Category Archives: Entertainment

Winning Moves Games USA to develop licensed classic and retro Wham-O legacy toys in latest deal for the brand

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Winning Moves Games USA has struck a new licensing partnership with Anjar Co. & Becker Associates to market classic, retro-style Wham-O legacy toys, including the likes of Frisbee, Hula Hoop, Super Ball, Hacky Sack, Slip ‘N Slide, Trac-Ball, and Boogie Board.

The line is scheduled to launch in Spring 2022. The Winning Moves deal follows closely on the heels of the licensing deal with Jazwares for a range of Wham-O Branded Pet Toys.

“Winning Moves Games USA is proud to announce it has signed a licensing agreement with Anjar and Wham-O to bring back the classic versions of Frisbee, Super Ball, Hacky Sack, Trac Ball and many other classic Wham-O toys,” said Philip Orbanes Jr., president of Winning Moves Games USA.

“For more than 25 years Winning Moves Games USA has built a positive reputation as a leader in the world of classic, retro, cool and fun games. Now we’re going to bring that same passion for gaming into the world of classic outdoor toys, and there’s no better brand to work with than the iconic Wham-O.”

Todd Richards, Wham-O president, added: “The Wham-O Team is very pleased to have Winning Moves as a new partner to further enhance our legendary brands with their innovative product and packaging concepts, and their complementary distribution channels.”

Wham-O is a lifestyle brand that has been synonymous with fun, play, and active sports since it was founded. The Frisbee and Hula Hoop were inducted into the Strong Museum’s National Toy Industry Hall of Fame in 1998 and 1999 respectively.

Anjar & Becker Associates are building a global licensing program for Wham-O’s iconic toy brands across all product categories, including apparel, branded promotional products, pet products, and crafts and activities.

Patti Becker, CEO of Becker Associates, said: “We’re so excited the classic, retro versions of Wham-O brands are in the hands of Winning Moves. The backyard is the new vacation spot, and with the increased popularity of classic retro products, and the surge in outdoor play, the timing couldn’t be better for Winning Moves to capitalize on the extraordinary brand awareness and appeal of Wham-O’s amazing toys.”

Other recent Wham-O licensees include Zuru’s Mini Brands, and Critical Content’s Ultimate Slip ‘N Slide. Ultimate Slip ‘N Slide is a new unscripted reality competition series launching this summer on NBC. The first episode will premiere August 8, 2021 at 10:30 pm ET, immediately following the Closing Ceremony of the Summer Olympics. Bobby Moynihan of SNL fame will host the series.

Moonbug makes play for organic baby food in the US and lands BBC iPlayer UK deal

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Moonbug Entertainment is strengthening its licensing and broadcast portfolio on both sides of the Atlantic this week, having entered the organic baby and toddler foods market in the US, while strengthening the reach of its preschool portfolio through a new partnership with BBC here in the UK.

The content studio has struck up a new partnership with Neptune Wellness Solutions, a health and wellness company focused on plant-based and sustainable lifestyle brands, and its Sprouts Foods organic baby and toddler foods range for a new, officially licensed CoComelon range of products.

Brokered by Moonbug’s North American licensing agency, UTA, the product is expected to land at retailers across the US this summer. Sprout is currently the fifth largest name in the organic baby food category in the US, and number three organic baby food brand on Amazon.

“I am thrilled to announce this arrangement with CoComelon, the number one children’s show in North America,” said Michael Cammarata, chief executive officer and president of Neptune. “Since acquiring Sprout in February, we have already increased sales through expanding our distribution across Target stores in the United States, and we expect to add more national retailers.

“This agreement with CoComelon, through its unparalleled reach, should fuel additional dynamic growth for this leading organic baby food brand.”

With more than 110 million subscribers worldwide, CoComelon is the number one children’s entertainment and educational show in the world claiming a number one ranking on Youtube with its top three episodes generating nearly 9bn views around the world. Additionally, the show was number one on Netflix and maintains a Top 10 ranking across all genres with the recent launch of Season three.

