Category Archives: Entertainment

Surge Licensing to lead Stanley Kubrick programme for North America

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Leading global licensing agency Surge Licensing has been appointed by the Stanley Kubrick Film Archives and Caroline Mickler Ltd, global licensing agent for the brand, to develop a North American licensing and retail programme inspired by six iconic features from the visionary filmmaker: The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Barry Lyndon, Eyes Wide Shut and the dystopian masterpiece A Clockwork Orange, which continues its 50th Anniversary celebration this year.

Surge Licensing, collaborating with Mickler, will create a unique licensing and retail campaign across North America that will pay homage to Kubrick’s extraordinary work and its enduring popularity with millions of fans around the world, focusing on the development of merchandise across multiple key categories including apparel/fashion, accessories, toys, games, collectibles, gift, novelty, paper goods and lifestyle collaborations. Products are anticipated to begin debuting at retail in Q4 2022.

“Representing the works of such an evocative and awe-inspiring filmmaker requires creating a strategy that can meet the expectations of his renowned style known to his legions of fans worldwide,” says Caroline Mickler. “I know Mark Freedman and the Surge Licensing team will be up to the task to develop and deliver a truly spectacular merchandise campaign that honours Stanley Kubrick’s legacy.”

Mark Freedman, President, Surge Licensing, adds: “I have been a huge fan of Stanley Kubrick’s legendary filmmaking since I can remember so this is truly a tremendous career opportunity to be able to represent the brand and to bring high quality merchandise representative of Kubrick’s visionary genius to his legions of fans across North America. We have worked with Caroline over many years, starting with Ninja Turtles, and have the upmost respect for her talent so it will truly be an honour to collaborate with her again on such a special campaign.”

 

 

Cyber Group Studios acquires majority stake in Graphilm Entertainment

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Cyber Group Studios, a leading producer and distributor of animated series, has acquired a majority stake in award-winning Italian animation studio Graphilm Entertainment. The acquisition will increase Cyber Group Studios’ creative and production capabilities to meet content demands in the European region and globally.

The strategic partnership will also provide Graphilm Entertainment with major development opportunities for its own productions and original creations, thanks to the resources of Cyber Group Studios’ development and production facilities, and worldwide distribution network. In addition, Cyber Group Studios will benefit from access to Graphilm Entertainment’s catalogue of kids and family content.

Founded in Rome in 1988 by Maurizio Forestieri, the company’s CEO, Graphilm Entertainment is a leading animation production company that has received numerous awards, among them three prestigious Pulcinella, including the Best Italian studio Award.

Graphilm’s latest feature animation movie, The Case, has received eight awards. These include Best Animated Film at the NYIFA – New York International Film Awards, Best Director at the New York Animation Film Awards in December 2021 and Best Animation at the Tokyo Film Awards this year. Originally commissioned by RAI (Italy), The Case was the most watched Italian feature animation movie on RAI’s channels in 2021.

Cyber Group Studios and Graphilm Entertainment already have a history of working together. The companies are behind the animated series Nefertine on The Nile, produced in partnership with RAI (Italy). The series received a Pulcinella Award for Best Pilot at Cartoons on the Bay.

In 2022, the companies will coproduce Alex Player (26 x 22’ CGI), an original Cyber Group Studios and Bee Prod creation (France). Commissioned by France Télévisions (France) and RAI (Italy), this new action-comedy series will be the very first kids’ animated program about E-Sports mixing 2D, CG and real-time animation technology. The companies will also work on an original Graphilm Entertainment creation entitled In the middle.

Cyber Group Studios, based in France, the US, UK and Singapore, recently announced acquisition of a majority stake in A Productions, one of the leading multi award-winning UK studios. In 2022, Cyber Group Studios has a roster of 10 series in production and over 10 more in development for linear broadcasters and platforms across all age groups from preschool to young adults.

Maurizio Forestieri, Founder and CEO of Graphilm Entertainment, says: “I created our company 34 years ago and this association with Cyber Group Studios holds many promising projects and new original creations with partners we already know well and respect.”

 

ZAG appoints Megalicense to represent ZAG Heroez in Russia and CIS

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Animation studio ZAG has signed Megalicense, the leading licensing agency across Russia and CIS, to represent its ZAG Heroez brand portfolio, headlined by the pop culture hit Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Megalicense will develop the licensing and merchandising plans for Miraculous, together with Power Players and ZAG’s newest series, Ghostforce, across Russia and CIS.  The agency will work together with ZAG’s Helena Perheentupa, Vice President, Licensing, for Central, Eastern, Northern Europe and Russia & ZAG’s European Department.

