Tag Archives: news

Geronimo Stilton live experience launches in Milan

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The world premiere of the first Atlantyca Geronimo Stilton exhibition – “GERONIMO STILTON LIVE EXPERIENCE: THE JOURNEY THROUGH TIME – is taking place until 20 March 2022 at The Fabbrica del Vapore in Milan.
The exhibition is aimed at children aged 4 to 12 and their families. Visitors will be accompanied by expert Time Ranger guides as they immerse themselves in the lost world of the dinosaurs, the mysterious world of the ancient Egyptians, and the adventurous world of Treasure Island, playing exciting interactive games and solving puzzles on a quest to rescue top rodent reporter Geronimo.
The Geronimo Stilton book series, published in Italy by Edizioni Piemme-Mondadori Libri, has become a global phenomenon with 175 million books translated into 51 languages sold worldwide and three animated series co-produced with Rai Fiction and distributed in over 130 countries. International publishing rights as well as animation and licensing rights are managed by Atlantyca Entertainment worldwide.

“Geronimo Stilton has always had special powers: he manages to make even the most superficial topics interesting and stimulating even for his young fans,” says Claudia Mazzucco, Atlantyca Entertainment CEO. “The exhibition in Milan makes this gift of his even more real and creates a new bridge between the world of adults and that of children. By visiting the exhibition, children will discover new educational content and will  travel through different historical eras, but adults will also have more fun than they have had in a long time. Because Geronimo Stilton always makes us feel playful and eager to make discoveries, just as we were when we were our children’s age.”

For more information see www.geronimostiltonexperience.it

Geronimo Stilton becomes the official children’s virtual tour guide of Pompeii

New role for Joann Acevedo at ViacomCBS Consumer Products

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Joann Acevedo has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Softlines Licensing, North America, ViacomCBS Consumer Products.

In this role, Acevedo will lead strategy and growth across multiple categories of business including apparel, accessories and home furnishings, reaching fans of all ages through the Company’s portfolio of franchises including PAW Patrol, Blue’s Clues & You!, SpongeBob SquarePants, MTV and Star Trek.

Joann will also partner with the Toronto-based ViacomCBS Consumer Products team to expand the softlines business throughout Canada. Joann is based in New York and will continue to report to Jose Castro, Senior Vice President, Softlines, Fashion & Lifestyle Licensing and Global Collaborations.

“Joann skillfully navigates softlines licensing across the beloved ViacomCBS brands and characters while working with a complex and diverse licensee matrix,” says Castro. “She continues to inspire our partners and drive excitement for our biggest priority initiatives, securing some of the largest ViacomCBS licensing deals to date.”

Joann is charged with managing existing partnerships and developing new business opportunities for ViacomCBS’ properties across all softlines categories. She also focuses on speciality and department store retail accounts, executing exclusive campaigns that broaden the in-store footprint of ViacomCBS’ franchises.

A 19-year Viacom veteran, Acevedo most recently served as Vice President, Softlines Licensing. In that role, she secured revenue-building partnerships for some of ViacomCBS’ biggest franchises including PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, JoJo Siwa and Yellowstone.

Acevedo has generated record growth for the Softlines division, and has also secured larger strategic partnerships that exponentially extend the reach of ViacomCBS’ properties beyond the screen, developing programs like JoJo’s Closet Apparel Collection at Target.

Joann has also doubled the ViacomCBS Consumer Products presence on e-commerce platforms and launched the first-ever subscription box service for ViacomCBS properties. Acevedo has also played an integral role in a myriad of socially conscious consumer products campaigns, including a reusable face mask programme in partnership with Save the Children, which featured Nickelodeon characters on face coverings which resulted in approximately 4 million dollars being donated to the non-profit’s COVID-19 domestic and global response initiative.

Acevedo has also been passionate about spearheading diversity and inclusion efforts for the ViacomCBS Consumer Products organisation to better reflect the brand’s diverse audience. She continues to advocate for new opportunities and partnerships in this critically important space.

Acevedo began her career as an Apparel Coordinator with the Nickelodeon Consumer Products team in 2003.

 

Buffbunny collaborates with TikTok star Nancy Gonzalez for size-inclusive Journey Collection

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Influencer-founded activewear company Buffbunny has collaborated with TikTok sensation Nancy Gonzalez for its size-inclusive Journey Collection.

