Epic Rights to develop a global retail merchandise programme for New Kids on the Block

On the heels of their latest release, the high-octane anthem “Bring Back the Time”, and their North American Mixtape Tour, multi-platinum pop artists New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) have appointed Epic Rights as their global licensing agent to develop a global merchandise programme.

Since the band first debuted in 1984, NKOTB, consisting of brothers Jonathan and Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg and Danny Wood, have sold more than 80 million records. To coincide with the tour and multiple initiatives, starting in 2022 through 2024, Epic Rights will develop a robust licensing programme for the band across multiple categories, including apparel, footwear, accessories, gaming, spirits, home décor, collectibles, and more. Initial product launch for some categories will hit retail shelves in time for the holiday season 2022.

“New Kids on the Block is one of the most successful pop boy bands of all time with multiple number-one hits and legions of fans just as eager to engage with them today as when they first started,” says Lisa Streff, SVP, Global Licensing, Epic Rights. “With the Mixtape 2022 tour starting in May, a cruise in October, and other initiatives in the works, we have endless opportunities to create a distinctive line of merchandise that represents the band, featuring retro nostalgia from the 80s and 90s as well as products that speak to who they are today.  We are so excited to add New Kids on the Block to our roster of amazing artists.”

NKOTB’s Danny Wood adds: “We can’t wait to get back on the road this summer and perform for our fans, old and new! With all of the exciting plans we have coming, we wanted to create a unique, fresh, and memorable product line, and Epic Rights is the premiere agency for artists who want to develop merchandise lines that speak to their fans.  We are thrilled to begin the process with Lisa and the team to bring all of our ideas to life!”

NKOTB has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide – including back-to-back international number-one songs, 1988’s “Hangin’ Tough” and 1990’s “Step By Step” – and a series of crossover smash R&B pop hits like “You Got It (The Right Stuff),”  “Cover Girl,” “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time),” “Hangin’ Tough,” “I’ll Be Loving You” and “Tonight.”

Since reuniting in 2007, NKOTB have toured consistently to sold-out arenas, have sold nearly 4 million tickets and have doubled their crowd sizes. The Boston natives have been bestowed with their very own “New Kids on the Block Day,” and have played Fenway three times before. The group solidified their place in Hollywood with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame since reuniting and will continue representing Boston on their journey long into the future.

For more information on NKOTB, visit www.nkotb.com.

Motul appoints IAM as licensing agent for South Korea

The global lifestyle brand Motul has appointed IAM Allrights as its agent for South Korea.

Offering a wide range of licensing and consulting services, IAM (an abbreviation of Intangible Assets Management) is a leading name in the Korean licensing business with a strong portfolio of clients that includes diverse overseas brands such as Police, Baldessarini, BeeDees and Galian, along with a number of major domestic brands.

As well as identifying potential licensees, retail and marketing strategies that convey the personality and spirit of the Motul brand, IAM will be actively engaged in maximising brand values by looking beyond traditional merchandise licensing and by capitalising on various business opportunities.

This has an obvious appeal for Motul, a brand with strong potential within and beyond the automotive space in which it originally made its name. IAM will therefore develop a licensing programme targeting motorcycle and car enthusiasts, automotive professionals, motor-caravan owners and a growing outdoor and leisure market for families. Key categories will include workwear, maintenance tools and equipment alongside lifestyle categories such as apparel, accessories and gifting.

Motul is a world-renowned company specialising in the formulation, production and global distribution of high-tech engine lubricants. For many decades it has also been a dedicated technical partner and official supplier to some of the finest motor racing teams and manufacturers in history. Its presence today extends to over 160 countries, and numerous event partnerships including the Dakar Rally, Le Mans and Goodwood Revival.

The Motul brand is now bringing its 100-year heritage, and its associations with speed, style, adventure, performance, elegance and above all winning, to a major lifestyle branding campaign. It will be targeting a wide range of categories, ranging from apparel, stationery, houseware and apparel to backpacks, phone covers and car accessories.

IAM is the newest addition to a fast-growing Motul agency network which now includes global licensing agent Aspire for WildBrain CPLG, as well as recently appointed agents for Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

KS Kim, President of IAM, says: “Motul is a world-class brand whose rich heritage and global reputation will be the perfect inspiration for a varied licensing programme that will maximise the brand’s presence and profitability in the Korean market. We fully intend to provide many opportunities for Korean consumers to enjoy a new and wider experience of the Motul brand.”

Managing the Motul campaign is Laurent Taieb, a licensing specialist with over 25 years’ experience. He says: “With its extensive marketing networks in Korea and Asia, exclusive access to the Korean market and expertise in understanding and bridging cultural and market barriers, IAM is the perfect partner to build the presence of the Motul brand in Korea. We’re delighted to be working with such a respected and expert partner in this key market.”

