Tag Archives: ViacomCBS

ViacomCBS becomes Paramount Global

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ViacomCBS has announced that the global media company will become Paramount Global, effective from today (February 16), bringing together its portfolio of entertainment properties under a new parent company name.

“Paramount is an idea: a promise to be the best,” said Shari Redstone, Non-Executive Chair of the company’s Board of Directors, at the company’s investor event. “That promise has always been at the centre of what we aspired to build as the steward of more than a century of cinematic excellence, and with businesses and brands that have defined and redefined entertainment for generation after generation. We have made enormous progress, and I have never been more excited about the future of this company.”

“Paramount’s iconic peak represents a rich history for our company as pioneers in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Today, as we embrace the Paramount name, we are pioneers of an exciting new future,” added Bob Bakish, President and Chief Executive Officer.

In addition to the name change, the company has detailed plans to accelerate the global momentum behind Paramount+, unveiling new content, enhanced product offerings and continued international expansion.

“We see a huge global opportunity in streaming, a much larger potential market than can be captured by linear TV and film alone,” continued Bakish. “We’re excited about our ability to not just compete, but thrive, creating significant value for both consumers and shareholders. How? Because we’re broader in four key areas: our diverse content, streaming model, mix of platforms and global reach. As we look forward, the size of the opportunity we see is matched only by our ambition to seize it.”

The company announced that starting with 2024 film releases, Paramount+ will become the streaming home for all new Paramount Pictures movies in the U.S. following their theatrical runs.

New blockbuster franchise expansions unveiled include:

  • A QUIET PLACE – A Quiet Place Part III from John Krasinski, is confirmed for theatrical debut in 2025. As previously announced, the next installment of A Quiet Place from director Michael Sarnoski, based on an original idea from Krasinski, is set for release on September 22, 2023.
  • SONIC THE HEDGEHOG – the first-ever original live-action Sonic series, featuring the character Knuckles, voiced by Idris Elba, is in development to debut on Paramount+, setting up the third film installment in the flagship franchise.
  • SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS UNIVERSE – a further expansion of the SpongeBob universe is coming exclusively to Paramount+ with three brand-new movies based on the show’s original characters, with the first dropping in 2023. In addition, a fourth SpongeBob release from Nickelodeon Animation is currently in development for theatrical release.
  • STAR TREK – the next theatrical film, with Matt Shakman directing and J.J. Abrams producing, will feature the original cast and new characters.
  • TEEN WOLF – the first-ever original production from MTV Entertainment Studios and MGM’s Orion Television, Paramount+ will reunite the original Teen Wolf cast for an exclusive full-length movie. Tyler Posey, Holland Roden, Shelley Hennig and Crystal Reed are set to reprise their iconic roles alongside Orny Adams, Linden Ashby, JR Bourne, Seth Gilliam, Colton Haynes, Ryan Kelley, Melissa Ponzio and Dylan Sprayberry. Additional names to be announced.
  • TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES – a new era of TMNT-mania takes over in 2023 with a new animated take on the Turtles coming to theaters, produced by Point Grey Pictures’ Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg and directed by Jeff Rowe. Nickelodeon Animation will fast follow that film with a series of exclusive movies for Paramount+ beginning in 2023, each centering on one of the property’s storied villains in never-before-told tales.
  • TRANSFORMERS – the next chapter begins with Transformers: Rise of the Beasts in 2023, where director Steven Caple Jr. and star Anthony Ramos, will lead the first of three film installments of the iconic Hasbro property. Additionally, the previously announced Untitled Animated Transformers film, a Paramount/eOne co-production with Josh Cooley attached to direct, will debut in theaters on July 19, 2024.

Other Kids and Family content announcements included updates to animated preschool favourites:

  • Blue’s Big City Adventure – the now-announced animation/live-action hybrid title to this brand-new Blue’s Clues & You! movie from Nickelodeon Animation is set to premiere later this year and follows host Josh and Blue as they head to New York City, with the help of Steve and Joe, to audition for a big Broadway musical.
  • Dora the Explorer – the preschool return of the groundbreaking Latina heroine in an all-new CG-animated series produced by Nickelodeon Animation, and featuring the beloved characters, plus key modernization to the storytelling, debuts in 2023.

