Boat Rocker signs toy manufacturer Simba Dickie for Dino Ranch

Posted on 16th May 2022 by Sam Giltrow

Global entertainment company Boat Rocker has announced that Simba Dickie Group – one of the top five toy manufacturers in Europe – has signed a licensing deal for Dino Ranch, as the preschool hit continues to rapidly expand its global footprint.

The product range will feature the Big Bloxx Junior Building Construction set, which contains a minimum of 15 pieces, including exclusive figurines and accessories. Other highlights include foot to floor ride-ons, scooters, school and kitchen large role-play sets, pocket money toys– such as bubbles, magnetic drawing boards, glow in the dark sets and a light projector – and seasonal products including buckets, spades and sand toys.

Simba Dickie Group plans to launch its new ranges from SS23 across the UK & Eire and EMEA, including France, Iberia, Italy, Benelux, the Nordics, CEE and GSA.

Dino Ranch continues to be a ratings hit amongst kids aged 2-5 on Disney Jr and CBC, where it premiered in January 2021. Sustaining the number one position in its timeslot on Disney Jr has led to the show being sold to over 170 countries and made available in 15+ languages, with Tiny Pop in the UK the latest to come on board. Its unique mash-up of dinosaurs and cowboys set in the great outdoors continues to prove hugely popular across all platforms. Series two is currently in production and is set to premiere in the US this summer, including a 22-minute tentpole special.

Kate Schlomann, EVP Brand Management and Content Marketing, Boat Rocker, says: “We’re delighted to welcome Simba Dickie to our ever-growing herd of best-in-class licensees for Dino Ranch. As one of Europe’s leading toy manufacturers, this new deal will further strengthen our international reach, and the Dino Ranch brand. Their expertise will help expand the world of Dino Ranch for our preschool-aged fans, offering additional ways to play which complement our master toy range from Jazwares.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Boat Rocker Studios on Dino Ranch. This is a really unique new show for preschoolers and we’re excited to develop this Trrrrific range across our line,” says Werner Lenzner, Simba Dickie Group’s Licensing and Strategic Development Manager.

Simba Dickie joins a distinguished list of licensees already saddled up for Dino Ranch, including Master Toy partner Jazwares, which is launching its dynamic line across EMEA this summer; Scholastic, whose story and sticker books launched recently in English language territories; Rubies for dress up; Ravensburger for puzzles and games; Character World for bedding and soft furnishings; Immediate Magazine for a standalone magazine; and Kennedy for inclusion in their compilation titles.

Dino Ranch (104 x 11’ 3D animation) is created by Matt Fernandes (of Industrial Brothers) and produced by Industrial Brothers and Boat Rocker Studios, in association with CBC Kids and Radio-Canada. Boat Rocker manages the global franchise development, including content distribution and consumer products.

Boat Rocker signs toy manufacturer Simba Dickie for Dino Ranch

Posted on 16th May 2022 by Sam Giltrow

Simba Dickie Group plans to launch its new ranges from SS23 across the UK & Eire and EMEA, including France, Iberia, Italy, Benelux, the Nordics, CEE and GSA.

LEGO and Hasbro unite for first time for Transformers collab

Posted on 13th May 2022 by Sam Giltrow

The LEGO Group and Hasbro have united for the first time to bring the iconic Transformers Autobot, Optimus Prime, to life in LEGO form – complete with alt mode.

The new LEGO Transformers Optimus Prime set is a tribute to the heroic Autobot leader with over 1,500 detailed LEGO pieces. Once assembled, the figure features 19 points of articulation that allow fans to convert from robot to truck alt mode and back again. This is one of the first times a LEGO set has been able to convert between two models, without the need to rebuild.

The new LEGO set will transport fans back to 1984 to when Transformers first exploded into popular culture with the original toy line and animated TV series. Modeled after the G1 Optimus Prime character, the new LEGO set includes remarkable attention to detail and features such as the ion blaster, Energon axe, an Energon Cube and the Autobot Matrix of Leadership which can be stored in the chest chamber.

