Category Archives: Entertainment

Caroline Mickler Ltd appointed as global agent for Stanley Kubrick classics

Posted on by

Caroline Mickler Ltd has been appointed by The Stanley Kubrick Film Archive as global licensing agent for a number of Stanley Kubrick’s best-known works.

In this role the award-winning independent company will build on the success of the Warner Bros global licensing programme for six of Stanley Kubrick’s iconic films: The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Barry Lyndon, Eyes Wide Shut and A Clockwork Orange, which continues its 50th anniversary celebrations in 2022.

Stanley Kubrick created genre-defining worlds for his films, using stunning imagery and designs that are uniquely recognisable to this day. It is the visually striking nature of these films, along with their classic status, that Caroline Mickler plans to translate into a truly original licensing campaign focusing on the delivery of unique products across multiple categories.

Brand collaborations, fashion collections and fan-based merchandise are all expected to play a role in a carefully curated licensing programme that will pay homage to Stanley Kubrick’s extraordinary work and its enduring popularity with millions of fans around the world.

MD Caroline Mickler will be at BLE discussing the development of this programme along with plans for the coming year.

In a career that spanned nearly 50 years Stanley Kubrick gained an enduring reputation as one of the most original and influential filmmakers in cinematic history. He proved his genius across multiple genres, including war, science fiction, satire, horror, historical drama and much more, gaining a reputation as a true visionary, whose works have influenced innumerable filmmakers and remain popular to this day.

Jonathan Cameron, President of The Stanley Kubrick Film Archive, says: “Bringing the iconic work of this master filmmaker to a global licensing programme requires a partner with a clear understanding both of brand management and of the unique nature of Stanley Kubrick and his films. In Caroline Mickler we have found that partner. We are looking forward enormously to working with her and her team.”

Caroline Mickler says: “Few films in history can claim the lasting significance and appeal of Stanley Kubrick’s works, which are visually striking and memorable in a way that we believe can inspire products that are both desirable and highly original. We are truly honoured to be representing Stanley Kubrick and his unique and ground-breaking movies.”

 

Growth for Bing softlines as Acamar Films renews deals with apparel partners

Posted on by

Following the continued success of Bing softlines in the UK, Acamar Films has announced the renewal of existing apparel partnerships with William Lamb, Aykroyds & TDP and Fashion UK.

In the last year, there has been an increase in the overall apparel business with sales doubling in the first six months of 2021 against the same period in 2020 and the daywear business seeing a significant increase. Yearly trend guides are supporting the development of fresh and colourful designs and the latest guide, released in September, is already inspiring new ranges for delivery in 2022.

Aykroyds & TDP has been a successful long-term partner for Bing, with its nightwear range naturally aligning with bedtime routines, one of the show’s key themes.

Dean Greasley, Head of Licensing at TDP Textiles, says: “Bing has been a core offering in our preschool stable since 2016 and each year the Bing business has steadily grown for us. We are delighted to be renewing our partnership once more with the Bing team.”

Bing’s gender-neutral appeal has enabled Fashion UK to capture key online retail space during a challenging time, offering apparel-buying departments flexibility with their merchandising.

Hannah Miles, Joint Managing Director at Fashion UK, says: “Gender neutral brands are becoming more of a consideration when our buyers are looking at properties to support. Bing has a unisex appeal and the yearly trend guides mean that we can offer each of our retailers a different look and feel, with timeless designs to suit any time of the year.”

Online was a key area for softline growth in 2021. The launch of new girlswear lines on the Asda George website for spring/summer, Smiffys’ new Sula costume at Sainsbury’s TU for World Book Day and a Character.com website takeover in July generated a huge audience response, with Bing’s highly engaged social community sharing photos of their Bingsters enjoying their Bing apparel.

Meanwhile, autumn/winter has seen the launch of the new Bing BBC Children in Need range, with exclusive clothing lines available on The Bing Store and a portion of the proceeds going towards helping young people across the UK.

Louise Simmonds, Head of UK Licensing at Acamar Films, comments: “We are delighted to have seen real growth this year across all our apparel categories. The launches of some great new products and an expansion of our retail footprint is a real positive in what has continued to be a tough year. We very much look forward to continuing with all our partners.”

 

UFC names The Memento Group official global memorabilia partner

Posted on by

Mixed martial arts organisation the UFC and The Memento Group (TMG), a global leader in sports memorabilia and licensed products, have announced a multi-year partnership in which TMG will become the global distributor of officially licensed UFC memorabilia. The agreement was brokered by UFC’s licensing agency IMG.

