Category Archives: Entertainment

Skydance Animation names Spin Master as its master toy licensee

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Skydance Animation has announced a multi-year agreement with Spin Master, under which the global children’s entertainment company will become the studio’s master toy licensee.

The first feature property included under the agreement is Apple Original Film Spellbound, directed by Vicky Jenson, which will debut globally on Apple TV+. Spin Master will bring characters from the show to life with products including fashion dolls, mini-dolls and vehicles. The agreement also gives Spin Master the rights to develop toy lines for other upcoming Skydance animated features.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with a company like Spin Master that is as committed to quality and attention to detail as we are,” says Luis Fernández, Head of Consumer Products, Skydance. “As we ramp up production on our slate of animated features, we could not imagine a better partner to bring our visually stunning and epic animated worlds to life.”

“Spin Master strives to work with the best partners on long term-licenses and we are honoured to align with Skydance, to infuse our marquee innovation on the fantastical worlds and enchanting characters they create,” adds Chris Beardall, Spin Master’s President of Toys and Chief Commercial Officer. “We know that children around the world are going to fall in love with the magic of Spellbound and we can’t wait to deliver that magic to the playroom through an innovative and imaginative toy line.”

Spellbound is a new animated musical that follows a young girl who sets out to break the spell that has divided her kingdom in two. It is written by Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin and Linda Woolverton and features an original score by Academy Award-winner Alan Menken, and lyrics by Glenn Slater. Chris Montan serves as executive music producer.

Launched in 2017, Skydance Animation aims to use the power of animation to create original stories for global audiences of all ages, set in fantastic new worlds with unforgettable characters. The studio’s inaugural Apple Original short film, Blush, had its world premiere as part of the Tribeca Festival’s animated shorts programme and is now streaming globally on Apple TV+.

Later this year, Skydance Animation and Apple Original Films will also premiere their first animated feature, Luck, debuting on Apple TV+ on August 5, 2022.

Sesame Workshop expands animation slate with Charlotte’s web

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Sesame Workshop is to expand its animation slate with book-based properties, starting with  E.B. White’s classic Charlotte’s Web. Partnering with WarnerMedia Kids & Family, Sesame Workshop will begin production in April on the recently greenlit family miniseries, which will be available on HBO Max and Cartoon Network in 2024.

“For over 50 years, Sesame Workshop has been weaving stories that centre memorable characters and diverse, compelling voices,” says Kay Wilson Stallings, EVP, Creative and Production, Sesame Workshop. “Stories can forge powerful connections with kids and families – where better to start than with a faithful retelling of one of the most beloved children’s novels of all time?”

Academy Award-winning director Luke Matheny will serve as executive producer and head writer for Charlotte’s Web. Matheny directs Sesame Workshop’s Daytime Emmy Award-winning Ghostwriter on Apple TV+, which draws inspiration from classic literary works like Alice in Wonderland, Frankenstein, and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

Wilson Stallings has brought on Heather Alexander as book and literary scout to identify and analyse children’s books and other content for potential development.

As part of a broader development strategy, Sesame Workshop is also building out its animation slate with new series and specials set on Sesame Street and beyond, launching on WarnerMedia Kids & Family’s newest preschool block Cartoonito on HBO Max and Cartoon Network.

“Animation has always been a part of our DNA, and we’re continuing that proud tradition with engaging new content that supports our mission: helping kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder,” Wilson Stallings said. “Not only are we building on our flagship brand with projects like Elmo Gets a Puppy and Sesame Street Mecha Builders, we’re also investing in new properties like Bea’s Block and exciting collaborations like this one to captivate the next generation of kids and families.”

 

Genius Brands launches first Kartoon Channel! in Asia Pacific

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Following the recent announcement of the first international launch of Kartoon Channel! in the Middle East, North Africa and across Latin America, Genius Brands International has announced the further expansion of the Kartoon Channel! brand in the Asia Pacific region with the launch of the channel on Samsung TV Plus in Australia starting March 23.

Spearheaded by Managing Director of Kartoon Channel! Worldwide Paul Robinson, who previously served as Managing Director of Walt Disney Television International and Senior Vice President Disney Channel Worldwide, Genius Brands is working with Hong Kong-based agent Lightning International to further expand the reach of Kartoon Channel! internationally through launches on FAST channels, AVOD, SVOD, OTT, mobile devices, and more.

