Category Archives: Entertainment

Little Brother Books on track to sell over one million Annuals this year and reveals Christmas 2021 line-up

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Little Brother Books is on track to sell over one million Annuals this year, with more than 2,500 dedicated FSDUs across major retailers in the run up to this Christmas. The feat will make the company the UK’s number one publisher of licensed annuals for the fourth year running.

Supporting its chances, Little Brother Books has details a new line-up of titles for the festive season this year, with 12 new Annuals in the collection, including titles and brands such as Blippi, CoComelon, Gigantosaurus, Roblox, and Minecraft. Each title will be hitting shelves from this September.

In an agreement inked with The Point 1881, there will be 2022 Annuals for the popular children’s YouTube live-action character, Blippi, as well as the educational songs and nursery rhymes brand, CoComelon. Also new to LBB is Gigantosaurus Annual 2022, based on the vibrant animated TV series and book licensed through Riverside Brands, as well as a new Ultimate Guide to Among Us.

The other eight titles featured in the 2022 line-up include Shoot Annual 2022, L.O.L. Annual 2022, Barbie Annual 2022, World of Dinosaurs 2022 by JurassicExplorers, Little Mix 2020 Special by PopWinners, as well as three additional ‘Ultimate Gaming Guides’ – GamesWarrior’s Ultimate Guide to Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft.

Little Brother Books reached the number one spot in Annuals publishing sector at the end of 2020, overcoming the plight that struck the market due to the pandemic, and expanding its retail listings and partnerships further. This year, the team is looking ready to strengthen its market position with exclusive retailer support and dedicated displays in high profile stores.

Managing director, Matthew Reynolds, said: “Like many businesses, without doubt 2020 was a rollercoaster but we came through it with flying colours and unbelievably had our most successful year to date. It meant we had to focus more than ever on new and existing retail partnerships to demonstrate that our leading products and brands were the ones to support and will deliver much needed incremental impulse sales for 2020.

“I’m pleased to say that our number one ranges delivered exactly what we promised. This success has given us the perfect opportunity to continue a growth trajectory for 2021. Having four exciting new titles on board with us is testament to the continued demand for Annuals which appeal from preschool to young adults alike.

“We can’t wait to see them hit the market from September this year. Annuals are a very important part of Christmas stocking filler purchases and the significant volumes we and our retailers sell each year shows families love to buy them at Christmas.”

British balance bike firm Kiddimoto renews licensing deal with MotoGP champion Marc Marquez

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The Somerset based balance bike business, Kiddimoto has renewed its partnership with the eight time MotoGP world champion, Marc Marquez to continue its officially licensed Marc Marquez 93 Wooden Balance Bike and accessory range.

The partnership has been renewed as the company celebrates its 18th year in business this September with the launch of a new look website, investment in marketing and communications and some revamped branding for 2021, as well as the introduction of new, sustainable packaging.

The firm’s range of MM93 Wooden Balance Bikes has been a strong seller, tapping into a market of ‘wannabe racing stars’ with a host of lookalike features including a twin ‘exhaust’, tank and aerodynamic tail, and rotating handlebar grips.

“I am a massive MotoGP fan,” said Simon Booth, Kiddimoto founder and director. “Superbikes were the inspiration of our first toddler balance bike back when we began in 2003. Securing world leading champions like Marc Marquez means we continue to be at the top of our game, just like him – what he can do on a bike is insane.

“We are so lucky to have been able to work directly with Marc for all this time and are enormously proud he remains in the Kiddimoto Team paddock, along with other motorcycling legends.”

The MM93 MotoGP Wooden Balance Bike retails at RRP £119.99 and is billed as the perfect first ‘mini motorbike’ balance bike for children aged 18 months to five years. It is one of three dinky ‘motorbikes’ in the Kiddimoto range which boasts reigning world MotoGP champion, Juan Mir’s Suzuki superbike, and the iconic Evel Knievel’s stunt bike too.

Crafted to be lightweight and light on the planet thanks to its environmentally friendly wooden frame, water-based paint and uncoated cardboard packaging, the range has been tested beyond UK and EU toy safety standards with a robust build quality, slick race tyres, and ergonomic design.

