Crunchyroll appoints Reemsborko as UK and Eire licensing agent for anime properties

Crunchyroll, which connects anime and manga fans across 200+ countries and territories through the content they love, has appointed Reemsborko Ltd as the UK and Eire licensing agent for One Punch Man, JoJo’s Bizzare Adventure, God of High School, Tower of God and Bananya.

“Crunchyroll are a great partner and I’m very pleased to be able to expand the Reemsborko roster,” says Max Arguile of Reemsborko. “Animé is a still growing genre, especially in the UK.”

Waell Oueslati of Crunchyroll adds: “Reemsborko have done strong work so far for Crunchyroll with Junji Itô Collection. It makes sense to expand this with these properties.”

For licensing opportunities, contact max@reemsborko.com

Universal Brand Development prepares for the return of Minions in summer 2022

Illumination’s Minions: The Rise of Gru, the long-awaited next installment of the most successful animated franchise in history, is set to hit cinemas across the globe in July 2022.

In anticipation, Universal Brand Development (UBD) is pulling out all the stops to support the new feature film with global toy partners Mattel and The Lego Group. The toy collection will feature fresh new looks of action figures, construction sets, electronics, plush, collectibles and playsets. Other partners include Topps, Asmodee, Ravensburger, Clementoni, Posh Paws, Danilo and Boxine.

During last year’s 2020 lockdown, Minions’ global popularity in the international grocery sector, which remained open, kept the beloved characters front-of-mind. The franchise has shown continued strength throughout Europe in FMCG, food, personal care and beauty categories and UBD is planning a broad-based programme in a number of categories with Yazoo, Brioche, Pez, Danone, Volvic, Perfetti Van Melle, Colgate, Avon, BIP and Glamglow.  Softlines will also be a focus as Minions: The Rise of Gru sparks further interest in the franchise.

With a roster of local agents around the globe, UBD is taking a tailored approach to retail activations and licensing and merchandising opportunities. It is a formula that has consistently delivered results, establishing Minions as a powerhouse brand.

Last summer, UBD developed a number of online-only events and promotions including the Free the Fun digital pop-up event in the UK that included giveaways and prizes that enlisted top-tier UK grocers including ALDI, ASDA, Sainsbury, Tesco, as well as toy stores Smyths, The Entertainer and Hamleys. Leading up to the film’s release in 2022, UBD’s promotional and marketing efforts will be doubled as the pent-up demand and anticipation for all things Minions is expected to be huge.

 

WildBrain appoints JAKKS Pacific as master global toy partner for Chip & Potato

WildBrain has appointed JAKKS Pacific, the leading toy and consumer products manufacturer, as master global toy partner for its hit animated preschool brand, Chip & Potato. Additionally, Netflix has picked up Season 3 of Chip & Potato (20 x 11’) plus three seasonal specials (3 x 22’). An original series produced by WildBrain and Darrall Macqueen, Chip & Potato (S1 and S2: 20 x 22’) first launched on Netflix in 2019 and is also available on Netflix Junior’s YouTube channel.

The Master Toy partnership with JAKKS Pacific will launch the brand from the screen to the toy shelf, as JAKKS Pacific develops a range across multiple toy categories, including plush, figures, playsets, and role play for North America, the UK and Australia. Launch for the range is scheduled from autumn 2022. The deal with JAKKS Pacific was brokered by WildBrain’s consumer products licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG.

Michael Riley, Chief Brands Officer at WildBrain, said: “Chip & Potato is a terrific example of WildBrain’s brand capabilities extending from development and production, through global distribution, to consumer products licensing. Chip & Potato has captured the hearts of kids and families around the world, and it’s been a delight to work with Netflix and Darrall Macqueen to deliver this original property to a huge global audience. We look forward now to extending that enjoyment off screen for kids with new toys from JAKKS Pacific.”

Virginia Reneau, SVP of Global Licensing at JAKKS Pacific, Inc, added: “Preschool products and toys is a priority category at JAKKS and Chip & Potato is the perfect fit for our growing line. We look forward to working with WildBrain to bring Chip, Potato and the rest of their friends to the toy aisle.”

Produced at WildBrain’s Vancouver animation studio, Chip & Potato follows Chip, a five-year-old pug whose life is about to change. She’s going it alone at kindergarten, play dates and sleepovers, and facing big life challenges without grown-ups. There to help and comfort Chip whenever she needs it is her best friend Potato: a little “toy” who she snuggles in her pocket. However, Potato is actually a real, living mouse who must be kept a secret.

