Tag Archives: Peaky Blinders

Peaky Blinders and Doctor Who game developer Maze Theory expands into US with new leadership team

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The London-based digital entertainment studio, Maze Theory, has expanded its leadership team as it breaks into the US and continues to grow operations on a global scale. The firm, the name behind the development of the Peaky Blinders and Doctor Who VR titles, has grown by 30 per cent since March this year.

The digital entertainment industry veteran Phil Greenspan will lead the studio’s US venture, while in the UK, the outfit has welcomed Mark Ripley and Steven Huckle to leadership roles, as well as made an additional 11 new hires across the global business.

New hires come from a range of disciplines and backgrounds with a combined experience across the worlds of gaming, TV and film, further strengthening the company’s commitment ‘to deliver innovative, immersive and exciting storytelling across multiple platforms and devices.’

Greenspan has been named Maze Theory’s executive producer and will be based in Los Angeles, where he will use his expertise in VR and game development to oversee the development of Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom, Engram, and Maze Theory’s new multi-tech Doctor Who titles.

HE will work to grow the presence of Maze Theory within the US, developing new strategic alliances and representing Maze Theory’s growing portfolio.

Greenspan has produced AAA and indie video games for more than a decade. Beginning at Activision on the Guitar Hero franchise, he assisted CEO Bobby Kotick through the Activision Blizzard merger. After a stint making indie games, he founded the Oculus Kickstarter and joined the company to develop and manage the Oculus Store. Following this, Greenspan set up to support developers directly and subsequently met Maze Theory.

Meanwhile, Mark Ripley has been appointed as technical director having been at the forefront of game development for 40 years. A veteran gaming consultant, he has developed or produced more than 150 games; including brands such as Harry Potter, The Sims, Pirates of the Caribbean, Final Fantasy and Crash Bandicoot, for clients including BMW, Sony, EA, Disney, BBC, Channel 4, Samsung and Vodafone, as well as many original and self-published games.

Dr Steven Huckle has been appointed as art director. He is an award winning expert and Creative England Top 10 Future Leader. After making games in the late ’80s, Huckle began his career working on the cult classic TV show Knightmare before joining companies such as Sensible Software, Core Design and Jagex on numerous titles including Sensible Soccer, Tomb Raider, FIFA, Need for Speed, BAFTA nominated The Sims and the Transformers franchise.

They join Maze Theory’s Russ Harding, who has recently been promoted to Studio Director and Joey To as Design Director.

Ian Hambleton, Maze Theory CEO said: “At Maze Theory, our ambition is to create a hybrid of creativity that goes way beyond traditional gaming.

“We are committed to pushing the boundaries of storytelling to create groundbreaking and compelling experiences for fans, gamers and entertainment lovers. All of these hires, with their diversity of backgrounds, experience, talent and outlook will help us do just that.”

Studio director, Russ Harding, added: “Our new leadership team possess a pedigree in gaming which speaks for itself. Our wider team hires bring a range of talent and expertise to provoke fresh thinking, new ideas and help us redefine the future of entertainment across multiple windows and devices.”

Banijay puts Peaky Blinders fans’ knowledge to the test with the Peaky Blinders Quiz Book

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Banijay and the Peaky Blinders brand owner, Caryn Mandabach Productions is putting fans’ knowledge to the test with the launch of the first Official Peaky Blinders Quiz Book.

Inside the Official Peaky Blinders Quiz Book fans of the show will find over 1,000 questions from across the five series, varying in difficulty level from the criminally easy to the murderously hard. The quiz book is suitable for all ages, and aims to provide hours of fun for the family.

The book arrives on the heels of the success of the first official Peaky Blinders book, By Order of the Peaky Blinders: The Official Companion to the Hit TV Series, which launched last year.

Published by Michael O’Mara Books, the book is an ultimate call-out to fans; exploring the key themes, characters and plotlines. 

Jane Smith, group director, brand licensing of Banijay Brands, said: “The new Official Peaky Blinders Quiz Book is incredibly exciting, and demonstrates yet another way of how Banijay Brands are able to work with licensees to come up with innovative ways to extend the brand into multiple product lines that consumers will love.