The Marc Marquez collection also includes matching helmet, bell and glove.

SYBO Games to roll out Subway Surfers skateboards and scooters across Europe

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The hit children’s mobile gaming IP, Subway Surfers is rolling into the European market with a whole raft of wheeled toys, spanning scooters, hoverboards, skateboards, helmets and protective gear, thanks to a new partnership with Sakar International.

In a global licensing deal brokered by Retail Monster’s US and UK teams, SYBO Games will see its SubSurf consumer and lifestyle brand build on its US and Canadian success as Sakar International prepares to launch its collection to the international market.

The first product based on the popular gaming IP made its debut in 2020 when it launched exclusively into Walmart stores across the North American market.

“Subway Surfers DNA fits so perfectly with this category,” said Bobby Stewart, head of sales for Sakar. “Given the brand’s inherent global appeal, we are ready to deliver wheeled goods to fans and retailers around the world.”

Gemma Witts, managing director of Retail Monster, added: “We are thrilled to build on the success to date and introduce the Sakar line in Europe.”

With well over three billion downloads over its near nine year history, Subway Surfers continues to top charts and widespread recognition. SYBO Games is currently up for two prestigious accolades: Pocket Gamer Mobile Games’ Best Live Ops” award and Licensing International’s Best Brand – Digital.

“We knew from the start that Sakar’s wheel-good line matched the SubSurf lifestyle to a T and know its retail success will follow suit across new territories,” said Naz Amarchi-Cuevas, SYBO chief commercial officer. “Like the game, it’s now heading on its World Tour.”

Incorporating a true physi-digital component through digital codes found on Sakar’s products, fans can redeem codes to jump from the physical world back to the mobile game, unlocking rewards and coveted items.

Aliana Ltd will distribute the range in Europe, Spartan for MENA and Hunter Products in Australia and New Zealand.

England’s UEFA Euro 2020 journey documented in Official History book from Welbeck and The FA

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Welbeck Publishing Group is among the many thousands to be bringing it home this year as it prepares to launch the official licensed History of the England Football team through a new licensing deal with The Football Association.

England: The Official History will be published on October 4th this year and will document the history of the England Football team, including the team’s complete performance at UEFA EURO 2020.

Written by the award-winning author Daniel Storey in association with The FA, the publication will be illustrated with more than 250 photos as it presents an account of the world’s oldest and most iconic national football team in the run up to its 150th birthday in 2022.

Charting the complete history of the England national team and covering the highs and lows of the men’s and women’s national teams, the release will also feature icons past and present including Sir Alf Ramsey, Sir Bobby Charlton, Gary Lineker, Hope Powell, David Beckham, Steph Houghton, and Harry Kane.

Wayne Davies, group publisher for non-fiction, Welbeck Publishing Group, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with The Football Association on this hugely exciting project. If this summer has shown us anything, it’s that the England team still has the ability to capture the public’s imagination almost a century and a half since the first international match was played.

“England: The Official History promises to be a definitive celebration of the Three Lions and Lionesses that fans won’t want to miss.”

Simon Wickham, senior commercial manager – retail and licensing, The Football Association, said: “Ahead of a significant milestone for both our men’s and women’s teams, we are pleased to licence Welbeck Publishing Group to produce this official historic record to mark a celebratory year for The FA.

“Our national teams continue to be an inspiration for many and this will bring to life a rich history that connects with our nation.”

England: The Official History by Daniel Storey is published by Welbeck on 14th October in hardback at £25.

Hexbug builds Junkbots “metaverse” spanning toys, YouTube series, and Roblox story game

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The award winning toy company Hexbug has launched a new project that merges toys with entertainment technology through a new eight part digital series and game on the Roblox platform based on its Junkbots brand.

Developed in partnership with the multimedia company Wind Sun Sky Entertainment, Junkbots aims to ‘converge the best in play, story, entertainment, and technology,’ enabling fans to ‘immerse themselves’ in the Junkbots brand ahead of the launch of season two of the toy line.

