Tag Archives: news

Acamar Films launches Bing dental and bath time products with Solent Brands

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Acamar Films, producers of award-winning TV show Bing along with Brown Bag Films, has launched Bing’s first health and beauty products in the UK with new partner Solent Brands.

Hitting shelves now are a Bing toothbrush and toothpaste, launching in B&M, and tissue packs, available in Poundland.

“Bing is a great addition to the Health and Beauty category in our Solent Brand group,” says Anthony Balkin, Managing Director of Solent Brands. “A much-loved gender-neutral license, Bing supports real life learning and skill development and we are excited to encourage this with the launch of our Bing oral care products and tissues. We look forward to extending the range in 2022.”

Louise Simmonds, Head of UK Licensing at Acamar Films, says: “It is wonderful to begin this exciting new partnership with Solent Brands and to see Bing launch into a new category in the UK. We hope these fantastic new products will delight Bingsters as they build healthy bedtime routines and equally, support the grown-ups in their lives.”

 

Developer Tilting Point creates new cooking competition game based on Banijay’s hit show MasterChef

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Developer Tilting Point has created a new fast-paced cooking competition game based on Banijay’s hit show MasterChef.

MasterChef: Let’s Cook! is available exclusively on Apple Arcade, Apple’s game subscription service that offers access to a growing collection of over 200 games, featuring new releases, award winners, and favourites from the App Store, all without ads or in-app purchases.

Players of MasterChef: Let’s Cook! must choose ingredients, slice, prepare, plate and serve delicious dishes, competing against other players from around the globe. The MasterChef jury evaluates dishes based on the player’s performance and speed. There are opportunities to complete and unlock new recipes, challenges, and mini-games along the cooking journey.

MasterChef is the world’s most successful cookery television format (Guinness World Records), with 64 local versions to-date. Recently hitting a milestone 500 seasons aired globally, MasterChef consistently attracts huge audiences internationally. With more than 90 licensees around the world, the MasterChefbrand also extends into a range of successful commercial activities, with millions of consumer products sold, an extensive publishing range, and live experiences from restaurants to cruises and tours.

MasterChef brand is controlled by Banijay Brands, part of Banijay. The company’s other global brands include Peaky Blinders, Survivor, Temptation Island, Deal or No Deal, Big Brother and Mr Bean.

Kinder Joy and Funko Europe forge long-term partnership

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As of now, consumers in many European markets will find their Kinder Joy snacks come with iconic Funko collectables.

The two brands have worked to create a collection specifically designed for kids aged 8 to 12, with 24 Funko music-themed surprises: 8 figurines and 16 music gadgets to collect.

The playing experience is extended in the digital playground of Applaydu & Friends, a new free app specially designed for tweens to meet their needs to be creative, play and connect with their friends. The app is 100% kid-safe, friendly and secure, and was developed in partnership with mobile gaming experts Gameloft.

On Applaydu & Friends, tweens can embody their Funko toys, create their own customisable avatars, make fun videos, challenge their friends in obstacle races and ultimately connect to each other through real-time leaderboards in a safe play environment.

The collaboration marks the start of the Kinder Joy x Funko Europe partnership, with  more new ranges coming soon.

WildBrain CPLG to develop licensing programme across Nordic territories for Little Grey Fergie

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Farmyard Stories, the owner of Little Grey Fergie, and bRAND-WARD Services, the international kids IP consultancy, have appointed WildBrain CPLG to develop a licensing program across Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland for Little Grey Fergie, the property created by Morten Myklebust and produced by Anne Thovsen.

Created in Norway, Little Grey Fergie is a live-action series for preschoolers telling the story of a Ferguson TE20 tractor who is not only alive, but also secretly set on helping on the farm where he lives. It has been a domestic success since its first airing on leading local broadcaster NRK in 1998, which was followed by the production of a TV series, movies, books, toys, merchandise, stage shows and a theme park. Little Grey Fergie has since then expanded its audience internationally with a popular YouTube channel engaging fans around the world.

The brand will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2023 and the new licensing program will be a big step towards familiarising kids beyond Norway with Fergie and its values: honesty, frugality, kindness and playfulness.

Anne Thovsen, CEO and Producer at Farmyard Stories, says: “With a strong platform for Little Grey Fergie on YouTube, families around the world want to know more about our tractor and its friends. It is therefore with great enthusiasm and joy that we enter this collaboration with WildBrain CPLG which will help us extend fans’ experience of the brand”.

“Our expertise in bringing character brands to life through consumer products programmes makes Little Grey Fergie an exciting addition to our preschool entertainment portfolio,” says Jenny Strehle Ilic, Commercial Director Nordics, WildBrain CPLG. “We see great potential and are looking forward to growing his happy presence amongst kids and families in the Nordics.”

HP partners with Hasbro for unique Peppa Pig printable activities

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HP has introduced everyone’s favourite pig, Peppa, to HP Printables, a free resource with downloadable activities from colouring pages to learning worksheets and simple projects.

