Gallery Company, London.

The DTC brand, known for its colourful art-inspired footwear, has chosen ARTiSTORY creatives inspired by timeless classics housed in the National Gallery, London, by the great artists of Impressionism: Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Georges Seurat and Edgar Degas. The exclusive collection, entitled “A Timeless Journey”, combines ARTiSTORY’s contemporary take on masterpieces such as Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Monet’s The Water Lily Pond  with uin’s innovative and comfortable footwear, perfectly showcasing their core passions – travel and art.

“uin Art Travel Shoes is determined to create a new category of travel shoes, combining simple but natural and comfortable products with creative artistic patterns,” says Fernando Acevedo, Cofounder and Chief Designer of uin. “We are excited to set forth on this timeless journey together with images of the National Gallery’s masterpieces.” 

Seasons of Impressionists is one of the 17 creative collections available to be licensed via ARTiSTORY’s unique “Artefacts to Merchandise” and storytelling model, inspired by the archives of its museum partners.

ARTiSTORY’s Founder and CEO Yizan He says: “We’re delighted to be working with uin on this collaboration with the National Gallery Company and look forward to joining this timeless journey with our partners, witnessing art stories travelling the world.”

DC and Warner Bros mark Black History Month with new comics, books and merch 

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Throughout February, DC and Warner Bros Consumer Products will honour the artistic expression and contributions of Black comic creators, artists and characters by unveiling a new collection of comics, books and merchandise.

The company will also launch initiatives to support and develop Black creators and inspire a new generation of comic book professionals. In addition, Milestone Compendium One allows DC fans to explore the anthology of Black Super Heroes in a 1,300 page book available today.

Announced during DC FanDome 2021, The Milestone Initiative was created by DC and Milestone Media, along with Ally Financial Services, to identify, develop and mentor aspiring comic book professionals of colour. Applicants selected for the Milestone Initiative Development Program will receive both in-person tutelage from working comic book professionals, in addition to virtual education through the prestigious Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art. After study, attendees will be paired with other comic book professionals to create new, original stories within the Milestone Universe.

“Continuing our rich history of amplifying Black stories and talent, the launch of our Black History Month selection of new comics, books and merch celebrates the Black visionaries amongst us and collectively promotes and supports the telling of stories from the Black perspective,” says Anne Leung DePies, senior vice president and general manager of DC. “Focused on boosting representation of aspiring comic book professionals of colour and introducing them to positive apprenticeship in the art, The Milestone Initiative will pave the way for change by creating a place for individuals to be supported by mentors and connect over a shared love for comics.”

DC kicks off the celebration by releasing a series of new comics and books, as well as new Black History Month products at the DC Shop. In collaboration with Milestone Comics, titles Static Season One, Hardware Season One and Icon and Rocket Season One celebrate powerful DC Black Super Heroes, now available at participating comic book stores and digital platforms.

DC spotlights Black creators and characters in comic books including I Am Batman, written by John Ridley, NAOMI Season Two, co-written by Brian Michael Bendis and David F. Walker, with art by Jamal Campbell, Nubia and the Amazons, by Stephanie Williams with art from Alitha Martinez, released today, February 1, plus Aquamen, by Chuck Brown, Brandon Thomas, Sami, Basri and Adriano Lucas debuting February 22nd. Green Lantern, by Geoffrey Thorne, Tom Raney, and Marco Santucci, and Suicide Squad (featuring Amanda Waller) by Robbie Thompson and Eduardo Pansica are also all available at participating comic book stores and digital platforms.

DC released a new Young Adult Graphic Novel as well as Collected Editions including Milestone Compendium One, REPRESENT! on sale today and later this month Batwing: Luke Fox on sale February 15th.  Other titles featuring Black Super Heroes include The Other History of the DC Universe by John Ridley, Andrea Cucchi and Giuseppe Camuncoli; Green Lantern John Stewart: A Celebration of 50 Years, Mister Miracle: The Great Escape by Varian Johnson and Daniel Isles; and Nubia: Real One by L.L. McKinney and Robyn Smith, all available at participating comic book stores and digital platforms.

DC UNIVERSE INFINITE Digital Subscription Platform will feature a free selection of curated titles spotlighting Black DC Super Heroes. For more information and a free trial, fans can check out the website at www.dcuniverseinfinite.com.

The DC Shop today revealed designs featuring DC Super Hero and flagship Milestone character Virgil Hawkins, aka Static. Virgil takes front and centre on a collection of items, including tees, hoodies and sporting goods highlighting his electromagnetic powers. Also available exclusively on the DC Shop is a brand new skate deck featuring Static, retailing for US $99.

Additional merchandise coming to the DC Shop this month features the all-new DC Black History Month logo and key art by artist Alitha Martinez and the return of the popular Juneteenth key art by Milestone co-founder Denys Cowan.

Fans can delve into the history and enduring influence of Black characters and creators this month and throughout the year at https://shop.dccomics.com/en-US/collections/black-history-month.

Merchantwise Licensing secures Oodies for emoji – The Iconic Brand

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Merchantwise Licensing has secured a Valentine’s Day partnership with The Davie Group’s Oodies for emoji – The Iconic Brand.

As the Australian licensing agent for emoji – The Iconic Brand, Merchantwise Licensing has brought together the two much-loved brands for a special Valentine’s Day collection for adults.