The new wave of Junkbots toys will launch with a new environment-based Junkbots Factory Collection of play-sets, while the new eight part series and Roblox game will follow a new adventure that all kicked-off when Junkbot Jack Static received a cryptic radio transmission.

“We are always looking to innovate and the expansion into Roblox and a larger presence on YouTube is a prime example of our forward thinking,” said Tony Norman, co-founder, and CEO, Innovation First International.

“We took our cue directly from kids and delivered an expansive new play experience that spans across multiple platforms that truly immerses them into the Junkbots metaverse through the blend of gaming, play and entertainment.

“Our partnership with multi-platform entertainment company Wind Sun Sky has allowed us to take this to a whole new level.”

The new Junkbots toy line, eight part YouTube series and Roblox story game is all scheduled to land this summer, designed to ‘create a thrilling, multi-platform experience’ for kids. The comedy and adventure series will allow fans the chance to immerse themselves in the Junkbots universe, and join the race to save the city in the multi-chapter Roblox game.

‘All combined, these awesome content extensions are positioned to support and expand the toy line that includes custom codes embedded into the packaging that allow kids to unlock exclusive Roblox swag online,’ read a description from the firm.

“I can proudly say that the Junkbots universe roll out is a rich, engaging and boundary pushing cross-platform narrative experience for fans and future fans of this amazing toy,” said CEO and EP Catherine Winder, WSS.

“Storytelling and world building is our expertise, and the Junkbots web series by our phenomenal team dares to take things a step further cross platform. Fans will laugh and become inspired as they watch in awe, then continue the story on Roblox and with their toys.”

The Junkbots Roblox game offers multiple mini-games within each Mission and dozens of playable set pieces. Players can immerse themselves with a unique “playground experience” where they can come together, socialise, customise their worlds, and explore in between playing story episodes.

Meanwhile, the Junkbots toy line includes multiple sets in the collection – each depicting a unique interactive environment. Season two of the toy line will see 16 new Junkbots to collect, each featuring power modules for light and motion. With an interlocking pipe-building system, kids can deconstruct and reconstruct their play-sets for alternative builds.

Fans will be able to get in on the action as JUNKBOTS launches on Roblox and YouTube in late July 2021 and in-store late August.

Sagoo’s Rilakkuma readies for UK growth with Maggy Harris and Kirsty Guthrie

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The Paris-based licensing agency, Sagoo has appointed the KJG’s Kirsty Guthrie and BlueSkye Licensing’s Maggy Harris to manage the UK licensing activity for its increasingly popular kawaii brand, Rilakkuma.

The move has been made as Rilakkuma begins to see increases awareness among European audiences and licensees, spotting an ‘enormous brand potential’ for the IP here in the UK. Both Guthrie and Harris are well-known to the UK licensing industry and together have established a new bespoke licensing sales service for brand owners looking for local development.

The pair will be working closely with Sagoo to manage, expand, and diversify the Rilakkuma merchandise programme, starting with carefully selected retail launches planned from the late summer.

Veronique Pichon, president of Sagoo France, said: “Awareness of Rilakkuma is building fast among European Licensees and consumers and this is an ideal time to grow Rilakkuma and its enormous brand potential in the UK. We’re delighted to have Maggy and Kirsty on board as Sagoo’s ‘Team UK’.

“They both have a wealth of licensing experience and will strengthen our commitment and ability to build successful partnerships for Rilakkuma across our European territory.”

Guthrie has been vocal in the “long-term opportunities” the pair have seen in the UK for the Rilakkuma brand, spanning some of Sagoo’s existing licensed ranges launching in spring next year from Blueprint for stationary, Hype for greetings cards, and Difuzed for apparel and accessories.

Harris, said: “We’re delighted to be working alongside Sagoo to deliver additional licensing strength to their team in the UK. Kirsty and I both have a wealth of experience licensing cute design based brands and we fell in love with Rilakkuma.” 

Created in 2003 by San-X, Rilakkuma got its name from the Japanese words for ‘relax’ and ‘bear’, summing up the characters approach to life and helping it achieve stand out among the popular kawaii brand sector.

