Licensing experts assemble for special London Book Fair online insights seminar next week

The former marketing manager of Licensing International UK and CEO of Imaginators.tv, Ryan Beaird will be chairing a panel of licensing experts during the London Book Fair’s online insights seminar later this month.

The basics of licensing seminar will be aimed at the show’s audience of publishers looking to get into licensing, or authors wanting to better understand how the licensing industry operates and how they can build a brand from their works.

Scheduled to take place on June, 22nd from 13.25, the hour long session will hear from Beaird as he shares insights from his seven years experience running the UK office of the licensing industry association, Licensing International UK. He will be joined by Thomas Merrington, creative director of Penguin Ventures who will talk about Peter Rabbit and the brand’s live exhibitions.

Following the presentations, there will be a live Q&A session with panellists including Merrington, Rob Wijeratna, joint MD of Rocket Licensing, Rebecca French, head of licensing at the Roald Dahl company, and Lauren Sizeland, director of licensing of the V&A, who will talk audiences through the V&A’s Alice in Wonderland exhibitions as well as its award winning shop.

“We are delighted that we can host this panel as part of The Online Book Fair’s seminar programme,” said Andy Ventris, event director, London Book Fair.

“We are sure that this topic will be of great interest to our audience, with more than 2,000 global publishing professionals registered for the event and licensing being such a crucial part to the business of publishing, this looks set to be one of the highlights of the Online Book Fair programme.”

Registration for the online event next week is free.

Seminar Details and Registration Link: 

https://www.londonbookfair.co.uk/en-gb/whats-on/seminar-programme/sessions-details.2124.64555.licensing-how-to-build-a-brand-from-a-book.html

Licensing experts assemble for special London Book Fair online insights seminar next week

The former marketing manager of Licensing International UK and CEO of Imaginators.tv, Ryan Beaird will be chairing a panel of licensing experts during the London Book Fair’s online insights seminar later this month.

The basics of licensing seminar will be aimed at the show’s audience of publishers looking to get into licensing, or authors wanting to better understand how the licensing industry operates and how they can build a brand from their works.

Scheduled to take place on June, 22nd from 13.25, the hour long session will hear from Beaird as he shares insights from his seven years experience running the UK office of the licensing industry association, Licensing International UK. He will be joined by Thomas Merrington, creative director of Penguin Ventures who will talk about Peter Rabbit and the brand’s live exhibitions.

Following the presentations, there will be a live Q&A session with panellists including Merrington, Rob Wijeratna, joint MD of Rocket Licensing, Rebecca French, head of licensing at the Roald Dahl company, and Lauren Sizeland, director of licensing of the V&A, who will talk audiences through the V&A’s Alice in Wonderland exhibitions as well as its award winning shop.

“We are delighted that we can host this panel as part of The Online Book Fair’s seminar programme,” said Andy Ventris, event director, London Book Fair.

“We are sure that this topic will be of great interest to our audience, with more than 2,000 global publishing professionals registered for the event and licensing being such a crucial part to the business of publishing, this looks set to be one of the highlights of the Online Book Fair programme.”

Registration for the online event next week is free.

Seminar Details and Registration Link: 

https://www.londonbookfair.co.uk/en-gb/whats-on/seminar-programme/sessions-details.2124.64555.licensing-how-to-build-a-brand-from-a-book.html

Lion Brand Yarn Company launches official Schitt’s Creek line to help fans recreate the show’s iconic looks

The hit Canadian sitcom series, Schitt’s Creek is embarking on a new licensing venture, enabling fans of the ‘must-watch TV series of the pandemic’ to recreate some of the most iconic looks from the pop culture phenomenon.

In partnership with ITV Studios – the global distributor of the award-winning Schitt’s Creek series – Lion Brand Yarn Company is helping the series’ biggest fans create those chic sweaters, tops, and outfits, thanks to its upcoming line of official products.

“We are excited and proud to be partnering with ITV Studios and launching a product line inspired by ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ a show that has captured the hearts of TV viewers in multiple countries,” said Chris Mills, president and CEO of Lion Brand Yarn Company.

“In addition to releasing exclusive yarns and patterns that will allow fans and crafters to recreate their favorite garments, we’re honored to be associated with a show that promotes positivity, warmth, and inclusivity – messages that are integral to Lion Brand’s mission as a company.”

