Tag Archives: spin master

Silvergate Media lines up partners in Spin Master, Hot Topic and Forbidden Planet as Hilda returns to Netflix

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Silvergate Media has detailed a tranche of new partners for its popular animated series, Hilda, that includes not only a direct to retail partnership with the pop culture specialist, Forbidden Planet, but the series’ first board game courtesy of Spin Master and an extension of its successful plush line with GUND.

Details of an extending licensing slate for the Scandinavian-inspired animated series have been releases in anticipation of the launch of Hilda’s second season on Netflix this December 14th. Silvergate has secured exclusive retail partnerships with Hot Topic and Forbidden Planet, as well as a slate of new toys.

Co-produced by Silvergate Media and Mercury Films, the 13 x 22-minute episodes in season two of Hilda bring fresh adventures for the blue-haired heroine as she delves deeper into the vast wilderness of Trolberg. The animated series is based on Luke Pearson’s acclaimed graphic novels.

The upcoming second season follows on the success of the multi award-winning first season, which debuted on Netflix in September 2018 and went on to scoop multiple awards including a BAFTA, Kidscreen, International Emmy award and three Annie awards. Silvergate’s licensing programme has been developed to tap into the series’ growing international fanbase.

“The first season of Hilda set the bar high in terms of what a children’s animated series could achieve and it was so rewarding for our creative team that it received the widespread recognition that it did,” said Waheed Alli, CEO at Silvergate Media.

“It’s now a genuine pleasure to bring audiences new adventures in season two that will expand the universe of Trolberg in unexpected ways.”

The US-based pop culture retailer, Hot Topic, is launching an exclusive line of Hilda inspired t-shirts for the North American market. While here in the UK, science fiction and fantasy retail specialist, Forbidden Planet, has an exclusive direct to retail agreement with Silvergate that will see the retailer launch its own line of apparel in 2020 before expanding into homewares and gifting from 2021.

“We’re really excited to be developing our own range of Hilda merchandise,” said Anthony Garnon at Forbidden Planet. “The show’s fantastical storylines and imaginative visuals speak directly to our consumer base and give us plenty of inspiration for products that will stand out on shelf and become must-have items for Hilda fans.”

The growth of the apparel category will be boosted by additional product lines launching to coincide with season two. This includes global toy partner, GUND, which is adding further plush accessory lines targeting girls and teen fans to the main lines which launched earlier this year, and lead publisher Flying Eye Books, who has released three new novelisations tying in with season two.

Additionally, Spin Master is readying the first-ever Hilda board game, scheduled to hit retail from next summer.

Spin Master magics up new Wizarding World partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products

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Spin Master has entered into a global licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to become its new toy licensee for the Wizarding World franchise. Under the partnership, the Toronto-based toy maker will develop Wizarding World products based on the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises.

The range will span dolls, figurines and accessories, play-sets, select vehicles, games, feature plush and role play and dress up categories. The first products are expected to launch next autumn.

“Spin Master is all about creating magical experiences for kids through innovative toys, entertainment and digital platforms,” said John Blaney, Spin Master’s senior vice president, licensing.

“We are thrilled to expand on our existing relationship with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and can’t wait to unveil our innovative toys, inspired by the stories and characters from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies, for kids and fans of all ages around the world.”

Robert Oberschelp, SVP, global brand product, WBCP, added: “The Wizarding World is a fan favorite and we are excited to be growing our relationship with Spin Master who will bring innovation to the merchandise within the franchise for the constantly growing, worldwide fan community.”

Spin Master continues to build a strong and diversified portfolio of evergreen licensee brands, receiving recognition for its leadership by Kidscreen, who named Spin Master number one in licensing on the 2019 Hot 50 Companies ranking, repeating the company’s first place finish for licensing in 2018. Spin Master is also nominated in the same category for 2020.

Nickelodeon and Spin Master team with ParkAcre for PAW Patrol and SpongeBob kids’ vitamins

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The UK nutraceutical manufacturer, ParkAcre has launched its new PAW Patrol and SpongeBob SquarePants vitamin ranges for kids across the country, made available exclusively at Holland & Barrett. The new range encompasses Multivitamin Fizzy Drinks and vitamin Chewables, developed to support the all-round health of young children.