 

WildBrain drums up Jungle Beat partnership with Sunrise Animation Studios

WildBrain has partnered with Jungle Beat Animation to manage worldwide distribution rights for all content in the popular animated kids’ property Jungle Beat. The exclusive partnership will see WildBrain grow the global footprint of the Jungle Beat brand through worldwide distribution, including YouTube channel management and ad sales on its premium kids’ and family AVOD network, as well as linear broadcast in Canada on its Family Channel.

All Jungle Beat content is produced in a partnership between Jungle Beat Animation and South Africa’s Sunrise Animation Studios. Today’s news comes at a pivotal time, as Jungle Beat Animation in partnership with Sandcastle Studios announces the greenlight of their second feature film, Jungle Beat 2: The Past, currently in production at Sunrise Animation Studios for release in 2023. This follows the success of the brand’s first film, Jungle Beat: The Movie, released in 2021.

Deirdre Brennan, COO at WildBrain, says: “Jungle Beat is hugely popular with kids worldwide, who are drawn to its authentic, funny characters and adventures rooted in friendship. The Sunrise team believe in inspiring through story and we’re delighted to be partnering to expand that audience across all territories and platforms, harnessing the power of our YouTube growth engine, WildBrain Spark, delivering the content to our Canadian television audience through Family Channel, and exploring new opportunities to experience Jungle Beat through our consumer products licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG.”

Phil Cunningham, Founder of Sunrise Animation Studios, adds: “We’re delighted to be working with such an innovative, agile, fun and well-organised global company as WildBrain. We believe Jungle Beat is positioned to become a leading global property for preschool children, and WildBrain’s synergy and cohesion across all platforms and brand touchpoints is going to be a key part of making that happen.”

WildBrain will distribute the brand’s film franchise, comprised of Jungle Beat: The Movie (1 x 90’) and Jungle Beat 2: The Past (1 x 90’), as well as the entire 130-episode library of the Jungle Beat series, consisting of three seasons of Jungle Beat (13 x 5’ each), five seasons of Jungle Beat: Munki and Trunk (13 x 5’ each) and two seasons of Jungle Beat: The Explorers (13 x 2’ each).

 

 

 

Wrangler named official denim sponsor of iconic music festivals

One of America’s most recognised denim labels, Wrangler, has announced a collaboration with three iconic music festivals. The sponsorship kicks off with “75 Days of Summer”, a sweepstake offering 75 days of prizes to destination music festivals Lollapalooza (Chicago and Berlin) and Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL Fest).

At each festival, Wrangler will activate onsite showcasing its brand heritage to music fans in a variety of ways. In the Wrangler booth, an interactive customer space, fans can buy exclusive denim festival merchandise and personalise it with free laser customisation specific to the festival. The brand will also offer enhanced personalisation options for select artists and VIPs behind the scenes. A complete line of Wrangler x Lollapalooza apparel, including tees and denim, will also be available on Wrangler.com.

“Fans are thrilled to be back to experiencing music and showcasing festival fashion in real life,” says Holly Wheeler, vice president global marketing for Wrangler. “At a time when Western influence continues to surge in the world of fashion, festivals are combining different genres, fan bases, lifestyles and experiences across the globe. With a record-breaking summer season, diverse lineups and trailblazing interactive options for fans, we’re thrilled to collaborate with C3 Presents and Live Nation to celebrate with music fans in ways we haven’t before.”

“Music festivals have always acted as launchpads for the latest and most creative fashion trends,” adds Stephanie Adamson, senior merchandise manager at C3 Presents. “Festivals invite a spirit of individuality, and the creative possibilities are endless at the intersection of fashion and music. Our collaboration with Wrangler is a relevant and timely expression of that.”

Visit Wrangler at Lollapalooza Chicago July 28-31, 2022; Lollapalooza Berlin September 24-25, 2022; and at ACL on October 7-9 and October 14-16, 2022. Visit livenation.com/wrangler75sweeps for additional details regarding the ‘75 Days of Summer Music’ sweepstakes. To learn more about the Wrangler’s collaboration with Live Nation festivals and #Wrangler75, visit Wrangler.com.

Introducing Haus Labs by Lady Gaga

Haus Labs by Lady Gaga, an all-new clean, prestige makeup brand, has debuted exclusively at Sephora and hauslabs.com.

The makeup collection – comprising 90 SKUS in seven key categories – promises “no-compromise colour backed with HausTech Powered skin-loving, futuristic formulas”. The June assortment includes all-over paints for eyes, lips and cheeks; gel-powder bronzers; highlighters; hydrating lip oils, and more. All products are clean, cruelty-free and vegan.

