Category Archives: Entertainment

The spirit is strong with Original Stormtroopers as IP sees ‘huge online demand’ and new product launches

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The Sourceror Ltd has called ‘all hands to the pump’ over the current surge in demand for Original Stormtrooper Beer, a licensed line produced in partnership with Vocation Brewery and Shepperton Design Studios, that has risen in popularity over the course of what had been dubbed Lockdown 2.0.

It’s according to The Sourceror’s Ben Fowler that such is the increase in online ordering of the licensed beer that supply chains for the business have been ‘massively challenged’, and that now ‘it really is all hands to the pump’ in order to meet demand.

Meanwhile, the Original Stormtrooper licensing programme is experiencing pick-up across the alcoholic beverage sector where it has recently launched three new 70cl gin variants to complement its successful Salted Caramel and Vodka liqueurs in B&M stores. The new spirits from Blue Tree Gifts strengthen the brand in the BWS category where it has already driven sales of over 150,000 Original Stormtrooper gift-sets.

Finally, licensee Beer Buddies is ready to unveil a new hand-sculpted wall mounted Original  Stormtrooper bottle opener: a sure sign of the brand’s potential in this space.  

Shepperton Design Studio’s Andrew Ainsworth, commented: “Any connection  between these products and the Stormtrooper’s failure to shoot straight is purely coincidental.” 

Poetic Brands brings Gigantosaurus into its baby, children’s wear and accessories fold

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Poetic Brands has added the award-winning children’s IP, Gigantosaurus to its growing baby, children’s wear and accessories division. The move marks a new partnership between bRAND-WARD Services and Cyber Group Studios, brokered by Riverside Brands.

Targeting children aged three to six, Poetic Brands’ Gigantosaurus collection is due to include a range of children’s apparel, outerwear and swimwear, as well as luggage. The collection is inspired by the popular Gigantosaurus, and the case of characters, including Rocky, Bill, Tiny and Mazu.

Written by Jonny Duddle, published by Templar, and sold to 300,000 units in the UK alone, Gigantosaurus follows the adventure of four dinosaur friends who are trying to avoid the Gigantosaurus while playing in the forest. 

In 2018, the story was adapted into an CGI-animated TV series by Paris and Los Angeles-based producer and distributor, Cyber Group Studios. The popular CGI-animated programme, currently airing its first season on Disney Junior worldwide, Tiny POP (UK) and on other major broadcasters, is also available on Netflix and Disney +.

In addition, the series has just been commissioned by The Walt Disney Company and France Télévisions for seasons two and three and by Super RTL (Germany) for season two. 

Gigantosaurus has also been adapted into a video game. Developed by Cyber Group Studios and published by Outright Games, Gigantosurus the Game was launched on March 27th, 2020.

In addition, Jakks Pacific Inc introduced a Gigantosaurus toy range in the US in Q4 last year and Templar will have 40 new TV tie-in books published over the next three years in the UK. Many more categories will be announced and are in discussion for launch in 2021.

Anne Bradford, director, Poetic Brands, said: “Gigantosaurus was actually the first licence that we signed for our Baby and Children’s wear division which was a significant moment for us! Although extinct, dinosaurs will never go out of fashion, and this has already been a really fun collection to start creating and sharing at retail.

“With a huge following across boys and girls, we are looking forward to sharing the collections and providing everything for pre-schoolers from tee shirts and joggers, to puddle suits and jackets. We have also just found out that Gigantosaurus will be one of the 12 featured book titles for World Book Day 2021, so now is the perfect time to speak to us and create some amazing product for spring.”

Trudi Hayward, co-founder of bRAND-WARD Services Limited, added: “We are delighted to be partnering Poetic Brands, as they are a great company to work with and Cyber Group Studios has been delighted with their interpretation of Gigantosaurus on their range of clothing products, and will look forward to seeing lots of children wearing their favourite dinosaurs when the product launches early next year.”  

Ash Holman from Riverside Brands, concluded: “Poetic Brands has a best in class retail distribution network, and we are in the midst of some very exciting joint launch plans. Fans of the show will love to wear the product that will be available on shelves early next year.”

