Atlantyca Entertainment’s Bat Pat arrives in the UK, US, and Canada via HappyKids channel

Atlantyca Entertainment has partnered with Future Today for a deal that will see 52 episodes of its popular animated series Bat Pat broadcast on the kids and family channel, HappyKids across the US, UK, and Canada.

Available from February 8th, the first season of Bat Pat follows the animated adventures of Bat Pat and his friends Martin, Leo and Rebecca Silver as they cross paths with supernatural creatures that haunt every corner of their hometown Fogville.

According to Atlantyca Entertainment, the series has been warmly received by audiences across the globe, and through its partnership with HappyKids will now be able to hit a target age group of kids across the UK and the US.

“Bat Pat is a captivating animated series for young children. Our new partnership will allow our audience to be entertained by this wonderful series,” said David Di Lorenzo, SVP, Kids and Family at Future Today. “We are happy to be working with Atlantyca Entertainment to provide broader access to their extensive library of quality and engaging children’s content.”

The first season of the series, produced by Atlantyca with the participation of Rai and RTVE, has been sold to more than 100 countries including Italy, Spain, US, UK, Benelux, Sweden, Lithuania, Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, the Middle East, where it has achieved great success.

In 2019, the second season of the series debuted in Italy and Spain, with 52 brand new episodes even scarier and more fun. The second season is a Mondo TV Producciones Canarias, Bat Pat AIE co-production with the participation of Rai Ragazzi and Clan TVE.

The HappyKids channel is both free and COPPA compliant, and is available across numerous streaming platforms and devices, including Roku, Apple TV, AndroidTV, Amazon Fire TV, Comcast Xfinity, Cox Contour, iOS, Android, and most recently, as a linear channel on Vizio Smart TVs.

LEGO and SEGA partner to bring Sonic the Hedgehog to brick form

The LEGO Group has detailed a new partnership with SEGA to bring Sonic the Hedgehog into brick form, thanks to a concept design submitted to the Danish toy maker’s invention platform, LEGO Ideas.

Created by a 24-year-old LEGO superfan, Viv Grannell, the design was inspired by SEGA’s critically acclaimed 2017 platformer experience Sonic Mania and features iconic characters and environments from the game’s Green Hill Zone level.

The design achieved its pre-requisite 10,000 votes from LEGO fans worldwide and has now been given the green light to enter production through a partnership between LEGO and SEGA.

Talking about the winning idea, Viv Grannell, said: “I’ve been invested in the world of Sonic for almost my entire life, and it’s such a perfect fit for the LEGO system that I spent about a year rallying support for it to happen.

“Having 10,000 people back my design was overwhelming enough, even with friends and family behind me, but having it be selected for further development was the most exciting secret I have ever had to keep.”

The Sonic Mania Green Hill Zone LEGO Ideas design will now go into the product development phase, in partnership with SEGA and once finalised will be available worldwide.

Talking about the collaboration, Jason Rice, director of brand licensing, SEGA Europe Ltd, said: “At SEGA, we’ve always encouraged fans to take part in the legacy of the Sonic franchise through their own creations and it’s wonderful to see the tradition continued through the LEGO Ideas program.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Viv and the LEGO Group, and hope to inspire fans to continue creating their own unique Sonic the Hedgehog experiences for generations to come.”

The Sonic Mania Green Hill Zone LEGO Ideas design is the ultimate embodiment of Sonic the Hedgehog’s past and future as the franchise celebrates its 30th anniversary this June. Featuring a wide variety of elements inspired by Classic Sonic, the set will provide LEGO collectors and Sonic fans alike a truly supersonic LEGO experience.

Cube International named master licensee for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

The sports specialists, Cube International, has been appointed master licensee for Birmingham 2022 and Commonwealth Sports, for designing, sourcing, delivering, and retailing a range of official products across the UK.

The first official products are scheduled to go on sale in the coming weeks across official Birmingham 2022 shops and other local and national retail outlets, as well as via a dedicated online shop accessed via the birmingham2022.com website.

Under the deal, around 1,500 products will be developed and sold, featuring Birmingham 2022, Commonwealth Sport and Home Nations branding. A first phase of merchandise, including hoodies and t-shirts, mugs, water bottles and pin badges will go on sale online in the next couple of months.

