Category Archives: Entertainment

Dr Seuss catalogues and Clangers audio adventures are landing on the Tonies platform

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Still fresh from its latest portfolio extension with Disney earlier this week, the children’s audio storytelling platform, Tonies, is continuing to roll out the classics, having welcomed the popular works of Dr Seuss as well as the British preschool sensation Clangers to its content library.

In a new partnership with Dr Seuss Enterprises, Tonies is introducing a series of five bundles showcasing the most beloved Seuss characters and stories, kicking off with The Cat in the Hat in early 2022. The deal arrives as Dr Seuss Enterprises details a new major focus on building more audio-first experiences for children.

In time for its 65th anniversary, The Cat in the Hat will be the first Dr Seuss Tonie to debut, and will feature original audio productions of some of the most iconic characters and stories, including The Cat in the Hat, The Cat in the Hat Comes Back, and There’s a Wocket in My Pocket.

Further titles will be unveiled in the coming months.

Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, said: “Audio continues to be on the rise as parents look for new ways to entertain their kids beyond screen time, whether its audiobooks or podcasts, or something as innovative as tonies.

“The tonies team has created an experience that is verbal, tactile and inspirational for kids’ imaginations. As our team continues to bring our properties further into the world of audio, we see tonies as a cornerstone partnership.”

Christoph Frehsee, president of Tonies USA, added: “The Dr. Seuss library is filled with timeless and universally loved stories that appeal to imaginations of so many youngsters. Beginning with The Cat in the Hat, we are looking forward to bringing this whimsical world of characters to the Tonies universe in 2022 and beyond.”

But the new additions to the Tonies platform don’t end there. The system has also welcomed the popular preschool property, Clangers, to the portfolio. Narrated by Sir Michael Palin, the new Clangers Tonie figurine can be placed on top of the Toniebox to take listeners to the unique and imaginary world on the little blue planet, somewhere out in space.

Billed by the company as ‘a great introduction to the CBeebies TV show for little ones’, the new Tonie plays six adventures that take children on an exploration of the Clangers’ planet under the stars, where they will be joined by Small, Tiny, Mother, Major and Granny Clanger.

As well as encouraging independence, the stories told by the new Clangers Tonie will inspire conversations and the development of emotional bonds with parents.

Jeremy Banks, CEO of Coolabi Group, rights holders to the Clangers IP, said: “We are absolutely over the moon to be announcing this new partnership and the Clangers Tonie release. The partnership celebrates all the fantastic music and sounds that make Clangers so magical and unique.”

Pinky Laing, UK partnerships at Tonies, added: “Tonies is committed to helping children through the power and magic of storytelling. We are delighted to be working with Coolabi Group to release our new the Clangers audio Tonie for families.

“Telling the nostalgic, loveable and iconic tales of the pink, knitted creatures that live together on a little blue planet, we hope that the new Tonie will develop bonds amongst parents and their little ones.

“Fostering a love of narrative and adventure, the launch of our new Tonie continues our commitment to engage the next generation by introducing them to beloved classic stories, such as The Clangers.”

But hold on a minute. The thing about Tonie figurines is – they’re like buses. And indeed there is a whole trail of new releases for the month of August, including the new How to Train Your Dragon Tonie boasting 35 minutes of adventure with the young dragon trainer Hiccup and his loyal dragon Toothless, as well as Trolls, following the adventures of Poppy, Branch, and the residents of Troll Village, and Super Wings – a full 72 minutes of quests with Jett as the plane sets off to deliver packages to children around the world.

Spin Master’s Bakugan becomes first franchise to air full-length episode in Roblox metaverse

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Spin Master’s popular Bakugan franchise will be the first ever to premiere a full-length series episode on the global online platform, Roblox, when it makes its debut to the Roblox universe this September 8th.

Bakugan is a global battling franchise that boasts an anime adventure series and digital content, as well as an innovative toy line, card game, and video game. Premiering on September 8th this year, episode 317 from season three, Bakugan: Geogan Rising will debut within the Bakugan hub on the Roblox platform.

It will aim to create a unique viewing experience for Bakugan fans, while attracting a host of new ones to the brand.

“Roblox has become a new way for people to come together through shared experiences and premiering the first full-length series episode on Roblox demonstrates our commitment to our evolving digital-focused approach – helping us reach kids and teens wherever they are,” said Laura Henderson, Spin Master’s EVP, Marketing.

“We can’t wait to introduce another dimension of Bakugan storytelling within Roblox and deepen our fans’ connection to the Bakugan franchise with this immersive new virtual experience.”

Christina Wootton, vice president of brand partnerships at Roblox, added: “Roblox offers entertainment franchises a completely new way to engage with fans online in immersive 3D virtual experiences that make up the metaverse. By merging our collective audiences, we are able to offer the Roblox community as well as Bakugan fans new and unique ways to connect and experience entertainment together within the Roblox metaverse.”

