LEGO launches wellness soundscape using the satisfying sounds of 10,000 bricks

The LEGO Group is treading (softly) new ground for toys in the mindfulness space with the launch of a new LEGO White Noise playlist, designed to help listeners find a moment of relaxation – by listening the noises made by LEGO bricks.

But there’s no soundtracks of fully-grown adults yelping as they step on LEGO bricks left across the floor, but moreover, a curated list of tracks that have each been created using nothing but LEGO and the sounds that they make.

Designers of the LEGO White Noise playlist experimented with over 10,000 bricks in their quest for the perfect soothing sounds. The result is a soundscape that includes tracks such as It All Clicks, capturing the sound of two LEGO elements joining together, and The Waterfall, created by pouring thousands of LEGO bricks on top of one another.

Like other white noise tracks, the playlist is designed to help listeners find a moment of zen in their day, making it an audio accompaniment for falling asleep, unwinding, or relaxing through LEGO building.

The playlist can be accessed for free from over 15 different music streaming platforms including Spotify, iTunes and Google Music.

The LEGO White Noise playlist has been released to accompany the immersive LEGO Botanical Collection building experience, following research that found that almost three quarters (73 per cent) of adults are on the hunt for new ways to destress.

The new LEGO Botanical Collection includes the LEGO Flower Bouquet and the LEGO Bonsai Tree that are designed to offer adults an immersive building experiences to help them express their creativity and destress as they build a beautiful model that can be proudly displayed when completed.

Both sets are available now from LEGO.com, LEGO Stores and other retailers globally.

Full steam ahead for Spin Master’s Mighty Express as Penguin Young Readers is named global publishing partner

The global children’s entertainment company, Spin Master has secured a global publishing deal for its Mighty Express IP with Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House.

Under the new deal, the publisher will have the global rights to roll out 8x8s, board books, shaped board books, picture books, novelty books, leveled readers, holiday books, and exclusive rights to sticker, activity, colouring and novelty books, all based on the animated pre-school series.

Spin Master Entertainment launched mighty Express – an original animated pre-school series – on Netflix in September 2020. The series appeals to both pre-schoolers and their parents through inclusive and diverse characters combined with stories that promote hard work and celebrate accomplishments.

Built within a franchise ecosystem that includes the streaming series, a YouTube content destination, a Mighty Express mobile app and a toy line slated to launch fall 2021, Penguin Random House will aim to ‘further enrich the franchise sharing the quirky characters and their exciting adventures with pre-schoolers in new formats.’

“Mighty Express is an exciting franchise, with content developed through the lens of play which reaches preschoolers and their families through a multi-platform approach,” said Juli Boylan, Spin Master’s VP of franchise development and outbound licensing.

“We are thrilled to be working with Penguin Young Readers, who are experts at sharing stories that will continue to build deeper engagement and brand love for Mighty Express.”

Daniel Moreton, vice president and associate publisher, Penguin Workshop, added: “When we first stepped into the wonderfully engaging and adventurous world of Tracksville, we knew immediately that we wanted to get onboard. The Mighty Express themes of partnership, unity, and connection, are universal, and something we all need right now.

“Penguin Young Readers Licenses is thrilled to be partnering with Spin Master once again. Their collaborative creative energy and brand building strategies, aimed at reaching kids everywhere they are, make the journey just as exciting as the destination.”

Mighty Express marks Spin Master Entertainment’s first series launching straight to a streaming platform and is part of the Company’s commitment to a multiplatform content strategy. The Mighty Express franchise is wholly-owned by Spin Master and the Company retains the rights to distribution of the series including licensing of consumer products.

The Penguin Young Readers line of books and activities are expected to launch in autumn 2021.

BBC Studios launches 40th anniversary Only Fools and Horses stamps with Royal Mail… and they’re lovely jubbly

BBC Studios is marking the 40th anniversary year of the iconic TV comedy series Only Fools and Horses with the launch of a special stamp collection in partnership with Royal Mail.

The collection will see the launch of eight stamps featuring classic Only Fools and Horses scenes and one-liners, while a further four stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, will depict the main Trotter family characters as individual stamps, including Del Boy, Rodney, Grandad, and Uncle Albert.

The stamps and a range of collectables are available for pre-order via the Royal Mail website, by phone, and across 7,000 Post Offices in the UK. The full set of 12 stamps – available in a Presentation Pack – will retail at £16.20. The stamps will go on general sale this month.

Only Fools and Horses follows the exploits of wheeler-dealer Del Trotter, his hapless younger brothers, Rodney, Grandad, and later their Uncle Albert. The series now has a regular slot on Gold where it remains a firm favourite with viewers as consistently one of the most-watched shows on the UKTV-owned channel.