Lion Brand’s line of Schitt’s Creek products will include varying styles and colors of yarn – including white, heather grey, blush, and jet black – all of which will bear an exclusive “Schitt’s Creek” label. It will also include a wide variety of patterns for both adults and children, with detailed instructions on how to create the clothing inspired by the “Schitt’s Creek” characters: David Rose’s unforgettable collection of sweaters; Alexis Rose’s spirited, bohemian cardigans; and more.

Matching merchandise such as pillows and throw blankets will also accompany the line.

“We were thrilled with the opportunity to work with Lion Brand on this first-of-its-kind Schitt’s Creek product line,” said Kim Dingler, CCO global entertainment, ITV Studios.

“Thanks to Lion Brand, a company that shares the Schitt’s Creek ethos of community, consumers and crafters will have a one-stop shop and be able to make their own ‘Schitt’s Creek’ outfits.”

Created by father-and-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy, who also star in the show opposite Catherine O’Hara and Annie Murphy, the Canadian comedy series Schitt’s Creek first debuted in 2015, before a migration to Netflix set it on course to become a worldwide phenomenon.

Over five years and six seasons, the story of a wealthy family displaced and brought down to earth in a modest small town exploded in popularity, and for its final season, it won nine awards at the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, as well as two Golden Globes.

Throughout its run, Schitt’s Creek became as beloved for its bold fashions as it did for its characters and storylines. The unique knits and patterns worn by David Rose (Dan Levy), Moira Rose (O’Hara) and Alexis Rose (Murphy), specifically, inspired countless Halloween costumes as well as major clothing retailers and fashion designers.

“For Lion Brand, the combination of the show’s striking knitwear and its warmhearted themes were a perfect match,” said Mills. “With everything we do, we strive to create a more colorful, connected, comforting, and caring world, and that’s exactly what the world of Schitt’s Creek is. We can’t wait for our customers to make, wear, and enjoy the stunning styles of that world.”

Costume specialist Rubies readies its Hello Summer campaign to celebrate getting together

The licensed costumes specialist, Rubies is preparing to launch a new Hello Summer campaign this July, a marketing initiative devised to celebrate the summer months through new online content and competitions for kids and dress-up fans of all ages.

The company is encouraging customers to make up for lost time with friends and family this summer, welcoming back holidays as the UK’s holiday makers enjoy a summer of staycationing, or engage little ones with Rubies’ new online summer camp, Camp Kindness, all of which will fall under the hashtag #everyexcusetoparty.

New releases from Rubies will feature officially licensed costumes from a wide range of new media, catering to all age ranges, from the deadly assassins of Marvel’s Black Widow cinematic release, to the Space Jam: A New Legacy kit.

Mike O’Connell, COO, Rubies, said: “We can’t wait to launch our new Hello Summer campaign this July, as it’s understandably a very exciting time in people’s lives as the world opens up again and people start to celebrate with those closest to them.

“Rubies is synonymous with unforgettable party experiences and as an industry leader, we act as a positive role model to our audience who wear our costumes. Kindness, Friendship and Togetherness are imperative to our company values and ethos and we want to encourage these amongst our audience, with the introduction of our virtual summer camp.”

Rubiesworld.com will be the home of Camp Kindness, the virtual summer camp. This brand-new website will focus on celebrating everyday acts of kindness with a competition where you can submit acts of kindness or good deeds that you have witnessed and vote for your favourite.

The winner will be announced on the 22nd August and will receive the Ultimate Party Bundle from Rubies, allowing them to throw a character themed party for all their friends.

Smash hit gaming franchise Fall Guys joins the Wow! Stuff Wow! Pods collectables line up

Mediatonic’s smash hit gaming franchise, Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout has joined the Wow! Stuff portfolio as the award-winning toy maker welcomes the IP to its character brand collectables range, Wow! Pods.

Recognised as the breakout gaming hit of 2020, Fall Guys quickly established itself as one of the most joyful multiplayer titles available, in which players tumble over bizarre obstacles, shove through unruly competitors, and overcome the laws of physics to avoid elimination in their quest for the crown. 

Now, Fall Guys’ brightly coloured beans are stumbling into the spotlight as main characters of the new Wow! Pods Fall Guys collectables range. The products will feature the Wow! Stuff patent applied for Swipe to Light function which reveals mystery icons under the UV light.