Additionally, an update in Kids and Family live-action programming included:

  • Dora the Explorer – in addition to the character’s animated preschool return, now in development from Nickelodeon is the first-ever live-action Dora the Explorer series, inspired by the tone of Paramount Pictures’ 2019 Dora and the Lost City of Gold theatrical release, with this new version for Paramount+ targeting the tween demo.

ViacomCBS becomes Paramount Global

Posted on by

ViacomCBS has announced that the global media company will become Paramount Global, effective from today (February 16), bringing together its portfolio of entertainment properties under a new parent company name.

“Paramount is an idea: a promise to be the best,” said Shari Redstone, Non-Executive Chair of the company’s Board of Directors, at the company’s investor event. “That promise has always been at the centre of what we aspired to build as the steward of more than a century of cinematic excellence, and with businesses and brands that have defined and redefined entertainment for generation after generation. We have made enormous progress, and I have never been more excited about the future of this company.”

“Paramount’s iconic peak represents a rich history for our company as pioneers in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Today, as we embrace the Paramount name, we are pioneers of an exciting new future,” added Bob Bakish, President and Chief Executive Officer.

In addition to the name change, the company has detailed plans to accelerate the global momentum behind Paramount+, unveiling new content, enhanced product offerings and continued international expansion.

“We see a huge global opportunity in streaming, a much larger potential market than can be captured by linear TV and film alone,” continued Bakish. “We’re excited about our ability to not just compete, but thrive, creating significant value for both consumers and shareholders. How? Because we’re broader in four key areas: our diverse content, streaming model, mix of platforms and global reach. As we look forward, the size of the opportunity we see is matched only by our ambition to seize it.”

The company announced that starting with 2024 film releases, Paramount+ will become the streaming home for all new Paramount Pictures movies in the U.S. following their theatrical runs.

New blockbuster franchise expansions unveiled include:

  • A QUIET PLACE – A Quiet Place Part III from John Krasinski, is confirmed for theatrical debut in 2025. As previously announced, the next installment of A Quiet Place from director Michael Sarnoski, based on an original idea from Krasinski, is set for release on September 22, 2023.
  • SONIC THE HEDGEHOG – the first-ever original live-action Sonic series, featuring the character Knuckles, voiced by Idris Elba, is in development to debut on Paramount+, setting up the third film installment in the flagship franchise.
  • SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS UNIVERSE – a further expansion of the SpongeBob universe is coming exclusively to Paramount+ with three brand-new movies based on the show’s original characters, with the first dropping in 2023. In addition, a fourth SpongeBob release from Nickelodeon Animation is currently in development for theatrical release.
  • STAR TREK – the next theatrical film, with Matt Shakman directing and J.J. Abrams producing, will feature the original cast and new characters.
  • TEEN WOLF – the first-ever original production from MTV Entertainment Studios and MGM’s Orion Television, Paramount+ will reunite the original Teen Wolf cast for an exclusive full-length movie. Tyler Posey, Holland Roden, Shelley Hennig and Crystal Reed are set to reprise their iconic roles alongside Orny Adams, Linden Ashby, JR Bourne, Seth Gilliam, Colton Haynes, Ryan Kelley, Melissa Ponzio and Dylan Sprayberry. Additional names to be announced.
  • TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES – a new era of TMNT-mania takes over in 2023 with a new animated take on the Turtles coming to theaters, produced by Point Grey Pictures’ Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg and directed by Jeff Rowe. Nickelodeon Animation will fast follow that film with a series of exclusive movies for Paramount+ beginning in 2023, each centering on one of the property’s storied villains in never-before-told tales.
  • TRANSFORMERS – the next chapter begins with Transformers: Rise of the Beasts in 2023, where director Steven Caple Jr. and star Anthony Ramos, will lead the first of three film installments of the iconic Hasbro property. Additionally, the previously announced Untitled Animated Transformers film, a Paramount/eOne co-production with Josh Cooley attached to direct, will debut in theaters on July 19, 2024.