Haus Labs is sold only at hauslabs.com (including international), Sephora.com, Sephora.ca, and, since 9 June, in 25 select Sephora stores in California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, Texas and Toronto, Canada. This autumn, Haus Labs will continue the momentum, rolling out 500 Sephora stores by year end (with launch products plus three new categories, 145+ SKUS).

“I’m extremely excited to announce that we are bringing brand-new, supercharged, clean artistry makeup to the world, through a place that has inspired me for years, Sephora,” says Lady Gaga, the founder of Haus Labs. “At Haus Labs, artistry is for everyone, and no one should have to damage their skin or sacrifice their principles and values to be self-expressive with high-performance makeup.”

Ben Jones, CEO of Haus Labs, adds: “Great consumer products take time, testing, learning and a commitment to innovation. I’m very proud of the brand’s new era, and our incredible team. Together with Haus of Gaga, we have built something truly unique and special. We have had incredible support from our investors and our exclusive retail partner, Sephora. We can’t wait for consumers to experience Haus Labs first-hand.”

All products have “futuristic formulas” that are high-tech, high-performance and high-pigment as well as life- and lab-stress-tested. The brand’s first-to-market, patent-pending and/or proprietary ingredients include extra-potent Fermented Arnica for reducing redness and inflammation, sparked by Gaga’s long-standing use of arnica to help counteract her chronic pain.

Haus Labs’ commitment to clean beauty goes beyond banning over 2700 questionable ingredients, prioritising safety, quality, performance and sustainability to optimise performance with skincare, science and innovation. The brand is also certified clean at Sephora. Further, Haus Labs will be 100% carbon neutral by 2027. The company is actively committed to using glass, aluminum, cellulose and post-consumer recycled materials when possible and FSC-certified paper, sourced from sustainably harvested forests, to reduce its climate impact.

 

Hasbro unveils Buzz Lightyear Monopoly board

Hasbro has revealed the new Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear Edition Monopoly board game, giving another sneak peek into the highly anticipated Disney and Pixar movie Lightyear, which hits UK cinemas on 17 June.

The board takes players on a journey with Buzz Lightyear and an adventurous band of misfits on a hostile planet. As players race around the board to build Towers and Bases, they must take actions shown on the Hyperspeed and Crystallic Fusion cards – all while avoiding meeting Zurg.

Monopoly: Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear Edition Game is suitable for 2-6 players aged 8 and above. Retailing at £29.99, it will be available shortly to pre-order at Amazon.

24 Hours of Le Mans and The Outlierman team for luxury driving accessories

The Outlierman, maker of handcrafted luxury driving accessories, has announced a new three-year collaboration with the iconic endurance sportscar race 24 Hours of Le Mans, lasting until 2025, in a deal brokered by IMG.

The Outlierman will design and produce multiple limited-edition capsule licensed collections inspired by the most emblematic moments and symbols of 24 Hours of Le Mans, including luxury driving gloves, ties, pocket squares, silk and cashmere scarves, leather helmet bags, wallets and swim shorts.

24 hours of Le Mans is the world’s oldest active endurance race event and has been running since 1923. Held annually on the Circuit de la Sarthe, this year’s event will take place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 June.

Andrea Mazzuca, Founder of The Outlierman, says: “We at The Outlierman are incredibly proud to be partnering with the historic and renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans. This new collaboration fills us with immense pride and marks a huge milestone for the brand.

“Each design we create will be a chapter of a great story to remember and to collect, and will reflect the moments that make the 24 Hours of Le Mans the most unique race in the world and in history. We also can’t wait to be part of the 24 Hours of Le Mans centenary celebrations next year and have big plans in place for the occasion.”

The 24 Hours of Le Mans collections will be designed by The Outlierman’s Bologna-based designers, and crafted by the company’s  master craftspeople in their workshops between Naples and Como.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans license sits alongside The Outlierman’s current and past collaborations, including the likes of Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Pagani and MINI John Cooper Works.

The latest Outlierman products can be found here.

 

SPYSCAPE brings the world of Batman to life

Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment on behalf of DC and SPYSCAPE have announced the opening of BATMAN x SPYSCAPE, a brand-new interactive experience that will drop fans into the heart of a Gotham City mystery. Public previews began on June 8 in New York City, and fans can sign-up online at spyscape.com.

Top scientists in Gotham City are missing and the world is in upheaval. The Bat-Signal is in the sky. Who will step in and help Batman solve the mystery at hand?  BATMAN x SPYSCAPE will take fans on a top-secret mission to infiltrate an underworld organisation, Leviathan, whose goal is to disrupt the Super Hero and Super-Villain communities.