Simon Philips, senior in-house advisor at Moonbug, said: “Healthy living is a core part of what makes CoComelon a global family favorite, so are thrilled to be launching a partnership with Sprout, a leading North American organic baby food and toddler snack brand.”

Meanwhile, on this side of the Atlantic, Moonbug has struck its first deal with a public broadcaster, having signed with BBC to bring its portfolio of preschool properties, including CoComelon, Digley and Dazey, Little Baby Bum, Go Buster, and Playtime with Twinkle to the iPlayer platform.

Nicolas Eglau, managing director EMEA and APAC, Moonbug has called the deal “a real quality stamp” for the company’s creative teams.

“BBC is known worldwide for its engaging programming for preschoolers, and Moonbug is excited to enter a partnership with such a renowned organization,” said Eglau.

Moonbug’s programming introduces universal themes that children can relate to via colorful animation and compelling storytelling. Whether it’s eating veggies or getting ready for bed, Moonbug’s playful animation and catchy songs supports children’s development and learning.

Mattel launches Barbie Loves the Ocean, its first range made from recycled plastic

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Mattel has taken its latest step forwards in its mission for better sustainability across its product portfolio, with the launch of Barbie Loves the Ocean, its first fashion doll line to be made from recycled plastic.

The launch is in line with the toymaker’s goal to achieve 100 per cent recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastic materials across all of its products and packaging by 2030.

“This Barbie launch is another addition to Mattel’s growing portfolio of purpose-driven brands that inspire environmental consciousness with our consumer as a key focus,” said Richard Dickson, president and chief operating officer, Mattel.

“At Mattel, we empower the next generation to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We take this responsibility seriously and are continuing to do our part to ensure kids can inherit a world that’s full of potential, too.”

The Barbie Loves the Ocean Collection features three dolls whose bodies are made from 90 per cent recycled ocean-bound plastic parts and an accompanying Beach Shack play-set with accessories made from over 90 per cent recycled plastic.

Mattel has also outlined the Barbie brand’s future-looking dedication to utilising its global platform to create a ‘better world for kids everywhere’ by focusing on diversity and inclusion, equal opportunities, and now sustainability, via its Barbie Loves the Ocean Collection as well as its Forest Stewardship Council goal to achieve 95 per cent recycled or FSC-certified paper and wood fiber materials in its packaging by the end of the year.

The activity is all being housed under a new campaign from the brand titled The Future of Pink is Green. Launching in partnership with BBH LA, the campaign will leverage the brand’s historic association with pink – as well as the association of green with protecting the planet – to communicate Mattel’s next steps in its sustainability goals.

“Our 62-year legacy is steeped in evolution, as we consistently drive forward initiatives designed to better reflect the world kids see around them. Barbie Loves the Ocean is a prime example of sustainable innovations we’ll make as part of creating a future environment where kids can thrive,” said Lisa McKnight, senior vice president and global head of Barbie and Dolls, Mattel.

“We are passionate about leveraging the scope and reach of our global platform to inspire kids to be a part of the change they want to see in the world.”

The Barbie programme is one of a number of launches supporting Mattel’s corporate goal to use 100 per cent recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials in all products and packaging by 2030.

Other efforts include the recently launched Mattel PlayBack, a toy takeback program designed to recover and reuse materials from old Mattel toys for future Mattel products and Drive Toward a Better Future, Mattel’s product roadmap to make all Matchbox die-cast cars, play-sets and packaging with 100 per cent recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials by 2030.

Last year, Mattel also introduced several toys that ladder up to this commitment including the Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack and Fisher-Price Baby’s First Blocks, made from bio-based plastics, three MEGA Bloks sets made from bio-based plastics, and UNO Nothin’ But Paper, the first fully recyclable UNO deck without cellophane packing materials.

ViacomCBS lands slate of CEE partners for PAW Patrol, SpongeBob, Shimmer & Shine and more

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WildBrain CPLG has secured a wave of new and extended FMCG partnerships in Central and Eastern Europe across ViacomCBS’ portfolio of popular animated brands including PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, Blaze and the Monster Machines, Shimmer & Shine and Bubble Guppies.