Other Kids and Family content announcements included updates to animated preschool favourites:

  • Blue’s Big City Adventure – the now-announced animation/live-action hybrid title to this brand-new Blue’s Clues & You! movie from Nickelodeon Animation is set to premiere later this year and follows host Josh and Blue as they head to New York City, with the help of Steve and Joe, to audition for a big Broadway musical.
  • Dora the Explorer – the preschool return of the groundbreaking Latina heroine in an all-new CG-animated series produced by Nickelodeon Animation, and featuring the beloved characters, plus key modernization to the storytelling, debuts in 2023.

Additionally, an update in Kids and Family live-action programming included:

  • Dora the Explorer – in addition to the character’s animated preschool return, now in development from Nickelodeon is the first-ever live-action Dora the Explorer series, inspired by the tone of Paramount Pictures’ 2019 Dora and the Lost City of Gold theatrical release, with this new version for Paramount+ targeting the tween demo.

BLE unveils content agenda for online event

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Brand Licensing Europe has unveiled its online agenda which will go live on 22 November as part of the online experience supporting the in-person event, taking place 17-19 November at ExCeL London, allowing attendees to enjoy sessions on-demand and use their time at the show to focus on in-person meetings, live experiences and walking the floor.
The two-day online event (30 November – 1 December) offers additional virtual networking and learning opportunities. The networking allows those who attend BLE in-person to book follow up and overflow meetings and ensures that people who are unable to travel to London for BLE don’t miss out on valuable business opportunities. With 1,500+ meetings already confirmed, the free meetings platform is already open allowing registered attendees to start planning their diary and send meetings requests.
The event’s online content programme will continue the show’s ‘What’s Next’ theme and includes three online-only ‘In Conversation’ sessions with senior executives from ViacomCBS Consumer Products; a Sustainability Panel with Products of Change and Licensing U, alongside the option to watch recordings of the Team GB and ViacomCBS live keynotes; the five ‘What’s Next at Retail’ sessions taking place at the show and more – all of this content will be available to watch on demand until 28 February 2022.
ONLINE-ONLY CONTENT INCLUDES:
‘D&I In Conversation’ sessions with ViacomCBS executives
• Diversity in the Workplace with
o Wincie Knight, VP Global inclusion Strategy, ViacomCBS International

o Nancy Lenghorn, Global Chief Inclusion and Culture Officer, MediaCom (moderator)

• Diversity in Content with 
o Wendy Harris – SVP of Content & Creative Affairs, 9 Story Media Group
o Farrell Hall – Chief Inclusion Officer, 9 Story Media Group
o Nina Hahn – Senior Vice President, International Production & Development, Nickelodeon International & Head of ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) Kids

o Keith Dawkins, Founder & CEO, Rock Hill Media Ventures (moderator)

• Diversity in Products with
o Simta Sawhney, UK Category Direct, ViacomCBS Consumer Products
o Shalom Lloyd, Founder & Managing Director, Naturally Tribal
o Saphia Maxamed, President @London Entertainment Inc & Founder, Black Lives Matter Licensing (moderator)
Brands for Social Change
Join Products of Change as they talk to Yellow Octopus, Newlife, Preloved Kilo and George at Asda to discuss how they are diverting clothes from landfill and building a fully circular fashion industry. Speakers include:
o Amanda Gallacher, Sustainability and Brand, George at Asda
o Sheila Brown, CEO, Newlife
o Steve Lynam, MD, Preloved Kilo
o Jack Ostrowski, Founder and CEO, Yellow Octopus
o Helena Mansell-Stopher, Founder, Products of Change (moderator)
“The quality of content for BLE online is phenomenal and hats off to ViacomCBS for curating three amazing sessions delivered from very senior perspectives on some of the most important topics businesses within licensing are addressing right now,” says Anna Knight, VP Licensing, Informa Markets.
“These sessions – and more – are just a small part of a much bigger focus for BLE and the Global Licensing Group around sustainability and D&I during 2022. We promise to continue sparking these incredibly important conversations at each of our flagship events and conferences and through License Global content.
Licensing U
BLE and Licensing International are bringing the Licensing U programme to Europe for the first time. Featuring 14 presentations across three tracks – Basics, Spotlights and Tactics & Strategies – Licensing U is a one-stop-shop education programme about the $292bn licensing industry for newcomers and experienced professionals.
Licensing U will take on a fully virtual format and will be available on demand for three months from 22 November 2021. Tickets start at £145 if purchased ahead of the event, or £160 in the platform, and can be purchased when registering for BLE. (Licensing International members can enjoy a 10% discount).
“We’re pleased that Licensing U, which has long been a mainstay of Licensing Expo Las Vegas, is now part of BLE, with outstanding speakers and presenters, offering information and insights for both industry newcomers and seasoned executives,” said Maura Regan, President of Licensing International.
LICENSING U AT BLE
Basics Track:
How does licensing work? What do I need to know to get started? Executives and experts will create the foundation of your licensing knowledge to help you understand the ins and outs of the business.
• Basics of Licensing
• Licensing Law for Non-Lawyers
• Working with Agents & Consultants:
• Style Guides: Bringing Brands to Life
 