Designed for pre-school kids, the PAW Patrol range features the rescue pups from the hit series produced by Spin Master Entertainment and broadcast on Nickelodeon. Meanwhile, for slightly older children, the SpongeBob SquarePants range has been inspired by SpongeBob’s nautical adventures under the sea in Nickeldeon’s hit animated television series.

 The launch marks the start of ParkAcre’s partnership with ViacomCBS to bring its beloved characters out of Adventure Bay and Bikini Bottom and into the homes of kids everywhere. As the UK’s leading health and wellbeing store Holland & Barrett will be stocking the range in-store and online, with full exclusivity until the end of 2020.

 “We are so excited to be launching both these ranges today with ViacomCBS,” said James Caseley, commercial director at ParkAcre.

“At ParkAcre we strive to create the highest quality vitamins, minerals and supplements, and we believe that PAW Patrol and SpongeBob SquarePants are the perfect brands to bring these products to life. During these uncertain times we hope that combining our expertise with these beloved characters will keep both parents and their kids happy and healthy.”

 Mark Kingston, senior vice president, international, ViacomCBS Consumer Products, added: “These new vitamin ranges capture the fun and adventure of PAW Patrol and happiness and humour of SpongeBob SquarePants. We’re always looking for new ways to reach our fans and this product is one that will appeal to kids and parents alike.” 

 Sophie Rose, director of VHMS, Holland & Barrett, added: “As the UK’s leading health and wellbeing store we are delighted to be the exclusive UK launch partner for the new PAW Patrol and SpongeBob SquarePants vitamin ranges. Recently we’ve seen a significant rise in the demand for kids’ vitamins, and this range is the perfect way to get children excited about vitamins.”

The PAW Patrol range includes a selection of tasty Apple and Blackcurrant flavoured products, including a Multivitamin Fizzy Drink and a range of vitamin Chewables: Multivitamins; Bones and Teeth; Immune Support; and Vitamin D.

Meanwhile, bringing a slice of SpongeBob’s pineapple-under-the-sea to the new range of vitamins, the range includes, a Tropical flavoured Multivitamin Fizzy Drink and a range of Orange and Pineapple flavoured vitamin Chewables: Multivitamins; Brain Formula; Immune Support; and Vitamin D.

 To give parents a helping hand both ranges are vegan and vegetarian approved, as well as gluten-free, GMO-free, lactose-free and contain no added sugar, artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. They are also certified Made in Britain and PETA UK certified as cruelty-free.

Trends UK launches range of PAW Patrol pet accessories

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Trends UK has launched a new line of fully licensed PAW Patrol pet accessories spanning high-sided beds, pillows, adjustable mesh harnesses, and dog bowls. The launch has been designed to appeal to the 3.3 million pet owning families in the UK.

Further additions to the range are planned for coming months.

Designed by Trends UK and manufactured by Bunty Pet Products, the new PAW Patrol Accessories range incorporates key features to help make the products resistant to the daily rigours of normal pet usage, using experience drawn from many years in the pet and toy accessory industry.

The PAW Patrol Accessories launch will be promoted with marketing, PR and social media campaigns, engaging with media, families and influencers showcasing how practical and fun this new range is for pet lovers.

Trends UK’s Graham Spark, said: “We are delighted to launch the new PAW Patrol Pet Accessories range. Our extensive experience working with family audiences and being pet owners ourselves, told us that kid approval rates high when making purchase decisions.

“Our launch range of quality pet supplies featuring the number one PAW Patrol brand, is fun and useful for kids, adults and pets alike.”

Spin Master acquires Rubik’s Brand in move that strengthens its Games & Puzzles portfolio

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The global children’s entertainment company, Spin Master, has reached an agreement to acquire the London-based Rubik’s Brand Ltd, owner of the world famous Rubik’s Cube.