Featuring the eggplant emoji brand icon for the men’s Oodie design and the peach emoji brand icon for the female Oodie, the cheeky and playful range launches this month in time for Valentine’s Day. Each product can be found via the official Oodie website www.theoodie.com and will be available for sale across the Australia/New Zealand, European and UK regions.

To complement the emoji – The Iconic Brand X Oodies offering, the deal also sees The Davie Group launching a cheeky range of emoji brand socks and underwear in the coming months.

“The Davie Group is very excited to be partnered with the global icon that is emoji – The Iconic Brand.  We have some fantastic product in development and look forward to sharing it with the world throughout 2022,” says The Davie Group Founder, David Fogarty.

“We are pleased to have partnered the much-loved emoji brand with The Davie Group’s Oodies for this playful Valentine’s range. emoji – The Iconic Brand continues to be a very popular brand here in Australia and New Zealand as well as around the world so we anticipate this collaboration will be a resounding success,” adds Kerryn McCormack, Merchantwise Licensing’s General Manager, Licensing.

Marco Huesges, CEO and Founder of the emoji company, comments: “We can’t wait to see the eggplant and peach emoji brand icons come to life on Oodies for Valentine’s Day. We are thrilled to be partnering with The Davie Group for this fun collection and look forward to the roll-out of some great emoji branded underwear and socks for the family.”

PLAYMOBIL targets anime fans with NARUTO figures

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Just in time for the 20th anniversary of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, PLAYMOBIL is releasing new figures from the cult anime series.

Based on the manga comic of the same name, the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime series follows the adventures of the ninja Naruto. In time for the show’s special birthday later this year, 24 characters from the hit series will be made available in Playmobil form.

Figures will include the series’ hero, Naruto Uzumaki, whose greatest goal is to become Hokage – the leader of his village – as well as his friends Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno. In addition to the three main characters, there are 21 other figures to discover, including the inscrutable Itachi Uchiha and Pain, the leader of the criminal organisation Akatsuki, plus Minato, Naruto’s father, and the shy Hinata.

A must-have for fans and collectors aged 5–99, the NARUTO meets PLAYMOBIL collection launches on 30 September 2022.

 

Hello Kitty partners with eyewear brand For Art’s Sake

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Sanrio has announced a new collaboration with U.K. eyewear brand For Art’s Sake, with the release of two unique styles of sunglasses and jewellery gift boxes in selected stores across China.

The limited-edition collection features iconic Hello Kitty details and nostalgic shapes, and with only 300 pieces of each style made, the collection is sure to be sought after by the brand’s many fans.

“Welcoming 2022 in style, we are extremely excited to announce our collaboration with Sanrio centered around the iconic and loveable Hello Kitty,” says Xiwen Zhang-Makridis, Creative Director, For Art’s Sake. “For the past five years, For Art’s Sake has striven to produce unique designs, handcrafted from luxurious materials, using innovative technology and bold details. So it only seemed natural to work with the Hello Kitty team and produce an exclusive and collectable collaboration, one of which features two totally unique styles.”

Available in three different colourways, Kitty One and Kitty Two sunglasses are accompanied by either a limited-edition 18-carat gold plated eyewear chain or bracelet and come presented in an opulent pink gift box, signed by Hello Kitty herself in the form of a golden bow. The gift box contains a secret jewellery compartment for storing your bracelet or chain, as well as the exclusive Hello Kitty x For Art’s Sake hand-made faux leather eyewear case.

The collection is available from I.T, PUYI Opticals and Shanghai Code Opticals.

To find out more about the collection, click here.

 

Gambling tech company Playtech teams with The Jockey Club

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Playtech, the world’s leading gambling technology company, today announces a new five-year partnership with The Jockey Club, the largest commercial group in British Horseracing.

The exclusive agreement will see Playtech develop a range of cross-product content based on the famous races and racecourses operated by The Jockey Club. The deal was brokered by Creation i-Gaming and Metrostar.

Under the new agreement, Playtech will have rights to develop a range of content across its best-performing product verticals including Casino, Live Casino, Poker, Virtual Sports and Bingo. The first content from this partnership will be launched in time for this year’s Cheltenham Festival, including a RNG casino game that will be the latest addition to Playtech’s Sporting Legends suite.

The Jockey Club, founded in 1750, is the largest commercial group in Britain’s second-biggest spectator sport, operating 15 racecourses nationwide, The National Stud, Jockey Club Estates, Jockey Club Catering, Jockey Club Live, Jockey Club Services and its charity, Racing Welfare.

Alongside its industry leading products and services, Playtech has worked with its licensees to become synonymous with efforts to raise industry standards in responsible business and safer gambling. By partnering and working with the leading operators and suppliers in the industry Playtech led efforts to develop the industry’s first code of conduct on safer game design. Moreover, through Playtech Protect, Playtech has pioneered the use of research, data and artificial intelligence to develop products to identify at-risk customers and deliver tailored safer gambling interventions.

James Frendo, Casino Director at Playtech, says: “At Playtech, we are committed to developing the most engaging branded content. By partnering with an iconic sporting institution such as The Jockey Club, we are able to create a full range of exceptional and exciting cross-product content. Partnering with globally recognised brands is a key pillar of our branded content strategy as we look to deliver a unique and engaging responsible gambling experience to our customers.”

Charlie Boss, Chief Commercial Officer at The Jockey Club, adds: “We are delighted to partner with Playtech, whose industry leading software and expertise will help translate the success of our historic brands into the iGaming market for the first time. Playtech also share our values on putting safer gambling at the heart of their products.”