Category Archives: Entertainment

Fanattik steps into the ring with Rocky as the iconic film franchise celebrates 45 years

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The pop culture specialist, Fanattik, has signed a pan-European gift and homewares partnership with MGM for the iconic Rocky franchise in a deal brokered by the studio’s local UK agent, Rocket Licensing.

The new collection, spanning home decor, glassware, barware, gifts, and collectables, will debut later this year in time to mark the 45th anniversary of the original Rocky film starring Sylvester Stallone.

The new deal with the UK gifting company includes image rights, which means products featuring Mr T – who plays Clubber Lang – Dolph Lundgren as Drago, and Sylvester Stallone as Rocky will be heabily featured on product and packaging.

The Rocky and Creed franchise has remained a global phenomenon because it presents moviegoers with universally relatable themes that they can identify with – ambition, passion, determination and giving it your all to be a champion, even when the odds are against you. MGM’s Rocky and Creed films have generated more than $1.3 billion in worldwide box-office sales, three Academy Awards, and 10 nominations.

“Fanattik is licensed by many of the major film and video game studios and Rocky is a big hitter I have had my eye on for some time. Our initial discussions with European gift retailers have leaned towards Rocky product for Father’s Day and Christmas promotions but of course it’s suitable for fans all year round,” said Anthony Marks, M.D. Fanattik.

“Fanattik has seen phenomenal growth over the past three years with even more retailers coming on-board since the beginning of the Covid pandemic. With no new film releases, our focus on iconic, evergreen titles has been proven to be the right strategy. Retailers are looking for licensed product with multi-generational appeal and an existing fan base who are looking for gifts that remind them of happier pre-Covid times.”

Charlie Donaldson, joint MD, Rocket Licensing, added: “We are delighted to have Fanattik on board for the 45th anniversary of this ultimate champion’s franchise. The range of celebratory giftware and collectibles will be a fantastic addition to the broad licensed offering planned for 2021 and will encourage fans to tap into their inner champion.”

The Fanattik range will form part of a year-long celebratory marketing and product campaign to mark this milestone anniversary.

Firebox partners with comedy TV channel Dave to launch the Flat Pack Pub

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The quirky gift retailer, Firebox has partnered with the comedy TV channel, Dave to launch of the world’s very first Flat Pack Pub. It follows a study of 2000 adults which found that 53 per cent of us are more excited about a trip to the pub than reuniting with extended family.

The 15-piece home assembly kit has been specially crafted to help thirsty Brits who have found themselves locked out of beer gardens due to the mass block bookings and lack of outside spaces upon the re-opening of pubs across the country this month.

The ‘build your own’ boozer follows widespread reports of pubs up and down the country selling out of bookable tables for months. Dave’s findings revealed that three quarters (75 per cent) of thirsty Brits have been unable to secure an outside booking at their favourite local once the rules relax from April 12.  

 The Flat Pack Pub affectionately nick-named ‘Dave’s Barrel of Laughs’ provides the perfect prescription to help counter lockdown pub limbo. The fully articulated pub can be assembled in minutes and features a solid stained wood bar, realistic backdrop and two bar stools.

All the materials have been weather treated, making Dave’s Flat Pack Pub suitable for interior and exterior use. 

 Comedian Jon Richardson, who famously has his own pub The Dog & Bastard in hit UKTV Original series Meet the Richardsons, stars in the demonstration video which showcases the versatility of the world’s first buildable boozer. 

 Luke Hales, channel director for Dave, said: “Everyone loves a local pub and it doesn’t get more local than this – in the garden, in the lounge, in the bath – we’ve designed a pub that fits in anywhere.

“We know many people feel locked out when it comes to pub bookings so this is the perfect excuse to have a lock in at your very own local’. And just like Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont in Meet the Richardsons – we realised, if you can’t get to the pub, build one at home.” 

 Original Dave research found that a quick witted fifth (21 per cent) of adults made pub bookings whilst Boris Johnson was announcing the lockdown exit plan on live TV. In a desperate dash to secure space, on average there were eight bookings per person at four different pubs, with a third (32 per cent) of people admitting that they would travel over an hour to be able to sink a swift one. 

 One in five (22 per cent) said they were ready to splash the cash and drop over £50 on the bar tab on the first visit back whilst the average Brit is set to spend £31.50. 

Three quarters (74 per cent) agree that we have become handier during lockdown with almost a third (31 per cent) admitting that they have turned to their newly discovered DIY skills to recapture the pub experience on a small scale in their homes by setting up a bar area, buying cocktail making equipment and purchasing drinks trolleys.