In 2003, one of the show’s many catchphrases, ‘lovely jubbly’ was listed in the Oxford English Dictionary.

Further partnerships will see the launch of the first official Only Fools and Horses online store hosted by licensee Push Entertainment, for bespoke print on demand gifting, homewares, apparel and stationary inspired by the series. Available soon at www.onlyfoolsandhorses.shop 

BBC Studios has also renewed its Only Fools and Horses plush licence with 8th Wonder which has  had great retail support across gifting trade.

Jason Easy, head of licencing at BBC Studios, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Royal Mail in celebration of the Only Fools and Horses 40th Anniversary to launch this wonderful stamp collection in celebration of the milestone.

“We are also hugely excited to be working with Push Entertainment to deliver the first ever official Only Fools and Horses online store, and to renew our Only Fools plush licence with 8th Wonder. All adding to the Only Fools portfolio for fans and collectors to enjoy.”

Mattel’s Whac-A-Mole strikes TV game show deal with Fremantle

Whac-A-Mole has become the latest Mattel toy property to receive the TV treatment as the television production outfit, Fremantle, prepares to develop a new game show based on the title.

The move comes amid a slate of TV licensing announcements from Mattel, including the most recent partnership with Propagate to develop a game show based on the family card game UNO.

According to reports, the Whac-A-Mole game show will turn the popular Mattel title – and regular fixture of the arcades and amusement park scene – into an elimination competition during which opposing teams will use their skill, strength, and endurance to become the ultimate Whac-A-Mole champion.

The unscripted series will incorporate life-sized Whac-A-Mole, races and obstacle courses.

Whac-A-Mole popped into life in 1976 as an arcade game before being turned into a tabletop game in 2009. This year, Mattel will be re-releasing the tabletop game and launching a new card game Whac-A-Mole Match-A-Mole.

“Whac-A-Mole is a beloved, action-packed arcade game with a deep fan following, and the interactive nature and comedic energy of the game makes it a great franchise for episodic television,” said Adam Bonnett, executive producer, Mattel Television.

“Jayson and the team at Fremantle have had unparalleled success creating iconic reality television series and are the perfect partners to help us bring this classic game to life in new ways.”

Jayson Dinsmore, president of alternative programming and development, Fremantle, added: “We’re so excited to have the iconic Whac-A-Mole brand as our newest playground.

“Partnering with Mattel to bring this classic game to television in a dynamic and synergistic life-sized world is a dream come true.”

Gallery Books to publish the rise, fall, and rise again memoirs of WWE Champion Drew McIntyre

The Simon & Schuster imprint, Gallery Books has struck a deal with WWE to publish the memoirs of the Drew McIntyre, a WWE Champion, under the title of A Chosen Destiny: My Story.

The new title will highlight McIntyre’s life journey from a small village in Scotland to the global spotlight of WWE, documenting how from a young age, he dreamed of becoming a WWE Champion.

Slated for release on May 4th, this year, A Chosen Destiny will be published simultaneously as an audiobook from Simon & Schuster Audio and will be read by the author.

The memoir will recount his younger years proving himself to the small crowds on the UK’s Butlin circuit, before making the move to the WWE at the age of 22. He was touted by WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon as The CHosen One to lead the WWE into the future.

However, a series of ill-advised choices and family tragedy saw McIntyre’s life and career spiral. Struggling under the pressure of expectations, he was eventually released from WWE. But, buoyed by the support of his wife and the memory of his beloved mother, McIntyre embarked on a mission to recharge, reinvent and revitalize himself to fulfill his destiny.

“Throughout my career, I have always had an honest and open relationship with my fans,” said WWE Champion Drew McIntyre. “I am honored that Gallery Books has given me the opportunity to tell my story in hopes of inspiring others around the world to follow their dreams.”

“Drew McIntyre has captivated WWE fans everywhere with his explosive popularity and persona in and out of the ring,” said Ed Schlesinger, senior editor, licensing manager for Gallery Books. “We’re incredibly thrilled to be partnering with him and WWE to present his unforgettable, no-holds-barred story of making it to the top as World Champion.”

Poetic Brands grows its pre-school portfolio with Moonbug’s My Magic Pet Morphle

Poetic Brands is continuing to expand its baby, children’s wear, and accessories division, this time through an extended partnership with Moonbug Entertainment to develop an apparel range based on the My Magic Pet Morphle brand.

The deal was brokered by The Point. 1888 who manages the rights for Moonbug’s properties across EMEA and will see the apparel specialist create a collection of accessories, children’s clothes, outerwear, and swimwear.

