YouTube channels Braille Skateboarding and Trinity and Beyond land second series toy roll-outs following fan demand

Semaphore Licensing, the licensing and merchandising specialist in the online content creator and influencer market, is ‘thrilled’ with the current response and consumer demand for licensed products and toys for its Braille Skateboarding and Trinity brands.

Reception to product launches from Bonkers Toys, toy partner for both Braille Skateboarding and Trinity and Beyond has fuelled a second wave release, as both brands now continue to bolster their US retail offering across Target.com and Target stores across the country.

Series two toy lines for both Braille Skateboarding and Trinity and Beyond feature elevated versions of initial releases. Braille Skateboarding is currently the number one skateboarding channel on YouTube and has just released a fresh series of blind bags featuring collectable mini skateboards, as well as a mystery two-pack and a mystery six-pack of mini skateboards.

Meanwhile, Trinity and Beyond has release a new series of buildable miniature figure blind bags along with a mystery figure two-pack and a mystery figure six-pack.

According to Semaphore Licensing, these latest releases have been met with much excitement as fans look to their favorite virtual buddies to help keep them entertained while much of their activity is still limited to play time at home amid the pandemic.

We are thrilled by the fan response to the licensed products from Bonkers Toys for Semaphore YouTube stars Braille Skateboarding and Trinity and Beyond,” said Lisa Berlin Wright, senior vice president of licensing, Semaphore Licensing Solutions.

“Semaphore Licensing is delighted to represent some of the best social media stars on YouTube and other dynamic platforms.”

Maurizio Distefano Licensing named Italian licensing agent for Moonbug’s CoComelon, Blippi, and Morphle

Maurizio Distefano Licensing has partnered with Moonbug Entertainment to become the licensing agent for CoComelon, Blippi, and My Magic Pet Morphle across the Italian market.

The move is the latest in Moonbug’s continued licensing push for a portfolio of brands that within just two years, has helped the firm become a powerhouse in the children’s programming sector. Moonbug currently boasts a librayr of more than 550 hours of content, distributed on more than 100 platforms globally.

CoComelon teaches children how to take on everyday activities and role models positive behavior with a sense of enthusiasm. Kids can easily relate to the universal themes and everyday narratives such as eating your vegetables, learning to tie your shoes and getting ready for bed.

CoComelon attracts children aged one to four to sing and dance along with Baby JJ and his siblings as they learn letters, numbers, animal sounds, colors and more. It is available on all major platforms including Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, Roku and Netflix and has surpassed 100 million subscribers on YouTube and garnered nearly 100 billion views on the platform.     

Meanwhile, Blippi is an energetic and loveable character clad in orange and blue that jumps off the screen with his goofy mannerisms and friendly demeanor. He’s taught millions of kids how to count, colors, letters, and much more. In just a few years since his inception, Blippi has become a global sensation with over 11 million YouTube subscribers and 700 million views per month.

Blippi is also available on some of the largest premium streaming services such as Hulu, Amazon Prime, Roku, Virgin Media and Kidoodle.

Morphle is a magical red pet who can morph himself into anything – a sweet puppy, a giant truck, a cool dinosaur or anything that his human companion Mila’s playful mind can imagine.

The series is aimed at children aged three to six and is available in 12 languages. With over 250 episodes in its library, 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.

A hit with tots and their families worldwide, the Morphle YouTube channel has 9.6 million subscribers and has had over 6 billion views since it was established in 2011.

“The relatable content in these properties makes them highly accessible, involving both children and parents in their first learning phases,” said Maurizio Distefano, president of MDL. “The successes that these series have collected since their inception demonstrates their strength, and we’re excited to help fans access products that include their favorite characters.”

Fred & Ginger pack Popeye punch into pet products portfolio

The design-led pet product specialist, Fred & Ginger has signed up to create a range of pet treats and accessories based on the classic animation brand, Popeye. The deal was brokered by Bulldog Licensing, the European licensing agency for the property as it continues to grow its consumer products portfolio in the UK.

Fred & Ginger is set to create a full collection of feeding mats and bowls, pet beds, toys, accessories, collars and leads, along with a range of treats, including Easter eggs and advent calendars, as well as pet snacks inspired by the iconic strong man.

