Category Archives: Entertainment

Children’s series Monty & Co. ‘hits the ground running’ with trio of UK licensing deals

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The popular CBeebies and iPlayer children’s series, Monty & Co has hit the ground running with three major licensing partnerships spanning kids’ magazines, online retail, and audio stories with Tonies.

Immediate Media has added the pre-school IP to its successful CBeebies magazine, while Event Merchandising is in the midst of creating and managing an online store with the aim to be fully functional, with a range of merchandise, for this summer.

Finally, Tonies will be adding a Monty Tonie figure to its line-up of pre-school audio characters with a launch planned for summer 2022. The licensing deals arrive following the successful debut of the Monty & Co. series late last year. Since then, it has been hitting consistent audience numbers both in the linear space and on iPlayer, where it has hit one million plays already.

New episodes are now planned for production towards the end of 2021.

“Everyone involved is incredibly positive with the performance of the show to date. The characters are easy to engage with, the scripts for each episode are well written and play like mini dramas. Parents and children are loving the live action, the humour, the songs and the silliness included in each episode,” said Ian Wickham, director at Licensing Link Europe which is handling the global licensing programme for Monty & Co.

“Monty & Co is a refreshing change to the plethora of animated content pitched at the preschooler. Warm, traditional and endearing are definitely aspects of Monty’s success and I’m sure one of the reasons why parents are talking about the show in the playground – which is a very good thing.”

Liz Peters, portfolio manager at Tonies, added: “We are very excited to add Monty Tonie to our portfolio for 2022. He’s going to make a very popular figurine that little ones will love to pop on their Toniebox. We are looking forward to working closely with the show’s producers to create bespoke audio content for the Tonie, incorporating all that humour, fun and silliness, as well the action and songs that fans enjoy and expect from Monty & Co.”

With the new online store due to be up and running by the summer, Jeremy Goldsmith of Event Merchandise explained why the company was keen to be involved.

“The producers have created a wonderful show, and we are delighted to be designing and operating the online store for Monty & Co, along with a fun selection of products,” he commented. “The characters of this hit series join our selected line-up of licensed properties.”

Hollie Fisher, editor, CBeebies, concluded: “It’s a funny, loveable mini comedy drama which we think will resonate well with both our grown-up and younger, preschool audiences.”

Mattel named global toy partner for new CG animated series Karma’s World

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Mattel has joined forces with 9 Story Media Group and Karma’s World Entertainment for a multi-year global licensing deal for the new CG animated series created by Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, called Karma’s World.

The series is set to premiere on Netflix later this year, while Mattel will be rolling out a full line of toys for the franchise, spanning dolls and doll accessories, styling heads, role play, plush and more. The collection is expected to launch at retailers across the globe from autumn 2022.

“At Mattel, our purpose is to empower the next generation to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential and we take great pride in creating a portfolio of toys that reflects the world kids see around them,” said Nick Karamanos, senior vice president, entertainment partnerships, Mattel.

“We were inspired by Karma’s story, and message of self-empowerment, and look forward to introducing a line of toys that will bring her world to life for children across the globe.”

Kyra Halperin, co-VP consumer products, 9 Story, said: “We are thrilled to announce Mattel as our global toy partner for Karma’s World.

“We’ve been blown away by their passion for the brand and creativity in translating it to a range of must-have toys for fans of the series. With Mattel’s global reach for this age demographic and expertise in the doll space, we know they will develop an unrivaled program that will be loved by kids around the world.”

Bridges, added: “Karma’s World is an important legacy that I want to leave for my daughters. The world needs more positive portrayals of Black girls in pop culture. Mattel has really gotten behind Karma’s messages of empowerment, self-expression and using your voice to change the world, and I’m so excited for the impressive line they are developing to be available to kids everywhere.”

Created by multi-award-winning American rapper, actor, producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges (Fast and Furious Franchise, Fear Factor, Crash), Karma’s World was originally inspired by Chris’ oldest daughter.