Genius Brands International promotes Michael Jaffa to COO

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Genius Brands International has promoted Michael Jaffa to the role of chief operating officer from his previous role as general counsel and senior vice president of business affairs. In his new position, Jaffa will continue to report to GBI chairman and CEO, Andy Heyward.

As COO, Jaffa will be responsible for overseeing the business operations of production, consumer products, global distribution, as well as legal, human resources and the diversity divisions. Additionally, he will continue to oversee the business and legal operations of the Company’s digital channels, Kartoon Channel! and Kartoon Classroom!, while retaining his responsibilities as general counsel.

“Since joining Genius Brands in 2018, Mike has been a tireless leader in driving the business forward as we lay the foundations for the next great kids company,” said Heyward.

“Heading into 2021, we are poised to take a giant leap forward with the execution of business strategies for our new brands, Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, Shaq’s Garage, and Stan Lee Universe, joining tentpoles Rainbow Rangers and Llama Llama, and the continued rapid expansion of our digital platform, Kartoon Channel! now in over 100 million U.S. TV households, and available in virtually the entire country.

“He will additionally oversee the integration of the recent acquisition of Chizcom Media, the largest buyer of children’s advertising in North America. Mike’s pedigree coming from Hasbro Productions, and DreamWorks TV Animation, is another example of building Genius Brands into a powerhouse entertainment company with proven leadership from the world’s most successful companies in the entertainment and broadcast industries.”

Jaffa said: “There are tremendous opportunities for growth in the years to come for Genius Brands. I am honored to take on this expanded role and look forward to working together with Andy, my management colleagues, our dedicated employees, and all of the departments across our business to continue our transformation to one of the foremost producers and distributor of enduring first-class content for kids and their families.”

Prior to joining Genius Brands as general counsel and SVP of business affairs, Jaffa served as head of business affairs at DreamWorks Animation Television and was responsible for all studio business and legal affairs matters, including the negotiation and drafting of hundreds of development, production, acquisition, talent, digital and music agreements.

Previously, he was the vice president of legal and business affairs for Hasbro Studios, working directly with Hasbro Studio’s president, CFO, and general manager to help create programs and launch strategy for a new studio and related network.

The Red Arrows to publish its official history with Penguin Random House’s Century

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The world-famous aerobatics display team division of the Royal Air Force, The Red Arrows, is to publish its official history with Century, an imprint of Penguin Random House, thanks to a new deal brokered by IMG. The book will be published in hardback, audio, and e-book on April 29th, 2021.

Called the Red Arrows: The Story of Britain’s Iconic Display Team, the title is written by head of the Red Arrows, Wing Commander David Montenegro, a former Red 1 and Red Arrows team leader. The title will feature tales from Red Arrows pilots, past and present, as it celebrates the division’s history of courage, daring, and skill of the past 50 years.

The book will also provide an insight on how the team represents the RAF and the United Kingdom around the world, its important role and work.

David Montenegro, Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, said: “Ever since our first dynamic display, the Red Arrows has aimed to inspire and enthrall through precision and teamwork – showcasing the excellence of the Royal Air Force, worldwide.

“Much of this activity, and the strength and success of the team, is achieved through the tireless application, innovation and dedication of our highly-trained personnel – individuals who have served operationally, helping the RAF to secure the skies and protect our nation.

“I hope readers, who may have seen one of our nearly 5,000 displays since 1965, or perhaps just have an interest in high-performing teams, will gain a new, unique and colourful perspective on the Red Arrows. However, above all, I want to bring all of the excitement, speed and vibrancy synonymous with a world-class Red Arrows show to even more people through a book illustrating the very best of British.”

Jess Ballance, editor at Century, Penguin Random House, added: “We couldn’t be more proud and excited to be publishing The Red Arrows. It grants readers a fascinating pilot’s-eye perspective of what it means to fly in those iconic aircraft. This book is a true celebration of the Red Arrows, one of Britain’s national treasures, and their fascinating history, featuring personal stories from the people behind the planes and exploring the skills and incredible mindset of the world-class Red Arrows pilots.”

