Category Archives: Entertainment

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

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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.

Magic Light Pictures’ The Snail and the Whale takes Best Special Production at 2021 Annie Awards

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Magic Light Pictures’ animated special, The Snail and the Whale, has been named Best Special Production in the 48th Annual Annie Awards, hosted via a virtual ceremony on Friday, April 16th.

The Annie Awards have been presented by the Los Angeles branch of the International Animated Film Association, ASIFA-Hollywood, each year since 1972 to recognise excellence in animation.

The acclaimed 30’ family film, which premiered on BBC One on Christmas Day 2019 to an audience of four million, follows the journey of a snail who longs to see the world and manages to hitch a ride on the tail of a humpback whale.

The film was voiced by a British acting cast including Sally Hawkins (Paddington, The Shape of Water) as Snail, Rob Brydon (Gavin & Stacey, The Trip) as Whale, Cariad Lloyd (Peep Show, Murder in Successville) as Teacher, and the late Dame Diana Rigg (Game of Thrones, Victoria) as the Narrator.

Based on the global hit book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, The Snail and the Whale was directed by Max Lang and Daniel Snaddon and produced by Michael Rose and Martin Pope of Magic Light Pictures, with animation services by Triggerfish Animation in Cape Town.

Its Annies success adds to Magic Light’s plethora of awards, including four Oscar nominations. Many of the awards have been for their critically acclaimed festive family specials, The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, Stick Man, The Highway Rat and Zog, which have become a highlight of the BBC One Christmas schedule.

The Snail and the Whale is also proving a hit at retail, with leading licensees including master toy partner Wow! Stuff, Aurora for huggable plush and Sainsbury’s for a range of items including clothing.

Magic Light Pictures co-founder Michael Rose, said: “We are thrilled to have won this prestigious award for The Snail and the Whale. To be named Best Special Production among so much outstanding global competition is a real honour and testament to the creativity, talent and hard work of directors Max Lang, Daniel Snaddon and all the team.”

In an exciting time for Magic Light, the award follows the launch of its first-ever preschool series, Pip and Posy, which premiered on Channel 5’s Milkshake! in March and launches on Sky Kids on demand in May.

Magic Light is also currently in production with Superworm, which will premiere this Christmas. Superworm is the ninth TV adaptation of a Donaldson/Scheffler title for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Magic Light Pictures’ The Snail and the Whale takes Best Special Production at 2021 Annie Awards

Posted on by

Magic Light Pictures’ animated special, The Snail and the Whale, has been named Best Special Production in the 48th Annual Annie Awards, hosted via a virtual ceremony on Friday, April 16th.

The Annie Awards have been presented by the Los Angeles branch of the International Animated Film Association, ASIFA-Hollywood, each year since 1972 to recognise excellence in animation.

The acclaimed 30’ family film, which premiered on BBC One on Christmas Day 2019 to an audience of four million, follows the journey of a snail who longs to see the world and manages to hitch a ride on the tail of a humpback whale.

The film was voiced by a British acting cast including Sally Hawkins (Paddington, The Shape of Water) as Snail, Rob Brydon (Gavin & Stacey, The Trip) as Whale, Cariad Lloyd (Peep Show, Murder in Successville) as Teacher, and the late Dame Diana Rigg (Game of Thrones, Victoria) as the Narrator.

Based on the global hit book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, The Snail and the Whale was directed by Max Lang and Daniel Snaddon and produced by Michael Rose and Martin Pope of Magic Light Pictures, with animation services by Triggerfish Animation in Cape Town.

Its Annies success adds to Magic Light’s plethora of awards, including four Oscar nominations. Many of the awards have been for their critically acclaimed festive family specials, The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, Stick Man, The Highway Rat and Zog, which have become a highlight of the BBC One Christmas schedule.

The Snail and the Whale is also proving a hit at retail, with leading licensees including master toy partner Wow! Stuff, Aurora for huggable plush and Sainsbury’s for a range of items including clothing.