Wow! Stuff’s co-founder and head of licensing, Kenny McAndrew, said: “Fall Guys is a phenomenal hit and the characters are loved by thousands of players around the world. Fall Guys fits perfectly within our ethos of ensuring Wow! Pods meets the fandom thirst from fans of character brands.” 

Fée Heyer, Devolver Digital’s head of global licensing, added: “We are careful in our selection of licensees and want the finest innovation that truly fulfills the wishes of our Fall Guys fans. We have seen how successfully Wow! Pods has re-invented and re-invigorated the collectables market with its unique set of cool features, and we’re so excited for Fall Guys fans to see their favourites realised in real life with this special range of collectables.”

Wow! Pods Fall Guys will be available across leading retailers in the UK, Europe and North America from September 1st. SRP $/£/€14.99.

Mattel partners with Munchy Play to bring Thomas & Friends to the dining table

Mattel has landed a new partnership with Munchy Play – the founders of the first children’s plate and track – to launch a new tableware collection based on the iconic Thomas & Friends franchise. The range will launch across the UK and Ireland.

Featuring a built-in track, the plates aim to bring fun to dining and children to the table. Available in three playful themes, the range features a blue Thomas plate, red James plate, and green Percy plate, each bearing illustrations of the engines and taking kids on a journey from Knapford Station, passing tunnels, trees, and traffic lights along the way.

Designed for preschoolers, there are high-sides and a non-slip base to support self-feeding. Plus, the track can accommodate children’s favourite TrackMaster and MINIS engines.

The Thomas and Friends Train Track Plate collection is now available from £15.99, at Munchyplay.com and Amazon.com, as well as Drayton Manor Park, home of Thomas Land.

Helen Genia, head of licensing for Mattel UK, said: “We are delighted to partner with Munchy Play to bring the magic of Thomas & Friends to mealtimes. Creative storytelling is a great way to keep teatimes on track in a way that families will appreciate, and little ones will love.

“Children take great comfort in their favourite train characters, and this brings it together in the most clever and irresistible way.”

Launched last year, Munchy Play manufacturers its products in the UK, and has been named one of the ‘most promising’ start-ups of 2021. 

Sophia Procter, founder and CEO of Munchy Play, said: “Four years’ ago, inspired by my son’s love of Thomas, I came up with the idea for a kids’ plate with a track around the outside. Successfully bringing my fussy eater toddler to the table, I saw its potential to help other families and set out to create a tableware range that would excite children about dining. It’s a dream come true to introduce our new Thomas & Friends collection for families to enjoy.”

Sixteen South taps Bulldog Licensing as global agency for new preschool series tackling the big issues of today

The BAFTA-winning children’s television production house, Sixteen South has signed Bulldog Licensing as its global licensing agency for Odo, the new preschool series scheduled to premiere on Channel 5’s Milkshake this summer and KiKA later this year.

Aimed at kids aged three to five, Odo is designed to teach young children to believe in themselves to help combat the rise in anxiety and depression levels in today’s children. Funny, charming and heartfelt, Odo works on multiple levels to provide a humorous experience with important life lessons for kids and parents.

According to the team, the animation ‘lends itself perfectly to a full cross-category programme of licensed products’, as focus will fall on toys and games as well as apparel, accessories, publishing, home, and stationery. Bulldog Licensing has outlined its plans to partner with leading players in the licensing world everywhere.

Believing that there’s absolutely nothing that he can’t do, Odo is the littlest owl at the Forest Camp who is determined to prove that despite his size, he is as capable as all the bigger birds. The series aims to teach young children self-efficacy and to believe in themselves to help combat the troubling rise in anxiety and depression levels in today’s children.

Comedic and warm, with gender neutral appeal, the stories also deal with important themes such as immigration, racism, respect for others, and show kids how to deal with setbacks in a meaningful way while fostering the development of social skills.

Colin Williams, creative director of Sixteen South, said: “We’ve always been big fans of Bulldog and are delighted they are taking Odo under their wing to manage our global consumer products programme. With their outstanding reputation we know that Odo couldn’t be in better hands.

“We have had an amazing response to the series from broadcasters from the US to  Australia, Canada and all across Europe, with strong presales already, and we’re sure that Bulldog will soon have licensees flocking to get on board.”

Rob Corney, group managing director, Bulldog Licensing, said: “We were completely enchanted by Odo – it’s warm-hearted and funny with a really important message. We’re really excited to be working together with such a talented studio as Sixteen South to help it take flight around the world. It’s full of wonderful, endearing characters which we can already imagine enhancing a whole range of consumer product and experiences. Watch Odo fly.”