The most pint-parched city was Coventry, with 37 per cent of Coventrians admitting they had made a booking during the lockdown announcement.   

 When it comes to age however it’s youngest finger first, as the tech-savvy 18-24 year olds were hottest on the booking forms – with many expecting to enjoy their first legal drink after a year in lockdown. 

 Dave’s Flat Pack Pub was inspired by returning series Meet the Richardsons, which starts tonight at 10pm on Dave. 

Pocket.watch taps Planeta Junior as European licensing agent for Love, Diana

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Pocket.watch has tapped Planeta Junior to be its exclusive consumer products licensing agent for Love, Diana across France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and CEE, as well as support opportunities for the property at a wide European level.

It marks the latest licensing development for the popular YouTube series that recently named Spacetoon its licensing agent and toy partner for the MENA region, and handed global rights to Wow! Stuff last month. Love, Diana is a hybrid animation series from Pocket.watch, the team behind the famous Ryan’s World franchise.

Diana is the seven-year-old super-star behind the world’s third most watched YouTube channel: the Kids Diana Show, which has over 76 million followers. Diana, her brother Roma, and their parents create imaginative videos featuring songs and games. 

Love, Diana features 35 adventure-filled episodes that transport Diana into a new world: The Land of Play, where she is transformed into an animated character: The Princess of Play. The series highlights key values like friendship, leadership, family, imagination and the power of play.

Planeta Junior will be responsible for coordinating Love, Diana’s licensing and merchandising program.

“Children’s programming is seeing its biggest demand ever globally, and we are thrilled to bring Love, Diana to new territories after an incredible franchise launch,” said Danny Spronz, managing director EMEA, pocket.watch. “Pocket.watch’s work in the kids entertainment sector has blazed a trail for many creator-led franchises, and we’re excited to work with Planeta Junior to deliver more of what kids and families clearly love.”

Diego Ibáñez Belaustegui, Planeta Junior Chief Brand Officer, added: “We have been bringing consumers the best experiences and products based on their favorite entertainment for the last 20 years.

“Diana is a wonderful character, full of charisma. Millions of children around the world adore her already. This IP is a breath of fresh air for the licensing industry. Planeta Junior would like to thank pocket.watch for the opportunity of working on such an innovative consumer products program.”

Dr Seuss Enterprises lands new eco-friendly partners for The Lorax ahead of Earth Day 2021

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Dr. Seuss Enterprises is celebrating Earth Day and the 50th anniversary of its popular title, The Lorax, with the launch of a line-up of sustainable brand partnerships that underscore the book’s core message of environmental activism.

Launched to tie in with Earth Day this year, the range will span new eco-friendly products including pet toys, home decor, publishing, and apparel which will kick off with a collection developed by the sustainable apparel brand, Tentree.

The eco-friendly Lorax collection will consist of hoodies, crewnecks, sweatpants, and t-shirts for adults and children, while inspired by the book’s activism theme will be the newest MantraBand engraved bracelet featuring the famed Lorax quote, Unless Someone Like You Cares A Whole Awful Lot, which is marked as a reminder to use your voice to make change.

Elsewhere, the story of The Lorax will enjoy new entertainment and publishing deals throughout the year, as – adding to a line-up of anniversary partnerships – Random House Children’s Books readies to roll out a robust publishing programme with new The Lorax books printed on recycled paper.

New to the catalogue this year is The Lorax Deluxe Doodle book, which is out now, followed by The Lorax: 50th Anniversary Edition, Dr. Seuss’s Thank You For Being Green And Speaking For The Trees, Let’s Go to the Garden! With Dr. Seuss’ Lorax,with more to come this Spring.

Additionally, through a partnership with Oceanhouse Media, The Lorax comes to life on iPads and iPhones in the digital book edition with playful interactivity, animations and fun activities.

US book retailer, Barnes & Noble has teamed with One Tree Planted for a special campaign in which every copy of The Lorax related titles sold in stores or online over April will see Dr Seuss Enterprises and Random House Children’s Books donate $1 to the cause.

Meanwhile, Dr. Seuss Enterprises is making its mark in an untapped category with BARK, the maker of BarkBox, for a line of sustainable dog toys. Debuting in April for BarkBox subscribers and in Petco stores, pets will be able to play with and chew on Lorax-themed toys, all made with environmentally friendly materials.

As part of its partnership expansion, Aurora, the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor of plush toys and gifts, has released a new eco-friendly Lorax plush toy, and Tervis, maker of expressive and sustainable drinkware, has rolled out a Lorax inspired collection of travel tumblers.

