Millimages taps The Point. 1888 for Molang licensing push across the UK’s Gen Z and pre-school audiences

The Paris-based production company, Millimages has tapped The Point. 1888 to represent Molang across the UK, as the animation studio looks to build on the character’s growing social audience of 4 million fans across the globe.

Launched initially as a pre-school IP supported by four animated TV series on Tiny Pop and Netflix in the UK, Molang has picked up a cult following of Gen Z and Millennial fans, an age group that embraces the character’s friendship themes, happiness and humour – evidenced by the 13 billion views of Molang on giphy.

Millimages has also witnessed strong adult sales of Molang accessories via the webshop – www.molang.com – that it launched last December.

The Point.1888’s brief will be to define and develop a new, retail-focused licensing strategy for Molang which primarily targets young UK adults (18 to 24 year olds), whilst also encompassing its secondary pre-school audience.

A phased category rollout, split by audience, will kick off with a range of adult gift and accessories (Abysse Corp), plush, apparel, publishing and then followed by fashion and jewellery collaborations.

Other softlines planned for 2022 onwards include homewares, health and beauty plus cosmetic collaborations. Hardline categories identified include gaming and FMCG.

Retail targets for these young adult ranges will encompass specialist outlets that appeal to lovers of Korean culture (Molang was originally created by a Korean artist) and fans of kawaii products, as well as more mainstream high street retailers.

For Molang’s pre-school audience, The Point.1888 will develop baby and toddler nightwear, fashion daywear and accessories, together with book and magazine publishing.

Mickael Zeggagh, commercial director licensing at Millimages said: “Our long-term vision is to build Molang into a global, 360 lifestyle brand for all ages. We’re certain The Point will become an invaluable strategic partner to help us realise this vision in the UK – a hugely important market.

“Together with Highlight PR, whose brief this year is to increase their creative influencer campaigns to continue driving brand awareness amongst Gen Zs and millennials, we are now in a strong position to ensure Molang takes off in the UK.”

Will Stewart, founder and managing director, The Point.1888, added: “We’re really thrilled to be working with Millimages studio and Molang. This is one of those brands that the entire team got excited about and the potential across retail and product is endless.

“As a retail-first agency we see what buyers want and ask for, and with Molang we can tick so many boxes. 2021 and beyond is going to be incredibly exciting for our team and all at Millimages, as we roll out our agreed strategy, work together on new creative and introduce this brand to a wider audience. As well as some exciting collaborations which we cannot wait to get started on.”

Story House Egmont acquires magazine and activity book rights to pre-school hit CoComelon

Story House Egmont – formerly Egmont Magazines – has acquired the magazine rights to the hit pre-school property CoComelon, spanning all territories in the group for magazines, as well as colouring and activity books across EEA regions.

The move follows what has been a highly successful run for CoComelon, which is not only the current number one children’s channel on YouTube, but was 2020#s most popular show on Netflix. On YouTube alone, the series garners 3.5 billion views per month, and is adding to its 107 million subscribers every day.

CoComelon is the latest addition to Story House Egmont’s pre-school portfolio, which currently includes Thomas & Friends, Milkshake!, Ryan’s World, PAW Patrol, and more. Story House Egmont has itself seen vast success in the pre-school sector, having seen a ten per cent growth in RSV year on year.

The deal was signed by Story House Egmont Publishing Director, Laura Adnitt and includes all territories in the group for magazines, as well as Colouring & Activity book formats for EEA territories.

Adnitt said: “As a parent, I know first-hand the great appeal and value of CoComelon. As a publisher, I see the huge potential to share this blissful brand in a printed format with thousands of young families across our publishing network. CoComelon, with its mind-blowing reach and ‘of the moment’ relevance, is a wonderful addition to our publishing portfolio, where we aspire to offer something for every child. We are incredibly excited by this acquisition and can’t wait to get started on our product development with Moonbug.”

Katie Wilkinson, publishing manager at The Point.1888, said: “When Story House Egmont takes on a new brand, it fully commits to the partnership and to building the brand. The scale of CoComelon is like nothing we have seen in preschool and we cannot wait to see what this new partnership will deliver to its fans.”