Odo is a 52 x 7 hand drawn ‘2.5D’ animation produced by Sixteen South and Warsaw-based 2D animation studio Letko with funding provided by the UK government funded Young Audiences Content Fund (YACF), which is managed by the BFI, NI Screen and the Polish Film Institute.

The Exec Producers are Colin Williams for Sixteen South, Jakub Karwowski for Letko, Sebastian Debertin for KiKA and Louise Bucknole for Milkshake! The Educational Consultant is psychologist Dr Natascha N. Crandall, Ph.D.

LEGO launches first Adidas Originals Superstar buildable trainer in latest brand extension

The LEGO Group has launched its first buildable sneaker, a LEGO brick building set based on the popular Adidas sneaker model, the Superstar. The move, a first in both the toy and streetwear space, is the latest development in the ongoing partnership between the Danish toy maker and Adidas Originals.

The set launches in celebration of an extended collaboration between the two global brands that also witnesses the launch of a new series of Adidas Originals LEGO Superstar sneakers that melds the archival aesthetics of the Adidas Originals Superstar with LEGO’s recognisable styling.

Playfully reimagining the iconic silhouette, the LEGO Superstar sneaker in adult sizing features a classic white and black leather construction that is elevated with custom three stripes, shelltoe, and heel tab, which have been crafted to emulate the LEGO brick pattern. 

The adult version of the shoe is complimented in kids sizing, this time bringing a colourful and playful LEGO take on the Superstar and rounding out options for the whole family.

Meanwhile, the never-before-seen LEGO sneaker offering will allow fans to recreate the iconic Adidas sneaker from LEGO elements to build their own collectable display piece.

The LEGO version of the sneaker includes the Adidas Originals Superstar graphics, shell toe shape, trefoil logo and serrated three stripes mark. This set includes 17 extra LEGO elements, allowing fans to build either the right-foot or left-foot sneaker. For extra realism, it even has shoelaces and comes in an authentic shoe box.

The model measures over 12 cm high, 27cm long and 9cm wide and with a display stand and plaque.

 To celebrate the creativity and spirit of reinvention that’s inherent to the LEGO adidas Originals Superstar model, the LEGO Group asked six inspiring and diverse creatives to customize their own version of the brick-built sneaker, and now invites all fans to do the same, uploading their personal expressions on social media using the hashtag #builtbyoriginals.

“As a kid of the ’80s and growing up in the ’90s, the Superstar sneaker with its rich street art culture was such an iconic item, and that’s also when I got my first pair,” said Florian Müller, senior designer, LEGO Group.

“So when the collaboration with Adidas started I was super excited to work on this model. As shoes represent very organic objects, made from flexible material that also look different on every person, it was a fun challenge to translate this into the LEGO System in Play, which by nature is square and blocky.

“Thanks to the Superstar team at adidas Originals it’s been a super collaborative process with valuable insights shared about the art of shoe making, and now we just look forward to seeing how fans will take to the model, customizing it in their own unique and wonderful ways.”

 The Adidas Originals and the LEGO Group collaborative Superstar LEGO sneaker arrives on July 1st and is available in adult and junior sizing through adidas.com/LEGO, and select retailers. 

 The LEGO® adidas Originals Superstar 10282 model also launches on July 1st and will be exclusively available at www.lego.com/adidas-superstar, LEGO stores, adidas.com and Adidas stores globally. The recommend retail price is £79.99.

FanSets and Asmodee bring magic to the collectable pins space with first KeyForge line-up

FanSets LLC has partnered with the tabletop gaming giant, Asmodee to bring a dose of magic to the enamel pins space, with the launch of a series of collectables based on the popular card game title, KeyForge. The range will be launched to fans and collectors across the US, Canada, and the UK.

The series will feature KeyForge characters from every house, including the newly premiered house Unfathomable, and will be available in Summer 2021. The new deal is the latest in Asmodee Entertainment’s continued expansion into licensed opportunities for its portfolio of popular board game and card game titles.  

For FanSets, meanwhile, this deal expands their collector-focused product line and is the team’s first tabletop brand partnership. 

