Hasbro partners with Star Editions to launch online Personalised Monopoly shop

Hasbro has struck up a new partnership with the personalised giftware specialist, Star Editions, to launch a new online shop for the family gaming brand, Monopoly. The new site has now launched to feature an extensive range of customisable, Monopoly-themed products.

Star Editions has created a bespoke, online shopping destination for Monopoly fans, featuring the property’s iconic colours, game pieces, and classic board design. Products include Personalised Art Prints, Mugs, Bags, Apparel, Homewares, Stationery, and even furniture.

Will Marston, CEO of Star Editions Ltd, said: “Working with Hasbro and the Monopoly brand has always been on our wishlist and I am thrilled to say that we have achieved that goal this year and are proudly launching www.PersonalisedMonopoly.com.

“Exclusive personalised and non-personalised gifts for Monopoly fans on a range of over 30 different product types. Together we have created some truly unique gifts which combine state of the art personalisation software and a ground-breaking product offering – raising the bar in online retailing.”

IMG named global licensing representative for all animated releases from Skydance Animation

IMG has been named the global licensing representative for all animated releases from Skydance Animation, including its first two features, Luck directed by Peggy Holmes, and Spellbound directed by Vicky Jenson.

The new multi-year deal will see the licensing agency develop extensive product licensing portfolios for Skydance Animation’s animated films and first theatrical-quality animated TV series.

“As we prepare for the debut of our first animation projects in the coming year, we are thrilled to be partnering with the world’s premier licensing agency to develop consumer products franchises that extend our stories and characters across retail platforms,” said Luis Fernández, head of consumer products, Skydance.

“Skydance Animation has assembled a team of legendary talent that is reimagining animation with some of the most exciting new feature-length film and series animation anywhere today,” added Bruno Maglione, president of licensing at IMG. “We’re proud to be on the ground floor of what promises to be an incredible journey of bold new stories, worlds and characters, and we look forward to building out engaging licensed product programs and experiences that bring them to life beyond the viewing experience.”

Academy Award-winner Jane Fonda will voice a lead role in Luck, written by Keil Murray, which centers around the unluckiest girl in the world, who after stumbling upon the never-before-seen world of good and bad luck, must join together with magical creatures to uncover a force more powerful than even luck itself.

Spellbound, is set in a world of magic where a young girl must break the spell that has split her kingdom in two. Written by Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin and Linda Woolverton, the original score for the film hails from Academy Award-winner Alan Menken, with lyrics by Glenn Slater. Chris Montan serves as executive music producer.

Launched in 2017, Skydance Animation is using the power of animation to create original stories for global audiences of all ages, set in fantastic new worlds with unforgettable characters.

Millimages taps The Point. 1888 for Molang licensing push across the UK’s Gen Z and pre-school audiences

The Paris-based production company, Millimages has tapped The Point. 1888 to represent Molang across the UK, as the animation studio looks to build on the character’s growing social audience of 4 million fans across the globe.

Launched initially as a pre-school IP supported by four animated TV series on Tiny Pop and Netflix in the UK, Molang has picked up a cult following of Gen Z and Millennial fans, an age group that embraces the character’s friendship themes, happiness and humour – evidenced by the 13 billion views of Molang on giphy.

Millimages has also witnessed strong adult sales of Molang accessories via the webshop – www.molang.com – that it launched last December.

The Point.1888’s brief will be to define and develop a new, retail-focused licensing strategy for Molang which primarily targets young UK adults (18 to 24 year olds), whilst also encompassing its secondary pre-school audience.

A phased category rollout, split by audience, will kick off with a range of adult gift and accessories (Abysse Corp), plush, apparel, publishing and then followed by fashion and jewellery collaborations.

Other softlines planned for 2022 onwards include homewares, health and beauty plus cosmetic collaborations. Hardline categories identified include gaming and FMCG.

Retail targets for these young adult ranges will encompass specialist outlets that appeal to lovers of Korean culture (Molang was originally created by a Korean artist) and fans of kawaii products, as well as more mainstream high street retailers.

For Molang’s pre-school audience, The Point.1888 will develop baby and toddler nightwear, fashion daywear and accessories, together with book and magazine publishing.

Mickael Zeggagh, commercial director licensing at Millimages said: “Our long-term vision is to build Molang into a global, 360 lifestyle brand for all ages. We’re certain The Point will become an invaluable strategic partner to help us realise this vision in the UK – a hugely important market.