Magic Light Pictures co-founder Michael Rose, said: “We are thrilled to have won this prestigious award for The Snail and the Whale. To be named Best Special Production among so much outstanding global competition is a real honour and testament to the creativity, talent and hard work of directors Max Lang, Daniel Snaddon and all the team.”

In an exciting time for Magic Light, the award follows the launch of its first-ever preschool series, Pip and Posy, which premiered on Channel 5’s Milkshake! in March and launches on Sky Kids on demand in May.

Magic Light is also currently in production with Superworm, which will premiere this Christmas. Superworm is the ninth TV adaptation of a Donaldson/Scheffler title for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol to boost presence across Japan in major new Rakuten partnership for Nickelodeon

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SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will each be bolstering their presence across the Japanese market thanks to a new partnership between ViacomCBS Networks International and Rakuten Group.

The long-term agreement will kick off with the launch of Nick+ – Nickelodeon’s kids’ streaming service – on Rakuten’s video on demand platform, Rakuten TV across Japan, covering mobile, web, and Smart TV devices.

The pairing will also include the creation of a dedicated Nickelodeon zone on Japan’s e-commerce platform. Rakuten Ichiba.

“This long-term agreement with Rakuten, a key player in the media and e-commerce industry, connects the world of streaming to the world of consumer products for the first time. The integration of Nick+ and the Nickelodeon digital storefront into the Rakuten Ecosystem will enable us to create an interconnected Nickelodeon experience for consumers and leverage strategic cross-platform promotional opportunities,” said Raffaele Annecchino, president and CEO of ViacomCBS Networks International.

“This innovative deal is testament to ViacomCBS’ expertise in developing unique and versatile partnerships and it will allow us to explore additional collaboration opportunities outside of Asia.”

Koji Ando, Rakuten group managing executive officer and senior vice president of Rakuten’s communications and energy company, added: “We are very excited to partner with ViacomCBS Networks International to bring their iconic brands and top-tier content to new audiences through our streaming and e-commerce platforms.

“Through these new initiatives, families across the country will have even more reasons to engage with our services and enjoy the rich customer experience of the Rakuten Ecosystem. We look forward to building on this partnership to deliver even more entertaining content and initiatives in the future.”

Nick+, a subscription service, is planned for launch on Rakuten TV on April 28, 2021, bringing many of the most popular series from the Nickelodeon library to Japanese audiences. Kids and families will be able to watch on demand favorite shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Blaze and the Monster Machines, Bubble Guppies, Dora the Explorer, Blue’s Clues & You!, Deer Squad, The Loud House, Game Shakers, The Thundermans and more.

In addition to hit kids and family entertainment via the Nick+ service, Rakuten will host the first Nickelodeon digital storefront in Asia on the Rakuten Ichiba internet shopping mall in Japan. Showcasing a collection of select Nickelodeon products from multiple merchants, Japanese audiences will be able to purchase products featuring some of the brand’s favourite characters from franchises such as SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the new dedicated e-commerce zone on Rakuten Ichiba.

Products will cover multiple categories, including fashion, stationery and collectibles.

Nick+ will be available on Rakuten TV’s official site and mobile app, STB/dongle, web and Smart TV devices as of April 28, while the digital Nickelodeon storefront on Rakuten Ichiba is planned for launch in May 2021.

Universal Monsters rise up in new NECA action figure partnership

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National Entertainment Collectibles Association – NECA – has detailed plans for a full line of Universal Monsters action figures developed in close partnership with Universal Brand Development to capture the look of the horror world’s most iconic figures.

Frankenstein’s Monster will rise up this July, depicting the classic monster from the 1931 film Frankenstein as it celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. The sculpt will capture Boris Karloff’s poignant portrayal of the misunderstood monster in black and white. A colour version of the figure will follow.

Subsequent figures set for 2021 will include Lon Chaney Jr. as the Wolf Man from The Wolf Man (1941), Boris Karloff as the titular figure in The Mummy (1932), and Bela Lugosi as the legendary Count in Dracula (1931).