Spotlights Track:
We’ll take a deep dive into some of the key growth categories within the licensing business, covering the unique aspects of those classifications, current trends and spotlighting some of the opportunities and challenges that are ahead.
• Art Licensing
• Location-Based Licensing
• Sports Licensing
• Gaming & eSports
• Fashion
Tactics & Strategies Track:
Aside from the products and brands themselves, the success of a licensing program is determined by how it’s brought to market. These sessions will examine some of the forces at play, and how licensing executives create strategies to give them the best chance to succeed.
• The Key to Successful Partnerships & Collaborations
• Confronting Supply Chain Challenges
• The Changing Face of Retail
• Sustainability
• How to Promote Diversity & Inclusion in Licensing, Marketing and Advertising: A UNICEF Playbook

 

WildBrain CPLG turns up the volume with MTV x Eastpak collaboration

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Leading entertainment, sport and brand licensing agency WildBrain CPLG has secured a global deal with Eastpak for a collection inspired by ViacomCBS Consumer Products’ iconic pop culture and entertainment brand MTV. The range launched earlier this month and during MTV’s 40th anniversary year, and spans backpacks, a duffel bag and bum bag, all featuring bold hand-drawn elements and bright 1980s-inspired graphics. The deal was brokered by WildBrain CPLG’s Benelux team.

The MTV x Eastpak range is now available at Eastpak’s stores and website globally and is being supported by an extensive marketing and social media campaign.

Peter Evers, Commercial Director Benelux at WildBrain CPLG, says: “There continues to be significant demand from consumers for merchandise that evokes a feeling of nostalgia and transports them back to a moment in time. Through this loud and bold collection, we’ve brought together two decade-defining brands from the 1980s to create a line that celebrates not only the importance of both MTV and Eastpak during that era, but also their continuing appeal with young adults today.”

Maxime Morel, Senior Merchandiser Special Projects at VF International – owner of the Eastpak brand – added: “Our new collaboration with MTV reimagines our classic designs in the style of the world’s most iconic entertainment brand. We translated the nostalgic MTV graphics into a capsule collection that features three vibrant prints, and each design stands out with co-branded MTV and Eastpak logos. The boombox-inspired MTV Duffle bag is exclusive to this collection, paying homage to the 1980s era.”

WildBrain CPLG represents additional pop culture and retro ViacomCBS Consumer Products brands in multiple territories, including MTV, Star Trek, Twin Peaks and 90210. This MTV x Eastpak collaboration builds upon WildBrain CPLG’s recent deal for ViacomCBS Consumer Products with Tommy Hilfiger, which saw the successful launch of ‘A Blast From The Past’ capsule fashion collection this summer. The Hilfiger range features iconic characters and logos from Nickelodeon and MTV across a range of T-shirts, sweats, and hoodies.

ViacomCBS Consumer Products to share Diversity & Inclusion insights plus new toy research during BLE Day 2 keynote

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ViacomCBS will share insights from its corporate Diversity & Inclusion efforts with a specific focus on its recently conducted toy research study during Brand Licensing Europe’s second day keynote.