“Together with Highlight PR, whose brief this year is to increase their creative influencer campaigns to continue driving brand awareness amongst Gen Zs and millennials, we are now in a strong position to ensure Molang takes off in the UK.”

Will Stewart, founder and managing director, The Point.1888, added: “We’re really thrilled to be working with Millimages studio and Molang. This is one of those brands that the entire team got excited about and the potential across retail and product is endless.

“As a retail-first agency we see what buyers want and ask for, and with Molang we can tick so many boxes. 2021 and beyond is going to be incredibly exciting for our team and all at Millimages, as we roll out our agreed strategy, work together on new creative and introduce this brand to a wider audience. As well as some exciting collaborations which we cannot wait to get started on.”

Story House Egmont acquires magazine and activity book rights to pre-school hit CoComelon

Story House Egmont – formerly Egmont Magazines – has acquired the magazine rights to the hit pre-school property CoComelon, spanning all territories in the group for magazines, as well as colouring and activity books across EEA regions.

The move follows what has been a highly successful run for CoComelon, which is not only the current number one children’s channel on YouTube, but was 2020#s most popular show on Netflix. On YouTube alone, the series garners 3.5 billion views per month, and is adding to its 107 million subscribers every day.

CoComelon is the latest addition to Story House Egmont’s pre-school portfolio, which currently includes Thomas & Friends, Milkshake!, Ryan’s World, PAW Patrol, and more. Story House Egmont has itself seen vast success in the pre-school sector, having seen a ten per cent growth in RSV year on year.

The deal was signed by Story House Egmont Publishing Director, Laura Adnitt and includes all territories in the group for magazines, as well as Colouring & Activity book formats for EEA territories.

Adnitt said: “As a parent, I know first-hand the great appeal and value of CoComelon. As a publisher, I see the huge potential to share this blissful brand in a printed format with thousands of young families across our publishing network. CoComelon, with its mind-blowing reach and ‘of the moment’ relevance, is a wonderful addition to our publishing portfolio, where we aspire to offer something for every child. We are incredibly excited by this acquisition and can’t wait to get started on our product development with Moonbug.”

Katie Wilkinson, publishing manager at The Point.1888, said: “When Story House Egmont takes on a new brand, it fully commits to the partnership and to building the brand. The scale of CoComelon is like nothing we have seen in preschool and we cannot wait to see what this new partnership will deliver to its fans.”

Jazwares moves into North American costumes sector with major Marvel partnership

Jazwares has entered into a multi-year partnership with Marvel to produce a new line of costumes and costume accessories, marking the company’s expansion into the costumes sector.

The range is scheduled to hit retailers across North America in 2022 and will include an assortment of officially licensed costumes, costume accessories, and pet costumes from across the Marvel Universe films, TV series, and comic books.

Jazwares will be adding additional licenses to its new costumes segment in the coming months.

With Jazwares’ Marvel costume line, fans of all ages can transform into their favorite Super Heroes including characters from classic Marvel properties, Marvel’s TV and film roster, Deadpool, Spider-Man, X-Men and more.

“Marvel has been a defining force in the entertainment and comic landscape for decades, and we are ready to take play to a whole new level by helping fans transform into their favorite signature Super Hero looks that are perfect for Halloween, Cosplay, or everyday fun,” said Judd Zebersky, CEO, Jazwares.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our business, and ready to bring Jazwares’ iconic innovation, value and quality to the costume category.”

The Marvel costumes collection joins Jazwares’ impressive portfolio of iconic pop culture brands including Pokémon, Fortnite, Halo, All Elite Wrestling, Roblox, and collectibles brands Domez and Zōteki.

Jazwares moves into North American costumes sector with major Marvel partnership

Jazwares has entered into a multi-year partnership with Marvel to produce a new line of costumes and costume accessories, marking the company’s expansion into the costumes sector.

The range is scheduled to hit retailers across North America in 2022 and will include an assortment of officially licensed costumes, costume accessories, and pet costumes from across the Marvel Universe films, TV series, and comic books.

Jazwares will be adding additional licenses to its new costumes segment in the coming months.

With Jazwares’ Marvel costume line, fans of all ages can transform into their favorite Super Heroes including characters from classic Marvel properties, Marvel’s TV and film roster, Deadpool, Spider-Man, X-Men and more.