“Megalicense is the premiere licensing agency across Russia and CIS, and we are delighted that they will be spearheading the consumer products activities for ZAG,” commented Julian Zag, EVP, Global Operations and Head of Consumer Products. “This is an exciting time for Miraculous, with over 200 global licensees and retail sales achieving over $1 billion last year.

“Coming up this year is our US$100M+ animated feature supported by a global QSR programme, the season five series premiere and new mobile and console games, amongst many other initiatives. Our newest series, Ghostforce, which had its world premiere last August on TF1 in France, is already resonating with kids as we are seeing an increase in tons of activity across our social media channels. And we have Power Players, which is gaining traction in Russia where it currently airs on Karusel. We look forward to working with Megalicense to develop a robust licensing programme for these original IPs throughout the region.”

“We are so proud to start our long-term collaboration with the ZAG portfolio of brands,” says Friderico Gatti, CEO of Megalicense. “Our initial focus will be Miraculous, one of the most successful brands for the 6-12 target audience globally. Over 220 million products have been sold to date around the world and we see huge opportunity to further grow the brand across Russia with a focus on apparel – following successful collaborations with giants such as GUESS and ZARA – alongside back-to-school, footwear, outdoor, accessories, homeware, textiles and many others. We have no doubt that Miraculous will continue its success in Russia, and we look forward to introducing Ghostforce and Power Players to potential licensing partners across the region.”

Season four of Miraculous is currently available across Russia and CIS on Disney Channel, with season five set to premiere in Q3 alongside two animated TV Events: Miraculous World – Shanghai – The Legend of Lady Dragon and Miraculous World: New York – United Heroez. Toys from ZAG Lab and Playmates are performing well in the U.S. with the new line rolling out internationally. With a massive fan base of young adult “Miraculers,” (ages 15-25), Miraculous has become a digital planetary craze with over 29 billion views on YouTube (authorised and user-generated content) and 200 million downloads of the official app.

Ghostforce is currently available across Russia and CIS on Disney Channel, and a toy line for the series from ZAG Lab and Playmates will be available in 2023. Ghostforce was acquired by Disney Channel in the US and is currently available on Disney XD. The series is available across Europe, and the Middle East on Disney Channel and on Discovery Kids in Latin America, with launches planned in Japan and India this year.  The series had its world premiere in France on TF1 in August 2021 with an audience share of over 35%.

Power Players is currently available in Russia on Karusel and in Ukraine on PLUSPLUS.

Signature Publishing partners with One Animation for Oddbods magazine

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Signature Publishing and One Animation have inked a deal to launch a dedicated Oddbods-themed issue of Signature’s successful changing-theme magazine for preschool children, ‘ADVENTURES WITH’. Under the partnership, the ‘ADVENTURES WITH Oddbods’ issue will go on sale in the UK from 10 February.

One Animation’s Oddbods is a global phenomenon, airing in 180 countries across 90 broadcasters worldwide. The brand has also generated 25 billion digital views and averages 14 million views on YouTube per day.

The magazine will follow the quirky but charming Oddbods on their adventures and will feature branded stories, puzzles, colouring and more. The magazine will also include a pizza set toy, which ties in with the magazine content and provides imaginative play value.

“We are so excited to be publishing ‘ADVENTURES WITH Oddbods’ magazine,” says Amanda Clifford, Signature Publishing’s Editorial Director. “The brand is so bright and colourful, celebrating individuality and friendships, and creating an Oddbods magazine has been an absolute joy. We’re sure it’s going to be a great success and bring laughter, learning and fun to every child who reads it.”

Sashim Parmanand, CEO at One Animation, adds: “We’re always looking for creative ways to bring the Oddbods characters to life for fans, and this partnership with Signature Publishing provides a perfect opportunity to achieve just that. Signature Publishing has effectively captured the Oddbods’ spirit and created a really fun and engaging magazine, which we know is going to be a huge hit with our fans.”

The three-time Emmy Award-nominated slapstick comedy series follows the adventures of seven adorable, highly unique friends. Together, despite their differences, they survive the perils of everyday life, unintentionally turning ordinary situations into unexpected, extraordinary, and always humorous events.

‘ADVENTURES WITH Oddbods’ magazine is available to buy in the UK at supermarkets, newsagents and magazine stockists and is priced at £4.99.

Jetpack brokers three new deals for Moley

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Jetpack Distribution has announced three new deals that will see the top-ranking CGI animated series Moley (52 x 11 minutes) and the 30-minute special Master Moley: By Royal Invitation hit free-to-air screens in Germany and New Zealand, and TV screens in Brazil.

German public service broadcaster ZDF has acquired the free TV and video-on-demand (VOD) rights. The special launched in December.

Further afield, Latin America’s Globo has paid for the TV and SVOD rights to air in Brazil. Both the animated series and the 30-minute special are available on Globoplay, Brazil’s largest video streaming platform.