Under the terms of the agreement, TMG will offer fans access to exclusive, limited edition and rare pieces of UFC event memorabilia, from fight-worn gloves and fight kits, to fight-night posters and photographs signed by their favorite UFC athletes. Items will be hologrammed, registered digitally, and accompanied with a certificate of authenticity as confirmation of their source. All products will be contained within premium packaging for the ultimate customer experience.

“We are thrilled to welcome The Memento Group as our new global memorabilia partner,” says Tracey Bleczinski, Senior Vice President, UFC Global Consumer Products. “The memorabilia business is a priority because these products are such authentic touchpoints for fans to stay connected to UFC and truly own the moment. With TMG’s expertise in this space, we are confident fans will appreciate the quality, authenticity and value of each piece of UFC memorabilia that TMG offers.”

Philip Danglidis, Commercial Director of The Memento Group, commented: “UFC is a truly global sporting phenomenon and we are delighted to be embarking with them on this new exciting journey – one that will bring fans even closer to the sport they love via the opportunity to own certified and authenticated memorabilia. Our proven track record not only assures customers that they are getting the genuine article, but with our guaranteed methods of authentication, we also help to protect their investment.

“UFC has a worldwide fanbase estimated at more than 625 million people, and it’s now clearly one of the Big Four in terms of popularity in the U.S. The appeal of UFC is growing year on year. As such, the potential for this partnership is colossal. This announcement is only the beginning of what’s to come, and we look forward to revealing more in 2022 and beyond.”

On January 1, 2022, UFC and TMG will launch an online store that will serve as a dedicated marketplace for UFC fans to shop hundreds of ready-to-buy items or trade unique UFC-licensed products, providing a secure, trustworthy platform for buyers. The website will also allow fans to bid for UFC memorabilia by auction. The website, which will be built and managed by TMG, will provide a single point solution for all UFC official memorabilia.

 

 

Popular snack Lunchables joins Roblox

Posted on by

Kraft-Heinz Lunchables, the buildable snack, is joining the virtual universe of Roblox, the global platform where fans can imagine, create and have fun with friends as they explore virtual worlds.

For the first time ever, Lunchables lovers can enter the world of Lunchables Racing, where players can build the ultimate Lunchables racing kart (with over 100 unique items to choose from ) and try to beat their friends to the finish line. There are three Lunchables tracks to choose from – the Moon Landing, Snack Valley and the Totally Tropical – and four new Lunchables minigames that players can take part in with their Roblox avatar: the Dance Fest, Cracker Stacker, UFO Movie Set and the classic Diner Dash. Players can use ‘cash’ earned in the games to decorate their karts, search for hidden coins, or visit the Lunchables town and talk to its food-crazy citizens.

Find out more about Lunchables Racing here.


					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Moonbug Entertainment to be acquired by Next Generation Media Company

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
					


				

			
Moonbug Entertainment, the digital-first, global children’s entertainment company, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by the recently formed media company run by leading entertainment executives Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs and backed by investment capital from Blackstone. Moonbug’s founders CEO René Rechtman and COO John Robson, and existing management team and shareholders, will retain equity stakes in the Mayer-Staggs-Blackstone-backed media company.


Founded in 2018, Moonbug has rapidly built a global family audience through its highly popular shows such as CoComelon, Blippi, Little Baby Bum, and others. Its content appears in 27 languages on more than 100 platforms around the world such as YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon and Sky. Moonbug’s CoComelon is currently the second-most subscribed YouTube channel with approximately 120 million subscribers globally and the most-watched kids show on Netflix.


This marks the second acquisition for Mayer and Staggs’ new media company backed by Blackstone, following the acquisition of Hello Sunshine, the mission-driven media company that puts women at the centre of every story it creates, founded by Reese Witherspoon.


“John and I have built a category-leading, digital-first kids entertainment business based on strong values and content that is focused on digital platforms,” says Moonbug’s René Rechtman. “Our vision is to build global family franchises, which is wholly aligned with Kevin and Tom’s vision and experience. I have had the pleasure of working with them both earlier in my career and am thrilled to be reunited to build the next global powerhouse of entertainment. You could not find stronger partners in our industry.”


Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs added: “We have known René and his innovative team for years, including during our time together at Disney, and they have built a perfect example of the type of category-defining business we are looking to bring into our company. They know how to identify and support brands that are beloved by millions of families across the globe. We and our partners at Blackstone look forward to helping expand Moonbug’s portfolio of titles and further extend its franchises across digital platforms and key licensing and merchandising channels.”