Having recently celebrated its 90th anniversary, Popeye remains a popular brand in the UK and the world, with a social presence of 9.8 million fans. The TV show is broadcast on Pluto TV (Theatrical Cartoons, YouTube Shorts, additional Popeye Cartoons). 

The latest deal joins an expanding licensing programme, with two new deals announced at the end of last year, Ecell and Ideal Home Shopping for tech accessories and crafting lines respectively. Additionally, both Fashion UK and Bro Global have renewed their deals for the iconic character.

The offering now spans a range of categories including apparel, accessories, dress-up, and Bulldog plans to further strengthen the portfolio in the near future.

Rob Corney, MD, Bulldog Licensing, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Fred & Ginger on board. The team has a robust experience in creating excellent licensed ranges for pet owners, and we’re excited to see their new creations for Popeye as the brand continues to delight fans throughout the UK.”

Mattel’s Barbie launches new diversity ranges as its named gobal toy property of the year by NPD

Having recently been named the 2020 top global toy property of the year and the number one fashion doll in the UK by the NPD Group, Mattel’s Barbie is pushing forward with its mission to represent global diversity and inclusivity further within the fashion doll aisle.

Through new additions to its Fashionistas line-up, the Barbie brand now welcomes its latest inclusivity push with Ken in a wheelchair, Ken with rooted hair, and a Barbie with lighter skin with vitiligo.

The Barbie Fashionistas line is recognised as the doll brand’s most diverse and inclusive range with more than 175 looks, offering children a variety of skin tones, eye colours, hair colours and textures, as well as body types and fashions to choose from. The latest additions to the range are reflective of the responsibility that Mattel takes in broadening the fashion doll brand’s diversity by bringing new inclusivity to the Ken doll collection.

The new diverse range will be available across the UK from this February. The brand will also be rolling out new product packaging that includes a reusable bag for kids to carry their dolls and improve portable play.

“As Barbie accelerates to new heights as the number one global toy property and holds as the number one fashion doll property, the message is clear that Barbie brand is more relevant than ever,” said Lisa McKnight, senior vice president and global head of Barbie and Dolls, Mattel.

“As the most diverse fashion doll line on the market, we take great responsibility in better reflecting the world around us and know there are many positive benefits to exposing children to dolls with different skin tones, hair types, abilities and more.

“We are proud to offer an even wider range of diverse choices with the latest Barbie Fashionistas line so more kids see themselves reflected in our doll line.”

Novel Entertainment launches month-long Story a Day initiative for Horrid Henry fans

Novel Entertainment is launching a month-long Story a Day initiative as part of its Hibernating with Henry campaign, one which will see a free audio story posted each day to Horrid Henry’s new website.

Starting Monday, February 1st, the first title available will be Horrid Henry and the Antiques Rogue Show, with additional stories including Horrid Henry Computer Whizz and Horrid Henry’s Favourite Day to follow.

The stories will go live at 4pm each day.

Story a Day is part of Novel Entertainment’s current Hibernating with Henry campaign, which is offering online resources and activities to keep children and families entertained and active during the current pandemic. Further activities will be announced in the coming weeks.

Lucinda Whiteley, creative director and co-founder of Novel Entertainment, said: “Henry’s been hard at work, thinking up ways to share his top hibernation tips. Of course, being Henry, he’s full of ideas, but first up we’re excited for Henry fans to be able to settle down after finishing their school day, with or without their grown-up, and listen to a different story every day throughout February.”

Novel Entertainment first launched Horrid Henry audio content in Spring 2020 and continues to expand the offering for fans. Most recently, Novel Entertainment launched a Horrid Henry’s Winter Wonderland audiobook compilation featuring Horrid Henry’s Christmas, Early Christmas Present and Winter Wish titles, and the ‘Super Scary One’, which includes Horrid Halloween, Horrid Henry and the Weird Werewolf and Horrid Henry’s Haunted House

These latest offerings are available on major platforms including Audible, Amazon and Spotify and join the initial six Totally Horrid Collections which debuted last year.

Novel Entertainment’s Horrid Henry audio content takes the form of dramatisations from its hit Horrid Henry TV series, featuring the show’s voice talent with additional narrative from Henry (voiced by Elizabeth Waterworth-Santo) and songs.

A Horrid Henry podcast also launched in 2020 which is titled Horrid Henry Unlocked and presented by radio host Sean Thorne, voice actor Lizzie Waterworth, and Henry himself. It offers fans insights into the inner workings of the world of Horrid Henry.