“Marvel has been a defining force in the entertainment and comic landscape for decades, and we are ready to take play to a whole new level by helping fans transform into their favorite signature Super Hero looks that are perfect for Halloween, Cosplay, or everyday fun,” said Judd Zebersky, CEO, Jazwares.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our business, and ready to bring Jazwares’ iconic innovation, value and quality to the costume category.”

The Marvel costumes collection joins Jazwares’ impressive portfolio of iconic pop culture brands including Pokémon, Fortnite, Halo, All Elite Wrestling, Roblox, and collectibles brands Domez and Zōteki.

Silvergate Media celebrates triple Annie Award win for animated hit Hilda

Silvergate Media is celebrating a trio of award wins at this year’s Annie Awards for the second season of its Netflix animated adventure TV series, Hilda, including Best Animated TV Production for Children and Best Character Animation – TV and Media.

The 48th annual Annie Awards were presented virtually on April 16th to honour achievements in animation. Hilda was also crowned winner of the Best Editorial – TV and Media category, having collected awards in every nominated category.

Kurt Mueller, EVP creative content, Silvergate Media and executive producer, Hilda,said: “The second season of Hilda expanded the mythical universe of Trolberg, bringing layers of complexity to the cast of characters and offering viewers a closer look at the unique and fascinating world inspired by Luke Pearson and his original comic book series.

“On behalf of the entire team and our partners at Netflix, we are thrilled to receive these awards for Season 2 and look forward to delivering more blue-haired adventures in the very near future.”

Waheed Alli, chief executive, Silvergate Media, added: “To have won awards in every nominated category is testament to the creative vision of Mercury Films.  We’re proud to have created a show unlike anything else you’ll see on children’s TV today.”

The show’s recent awards triumph follows its previous success at the 2019 Annie Awards when the first season of Hilda was also awarded three of the top TV prizes. It then went on to achieve further critical acclaim by winning BAFTA, International Emmy and Kidscreen awards that same year.

Co-produced by Silvergate Media and Mercury Films, Hilda first debuted on Netflix to great acclaim in September 2018. Season two was released on December 14th 2020, delivering fresh adventures for the fearless blue-haired heroine as she delves deeper into the vast magical wilderness of Trolberg.

Season one and two of Hilda are now available in 130 countries on Netflix’s global platform and Silvergate has an extended special in the pipeline. It has a consumer products program in place that spans toys, games, publishing, accessories, apparel and homewares.

APC Kids lands Kid-E-Cats toy distribution for Spain and Portugal with Bizak

APC Kids has appointed Bizak as its toy distribution partner across Spain and Portugal for the new toy range based on CTC Media’s popular animated series, Kid-E-Cats. Handling local distribution, Bizak’s roll-out is scheduled to start in Q2 2021.

In addition, APC Kids has finalised a deal with Spain’s RTVE for Kid-E-Cats season three, following its success with seasons one and two on its Clan channel as one of its top preschool shows. Last year, El Ocho was appointed as the property’s licensing agent in Spain and Portugal.

Owned and managed by CTC Media and produced by Studio Metrafilms, Kid-E-Cats is one of the leading pre-school series across Russia. It has recently been commissioned for a fourth season and currently airs on Nick Jr in over 170 territories. It is currently available worldwide on Netflix.

The first three seasons have seen great success internationally, alongside the consumer products roll-out, with more than 70 licensees and 1,400 product lines worldwide, and the 24 Kid-E-Cats educational mobile games, which have now garnered 39 million downloads to date.

Lionel Marty, managing director of APC Kids, said: “As Kid-E-Cats’ global appeal continues to grow, it’s great to be able to bring additional ways for children to enjoy and interact with the loveable characters. We are thrilled Bizak is on board to roll out the toys in Spain and Portugal where we have seen great engagement – and excited to see the show going from strength to strength with our partners RTVE. We can’t wait to see the product at retail this year.”

Aitor Eguía, Bizak’s product manager, added: “At Bizak, we are convinced of the success of Kid-E-Cats in Iberia and we are going to put all our efforts so that Cookie, Candy and Pudding become children’s most beloved characters.”

The series tells the story of three kittens: Cookie, Pudding and their kid sister Candy who are forever ready to jump into action with endless enthusiasm and energy. Their imagination also knows no bounds, and these kitties are capable of the most absurdly funny problem-solving suggestions.

JAKKS Pacific extends global toy deal with SEGA for Sonic the Hedgehog

JAKKS Pacific has renewed and expanded its global toy partnership with SEGA of America for the classic and modern versions of the hit entertainment franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog.