Invented by Ernő Rubik in 1974 and launched globally in 1980, the Rubik’s Cube became a worldwide  craze,selling hundreds of millions of units, and has inspired and challenged both young and old ever since. As a STEM-accredited puzzle, the Rubik’s Cube supports brain development and cognitive skills by allowing  children and adults to use their creativity, while developing and encouraging intelligence.

“The Rubik’s Cube is an iconic puzzle that has permeated pop culture and captivated fans for more than 40 years,” said Elizabeth LoVecchio, Spin Master’s vice president marketing, games. “We are excited for the opportunity to put our marquee innovation on the entire Rubik’s portfolio and expand distribution  through our global footprint.”

Erno Rubik, said: “It is really exciting that Spin Master will continue the legacy of the Rubik’s Cube and fulfill my vision of  nurturing smarter, future generations through play. We chose Spin Master because of  their long-term lens and character.”

Spin Master has been strengthening its position within the games category through acquisitions of new titles and innovative partnerships and collaborations. The Games & Puzzles category is one of the fastest growing super categories in 2020 with families spending more time at home.

Today, Spin Master is the third largest games company in the United States.

“There are many growth opportunities for Spin Master with the Rubik’s brand as we transition to a  blended model of direct sales in combination with existing partners globally,” said Anton Rabie, Spin  Master’s chairman and co-CEO. “Our games division has continuously grown over the past decade and is  a cornerstone of Spin Master’s diversified portfolio. The addition of the legendary Rubik’s Cube to our  roster of games is a historic moment and we are honored to continue the legacy.”

The acquisition of Rubik’s Brand Ltd marks Spin Master’s 22nd acquisition since the company was founded  in 1994 and 12th since its initial public offering in 2015. The transaction is expected to close on January 4,  2021.

PAW Patrol: The Movie lands raft of 21 UK licensing partners ahead of film’s August 2021 release

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ViacomCBS Consumer Products has secured a raft of 21 UK partners for the popular pre-school brand, PAW Patrol ahead of the slated launch of PAW Patrol: The Movie in August next year. The licensing programme will kick into action from July 2021 and will include new toy lines, apparel, accessories, consumer packaged goods, home, publishing, and home entertainment.

The series producer and master toy partner, Spin Master, will lead the charge with the launch of a specially developed toy line comprising figures, plush, role-play, vehicles, and play-sets, as well as a range of True Metal vehicles.

The roll out will be followed by ranges from the likes of Crayola, VTech, Play by Play, RMS International, Sambro, and Kiddieland, all of which will create toys and games inspired by the new PAW Patrol movie look and feel.

On the home and apparel front, ViacomCBS Consumer Products has partnered with Blues and Fashion UK for daywear, Aykroyd TDP for nightwear and Amscan for costumes. Bedding and textiles will be created by Character World.

ViacomCBS Consumer Products will also continue its partnership with Worlds Apart, Kinnerton, Seabrook, Yoplait and Beiersdorf, as well as joining forces with new partners.

In the publishing space, Signature Gifts will release personalized books, and Egmont is set to release a PAW Patrol magazine special and movie tie-in books. Other partnerships include Danilo for social expressions and DNC and Sambro for back-to-school accessories.

PAW Patrol: The Movie is a Spin Master Entertainment production in association with Nickelodeon Movies and will be distributed by Paramount Pictures.

Venetia Davie, VP of ViacomCBS consumer products for the UK and Ireland, said: “PAW Patrol continues to shine in the pre-school space, dominating across traditional TV, streaming services, digital and retail, with next year’s movie set to be a summer cinema hit.

“We’re excited to be collaborating with such strong partners including Paramount Pictures and Spin Master, ensuring that the magic of the big-screen is translated into products which children up and down country will continue to love long after they have seen the movie.”

Spin Master and Nelvana sign Hachette Publishing for Bakugan book series in France

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The global children’s entertainment company Spin Master and the children’s animated content distributor, Nelvana have struck up a partnership with Hachette Publishing to launch a new Bakugan book series in France.

The partnership will kick off this autumn with the release of two new titles: Le Bakugan Dore, which lands on bookshelves this month, and a second release to land in December this year.