Mark Kingston, Senior Vice President, International, ViacomCBS Consumer Products will lead the keynote and review the impact on culture, community and industry when there’s a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging. The keynote will also include Ameeta Held, Vice President, Insights and Business Strategy, Consumer Products, ViacomCBS, referencing original toy research detailing the importance of authentic representation in dolls and the impact on choice.

The keynote, which takes place in-person at BLE from 13:00-14:00 on Thursday 18 November, will also set the background as to why the consumer products and licensing community plays such a pivotal role in diversity and inclusion.

“As an organisation we are dedicated to creating content that reflects the global audiences we serve, and within consumer products we are especially committed to ensuring our products are inclusive and representative,” says Mark Kingston. “Our latest research shines a light on the important role our industry plays in our continued conversation around Diversity & Inclusion and I look forward to presenting our thoughts and findings alongside my colleagues at BLE.”

Ahead of ViacomCBS’ keynote, representatives from Black Lives Matter Licensing UK will take to the stage to talk about the group’s purpose, goals and activity in the sector to date.

Informa Markets’ VP of Licensing Anna Knight says, “It’s not possible to underestimate the importance of this keynote to our industry and I implore everyone who is attending BLE to pre-register now and secure a spot. Consumer products has a huge responsibility – and opportunity – to represent, embrace and empower diversity if we are to build a more inclusive and equal future for consumers across the world.”

ViacomCBS is one of over 150 exhibitors currently confirmed for BLE, which takes place in-person at ExCeL London from 17-19 November followed by an online event on 30 November to 1 December. The Exhibitor list features companies from all three licensing categories – Character & Entertainment, Brands & Lifestyle, and Art, Design & Image – and with strong representation from Europe, the UK and wider afield.

You can view the show’s exhibitor list here.

Shelf space is the final frontier as Playmobil and ViacomCBS launch the Starship Enterprise

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Shelf space: the final frontier. Oh yes, it’s happened; toy maker Playmobil is bridging time and space to release the fruits of a new collaborative alliance with ViacomCBS, for a whole new voyage for the Starship Enterprise this September.

Yet another play for the kidult and collectors space – following a very successful Back to the Future range of vehicles and play-sets, and the teased The A-Team collaboration – the Star Trek universe has joined forces with the German toy company to deliver The 70548 Star Trek – USS Enterprise in toy form.

The new launch – the first Playmobil model of the Starship Enterprise ever developed – is not approaching this collaboration lightly, boasting authentic details and numerous features to inspire fans. In fact, this one-metre long Constitution class vessel promises ‘plenty of mesmerising detail’ that will make it ‘the pride of the Starfleet.’

The Starship Enterprise will be displayed using the specially designed mounting, while lights, sounds, and other technical features will all star alongside a unique AR tie-in app which will act to expand the authentically detailed Star Trek experience ‘much further than the physical product.’

The ship arrives with a total of seven crew members from the original cast, including the first Playmobil Mr Spock, all of whom fit into their traditional places on the bridge of the Enterprise.

“To explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilisations, to boldly go where no one has gone before… And now, with the authentic U.S.S. Enterprise and original crew from Playmobil, there will be plenty more space adventures to come,” read a statement from the toy company.

The Star Trek – USS Enterprise will launch worldwide on September 8th this year.

Five new faces join The Point. 1888’s expanding commercial, retail, product, and finance teams

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The momentum continues to gather apace at the brand extension agency, The Point. 1888 as a swathe of new starters sees the company expand across its commercial, retail, product development, and finance departments this month.

The latest line-up of new faces to join the team follows the company’s latest sweep of appointments that saw it bolster its marketing division for Story.1888 only this month. In its latest recruitment drive, The Point. 1888 has brought in five new faces in order to support its increasing client base and product development programme.

Rosanna Cousins, who has several years’ of retail buyer experience at John Lewis and Harrods, has joined as The Point.1888’s newest retail manager. She will report to head of retail and sport, Hannah Stevens, to support the division as it prepares for a busy year ahead.