Sacrée Bluey! BBC Studios appoints France TV Distribution as French licensing agency for Bluey

BBC Studios has appointed France TV Distribution as its French licensing agent for the multi-award winning children’s series, Bluey across the region. It arrives as France Televisions also secured the title for France 5.

Bluey is the latest to join the family of must-have properties within the France TV Distribution line-up that already includes the BBC Studios hit He, Oua-Oua (Hey Duggee).

From Saturday April 10th, Bluey will be broadcast on France 5 on weekends at 8:45am and from Monday to Friday at 8:20am, the episodes will also be available on catch up on France Televisions’ kids platform OKOO. Previously Bluey has been available to French children’s audiences via Disney Junior since December 2019, where in February 21, it was the number one program for four to ten year olds on the channel.

 Bluey is a multi-award-winning Australian children’s series that follows Bluey, a six year old Australian blue heeler Dog with an endless imagination. Her favorite hobby is to transform everyday moments into extraordinary adventures. She often involves Bingo, her four year old sister in her games, but also her friends, her parents and even the neighbours who appreciate her « joie de vivre ».

 BBC Studios’ partnership with global master toy provider Moose Toys for Bluey includes France and preparations to launch in the territory in 2022 are underway. Moose Toys already markets a wide range of toys in Australia and the United States, as well as the UK from this Autumn.

In the U.S, Bluey is the number one new license in the super plush category and was the number two top new growth property in 2020 for the total toy industry. In Australia, Bluey recently won ‘Pre-School License of the Year’ for the second year in a row at the Australian Toy Association (ATA) Awards. 

 Global master publishing partner Penguin Random House will launch books in France next year following the successful launches in both US and Australia and UK this Autumn.

For other product categories, France TV Distribution is in the process of setting up an ambitious licensing program with the upcoming recruitment of partners for textiles and accessories, bedding, outdoor games, party and home.

 Julie Kekwick, senior licensing manager, BBC Studios, said: “Building on the success of Bluey in Australia, New Zealand, the US and of course the widely anticipated launch in the UK, I am delighted that we have expanded our pre-school portfolio with France TV Distribution, as our licensing agent for Bluey alongside Hey Duggee and in turn strengthening our partnership with them.”

 Aude de la Villarmois, Director of the Licensing Department of France TV Distribution, said: “We are very happy to become the agent of the Bluey brand and thus strengthen our collaboration with the BBC (after the recent acquisition of Hé Oua-Oua).

“France TV Distribution demonstrates once again its ambition to accompany the most powerful preschool brands. Bluey joins the large family of Okoo’s must-have brands and France tv distribution’s license line-up (Peppa Pig, Pyjamasques, Masha and Michka and T’Choupi). Our strong expertise in the preschool field makes France TV Distribution a solid partner.”

 Vincent Brun, commercial and marketing director, Moose France, said: “Moose Toys looks forward to working with France TV distribution to build on the outstanding break-out success of Bluey in both the US and Australia and to roll out Bluey toys across France in 2022.”

Dress-up specialist Rubies Masquerade UK picks up popular pre-school series Oddbods

The popular animated pre-school series Oddbods is getting into the dress up game thanks to a new partnership the leading dress-up manufacturer, Rubies Masquerade UK.

Under the deal with the award-winning content creation and licensing studio, One Animation, Rubies has secured the dress-up rights for the Oddbods characters across the UK, EMEA, and South East Asia.

The range is set to launch in AW21 and will feature a line of children’s costumes aligned with the latest Oddbods content, bringing key elements of the show, including a Fuse and Pogo costume to retailers and pre-school audiences.

Rob Spindley, SVP commercial development USA and EMEA at One Animation, said: “Rubies is internationally renowned for its high-quality costumes and we know their talented team can capture the quirks and individuality of the Oddbods’ characters, and bring them to life through a colourful dress-up collection.

“Whether dressing up to play with friends, for a fun occasion or simply to watch their favourite episodes at home, we look forward to giving fans a chance to become one of the Oddbods gang.”

Tracey Devine-Tyley, head of licensing and portfolio at Rubies, added: “We are excited to be bringing these fun and quirky characters to life.”