The Peppa starter pack features the Peppa Pig Paper Theater, Peppa, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig, plus a few accessories, allowing parents and kids to create their own Peppa-themed scene, act out their favourite Peppa moments, or create their very own. In addition to the starter pack, there are six additional printable pages offered where parents and kids can download additional characters, costumes, accessories, and backgrounds.

“We know schedules, particularly around the holiday season, can become increasingly cluttered and we want to encourage moments of family togetherness through simple, creative activities,” says Anneliese Olson, SVP and General Manager, Printing Category at HP. “Peppa Pig is a beloved children’s character who encourages curiosity, inclusion, and imagination, all qualities that we value here at HP. We hope the HP Peppa Pig Printables will give parents, teachers, caretakers and children the opportunity to enjoy less screen time and continue to create memories rooted in those simple moments of togetherness.”

Developed in partnership with Hasbro, the HP Peppa Pig Printables are exclusively available in the US on the HP Smart mobile app and at hp.com/printables. Across all seven packs, parents and kids can download and enjoy over 100 unique Peppa Pig Printables. Additional packs include locations, like Peppa’s Treehouse or Playgroup, costumes for Peppa, George and friends, and of course, lots and lots of muddy puddles.

“Peppa Pig’s loud snort, mischievous ways and infectious laugh have long inspired creativity and a sense of everyday adventure for our audiences. The opportunity to give kids a new way to express themselves with HP Printables was a natural fit,” says Casey Collins, GM & SVP, Global Licensed Consumer Products at Hasbro. “Working on simple projects, like cutting paper and creating art, enables parents and kids to enjoy a shared experience that can spur new memories, conversations and – if they’re anything like Peppa and her family – a few snorts of laughter too.”

In addition to these limited edition Peppa Pig Printables, the HP Printables site features learning worksheets, colouring pages and seasonal crafts, plus unique greeting cards, business worksheets and organisational tools.

 

Ocean Pacific brings California style to new Heelys designs


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Surf lifestyle brand Ocean Pacific, owned by Iconix Brand Group, has announced a new collection of footwear with Heelys, the original shoes with wheels, owned by BBC International. The collaboration will feature three OP styles, with the added Heelys’ wheel technology.

Ocean Pacific, previously a surfboard brand, became the first company to translate the West Coast surf culture into a lifestyle brand. The brand fuses sports, music, art, and fashion with an echo of the sand and streets of Southern California’s surf and skate culture. The styles will reflect the OP brand’s surf spirit and the Californian laid-back aesthetic, paired with the now-iconic Heelys wheel that gives the wearer the ability to go from sneaker to wheeled shoe by shifting weight on to the heel.

“We are excited to add Ocean Pacific to our portfolio of Heelys collaborations,” says Seth Campbell, Heelys Corporate President. “The west coast culture of the OP brand allows us to infuse our product with their great heritage designs and classic surf colouration — things we know resonate with our core consumers.”

“As we build upon the momentum of OP’s upcoming golden anniversary, we couldn’t be more excited about this perfect partnership,” adds Bob Galvin, Chief Executive Officer and President at Iconix Brand Group. “With OP’s history of bringing together sport and culture and Heelys dedication to adventure, we have brought together two brands who embody the importance of an active lifestyle for a fun collaboration that will appeal to fans of both brands.”

The Ocean Pacific x Heelys collab comes in three styles with ranging sizes: kid’s size 13-8 and adult’s size 9-13. The collection is available now, at www.Heelys.com

 

Genius Brands announces acquisition of WOW! Unlimited Media

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Genius Brands International, Inc. and WOW! Unlimited Media have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Genius Brands will acquire WOW! for approximately US$53million in cash and stock.

WOW! Unlimited Media, based in Toronto, Vancouver, New York and Los Angeles, has built one of the world’s leading animation production companies producing for the top broadcasters and IP holders including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sony, Hulu, Dreamworks, Moonbug, Peacock and Mattel. Based on the last twelve months (LTM) from July 2020-June 2021, the Company’s revenue and EBITDA were US$56.4million and US$5.1 million respectively, and its growing order book has over $62 million dollars of contracted production in the next year alone.

Andy Heyward, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Genius Brands, says: “The acquisition of WOW! substantially accelerates the financial growth of Genius Brands, delivering on our promise to shareholders to execute meaningful and accretive acquisitions, as we seek to rapidly consolidate the marketplace and become the foremost producer, broadcaster, and consumer product licensor of high-quality children’s entertainment in the world.

“I have known and worked with WOW! Chairman and CEO Michael Hirsh throughout my career, and there is nobody more talented, accomplished or well regarded.  His track record of many hits includes the first Star Wars animated programs, Magic School Bus, Care Bears, Babar, Johnny Test and Beetlejuice, among others.

“In addition to the animation productions of WOW! today and the exciting new brand brought to the table for Genius Brands, WOW! has a massive social media footprint across YouTube, TikTok, Giphy, and so on, expanding the Genius Brands kids’ audience demo into the lucrative teens and young adult marketplaces. The company has over 1 billion views per month on its Frederator YouTube Network, with over 2,500 advertiser supported channels, making it the number one talent driven animation YouTube Network.”