“At a time when quizzing has never been so popular, we really hope fans of the show enjoy delving deep, and testing their knowledge, as they will no doubt find out interesting facts they never knew.” 

Susan Waddell, commercial director, Caryn Mandabach Productions, added: “We have had so much fun working with Matt Whyman and the  talented team at Hodder on the creation of the first official Peaky Blinders Quiz Book. It’s a brilliant way to relive the Show and we are sure our fans will love the chance to put their Peaky knowledge to the test.”

Peaky Blinders boasts a successful licensing programme that now spans over 40 licensees across multiple territories. This includes product ranges across apparel, gifting, stationary, men’s grooming, games and puzzles, video games and experiential. The brand continues to appeal to the TV series’ dedicated fan base in a growing number of international markets.

Created and written by Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things, Eastern Promises and Locke), the multi-award-winning BBC One series is produced by Peaky Blinders owner, independent production company Caryn Mandabach Productions and by Banijay’s Tiger Aspect Productions. 

Banijay represent a range of global ancillary rights for Peaky Blinders which is distributed by Banijay Rights across more than 183 countries and airs widely on Netflix internationally including the USA.

Endemol Shine taps Sagoo for Simon’s Cat. MasterChef, and Peaky Blinders in France

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The independent licensing agency, Sagoo has struck up a partnership with Endemol Shine Group to represent the popular Simon’s Cat, MasterChef, and Peaky Blinders brands across select categories in France.

The brands join Sagoo’s impressive portfolio, which includes Rilakkuma, Care Bears, Miffy, Emily the Strange and a number of music brands, including The Beatles, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, The Police, Led Zeppelin and more.

The popular animation, Simon’s Cat, made its debut ten years ago in viral video Cat Man Do, by illustrator and animator, Simon Tofield. The charming yet mischievous cat now stars in 100 short black and white shorts, which are watched worldwide in over 100 countries, with 7 million fans on Facebook, 2 million followers on Instagram, and more than 1 billion views on YouTube.

MasterChef, meanwhile, aired for five successful series on TF1 in France and the show has been produced in 63 countries worldwide, broadcasting in more than 200 territories. MasterChef has become a number one rated show from the UK to Australia, Italy to Israel, U to Brazil and beyond. Created by Franc Roddam, the culinary talent show is watched globally by over 250 million viewers, transforming over 100 amateur chefs into professionals. 

Peaky Blinders is an award-winning series for BBC One and Netflix produced by official brand owner Caryn Mandabach Productions and by Endemol Shine Group’s Tiger Aspect Productions. Distributed by Endemol Shine International, five series have aired on the BBC and Netflix with a stellar cast of actors including Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory and Paul Anderson.

Endemol Shine Group represent a range of global ancillary rights for Peaky Blinders and already has an emerging licensing programme in France, attracting a loyal fan base on Arte where it airs alongside Netflix. Endemol Shine already partner with Larousse in France with retail book and gifting ranges. 

Sagoo will now be working across select categories for the three brands and the team will first focus on apparel, accessories, homewares, gifting, promotions and publishing.

Veronique Pichon, president of Sagoo, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Endemol Shine Group on such prestigious brands across a wide audience and we’re looking forward to presenting them to potential licensees to get the consumer products programme up and running in France.”

Jane Smith, director, brand licensing and strategy at Endemol Shine Group, added: “Sagoo has a fantastic reputation of extending brands with consumer products in France and we are thrilled they will represent the three premium titles of Peaky Blinders, MasterChef and Simon’s Cat. France is a key market to strengthen the growth of our brand licensing business and this partnership proves our ambitions for the territory.”

In July 2020, Endemol Shine Group was acquired by Banijay, creating the world’s largest international content producer and distributor spanning 22 territories with over 120 production companies and a multi-genre catalogue boasting over 88,000 hours of original programming.

Banijay appoints new chief commercial officer to oversee its major licensing push

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Banijay has appointed a new chief commercial officer in the form of Owain Walbyoff to be based in the firm’s London unit in a newly devised role that will span licensing, merchandising, gaming, gambling, and music. Walbyoff will take up the position as of September 1st this year.