Since the start of the pandemic, Novel Entertainment has created over 100 pieces of fresh content for Horrid Henry, produced under the banner of Horrid Henry Unlocked which is designed to offer a familiar environment for fans to discover how the Horrid Henry family is responding to the current crisis.

As well as the Horrid Henry podcast and audio stories, material includes Horrid Homework in the form of activities, projects, challenges, puzzles, and bespoke videos including newly created songs, short videos and behind the scenes content and interviews.

Novel Entertainment also recently brought fans new long-form animated content including Horrid Henry’s Gross Day Out, a new 65’ action-adventure film which launched globally on Netflix in September 2020, alongside Horrid Henry’s Wild Weekend which debuted on Netflix in the UK last June and Nickelodeon UK in December 2020, and for Sub-Saharan Africa, Viacom/Nickelodeon has acquired the rights to Seasons one to four of Horrid Henry.

Season Five of Horrid Henry is currently airing on Netflix in the UK, and also on Nickelodeon and Nicktoons UK and Ireland.

Planeta Junior extends licensing reach for The Smurfs across Spain, Portugal and Central and Eastern Europe

Planeta Junior has secured an agreement with the global license holder IMPS to coordinate The Smurfs’ brand licensing programme across Spain, Portugal, and Central and Eastern Europe.

The deal acts as an extension to Planeta Junior already established remit as The Smurfs’ agent across Iberia. Thanks to the success that the company has seen across the territory, IMPS has decided to renew the agreement with the added regions.

Planeta Junior will manage the licensing program in all categories, except publishing, in all aspects of The Smurfs IP including: the classic brand, (which targets millennial audiences,) and the animated feature films and series, (causing a storm among younger audiences). The new The Smurfs CGI series will hit TV screens in 2022.

“We are happy to extend our collaboration with such a strong and passionate partner as Planeta Junior. They have been very successful increasing the value of The Smurfs in the Iberian market with a broad range of great products that embody the joyful spirit of The Smurfs,” said Véronique Culliford, president and founder of IMPS / LAFIG and daughter of Peyo.

“With the new TV series coming, we want to collaborate with the best partners and Planeta Junior is definitely one of those.”

Ignacia Segura, managing director of Planeta Junior, added: “The Smurfs are some of the most iconic and best loved characters ever created. We are proud to renew this property’s management in Spain and Portugal and to add CEE countries to the agreement. Adults and children will love the amazing products we are developing, which will take The Smurfs into unexplored territories.”

This historic brand is based on the characters and uninverse Belgian cartoonist Peyo created in 1958. The brand has been made contemporary thanks to recent film projects in CGI animation and live action, as well as the latest TV CGI series for five to ten year olds, which will receive its world premiere in 2022.

This new series will feature all the elements that made The Smurfs iconic: comedy, adventure, action, pace and quick-fire dialogue.

Smighties Universe launches its first digital collectables with Smighties Pods

Reality Gaming Group and Herotainment are moving in on the blockchain space with the launch of a new series of Smighties Universe digital collectables called Smighties Pods.

It is the latest move for the Smighties brand as it pushes forwards with building out a digitally-focused franchise. Already, the character-driven entertainment brand has landed digital and broadcast deals with over 40 channels across the globe, while its series of three successful mobile games has achieved a combined total of 2 million downloads.

In its most recent advance, Smighties is now taking on the blockchain digital collectables market. Fans can bow purchase their Smighties Pods via the Smighties Universe website. Each Pod contains a surprise variety of Smighties, as well as special Hotel Floors in which the Smighties characters will live.

There are 136 unique Smighties to collect, each with different personalities, powers, strengths and weaknesses, categorised by their elements of earth, water, light, air and magic, and by their rarity. There are Normal, Rare, Extraordinary, Legendary and Epic Smighties.

Users can also build up their own Smighty Hotel with more than thirty floors in which to house their collection of Smighties.

On top of this, Smighties Universe will continue to develop, with plans to launch a marketplace that will allow fans to buy and sell their collection of Smighties and Hotel floors, as well as games in which to use the Smighties.

Each Smighty character in the Smighties Universe is tokenised into a Non-Fungible Token (NFT), which means it is secured and protected on the blockchain, providing documented ownership indefinitely.