Sophie Fennessy has joined the team as senior PD executive and will be working within the fast-paced product development division, putting to use her vast licensee experience gathered at previous employer Poetic Brands. Meanwhile, Naomi Serradimigni – previously of the ambassador marketing platform, Brandbassador –  has joined as The Point.1888’s new senior commercial executive with a focus on health and beauty categories.

Max Pilcher, the agency’s newest commercial executive, joins from ViacomCBS and will report into senior commercial manager of soft goods, Becky Langer, to support work across the portfolio and assisting with sub-agents in Italy and Iberia, while finally, Mia Wakeling, joins as finance assistant to work in the agency’s busy finance department.

Despite the pandemic’s best efforts, The Point.1888 has welcomed 11 new clients and this growth in the agency and its client book made the decision to recruit once more an easy one.

Bethan Garton, commercial director at The Point.1888, said: “This is a hugely exciting time for us as we expand the licensing arm of our agency, continuing the growth we have seen in recent years. Bringing Rosanna, Sophie, Naomi, Max and Mia to the commercial and brand teams at The Point.1888 allows us to continue the fantastic work we do with Moonbug, Rachel Ellen and all of our other brands, whilst still attracting new clients.”

Will Stewart, managing director of The Point.1888, added: “I am incredibly excited to welcome Rosanna, Sophie, Max, Mia and Naomi to Team.1888 family. Our amazing book of clients and our high profile within the industry mean we have no shortage of talent to choose from when new roles are created and I’m confident that we’ve picked the very best.

“Their energy and enthusiasm as well as the diverse experience they bring will undoubtedly give our team the support it needs to continue our growth.”

Nickelodeon unveils its new family wearable device NickWatch at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona

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ViacomCBS and Nickelodeon have unveiled the firm’s first connected smart watch, a family-centric wearable device that promotes physical activity, helps kids explore the world around them, and features a cast of popular Nickelodeon characters.

First revealed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week, NickWatch by Nickelodeon features new technology developed with VCNI’s specialised tech partner, offering kids independence as well as access to a ‘robust entertainment offering fueled by Nickelodeon characters’. The device will be available for purchase in 2022.

“ViacomCBS is known for its portfolio of iconic brands that have shaped current events and pop culture for decades. Now, as we look to the future, the NickWatch marks a milestone as the first connected smart watch to harness the power of our consumer brands,” said Raffaele Annecchino, president and chief executive officer of ViacomCBS Networks International.

“This strategic product launch will leverage our IP and content to further strengthen our position as a leading commercial partner with diverse consumer touchpoints creating a new immersive experience.”

The underlying technology platform will provide a ‘direct line of communication to family and friends, promote physical activity, and help kids explore the world with confidence’. Each device will come with the smart watch body, two watch bands (one playful Nickelodeon band and one more adult, premium band) and a fun, character-led charging base.

The NickWatch will promote physical and social play activities, encouraged along the way with stories to aid imaginative play. Wearers will be able to play alone or with friends who have a NickWatch to set off on the same quest together. Entertainment based on Nickelodeon IP will include photo filters, motion sound effects and musical instruments that play out according to hand movements.

Content will be updated regularly with new games, stickers, sound effects, and more.

 The platform will also allow two primary modes of communication through text and voice calls. A child’s parent can text the child from their phone, and kids can respond with pre-written messages, voice to text, or emojis and photos.

The child can also call their parents and contacts within their directory, and they can receive incoming calls from pre-selected contacts. Caregivers can create group threads and can also send sticker messages, timers, reminders, photos, voice messages, and create polls.

There’s even a map feature, allowing caregivers and family members to see the location of everyone in the family via GPS and WiFi, just by downloading the app on their device.

The NickWatch by Nickelodeon has been developed in partnership with Watchinu, an Israeli technology startup, which has built and will be operating the device via a licensee agreement with VCNI.