“We are proud to be working with NECA to include Bela Lugosi as Dracula as an Ultimate figure,” said Lynne Lugosi Sparks, CEO of Lugosi LLC.

“NECA’s attention to detail is amazing and we are happy to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Bela Lugosi’s iconic screen performance as Dracula with this figure.”

NECA’s Ultimate format is a favorite among collectors for its complete portrayal of a character with a wide array of alternate heads, hands, and accessories so that many iconic moments from the movie can be recreated. The fifth-panel packaging also allows collectors to remove and replace without damaging the packaging.

“As a lifelong fan of Universal Monsters, this is a dream come true,” said Randy Falk, NECA VP and senior director of product development.

“I’ve been collecting Universal Monsters toys since I was a kid. This line aims to create something hyper-realistic and ultra-detailed for people like me who grew up watching these amazing movies and have always longed for definitive versions.”

Mattel’s classic Rock ‘Em Sock’ Em Robots game heads to big screen with Universal and Vin Diesel

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The classic battling robot tabletop game, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots is heading to the screen as plans to develop a live-action motion picture starring Vin Diesel get underway.

The project is the combined efforts of Mattel Films and Universal Pictures, who are working with Vin Diesel’s own production company, One Race Films. Mattel Films will prodcue the project alongside Diesel and Samantha Vincent from One Race Films.

The action adventure film will follow a father and son who form an unlikely bond with an advanced war machine. The project will be led by Kevin McKeon of Mattel Films.

“To take the classic Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em game, with Mattel as my partner, and align it with the kind of world building, franchise making success we have had with Universal, is truly exciting,” said Vin Diesel.

“We are proud to bring this iconic piece of Mattel IP to life on the big screen with our tremendously talented partners Vin Diesel, One Race Films and Universal,” added Robbie Brenner, executive producer of Mattel Films.

“Our rich library of franchises continues to yield compelling stories and we look forward to creating what is sure to be a thrilling action adventure for the whole family to enjoy with Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots.”

Launched in 1966, the Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots game was inspired by an arcade boxing game which pitted Red Rocker against Blue Bomber in a fight to knock his rival’s block off. A staple in pop culture since its debut, the brand’s bright and bold gameplay has appeared in films, television shows and commercials over the past five decades.

Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots is the second project between Mattel Films and Universal Pictures, which are also developing a movie based on the Wishbone television series.

Other Mattel Films projects in development including movies based on American Girl, Barbie, Barney, Hot Wheels, Magic 8 Ball, Major Matt Mason, Masters of the Universe, Thomas & Friends, UNO, and View-Master.

Diesel is represented by CAA and Linden Entertainment. Engle is represented by CAA.

LEGO marks 20 years of LEGO Harry Potter with new sets exploring the magic of the Wizarding World

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Marking 20 years of the LEGO Harry Potter franchise, the Danish toy maker has rebooted its partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to reveal a new range of building sets that delve deeper into the magic of Hogwarts and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The enchanted walls of Hogwarts will set the scene for many of the new sets, however, LEGO is giving fans the chance to spread their wings and explore the wizarding world with the likes of Dumbledore’s Phoenix, Fawkes, or the snow-capped streets of Hogsmeade Village.

Many of the sets will also interconnect, allowing fans to extend the play into different areas of Hogwarts.

A number of the new sets will also come with an exclusive golden minifigure to mark the 20th Anniversary of LEGO Harry Potter. These collectibles mark just some of the characters that have helped fans play out some of the franchise’s most memorable moments across two decades of LEGO Harry Potter.

The new sets will be available from LEGO.com, LEGO Stores and selected retailers from June 1st this year and more widely from August 1st. A selection of the sets will also be available to pre-order from April 16th at LEGO.com and other retailers globally.