Ballance commissioned world rights to the project from IMG, the Ministry of Defence’s exclusive licensing representative.

Universal Music Publishing Group acquires Bob Dylan’s entire song catalogue in landmark deal

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 Universal Music Publishing Group has acquired the entire catalogue of songs written by the iconic Bob Dylan in an agreement that encompasses more than 600 copyrights spanning 60 years. From 1962’s cultural milestone Blowin In the Wind to this year’s Murder Most Foul, the copyright deal has been recognised as a landmark acquisition for UMPG.

UMPG chairman and CEO, Jody Gerson, said: “To represent the body of work of one of the greatest songwriters of all time – whose cultural importance can’t be overstated – is both a privilege and a responsibility.

“The UMPG global team is honored to be Bob Dylan’s publishing partner and I especially want to acknowledge Marc Cimino whose passion and perseverance were instrumental in bringing this opportunity to us. We look forward to working with Bob and the team in ensuring his artistry continues to reach and inspire generations of fans, recording artists and songwriters around the world.”

Sir Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, added: “As someone who began his career in music publishing, it is with enormous pride that today we welcome Bob Dylan to the UMG family.

“It’s no secret that the art of songwriting is the fundamental key to all great music, nor is it a secret that Bob is one of the very greatest practitioners of that art.  Brilliant and moving, inspiring and beautiful, insightful and provocative, his songs are timeless – whether they were written more than half a century ago or yesterday.

“It is no exaggeration to say that his vast body of work has captured the love and admiration of billions of people all around the world. I have no doubt that decades, even centuries from now, the words and music of Bob Dylan will continue to be sung and played – and cherished – everywhere.”

Bob Dylan’s songs have been recorded more than 6,000 times, by an array of artists representing dozens of countries, cultures and music genres. Some of his best known works include the aforementioned Blowin’ In The Wind, The Times They Are a-Changin’, Like A Rolling Stone, Lay Lady Lay, Forever Young, Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door, Tangled Up In Blue, Gotta Serve Somebody, Make You Feel My Love, and the Academy Award-winning Things Have Changed.

In the decades since he first burst into the public’s consciousness via New York City’s Greenwich Village folk music scene in the early 1960s, Bob Dylan has sold more than 125 million records around the world and amassed a singular body of work that includes some of the greatest and most popular songs the world has ever known.

He continues to traverse the globe each year, performing nearly 100 concerts annually in front of audiences who embrace his new music with the same fervor as they do his classics. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016 – the first songwriter to receive such a distinction – cited by the Swedish Academy “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.”

Plug-in Media and Fryday Brands eye toy partners as pre-school hit Tee and Mo returns to CBeebies

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Plug-in Media is eyeing potential toy partners for its popular pre-school property, Tee and Mo, an animated monkey duo that made its return to CBeebies last month with the premiere of Big Boots Birthday: A Tee and Mo Mini Musical.

The animated property’s tenth musical special to launch on the channel, Big Boots Birthday: A Tee and Mo Mini Musical featured three new songs and once again starred the voice talent of BBC Radio 6’s Lauren Laverne.

The Tee and Mo Mini Musical launched with the aim of re-imagining the musical genre for pre-schoolers, aged two to five. The 11-minute episode is designed to help young children feel understood, and focuses on the theme of what it feels like to grow up.

Released on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, November 21st this year, alongside an EP of the songs it featured on Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon Music, Big Boots Birthday: A Tee and Mo Mini Musical has already been watched 160,000 times on BBC iPlayer, all within the first seven days of its launch.

The popularity of the special episode, along with previous episodes and series of Tee and Mo, has given encouragement to producers Plug-in Media, who is working with licensing stalwart Valerie Fry to build out a consumer products programme for the IP. The plans kick off with a current focus on appointing a toy partner for the brand.

Fry said: “Fryday Brands is proud to work with the fantastic and creative team at Plug-in Media to develop Tee and Mo products for its huge fan base. With over 185 million YouTube views and a 50 per cent increase in iPlayer views to over 15 million in 2020, we know from our social media engagement that fans are clamouring for products.”