Oddbods is a three-time Emmy Award-nominated, non-dialogue comedy featuring seven unique pals. Together, despite their differences, they survive the perils of everyday life, unintentionally turning ordinary situations into unexpected, extraordinary and always humorous events.

Boat Rocker Studios taps Haven for Dino Ranch licensing programme in Australia and New Zealand

Boat Rocker Studios is strengthening the licensing presence for its popular animated pre-school series, Dino Ranch across Australia and New Zealand, with the appointment of the leading Australian agency, Haven.

The award-winning licensing agency will be actively seeking partners across a wide range of categories for the new series, drawing on its more than 25 years’ experience of delivering brand extension programmes for high profile properties.

Haven’s appointment has been made to coincide with the launch of the 3D animated Dino Ranch series on Disney+ in Australia this month, following its successful premiere on Disney Junior and DisneyNOW in the US in January. The show currently ranks as the number one US cable series among children aged two to five, while the official Dino Ranch YouTube channel has reached 5.14 million views and 2.8 million unique viewers within just nine weeks of launch.

Tom Punch, founder and managing director, Haven said: “We’re delighted to be working with Boat Rocker on this dynamic new series. It’s so fresh, diverse and relatable – there’s nothing else quite like it and we know that audiences across Australia and New Zealand are going to be as excited as we are with Dino Ranch.”

Dino Ranch, created by Matt Fernandes of Industrial Brothers and produced by Industrial Brothers and Boat Rocker Studios, is full of dino-driven fun and allows young viewers at home to discover the thrill of ranch life while navigating the great outdoors. It also introduces preschoolers to problem solving, the foundations of forging life-long friendships, strengthening family and community bonds.

Kate Schlomann, EVP brand management and content marketing, Boat Rocker Media, said: “We’re very pleased to announce that Haven are saddling up for Dino Ranch licensing in Australia and New Zealand. Their vast knowledge and experience of these key territories, coupled with the immense appeal of our unique and thrilling new show, should soon round up a whole herd of great new licensees across multiple categories.”

CoComelon to air on the UK’s Cartoonito in ‘milestone’ partnership for Moonbug Entertainment

Moonbug Entertainment has secured a ‘milestone’ partnership with the UK’s popular pre-school network, Cartoonito thaat will see its hit series CoComelon air on the channel each weekday at 5pm.

From April 5, all available episodes of Moonbug’s flagship pre-school series will be accessible, delivering ‘hours of engaging entertainment’ to pre-school kids in the UK.

“This partnership is a true milestone for Moonbug. Cartoonito as a premium children-dedicated linear channel is the first in the UK to pick up the digitally-originated CoComelon,” said Nicolas Eglau, managing director EMEA and APAC, Moonbug.

“This cooperation not only widens the reach of Moonbug programming, but is also a further vote of confidence in digital content, underscoring the trust that Moonbug has built with its globally loved IPs.”

Featuring 3D animation and catchy tunes, CoComelon follows JJ and his siblings as they go on fun, relatable adventures, playing, exploring and learning along the way. CoComelon models positivity and good behavior and supports preschoolers’ learning through music, providing parents an opportunity to teach and play with their children as they watch together.

Moonbug Entertainment is an award-winning global entertainment company with a portfolio of kids’ programming that includes not only CoComelon, but Blippi, Little Baby Bum, and My Magic Pet Morphle, with content available in 27 languages.

Most recently, Moonbug tapped the UK’s Character Options as master toy partner for Morphle, bolstering a slate of recent licensing advances for the pre-school studio.

In just two years, Moonbug has become a kids’ programming powerhouse with a library of more than 550 hours of content, which is distributed on more than 100 platforms globally, including YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Joyn, Sky and Roku.

Merchantwise Licensing named Australian and New Zealand licensing agent for Kiri and Lou

Merchantwise Licensing has been named the Australian and New Zealand licensing agent for the pre-school brand, Kiri and Lou, having already secured the support of Scholastic Australia with a series of Kiri and Lou titles scheduled for release later this year.

Meanwhile, already in active development are product categories including toys and apparel.

“We are thrilled to embark on this next stage of the Kiri and Lou journey, and to work with Merchantwise Licensing to meet the needs of fans,” said Kiri and Lou producer, Fiona Copland. “It’s exciting to see it growing in a way that brings joy, which is what Kiri and Lou is all about.”