Cube International will also create exclusive ranges for the Birmingham 2022 official mascot, which will be unveiled later this year.

Around 35 official retail stores will be set up, including a Birmingham city centre megastore, and at a number of other city centre locations, transport hubs, Games venues and temporary live sites. Cube International will also be responsible for building and operating the official online store.

The retail stores will employ around 300 people, with staff recruited where possible with the support of the Commonwealth Jobs and Skills Academy, launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority to generate job opportunities for and improve the skills of local people. Roles will include customer service, security and warehousing positions.

In addition to these official retail stores, other local and national retailers are being encouraged to register their interest in selling Commonwealth Games products.

Games organisers are also keen to work with West Midlands firms to develop further product lines that bring the region’s creative flair to life. Retailers and manufacturers interested in finding out more can email Licensing@cgfpartnerships.com.

In line with Birmingham 2022 and Commonwealth Sport’s social value commitments, the range of products and the shops they are sold in will have a strong commitment to sustainability, with a focus on limiting single use plastics, responsibly managing waste materials, and reducing carbon emissions.

Ian Reid, Birmingham 2022 CEO, said: “Our retail offering will help to bring the Games to life, building excitement as Birmingham 2022 draws closer. It will also help to support the West Midlands’ economic recovery as we recruit around 300 people to work in our retail outlets in the run up to the Games.

“I’m also happy to be working with a Midlands business, Cube International, which has the global expertise to deliver this product range. I can’t wait to see a whole variety of Commonwealth Games items for sale online and in shops over the next few months. I’ll be first in line to buy a cuddly toy.”

Cube International is an expert sports retail, e-commerce, licensing, and merchandise business which works with international sports events such as The Rugby League World Cup 2021 and the Cricket World Cup, as well as with the NHS and brands including Sainsbury’s.

Andy Moss, Cube International’s executive chairman, added: “We are delighted to have been appointed the master licensee for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The vision of the Games and the values that they represent harmonises with Cube’s working philosophy and enables us to fully collaborate across all areas to deliver an incredible experience for visitors, fans and commercial partners.

“It is incredibly exciting to be working with such an imaginative team and, together, we are looking to re-imagine and redefine major event retail. We very much look forward to opening our first official store and bringing to life an exciting and sustainable retail and merchandise programme.”

Olivia Colman and Matt Smith lead voice cast of Magic Light Pictures’ Superworm

Magic Light Pictures is returning to the world of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler this Christmas with a new adaptation of the pair’s beloved story, Superworm for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

As usual, the adaptation has already attracted some of Britain’s best-loved stars, this time around seeing Oscar winner Olivia Colman lead a voice cast as narrator, with Emmy nominee Matt Smith signed up to play the titular hero, Superworm. The pair are joined by Patricia Allison (Sex Education) as Butterfly, and Rob Brydon as the Crow.

Further cast members will be revealed later on in the year.

Colman said: “This is such a lovely project to be involved with. When reading the script, and imagining all those goings on at the end of the garden, I could really get a feel for the pure fun and joy that the film will bring. I’ve always loved these charming productions at Christmas and I’m delighted to be voicing the narrator.”

Smith added: “I’m delighted to play the part of Superworm and join such a fabulous cast of actors, artists and storytellers. What fun to be part of the BBC’s Christmas line up in this great children’s tale.”

The animated version of the popular story will mark Brydon’s ninth appearance in a Donaldson/Scheffler adaptation, who previously narrated Magic Light Pictures’ adaptation of The Highway Rat.

“Working on these Magic Light productions is always a delight and deciding how to voice characters is such fun. I love watching them on TV at Christmas – a lovely way to round off my year.”

Meanwhile, the half-hour animated special will mark a first for Sex Education’s Patricia Allinson, who has said she is “excited to become part of the tradition” that has placed Magic Light animations as “such an important part of the Christmas TV schedule.”

“Butterfly is a very determined character, and a loyal friend, so I am looking forward to recording a lot.”

Donaldson and Scheffler, the now famed creators of The Gruffalo, collaborated once again on this animated half hour, which has been acquired by Charlotte Moore, BBC chief content officer and Tommy Bulfin, commissioning editor, BBC Drama.