The global celebrations continues, meanwhile, as The Lorax hit London in celebration of Earth Day 2021. The Old Vic Theatre is presenting the iconic Dr. Seuss book The Lorax for six live-streamed performances as part of the OLD VIC: IN CAMERA series.  David Greig and Charlie Fink’s Olivier Award-nominated adaptation, directed by the award-winning director Max Webster,  is transformed into a semi-staged pint-size version to keep young (and older) minds entertained.

Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, said: “The Lorax has always been a beloved Dr. Seuss story and introduces children to why we need to protect our planet through a beautiful story. We are proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the book in 2021 and further encourage our readers to speak out and make change in our world.

“This year we are partnering with a wide range of brands, such as Tentree, BarkBox, and more, to create sustainable products that will continue spreading The Lorax’s message.”

The Lorax, which was first published in 1971, quickly became a cultural phenomenon with an important and hopeful message about our environment. Over the past 50 years, the book has encouraged children to not only speak up for the protection of our trees, but to also use their voice to help make change because “unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is  going to get better. It’s not.”

Mr Men and Little Miss looks to EMEA licensing with industry newcomers Boutique Licensing Agency

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The new, EMEA-focused licensing agency, Boutique Licensing Agency, has secured a partnership with Sanrio to represent the licensing rights for the iconic British brand, Mr Men and Little Miss across the region.

Established just this year, Boutique Licensing Agency – or BLA – is a new to the scene agency inspired by ‘a customer-centric approach and new thinking.’ The firm, however, is building on a base of experience and expertise, comprised of major names from across the global toy and entertainment space.

Heading up the BLA outfit is its founders and managing directors, Maria Maranesi and Marie-Noelle Lutte. Maranesi boasts more than 20 years of licensing experience in global organisations, including the role of EMEA regional leader across the full portfolio at Mattel and HIIT brands.

Meanwhile, also a Mattel alumni, Lutte was responsible for driving strategy, market growth, and product innovation in the publishing sector, before going on to lead publishing partnerships for The Walt Disney Company.

The other members of the BLA! team include former senior executives from the toys, publishing, entertainment and licensing sectors, all of whom bring decades of experience to the new venture – along with a network of world-class manufacturing, licensing and retail contacts.

BLA! offers across-the-board brand licensing representation services – from rights management to contract negotiation and retail activation. It also offers licensing and publishing consulting services. Its focus area covers every corner of EMEA – and beyond.

The outfit has also outlined its commitment to being a part of the transformation of licensing to become a more sustainable industry.

Now, as Mr Men and Little Miss celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, BLA will look to bring its experience in toys, publishing, and entertainment to bear on expanding the popular property into new areas beyond its key regional markets of the UK and France.

BLA! will be focusing on the markets of Iberia, GSA, Benelux, Nordic, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, the Baltics, Russia and the CIS for all product categories. The company will also manage Latin American markets for publishing rights only. 

Maranesi said: “Our aim with BLA! was to combine fresh thinking, recognised expertise and a strong network of contacts with a highly adaptable and personalized service – and we’re thrilled to be able to announce such a well-loved brand as our first representation. We’re looking forward enormously to working with Sanrio during a key year for the Mr. Men and Little Miss brand.”

Lutte added: “We are here to bring solutions that address the needs of all parties: brand owners, licensees, retailers and consumers. Building and nurturing strong relationships as a trusted and values-driven partner reinforces everything we do. In addition, the real magic happens when we transform our business opportunities into mutual win-wins.”

Silvia Figini, chief operating officer, Mr. Men – Worldwide, added: “Sanrio is happy to partner with such an innovative and flexible agency. Their attention to cultural diversity and sustainability will definitely be an important asset for our growth in Europe and is consistent with our corporate identity.

“BLA!’s expertise and strong network of contacts make them a great choice for a dynamic company like Sanrio/Mr. Men and we are sure they will support our business development significantly.”

24 Hours of Le Mans renews IMG partnership to build 2023 Centenary licensing programme

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The world’s oldest active sports car endurance race, 24 Hours of Le Mans is eyeing a new move into the toys, games, and collectables space as the prestigious annual event nears its 100th anniversary in 2023.

Under the renewal of its longstanding licensing representation agreement with IMG, the brand owner, Automobil Club de l’Quest is looking to develop further licensing opportunities for the event, building on its portfolio of some 80 strong licensees already in place.

Amid the plans for an extended licensing programme for the event that has been held annually near Le Mans in France since 1923, ACO is looking to take the 24 Hours of Le Mans brand into the toys, games, and collectables aisles, as well as apparel, homeware, and accessories.

The renewed licensing agreement will see IMG lead the licensing charge through to 2024.