The pan-regional deals brokered by the WildBrain CPLG CEE team include those with Foodcare for a range of PAW Patrol instant porridge, hot cereals, and instant cocoa, an oral care range from GSK, and an extended offering of fruit and vegetable juices and pouches from Hortus to include Jurajska Junior PAW Patrol water.

In addition, long-term licensee Dairy4Fun continues to significantly grow the business across Europe with its range of children’s desserts and snacks featuring PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants and Blaze and the Monster Machines.

In Poland, WildBrain CPLG has secured a deal with the market’s largest ice cream manufacturer, Koral, for a range featuring PAW Patrol and SpongeBob SquarePants. The partnership marks Koral’s first licensed offering and the range’s recent launch was supported by an extensive outdoor marketing campaign, including branded trucks. Alongside this, a new deal with Cerbona in Hungary saw a range of breakfast cereals featuring SpongeBob SquarePants recently launched at local retailers Auchan, Spar, Tesco HU and CBA.

Additionally, Cerbona is gearing up to roll out the range into new territories, including Czech Republic and Romania from this summer.

Meanwhile, in Serbia, WildBrain CPLG has signed beverage market leader KNJAZ MILOS (part of the Pepsi Group) for a flavoured water featuring Blaze and the Monster Machines, and Shimmer & Shine, with PAW Patrol joining the offering from August 2021. Also in Serbia, Plazma is celebrating ongoing success with its range of PAW Patrol snacks and cereal.

Slawomir Ekiert, managing director CEE and Nordics at WildBrain CPLG, said: “We’re seeing significant growth within the FMCG category across Central and Eastern Europe, which is largely being driven by beloved kids’ entertainment properties.

“ViacomCBS’s engaging slate of animated IP is ideally placed to captialise on the vast business potential FMCG partnerships offer, as demonstrated by this robust line-up of new and expanded deals. For 2021 and beyond, we’ll be focused on further boosting our footprint within the FMCG space and setting the standard for licensed products across our portfolio of entertainment and lifestyle properties, in both the CEE region and wider European market.”

Stateside | Pokemon, Marvel, and Barbie help fuel US toy sales surge as market grows 27 per cent

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Major properties including Pokemon, Barbie, Star Wars, and LEGO have contributed to a booming first quarter toy sales in the US that witnessed an increase of 27 per cent between January and April 2021, according to The NPD Group.

Ten of the 11 super categories tracked by the NPD posted double digit growth versus the year prior, contributing to a sales increase totalling $1.5 billion in the first four months of the year.

All super categories posted a positive two year compound annual growth rate, with seven super categories showing double digit growth rates compared to 2019. The market is led by the Outdoor and Sports Toys category, which – having experienced gains of $324 million – continues to be the largest super category, with $1.6 billion in sales.

The Plush market witnessed the fastest dollar growth in the first quarter, surging 44 per cent on 2020 numbers.

“As we lap the lockdowns of 2020, the super categories that had surging growth last year, like Games and Puzzles, appear to be slowing down,” said Juli Lennett, vice president and industry advisor, US Toys, The NPD Group.

“However, it’s important to realize that sales are still strong for Games and Puzzles in 2021 which is reflected in the two-year CAGR growth of 34 per cent, the fastest growth compared to 2019 of all super categories.”

Strategic Trading Cards has been marked among the top growth sectors, driven in large by Pokemon but holding strong across all 96 classes tracked by the NPD.

Pokemon has been highlighted as the top growth property year-to-date, followed by the likes of Barbie, Star Wars, LOL Surprise, Marvel Universe, Hot Wheels, Little Tikes, NERF, LEGO, Star Wars, and Funko Pop.

Collectively, these ten properties grew 48 per cent while the rest of the market grew 22 per cent from January to April 2021.