The collection is Buffbunny’s first inspired by an athlete. A spokesperson said: “Nancy helped every step of the way to make the designs come to life with her vision, and the playful colours, patterns and silhouettes of the collection were chosen to reflect her bubbly personality.

“It was important to her to include pieces that make her feel confident and comfortable at the gym and in everyday life. The collection is truly about embracing your own path and loving every step in your journey. It is up to us which paths we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to.”

The size-inclusive collection pieces range range from US $40-70 in sizes XXS – XXXL.

StoryToys launches LEGO DUPLO MARVEL mobile app

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StoryToys (a subsidiary of Team17 Group plc), the LEGO Group and Marvel Entertainment have announced the launch of LEGO DUPLO MARVEL, a mobile app for preschoolers. With over one million pre-orders globally, the app is now available from the App Store and Google Play.

In LEGO DUPLO MARVEL even the youngest Marvel fan can engage with their favorite Super Heroes including Spider-Man, Captain America, Ghost-Spider and more. In each activity children help their favorite Super Hero save the day, whether shooting webs with Spider-Man or rescuing a cat with Captain America. They can also create and build structures with virtual 3D LEGO DUPLO bricks.

The app has been carefully aligned with the Headstart Early Learning Outcomes Framework to ensure it meets the developmental needs of 2–5-year-olds. Each play pack features fun challenges to support learning and development skills, including early math, creativity, reasoning and problem-solving.

The LEGO DUPLO MARVEL app is now available worldwide in twenty-six languages, with more to come in 2022. It’s free to download with additional content available to purchase.

“As a lifetime fan of both Marvel and LEGO bricks, this project is one that’s very close to my heart,” says Emmet O’Neill, CEO of StoryToys.

“We’re delighted to once again be collaborating with our amazing partners at the LEGO Group, and to be working with Marvel for the first time on such a special project. Preschoolers adore and aspire to be Marvel heroes and this app will offer them a positive digital experience tailored to their abilities. Whether kids are LEGO DUPLO fans, Marvel fans, or both, it’s our absolute privilege to bring them the opportunity to engage with their favourite heroes in this fun and educational digital experience.”

 

 

Genius Brands to launch Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse following acquisition of Ameba TV

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Genius Brands International has announced that it will be launching its subscription-based Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse on April 15, 2022, at $3.99/month.

Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse will be anchored by technology from the acquisition of Ameba TV, a rapidly growing children’s video streaming service.

Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse will include all the popular programmes of Kartoon Channel!, while adding exclusive metaversal content, which will be launched in a phased rollout.

Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse will feature a fully integrated design, including custom avatars and emojis for kids, exclusive games, branded Kidaverse VR goggles, immersive content and NFTs for kids (“KFT”s).

The new platform will also feature collectable digital cards based on many of the channel’s popular characters, including those from the upcoming Stan Lee Universe, debuting in Q4 2022, and a digital currency for kids called Kidaverse MetaBuck$. Additionally, the Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse is planning to introduce child-safe messaging (“Messies”), podcasts, music, and more.

“Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse is expected to revolutionise children’s entertainment, because it will include all of the popular animated programmes of a children’s channel, metaverse features and, most importantly, it will be fully curated and child safe,” says Genius Brands Chairman and CEO, Andy Heyward.

“The single strongest message we receive from parents is the concern about safety for children on screens, whether it is programme content or roaming around the internet and various apps. The premise of the Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse is to provide children with fun, positive, engaging digital media AND to provide them with a safe and parent-controlled product.”

In addition to the hit shows of Kartoon Channel! today, including Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rainbow Rangers, Peppa Pig, PJ Masks, Minecraft, Surviving Roblox, My Little Pony, and Yu Gi Oh, Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse will add another 13,000 episodes under license to Ameba, including hit brands such as Casper The Friendly Ghost, Donkey Kong Country, Gummy Bears, and Rescue Heroes.

The platform will also become the home to the several thousand hours of animated content available through its recent acquisition of Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media and strategic investment in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment (YFE). The Company believes this will make it the largest single children’s portal of animation in the world, with over 20,000 animated titles under license.

“As Kartoon Channel! has grown, many of our viewers have asked for a commercial-free version of the experience,” says Jon Ollwerther, Kartoon Channel! President. “While our free, ad-supported platform will still be available to consumers, the subscription-based Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse will address that market need, while also building the 360-degree kid’s digital media platform of the future. We believe it will be a unique entertainment experience that simply cannot be had anywhere else.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adidas unites with Peloton for apparel capsule celebrating the digital fitness community

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Adidas has unveiled its latest apparel capsule with ongoing international partner Peloton, designed to celebrate the global fitness community.