“We are excited to announce this new partnership just in time for fans to explore the newly released KeyForge game set Dark Tidings,” said Alexander Thieme, licensing manager for publishing and consumer goods at Asmodee Entertainment. “FanSets’ fantastic enamel pins provide our fans a way to represent their allegiance to their favorite houses. We’re thrilled  to work alongside the talented team at FanSets to bring such a great, sought after collectible to our fans!” 

KeyForge is the world’s first Unique Deck Game. Fans play as the mighty Archons and, using  their team of vault warriors, race to forge keys to unlock the secret vaults of the Crucible, a  world in which anything is possible and nothing is predictable. Fans of KeyForge all have favorite cards and houses, either because of the colorful and dynamic artwork featured or  because of the card’s power on the table, and now they can represent their favorites with  equally dynamic enamel pins. 

“Our customers are collectors, hobbyists, and passionate fans,” said FanSets co-founder Lew Halboth. “We love tabletop games and are putting every ounce of that passion into developing these KeyForge pins. We know fans will love them because we love them. We are excited to add Asmodee Games as one of our key licenses going forward and we look forward to working with their passionate team.” 

The first of these releases is planned for Q3 2021 and pins will be available at hobby and specialty shops and online. 

Anderson Entertainment enters direct to consumer publishing market with plans for further growth

Anderson Entertainment has made its entry into the direct to consumer publishing business as it details plans to launch a wide range of titles for fans of the studio’s classic Anderson properties, as well as new projects now in production or planned.

Anderson Entertainment is the company founded by Gerry Anderson, the brains behind iconic shows like Thunderbirds and Space: 1999, as well as more modern series such as Space Precinct and the 2005 reimagining of Captain Scarlet. New book launched by the firm will be aimed at its vast and still growing audience.

The direct-to-consumer approach builds on the strength of the online Gerry Anderson shop and Anderson Entertainment social and owned channels – with access to over 150,000 fans. This approach will allow Anderson Entertainment to market effectively by initially targeting its strong customer community.

However, this is only the first phase of the publishing strategy. After the direct-to-consumer publishing business is established, these books will also be made available through the mainstream book trade.

The publishing project begins with novels – a series of stories originally published in the 1960s and 1970s. These books are now being reprinted and repackaged for a modern audience. In particular the books will target a growing fanbase of all ages now able to access Anderson classics on both linear and streaming services.

The books will be available in four formats: as physical print books in hardback (with slight adjustments to the content for a 2021 audience), as Kindle e-books, as digital audio downloads and as packaged audiobooks, including extras.

Thunderbirds: Terror from the Stars, an adaptation of John Theydon’s 1965 book Thunderbirds, is the first of the new books. The audiobook version features both narration and a full cast, with characters voiced by such major names as Dead Ringers favourite Jon Culshaw and Harry Potter star Genevieve Gaunt. The packaged audiobook comes in a four-CD set that includes a behind-the-scenes documentary. 

All physical formats are being made available at the Gerry Anderson online store from July. The digital download audiobook version is now available and is also being sold on the website of Anderson Entertainment production partner Big Finish, while e-book releases will be available globally via Amazon. More titles will appear on a monthly basis from this summer.

Following this, late 2021 will see more new titles added, including a two-volume anthology of comic strips based on the popular live action Anderson show UFO. It’s the first time all the UFO comic strips have been collected in book form.

The second book will be a Moonbase Alpha technical manual, a guide to the scientific research centre that is home to the cast of Space: 1999. It’s a coffee table book in the style of a 1970s technical manual but updated with new written material and hundreds of newly commissioned images. It will also be the first authoritative guide to the iconic Moonbase – a must for fans of the hit 1970s live action show.

The plans for growth come hard on the heels of a new agreement with rightsholder ITV Studios, which allows Anderson Entertainment to expand its ranges of product derived from its classic brands. This agreement will enable not only published output but also a wide range of new and innovative products inspired by the best-loved Gerry Anderson creations.

Writer, producer, director, and Gerry Anderson’s son, Jamie Anderson is MD of Anderson Entertainment. He will also be directing some of the cast-led audiobook productions.

He said: “Beginning a new era as a publisher with direct-to-consumer product will build on the close relationship we have with many tens of thousands of Gerry Anderson fans around the world. At the same time we firmly believe that the growing popularity of both classic and new Anderson output will help us to target a wider audience that can also be reached by traditional online and physical booksellers.

“This is an exciting venture for Anderson Entertainment and one that underlines the continuing strength of the Anderson name and brands and is the perfect addition to our existing threads of direct-to-consumer activity.”