Bakugan: Geogan Rising is season three of the series. Part one of Geogan Rising currently airs on Netflix. Episode 317 is part of part two, which will debut on Roblox on September 8th and on Netflix on September 15th.

Spin Master’s Bakugan becomes first franchise to air full-length episode in Roblox metaverse

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Spin Master’s popular Bakugan franchise will be the first ever to premiere a full-length series episode on the global online platform, Roblox, when it makes its debut to the Roblox universe this September 8th.

Bakugan is a global battling franchise that boasts an anime adventure series and digital content, as well as an innovative toy line, card game, and video game. Premiering on September 8th this year, episode 317 from season three, Bakugan: Geogan Rising will debut within the Bakugan hub on the Roblox platform.

It will aim to create a unique viewing experience for Bakugan fans, while attracting a host of new ones to the brand.

“Roblox has become a new way for people to come together through shared experiences and premiering the first full-length series episode on Roblox demonstrates our commitment to our evolving digital-focused approach – helping us reach kids and teens wherever they are,” said Laura Henderson, Spin Master’s EVP, Marketing.

“We can’t wait to introduce another dimension of Bakugan storytelling within Roblox and deepen our fans’ connection to the Bakugan franchise with this immersive new virtual experience.”

Christina Wootton, vice president of brand partnerships at Roblox, added: “Roblox offers entertainment franchises a completely new way to engage with fans online in immersive 3D virtual experiences that make up the metaverse. By merging our collective audiences, we are able to offer the Roblox community as well as Bakugan fans new and unique ways to connect and experience entertainment together within the Roblox metaverse.”

Bakugan: Geogan Rising is season three of the series. Part one of Geogan Rising currently airs on Netflix. Episode 317 is part of part two, which will debut on Roblox on September 8th and on Netflix on September 15th.

Sony’s Funimation completes $1.175bn acquisition of anime platform Crunchyroll

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The Sony owned Funimation Global Group has completed its acquisition of the anime platform, Crunchyroll from AT&T in a deal that closed out at $1.175bn.

Finalising a deal that was first detailed in December 2020, it now sees the Crunchyroll business welcomed into the Funimation fold – a partnership made up of Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment Japan.

The deal – valued at $1.175bn – arrives in recognition of the pace at which the popularity of anime is growing among audiences the world over.

“The alignment of Crunchyroll and Funimation will enable us to get even closer to the creators and fans who are the heart of the anime community,” said Kenichiro Yoshida, chairman, president, and chief executive officer, Sony Group Corporation.

“We look forward to delivering even more outstanding entertainment that fills the world with emotion through anime.”

Crunchyroll is an anime direct to consumer service that boasts more than five million SVOD (streaming video on demand) subscribers, offering mobile games, manga, events merchandise and distribution to over 120 million users worldwide.

“Crunchyroll adds tremendous value to SOny’s existing anime business, including Funimation and our terrific partners at Aniplex and Sony Mucis Entertainment Japan,” said Tony Vinciquerra, chairman and chief executive officer, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“With Crunchyroll and Funimation, we are committed to creating the ultimate anime experience for fans and presenting a unique opportunity for our key partners, publishers, and the immensely talented creators to continue to deliver their masterful content to audiences around the world.

“With the addition of Crunchyroll, we have an unprecedented opportunity to serve anime fans like never before and deliver the anime experience across any platform they choose, from theatrical, events, home entertainment, games, streaming, linear TV – everywhere and every way fans want to experience their anime.

“Our goal is to create a unified anime subscription experience as soon as possible.”

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.

MGM details its Legally Blonde Turns 21 merchandise and interactive entertainment campaign

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MGM has lifted the lid on its latest campaign, a commemorative celebration of the popular Hollywood film, Legally Blonde as it celebrates its 21st anniversary in 2022.

In honour of the first film’s milestone, MGM’s licensing and consumer products division has launched Legally Blonde Turns 21, a broad campaign featuring merchandising and interactive entertainment focusing on the film’s key tenets of empowerment, education, humour, and pink fashion.

MGM is encouraging fans to celebrate through a wide-ranging roster of blue-chip partners, with 21 licensing partners already on board across the US, Europe, Brazil, Mexico, and Chile spanning apparel, accessories, collectables, interactive entertainment and more.

Some of the licensees to have signed with MGM for the Legally Blonde Turns 21 campaign, include Jerry Leigh of California for costumes and apparel, Park Agencies for apparel and hats, and POetic Brands for pyjamas, loungewear, and apparel. They are joined by Olympia Le Tan for designer bags and clutches, and Solent Brands Limited for home decor, health and beauty, stationery, and cell phone cases.

Meanwhile, Funko is delivering on the collectables space, while PlaySide Studios is readying a mobile game, and TCG Entertainment is rolling out its concert series.