“It has been an honour and a joy to work together with Hasbro to develop a LEGO version of Optimus Prime,” says Senior Designer at the LEGO Group, Joseph Patrick Kyde. “I am excited to see these two toy companies come together for the first time to celebrate the leader of the Autobots. Optimus Prime has become a pop culture symbol of courage, selflessness, and great leadership as well as an awesome toy that embodies the problem-solving and creativity skills that both companies value so much. It’s been a wonderful and challenging task to bring him to life using LEGO bricks, especially making sure that he can shift modes without disassembly and stay true to his signature look and style.”

Casey Collins, Head of Licensed Consumer Products and Business Development at Hasbro, adds: “We’re excited to bring two of the world’s greatest play and entertainment companies together to celebrate this larger-than-life, iconic character – Optimus Prime. We know fans everywhere will be thrilled by this collaboration as it enables fans and families of all ages to create memories as they work together to build the LEGO Transformers Optimus Prime.”

Once complete building this 1,508-piece model, fans can admire their build with pride by adding the display plaque to pay tribute to the iconic Transformers character.

The LEGO Transformers Optimus Prime set will be available globally from LEGO.com/optimus and in LEGO stores from June 1 priced at £149.99 / 169,99 USD/EUR.

Silvergate Media teams up with Tencent Video in a new landmark partnership

Posted on 13th May 2022 by Sam Giltrow

Silvergate Media is joining forces with Tencent Video to bring its new animated series The Creature Cases to China.

Silvergate will also partner with Tencent Video on a full consumer products roll-out in China from 2023, to be led by toys and publishing.

The Creature Cases is an action, comedy and detective series animated by TeamTo that follows the adventures of a unique detective duo who specialise in solving animal mysteries. The first series, launched on Netflix on 12 April 2022, is soon to be released on Tencent Video, which will significantly expand the broadcast reach to families across China.

“The Creature Cases storylines have a vibrant, universal appeal and we’re excited that this new partnership with Tencent Video will bring the show to viewers in China,” says Ron Allen, EVP Commercial. “Tencent Video shares our passion for bringing audiences innovative children’s content and we look forward to showcasing the series on China’s leading VOD platform and building a broad consumer products programme.”

Selina She, Director of Kids’ IP Development and Programming Centre at Tencent Video, says: “We are delighted to get our paws on The Creature Cases and thrilled to be partnering with Silvergate Media on this dynamic new series. We deduce that its exotic mix of real-life fascinating facts from the amazing animal kingdom along with side-splitting, super-sleuthing detective antics will have broad appeal in China. We are excited to be launching the series in the territory shortly, followed by the start of our consumer products programme which will be full of animal wonder!”

In The Creature Cases, Sam Snow and Kit Casey are the lead agents of CLADE: the Covert League of Animal Detective Experts, who solve animal mysteries by exploring the habitats and behaviours of fascinating, sometimes bizarre creatures. Armed with top-secret intel from their miniature contacts, the Mice Squad, these brilliant animal sleuths travel a world populated exclusively by animals, solving mind-boggling animal mysteries that mix real zoological facts with wild detective action.

Fred Rogers Productions names Scholastic master publishing partner for Alma’s Way

Posted on 13th May 2022 by Sam Giltrow

Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s educational media organisation behind multiple Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series, has tapped Scholastic as worldwide master publishing partner for Alma’s Way, the critically-acclaimed animated PBS KIDS series created by Sonia Manzano (Sesame Street).

The multi-year agreement includes a range of readers and activity books in both English and Spanish, which will begin publishing in spring 2023.

“We are delighted to partner with Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, and welcome them to the Alma’s Way family,” says Matt Shiels, VP of Business and Legal Affairs, Fred Rogers Productions. “The upcoming Alma’s Way titles will provide engaging stories and creative activities that will allow children to fully immerse themselves in Alma’s world.”

“We can’t wait to bring the wonderful role model, Alma, to young readers everywhere with Fred Rogers Productions and the inspirational Sonia Manzano,” says Debra Dorfman, VP and Publisher, Scholastic Global Licensing, Brands & Media. “In every story, children will relate to the everyday issues Alma faces and learn from her thoughtful reasoning as she thinks her way through life’s ups and downs.”