Walbyoff has spent almost 20 years working across sales and management in the licensing, media and technology space. In his most recent role in the technology industry, he oversaw licensing, R&D partnerships, and marketing activity, working with brands like LVMH, and Formula 1. 

In 2018, Walbyoff provided consultancy to ITV, helping with strategy and business development across its gaming, gambling, and app portfolio. He also worked with the licensing team on its vast IP offering. Prior to this, he was managing director for Endemol Shine Group’s global licensing business. There he took care of sales and operations for gaming, gambling, licensing and merchandising across its 20-country-strong footprint. 

Reporting to Banijay’s COO, Peter Langenberg, Walbyoff will now devise and execute the group’s overarching licensing strategy and will manage all teams across merchandising, brand licensing, gaming and gambling, and music.

Peter Langenberg said: “Owain has an incredibly strong track-record in the commercial space. With a CV spanning multiple genres and industries, he brings a wealth of knowledge across all disciplines and, having inked a number of stand-out deals in his career, we have no doubt he will be invaluable in strengthening our IP monetisation efforts moving forwards.

“As we build one of the world’s largest content catalogues, we were after a strong entrepreneurial and commercial mind to lead in this area and in him, we have found just that.”

Walbyoff added: “In some ways, it feels like a return and in others, a new, exciting adventure. With an abundance of world-renowned, commercially viable assets, a healthy pipeline of new IP and the most talented combined team, I feel privileged to be leading this department through its next phase.

“Historically, this portfolio has already performed incredibly, so let’s see where we can take it to next.”

The Banijay portfolio which Walbyoff will now represent comprises Masterchef, Deal or No Deal, Peaky Blinders, Temptation Island, Survivor, Tipping Point, Big Brother, Operation Triunfo, Simon’s Cat, Mr Bean, The Biggest Loser, Ready Steady Cook, Black Mirror, Miss France, Eat Well for Less and Crystal Maze.

Six new licensing deals takes Peaky Blinders into new categories for Q4 ‘retail boost’

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Endemol Shine Group, alongside the brand owner and production company Caryn Mandabach Productions, has detailed a suite of six new licensees – spanning a new and varied product range –  inspired by the multi-award-winning hit series Peaky Blinders.

It’s believed by the licensing unit that the new products across multiple consumer categories will provide a ‘much-needed boost to the retail industry for Q4’ and have been billed as perfect additions to any Peaky Blinders fan’s Christmas lists.

Already an existing licensee, Half Moon Bay, who have a successful range of glassware, will be launching a premium range of mugs, shot glasses, whiskey stones and hip flasks inspired by the property.

Meanwhile, Kimm and Miller is launching a range of crafted, bespoke gift sets which will include tea and ceramic mug gift set and a whiskey fudge tin gift set. Both ranges will be available in major retailers in AW20.

The boutique bedding specialist Dreamtex Ltd will be launching bedlinen, flannel blankets and a towel, all featuring the Shelby Company branding in a simple black and white design. Reversible bedding sets will be available in single, double and king sizes to cater for all ages.

In the entertainment space, Steamforged Games is bringing Peaky Blinders to table tops with an official card game, Peaky BlindersTM: The Card Game featuring the iconic characters that fans know and love. In the true spirit of the award winning TV drama, the game centres on bluffing and tricking your opponents and will be suitable for three to six players.

Following on from the success of the board game which sold out across multiple retailers, Just Media has developed a Peaky Blinders travel game which will incorporate elements of the current strategic board game, slated for release next year.

Fans will be finally able to host the ultimate Peaky Blinders themed party thanks to a range of party accessories that Smiffy’s will launch in time for Halloween, together with fancy dress outfits inspired by the main characters.

Funiglobal has also come on board as the international e-commerce destination for the Peaky Blinders fancy dress costumes for both Men and Ladies, available for our fans to buy in time for Halloween.

Other forthcoming products include the first licensed videogame, Peaky Blinders: Mastermind from Curve Digital which will launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC later this summer.