The collection has been made in part with recycled materials and is crafted with signature adidas performance technology that supports workouts across fitness disciplines, from cycling, to running, strength, yoga and more.

In a nod to the digital connection found through the Peloton fitness platform, the performance pieces take cues from Peloton graphics and icons, including dot textures with arrows evoking movement and progress.

Alongside the performance garments, the drop offers lifestyle apparel for pre- and post-workout activities, crafted with comfort in mind.

The activewear is available in inclusive sizing as well as offering a range of men’s, women’s, and all-gender pieces.

“As home fitness continues to grow, the importance of connectivity to a fitness coach and a fitness community is a must,” says Aimee Arana, General Manager, Global Training at adidas. “This was the inspiration for this new adidas x Peloton collection – featuring digitised graphics that celebrate the digital connection between the community and their favourite Peloton instructors. And just because the athletes are working out at home, the capsule still needs to deliver on style and making them look and feel great.

“With the key performance pieces, we have integrated signature adidas technology such as Heat.rdy, which keeps the athlete feeling cool and helps them stay in their zone on the bike or on the mat, so they can finish their workout strong.”

The adidas x Peloton capsule includes tanks, tights, shorts, tees, crewnecks, sports bras, jackets and joggers, available from US$35-$90. The collection can be shopped at adidas.com, apparel.onepeloton.com and select adidas stores throughout the US, Canada, the UK and Germany.

Jada Toys releases collectible “The Batman” Die-cast Batmobile with Figure

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In celebration of the upcoming feature starring the Caped Crusader, manufacturer of premium collectibles Jada Toys has released a 1:18 Die-cast Batmobile, a replica that pays homage to the vehicle seen in the highly anticipated The Batman film.

Produced in collaboration with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC, the new Batmobile collectible takes its styling cues directly from the film and features angular lines, a detailed interior, and working lights, doors and hood.

The Batman 1:18 Batmobile Die-cast Car and 3″ die-cast figure is available for presale now on Jada Toy’s direct-to-consumer platform Jada Next Level.

Next Level provides a destination for collectors and fans to keep up to date with new releases of unique and limited-edition products, while also providing them access to exclusives and first-to-market products. Through their free subscription and newsletter, collectors can opt in to being among the first to be in on fandom news and releases.

“The Batman” 1:18 Batmobile Die-cast Car debuts on March 15, in line with the film’s release on March 4 in North America and international release beginning March 2, 2022.

ARTiSTORY launches artist collaborations programme

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Art and cultural IP specialist ARTiSTORY has taken the next step in its licensing model by launching its artist collaborations programme.

The partnerships with living artists will see three-way co-branding between brands, artists and museums and gives established and emerging artists the chance to draw inspiration from the rich cultural and artistic treasures of the archives of ARTiSTORY’s museum partners, and create fresh, contemporary artwork in their own unique personal style.

By bringing together cultural IP, international artists and global brands, ARTiSTORY will further expand museums’ licensing programmes and service the rapid increase in demand for art and cultural IP through its “Artefacts to Merchandise” and digital storytelling model.

“This is a win-win for everyone,” says Alicia Chen, Country Manager of ARTiSTORY’s Singapore Office, who is managing the artists programme. “Artists get the opportunity to be associated with the world’s top museums, brands can provide consumers with access to their favourite artists via uniquely designed products endorsed by museums, and museums can engage new audiences, particularly a younger demographic who follow and support their favourite designers on social media.”

Two famous international artists, Ukrainian artist Sveta Dorosheva and British artist Laura Greenan, are working on new artwork inspired by ARTiSTORY’s museum partner Dunhuang. Dunhuang was an essential meeting point on the Silk Road for travellers passing between East and West one thousand years ago and this gathering of diverse people and cultures led to the creation of great legacies such as the world-famous stucco sculptures and the murals of Mogao Caves, which are now providing rich inspiration for artists to continue the cultural creativity of Dunhuang for a new era.

Originally from Ukraine and currently based in Israel, Sveta’s narrative art and detailed illustration reveals her fascination with myth and fairytales. Sveta has published best-selling books and has been shortlisted twice for the World Illustration Awards. For ARTiSTORY’s artist programme, Sveta is creating canopies, murals and flying images of Dunhuang, taking inspiration from the murals of the Mogao Caves.