“Legally Blonde continues to inspire fans around the world with its positive messages and confident characters and has led to some incredible pop culture partnerships and products over the years,” said Robert Marick, executive vice president of Global Consumer Products and Experiences.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the iconic film in 2022, and bring our dedicated fans new and exciting merchandise to honor the milestone.”

Over the past two decades, Legally Blonde and the bold and confident Elle Woods have become a part of pop culture, inspiring fashion collaborations, product launches and a first-of-its-kind Legally Blonde themed mobile game from PlaySide Studios.

Later this year, MGM is also set to launch a movie-themed concert tour to celebrate the fun music of this widely loved franchise. Legally Blonde is making its return to the big screen with Mindy Kaling and Dan Goor co-writing the script for the film’s third iteration, Legally Blonde 3, which will see Reese Witherspoon reprise her role as the beloved Elle Woods.

Funko eyes international growth after record second quarter and major executive moves

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Funko’s president, Andrew Perlmutter is to be appointed the firm’s new CEO as Brian Mariotti transitions to the newly created role of chief creative officer, detailing the top level moves the same week the firm delivered ‘its largest topline quarter in company history.’

Last week, the pop culture specialist revealed that second quarter net sales had increased a massive 141 per cent to hit $236.1 million, with ‘broad-based strength’ in all of its markets, particularly Europe where sales increased 393 per cent.

In the firm’s move to maintain its creative leadership in the pop culture consumer products market while positioning itself for long-term growth, it has now detailed its executive leadership transition.

The changes are expected to come into effect from January 3, 2022, allowing both leaders to ‘uniquely contribute to the next phase of Funko’s growth.’ As COO, Mariotti will be able to concentrate on the creative decisions at the company, overseeing product innovation, fan engagement, business development, M&A, and Funko’s Digital product line.

It all follows some record results for Funko who has seen its flagship Pop! Brand grow 137 per cent on strong evergreen product sales, while Loungefly led its non-figure product sales which itself saw an increase of 136 per cent.

Further and more long-term growth is now fully on the cards for Funko as the firm readies to see Perlmutter take on the CEO role. Having first joined the company as senior vice president of sales in 2013, he was promoted to president in 2017 where he currently has oversight over key strategic and operational functions.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we have accomplished at Funko,” said Mariotti. “We built a small company into the leading pop culture platform, offering our fans across the globe a way to interact and connect with some of their most beloved icons.

“This transition will allow me to remain closely involved with the business while focusing more exclusively on the creating and fan-centric areas I am passionate about.”

On the company’s record Q2 financial results this year, he added: “Our teams delivered the largest top line quarter in company history.

“Second quarter net sales more than doubled versus a year ago and also eclipsed 2019 levels, reflecting broad-based strength across our products, channels and regions.

“We are pleased with our strong year-to-date performance in 2021 and our ability to deliver against our core operating and growth strategies despite the challenges of the pandemic.

“As we approach the second half of the year, we are continuing to navigate the uncertain macro environment, while remaining focused on delighting and engaging our fans around the world.”

Perlmutter, added: “I am honoured to assume the role of CEO in January, while maintaining the longstanding and fruitful partnership Brian and I have enjoyed for many years.

“With the transition, we plan to continue to pursue a four-pillar approach that focuses on leveraging our core Pop! Platform, driving additional revenue streams through product diversification, accelerating growth on our direct-to-consumer channel, and expanding our international business.”

Rubies launches range of adaptive costumes to make dress up and role-play more inclusive

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Rubies has released a new range of adaptive costumes designed for children with limited mobility and boasting a selection of features that makes them optimised for ease of wear, accessibility and fitting.

The new collection has been designed to enable all children – regardless of their level of ability – can engage in role-play and dress up, with specially designed features that allow them to do so.

Features include back opening in the trousers and skirts, which allows wheelchair users to dress in bed or in a laying down position, and the combination of Velcro fastenings with elasticated areas add comfort and allow for easier dressing. A discrete front flap opening allows access to tubes on the abdominal area.

Furthermore, the seated area of the costumes is free from costume fabric, helping to reduce pressure points which can cause sores and ulcers from wrinkles, creases or pronounced seams.

To ensure the collection provided comfort and inclusivity with the key demographic, the costumes have been tried and tested on a select focus group of participants in this year’s Superhero Series Powered by Marvel, with positive feedback across the board on the designs and features. One of the costumes even featured on a Good Morning Britain section with Emerson Grant showcasing his Spider-man outfit to the nation.

Mike O’Connell, managing director, said: “We are extremely pleased to announce the introduction of Adaptive Costumes into our extensive licensed portfolio. As an inclusive and innovative company, we strive to create a world where everyone can express themselves equally. Although our exclusive Adaptive Range costumes are different in their features and design, we wanted to ensure our price point matched any other costume of the same quality within our range.