Moreover, Smighties Universe digital collectibles are one-of-a-kind and cannot be copied, which makes them scarce and potentially quite valuable.

The Smighties Universe experience will be localized into a number of languages in the coming weeks, including Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, German, and Russian.

Smighties Universe is developed and published by Reality Gaming Group in partnership with the New York-based entertainment company Herotainment.

Jake Scott, head of community at Reality Gaming Group, said: “Smighties Universe offers fans the chance to own a unique piece of Smighties history, quite literally. Digital collectables offer a new and exciting way for people to interact with their favourite Smighties characters and we can’t wait to see how the Smighties Universe evolves as players collect, trade and play.”

Wade Teman, co-founder of Herotainment, added: “What makes Smighties Universe different from other blockchain collectibles is that we are bringing a compelling backstory to the characters to engage and entertain our community. As our world becomes more digital, turning Smighties into one-of-a-kind NFTs puts direct ownership of the Smighties brand into the hands of collectors everywhere.”

Pop culture’s Super7 lands Godzilla action figures, apparel, and accessories in Toho deal

The pop culture design house and toy manufacturer, Super7 has landed a colossal new partnership with Toho International to bring the King of Monsters – Godzilla – into its world of ReAction figures and more.

Super7’s 3.75-inch articulated Godzilla ReAction figure is scheduled to arrive this summer, along with a capsule collection, offering various products, including apparel and accessories.

The collaboration will witness the arrival of more Godzilla product later this year, escalating in 2022 with a range of Ultimate figures.

“It is not a stretch to say that Godzilla may be the most important license to Super7’s history, and one we hold with possibly too much reverence,” said Super7 founder and owner, Brian Flynn. “The genesis of Super7 started with Godzilla, and we can’t wait to add that same Super7 love and affection to Godzilla’s future.”

Super7 launched in 2001 as a magazine filled with content about collecting vintage Godzilla toys; from Marusan and Bullmark vinyl figures, die-casts and tin toys, to Shogun Warriors, featuring characters from Hedorah and Kamikaras to Rodan and Mothra.

The first toy Super7 produced was a grey color variant of the Baremodel 1954 Godzilla, sold through a coupon available only in the first issue of the Super7 magazine in 2001.

“It was here that we started with our love for a giant rubber suited reptilian phenomenon,” added Flynn.

Lora Cohn, managing director, Toho International, said: “Super7 oozes that cool factor in all its products, so we’re thrilled to bring Godzilla into their portfolio of premium products, including the popular ReAction Figures, Ultimates! line and more.

“Beyond quality products, Super7 brings so much meaning to Godzilla, with a team deeply passionate about the brand. We’re excited to offer this all-new line of products based on the King of the Monsters, and we think fans can truly feel the passion and love put into them.”

ReAction Figures are designed to celebrate the iconic action figure of our childhood. The unique size and sculpting style is simple while allowing the imagination to go all in on daily adventures, says the firm.

‘With ReAction Figures, Super7 continues the classic action figure style while making the figures we wished we had while growing up,’ it added.

Meanwhile, Super7’s articulated Ultimates! seven-inch figures are the premiere fan product. They are made-to-order figures that come with an assortment of extra features.

UFC taps Panini America as its official collectable trading card partner

The mixed martial arts organisation, UFC has entered into a multi-year licensing agreement with Panini America to become the brand’s official and exclusive collectable trading card partner.

Under the new deal secured by IMG, Panini America – recognised as the world’s largest licensed sports and entertainment collectables company – will launch its official UFC collection this April with the roll-out of the UFC Prizm collectable series. Panini will also add UFC trading cards to other popular product lines such as Select, Contenders, and Immaculate throughout the year.

“We are thrilled to welcome Panini America as UFC’s new official collectible trading card partner,” said UFC senior vice president of global consumer products, Tracey Bleczinski.

“Many of our fans use collectible trading cards to stay connected to our brand and to their favorite UFC athletes, and Panini America is the industry leader, creating innovative and unique products for our fans to enjoy.”

Panini America CEO, Mark Warsop, added: “This truly is a dream match-up that brings together the unquestioned leaders of trading cards and combat sports for a partnership that will excite and captivate UFC fans and collectors across the globe for years.

“We’ve watched with great interest over the years as UFC has grown into a major force on the mainstream sports landscape with some of the most marketable athletes in the world.