“Building on the strong foundation our team has secured with prime broadcast placement on Gulli and Canal J and along with the support of Spin Master’s international roll-out of toys, we are excited to launch a new publishing programme for Bakugan in France with Hachette,” said Mellany Masterson, head of Nelvana Enterprises.

“Hachette’s leadership and expertise in publishing make them the perfect partner to bring the world of Bakugan to more fans in new ways.”

Season One, Bakugan: Battle Planets (100 x 11 min) and Season 2, Bakugan: Armored Alliance (104 x 11 min) currently air on Gulli weekdays at 4:35PM in France and on Canal J at 6:45PM.

Both seasons air on Cartoon Network in the US, and TELETOON in Canada, as well as on Cartoon Network in Spain, Italy, Middle East, Gulli, Canal J and M6 in Africa, Sony Pop in the UK, Super RTL in Germany, RTL in the Netherlands, Hungary, and Croatia, Nine GO! In Australia, TVNZ in New Zealand, Star in Greece, 1+1 in the Ukraine, PopTV in Slovenia, VMMa in Belgium, and SIA in Lithuania.

Spin Master launched Bakugan: Armored Alliance toys internationally this autumn after a successful launch in North America this past spring 2020. An additional wave of products will also launch internationally this coming Spring. Nelvana, who co-produces the series with Spin Master and TMS Entertainment, manages the franchise’s licensing programs in both France and Canada.

Bakugan: Armored Alliance (104 x 11 min) follows the adventures of Dan Kouzo and his best friends: the first kids on Earth to bond with the mysterious alien creatures known as Bakugan. The fate of not one but two planets rests in the hands of this new breed of Bakugan Brawlers.

Barbie, Star Wars and LEGO Super Mario among leading licenses in Amazon’s top toys for Christmas

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Classic and retro licenses including Barbie, Star Wars, Back to the Future and Super Mario have been billed among the top picks for predicted best-selling toys this Christmas by Amazon UK, proving the might of nostalgia in 2020 as we head into the critical Christmas shopping season.

Amazon.co.uk is betting big on some of the biggest franchises in the world of children’s entertainment this year, listing Mattel’s Barbie, Spin Master’s PAW Patrol, and MGA Entertainment’s LOL Surprise alongside the likes of Star Wars The Mandalorian, Back to the Future, and the innovative new collaboration between LEGO and Nintendo for LEGO Super Mario.

In fact, Amazon points out that Star Wars continues to be among the top searched keywords for toys on its UK platform, and suggests that ‘kids can’t get enough of the Disney+ original series, Star Wars The Mandalorian. It’s to that end that Star Wars The Mandalorian Bounty Hunter Transport Starship has been listed as a potential best-seller this year, available exclusively on Amazon.co.uk.

The Child Animatronic Edition AKA Baby Yoda also takes a top for most lovable character.

Meanwhile, the VTech Kidizoom in red is another Amazon exclusive. A child friendly camera that includes video editing, the HD camera comes with 20 virtual backgrounds, and includes six games.

“We know Christmas is going to be a little different this year, and at Amazon, we are doing everything we can to bring the magic of the festive season to our customers,” said Naman Agarwal, head of vendor management for toys at Amazon.co.uk.

“The joy of being with friends and family, in person or virtually, will be the greatest gift of all, and we’re predicting that the bestselling toys will be those that can bring people together. No matter the celebration, we are making a big effort to deliver smiles and make Christmas extra special.”

Amazon’s full list of top toys for Christmas 2020 is:

The Barbie Fresh ‘n’ Fun Food Truck – Mattel


LOL Surprise OMG Remix Plane – MGA Entertainment


LOL Surprise OMG Remix Honeylicious Fashion Doll – MGA Entertainment


Squeakee Interactive Balloon Dog – Moose Toys


Uno Showdown – Mattle Games


KidiZoom Studio – VTech


Star Wars The Mandalorian Bounty Hunter Transport Starship – LEGO


Star Wars The Child Animatronic Edition – Hasbro


Back to the Future DeLorean Toy – Playmobil


PAW Patrol Dino Rescure Dino Patroller Motorised Team Vehicle with Exclusive Chase and T-Rex Figures – Spin Master


Present Pets – Spin Master


Super Mario Adventures Starter Course Interactive Figure and Buildable Game – LEGO

Spin Master lands global master toy deal for Riot Games’ League of Legends

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Spin Master has signed a multi-year agreement to become the global master toy partner for Riot Games’ League of Legends, the most-played PC game globally at the moment. The international toymaker will develop products including action figures, play-sets, and role play items.