Magic Light has been providing festive family treats to BBC One for over a decade, and their films, based on the books by the award-winning duo, are among the most popular family titles on BBC iPlayer.

Superworm is the ninth TV adaptation of a Donaldson/Scheffler title for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The annual Magic Light Pictures films have become firm fixtures in the Christmas schedules. In the lead up to last Christmas, original festive idents featuring The Gruffalo and Zog book-ended shows on BBC One.

Superworm is being directed by Sarah Scrimgeour and Jac Hamman, from a script by Max Lang and Suzanne Lang. The producer is Barney Goodland with executive producers Martin Pope and Michael Rose for Magic Light Pictures. The composer is Rene Aubry, who has written the music for the collection of Magic Light films.

Tommy Bulfin, commissioning editor, BBC Drama said: “The Donaldson and Scheffler adaptations are a lynchpin of the Christmas schedule and we’re thrilled to be collaborating with them and the award-winning Magic Light Pictures again this year. I can’t wait for audiences to fall in love with Superworm, who is super-long and super-strong.”

Martin Pope, co-founder of Magic Light Pictures, concluded: “We’re delighted to be making Superworm for BBC One. It’s a lovely comedy. Superworm’s a brilliant central character, who has great friends who will ultimately triumph over the wonderfully entertaining villain, in this delightful story based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.”

Olivia Colman and Matt Smith lead voice cast of Magic Light Pictures’ Superworm

Magic Light Pictures is returning to the world of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler this Christmas with a new adaptation of the pair’s beloved story, Superworm for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

As usual, the adaptation has already attracted some of Britain’s best-loved stars, this time around seeing Oscar winner Olivia Colman lead a voice cast as narrator, with Emmy nominee Matt Smith signed up to play the titular hero, Superworm. The pair are joined by Patricia Allison (Sex Education) as Butterfly, and Rob Brydon as the Crow.

Further cast members will be revealed later on in the year.

Colman said: “This is such a lovely project to be involved with. When reading the script, and imagining all those goings on at the end of the garden, I could really get a feel for the pure fun and joy that the film will bring. I’ve always loved these charming productions at Christmas and I’m delighted to be voicing the narrator.”

Smith added: “I’m delighted to play the part of Superworm and join such a fabulous cast of actors, artists and storytellers. What fun to be part of the BBC’s Christmas line up in this great children’s tale.”

The animated version of the popular story will mark Brydon’s ninth appearance in a Donaldson/Scheffler adaptation, who previously narrated Magic Light Pictures’ adaptation of The Highway Rat.

“Working on these Magic Light productions is always a delight and deciding how to voice characters is such fun. I love watching them on TV at Christmas – a lovely way to round off my year.”

Meanwhile, the half-hour animated special will mark a first for Sex Education’s Patricia Allinson, who has said she is “excited to become part of the tradition” that has placed Magic Light animations as “such an important part of the Christmas TV schedule.”

“Butterfly is a very determined character, and a loyal friend, so I am looking forward to recording a lot.”

Donaldson and Scheffler, the now famed creators of The Gruffalo, collaborated once again on this animated half hour, which has been acquired by Charlotte Moore, BBC chief content officer and Tommy Bulfin, commissioning editor, BBC Drama.

Magic Light has been providing festive family treats to BBC One for over a decade, and their films, based on the books by the award-winning duo, are among the most popular family titles on BBC iPlayer.

Superworm is the ninth TV adaptation of a Donaldson/Scheffler title for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The annual Magic Light Pictures films have become firm fixtures in the Christmas schedules. In the lead up to last Christmas, original festive idents featuring The Gruffalo and Zog book-ended shows on BBC One.

Superworm is being directed by Sarah Scrimgeour and Jac Hamman, from a script by Max Lang and Suzanne Lang. The producer is Barney Goodland with executive producers Martin Pope and Michael Rose for Magic Light Pictures. The composer is Rene Aubry, who has written the music for the collection of Magic Light films.

Tommy Bulfin, commissioning editor, BBC Drama said: “The Donaldson and Scheffler adaptations are a lynchpin of the Christmas schedule and we’re thrilled to be collaborating with them and the award-winning Magic Light Pictures again this year. I can’t wait for audiences to fall in love with Superworm, who is super-long and super-strong.”