Kerryn McCormack, Merchantwide Licensing’s general manager, added: “We are absolutely delighted to be representing Kiri and Lou across Australia and New Zealand. With an acclaimed creative team, truly creatively unique, Kiri and Lou has already seen great brand success internationally and we are certain it will perform equally as well in its hometown of New Zealand and across the Tasman in Australia.

“We can’t wait to roll-out publishing titles with Scholastic Australia and know both apparel and toy ranges will be popular with preschoolers.”

Produced in New Zealand, the award-winning pre-school series Kiri and Lou has been making waves around the world. With 52 five-minute episodes already released and a further 26 slated to air throughout this year, in Australia Kiri and Lou is on-air on ABC KIDS and in New Zealand on TVNZ.

Kiri and Lou centres on the friendship between Kiri, a feisty little dinosaur, and Lou, a gentle and thoughtful creature, as they explore the world of feelings through laughter, song and outdoor adventure.

Original and imaginative, Kiri and Lou invites children to learn about empathy and how to get along, through warm-hearted and gently humorous storylines which are resonating with audiences of all ages.

The show is hand-crafted in paper and clay and created using traditional stop-motion animation from Antony El-worthy (Coraline, Corpse Bride, Isle of Dogs).  The series is voiced by Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords, Moana, Rio) and Olivia Tennet (Lord of the Rings) and is written and directed by feature film director Harry Sinclair.

It is produced by Fiona Copland for Stretchy and Heather Walker of Yowza Animation.

Acamar Films celebrates continuing momentum and growth of Bing across Benelux

Acamar Films’ hit pre-school series, Bing, is continuing to gather momentum in the Benelux region, having seen significant success across its master toy range from Spectron and totaling 18 active licensees now on board for the territory.

Bing is fast being established as a top pre-school property across the region, with new products and continued expansion in the digital space.

The Dutch cosmetics company, Caresse BV is the latest partner to join Bing’s best-in-class licensees for the region, set to produce a range of health and beauty products. The new deal follows recent renewals with Vadobag (bags, cases and umbrellas), Aymax (bedding) and Veldkamp (meet & greet).

TM Essentials has also widened its Bing portfolio to offer bath accessories and kids room furniture. Meanwhile, master toy partner Spectron is expanding its range and is launching hero lines Bing’s Squeaking Talkie Taxi, Bedtime Bing with Owly and Train & Mini House Playsets for spring/summer 2021. Spectron has seen booming sales to date, with Bing stocked in all major toy retailers in the Netherlands and Belgium.  

Bing is broadcast in the Netherlands on NPO Zappelin where it is a top show among its age group. In Belgium, Ketnet launched the new series dubbed in Flemish in January this year, attracting a flood of Bingsters, with Bing achieving a majority audience share in its timeslot.

Laura Clarke, head of EMEA licensing and merchandising, Acamar Films, said: “We are delighted that Bing moves and delights an ever-growing number of fans in the Benelux region. Bing has been warmly embraced by audiences and retailers alike and we are working hard to continue its growth, especially looking forward to the brand new Bing live show coming this Autumn. We also have more very exciting news in the months ahead – watch this space.”

Popular pre-school series Bluey to land on CBeebies next month with UK toy ranges to follow

The Australian smash hit kids’ series, Bluey is landing on CBeebies next month. The channel will be the first free-to-air platform in the UK to broadcast the series which is backed by BBC Studios.

Under the new deal, series one of the hit animated series will air on the channel every day.

Bluey has won multiple awards since its launch on the international market, including an International Emmy Award in the Preschool category in March last year.

Sarah Muller, head of commissioning and acquisitions for BBC Children’s, said: “Bluey is such a warm show, with a charming and recognisable family at its core, that we know our audience will take to their hearts. Kids love how Bluey is all about play, but it’s also genuinely funny so the whole family can watch it together.

“The animation from Ludo Studio is world-class, so we’re completely delighted to be the UK’s free-to-air home for Bluey.”