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Publishing partners with Cyber Groups Studios to launch standalone Gigantosaurus magazine

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Following the success of the two special issues of Adventures with Gigantosaurus earlier this year, Signature Publishing has partnered with Cyber Groups Studios to launch the new standalone Gigantosaurus magazine. Aimed at pre-schoolers, the title is based on the award-winning animated TV series and Jonny Duddle’s original book, published by Templar.

Gigantosaurus supports early-years learning through fun stories, puzzles, colouring and lots more interactive activities, while each issue comes with a Gigantosaurus toy.

Gigantosaurus follows the adventures of four dinosaur friends – Mazu, Tiny, Bill and Rocky – as they explore the prehistoric world, searching through jungles, rivers and more, hunting down the elusive Gigantosaurus and making new dinosaur friends along the way. The fun-filled adventure focuses on friendship and teamwork as each friend overcomes their individual fears. The hit TV series is available on Disney +, Netflix and Tiny Pop, and was rated Tiny Pop’s #1 show when the new series launched, reaching 1.95million viewers during the three-month period.

“With such a massive following and proven magazine sales we’re really excited to be working with Cyber Group Studios on a regular Gigantosaurus magazine,” says Editor Julie Patten. “Plus, it’s such a lovely timeless story, full of adventure, excitement, friendship and fun but, most important of all… the biggest, fiercest dinosaur of them all!”

Gigantosaurus magazine launches on 4 November, with the first issue priced at £4.99. It’s available nationwide at all good supermarkets and newsagents.

UNO teams up with Nike and Giannis for a Wild Product Collection

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Mattel is dropping the first-ever collaboration between UNO and Nike, featuring a product line developed in coordination with the 2019-20 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player and UNO fan, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“I want every product to be genuine and authentic, and playing UNO with my brothers is a big part of our lives,” says Antetokounmpo. “The Nike team has done a great job bringing my ideas to life, and I think they’ve created something for every Nike, UNO and basketball fan in this collection.”

“Working with Nike and Giannis to design and curate this collection was truly an honour, and this collaboration shows how UNO can bring people together, including the Antetokounmpo family,” said Ray Adler, Global Head of Games, Mattel. “Partnering with this iconic brand and world-renowned athlete is the perfect celebration of UNO’s 50th anniversary.”

The collaboration features details that celebrate Giannis and his family’s love of UNO, incorporating the game’s iconic colors, design elements and a special 3-4 card design into the products, a footwear line, apparel capsule and branded UNO deck.

The footwear line features Nike’s signature Zoom Freak 3, Air Force 1 and Offline with UNO colorways and Giannis’s design. There will also be a Zoom Freak 3 Member-only black colorway with an UNO 50th anniversary logo on the tongue and wild cards across the toe, plus fun primary color hits to complete the UNO look.

The special-edition Nike apparel capsule includes a classic cotton t-shirt and hat with Giannis’s number displayed. The footwear line and apparel capsule will be sold on Nike.com in the coming months.

A Giannis-branded UNO deck will also debut, featuring a new rule where players can “force a turnover” to steal an extra discard. The deck will be sold on Mattel Creations and NTWRK starting November 11.

As a part of the collaboration, the UNO! mobile app will integrate the Giannis-branded UNO deck to use on iOS and Android devices. With the cards, players can use the “force a turnover” rule and decorate their profiles with themed rewards. The cards and other rewards will be available during the UNO x Giannis in-app event from November 1 through November 30.

Fans can visit @UNO, Nike and @MattelCreations and for more information.

G FUEL launches Party Punch flavour to mark Sonic the Hedgehog’s 30th Anniversary

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Sega of America and G FUEL, The Official Energy Drink of Esports, has announced the latest flavour innovation in the G FUEL Sonic the Hedgehog collection: Party Punch.

Created in celebration of Sonic the Hedgehog’s 30th anniversary and inspired by the Sweet Mountain stage in Sonic Colors: Ultimate, G FUEL’s Party Punch tastes like fruity cereal, has only 15 calories and contains 140 mg of caffeine plus proprietary energy and focus-enhancing complexes for supersonic stamina.

The drink is now available for customers in the U.S. and select other countries to buy in powdered form in 40-serving tubs and limited-edition collector’s boxes, which include one 40-serving tub and one 16 oz shaker cup.

“What better way to celebrate 30 years of Sonic than with a party?” says Michael Cisneros, Manager of Licensing at Sega of America. “We’ve partnered with G FUEL to bring the celebration home with an all-new party punch flavour that will keep you moving. Toss some confetti, make some noise, and party like it’s 1991. We can’t wait for Sonic and G FUEL fans to give it a try.”

Party Punch is the third flavour that G FUEL and SEGA have co-developed and launched, with the first two flavours being Sonic’s Peach Rings and Sonic’s Chili Dogs.

G FUEL Party Punch is available now at gfuel.com.