The new line-up will include:

  • LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts: Polyjuice Potion Mistake. Builders can join Harry, Ron and Hermione as they brew the powerful Polyjuice potion in Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom and transform as they gulp the potion. Don’t forget to explore the hidden tunnel beneath the sink.
  • LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts: Fluffy Encounter. Young witches and wizards can try their luck at sneaking past the giant, three-headed dog, and reaching the trapdoor before Fluffy wakes.
  • LEGO Harry Potter Hogsmeade Village Visits. Take a trip to the snowy village of Hogsmeade to buy tongue-tingling acid pops from Honeydukes, or order a refreshing Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks.
  • LEGO Harry Potter Chamber of Secrets. Budding builders can join the action in the Chamber of Secrets as Harry battles against Tom Riddle and the Giant Basilisk.
  • LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Wizard’s Chess. LEGO fans can try their hand at the magical game to save the Philosopher’s Stone before using the pieces again and again to master the art of Muggle chess. Available exclusively from Target in the US, and LEGO.com and LEGO Stores globally.
  • LEGO Harry Potter Harry Potter & Hermione Granger. Children can maximize the magical fun with these 10 in. (26 cm) tall brick-built Harry Potter and Hermione Granger models as they recreate some of their favourite storylines from the films. Available exclusively from Target in the US, and LEGO.com and LEGO Stores globally.
  • LEGO Harry Potter Fawkes, Dumbledore’s Phoenix. LEGO fans can capture the magical personality and graceful flight of Fawkes, the intelligent Phoenix from the Harry Potter films. Available exclusively from Target in the US, and LEGO.com and LEGO Stores globally.
  • LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts: First Flying Lesson. Builders can grab a broomstick and take part in a flying class with Madam Hooch, mounting a broom and shooting off on a wild ride around the Hogwarts rooftops. Available exclusively from Kohl’s in the US, and LEGO.com and LEGO Stores globally.

Marcos Bessa, LEGO Harry Potter design lead, commented: “Two decades ago, we launched the first LEGO Harry Potter set – which I played with as a 12 year old – and fans have remained just as enchanted by the magical adventures that they can relive and replay with the LEGO sets today as they were in 2001.

“These new products are packed full of captivating features and exciting design twists that we hope will excite and enthrall builders of all ages as they explore some of their favourite moments from the films.”

Hasbro teams with Robosen to launch world’s most advanced Transformers robot

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Hasbro has partnered with one of the leading companies in the field of robotics to launch the world’s most advanced and programmable robots to the market through the Transformers franchise.

Its partnership with Robosen Robotics has witnessed the creation of Transformers Optimus Prime Auto-Converting Programmable Advanced Robot – a collector’s edition that carries not only a $699 price tag, but the ability to convert from a vehicle to a robot, a walking function, and a race setting when in vehicle mode.

And that’s not all for this robot 11 years in the making. This is the first consumer robot that features comprehensive code development, and robot control by either voice or via mobile app.

‘Now together with Hasbro, Robosen will be able to provide an unparalleled interactive experience for the millions of fans of the Transformers franchise, with new products and collectibles being announced in the months to come,’ read a statement issued when the robotic was announced via Hasbro’s consumer facing platform, Hasbro Pulse.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Hasbro and look forward to ushering in a new standard of robotics with the most advanced Transformers robots for consumers ever created,” said Sean Tang, director of Robosen USA.

“The team is working hard to deliver an amazing user experience for fans of this esteemed franchise and produce Transformers that will be a premium addition to their collection with its superior functionality.”

Casey Collins, general manager and SVP, global consumer products, Hasbro, added: “We are equally excited about this collaboration. In our continued persistence to elevate branded play, Robosen’s advanced innovation within robotics, will allow our fans to bring their favorite Transformers characters to life in a way never achieved before within collectibles.”

Robosen Robotics’ cutting-edge technology in artificial joint driving algorithms and digital electric drive technology were on full display at last year’s CES when they debuted the T9, an advanced programmable robot that was an attendee favorite with numerous video posts on social media, as well as garnering top press placements in major worldwide news outlets.

All of the products and collectibles will be meticulously designed and crafted with state-of-the-art, high-grade metal alloy parts, combining a classic industrial design with the most cutting-edge robotic technology, while providing an ultimate entertaining experience filled with programming, and pure fun.