The adventure features a seamless combination of an immersive physical experience enhanced with an interactive real-time app. Guests will be asked to download the BATMAN x SPYSCAPE app from the Apple or Google app stores in advance of their visit and immediately enter the story world. The experience plays out in three acts where they will be recruited by the mysterious Oracle, an alternate identity of Barbara Gordon (Batgirl), to help solve some mysterious kidnappings, all while interacting with some of Gotham City’s most compelling characters via the app.

BATMAN x SPYSCAPE features an original narrative by critically acclaimed writer Gail Simone (who has penned both BATGIRL and WONDER WOMAN), an immersive exhibition design by Mona Kim Projects, and interactive experience design by SPYSCAPE, all aimed at bringing the world of DC’s Batman to life like never before.

The BATMAN x SPYSCAPE experience will also be supported with a highly curated range of bespoke merchandise including a BATMAN x SPYSCAPE Companion Book, also penned by Gail Simone with art by award-winning artist Jim Calafiore.

YouTube sensation Booba appoints IMG to launch licensed products

UK animation studio 3D Sparrow Group has appointed IMG to extend Booba, the globally-loved non-dialogue preschool family show following the adventures of a joyful, funny and curious creature called Booba and his friends, through product and brand licensing partnerships.

The agreement will see the licensing agency further expand Booba’s global footprint across wider lifestyle categories for fans of the show to enjoy, including toys, apparel, fast-moving consumer goods, events and promotions.

Booba reached more than 13 billion YouTube views and stands as one of the top-rated kids’ shows on Netflix, since first airing on the digital platform in 2017. The show is also available worldwide on Amazon Prime, as well as through TV broadcasters in more than 45 countries.

Now in its fourth series, the show is loved for the entertaining situations Booba and his friends find themselves in while trying to explore the world around them. In 2021, 3D Sparrow collaborated with Sony Music to premiere the first-ever Booba music video with Avicii.

Oli Bernard, CEO at 3D Sparrow Group, says: “We are really excited to partner with IMG and are confident their expertise will help our digital superstar Booba launch high-quality licensed products with like-minded and best-in-class licensing partners to entertain generations of children. It’s a fantastic time for Booba right now, with season 4 launching in Q4 this year and season 5 planned for a 2023 release. We believe that Booba enables kids to discover the world around them, using their imagination to recreate their own Booba-inspired adventures.”

Sam Barker, Associate Vice President of Licensing at IMG, says: “Booba has become a worldwide phenomenon and is loved by children around the world. We will focus on products that highlight and embody the spirit of the show’s playful and humorous content, which children and other fans of the show enjoy. We can’t wait to bring the Booba world to its millions of followers in engaging new ways.”

Season 4 will be fully available later this year.

For more information on Booba and other licensing opportunities visit https://imglicensing.com/clients/booba/.

 

Paddington immersive experience heads to Dalkeith Country Park

This summer, families are invited to take part in an immersive Paddington adventure, Marmalade Messiness, at Dalkeith Country Park, Scotland.  

Created by Histrionic Productions – the team behind acclaimed immersive adventure Autumn Treasure Hunt with Percy The Park Keeper at Chiswick House & Gardens and The Peter Rabbit Garden Adventure – a live immersive experience at Blenheim Palace this summer, Paddington Marmalade Messiness – the immersive adventure opens on July 13 2022, and runs throughout the school summer holidays until Monday 4 September 2022.

Mrs Bird has brought Paddington and his friend Pigeonton to Dalkeith Palace to show them where the best marmalade is made. Her old friend from school is the Palace Cook and has promised to give Mrs Bird a tour of the Palace kitchens. However, things have gone awry. Mrs Bird can’t seem to find Paddington in the Palace grounds and desperately needs help to find him.

On this unique adventure, visitors will explore Dalkeith Country Park locating pawprints, half-eaten marmalade sandwiches and other clues, meeting characters from the famous stories – played by actors and puppeteers – on a mission to help locate Paddington. The Marmalade Messiness immersive adventure takes audiences through the Dalkeith Country Park grounds and into the Palace kitchen exploring the treehouse and river along the way. 

At the end of this 50-minute adventure, free arts and crafts-based activities and a café, serving both marmalade and non-marmalade-based delights, will await explorers in need of a tasty treat. 

Marmalade Messiness has been created by Sean Holmes (Associate Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe, previously Artistic Director of the Lyric Hammersmith) and Jon Bauser (Designer 2012 Paralympic Games opening ceremony, associate artist Royal Shakespeare Company), and is directed by Bethany West (Shakespeare’s Globe, Royal Court London, Bristol Old Vic) with Puppetry by Jimmy Grimes (The Peter Rabbit Garden Adventure, War Horse, The One Hundred and One Dalmatians).

For further information visit www.PaddingtonMarmaladeMessiness.com