ViacomCBS lands slate of CEE partners for PAW Patrol, SpongeBob, Shimmer & Shine and more

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WildBrain CPLG has secured a wave of new and extended FMCG partnerships in Central and Eastern Europe across ViacomCBS’ portfolio of popular animated brands including PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, Blaze and the Monster Machines, Shimmer & Shine and Bubble Guppies.

The pan-regional deals brokered by the WildBrain CPLG CEE team include those with Foodcare for a range of PAW Patrol instant porridge, hot cereals, and instant cocoa, an oral care range from GSK, and an extended offering of fruit and vegetable juices and pouches from Hortus to include Jurajska Junior PAW Patrol water.

In addition, long-term licensee Dairy4Fun continues to significantly grow the business across Europe with its range of children’s desserts and snacks featuring PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants and Blaze and the Monster Machines.

In Poland, WildBrain CPLG has secured a deal with the market’s largest ice cream manufacturer, Koral, for a range featuring PAW Patrol and SpongeBob SquarePants. The partnership marks Koral’s first licensed offering and the range’s recent launch was supported by an extensive outdoor marketing campaign, including branded trucks. Alongside this, a new deal with Cerbona in Hungary saw a range of breakfast cereals featuring SpongeBob SquarePants recently launched at local retailers Auchan, Spar, Tesco HU and CBA.

Additionally, Cerbona is gearing up to roll out the range into new territories, including Czech Republic and Romania from this summer.

Meanwhile, in Serbia, WildBrain CPLG has signed beverage market leader KNJAZ MILOS (part of the Pepsi Group) for a flavoured water featuring Blaze and the Monster Machines, and Shimmer & Shine, with PAW Patrol joining the offering from August 2021. Also in Serbia, Plazma is celebrating ongoing success with its range of PAW Patrol snacks and cereal.

Slawomir Ekiert, managing director CEE and Nordics at WildBrain CPLG, said: “We’re seeing significant growth within the FMCG category across Central and Eastern Europe, which is largely being driven by beloved kids’ entertainment properties.

“ViacomCBS’s engaging slate of animated IP is ideally placed to captialise on the vast business potential FMCG partnerships offer, as demonstrated by this robust line-up of new and expanded deals. For 2021 and beyond, we’ll be focused on further boosting our footprint within the FMCG space and setting the standard for licensed products across our portfolio of entertainment and lifestyle properties, in both the CEE region and wider European market.”

Tommy Hilfiger goes ’90s and ’00s retro in ViacomCBS partnership

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The Tommy Hilfiger brand has partnered with ViacomCBS Consumer Products to launch a new capsule collection under the banner A Blast from the Past, tapping into Tommy Jeans’ long history of pop culture collaborations featuring characters and logos from Nickelodeon and MTV.

In a deal brokered by WildBrain CPLG, the partnership will witness the launch of a range of t-shirts, sweats, and hoodies all in a unisex style. The collection will be available across Tommy Hilfiger retail locations, on tommy.com, and through wholesale partners globally.

A Blast from the Past will feature a range of micro-capsules that bring a playful streetwear vibe to the classic oversized and bold colourways that Tommy Jeans fans recognise of the brand, fused with pop culture icons from the late ’90s and early ’00s.

Beavis and Butthead, Garfield, MTV, Ren & Stimpy, and SpongeBob SquarePants will all play starring roles in the collection.

Each micro-capsule remixes the heritage Tommy Jeans flag in unique and surprising ways, such as weaving Beavis and Butt-Head within its red and white blocks or using it as a pattern to fill the MTV logo, adding a fresh twist on timeless favorites.

The deal was brokered by WildBrain CPLG, one of the world’s leading entertainment, sport, and brand licensing agencies.

“There continues to be significant consumer demand, particularly among young adults, for high-end fashion collaborations that utilize retro brands and bring with them a sense of fun and nostalgia,” said Matt Tobia, senior sales manager at WildBrain CPLG.

“This partnership between Tommy Jeans and ViacomCBS Consumer Products is perfectly positioned to meet this demand, as it combines ViacomCBS’s impressive portfolio of iconic TV brands with Tommy Jeans relaxed ’90s aesthetic. We also couldn’t think of a better pairing for our first time teaming up with Tommy Jeans.”