Morphle is Mila’s magic red pet, who can morph into anything – a sweet puppy, a giant truck, a cool dinosaur or anything that Mila’s playful mind can imagine. With over 250 episodes in its library and content in 12 languages, the show teaches preschoolers the themes of friendship, problem solving and creativity, and is available on a range of digital platforms including YouTube, Amazon, Netflix, Apple TV, and most recently, was part of a deal to be shown on Virgin Media platforms.

The consumer products programme for the imaginative and playful kids’ brand, managed by The Point.1888 has also begun with a deal with Thinkway Toys as Master Toy partner. 

Anne Bradford, director, Poetic Brands, said: “My Magic Pet Morphle offers fantastic animation based around a magic pet store, which will enable us to create some interactive and fun products. It completes a strong portfolio of properties for this area of the retail market.”

Becky Langer, senior commercial manager, soft goods at The Point.1888, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Poetic Brands on this exciting range for My Magic Pet Morphle fans. We believe that their design, manufacturing and speed to market capabilities will ensure that fantastic products come to market in 2021, quenching the pent-up consumer demand for this phenomenal growing brand.” 

Fanattik lands Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles gift license in pan-European deal

The pop culture specialist, Fanattik, has signed a pan-European gift license with ViacomCBS Consumer Products to develop and launch a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-inspired collection.

The new range will span home decor, barware, gifts, and collectables, all of which will be available from June this year in shops across Europe.

Considered one of the most popular kids’ TV programmes of the 1980s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was created in 1984 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird when it made its debut as a successful comic book series before becoming an animated TV series, a live-action TV series, and later spawning four blockbuster movie releases.

“From the comic books in the ’80s to the films of the ’90s and the more recent animated series, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a brand with real heritage,” said Anthony Marks, MD, Fanattik.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has been translated into a significant consumer products business with toys, apparel, home goods, video games, DVDs and more generating millions at retail.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a top selling action figure and the franchise is a previous recipient of the Toy Industry Association’s top honour for Property of the Year at the TOTY Awards.

“The whole creative team is so looking forward to working on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. With over 90 per cent brand recognition with both male and females under the age of 55 and such a well engaged fan base, the Fanattik team understands that we need to create a range that will appeal fans both new and old,” said Melissa Tudor, head of product development at Fanattik.

“Before it was announced to the team that we had this license the MD bought a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade machine for the office, so we must get this right, otherwise he is going to take it away.”

Mark Kingston, senior vice president, international, ViacomCBS Consumer Products, added: “We’re excited to amplify the Turtles universe with a fully loaded gifting range from Fanattik; with products that will resonate with the broad spectrum of fans from this beloved IP.”

Head of sales, Luiz Ferreira, said: “Fanattik works with all levels of the European gift market so we are asking toy an gift retailers that are not already talking to us to contact myself to book a video appointment so they can learn more about this upcoming Teenage Mutant Nina Turtles range.”

Ferreira can be contacted via Luiz@fanattik.co.uk

Fanattik is a licensee for 20th Century Fox, Microsoft, Capcom, Universal Studios, Capcom, Bethesda, Studio Canal and more.

Fanattik has won numerous awards with the latest being the North West Business Of The Year organised by the Federation of Small Business just prior to Covid.

The Fanattik Jaws bottle opener and Friends premium limited edition pin badge were both nominated for Gift Of The Year 2021.

Sonic the Hedgehog will charge onto Netflix in new animated series in 2022

A new animated series of Sonic the Hedgehog called Sonic Prime will be tearing onto Netflix with a worldwide premiere scheduled for 2022.

The 24-episode animated adventure is the product of a triple-threat deal between Netflix, SEGA of America, and WildBrain. Aimed at kids, families, and long-time fans of the franchise, Sonic Prime promises to draw upon the keystones of the brand as it follows Sonic on a new adventure in both a race to save the universe and find redemption.

The series will be animated at WildBrain’s Vancouver studio, and SEGA and WildBrain will jointly participate across production, distribution and licensing. Man of Action Entertainment, creators of Ben 10 and the characters and team in the Academy Award-winning feature Big Hero 6have been brought on as showrunners and executive producers for the series.

Dominique Bazay, director of original animation, Netflix, said: “Sonic is a beloved character and holds a special place in everyone’s heart including my own. I spent many hours with the blue blur as a kid and it’s a privilege to be able to bring this character everyone knows and loves on a brand new adventure with Netflix – one that a generation of loyal fans and brand new fans around the world can enjoy.”

Ivo Gerscovich, chief brand officer at SEGA, added: “Sonic the Hedgehog is a global entertainment icon that has captivated audiences since its video game debut in 1991. With over 1.14 billion game units sold and downloaded to date, an exciting feature film, a robust licensing program and more, SEGA’s iconic hedgehog continues to surprise and delight audiences worldwide.