Kawaii inspired brand Tasty Peach taps Bits + Pixels for EMEA licensing push

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Tasty Peach Studios, a new kawaii inspired brand that has been gaining momentum in the US market, has tapped Bits + Pixels for licensing representation across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The team was appointed for EMEA representation by the brand’s master licensing agency, Dimensional Branding Group.

Tasty Peach Studios is a Japan-inspired kawaii IP created by the artist and popular gamer girl with a strong Twitch following, Ryan Zanfei. The brand has got off to a god start in the US market, where it is working with the likes of Hot Topic as well as key licensees Funko and Aurora.

Founded in 2007, Tasty Peach has grown through grassroots marketing across social media, maker platforms, and fan conventions nationwide. Originally launched at retail in Hot Topic, Piq, and independent comic and anime stores nationwide, their licensing program includes partnerships with Aurora, Funko, Goodie Two Sleeves, Bare Tree Media, Atomic Toybox Entertainment, A&A Global, and Great Eastern Entertainment. 

Bits + Pixels was founded by Sandra Arcan and Su-Yina Farmer, two gaming enthusiasts with more than 35 years combined experience in licensing, retail, marketing, collaborations, and promotions. The team’s other clients include Bungie, Wargaming, and Re-Logic. 

“Tasty Peach is a brand we immediately felt excited about with its super kawaii characters and impressive range of beautifully designed product collections. The artist behind the brand, Ryan Zanfei, being a multi-talented gamer girl, Twitch streamer and product designer cemented it as a compelling addition to our portfolio, not least as we see the story behind Tasty Peach as one representing very topical inspiration for many young people,” said Bits + Pixels co-founder, Arcan. 

Treavor Hodgson, president of Tasty Peach Studios, said: “Tasty Peach is excited by the passion and expertise that Bits + Pixels will bring to the Tasty Peach brand. The team’s current and past licensed and collaborative programs are exactly what we are looking for as we continue to build the brand globally.” 

Dimensional Branding Group’s Morgan Ward, added: “At Dimensional Branding Group, we are thrilled to have such a top notch agency on board to represent Tasty Peach. We look forward to continuing to grow the brand globally with their expertise.”

Kawaii inspired brand Tasty Peach taps Bits + Pixels for EMEA licensing push

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Tasty Peach Studios, a new kawaii inspired brand that has been gaining momentum in the US market, has tapped Bits + Pixels for licensing representation across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The team was appointed for EMEA representation by the brand’s master licensing agency, Dimensional Branding Group.

Tasty Peach Studios is a Japan-inspired kawaii IP created by the artist and popular gamer girl with a strong Twitch following, Ryan Zanfei. The brand has got off to a god start in the US market, where it is working with the likes of Hot Topic as well as key licensees Funko and Aurora.

Founded in 2007, Tasty Peach has grown through grassroots marketing across social media, maker platforms, and fan conventions nationwide. Originally launched at retail in Hot Topic, Piq, and independent comic and anime stores nationwide, their licensing program includes partnerships with Aurora, Funko, Goodie Two Sleeves, Bare Tree Media, Atomic Toybox Entertainment, A&A Global, and Great Eastern Entertainment. 

Bits + Pixels was founded by Sandra Arcan and Su-Yina Farmer, two gaming enthusiasts with more than 35 years combined experience in licensing, retail, marketing, collaborations, and promotions. The team’s other clients include Bungie, Wargaming, and Re-Logic. 

“Tasty Peach is a brand we immediately felt excited about with its super kawaii characters and impressive range of beautifully designed product collections. The artist behind the brand, Ryan Zanfei, being a multi-talented gamer girl, Twitch streamer and product designer cemented it as a compelling addition to our portfolio, not least as we see the story behind Tasty Peach as one representing very topical inspiration for many young people,” said Bits + Pixels co-founder, Arcan. 

Treavor Hodgson, president of Tasty Peach Studios, said: “Tasty Peach is excited by the passion and expertise that Bits + Pixels will bring to the Tasty Peach brand. The team’s current and past licensed and collaborative programs are exactly what we are looking for as we continue to build the brand globally.” 