Jane Smith, group director, brand licensing and gaming, Endemol Shine Group said: “Landing deals with six new licensees demonstrates the strength of Peaky Blinders and its place in the market, and I am thrilled this popular brand shows no signs of slowing down. These latest products are for very different retail areas and without a doubt will bring something for every fan out there.”

Susan Waddell, commercial director, Caryn Mandabach Productions, added: “We are delighted that the fans of the show will now have an even broader range of officially licensed Peaky Blinders inspired products.”

Created and written by Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things, Eastern Promises and Locke), the multi-award-winning BBC One series is produced by Peaky Blinders official brand owner Caryn Mandabach Productions and Endemol Shine Group’s Tiger Aspect Productions.

Endemol Shine Group represent a range of global ancillary rights for Peaky Blinders which is distributed by Endemol Shine International across more than 183 countries and airs widely on Netflix internationally including the USA.

In July 2020 Endemol Shine Group was acquired by Banijay, creating the world’s largest international content producer and distributor spanning 22 territories with over 120 production companies and a multi-genre catalogue boasting over 88,000 hours of original standout programming.

Peaky Blinders lands its first official beer with Thornbridge Brewery

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Endemol Shine Group has turned to Thornbridge Brewery to develop the first official beer brand for its hit TV series, Peaky Blinders.

Inspired by the hit series, and developed in partnership with the show’s creator, producer, and official brand owner Caryn Mandabach Productions, Thornbridge Brewery kicks off with the launch of the Shelby, A 5% India Pale Ale.

Thornbridge took its inspiration from the kind of beer styles that would have been around in 1919, at the time of the Peaky Blinders, and has created something it feels The Garrison would be proud to serve.

The official launch of Shelby will be at the new Thornbridge and Co. Pub – The Colmore, in the heart of Birmingham on February 20th. Thornbridge will also be bottling Shelby which will be available next month.

Steve Knight, creator and writer of Peaky Blinders commented: “Shelby beer is the first and only legitimate Peaky endorsed beer. It has been crafted to be the same brew the Peaky boys would have drunk in the pubs of Small Heath. It really is the authentic taste of the Peaky Blinders world. Cheers.”

Jane Smith, group director, brand licensing and gaming, Endemol Shine Group, added: “We have always wanted to find the right partner for a legitimate beer inspired by the Peaky Blinders series.

“Thornbridge is that partner as it is truly passionate about the product it is creating which is an authentic beer capturing the essence of the world of Peaky Blinders. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”

Simon Webster, CEO of Thornbridge added: “We’re incredibly proud to be working alongside the creators ofPeaky Blinders, it’s an honour to have been asked to collaborate with such a legendary show.

“We wanted to ensure we created something that thePeaky Blinders would have found on the bar at The Garrison and we think we’ve done just that. We hope Shelby will bring pleasure to many.”

India Pale Ale was developed in England in the late 19th Century and became popular among the East India Trading Co. It was soon discovered that the sulphate rich water in Burton upon Trent created a cleaner, crisp and bitter beer which continued to grow in popularity in the local area.

Thornbridge has worked to create a version of the original India Pale Ale style that the Peaky Blinders would have indulged in. Shelby, named after the infamous brothers, is brewed with Fuggles and Bramling Cross hops. It pours golden amber in colour with a nose of stone fruit and red berries, a gentle maltiness on the palate and a wonderful citrus, lemon-pith bitterness.

The award-winning BBC One and Netflix series Peaky Blinders is produced by official brand owner Caryn Mandabach Productions and by Endemol Shine Group’s Tiger Aspect Productions.

Endemol Shine Group represent a range of global ancillary rights for Peaky Blinders which is distributed by Endemol Shine International across more than 180 countries.

Thornbridge’s beer is the latest in an extensive licensing programme developed by Endemol Shine Group for the BAFTA winning series over the last year, joining recent successes such as the inaugural Legitimate Peaky Blinders Festival; the sell-out officialPeaky Blinders book from publisher Michael O’Mara; and the A/W’19 tailored menswear capsule collection from David Beckham’s menswear label Kent & Curwen.

Five series have aired on BBC and the latest series launched in October on Netflix in the US and in international markets where Netflix hold premier rights.