Written and Directed by Plug-in Media’s creative director, Dominic Minns, Big Boots Birthday sees yet another successful collaboration with BAFTA-winning composers Ellie Wyatt and Joss Peach.

The Tee and Mo Mini Musical was produced entirely through remote-working, due to the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. Plug-in’s team of exceptionally talented production staff and animators rose to the challenge of developing new workflows for efficient collaboration under unique circumstances.

Big Boots Birthday takes place on the morning of Tee’s birthday, who wakes up a whole year older and a whole inch taller. To mark the occasion, Mo has given him a brand new pair of Big Boy Boots to wear. However, a chance encounter with his old favourite Froggie Wellies gives him pause for thought. Does being big mean that he can’t be little anymore?

As ever, Mo is on hand to listen to his worry and reassure him that no matter how big he gets, she’ll always be his Mum. Cue the best birthday party ever.

British kids’ property Master Moley teases ‘extensive licensing plans’ as it moves into Roblox

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Having successfully premiered on Warner Media’s Boomerang channel across more than 100 territories last month, the new children’s property Master Moley has set its sights high with an innovative new Roblox marketing strategy, as well as a 52 part series to follow in 2021.

Created by the British entrepreneur, James Reatchlous, Master Moley is based on an original idea he conceived as a bedtime story for his daughters Hettie and Tattie some 20 years ago. Following a battle with cancer three years ago, Reatchlous made it his mission to bring Master Moley to a global audience.

It was mission accomplished by summer this year as the IP creator signed an international deal with Warner Media that saw Master Moley make his television debut on November 28th in over 100 countries.

With a voice cast including Warwick Davis, Julie Walters, Charles Dance, Gemma Arterton, and Richard E Grant, Master Moley is due to close the next round of funding of £3 million this month. The IP was recently valued at over £40 million by The Sunday Times.

Now, in addition to setting out an extensive licencing plan for the coming years, the property has launched its own Roblox game, which has received over 60,000 plays in the first week of release.

By tapping into a space in which children are active appears to be paying dividends for the brand in terms of recognition and awareness. The team believes the move is now set to boost future plans for further spin-off properties, including movies, products, and more.

“The journey of Master Moley has been incredible,” commented Reatchlous. “It has been a thrill to see the little mole brought to life and watch him entertain a new generation of children in a new way.

“I’m incredibly grateful that I’ve been given the gift of bringing all these stories to life, so hopefully millions of children around the world can also be taken on adventures with this charming little mole. That is very special.”

Aardman teams with Bandai Namco Entertainment to develop a new multi-media IP

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Aardman, the multi-award winning animation studio behind the Wallace & Gromit franchise and Chicken Run, has partnered with Bandai Namco to develop a brand new IP.

As reported in Licensing.biz’s sister title, MCV, the partnership’s first major project will exist across multiple media, and the team will approach partners in early 2021 with the development materials. The collaboration will combine Aardman’s talent of creating characters and worlds with Bandai Namco’s expertise in  publishing and development to create games for “current and future platforms.”

“Interactive Entertainment is a huge growth area within the entertainment world,” said Sean Clarke, managing director of Aardman, “and with new emerging technology blurring the lines of watching and playing, we are keen to develop strategic partnerships with partners such as BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe that share our vision of creating new IP that embraces this new world and cement our studio’s reputation as a multi-disciplinary creative hub.”

“This new partnership with Aardman is a dream come true, as it opens up a world of possibilities,” said Hervé Hoerdt, SVP of digital, marketing & content at Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe, “The teams at Aardman and BNEE are a perfect cultural and creative fit to build a successful long term partnership, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”

Further details about the collaboration will be available at a later date.

Fisher-Price partners with PGS Entertainment to launch Gus – The Itsy Bitsy Knight toy line

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Mattel has entered into a multi-year global licensing agreement with PGS Entertainment to launch a full line of Fisher-Price toys based on the upcoming animated pre-school series, Gus – The Itsy Bitsy Knight.