 

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Studio 100 Media journeys back in time with new dino animation series Vegesaurs

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
					


				

			
International production and distribution company Studio 100 Media has been receiving positive feedback for its latest venture: Vegesaurs. 


Vegesaurs are vegetable and fruit-shaped dinosaurs ready to address and teach relatable themes for upper pre-schoolers such as getting to sleep, sharing, friendship, nurturing mealtimes, and play. Starring the lead character Ginger, a young Tricarrotops (carrot) with others including P(ea)-Rex, Cornasaurus (corn), Bananaraptor, Coconutdon, Broccolisaurus, Bokchoydactyl, Tomatodon, Appleflyrus and Potatodon, Vegesaurs’ aim is to enrich and enhance children’s imagination.


The action-comedy CGI-animated TV series (20 x 5’) is produced by independent Australian producer Cheeky Little for the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC) and France TV. Principal production funding is provided by Screen Australia, with Studio 100 as co-investor. Based on a concept created by Gary Eck and Nick O’Sullivan, the series is targeted at preschoolers and planned for delivery in 2022. ABC will broadcast it in Australia under the title “Ginger & the Vegesaurs”. Studio 100 Media is responsible for the worldwide distribution of content and licensing & merchandising rights of the series.


Strong interest has already been received from various broadcasters. Studio 100 Media believes the appealing short-form content is a great fit for digital platforms offering new marketing opportunities, and that Vegesaurs addresses multiple execution layers such as collectability, publishing, plush, and gaming.


Martin Krieger, CEO of Studio 100 Media, says: “Everybody we’ve presented to has loved the creative way that vegetables have been transformed into dinosaur creatures and kids around the globe will do so as well. The series offers a variety of excellent opportunities with regards to content distribution and in licensing & merchandising.”


Studio 100 Media is an international production and distribution company within the children’s and family entertainment sector. The company produces and acquires new content, engages in co-production and co-financing activities and is also responsible for the international distribution of its own- and third-party rights. Based in Munich, Germany, the company is a 100 percent subsidiary of Belgian firm Studio 100. www.studio100group.com

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Aardman and Netflix secure promotional partners for musical short Robin Robin

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
					


				

			
Award-winning independent studio Aardman has announced partnerships with the UK’s largest nature conservation charity the RSPB and Twinkl Educational Publishing, for animated musical short Robin Robin.


Robin Robin is a 30-minute festive holiday short, created by its directors Dan Ojari and Mikey Please. The stop-motion film was produced at the Aardman studios in Bristol, is due to launch on Netflix in November 2021 and features the voices of Gillian Anderson, Richard E. Grant, Adeel Akhtar and Bronte Carmichael.


This Christmas season the RSPB is inviting families to celebrate their inner robin with a series of Robin Robin-themed adventure trails on over 30 of its nature reserves around the UK and exclusive activity packs. Running from 24 November to 10 January, the trails will encourage young adventurers to learn to sing like a robin, find their very own superpower, and use all their senses to connect with the robin within. Other activities on offer include nest building, storytelling events and robin-themed crafts, while RSPB nature reserve cafés will also be offering Robin Robin-themed food and drink.


Kate Struthers, RSPB Visitor Experience and Event manager, says: “We are so excited to be working with Aardman and Netflix to celebrate the festive magic of the robin with families across the UK. They’re one of the UK’s most beloved birds and a true Christmas icon. Our new trails will immerse families in the Robin Robin story and bring it to life amongst nature, and we hope the film and our adventure trails can inspire everyone to discover robins and other wildlife near them and get outside in nature. Our Robin Robin activity pack also includes activities and ideas on how you can help robins and other wildlife at home this winter.”


Alongside the trails, Aardman and Netflix have partnered with educational publisher Twinkl to create exciting new Robin Robin learning materials to use at school and home. Twinkl will be providing the official resources for young viewers aged 3 to 11, prior to the film’s release, and the storyline fits perfectly into their wider campaign about wellbeing this Christmas, with inspirational messages about being happy with what you have and finding where you belong.


Christmas TV time can be transformed into an opportunity for learning as these completely free resources can also be used by parents, creating a time for families to come together and engage in fun activities based on this new Christmas classic. From writing and maths mystery activities on the rules of ‘The Sneak’ to recreating the ‘Sticky Brown Poo’ cake, these educational materials link learning directly with scenes from the Netflix special, so children can engage with everything they experience off the screen as well as on it. Children can also step behind the curtain, whether it’s exploring scientific facts about robins, composing music, or even learning how to create a stop-motion animation. Find out more at twinkl.co.uk/robinrobin


“Being able to link Twinkl learning materials with Netflix programming makes for a really powerful opportunity for educators and parents,” says Jonathan Seaton, Co-Founder and CEO of Twinkl. “We love the idea of bringing a new dimension of off-screen learning to the Netflix ecosystem through Robin Robin.”