Through the new partnership, Scholastic will have exclusive rights to multiple formats, including: 8x8s; leveled readers; board books; jacketed hardcover picture books; novelty, activity, and sticker books; phonics and bind-ups/box sets; e-books; and audiobooks. In addition, Scholastic holds non-exclusive rights to sticker and activity books outside the U.S.

Aimed at viewers ages 4-6, Alma’s Way follows 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl, who lives in the Bronx with her parents, Abuelo, and younger brother, Junior, as well as a diverse group of close-knit and loving friends, family and community members. Each episode models self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and empathy, while encouraging kids to generate and value their own ideas and questions. The series’ 40 half-hour episodes showcase different aspects of Latino culture through music, food, language, and more.

Alma’s Way is created by, Sonia Manzano, best known to generations of kids and families as “Maria” on Sesame Street, and produced by Fred Rogers Productions.

PMI Partners with Skydance Animation for “Spellbound” toy, plush and stationery line

Posted on 12th May 2022 by Sam Giltrow

PMI Ltd has announced it has signed a global toy, plush and stationery licensing agreement with Skydance Animation for Spellbound, Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation’s upcoming animated feature film, in a deal brokered by IMG.

Directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek) and written by Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin (Mulan) and Linda Woolverton (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast), Spellbound follows a young girl who sets out to break the spell that has divided her kingdom in two. The original score for the film hails from Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pochontas), with lyrics by Glenn Slater (Tangled). Chris Montan serves as executive music producer.

PMI’s Spellbound line will feature craft, activity and play sets, 2D and 3D plush, talking plush, plush backpacks, capsule toys, stationery such as stampers, pencil cases, toppers and erasers, keychains, figural torches with light-up functions, and a branded matchify card game.

Luis Fernández, Head of Consumer Products, Skydance, says: “We’re excited to partner with PMI to expand the enchanting world ofSpellbound beyond the screen and look forward to delivering engaging experiences for the consumer with these products.”

Omer Dekel, VP International Sales, PMI Ltd, adds: “We are so excited to be teaming up with Skydance Animation and can’t wait to roll out the fabulous Spellbound line we are designing. It’s going to be an amazing ride for all of us! This partnership is another major achievement for PMI and a huge addition to our broad range of popular branded stationary, collectibles, toys and school supplies.”

Moonbug launches CoComelon spinoff, It’s Cody Time

Posted on 12th May 2022 by Sam Giltrow

Moonbug Entertainment is launching It’s Cody Time, CoComelon’s first-ever spinoff channel featuring Cody Green and his family. The musical preschool series debuts on YouTube with two special episodes, “Cody’s Spy Song” and “I’m going to be a Big Brother”.

Since his debut on CoComelon back in 2019, Cody has grown from being JJ’s classmate, to next-door neighbor, to best friend, and now he’s ready for his own channel. Similar to CoComelon’s common themes of childhood fun and celebrating big moments for little kids, It’s Cody Time will include nursery rhymes as well as original songs. The initial story arc will focus on pregnancy, becoming a big brother and the joys of family, and will aim to help children learn through relatable situations and to prepare them for big-sibling responsibilities and expectations.

“Cody’s been a fan favourite to our global audience for years. We’re excited to launch It’s Cody Time and give fans a chance to get to know Cody and his family a bit better,” says Patrick Reese, General Manager, CoComelon at Moonbug Entertainment. “Representation matters and we want to bring more content with diverse lead characters, inclusive storytelling and aspirational role modeling to children around the world.”

Cody’s parents feature prominently in the show and play an important part in plot themes. The family, also known as ‘The Greens’, come from diverse backgrounds. Cody’s father, Kwame, is a chef and comes from Jamaican and Ghanian descent. His mum, Toni, is African American and works full-time as a pediatrician.

CoComelon is the #1 most-watched kids brand on YouTube globally, generating over 3.3 billion average monthly views and boasting over 135 million YouTube subscribers. In 2021, videos centred on Cody garnered over 91 million watch hours. The brand has become a perennial leader on major streaming platforms like Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, Roku and Netflix, where it set the record for 120 consecutive days in the Top 10 ‘Most Watched TV Shows.’