With the return of major manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, Audi and Peugeot, the ACO and IMG will be looking to add even more new renowned partners to the 24 Hours of Le Mans licensing programme.

Stéphane Andriolo, customer and events director, ACO, said: “The renewal of our agreement with IMG is in line with our global licensing strategy. The Automobile Club de l’Ouest is now focused on the Centenary of its iconic race in 2023. More than ever, our goal is to make the 24 Hours of Le Mans brand shine throughout the entire year and expanding our global footprint in all territories.”

Arthur Virapin, senior licensing manager, IMG, added: “We are proud that the ACO has once again entrusted us with the 24 Hours of Le Mans consumer licensing programme. In the last four years alone, together we have doubled the size of the race’s licensing portfolio, showing that almost 100 years since being established, its popularity and prestige is as strong as ever.

“As we start to rev up for the milestone centenary race in 2023, we look forward to further developing the programme into new and existing key categories and expanding 24 Hours of Le Mans’ presence globally.”

Sacrée Bluey! BBC Studios appoints France TV Distribution as French licensing agency for Bluey

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BBC Studios has appointed France TV Distribution as its French licensing agent for the multi-award winning children’s series, Bluey across the region. It arrives as France Televisions also secured the title for France 5.

Bluey is the latest to join the family of must-have properties within the France TV Distribution line-up that already includes the BBC Studios hit He, Oua-Oua (Hey Duggee).

From Saturday April 10th, Bluey will be broadcast on France 5 on weekends at 8:45am and from Monday to Friday at 8:20am, the episodes will also be available on catch up on France Televisions’ kids platform OKOO. Previously Bluey has been available to French children’s audiences via Disney Junior since December 2019, where in February 21, it was the number one program for four to ten year olds on the channel.

 Bluey is a multi-award-winning Australian children’s series that follows Bluey, a six year old Australian blue heeler Dog with an endless imagination. Her favorite hobby is to transform everyday moments into extraordinary adventures. She often involves Bingo, her four year old sister in her games, but also her friends, her parents and even the neighbours who appreciate her « joie de vivre ».

 BBC Studios’ partnership with global master toy provider Moose Toys for Bluey includes France and preparations to launch in the territory in 2022 are underway. Moose Toys already markets a wide range of toys in Australia and the United States, as well as the UK from this Autumn.

In the U.S, Bluey is the number one new license in the super plush category and was the number two top new growth property in 2020 for the total toy industry. In Australia, Bluey recently won ‘Pre-School License of the Year’ for the second year in a row at the Australian Toy Association (ATA) Awards. 

 Global master publishing partner Penguin Random House will launch books in France next year following the successful launches in both US and Australia and UK this Autumn.

For other product categories, France TV Distribution is in the process of setting up an ambitious licensing program with the upcoming recruitment of partners for textiles and accessories, bedding, outdoor games, party and home.

 Julie Kekwick, senior licensing manager, BBC Studios, said: “Building on the success of Bluey in Australia, New Zealand, the US and of course the widely anticipated launch in the UK, I am delighted that we have expanded our pre-school portfolio with France TV Distribution, as our licensing agent for Bluey alongside Hey Duggee and in turn strengthening our partnership with them.”

 Aude de la Villarmois, Director of the Licensing Department of France TV Distribution, said: “We are very happy to become the agent of the Bluey brand and thus strengthen our collaboration with the BBC (after the recent acquisition of Hé Oua-Oua).

“France TV Distribution demonstrates once again its ambition to accompany the most powerful preschool brands. Bluey joins the large family of Okoo’s must-have brands and France tv distribution’s license line-up (Peppa Pig, Pyjamasques, Masha and Michka and T’Choupi). Our strong expertise in the preschool field makes France TV Distribution a solid partner.”

 Vincent Brun, commercial and marketing director, Moose France, said: “Moose Toys looks forward to working with France TV distribution to build on the outstanding break-out success of Bluey in both the US and Australia and to roll out Bluey toys across France in 2022.”

Banijay Brands partners with Tactile Games to launch latest Simon’s Cat title, Simon’s Cat: Story Time

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Banijay Brands has teamed with Tactile Games to launch a new mobile app game based on the popular animated property, Simon’s Cat. Launched on Apple Arcade, the new title Simon’s Cat: Story Time follows the success that the IP has seen in the mobile gaming space to date.

Simon’s Cat: Story Time sees Simon and his cat face down the threat to the tranquility of their suburban life in the shape of a huge building site. Together, they mobilise their neighbours to help restore the mysterious wasteland before the diggers can destroy it all.