Martin Pope, co-founder of Magic Light Pictures, concluded: “We’re delighted to be making Superworm for BBC One. It’s a lovely comedy. Superworm’s a brilliant central character, who has great friends who will ultimately triumph over the wonderfully entertaining villain, in this delightful story based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.”

Children’s marketing rivals launch new podcast series Kids Market Insight in industry first

For the first time in their respective careers, industry experts specialising in marketing to kids have joined forces to launch a new podcast called Kids Market Insight.

Co-hosted by Kids Industries CEO and co-founder, Gary Pope, managing director of Sherbert Research, Nicki Karet, and chief strategy officer at KidsKnowBest, Peter Robinson, the podcast – marking a coming together of would-be ‘industry rivals’ – kicks off today (Friday, February 5th).

The first in a series of monthly podcasts will hear the three industry experts analysing their favourite kids’ TV shows, and will focus on a different theme each month, taking a deep dive look at the key issues involved in making great product for kids and how to successfully market them.

In a joint statement the trio said: “As industry rivals we’re thoroughly enjoying collaborating and sharing our passion for great kids products and insights into what makes each of them work so well. The podcast presents an opportunity to celebrate the brilliant work of makers and creators in the kids space and the magic they deliver for this audience.

“We all bring decades of experience to the mix, but add our own take and agency perspective – collectively providing a wealth of research, marketing and digital experience.

“Our first session was a riot – we focused on our favourite children’s TV show, why we felt connected to it and identified its key success factors from our point of view as kids and industry experts. There was a heated (but very funny) debate over which show we ultimately voted for as the best. Some may even say we got a little competitive. But that just makes it an even better listen!”

Each 30-minute episode in the recurring series will feature a different topic and will also include guest participants over time. New episodes will be released on a monthly basis with the following topics on the cards for the next three months:

  • Board games
  • Family Experiences
  • Childhood Heroes

Access to the Kids Market Insight podcast is available via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or any other major podcast platform. Learn more about the podcast here.

Mattel and rapper Lil Yachty to co-produce UNO live-action comedy heist film

Mattel’s best-selling family card game, UNO has landed its own live-action motion picture, the global toy maker has revealed, tapping the Grammy-nominated rapper Lil Yachty to co-produce.

The toy maker’s entertainment division, Mattel Films has confirmed that the production will work from a screenplay for an action heist comedy, set in the underground hip hop world of Atlanta. Robbie Brenner, executive producer, and Kevin McKeon, supervising producer, will lead the project for the company.

In addition, Quality Control’s Kevin “Coach K” Lee, Pierre “P” Thomas and Brian Sher will produce for Quality Films.

“At Mattel Films, we are looking to explore stories that bring our brands to life in unexpected ways,” said Brenner. “UNO is a game that transcends generations and cultures and we look forward to partnering with Lil Yachty, as well as with Coach, P and Brian Sher, to transform the classic UNO game into a comedic action adventure.”

“I’m so excited to be part of this film with Mattel,” added Yachty. “I played UNO as a kid and still do today, so to spin that into a movie based on the Atlanta hip hop scene I came out of is really special. It hits close to home for me.”

Conceived in 1971 in a barbershop in Cincinnati, Ohio, UNO was created as a way for families to spend time together, and quickly became a household staple. Five decades later, UNO, now available in over 80 countries, has grown into a global sensation that offers fans of all ages a variety of innovative card-based and digital games.

In celebration of UNO’s 50th anniversary this year, Mattel is releasing one of the brand’s largest product lines offering new twists on gameplay, is planning a global UNO Tournament and is collaborating with a variety of iconic names across art, fashion, sports and more.

UNO joins 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, View Master and Wishbone.

Rainbow Designs to launch new We’re Going on a Bear Hunt toys in Walker Books deal

Rainbow Designs is encouraging children to undertake their own Bear Hunt adventures this year as it launches its new We’re Going on a Bear Hunt collection of soft and wooden toys to the market.

Based on Walker Books’ classic storybook of the same title, the toys take inspiration from the adventurous tale that has been entertaining children for over 30 years.