In New Zealand, the country’s leading broadcaster TVNZ has bought the free TV and VOD rights.

Following a massive launch campaign and premiere at London’s Leicester Square Odeon, Moley hit EMEA screens in October this year.

The uplifting family animation, aimed at ages four and upwards, is inspired by bedtime stories about a magical mole, created by entrepreneur James Reatchlous, and told to his daughters.

It features an award-winning cast including Warwick Davis, who is also Executive Producer, (Harry Potter, Star Wars, Moominvalley), Julie Walters (Mamma Mia!, Harry Potter, Billy Elliot), Gemma Arterton (Their Finest, Quantum of Solace) and Richard E. Grant (Can you Ever Forgive Me?, Horrid Henry: The Movie).

Jetpack’s CEO, Dominic Gardiner, says: “Charming, warm-hearted and extremely high quality, Moley is a timeless gem, perfect for families across the world. I’m very happy to see the show acquired by such prestigious networks, ones we highly value, respect and enjoy working with. We’re looking forward to bringing Moley to more screens globally.”

 

 

WildBrain to bring Jay Ward Productions’ classic animation IPs to a new generation

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Kids’ and family entertainment company WildBrain and Jay Ward Productions have signed an agreement across distribution, production and licensing for the entire portfolio of classic Ward-owned IP that includes such legendary properties as George of the Jungle, Mr. Peabody & Sherman, Dudley Do-Right, Rocky & Bullwinkle, Super Chicken and more.

Under the agreement, WildBrain will add 788 episodes of Jay Ward Productions’ classic animation to its distribution library, and the two companies will create brand-new content based on the Ward portfolio.

The new partnership reunites WildBrain’s CEO, Eric Ellenbogen, with Tiffany Ward, President of Jay Ward Productions and daughter of the late, acclaimed animation producer Jay Ward, who was the creator of some of the most iconic cartoons of the 1950s and 60s. Twenty years ago, Ellenbogen and Ward created Bullwinkle Studios through Ellenbogen’s former company, Classic Media, which was sold to DreamWorks in 2012 and ultimately became part of NBCUniversal.

“Everything old is new again,” says Ellenbogen. “I’m delighted to be reunited with Tiffany to bring to new audiences the hilarious characters and shows created by her father, which are part of the canon of the world’s greatest animation. Never has there been a better time to refresh classic branded IP like this, just as we are doing with so many of our evergreen WildBrain brands.”

“I’m thrilled to be teaming up with Eric again,” says Tiffany Ward. “Our past partnership with Bullwinkle Studios was prolific and successful, and now that Eric is at the helm of a creative powerhouse like WildBrain, I’m excited to work with him and his fantastic team to broaden the legacy of my father’s work to reach new generations of kids and families.”

The prior collaboration between Ellenbogen and Ward resulted in such projects as DreamWorks’ 2014 animated feature film Mr. Peabody & Sherman, as well as two new series animated by WildBrain (then called DHX Media), including 52 episodes of the Emmy-nominated The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show, commissioned by Netflix from DreamWorks; and 26 episodes of the Emmy-nominated The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle, commissioned by Amazon Studios from DreamWorks. Also, 52 episodes of George of the Jungle were produced by Bullwinkle Studios and a further 52 episodes later produced by August Media.

In addition to various new production, licensing and merchandising rights on Ward’s portfolio of the classic IP, the new venture sees WildBrain grow its distribution library with such beloved classic Jay Ward series as The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle (326 x 3.5’), Peabody’s Improbable History (91 x 5’), Dudley Do-Right (38 x 4.5’), Hoppity Hooper (104 x 4.5’), Fractured Fairy Tales (91 x 5’), Aesop and Son (39 x 5’), Mr. Know-It All (60 x 1.5’) and Bullwinkle’s Corner (39 x 1’).

 

Masha and the Bear ranked as top in-demand preschool show

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Animaccord’s hit animation Masha and the Bear has reached new heights over the past 12 months, most notably reaching 100 billion views on YouTube.

According to Parrot Analytics, in 2021 Masha and the Bear was the number-one preschool show worldwide, with 36 times more demand than the average show – putting it in the top 0.2% of all TV series across all platforms.

The series was again ranked as a top-five show among children (0-18) for 2020-2021, being more in-demand with global audiences than PAW Patrol (34.9 times) and Peppa Pig (34.1 times).

The cartoon has been 101 times more popular outside of its home market than the average show and had 32.9 times more longevity, meaning that Masha and the Bear is still very relevant in its genre after over a decade. For the US and UK markets, the show is in the top three per cent of all shows and TV series.

In addition to its success in the preschool market, Masha and the Bear also stacks up against recent global hits such as Squid Game, Marvel Studios’ Hawkeye and Amazon Prime’s Wheel of Time, being ranked as twice more in-demand.