The game will challenge p[layers to solve match-three puzzles to help the community rebuild the gardens under the critical eye of the curmedgeonly next door neighbour, Mr Potts. This is the gaming adaptation for the Simon’s Cat IP, following the success of the previous app games such as Simon’s Cat: Crunch Time, and Simon’s Cat: Pop Time.

The Simon’s Cat brand enjoys international success across multiple categories including gaming, publishing and apparel. Simon’s Cat mobile games have in excess of 20 million downloads, more than 90 million digital sticker downloads and over 2 million books sold across 30 countries.

Simon’s Cat has over 18 million fans and subscribers across social platforms, with the iconic films totalling more than 2 billion views.

The property is one from a library of globally revered IP under the Banijay Brands umbrella, joined by the likes of MasterChef, Temptation Island, Peaky Blinders, Survivor, Deal or No Deal, The Inbetweeners, Big Brother, Mister Maker, and more.

“Game changer” | Funko celebrates potential for NFT market with TokenHead acquisition

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Funko is strengthening its position amid the global collectables scene by making a play for the NFT space through the acquisition of a majority ownership stake in TokenWave, the developer behind TokenHead.

TokenHead is recognised as a leading mobile app and website for showcasing and tracking Non-Fungible Token or NFT, a blockchain platform for digital collectables that has picked up steam among audiences and media over the course of the year.

The financial terms of the investment have not been disclosed, but the move has gone to highlight the potential the NFT space has for licensing, as Funko approaches the market with a ‘clear strategy for its pop culture content across TV, film, sports, music, anime, video games, and comic books.’

TokenHead is currently available on iOS and Android and displays over 10 million NFTs, with more than 100,000 visits per day.

The investment accelerates Funko’s initial entry into the NFT market and will extend the Company’s pop culture platform to include digital assets. Funko expects to launch its initial NFT offerings in June, featuring a unique property each week at a starting price point of $9.99.

Products will be sold on the WAX platform, the leading decentralized wallet on the blockchain, which provides verifiable authenticity for purchases of Funko NFTs.

“Funko is thrilled to advance another platform that our fans and collectors will love and find valuable,” said Brian Mariotti, chief executive officer of Funko. “Our strategy in this space is clear – bring the value-added NFT opportunity to our licensing partners to leverage our broad range of existing pop culture content across Television, Movies, Sports, Music, Anime, Video Games and Comic Books.

“Our amazing licensing partners are excited about our entry into this new digital space and we believe the diversity of our licensing portfolio sets us up for long-term success.”

Mariotti has highlighted the ‘game changing potential’ that the deal now lends the pop culture specialist as the firm begins to draw clear plans to combine its new Funko Pop! digital NFTs with exclusive Funko Pop! Vinyl Figures.

“The marriage of digital and physical using WAX’s patented NFT technology known as vIRLs™ is powerful,” said Mariotti. “By backing the rarest of the Funko NFTs with exclusive redeemable Funko Pop!, we are poised to enter the NFT market in a very unique manner.

“Importantly, we plan to make Funko NFTs broadly accessible to our fans by providing affordable entry pricing. Utilizing WAX Blockchain technology, we have the opportunity to eventually bring Funko collectible NFTs to our millions of fans around the globe. The NFT world is all about content, and Funko has been connecting fans to the content they love for over 20 years.”

Dress-up specialist Rubies Masquerade UK picks up popular pre-school series Oddbods

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The popular animated pre-school series Oddbods is getting into the dress up game thanks to a new partnership the leading dress-up manufacturer, Rubies Masquerade UK.

Under the deal with the award-winning content creation and licensing studio, One Animation, Rubies has secured the dress-up rights for the Oddbods characters across the UK, EMEA, and South East Asia.

The range is set to launch in AW21 and will feature a line of children’s costumes aligned with the latest Oddbods content, bringing key elements of the show, including a Fuse and Pogo costume to retailers and pre-school audiences.

Rob Spindley, SVP commercial development USA and EMEA at One Animation, said: “Rubies is internationally renowned for its high-quality costumes and we know their talented team can capture the quirks and individuality of the Oddbods’ characters, and bring them to life through a colourful dress-up collection.

“Whether dressing up to play with friends, for a fun occasion or simply to watch their favourite episodes at home, we look forward to giving fans a chance to become one of the Oddbods gang.”

Tracey Devine-Tyley, head of licensing and portfolio at Rubies, added: “We are excited to be bringing these fun and quirky characters to life.”

Oddbods is a three-time Emmy Award-nominated, non-dialogue comedy featuring seven unique pals. Together, despite their differences, they survive the perils of everyday life, unintentionally turning ordinary situations into unexpected, extraordinary and always humorous events.