 

WarnerMedia EMEA commissions preschool series Spookies for Cartoonito and HBO Max EMEA

WarnerMedia has acquired the broadcast rights for German-produced preschool show Spookies. The series will be broadcast on WarnerMedia’s Cartoonito channel and will also be streamed on HBO Max in EMEA. Serious Kids, UK, is the global distributor of Spookies, which is produced by Wolkenlenker. The 78 x 7 CGI animated series is due to be delivered in 2023/24.

Spookies tells the story of three special little spooks, Lily, Bob, and Freddy, who live in Castle Ravenrock where there is something new to discover around every cobwebbed corner and up every dusty stairwell. In Ravenrock, no door stays locked, no secret stays under lock and key and no opportunity for adventure is wasted.

 Zia Bales, Lead Acquisitions, Partnerships and Coproductions Kids & Family, WarnerMedia EMEA, says:“Spookies immediately stood out as a perfect fit for Cartoonito and for HBO Max EMEA. We are excited to partner with Wolkenlenker to bring this delightful show to preschool audiences.”

Sebastian Wehner, Wolkenlenker, adds: “Childhood today can be anxiety inducing. Our three little ghosts are showing kids, with a lot of humour and understanding, that you can overcome almost everything life throws at you.”

The series concept was created by Daniel Acht and the Head Writer is Jen Upton.

 

 

 

 

 

Cyber Group Studios names Retail Monster US licensing agent for The McFire Family and Press Start!

Cyber Group Studios, the international producer/distributor of animated series best known for its award-winning preschool show, Gigantosaurus, has appointed licensing agency Retail Monster to develop strategic licensing programsme in the U.S. for two of its new CG animated kids’ adventure series: The McFire Family, an original production, and Press Start!, based on the best-selling book series from Scholastic.

“Retail Monster has a proven track record of success in developing meter-moving consumer products programmes, and we look forward to partnering with them to help establish and broaden the opportunities for these two new standout brands,” says Karen K. Miller, President & CEO, Cyber Group Studios USA.

The McFire Family and Press Start! are very engaging new series and we’re excited to be working with Cyber Group Studios to build best-in-class licensing programmes that will resonate with kids and their families across the U.S.,” says Michael Connolly, Founder and CEO, Retail Monster. “We expect to make partnership announcements very soon.”

The McFire Family (52 x 11) centres on a family of firefighters whose ancestors were the very first firefighters in history. The legacy continues with three siblings, 12-year-old Tom, 10-year-old Sparkle, and 6-year-old Jax, the next generation of “super-firefighters”, who join their parents and grandpa on exciting rescue adventures. Together, they use cool vehicles and high-tech gear to save the day. The series, for viewers ages 6-9, is created by Sissmann.

Press Start! (52 x 11), picks up where the popular Scholastic book series of the same name leaves off. The show follows the adventures of Sunny and Rue Zaki, a dynamic brother and sister duo who discover a mysterious game controller that gives them the ability to enter the world of their favourite videogame. Inside the game world, they team up with their videogame idol, Super Rabbit Boy, and help him save the world one eight-bit villain at a time. The show, for kids ages 4-7, is developed and executive produced by Emmy-winning writer and showrunner Scott Kraft (PAW Patrol).

Banijay Brands strengthens portfolio with Banijay Kids and Family

Banijay Brands has announced it has secured the brand licensing rights to the Banijay Kids and Family catalogue.

Banijay Kids and Family produces a wide range of animation and live action series, digital content, and entertainment formats for children worldwide under three production labels: Zodiak Kids and Family, Monello Productions and Tiger Aspect Kids and Family. Banijay Brands already represents Tiger Aspect Kids and Family IP such as Mr Bean. The new partnership will the collective to further leverage the global infrastructure of Banijay Brands and deliver extensive brand licensing programmes for titles such as Street Football, Totally Spies!, Lolirock, Silverpoint, When I Was Your Age, Mister Maker and the upcoming The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti, and Mumfie.

Banijay Brands will also work with local commercial teams to explore a number of regionally-led opportunities.

Benoît Di Sabatino, CEO, Banijay Kids and Family, says: “It’s a big achievement for Banijay to announce at the same time the creation of our new brand Banijay Kids and Family and the launch of our licencing strategy with Banijay Brands. We are confident that our evergreen IPs as well as our creations will be in good hands with such a professional team like Banijay Brands.”

Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands added: “Banijay Kids and Family has a strong and relatable kids content slate, which, when partnered with the experienced team at Banijay Brands, should trigger a lucrative position in the the children’s licensing space. Recognising the already huge interest from the market, we will be working across a number of categories including experiential, publishing, gaming and products to ensure the relevant and successful exploitation of the business’ IP moving forwards.”