Under the agreement, Mattel and its Fisher-Price brand will develop new figures, play-sets, plush, vehicles and more. The officially licensed toy range is tipped to launch in 2022.

Gus – The Itsy Bitsy Knight is a comedy adventure series based on a story created by Dankerleroux and Françoise de Guibert for Editions Gulf Stream. Presented in CGI animation, the show, which will initially consist of 52 11-minute episodes, will follow a small grasshopper-sized boy named Gus who wishes to become the greatest knight in all the kingdom of Karamel, a medieval setting with a modern twist.

“We are always looking for new properties that offer strong, toyetic qualities. From the moment we first saw the world of Gus – The Itsy Bitsy Knight, we were drawn to its compelling story,” said Nick Karamanos, SVP of Entertainment Partnerships, Mattel.

“We look forward to partnering with the PGS team to develop a range of preschool toys that will bring this new property to life and engage kids through play.”

Philippe Soutter, Co-Founder, PGS Entertainment, added: “We’re extremely pleased with the developments on Gus – The Itsy Bitsy Knight, and with having Mattel on board.

“With leading broadcasters already set up across the world, we’re certain that Gus will bring massive success to both broadcasters and licensees. Having a partner like Mattel to expand the Gus universe is a big milestone for the brand’s growth.”

Penguin Random House launches National Trust, Christmas Grotto, and Instagram campaigns for Peter Rabbit

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Penguin Random House UK has launched a series of new brand activations for Peter Rabbit, giving families the chance to come together this winter as lockdown restrictions lift in the UK.

Leading the charge is a dedicated partnership with the National Trust that will see a series of Peter Rabbit Winter Activity Trails launch across 90 National Trust places within the UK this month. The trails will offer families nature-themed activities in outdoor settings, while a range of Peter Rabbit gifts will be stocked at all National Trust shops and online.

The ambitious partnership will bring Peter Rabbit to the Trust’s impressive family audience with an expected 1.7m visitors accessing the trails this winter. Dates and locations are all available on the National Trust website.

Meanwhile, a series of digital activities will be available at a dedicated Peter Rabbit area on the National Trust website, including festive storytelling and audio clips from the recently released Beatrix Potter: The Complete Tales and activity sheets, to support partners across the Peter Rabbit brand, will be promoted to the Trust’s combined social media following of 2.7m followers.

“Penguin Random House UK has worked in partnership with the National Trust for many years to protect Beatrix Potter’s legacy in the Lake District,” said Izzy Richardson, global brand director, Penguin Random House Children’s Owned Brands.

“We are so excited that our partnership can now bring the adventures of Peter Rabbit and friends to National Trust supporters and their families in an entirely new and immersive way.

“The trails will place Peter in some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the UK and offer families the opportunity to create memorable experiences together this winter.”

The trails and digital campaign use the festive illustrations from a new book, ‘Peter Rabbit: Christmas is Coming’ which provides a story and an activity to share, every day throughout December.

An influencer campaign to promote the new book is currently underway with seven influencers showcasing family-friendly, festive activities and stories as well as a range of perfect Peter Rabbit licensed gifts. With new content posted every week, the ‘Festive Fridays’ campaign will reach a combined following of approximately 480,000 Instagram users during the crucial Q4 period.

In addition, Penguin Ventures (the licensing team at Penguin Random House) has worked with Eskimo Jo for the third year running to launch an official Peter Rabbit Christmas Grotto. The immersive experience will launch at Centre MK this December with Peter Rabbit and friends, welcoming back families as the shopping centre reopens this month.

Thomas Merrington, creative director at Penguin Ventures, said: “This is the third year into our partnership with Eskimo Jo and Vibration Music Ltd following two sell-out Peter Rabbit grottos at intu Trafford Centre.

“Together we have created an incredibly atmospheric and theatrical, interactive grotto. The cosy rabbits’ burrow and opportunity for children to get involved with crafting, is the perfect way to evolve Peter Rabbit for Christmas family audiences.”