“We can’t understate the impact that federal stimulus payments had on toy industry performance this year,” said Lennett. “The follow up to that will be the child tax credit which will provide cash in the hands of parents each month starting in July and through the end of the year.”

British stationery brand Manuscript Pen Company launches online preschool series Lionheart Tales

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The Great British stationery brand, Manuscript Pen Company, has entered the children’s animation sector with the launch of a new preschool series based on its successful Lionheart Collection early learners craft brand.

Manuscript launched its Lionheart Collection in 2019, with a range of arts and craft products for children aged three to 10 years old, specially designed to support development, learn new skills and offer additional benefits, such as pen control, concentration and mindfulness for young learners.

Following the success of the range, the company has now decided to bring The Lionheart Collection to life with a series of animations about the characters, aimed at children aged three to five years old, as well as extend the current product range.

The Lionheart Tales animations will feature on YouTube, and include Arthur, the Mayor of Lionheart Town and his friends, who will each have a heartfelt message to help children develop.

The first episode, called ‘Tummy Flutter-Byes’ is now available to view online.  Coinciding with the launch, Manuscript Pen Company will be supporting the children’s mental health charity Place2Be and non-for-profit global reforestation organisation, Creating Tomorrow’s Forests by donating a percentage of sales from its Lionheart Tales website towards their efforts.

Manuscript will be sharing a series of short, easily digestible mental health and wellbeing blogs with tips and advice from Place2Be, using The Lionheart Tales characters to encourage mental wellness with young audiences early. The move is particularly poignant following findings into the negative impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the mental health of children in the UK.

Manuscript Pen Company has also donated £1,000 of products to Place2Be’s Art Room, where art is utilised to enhance children and young people’s wellbeing.

Charlie Stockbridge, managing director at Manuscript Pen Company, said: “Our Lionheart Collection has continued to prove popular with parents and children alike, so we are delighted to build upon this success and launch our new The Lionheart Tales animation by working in conjunction with creative storytellers, 3Megos.

“It was really vital for us that we created a fun and engaging animation series which positively promotes diversity and inclusivity, and introduces children to different family types and personal characteristics that they may be able to identify with. We hope children love The Lionheart Tales as much as we do and there will be plenty to keep them occupied as our website is going to have lots of activities and learning opportunities too.

“We’re thrilled to have established strong relationships with both larger retailers and smaller outlets since the launch of our Lionheart Collection in 2019, and with new products now available to coincide with the launch of The Lionheart Tales, we look forward to speaking with any additional stockists who may be interested in the range.”

For further information on The Lionheart Tales, visit www.thelionhearttales.com

Licensed toy sales grow 45 per cent across China as NPD reports ‘sales surge’ across the region

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Sales of licensed toys in China have grown 45 per cent in the first quarter of the year, amid a solid growth of 16 per cent of the overall Chinese toy market to hit $1.2 billion (USD) in the first four months of the year.

Top gaining toy licenses in the region include the likes of Ultraman, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, and Disney’s Frozen as licensed toy sales take the lead on sales of non-licensed toy for the same period, that witnessed a more modest growth of 13 per cent in Q1.

The country posted the highest growth rate for the quarter in January this year when it saw sales increase 34 per cent, driven primarily by purchases made for the February 12th Chinese New Year celebration.

It’s according to a new report from The NPD Group that all toy super categories posted growth in Q1 2021, led by infant, toddler, and preschool toys which increased three per cent. Other top performing super categories in the region included Building Sets, Outdoor and Sports Toys, Action Figures and Accessories, and Explorative and Other Toys.

The Outdoor and Sports Toys posted the highest gains in value sales with an 18 per cent increase over Q1 2020, reaching $192 million.

Sales in China’s toy market was dominated by Chinese manufacturers, with only four out of top 10 manufacturers being global.

“China is the world’s second largest toy market and the world’s largest toy production base,” said Frédérique Tutt, global toys industry analyst at The NPD Group. “It’s a country that is primed for savvy international brands seeking opportunities in new markets. Even if the rate of growth slowed in 2020 due to the global pandemic, China over-performed other countries in the region and is already bouncing back.