The new range of toys will include a super soft Bear toy and Wooden Shape Puzzle featuring the Bear, Rufus the dog, and will be illustrated with paw prints and the Bear Hunt sayings, such as Splash, Splosh and squelch, squerch. New additions to the range will follow later in the year.

Anthony Temple, managing director of Rainbow Designs, said: “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is the perfect fit with our portfolio of prestigious and nurtured children’s brands and it is exciting to be kicking off Rainbow’s milestone 50th Anniversary year with the launch of such a joyful and iconic character range.”

Pindy O’Brien, licensing and retail development director (UK & Europe) for Walker Books, added: “We are thrilled to have Rainbow Designs launching toys for our classic “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”.

“The softness of their plush product and high quality delivers everything we’d want from our toy range. We are excited to have them on board as our EMEA partner.”

DC to bring Ozzy Osbourne and Megadeth to Dark Nights: Death Metal comic universe

The comic book publisher, DC has detailed its plans to collaborate with seven of the most renowned metal music bands for its runaway hit limited comic book series Dark Nights: Death Metal – Band Edition.

In a partnership with Global Merchandising Services, DC has revealed it will be collaborating with the likes of Megadeth, Ghost, and Ozzy Osbourne, as well as Sepultura and Dream Theater.

Under the partnership, exclusive merchandise featuring the unique variant covers will be made available for fans from both universes. Information on the availability of this will be announced in conjunction with each release.

Representing a cross-section of metal music from across genres and generations, each special edition will feature a variant cover spotlighting a different metal band, an introduction from the band and exclusive interview.

The lineup will see Megadeth take issue one, Ghost in issue two, and Lacuna Coil in issue three. Issue four will feature Opeth, Sepultura will take the fifth issue, issue six will be Dream Theater, and issue seven will star Ozzy Osbourne.

The Dark Knights: Death Metal seven-issue series event will launch in 13 countries internationally in March and rollout throughout 2021.

Dark Nights: Death Metal, from the bestselling team of writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo, launched in the US in June 2020 and is the sequel to the smash-hit 2017-18 series, Dark Nights: Metal which brought widespread changes to the DC universe and introduced fans to the Dark Multiverse and a runaway hit villain the Batman Who Laughs.

When the Earth is enveloped by the Dark Multiverse, the Justice League is at the mercy of the Batman Who Laughs. Humanity struggles to survive in a hellish landscape twisted beyond recognition, while Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman, who have all been separated, fight to survive. 

The seven single issues with the Band edition variant covers will be published monthly in eight countries: France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Turkey.

For the Collectors’ Omnibus Edition featuring additional bonus content, these eight countries will be joined by Russia, Poland, Czech Republic, Korea and Japan.

Bing receives first sign language version in Italy through VoD partner TIMVISION

The first sign language version of the multi-award winning pre-school series, Bing is landing with audiences across Italy thanks to a new partnership between Maurizio Distefano Licensing and Acamar Films’ Italian VoD partner, TIMVISION.

Through TIMVISION, a selection of original Bing episodes featuring an Italian sign language interpreter launched on December 24th last year as part of the company’s commitment to offer educational and fun-filled opportunities to deaf children in Italy.

The dubbed episodes joined the original 78 episodes of Bing that have been available to stream on TIMVISION since November 2019. A total of 14 Lingua dei segni Italiana episodes are now available to stream with more to come in 2021.

Eroulla Constantine, director of sales and distribution, Acamar Films, said: “We are delighted to have Bing as part of TIMVISION’s growing catalogue of LIS version episodes on their platform.

“We stand alongside TIMVISION’s commitment to diversity and inclusion with meeting children’s specific needs. We look forward to having more inclusive episodes of the series available in Italy.”

Maurizio Distefano, president, MDL, added: “Bing is enormously popular in the Italian market and this delightful, funny and educational show should be accessible to everyone, which is why we are delighted that TMVISION has introduced a sign language version. The first-ever LIS version of Bing is a genuine cause for celebration.”

Bing has seen incredible success in Italy since it first launched in 2018 and is beloved among little ones and their grown-ups in the region. With more stories in high demand, the latest series recently launched on-air and on various platforms including the new Bing app, Bing: Guarda, Gioca, Impara.

The app successfully launched in the summer and includes episodes and compilations, learning games and activities.