The series follows 10-year-old Karma Grant, an aspiring musical artist and rapper with big talent and an even bigger heart. Every episode is infused with hip-hop music, streetwear fashion and original choreography. The series focuses on themes of self-expression, identity, leadership, creativity and the importance of community.

Geared for children aged six to nine, Karma’s World is a coming of age story about a young Black girl finding her voice and using it to change her world.

The deal was brokered by 9 Story’s dedicated brand management and consumer products division, 9 Story Brands.

Peter Rabbit hops onto new £5 crown in latest Penguin Random House partnership with The Royal Mint

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The Royal Mint has extended its partnership with Penguin Random House and Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit to bring the titular hero to the commemorative £5 crown and one-ounce coins for the first time.

Peter Rabbit and his friends have previously appeared on the 50 pence piece and have been one of the most popular commemorative coin collections from The Royal Mint. The iconic character has now made the hop over to the a new coin, to feature on the reverse of the £5 crown, as well as silver and gold one ounce coins.

The larger surface area of the £5 crown has allowed The Royal Mint to explore the timeless narrative of The Tale of Peter Rabbit and capture more detail.

The Royal Mint’s own Ffion Gwillim created the design using original storybook illustrations, settling on an image showing the whole Rabbit family together.

Gwillim said: “What I really like about this particular illustration is that it has a great narrative element. As a designer I always look to tell a story, just as Beatrix Potter did in her unique and wonderful way. It was a lot of fun to revisit The Tale of Peter Rabbit. It’s such a timeless classic and Peter’s antics never get old.”

Thomas Merrington, creative director, Penguin Ventures, part of Penguin Random House, added: “Peter Rabbit has had an exceptional adventure with The Royal Mint over the past five years. His appearance on the £5 crown marks a new chapter for our partnership and provides an exciting opportunity to showcase Beatrix Potter’s original illustration in a creative new way.”

The new commemorative coin features a charming scene of the Rabbit family from an early part of the story when Peter’s mother warns him not to get into any mischief. Capturing the warmth and charm of the original illustration, the coin is set to be key piece for collectors.

Clare Maclennan, divisional director for Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, said: “The £5 crown is truly a wonderful piece for collecting, with the larger surface area showcasing The Royal Mint’s abilities as designers and creators of coinage. It has also allowed us to capture the magical world of Peter Rabbit, which deserves the space to be able to tell such a timeless narrative. Peter Rabbit has been a key part of our commemorative coin journey, and we are pleased to offer him a new platform on a new denomination.”

For fans of the Peter Rabbit commemorative coins, the 2021 coin design will be a popular addition to collections, marking a new chapter for the loveable rabbit. This will be the only release featuring Peter Rabbit this year.

The coin is available as gold and silver Proof editions, as well as a Brilliant Uncirculated edition, available from The Royal Mint.

Please visit royalmint.com/peter-rabbit  to view the full commemorative coin range.  The coin will not be going into general circulation.

TCG Entertainment to bring Ella Fitzgerald to the stage again with symphony orchestra live touring event

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The Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation has partnered with the touring live productions specialist, TCG Entertainment on a project to bring the music of the iconic jazz singer to audiences around the world with a live symphony orchestra.

In a deal brokered by the Foundation’s global licensing and brand management agency, Evolution USA, the official licensed production will allow audiences to experience the greatest hits of Ella Fitzgerald with the arrangements of an orchestra, as well as multi-media elements, including never before seen assets from the Foundation’s archive.

Shows are scheduled to launch in 2022.

The partnership with the Foundation and Evolution is part of TCG’s overall strategy to grow its portfolio of official live events and immersive experiences for music fans around the world. 

Ella Fitzgerald in Concert will include arrangements of her greatest songs performed by a live symphony orchestra. The show will also include multiple singers and a full band. A multimedia version of the show will  also be produced and include video, photography, spoken word, writings, and other never before seen items provided directly by the Foundation’s archivists.  

These concerts are scheduled to start touring during the 2022 season and will perform throughout the United States and in international markets around the world.  