“With the latest relaxation of the two-child policy and an ever-increasing middle-class population, we expect the Chinese toy market’s healthy growth to continue.”

According to NPD’s 2021 Chinese New Year Gift Study, Toys and Games were the holiday’s most requested gift categories for Chinese children. When making their holiday gift wish lists, 46 per cent of children requested toys that featured their favorite cartoons, television programs, and movies.

Social media had a significant impact on children’s wish lists as well with 45 per cent of children asking for toys they saw on short video platforms like TikTok and WeChat.

Chinese consumers spent an average of $91 on Chinese New Year gifts in 2021, a 39 per cent increase when compared to Q1 2020. Online shoppers spent an average of $12 more than consumers who purchased toys at brick and mortar stores.

Italy’s Marco Verratti takes feline form to join 44 Cats campaign ahead of UEFA European Football Championship

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The Italian footballer and national team champion, Marco Verratti is taking on a new feline appearance ahead of the upcoming UEFA European Football Championship, through a new partnership with the country’s own animation studio, Rainbow and its popular 44 Cats franchise.

Verratti has signed a new contract with the Make a Wish Italia Onlus, the local Make a Wish Foundation, in which the football star will feature – in cat form, no less – alongside the four protagonists from 44 Cats, on a customised Italian flag designed for this year’s major tournament.

The initiative, dubbed Italia Gattastica, will see the character Gatto Marco join the line up of Lampo, Milady, Pilou, and Meatball on a flag that will be sold to fans ahead of the Euro tournament this year. The revenues from the sale of the limited edition Italian flag – now available on Rainbow’s Amazon store – will be donated to the Make A Wish Italia Onlus.

“I’m really happy to kick off this project. The day I was asked to join this adventure my thoughts immediately turned to my children, who are huge 44 Cats fans,” said Verratti in human form.

“It was fun and stimulating to work with serious and very professional companies like Rainbow and Vanquish. Now I hope that the little fans of Buffycats and now also of Gatto Marco will like it, because during the next European Championships we will need the support and cheer of everyone. Go Azzurri! Go 44 Cats!” 

New content, contests and special activities will be rolled out for the entertainment of fans during the European Championship on all 44 Cats social networks.

Produced by Rainbow in collaboration with Antoniano and Rai Ragazzi, 44 Cats is an animated hit series that has been conquering fans worldwide. The Italian-made preschool series is a mix of action, comedy, friendship and original music, that has become a global phenomenon with record ratings since its debut in November 2018 on Rai Yoyo.

44 Cats is on air in over 100 countries and in more than 20 languages. Populating the soundtrack of the series is a run of original songs performed by Antoniano, Italy’s most famous Piccolo Coro.

SEGA Europe details ‘hand-picked’ Sonic partner line up across toys, textiles, food & drink and more

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SEGA Europe has unveiled a new line up of merchandise and consumer product deals for its flagship character, Sonic the Hedgehog, in what it has billed ‘a hand-picked line up of industry leaders’ to help celebrate the property’s landmark 30th anniversary this year.

With production on the film sequel, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 now underway and the recent unveiling of the new Netflix series, Sonic Prime – both slated for 2022 – SEGA is enticing audiences with ‘plenty to get excited about in Sonic’s immediate future’ thanks to a swathe of new partners for the brand.

“This is a momentous year for Sonic the Hedgehog and his fans, and we are incredibly proud to be partnering with so many leaders in their field across such a diverse range of product categories,” said Jason Rice, director of brand licensing at SEGA of Europe. “Our partners list will continue to grow throughout the year so look out for more exciting announcements in the near future!”

In the world of toys and collectibles, SEGA of Europe has recently teamed up with toy innovation company, Wow! Stuff, on its award-winning Wow! Pods range, which will feature light-up characters from the Sonic universe, housed within interconnecting display cases.