Mumfie is an upcoming new animated series of the heritage property (78 x 7’), directed by the French director Daniel Dubuis. It is a co-production between Zodiak Kids Studio France and Italian animation studio Animoka alongside France Télévisions and Rai (Italy). Zodiak Kids recently announced it has secured a pre-sale from KiKA German.

Street Football is the popular animated series combining the action of matches with insights into the hardships of life is co-produced by Zodiak Kids and Monello Productions for France 3 and Rai 2.

The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti is a co-production between Zodiak Kids Studio France, and Gigglebug Entertainment. An original animated comedy series for kids aged 6+ and their families, it has been co-commissioned by Disney Channel Europe, Middle East & Africa and Nordic broadcasters YLE, DR, NRK, and SVT.

Silverpoint is a 13 x 22’ sci-fi mystery adventure series about kids at summer camp. Co-produced by Zodiak Kids, CBBC and ZDF Enterprises, the series is created by Lee Walters, Lead Writer, and Executive Producer Steven Andrew, Creative Director, Zodiak Kids.

When I Was Your Age is produced for RAI and France Télévisions by Monello Productions. The animated series features 10-year-old Paul who has a special gift – as soon as someone says “When I was your age”, Paul is thrown back into the days when the person he is talking to was 10 years old.

Mister Maker is the popular ultimate interactive arts and crafts show for younger kids. Broadcast in over 200 territories, the series is a Zodiak Kids Studios production for CBeebies.

Totally Spies! is the hit franchise that has been broadcasting for over 15 years, produced by Zodiak Kids for TF1 and Disney France.

Lolirock is a Zodiak Kids production for Disney France and France Télévisions, featuring five princesses with magical singing voices.

WarnerMedia celebrates 25 years of Space Jam

Celebrating 25 years since Bugs Bunny and the Tune Squad defeated the Monstars in an epic basketball showdown, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences has announced a collection of 90s-inspired merchandise, an upcoming NFT drop, an all-new digital comic from DC, and more to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Space Jam.

The iconic film’s silver anniversary follows the global release of Warner Bros. Pictures’ animated/live action film Space Jam: A New Legacy earlier this year, which debuted at the top of the box office and scored the biggest opening for a family film earlier this year. Now streaming audiences can also view the original film at home with family and friends on HBO Max, where a new generation of fans can experience the frenetic, fun mashup adventure.

Space Jam was the iconic film moment of 1996, and its cultural impact is undeniable. Today, it continues to spark nostalgia and excitement for millennials who were kids when it debuted, and that fervour has been passed to a new generation with the release of Space Jam: A New Legacy,” says Josh Hackbarth, Vice President of Franchise Development, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences. “We are pleased to celebrate the movie’s many groundbreaking achievements in ticket sales, merchandising, music, theme and design. Its legacy continues to live on with kids and families still enjoying everything that is Space Jam.”

Debuting on 15 November 1996, the original Space Jam earned $230M at the box office at launch and became the No. 1 grossing basketball film of all time, influencing everything from fast food to fashion and redefining movie merchandising. Its soundtrack was a best-seller and went platinum six times.

The film was also one of the first to have a dedicated promotional website. Today, www.SpaceJam.com/1996 remains untouched, an homage to the early internet and a testament to the brand’s enduring appeal to audiences across numerous generations.

Inviting fans everywhere to join the jam and celebrate this iconic film, the “Space Jam” 25th anniversary offerings include:

  • NTWRK’s “Space Jam 96” fashion collection, launching on 15 November. The collection includes new  “Space Jam” rugs by Rugtomize, along with an exclusive “Space Jam” print designed by artist Aaron Kai.
  • Warner Bros.’ Looney Tunes Shop is offering fans a variety of all-new “Space Jam” inspired apparel by unveiling the fourth drop in its popular ACME Intern collection, featuring original designs inspired by the film. Among the must-have items, fans can purchase a t-shirt with artwork of the original Space Jam website’s homepage.
  • House of Highlights, the No 1 digital media brand for Gen Z and part of the Bleacher Report brand portfolio, has unveiled a collaboration with DOC (Dustin O. Canalin) in honour of the Space Jam 25th Anniversary. House of Highlights’ brand new Space Jam collection showcases the Looney Tunes reimagining some of the most iconic moments in basketball history.
  • DJ Steve Aoki’s fashion and music label, Dim Mak, recently launched “Dim Mak x Space Jam 96,” a limited-edition streetwear capsule featuring 90s-inspired tees and hoodies in bright tie-dyes and featuring the Looney Tunes squad.
  • Comic book fans can also download a free Space Jam 25th anniversary comic book from DC, as highlighted by Warner Bros.’ Looney Tunes Shop, on the Stellar Souvenirs page of the original Space Jam
  • Nifty’s“Starting 5” Challenge will let fans own a special piece of Space Jam Beginning on 15 November, Nifty’s will encourage fans to collect as many Tune Squad or Goon Squad NFT’s from Space Jam: A New Legacy as they can before 13 January, 2022. Collectors who hold five or more NFT’s on 14 January, 2022 will be eligible to receive a limited edition Monstar NFT. Each of the Monstars will have their own unique NFT, totalling five designs. For every five Tune Squad or Goon Squad NFT’s a user holds (each NFT must feature an individual player on either team), they will be eligible for a Monstar NFT.
  • Fans can also enjoy iconic 90s tunes when they purchase the recently reissued vinyl edition of the multi-platinum soundtrack “Space Jam (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture)”, released by Rhino Entertainment..