The range is scheduled to land on shelves in autumn next year.

Entering its second decade, League of Legends is a team-based, multiplayer online strategy game in which two teams of five powerful champions face off to conquer the other’s base. Players choose from over 150 champions to make epic plays and take down towers as they battle their way to victory.

“Spin Master is excited to collaborate with Riot Games to bring innovation and meticulous attention to detail to the rich characters and unique worlds in League of Legends,” said John Blaney, Spin Master’s senior vice president of licensing. “Our League of Legends lineup will appeal to fans of all ages, delivering high-quality products on the cutting edge.

“We look forward to delivering enhanced collectability and unique play experiences for the massive global League of Legends fan base both on and offline.”

Christian Bayley, director, brand management for consumer products at Riot Games, added: “Spin Master is the perfect partner for the League of Legends franchise and together we have the opportunity to enhance our champions and their stories giving players the opportunity to go even deeper into the League of Legends universe.”

The agreement was brokered by CAA-GBG, the global licensing representative for Riot Games.

“We are excited to have brought together two power houses in gaming and toys. Spin Master’s passion for the League of Legends IP stood out as a key differentiator, and we are excited to go on this journey with Spin Master and Riot Games,” added Robert Schwartz, vice president of sales and new business development, CAA-GBG.

Nelvana and Spin Master secure raft of new broadcasters including Netflix for the hit Bakugan franchise

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The children’s animated and live action content distributor, Nelvana and kids’ entertainment company, Spin Master have secured a raft of new broadcast partners for both seasons one and two of the hit Bakugan franchise.

The new distribution deal for both Bakugan: Battle Planet and Bakugan: Armored Alliance includes Netflix in the US and Canada, Pop in the UK, 9Go! in Australia, and Dreamia in Portugal for the second season, as well as Televisa in Mexico, Dreamia in Portugal, Nelonen Media in Finland, Dexy Co in Serbia, and Talent Show in Croatia for season one.

These new distribution deals are in addition to the previously announced broadcast partners including TeleToon in Canada, Cartoon Network in the US, Cartoon Network in Spain, Italy and Middle East, Gulli and Canal J in France and Africa, and Pop in the UK, alongside a host of others.

“Bakugan is a revered franchise with a loyal fan base that has achieved great popularity worldwide as the series continues to enthrall and capture the attention of young audiences,” said Mellany Masterson, head of Nelvana Enterprises. “The momentous addition of these leading international broadcasters elevates this powerful franchise to the next level and allows Bakugan to be shared and enjoyed by many more brawlers around the world.”

Thom Chapman, senior director, sales and distribution, Spin Master, added: “The continued influx of international distribution deals is a strong testament to the franchise’s reigning popularity.

“Bakugan is an exemplary franchise for Spin Master proven in its long-lasting brand affinity. We look forward to bringing the epic world of Bakugan to more fans with this expansion.”

Bakugan: Armored Alliance is the second season of Bakugan: Battle Planet. The anime adventure series follows the adventures of Dan Kouzo and his best friends as the first kids on Earth to bond with the mysterious alien creatures known as Bakugan. The fate of not one but two planets rests in the hands of this new breed of Bakugan Brawlers.

The new season launched earlier this year on Cartoon Network in the US, and TeleToon in Canada.

Along with the new season, Spin Master launched Bakugan: Armored Alliance toys in North America in Spring 2020, with a new wave of products launching this autumn in US and Canada. Additionally, the children’s entertainment company will be rolling out their Bakugan: Armored Alliance toy line internationally this autumn.