Stephen Cook, president of TCG Entertainment, said: “We are humbled and excited to be working with the Foundation and Evolution on bringing this iconic artist’s music to the concert hall in an official and entirely new way. These shows will perform in symphony halls, theaters and performing arts centers around the world.”  

Stanley Lerman, chief operating officer of Evolution, added: “We were seeking a best in class production partner to bring Ella’s phenomenal body of work to new audiences in a very unique way that would create lasting memories and share her lifelong legacy. We are excited to partner with the talented TCG team to create and tour this highly immersive symphony show on behalf of the Foundation.” 

Terror from the Stars | Anderson Entertainment starts count down for Thunderbirds audio book series launch

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Anderson Entertainment, the production company founded by Gerry Anderson – the man behind shows like Thunderbirds and Space: 1999 – has detailed a ‘significant new arrival in the audio market’, with the launch of Thunderbirds: Terror from the Stars.

An adaptation of John Theydon’s 1965 book Thunderbirds, the title is the first of Anderson Entertainment’s new series of audio versions of classic Gerry Anderson stories from the ’60s and ’70s. The series is now being made available thanks to a new licensing deal with ITV Studios.

A newly printed collector’s hardback version of the original book will be included with the boxed four-CD set. A download-only version will also be available.

This ‘significant new series’ will build on the vast popularity of Gerry Anderson’s creations and the appeal of audiobooks to a wide range of consumers – from commuters and homeworkers to joggers and gym users.

Anderson Entertainment has already enjoyed success in the audio entertainment market, notably through collaborations on Terrahawks and Captain Scarlet with production company, publisher and distributor Big Finish and its own all-new audio drama First Action Bureau. These audiobooks, however, are entirely Anderson Entertainment-devised and produced, although Big Finish will be handling distribution of the digital download-only versions.

This will also be the first time a dedicated series of audiobook and hardback packages has been produced across a wide range of Anderson titles – most of which have never before been adapted for audio.

In Thunderbirds: Terror from the Stars, the ex-con cockney chauffeur Parker and the stylish aristocrat Lady Penelope, originally voiced by David Graham and Sylvia Anderson, will be brought to life by voice actor and impressionist Jon Culshaw, star of Dead Ringers and Spitting Image, and actress Genevieve Gaunt, also known as Pansy Parkinson in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Wilhelmina ‘Willow’ Moreno Henstridge in the popular soap opera The Royals.

Jon Culshaw will also be voicing Jeff Tracy, the head of the Tracy family, and Genevieve Gaunt will play Grandma Tracy. The Tracy brothers, the evil Hood and the brilliant Brains will also be voiced by a talented cast that includes Wayne Forester, Justin T Lee, Joe Jameson and Anna Leong Brophy.

The Thunderbirds: Terror from the Stars audiobook and hardcover reissue of the original book will launch in May on the Gerry Anderson store (shop.gerryanderson.co.uk). The package has been available for pre-order from April 11th in a four-CD set that includes a behind-the-scenes documentary. 

Thunderbirds: Terror from the Stars will be followed by audio and hardback versions of other iconic Gerry Anderson creations, including Stingray, Joe 90, UFO and Space:1999. There will also be more Thunderbirds adaptations.

Jamie Anderson, MD of Anderson Entertainment, said: “The success of Anderson Entertainment’s audio-focused ventures, like the all-new audio drama First Action Bureau and Terrahawks, has underlined the strong appeal of audio formats. With material available in the form of popular 1960s and 1970s books and strong support from talented voice casts, we think this new venture will be eagerly embraced by a wide audience.”

Aconyte Books now teams with Atomic Mass Games to launch first Marvel novel series based on tabletop title Crisis Protocol

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This week marks another licensing partnership for Asmodee Entertainment’s fiction publishing arm, Aconyte Books, which has now partnered with Atomic Mass Games to launch a new trilogy of Marvel novels inspired by the popular tabletop miniatures game, Crisis Protocol.