MeteoHeroes to air on major Latin American broadcasters on Earth Day this week

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Mondo TV Iberoamerica has landed a major agreement with a sweep of broadcasters across Latin America to broadcast four specially selected episodes of the environmentally themed kids’ show MeteoHeroes on Earth Day this year.

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated across the globe on April 22nd to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Its message is echoed within the value proposition of MeteoHeroes, a show devised to help kids understand complex and current issues about climate, pollution, and protecting the planet.

MeteoHeroes is the only co-production from Mondo TB and the leading Italian weather forecasting centre, Meteo Operations Italia.

Latin America is one of Mondo TV Iberoamerica’s core business areas, a region where it has strong relationships with the main channels, broadcasters and platforms helping it in its aim of spreading the environmental messages central to Earth Day to millions of young viewers across the continent.

A number of broadcasters have already confirmed plans to air the episodes. More are expected to confirm their participation in the coming weeks. Among the confirmed public channels are Señal Colombia; TV Perú and its children’s channel IPe; SER TV (Panama); TVN Chile – via its children’s channel TV Educa Chile, Pakapaka (Argentina); and Canal Once (Mexico). All are broadcasting the shows on the week of the 22nd of April. Canal Once plans a second broadcast on the weekend of 1-2 May on the occasion of the Día del Niño (Children’s Day) in Mexico.

The four episodes will demonstrate the diversity of themes and regions covered by the series – including an episode set in Latin America – as well as underlining the show’s engaging blend of comedy, adventure and environmental themes.

Each MeteoHeroes episode focuses on issues related to ecology and respect for nature through the adventures of six super-powered kids who can control weather phenomena. Working alongside scientists and meteorologists at their futuristic HQ based in Gran Sasso Mountain National Park in Italy, the MeteoHeroes are trained to control their powers and fulfil their mission: to save the Earth.

The special showings will be promoted by both the channels involved and Mondo TV across a wide range of platforms and media.

Dimitri Papanikas, international sales and co-productions manager of Mondo TV Iberoamérica, said: “This is a crucial example of fostering a spirit of hope and global collaboration by supporting channels in their programming on a special day dedicated to the celebration of nature.

“We are thrilled to have such great partners joining us in spreading the positive message from the MeteoHeroes that, working together, we all have the power to save planet Earth.”

Luigi Latini, CEO of the show’s co-producer Italian weather forecasting centre Meteo Operations Italia (MOPI), added: “The 22nd of April is an extremely important day on the environmental calendar. We are delighted that we can make a small contribution to spreading the message about protecting our planet through a show that both educates and entertains.”

Genius Brands International launches Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten on Kartoon Channel

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Genius Brands International has detailed the official launch of Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, streaming exclusively on Kartoon Channel and premiering with a two-episode double feature later this month.

One of the last creations from the mind of the late Stan Lee, the series stars the voice of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who also serves as executive producer on the series. The action-adventure comedy series is geared towards kids and families and focuses on six children who are learning to master their super skills.

“This is a deeply personal project for me and I am so pumped to introduce it to the world,” said Schwarzenegger. “Not only has it allowed me to bring to life the work of the fantastic Stan Lee, but the series also touches on subjects I’ve spent my whole life working on, from health and fitness tips and anti-bullying messages, to inclusivity and diversity.

“It brings me great joy to share that messaging with kids in a way that is vibrant, dynamic, and most important – fun. It’s an honour to have worked with Stan Lee and I know he would be proud of the message we’re delivering.”

 It all began five years ago when Arnold Armstrong faced off in a final fight against his nemesis, the evil Dr. Superior, that left him powerless. Little did anyone know that during the fight, super-energy particles rained down on a group of unsuspecting toddlers. Now, those toddlers are kindergarten students at Greenville Elementary School who, with the help of Arnold Armstrong, must learn to control their powers as they go on super adventures.

Arnold Armstrong’s mission is to train these kids to use their super-powers safely and without wrecking the school or revealing their identities.

The series includes 26 half-hour long episodes that begins with a two-episode double feature and will be rolled out on a weekly basis thereafter.