A new deal has also been inked with HoloToyz, who will be launching a range of stickers, decals and temporary tattoos embedded with augmented reality technology which can be brought to life via its free HoloToyz app, while long standing partner First4Figures will also be launching a brand-new, limited edition 30th Anniversary resin statue. 

Meanwhile several deals have been inked with leading players across home, textiles and personal care including, Character World for bedding, Groovy UK for bath robes, towels and washbags, Stor for tableware, and UK based company Corsair will market a brand-new range of kids’ toiletries including wash mitts and bath fizzers.

In the gifting and greetings cards space, SEGA Europe continues to add new partnerships to support an already flourishing business. Fizz Creations is preparing gift sets, drinkware, electrical accessories, games & puzzles and even Christmas decorations, whilst leading online retailer Moonpig, has already launched a successful series of personalised greetings cards.

The Sonic licensing programme is also expanding into food & beverage with leading UK based food manufacturer Finsbury Foods set to launch branded celebration cakes into major grocers later this year, and G FUEL’s Sonic branded energy drink, already a massive hit in the US, will be arriving to UK shores soon. 

In the world of contemporary art and pop culture SEGA Europe is proud to be partnering with Moor Art Gallery for a series of exclusive screen-printed poster art and 30th Anniversary commemorative enamel PINS, all slated to launch later this year.

And finally, The Blue Blur’s existing fashion & lifestyle business is set to grow and expand with a series of new collaborations including high-end fashion designer, Marc Jacques Burton. He is set to market a limited 30th Anniversary capsule collection, including jackets, hoodies, tees, and accessories to be distributed online and through select luxury fashion outlets worldwide.

Elsewhere, Global Brands Group is developing an exclusive new kids’ apparel range for leading fashion retailer Skechers, to launch throughout Europe in the near future.

Silvergate Media picks up bilingual picture book series ¡Vamos! for kids animated TV

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Silvergate Media has acquired the rights to the award-winning, bilingual picture book series, ¡Vamos! with plans to develop the property into an animated series for children and families.

Written and illustrated by the award-winning Mexican-American author Raúl (González) the Third, ¡Vamos! is a series of imaginatively drawn picture books for children, with colors by Elaine Bay, that are told in a combination of both English and Spanish. The series is published by Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt publishers.

The first book in the series, ¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market, follows the urban adventures of a Coyote, Little Lobo, and his dog Bernabé as the pair make a series of madcap deliveries at a market near the U.S. Mexican border. It became a critical and commercial hit on its publication in April 2019 and was followed by ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Eat the following year, which tells the story of a group of luchadores, professional wrestlers, awaiting battle who are delivered their pre-match meals by Little Lobo and his dog.

The picture books have been greeted with so much enthusiasm that publishers Versify have created a World of ¡Vamos! publishing line with three early readers, two board books and a further picture book in the pipeline.

Silvergate’s Kurt Mueller, who serves as executive producer for many of the company’s highly acclaimed series including Hilda, Octonauts and Chico Bon Bon, will produce the series in partnership with Raúl the Third.

“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Raúl, a true generational talent, and the fine folks at Versify, to bring ¡Vamos! to TV audiences,” Kurt Mueller, EVP Creative Content, Silvergate Media said. “The books offer a seemingly infinite cast of characters and situations that celebrate frontera culture through a singular artistic lens. Every densely illustrated page is a season’s worth of great TV.”

Raúl the Third, Creator of ¡Vamos!, added: “The response to ¡Vamos! in the past two years has been incredible. It’s such a personal project for me as the stories, locations and characters were based on my own childhood experiences, so I’m really thrilled that kids around the world will be able to enjoy these adventures on screen as much as I enjoyed bringing them to life in the books.”

The founding editor of Versify, Kwame Alexander, who is producing for his Big Sea Entertainment, along with partner, Arielle Eckstut, said: “¡Vamos! struck a chord with young readers immediately and we have no doubt that an animated series will take the franchise to new heights. Silvergate Media has a strong reputation for producing high quality, original programming based on graphic novels and picture books so we can’t wait to see what the new series will bring.”