The first of the series – Target: Kree – is scheduled to land this summer and tells the action adventure of Iron Man and Ms. Marvel clash with a cast of familiar faces from Guardians of the Galaxy.

Written by multiple award-winning author and comics editor, Stuart Moore, Target: Kree will be published in the US and Canada on July 6th 2021 and on September 16th in the UK. This first book in the trilogy will be available in trade paperback and ebook formats, with an audiobook version expected to follow shortly after.

A variety of translated editions are being planned with Aconyte’s European publishing partners.

Marvel: Crisis Protocol is a tabletop hobby miniatures game set in the Marvel Universe. Players assemble, paint, and collect highly detailed miniatures representing iconic Marvel characters. Players choose characters from their collections to form their own Marvel inspired dream team, and then pit their chosen forces against each other on an interactive tabletop space.

Will Schick of Atomic Mass, said: “One of the cornerstones of Marvel: Crisis Protocol is how it allows players the opportunity to create their own stories on the tabletop together within the Marvel Universe. While super powered, cinematic battles are part of fun, it’s the narrative that emerges as players control their squads of iconic Marvel characters to complete their games objectives that truly sets the game apart from any other tabletop game of its kind.

“With this in mind, we are extremely excited to be partnering with Aconyte to bring players and fans of the Marvel Universe all-new stories set amid the climatic confrontations of Crisis Protocol.”

At the end of 2019, Aconyte was announced as Marvel’s newest fiction partner for original prose novels, creating new adventures based around an exciting roster of Marvel’s comic book characters including Legends of Asgard, Heroines, Untold, and Xavier’s Institute.

More announcements are expected as Aconyte’s range of world-expanding fiction expands further.

Mediatoon Licensing taps Studio 100 Media for Benelux and Eastern European licensing programmes

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Studio 100 Media has embarked on a new partnership with Mediatoon Licensing to build out a licensing programme for some of the best-loved IP from the Mediatoon portfolio across German speaking territories, Benelux, Eastern Europe, and Nordics.

The agreement encompasses series already popular on the international scene, including Bobby & Bill, Little Furry, Martin Morning, Ernest & Rebecca, and The Fox and the Badger Family. All of which currently enjoy primetime slots on KiKA, ZDF, and on Benelux TV channels, as well as on Amazon, YouTube, and Kixi.

Those properties enable Studio 100 Media to establish a broad program of content-driven products. But also in other categories, new approaches to develop exciting products are conceived and implemented on the basis of market experience.

In addition, Studio 100 Media’s international licensing team will also drive the licensing of Mediatoon’s popular classics like Lucky Luke and Yakari in Benelux, Poland and the Nordics to extend their international presence.

 “We are really proud to start a new collaboration with Studio 100 Benelux and Studio 100 Media, our new licensing agents in GSA, Northern and Eastern Europe,” said Jérôme Leclercq, general manager of Mediatoon Licensing.  

“Mediatoon Licensing’s portfolio fits perfectly with Studio 100’s catalogue, the professionalism and the licensing strategy of Studio 100 definitely convinced us to choose them as partners to develop our properties in these territories.”

Kids audio platform Yoto partners with Ameet and LEGO for Duplo story cards

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Yoto, the audio platform for kids and firm behind the critically acclaimed and award-winning Yoto Player, has detailed a new  partnership with AMEET Publishing and LEGO Duplo.

Under the deal, AMEET will co-create a series of six new audio card packs to complement its well-established LEGO Duplo range. The new series will launch this June.

The new LEGO Duplo series of Yoto Cards will allow early learners to enjoy themes ranging from animals shapes, to mindfulness, using the colourful DUPLO bricks alongside the cards to heighten their imaginative play and motor skill development.

The Yoto Player is a screen-free, camera- and microphone-free connected speaker designed specifically for the use of children from three to twelve years old to safely control their listening by entertaining and educating them while reducing screen-time.