In addition, Macmillan Children’s Books have just launched a publishing range associated with the new film which includes a classic picture book, film tie-in picture book and range of activity and novelty books.


Robin Robin launches on Netflix on November 24 – netflix.com/robinrobin

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
WarnerMedia Kids & Family greenlights Cartoon Saloon’s 
Silly Sundays for Cartoonito 

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
					


				

			
WarnerMedia Kids & Family has greenlit Silly Sundays from Cartoon Saloon for its new Cartoonito preschool block on HBO Max and Cartooon Network. Created by Oscar-nominated producer Nuria González Blanco (Late Afternoon), the animated series follows cousins Sonia, Hugo and Mel on fun, unexpected adventures at their family get-togethers. Silly Sundays will debut in 2023 before making its international debut in LATAM and EMEA.


“I would like to thank WarnerMedia Kids & Family for choosing to partner with us on Silly Sundays!,” says Paul Young, Cartoon Saloon co-founder and producer. We are so delighted to be reunited with their talented team again for this new show that is going to be very funny and sunny, just like it’s creator Nuria Blanco.”


Adina Pitt, Vice President, Partnerships, Acquisitions and Co-Productions for the Americas, WarnerMedia Kids and Family adds: “Cartoon Saloon is an esteemed studio that masterfully approaches storytelling with love and humanity, and Silly Sundays is another great example of how the beloved studio perfectly captures the essence of family bonding.”


Nuria will direct alongside Fabian Erlinghäuser (Dorg Van Dango, Wolfwalkers, The Breadwinner). The show is developed and produced with assistance from Fís Éirean/Screen Ireland and Creative Europe.


Cartoon Saloon Brand Development will handle ancillary and merchandising and once again Cartoon Saloon will partner with Superights (Puffin Rock) for sales outside the WarnerMedia regions.


The series is currently in production at Cartoon Saloon’ studio in Kilkenny, Ireland. In addition to airing on Cartoonito across U.S., LATAM and EMEA, RTE will also broadcast Silly Sundays in Ireland.

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Toho International marks Godzilla’s 67th birthday with activities and new merch drops

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
					


				

			
Toho International, Inc. is celebrating Godzilla Day this year with a host of activities and merchandise.


On November 3, the month-long celebrations kick off with screenings of 1954 Godzilla (a.k.a. Gojira) in 4K restoration. Exclusively screened at Alamo Drafthouse cinemas across the nation, including LA, NYC, San Francisco, the screenings of the film in 4K act as the film’s worldwide premiere. Alamo is also screening classic films Godzilla vs. Hedorah, Shin Godzilla, The Return of Godzilla and Godzilla vs. Biollanteduring Godzilla’s birth-month. More information is available on the website: drafthouse.com/los-angeles/movies/godzilla


Continuing the iconic monster’s 67th birthday celebrations are new products including Godzilla-themed coffee and hot sauces, apparel (including t-shirts, long sleeves and hoodies), hockey merch (jerseys, pucks and hats), toys, collectables and more.


Fans can also take part in gaming experiences in Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout with two iconic costumes brought back in store – “Godzilla” plus “Godzilla 1995,” along with a limited time in-game event in Go Big! kicking off on 3 November.


 

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Toho International marks Godzilla’s 67th birthday with activities and new merch drops

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
					


				

			
Toho International, Inc. is celebrating Godzilla Day this year with a host of activities and merchandise.


On November 3, the month-long celebrations kick off with screenings of 1954 Godzilla (a.k.a. Gojira) in 4K restoration. Exclusively screened at Alamo Drafthouse cinemas across the nation, including LA, NYC, San Francisco, the screenings of the film in 4K act as the film’s worldwide premiere. Alamo is also screening classic films Godzilla vs. Hedorah, Shin Godzilla, The Return of Godzilla and Godzilla vs. Biollanteduring Godzilla’s birth-month. More information is available on the website: drafthouse.com/los-angeles/movies/godzilla


Continuing the iconic monster’s 67th birthday celebrations are new products including Godzilla-themed coffee and hot sauces, apparel (including t-shirts, long sleeves and hoodies), hockey merch (jerseys, pucks and hats), toys, collectables and more.


Fans can also take part in gaming experiences in Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout with two iconic costumes brought back in store – “Godzilla” plus “Godzilla 1995,” along with a limited time in-game event in Go Big! kicking off on 3 November.