Dimensional Branding Group’s Morgan Ward, added: “At Dimensional Branding Group, we are thrilled to have such a top notch agency on board to represent Tasty Peach. We look forward to continuing to grow the brand globally with their expertise.”

Talking Tom & Friends goes global as it lands new CGI series and a raft of interactive product deals

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Things are hotting up for the award-winning family entertainment brand, Talking Tom & Friends thanks to a slew of new licensing deals across the US and a brand new 3D CGI animated series for global distribution.

Denoting a step up in its plans for global expansion, the popular Talking Tom IP will be the focus of a new series titled Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super headed for distribution on the world stage. The series will see the brand’s popular characters transform into superheroes, each of whom must unlock their superpower potential to save the day.

This is the latest development for Outfit7 and its North American global licensing partner, Epic Story Media, who have also secured a suite of new licensing deals that will take Talking Tom further into the interactive product space.

“Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super is an exciting new development for Outfit7’s groundbreaking entertainment brand, which already has 79 billion global views of its video content,” said Ken Faier, El Presidente and founder of Epic Story Media. “We’re thrilled to be able to work with Outfit7 and take a brand with such incredible global reach to new heights.”

The series is just one of three deals set to deliver more Talking Tom & Friends to its fans worldwide. Epic Story Media and Outfit7 have partnered with Lukis Global Corp, a multi-industry conglomerate and private label manufacturer, to launch a range of new Talking Tom & Friends products at US retailers in the food, apparel, jewellery, and health and beauty categories.

Meanwhile, this autumn will see the launch of the GameBud Talking Tom – a first-of-its-kind, game-connected, interactive product. The Talking Tom GameBud, which will be released for presale in Q4 this year, is the first product to launch from direct-to-fan premium play company, HUGE! Play.

Kevin Mowrer and Adrian Roche, Co-CEOs of HUGE! Play, said: “We’re incredibly excited to introduce the world to GameBud, an innovative 3D interactive character that will live-connect to your favorite Talking Tom games, while also acting as your very own in-home streamer. It’s an honor to partner with Outfit7 and Epic Story Media on this exciting new milestone and industry first.”

MGA Entertainment’s LOL Surprise becomes latest toy brand to make move into NFTs

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MGA Entertainment’s hit fashion doll brand, LOL Surprise is the latest toy brand to enter the digital collectable space, having partnered with the New Zealand based NFT app, VeVe.

Through the partnership, a series of limited edition, singularly unique digital collectables will be developed, giving fans the opportunity to collect their favourite LOL dolls and characters as 3D models which can be animated and made interactive.

The partnership marks the first time that VeVe has developed a series of NFTs based on a property taken form the children’s market.

Currently recognised as the only app of its kind, VeVe allows fans to interact with their collections through mixed reality technology that brings their favourite toys and other collectables to life. Fans will also be able to share their own curated collections of photos, videos, and virtual showrooms with their friends and the fan community using the app’s features.

“This is a very exciting step to be partnering with the world’s largest toy brand and we look forward to offering a new and exciting way for fans to play and engage,” said David Yu, co-founder and CEO, VeVe.

“With hundreds of thousands of satisfied adult fans we look forward to creating offerings for younger fans.”

VeVe NFT digital collectibles are minted on the blockchain, which allows for an immutable record of authentication and for fans to collect their digital products in a fun and engaging experience. Since last December, the VeVe app has been downloaded more than 350,000 times and has sold over 580,000 NFT digital collectibles to avid fans.

VeVe is currently one of the top apps in the entertainment category on the Google app store.

On top of that, earlier this year VeVe announced its plans to be the first carbon neutral NFT platform and committed to 100 per cent carbon neutral NFTs, offering grants to environmental nonprofits to raise money for causes.

“We are very excited to be working with a company who, like MGA, creates unique ways to experience the world of fandom. Combining technology with toys has been successful for us in the past and we are looking forward even more success with VeVe,” said Isaac Larian, CEO and founder of MGA Entertainment.

More details on the L.O.L. and other MGA collectibles series, including drop date, will be announced in the coming weeks.