Ben Drury, CEO and co-founder of Yoto, said: “Allowing children to increase their creativity and imagination through play and storytelling is incredibly important for us at Yoto and so working with a like-minded company with the same core values as AMEET and the LEGO Group was a no brainer for us. This partnership is hugely exciting for us with lots more to come so watch this space.”

Dan Shepherd, international sales and marketing director from AMEET, added: “The Yoto cards will bring DUPLO stories, learning, and play to modern families through immersive audio experiences that encourage creativity and storytelling whilst promoting active, physical play. We are proud to partner with an innovative children’s platform like Yoto.”

The co-created audio cards will be available from June 2021.

Publisher World Book eyes toys, games, puzzles and more with JRL Group

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The Chicago-based international book publisher, World Book, is looking is making its move into the toys, games, puzzles, and science kits space with the appointment of the brand licensing agency, JRL Group.

Under the partnership, JRL Group will develop a strategic licensing programme that leverages the global recognition of World Book brand’s core values of delivering education in engaging, informative, and inspirational ways.

Recognised as a leader in reference and education publishing for over 100 years, World Book offers up to date and authoritative information on topics from STEM subjects to historical and current events. The publisher delivers its content to customers worldwide through various media, including online, audio, mobile, eBooks, and print.

“The World Book licensing program will use our trusted and recognized brand to introduce exciting new products that are kid-tested and parent-approved. We look forward to working with JRL Group to establish World Book as a premier licensed brand,” said Geoff Broderick, World Book President.

Initial product categories include Toys, Games, Puzzles, Science Kits, Telescopes, Globes, School Supplies, Publishing, Interactive Learning Aids, Educational Audio and Video products, and more.

“World Book is a name that is synonymous with learning and education. We are honored to have been selected to represent such an iconic brand,” stated Andrew Lieb, president of JRL Group.

“World Book’s world-renowned name, coupled with its extensive library of articles, illustrations, and content, make this licensing program a truly unique opportunity. World Book is positioned to provide supplemental learning products that reach beyond the classroom in fun yet challenging ways.”

Record quarter for Mattel as CEO Ynon Kreiz cites “exceptional results reflective of firm’s turnaround”

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Mattel has seen first quarter net sales up by 47 per cent year on year in what the toy maker’s chairman and CEO, Ynon Kreiz has called ‘another record quarter for the company’ with “exceptional results” reflective of the firm’s turnaround.

This marks Mattel’s third consecutive quarter of growing market share with results that have caused for renewed optimism in the success of the company to both ‘improve profitability and accelerate topline growth in 2021 and beyond.’

Kreiz has noted that while growth this quarter was “partially driven by year over year Covid-related comparisons” and lower sales in the same quarter the year prior owing to the onset of the pandemic, the toy maker believes its results overall are “attributable to the strength of brands, quality and breadth of product, and world class supply chain, as well as effective demand creation in partnership with its retail partners.”

Mattel saw net sales in North America increase 67 per cent as reported versus the prior year’s first quarter. This was driven by growth across its Dolls – including Barbie and Spirit – sector, as well as its Infant, Toddler, and Pre-school (including Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends), Vehicles (including Hot Wheels), and Action Figures, Building Sets, Games, and Other (including Masters of the Universe, Jurassic World, Plush, WWE, and Mega).

Net sales in the international segment increased 30 per cent as reported driven by similar growth across the categories.

Decreases in net sales occurred across Mattel’s American Girl segment by 22 per cent.

Mattel has stated that its top priority continues to be the health and safety of its people, and at the same time, mitigating the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic to the business.

Anthony DiSilvestro, CFO of Mattel, said: “Mattel delivered another outstanding quarter, and we are very pleased with our start to the year. Free Cash Flow improved significantly along with our Free Cash Flow Conversion rate, leverage ratio continues to come down, and the debt refinancing provides additional flexibility as we continued to make further progress towards our strategy to improve profitability and accelerate topline growth.

“We believe we are well-positioned to gain momentum for the full year. We are revising 2021 guidance to reflect our stronger-than-anticipated first quarter performance and updated outlook for cost inflation.”