Animaccord launches Masha and the Bear e-shop

The Point.1888 appoints sub-agent Playology to expand programme for TV’s The Raccoons

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The Point.1888 has signed Playology International as a sub-agent for Canada to explore new and existing licensing opportunities and partnerships for The Raccoons.

Playology is charged with delivering a licensing programme that will capitalise on the recent resurgence that the TV series has seen, with fans eager for more access and products from the much-loved Canadian show.

This will support The Raccoons’ return to TV after the announcement that the series is being remastered prior to being released on DVD and Blu-Ray, as well as streaming services.

Created in 1985, the animated television series follows the day-to-day life of raccoons Bert, Melissa and Ralph, their friend Cedric Sneer the aardvark and his dad, Cyril Sneer, and their adventures in the Evergreen Forest. For two decades, it engaged the imaginations of families in 180 countries all over the world.

Olivia Wiggett, Associate Commercial Manager at The Point.1888, says: “Many of our team go way back with Playology’s co-founder Jacqueline Vong, and we’re thrilled to finally have the chance to work with her. Playology has a fantastic reputation, and its brand portfolio compliments The Raccoons perfectly. We are certain they will be an amazing partner for the brand in its home country, Canada.”

Jacqueline Vong, Co-founder of Playology, adds: “Growing up in Canada with The Raccoons as a staple on TV and having the opportunity to work on the brand now is a full-circle moment. We can’t wait to introduce The Raccoons to a new generation and their fans again!”

 

 

The Point.1888 appoints sub-agent Playology to expand programme for TV’s The Raccoons

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The Point.1888 has signed Playology International as a sub-agent for Canada to explore new and existing licensing opportunities and partnerships for The Raccoons.

Playology is charged with delivering a licensing programme that will capitalise on the recent resurgence that the TV series has seen, with fans eager for more access and products from the much-loved Canadian show.

This will support The Raccoons’ return to TV after the announcement that the series is being remastered prior to being released on DVD and Blu-Ray, as well as streaming services.

Created in 1985, the animated television series follows the day-to-day life of raccoons Bert, Melissa and Ralph, their friend Cedric Sneer the aardvark and his dad, Cyril Sneer, and their adventures in the Evergreen Forest. For two decades, it engaged the imaginations of families in 180 countries all over the world.

Olivia Wiggett, Associate Commercial Manager at The Point.1888, says: “Many of our team go way back with Playology’s co-founder Jacqueline Vong, and we’re thrilled to finally have the chance to work with her. Playology has a fantastic reputation, and its brand portfolio compliments The Raccoons perfectly. We are certain they will be an amazing partner for the brand in its home country, Canada.”

Jacqueline Vong, Co-founder of Playology, adds: “Growing up in Canada with The Raccoons as a staple on TV and having the opportunity to work on the brand now is a full-circle moment. We can’t wait to introduce The Raccoons to a new generation and their fans again!”

 

 

Flair and Aardman sculpt new deal for Plasticine

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Flair GP and Aardman have signed a two-year deal to introduce new licensed lines to Flair’s Plasticine collection. The partnership will introduce two of Aardman’s much-loved animated characters to Flair’s popular heritage collection: Shaun the Sheep and Morph.

Available from July 2022, these licensed sets aim to offer children hours of creative play, allowing them to recreate their favourite on-screen characters.

The first addition to the range will be the Plasticine Shaun the Sheep Farmyard Fun set, which lets kids create their own Shaun the Sheep characters from Plasticine, complete with the illusion of a woolly texture. Once modelled, the characters can be displayed in the fun 3D farmyard scene.

The second line is the Plasticine Morph Animation Maker, which will allow children to create their own Morph – the iconic clay character who made his TV debut on the children’s BBC art show Take Hart in the 1970s and is back in a new Sky Kids series: The Epic Adventures of Morph. Kids can use the props and accessories to create Morph and then place him on the famous desktop scene to bring to life their favourite stop-motion sketches from the hit TV show.

Speaking of the collaboration, Iulia Toader, Marketing Manager, Flair GP, says: “We are so excited to announce this incredible partnership with Aardman. Aardman traditionally use modelling clay for their animations, and the most famous modelling material on the market is Plasticine – so there couldn’t be a better synergy between the brands. We know these lines are going to be a real hit with children and their families.

“The lines will launch during the summer holidays, and with it will come a marketing drive to raise further awareness among children and their parents, to ensure their success at retail.”

Adam Vincent-Garland, Business Development Manager at Aardman, adds: “We’re delighted to be working with Flair GP on these new Plasticine lines. Modelling is integral to the history of Aardman and our best-loved animations, so it really is a fitting partnership – and one that we hope will inspire the next generation of 3D modellers and animators.”