Space Jam is currently available on Digital and 4K Ultra HD via Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. The film also received a special 25th anniversary DVD and Blu Ray release earlier this year, and an exclusive Space Jam double feature box set is at retail nationwide.

Wimpy Kid appoints Brands with Influence to spearhead UK consumer products programme

On the back of another consecutive international number-one bestselling children’s book and ahead of a new animated movie streaming on Disney+, Wimpy Kid, Inc. has appointed Brands with Influence (BWI) to manage and market its consumer products programme in the UK.

A cartoon fiction series by Jeff Kinney, Diary of a Wimpy Kid is one of the best-selling children’s book series of all time, having sold over 250 million copies in 79 editions and 65 languages since it was first published in 2007. The series is published in the UK by Puffin, and the UK is a major and long-established market for the IP.

With 16 books in the series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid continues to outsell its competitors. The most recent title, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot (released 26.10.21), was an instant No #1 in the UK children’s book chart.

The story that started it all, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, will be brought to life as an original movie on Disney+ this festive season. The 3D colour animated feature will release worldwide on the platform on December 3, 2021.

Speaking of the new partnership with Brands with Influence, Vanessa Jedrej, Global Brand Manager at Wimpy Kid, Inc, says: “We’re confident that BWI will apply their wisdom, passion and thoughtfulness to deliver a range of attractive and authentic products that Wimpy Kid enthusiasts will truly treasure. Wimpy Kid has a long-standing, loyal fanbase in the UK and we look forward to partnering with BWI to build an enduring programme that will satisfy both younger children and send our nostalgically devoted ‘Gen Z’ following into meltdown.”

“We are delighted to be entrusted with such a valuable and powerful children’s brand,” says Martin Lowde, CEO at Brands with Influence. “Diary of a Wimpy Kid has an ageless quality and deals with universally relatable themes like family dynamics, surviving middle school, and friendships. Kids across the globe love the style and humour of the books. We are looking forward to creating a strong consumer products programme on this massive brand.”

Brands with Influence will be meeting with key partners and potential licensees at the upcoming BLE in London.

 

 

MGM lines up champion licensing programme to celebrate 45 years of “Rocky”

MGM has announced the kick-off of iconic movie Rocky‘s 45th anniversary celebration with a robust line-up of live events, gaming, and merchandise.

The Rocky franchise has remained a global phenomenon thanks to its universally relatable themes: ambition, passion, determination and giving it your all to be a champion, even when the odds are against you. MGM’s Rocky and Creed films have generated more than $1.3 billion in worldwide box-office sales, three Academy Awards, and ten nominations.

To celebrate the 45th anniversary, a number of live events and activations have been planned for the end of 2021 through 2022, including Rocky-themed athletic runs, in-theatre events, as well as merchandise and new gaming collaborations. The Rocky licensing programme features 70 licensees covering the following categories of goods: Apparel, Accessories, Collectibles, Toy, Gaming, Gift & Novelty, Home, Interactive (console and AR/VR), Costumes/Cos-Play, Events, Publishing, and Stationery. Products will be available throughout North America, Latin and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

The festivities kicked off in Philadelphia on Thursday with a special screening event of Sylvester Stallone’s ROCKY VS. DRAGO: THE ULTIMATE DIRECTOR’S CUT, and next up is the “Rocky Run,” a 5K, 10 mile, and 13.1 mile run scheduled for 13 November. For fans who can’t make it to Rocky’s hometown, ROCKY V. DRAGO has also been released in other select cinemas nationwide in partnership with Fathom Events, and is available on demand and digitally everywhere from today. Fans can also participate in a virtual “Rocky Run” called the “Rocky Challenge” through 31 December.