“Dress-up play is a very important part of childhood, allowing children to explore different characters and role models and shape who they become, and we hope these costumes will allow every child to be able to do this.”

The new range will launch with a choice of characters from Marvel, DC and The Mandalorian that are instantly recognisable and highly inspiring to children. The superhero range in particular focuses on Captain America and Spider-Man’s jumpsuits featuring 3D padded muscles; both consist of tops, trousers and snood.

The range also includes Wonder Woman’s dress which has a shimmering sequin bodice detail, a full layered skirt and comes with a range of accessories to complete the character including cape, boot covers, gauntlets and a foam tiara.

Adaptive Costumes will be available to order in time for Halloween. Contact the Rubies sales team to find out more.

Signature Publishing launches first Aardman arts and crafts magazine, Colour It! Aardman: Get Crafty

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The entirety of the Aardman cast of characters are being brought together for the very first time, through the launch of a children’s magazine titled, Colour It! Aardman: Get Crafty.

The result of a new partnership between the Bristol-headquartered studio and Signature Publishing, Colour It! Aardman: Get Crafty will celebrate the much loved Aardman characters, including the likes of Shaun the Sheep, Wallace & Gromit, Morph and Timmy Time, as well as the creativity that goes into drawing and modelling them.

The magazine will feature activities like colouring, crafting and baking, while covering topics like How to Draw Wallace & Gromit, and how to create a Shaun figurine from the supplied modelling clay.

“We are thrilled to work on this very special collaboration with such an esteemed studio as Aardman, bringing their iconic characters to life through creative play and colouring in their very own unique children’s magazine,” said Rachel Craven, commercial and advertising manager at Signature Publishing.

Ian Downes of Start Licensing, said: “We are delighted to be working with Signature Publishing on this Aardman magazine.  They were quick to recognise how well Aardman and their characters were suited to an arts and crafts magazine. They have used the characters really well and this is a great example of how a focussed licensing partnership should work.”

Colour It! Aardman: Get Crafty launched on August 4th and is billed as the ‘ideal magazine to entertain and inspire children during the summer holidays.’ Each issue comes with a bumper colouring set including modelling clay to craft Shaun with, pens, colouring pencils and stickers.

PAW Patrol, Bakugan, and a strong preschool line up drive ‘exceptional’ Q2 performance for Spin Master

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Another global toy company and another ‘exceptional second quarter performance’ rings in this week, as Spin Master joins the ranks of those experiencing Q2 2021 revenue surges.

Total revenue for the Canada-based toy maker increased 39 per cent this past quarter to hit $390.8 million, up from the $281.1 million it posted in the same period last year, with gross product sales growing 27.2 per cent, driven by higher sales in preschool and girls and boys.

Broken down market by market, gross product sales across Europe grew 23.7 per cent on last year, 23.7 per cent in North America, and 58.2 per cent in its Rest of World market.

“Our strong financial performance this quarter reflects our success in creating exceptional play experiences for children and their families across toys, entertainment, and digital games,” said Max Rangel, Spin Master’s global president and chief executive officer.

“By leveraging this strength of each creative centre, we are differentiating Spin Master in the children’s entertainment space. We are well positioned for the second half with an amazing toy line up, growth in our digital games franchise, and the highly anticipated release of PAW Patrol: The Movie, our first foray into feature films.

“Looking to the future, we are focused on adapting to the changing dynamics of play through innovation, customer driven decision making, partnerships and relentless drive to reimagine where imagination can take us, all while delivering profitable growth for our shareholders.”

Driven primarily by preschool and girls and boys sectors, Spin Master’s gross product sales increased by $70.3 million to hit $352.9 million for Q2 2021. Preschool and Girls grew by 60 per cent thanks to increased sales of PAW Patrol, as well as Gabby’s Dollhouse and Present Pets.

Activities, Games and Puzzles, and Plush decreased by $1.8 million. The decline was driven primarily by the Games and Puzzles portfolio, offset in part by sales of Rubik’s, Influencer, GUND, and Orbeez.

Gross product sales in Boys increased by $23.6 million driven by sales of Bakugan, Tech Deck, and Monster Jam RC. This was partially offset by declines in DreamWorks Dragons.

The outdoor product sector decreased by $1.1million.

In first half of the year terms, total revenue at Spin Master has increased 39.1 per cent on the six months ended June 30th, 2020. Gross product sales have increased by $129.2 million to hit $653.7 million.

Mark Segal, Spin Master’s chief financial officer, said: “We delivered very strong financials and operating performance this quarter.

“Our revenue trajectory continued to strengthen, driven by accelerating momentum in our Digital Games and Entertainment creative centres, which drove margin expansion and we are raising our total revenue outlook for the year.

“We remain committed to our financial framework for value creation, underpinned by our formula for innovation and global growth across toys, entertainment, and digital games.”