Henrietta Hurford-Jones, executive producer for Bluey and director of children’s content partnerships at BBC Studios, added: “Developed with heart, humour, and an honest take on modern family life, it is so wonderful to see Bluey fast becoming a favourite show of children and parents globally.

“I’m delighted that we’re now able to reach a new audience here in the UK by bringing the show to CBeebies.”

BBC Studios exclusively distributes the show worldwide where it is attracting high ratings in several markets and on various platforms. In Australia, Bluey was the number one children’s programme on metro broadcast television in 2020 and is the number one series ever on ABC iview with over 480 million views across series one and two.

In the US, Bluey hit 16 million total views on Disney Channel and Disney Junior in Q4 2019. In Q1 of last year, the series was a top six Disney Junior series with children and girls aged two to five, and a top five series with boys aged two to five.

Bluey is also available in the UK on the streaming platform Disney+ and its YouTube channel has over 7.5 million hours of watch time and over 232 million views.

A global licensing programme for the series is already in place, with best-in-class partners lined up for the UK market with products set to hit retail in months following the show’s launch on CBeebies.

Global master toy partner Moose Toys and puzzles licensee Ravensburger will debut their respective Bluey lines in Autumn 2021.

Additionally, Blues / Dennicci recently joined the brand’s growing softlines portfolio as daywear partner, alongside Aykroyds, TDP, William Lamb, Dreamtex, and Roy Lowe. Immediate Media has worldwide rights for Bluey magazines, its first UK issue will hit newsstands in summer 2021.

Global master publishing partner (excluding China) Penguin Random House will launch books in the UK later this year.

In its home market Australia, Bluey recently won three gongs at the Australian Toy Association (ATA) Awards, including ‘Pre-School License of the Year’ for the second year in a row, Bluey: Big Backyard was the highest selling book of 2020 and Bluey magazine was the number one children’s magazine.

In the US, Bluey is the number one new license in the super plush category and was the number two top new growth property in 202o.

Character Options named master toy partner for Moonbug Entertainment’s Morphle

Character Options has been named the EMEA and Australian master toy partner for the popular children’s series Morphle in the latest advance for Moonbug Entertainment’s growing licensing plans.

The deal was brokered by The Point. 1888 and will see Character Options produce a range of Morphle branded play-sets, plush, vehicles, figures, bath toys, as well as dough.

This comes just a few months after The Point.1888 announcing multiple major licensee partnerships for two of Moonbug Entertainment Ltd.’s other world-famous brands, Cocomelon and Blippi.

With over 300 episodes created and broadcast via YouTube and Netflix globally, as well as other platforms, Morphle has amassed a following of over 18 million subscribers. It follows the adventures of an energetic little red creature who can morph into anything that Mila’s playful mind can imagine.

Mila’s dad runs the only magic pet store in the city – a fantastical place where you can find all sorts of cute and quirky pets who each have their own unique magic powers, and he has gifted Mila the most magic pet of all, Morphle. She shows him everything she knows about the world, and in particular how to have fun. With Morphle’s morphing powers and Mila’s boundless imagination every day is the most exciting playdate.

Jon Diver, Joint MD of The Character Group plc, said: “As the nature of the lead character, Morphle, is to morph into many different things, it gave us so much scope for toy development. As a result, we’re investing heavily in the brand and the range and are thoroughly enjoying working with Moonbug and The Point.1888.”

Bethan Garton, commercial director at The Point.1888, said: “When Character Options takes on a new brand, it fully commits to the partnership and on building the brand. We haven’t had the good fortune to work with the company before but it’s been a life-long dream of mine, having seen how they launched, developed and managed a number of successful preschool master toy programs.”

The Point.1888 was appointed last summer as Master Licensing Agency across EMEA for Moonbug Entertainment’s entire portfolio. Since coming on board, the brand extension specialist has sought to capitalise on the shows’ popularity with young children as well as the need to keep them entertained and engaged by signing licensees across a broad range of categories.

Character Options join Aykroyds TDP (Nightwear, Underwear & Swim), Poetic (Daywear), Zak (Lunchware), Character World (Bedding).

Product development and marketing plans are underway and The Point.1888 is currently in talks with retailers and distributors.  The range will launch in Q4 2021 with a full EMEA roll out in 2022.