“We’re passionate UFC fans here at Panini America, and we’re excited about what we can do with the UFC brand and the athletes on our trading cards. We’re looking forward to this relationship.”

As part of the partnership, Panini America will capitalize on UFC’s biggest moments in real-time with the company’s direct-to-consumer Panini Instant platform. Panini Instant makes trading cards of UFC’s biggest fights, moments and milestones available just hours after they happen. These special cards will be available for a limited time and are made to order.

LEGO Super Mario and Warner Bros. among NPD’s Global and European Toy Industry Performance Awards winners

The LEGO Group, Spin Master, Mattel, and Warner Bros have been named among the winners of the NPD Group’s 2020 Global and European Toy Industry Performance Awards.

The Danish toy maker took home the NPD’s Global Top Toy Manufacturer of the Year award, while its officially licensed LEGO Super Mario Bros. range scooped up the Top Gaining Toy Property in Building and Construction accolade.

Meanwhile, global toy maker, Mattel took home a number of wins, including Global Top Toy Property of the Year for its Barbie brand, and the award for Global Top Selling Toy of the Year for its Hot Wheels SIngles 1/64 Assortment.

An awards programme developed by the NPD Group, the Global and European Toy Industry Performance Awards celebrate the manufacturers and license owners of the top gaining toy properties by category, as well as the top gaining toy property of year, top global toy manufacturer, and global top selling toy across the markets, according to its Retail Tracking Service.

Warner Bros.’ Harry Potter Franchise received The NPD Group’s Toy Industry Award for Top Gaining Toy Property of 2020 in the Games & Puzzles category, while Nintendo took home the award for Europe’s Top Gaining Toy Property of the Year for its Super Mario Brothers and Mario Kart properties.

“This year’s award winners should be recognised not only for their great accomplishments and dedication to excellence, but also for excelling during a particularly tumultuous time for manufacturers and retailers brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said François Klipfel, president, Toys, The NPD Group.

“Congratulations to all award winners. We wish you continued success in 2021.”

“We are thrilled to receive this award from The NPD Group and have them recognize the strength of the Harry Potter franchise,” said Julian Moon, SVP, EMEA Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

“During these challenging times, it has been uplifting to see children and families come together to play games and puzzles while experiencing the magic of Harry Potter.”

The winners of Europe’s Top Gaining Toy Property according to NPD’s Retail Tracking Service are as follows:

Action Figures and Accessories – Bakugan – Spin Master
Arts & Crafts – LEGO Dots – The LEGO Group
Building Sets – LEGO Super Mario Bros – The LEGO Group
Dolls – Barbie – Mattel
Games & Puzzles – Harry Potter – Warner Brothers
Infant/Toddler/Preschool Toys – PAW Patrol – Spin Master
Youth Electronics – Hatchimals – Spin Master
Outdoor & Sports Toys – Nerf Fortnite – Hasbro
Plush – Star Wars – Disney
Vehicles – Hot Wheels – Mattel
Explorative & Other Toys – Playmobil Scooby Doo – Playmobil

The NPD Group has also presented the Ninth Annual Toy Industry Performance Awards for The Americas – Mexico, the US, Canada and Brazil.

Among the winners in this market, it was MGA Entertainment’s LOL Surprise that was handed the award for US Top Toy Property of the Year, while the US Top Selling Toy of the Year award was given to Mattel’s Barbie Dreamhouse.

The winners of the US Top Selling Toy by Supercategory awards, are:

Action Figures & Accessories – Beyblade Hypersphere Starter Pack Assortment – Hasbro
Arts & Crafts – Kinetic Sand Sandisfying Set – Spin Master
Building Sets – Super Mario Brothers Adventures Starter Course – The LEGO Group
Dolls – Barbie Dreamhouse – Mattel
Explorative & Other Toys – 5 Surprise Mini Brands Mystery Pack – Zuru
Games/Puzzles – UNO Card Game Assortment – Mattel
Infant/Toddler/Pre-school Toys – Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Puppy & Sis Assortment – Mattel
Outdoor & Sports Toys – Bunch O Balloons 3-Pack – Zuru
Plush – Star Wars The Mandalorian The Child Vinyl Head Plush 11″ – Mattel
Vehicles – Hot Wheels Singles 1:64 Assortment – Mattel
Youth Electronics – Kidizoom Smartwatch – VTech