Beyond these events, MGM is collaborating with a number of partners including Foot Locker x Diodora, Olympia Le-Tan, Fanattik, and Funko to bring an extensive line-up of merchandise to fans of all ages.  The programme includes:

Fashion collaborations:

  • Foot Locker x Diodora: for the sneaker obsessed! Inspired by characters in the Rocky franchise, Foot Locker, Inc. and Diadora are launching an exclusive new sneaker collection–and you can only find it at the Foot Locker, Inc., family of brands starting this November.
  • Olympia Le-Tan: a brand new, stylish clutch from the celebrated designer featuring the re-imagined iconic poster art of the Rocky film.
  • Contenders: stylish Rocky hoodies and tees featuring the art of the film.

Video Game:

  • Creed: Big Rumble Boxing: a brand-new console/pc game.  Fight as Adonis Creed, Rocky Balboa, and a complete roster of legends from the Creed and Rocky franchise, including Apollo Creed, Ivan & Viktor Drago, and Clubber Lang.  Live out classic Creed and Rocky training moments in thematic mini games.

Collectables:

  • Funko: to celebrate the 45th anniversary, Funko is releasing Pop figures based on Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed.  The figures depict Rocky and Apollo as they appeared in their heavyweight bout–Apollo in his star-spangled trunks and Rocky sporting his white trunks and swollen eye that inspired the famous line “Cut Me, Mick.”  Pre-orders are available at Entertainment Earth and the figures will release in January.
  • Rocky Limited Editions 24K Gold Plated Bicentennial Superfight Ticket: from Fanattik, fans can score an individually numbered ticket to Rocky Balboa vs. Apollo Creed at the Philadephia Spectrum.

Additional Live Activations:

  • Rocky in Concert: launching with TCG Entertainment in 2022, the Rocky in Concert series will include six musical events for each of six films in the original franchise, beginning with Rocky.  Audiences will be able to hear the iconic music from the films performed live by a full orchestra, while watching the movies on larger-than-life Screens.
  • Bounce app: Fans of the franchise will also be able to download the all-new “Rocky Tour Experience” on the Bounce app, an immersive and unique submersion into the city of Philadelphia offering first-hand experiences at key landmarks from Rocky’s own hometown. Available Nov. 21, Rocky fans can test their trivia knowledge, see behind-the-scenes details and enjoy the City of Brotherly Love through a user-friendly, engaging and fun app companion.

Robert Marick, MGM’s Executive Vice President Global Consumer Products and Experiences, says: “Rocky is a timeless property that continues to appeal to new generations of fans with its inspirational message.  We are excited to celebrate the 45th anniversary with a stellar line up of partners that we are sure will delight devotees of the franchise young and old, and invite new fans to discover the stories of this iconic franchise.”

The Rocky 45th anniversary celebration will continue through 2022 with additional partnerships rolling out through end of year and into next year.

Banijay Brands launches licensing programmes for homes and interiors titles

Banijay Brands has announced the launch of new consumer products programmes for hit property and garden makeover shows including Interior Design Masters, Your Home Made Perfect and Your Garden Made Perfect. Accompanied by modern creative assets and fresh style guides, the extensive licensing programmes will cover multiple categories spanning consumer products, gaming, experiential and publishing.

Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing at Banijay Brands, says: “Demand for off-air extensions from our home improvement and renovation formats is at an all-time high, and this slate of shows is a fantastic addition to our portfolio. These are brands that are synonymous with innovative and stylish transformations, and they offer exciting opportunities for our licensing partners.”

Hosted by Alan Carr, Interior Design Masters, from Banijay label DSP, takes ten fledgling stylists and launches them into the competitive world of interior design to fight it out for the chance to win a life-changing design contract with a prestigious commercial client. The first series of Interior Design Masters premiered in August 2019 as BBC Two’s No.1 show of the day and series two, which launched in February 2021, built on the share of 16-34s by 191% compared to the previous series.

Created by Banijay’s Remarkable Television, Your Home Made Perfect and Your Garden Made Perfect encapsulate the desire from modern homeowners to transform their indoor and outdoor living areas. The series use cutting-edge technology and VR to show homeowners the potential of their spaces, resulting in extraordinary and breath-taking transformations. In the UK, Your Home Made Perfect was awarded Best Original Programme in the 2021 Broadcast Awards and the third series, which launched on BBC Two this year, had its highest ever audience, making it the channel’s number one show of the day. The format has also travelled to the Netherlands and France. The first series of Your Garden Made Perfect delivered an average audience of over 2m viewers, +58% above BBC Two’s primetime average market share and a second series has been confirmed.

Banijay Brands will showcase their portfolio at this year’s BLE (stand C122)