“We’re thrilled to partner with WildBrain, Man of Action Entertainment and Netflix to speed into this new, animated chapter in the Sonic franchise.”

Josh Scherba, President, WildBrain, said:”With generations of devoted fans around the world, Sonic the Hedgehog is more popular today than ever before, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Netflix, SEGA and Man of Action to deliver all new Sonic adventures for audiences worldwide.

“This premium franchise is ideally suited to WildBrain’s capabilities and it’s already inspiring great things from our talented creative teams. We’ve witnessed first-hand the enduring popularity of this brand from the strong and steady global demand for our library of legacy Sonic series. We look forward now to bringing fresh and exciting Sonic content to fans both new and old.”

Building on the momentum generated for Sonic in 2020 – and as the brand celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2021 – Sonic Prime aims to captivate the imaginations of audiences ages six to 11, as well as legacy Sonic fans of all ages, and will match the scale and scope of the epic adventures synonymous with the Sonic franchise.

In 2020, the theatrical feature Sonic the Hedgehog, took the number one spot worldwide on opening weekend and remained on top globally for weeks while breaking domestic box office records. Producers SEGA Sammy and Paramount Pictures have announced a sequel to the feature is in development.

NSPCC’s Buddy and Pantosaurus to feature in Redan’s kids’ titles Fun To Learn and Sparkle World

Edutainment Licensing has secured a partnership with Redan to bring the NSPCC’s Buddy and Pantosaurus brands to the publisher’s leading children’s magazines.

In a campaign kicking off on March 4th this year, Buddy will feature in the Fun To Learn Friends and Sparkle World titles from Redan Publishing, while Pantosaurus will feature in the Fun To Learn Favourites.

Established in 1990, Redan is a leading independent publisher for the pre-school magazine sector with over 30 years’ experience and distributing over ½ million magazines a month.

The NSPCC’s Buddy is a bright green ‘speech bubble’ mascot used to communicate the NSPCC’s ‘Speak Out. Stay Safe’ (SOSS) campaign, which has so far reached 90 per cent of primary schools nationwide. The age appropriate assemblies and workshops are delivered to children across the UK to encourage them to speak out if something is worrying them.

Pantosaurus, meanwhile, is a bright yellow friendly dinosaur that supports parents, carers and teachers #TalkPANTS to help keep children safe. The dynamic, pants-wearing dinosaur is on a mission to share his important message, to help support children to recognise what abuse is and how they can speak up. 

Each page will feature the key message from each campaign alongside an activity for the child to enjoy and engage with plus the opportunity to win a prize bundle.

“Redan has developed an enviable reputation throughout the industry for being innovative, creative and for producing the highest quality content and we are delighted to be working with them to help grow the awareness for both brands,” said Denise Deane of Edutainment Licensing.

BBC Studios taps Brainbase Assist to power its growing licensing programme for Bluey

BBC Studios has underscored its commitment to the Bluey licensing programme, turning to the end-to-end IP management firm Brainbase and its Assist platform to help it streamline and manage its global licensing operations for the popular pre-school property.

The move comes as BBC Studios continues to grow the successful Bluey brand in the consumer products and licensing sector. The collaborations will enable BBC to ‘make strategic franchise decisions’ all based on insights garnered from the Assist platform.

Brainbase is a venture backed company specialising in IP management.

“We are ecstatic to welcome BBC Studios to the Brainbase family,” said Brainbase co-founder and CEO, Nate Cavanaugh. “Our team is excited to see Bluey’s consumer products come to life on our platform, and to provide best-in-class technology to support its globally-recognised IP and rapidly growing consumer products business.”

Bluey has seen a surge in demand from audiences since it started airing on Disney Junior and Disney Channel in the US and becoming available to stream on Disney+.

“As we continue to grow the wildly successful Bluey brand, we noticed an increasing need to create an intuitive and collaborative centralized system,” said Suzy Raia, VP consumer products and business development, BBC Studios.

“We are beginning our relationship with Brainbase to improve partner management and help us make strategic franchise decisions based on insights.”

Brainbase’s flagship product, Brainbase Assist, helps licensing teams unify their global operations into a single software platform – from deals, product approvals, royalty reporting, digital asset management, and dashboard analytics.

Top licensed properties for BBC Studios include Bluey, the multi-award-winning animated preschool series that has taken Australia and the US by storm; Doctor Who, one of the longest running action-adventure television series in the world spanning 56 years and winning over 100 awards; and His Dark Materials, with the launch of a dedicated global online store following the successful debut of the second season on HBO.

BBC Studios joins a Brainbase customer roster with leading brands including Bonnier, BuzzFeed, kathy ireland Worldwide, Sanrio, the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty, SYBO Games and the Van Gogh Museum, among others.