Laura Greenan’s style has been described as “Jelly Candy Pop Art”. Her vibrant, joyful illustrations include elements of psychedelia, Art Deco and fantasy, and she takes influences from the 1960s as well as current popular culture including computer games and films. Laura has previously worked with Vogue Japan, Francis Wren Candle and The Wall Street Journal. She is currently working on creations inspired by Dunhuang’s architecture, canopies and Mojing patterns which will be licensed by ARTiSTORY for co-branded products.

Q&A: Natasha Dyson, co-founder of ARTiSTORY

Mighty Jaxx appoints Alex Neal to spearhead European expansion

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Mighty Jaxx, the Singapore-based designer and manufacturer of tech-enabled collectibles and lifestyle products, has announced the appointment of Alex Neal as its Managing Director (Europe) to expand its licensing and retail business across the UK and continental Europe.

Based in London, Alex is an industry executive who brings a wealth of operational experience to Mighty Jaxx, of which the last 15 years was spent at licensed collectible company Eaglemoss, where he served as Managing Director and oversaw the company’s global performance of e-commerce and retail business channels — incorporating end-to-end business functions and overseeing a team of 70 across five countries with a £50m turnover.

Alex will be responsible for the strategy and growth of Mighty Jaxx across the UK and continental Europe, together with a team that he will build and lead. As part of his remit, Alex will spearhead Mighty Jaxx’s on/offline retail strategy while also actively overseeing the prospecting and pitching process as he works to secure new licenses and collaboration opportunities and strengthen the Company’s brand development in the region.

This latest geographical expansion is part of a long-term growth strategy that has already seen China, North America and Southeast Asia form the largest contributors to Mighty Jaxx’s yearly revenue.

Jackson Aw, Founder and CEO, Mighty Jaxx, says: “Europe has been a growing priority for us and 2022 will be a great year for us to finally set up shop and tap into the strong, growing demand for our ‘phygital’ collectibles that we have witnessed over the past 18 months.

“Expansion into Europe has been some time in the works but we believe our patience will reap rewards. Alex is a highly experienced veteran of the collectibles and consumer products industry and comes with a proven track record in building and scaling iconic brands. His passion and knowledge of the industry and more importantly, the region, will enable him to positively impact our business from day one.”

“When we first spoke, Jackson and I clicked immediately,” says Alex, “and when I heard about the plans Mighty Jaxx had for the future, I was immediately sold and knew I wanted to be a part of this project and deliver Mighty Jaxx’s new, innovative phygital experiences to collectors across Europe. I truly believe there’s huge untapped potential and I look forward to helping the Company achieve its goals whilst growing the brand in Europe.”

To further contribute to its global licensing portfolio that already includes the likes of Formula 1, Hasbro, Toei Animation, Warner Brothers, among others, Mighty Jaxx is looking to collaborate with brands / properties in technology, entertainment, music, art, fashion, and streetwear, putting the Company in prime position to continue creating innovative and fully immersive products across different subcultures.

 

The Insights Family expands into new markets

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The Insights Family, the kids and family market intelligence specialist, has launched its service into four new international markets. As of 1 January 2022, the company started interviewing kids (3-18s) and parents in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Argentina and South Africa. This will see the business expand its operations to provide its clients with real-time data from 22 territories across six continents.

The new markets will follow the same award-winning methodology as the existing markets and will see the business survey 400 different children and 200 different parents every week (21,000 and 10,500 respectively a year).

With the addition of four new territories, The Insights Family will now interview a new family member somewhere in the world every 55 seconds. The launches of the new markets mean that the company now covers all the countries in the G20, providing brands and companies with access to ethical real-time data.

Nick Richardson, CEO and Founder of The Insights Family, said: “2021 was a transformational year for the business, with us enjoying significant growth and development across the business. The expansion into these markets, based on client demand, demonstrates our position as the global leader in kids’, parents’ and family market intelligence”

The announcement comes on the back of a successful couple of years for The Insights Family, which has seen its team grow from 13 employees in January 2020 to 67 by the end of January 2022. The company works with 100 clients across the globe and provides insights to leading companies including the BBC, Amazon and Disney.

Last month, The Insights Family published its Future Forecast 2022 Report which predicts some of the key trends to watch out for in the forthcoming year. Providing unrivalled knowledge, the report explores 10 themes which will impact advertising, content, licencing, marketing, product and retail strategies for brand owners across all levels of business strategy. To download the full Family Future Forecast 2022 report for free, visit: get.theinsightsfamily.com/futureforecast