Under the extended partnership, JAKKS will design, manufacture, market, and sell Sonic the Hedgehog branded toy product lines worldwide, commencing in 2022. The agreement includes the rights to produce action figures, play-sets, vehicles, plush, and collectables.

JAKKS has seen wide success with the Sonic the Hedgehog IP since its introduction to the market in 2019, with product launches spanning big box retailers in-store and online. Its four-inch figures replicating modern and classic versions of Sonic were a hit with fans of all ages.

The introduction of the 2.5-inch figures and Green Hills Zone play-set last fall brought all new ways to play and recreate the action of this iconic zone from the video games.

“Our line of Sonic the Hedgehog products consistently hit the mark with retailers and fans, and we are excited to continue to develop innovative toys with SEGA that resonate on a global scale,” said Craig Drobis, senior vice president of marketing at JAKKS Pacific, Inc.

“Our Sonic figures, play-sets and plush have seen consistent sales growth since our partnership with SEGA began. There is more great product to be introduced for this Fall and for several years to come.”

Alex Gomez, licensing director at SEGA of America, added: “JAKKS Pacific has been an integral partner in bringing our vision for unique, high-quality Sonic collectibles to market over the past two years, and we’re ecstatic to expand our partnership them as we enter the next decade of the franchise.

“The new collection is sure to bring Sonic fun to new heights with merchandise tied to upcoming projects and will feature the Blue Blur in his Classic and Modern form, with something special for Sonic fans of every generation.”

LEGO expands its Nintendo partnership to bring Luigi into the LEGO Super Mario universe

Super Mario’s often-forgotten brother, Luigi, is stepping out of the shadows and into the LEGO Super Mario universe as the toymaker extends its partnership with Nintendo to unveil the LEGO Super Mario Adventures with Luigi Starter Course.

Featuring an interactive LEGO Luigi figure, this is the latest extension of the popular LEGO Super Mario product line that tipped best-seller lists last year. Based on a traditional LEGO brick product, the LEGO Super Mario play experience allows kids to freely build Super Mario courses and bring their Mario and Luigi figures to life.

LEGO Luigi will boast the character’s recognisable personality, unique voice, and in one LEGO plate taller than LEGO Mario, staying true to Luigi’s look and traits.

Similar to the Adventures with Mario Starter Course, this new set is an additional entry point to the world of LEGO Super Mario and is compatible with the Mario Starter Course, all Expansion Sets, collectible Character Packs and Power-Up Packs. Built with the same technology as his brother, LEGO Luigi comes with a colour sensor, LCD screen to display many different reactions to movement, and a speaker that plays iconic sounds and music from the Super Mario video game series.

When moving LEGO Luigi from the Start Pipe to the Goal Pole, players can earn digital coins in real-life level-play by helping LEGO Luigi complete a spinning seesaw challenge, interacting with the new Pink Yoshi and defeating Boom Boom and a Bone Goomba.

The 71387 Adventures with Luigi Starter Course includes brown-colored bricks signifying the Tower biome that will trigger a new sound from LEGO Luigi and a ? Block designed to offer exciting extra rewards. The LEGO Super Mario product line offers a unique play experience in which players will get instant feedback for creative ways to build and play.

“We are very pleased to add Mario’s twin brother, Luigi, to the LEGO Super Mario family with the new LEGO Super Mario Adventures with Luigi Starter Course,” said Takashi Tezuka, executive officer and game producer of Nintendo Co., Ltd.

“Please welcome him as a companion on your adventures in the world of LEGO Super Mario. The addition of Luigi and Mario together creates new kinds of fun play. I look forward to see what exciting journeys kids will take with these two characters.”

Julia Goldin, chief product and marketing officer, the LEGO Group, added: “LEGO play lets children unleash their imaginations, and we’re so excited Luigi has arrived to help them create even more LEGO Super Mario adventures.

“Everybody loves Luigi! With his unique personality, green cap and distinctive moustache, he has been highly requested by fans all over the world, and we are thrilled to welcome him to this interactive playset that is really changing the way people engage with Super Mario and LEGO play.”

The 280-piece Adventures with Luigi Starter Course can be built, rebuilt and combined with all other LEGO Super Mario sets in many fun ways to create new LEGO Super Mario worlds. The free LEGO Super Mario app, developed by the LEGO Group, is compatible with all LEGO Super Mario products and keeps track of scores to encourage continuous rebuilding.