With 29 intellectual properties and content available in 32 languages, Moonbug Entertainment averages over 6.1 billion monthly views on YouTube and has an estimated 340 million subscribers to its channels.

Click here to watch It’s Cody Time, now available for free on YouTube.

Moonbug launches CoComelon spinoff, It’s Cody Time

Posted on 12th May 2022 by Sam Giltrow

Click here to watch It’s Cody Time, now available for free on YouTube.

Surge Licensing and WEBTOON announce exclusive licensing and merchandising partnership

Posted on 11th May 2022 by Sam Giltrow

WEBTOON, the world’s largest digital comics platform, has appointed brand management company Surge Licensing as the exclusive North American licensing agent for the platform. Genuine Entertainment’s Joe LeFavi was instrumental in developing the partnership and will continue to collaborate with WEBTOON and Surge as a strategic advisor in the endeavour.

Surge Licensing has been retained to develop an overall brand licensing strategy for WEBTOON as well as licensing and merchandise programmes in North America for the platform’s individual original IP. Surge Licensing will expand WEBTOON’s licensing and merchandising business, developing franchises through categories that include apparel, fashion collaborations, toys, tabletop games, promotions and more. Among WEBTOON’s existing merchandising work is a capsule collection for Lore Olympus, available at Hot Topic.

WEBTOON is the global leader in digital comics, where some of the world’s biggest comic creators and series have built massive global fandoms. The company has redefined comics for Gen Z and the digital era, with 82 million monthly active users globally and 15 million US users. With 1.3 million titles and 10.5 billion global monthly page views, WEBTOON is home to a new generation of comic creators and fans.

Among WEBTOON’s most exciting creators is Rachel Smythe, whose smash-hit Lore Olympus has more than 1.2 billion global views and 5.7 million subscribers on WEBTOON. The digital comic became a #1 New York Times bestselling graphic novel in autumn 2021, and is in development as an animated series from Wattpad WEBTOON Studios and the Jim Henson Company. The modern retelling of the relationship between the Greek goddess Persephone and god Hades won a Harvey Award and received nominations for an Eisner Award and a Ringo Award.

A growing number of digital comics from WEBTOON have achieved broad awareness through live-action and animated TV adaptations, including the 2022 zombie apocalypse series, All of Us are Dead, which achieved the #1 position on Netflix at launch in January 2022 and spent 11 weeks in the streamer’s global Top 10 (Non-Eng Series); the apocalyptic horror series Sweet Home, which recorded over 1.3 billion views on WEBTOON and was released on Netflix in December 2020; the global rom-com phenomenon True Beauty, which was adapted into a popular drama in 2021, and will be published as a graphic novel from WEBTOON Unscrolled in 2022; and popular anime adaptations such as Tower of God, Noblesse, and The God of High School.

“We’re bringing comics to a new generation of readers around the world,” says Eugene Kim, Head of Business Development at WEBTOON. “WEBTOON comics and creators already have huge global fandoms, so the time is right to begin offering fans new, fresh, and unique ways to celebrate the comics they love. We’re excited to begin our partnership with Surge Licensing to create memorable experiences beyond our platform.”

“Given that WEBTOON is the #1 comic book entertainment app in the world with massive engagement and awareness, the possibilities for creating dynamic brand programs for their original IP are endless,” says Elan Freedman, Surge Licensing EVP. “In the U.S. alone, WEBTOON touts over 15 million monthly users, which is tremendous with room for major growth. We look forward to introducing the WEBTOON brand and its key titles to potential partners at the upcoming Licensing Expo.”

Genuine Entertainment’s Joe LeFavi stated: “WEBTOON has redefined how creators and fans alike can share and celebrate their favourite stories with a global audience. Boasting one of the biggest fandoms and a veritable treasure trove of IP, it’s an enormous opportunity to build meaningful programmes and give this inclusive community more ways to engage with the content and creators they know and love. And since Surge has been championing comic creators since first taking TMNT from comic racks to riches… suffice it to say, they were an ideal fit for the job.”