Delivering thousands of episodes of carefully curated free family-friendly content, Kartoon Channel! features animated classics for little kids, including The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, Babar, Mello Dees, Super Simple Songs, and Baby Genius, as well as  hit content for bigger kids, such as Pac-Man, Angry Birds, and Yu-Gi-Oh!, to original programming like Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, KC! Pop Quiz, hosted by Casey Simpson, and coming this year, Shaq’s Garage, starring Shaquille O’Neal. Kartoon Channel! also offers STEM-based content through its Kartoon Classroom!, including Baby Einstein, and more.

Paul Robinson says: “With Kartoon Channel! and Kartoon Genius programming blocks now available in the Middle East, North Africa, Central America and South America with launches planned in Central Europe, we are thrilled to begin our growth in Asia Pacific with our debut on Samsung TV Plus in Australia. We look forward to working with Lightning International in the coming months to expedite the growth of Kartoon Channel! throughout the region.”

Kartoon Channel! Worldwide expands global reach

Channel 5’s Milkshake! confirmed as the home of MixMups

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Channel 5’s children’s strand, Milkshake!, has announced that it will be the broadcast home of MixMups, its first animated preschool series to feature disabled lead characters and to be made by a team with lived experience of disability.

Developed and produced with support from the UK Government funded Young Audiences Content Fund (YACF), which is managed by the BFI, and in collaboration with Raydar Media, the groundbreaking 52 x 10-minute stop-motion animated series for three- to five-year olds shines a light on different preschool play styles and the joy of mixing up objects and ideas to create stories.

The show’s premise is inspired by all children’s love of “mixing” and combining items as a way of playing, exploring and discovering, and centres around three loveable friends, the “MixMups”. Neat and tidy Pockets, creative and inventive Giggle, and boisterous and physical Spin, along with their lovable assistance pets, Roller Guinea and Yapette the guide dog, all live in a wheelchair-accessible Helter-Skelter house in “Mixington Valley”. Each episode sees the friends use their magical wooden spoon and mixing box to ‘Mix up the Magic’ of play and transport themselves on a host of comical adventures, where they embrace a variety of ways to play, entertain each other and embark upon day-to-day problem-solving challenges with the help of the trunky-beaked Lucky Loover Bird. Core themes include the joy of individuality, imagination, friendship and flexible thinking.

Now entering production, Milkshake! will premiere MixMups in March 2023.

MixMups was created by Rebecca Atkinson, the founder of the viral #ToyLikeMe campaign, which called for more diversity in children’s industries. The series will be produced by award-winning Manchester-based animation house Mackinnon & Saunders (Postman Pat, Raa Raa the Noisy Lion, Twirly Woos). The project initially received development support from the YACF and converted to a broadcaster commission with Milkshake! last year.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled that the wonderful MixMups, a show that celebrates individuality and the distinct play styles and personalities that preschoolers have, is joining the Milkshake! line-up,” says Louise Bucknole, Vice President, Children’s Programming, Paramount UK and Ireland. “It’s vital to us that our young audiences and their families see themselves reflected in our storytelling, so our cast of MixMups all have very different characters, and when they come together, magical things happen.

“It is also our first commission which from its very genesis, has been entirely inspired and created with the experiences of disabled children in mind. Working with Rebecca and a core production team that has lived experience of disability, we are confident we can bring a level of authenticity, understanding and commitment to the show, unlike any other.  We can’t wait for fans of Milkshake! to fall in love with the MixMups just as we have.”

Series creator, Rebecca Atkinson adds: “I am over the moon that MixMups will be joining Milkshake! It was my dream to create a compelling show that draws on my own experiences as a disabled person to create lovable characters and stories and really ‘mix’ up what disability representation looks like. As a child I loved mixing up potions, food, cake mix, paint, even toys in the bath!  I hope that MixMups will inspire a generation of preschoolers to reach for the nearest wooden spoon and ‘mix up the magic’ of play too.”

The agreement was brokered by Raydar Media on behalf of MixMups Entertainment Limited, a joint venture between Toy Like Me, Mackinnon & Saunders and Raydar Media. A global licensing and merchandising programme helmed by Valerie Fry at Raydar Media will roll out in 2023. Trade and consumer PR will be handled by Kirsty Barr of Grapevine PR on behalf of MixMups Entertainment Ltd.

The Point.1888 to represent YouTube hit Super Sema in the UK and Eire

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Retail-first licensing agent The Point.1888 has been appointed as the UK & Eire licensing agency for the YouTube Originals series Super Sema.

The animated children’s series, produced by Lupita Nyong’o, is the world’s first series focused on an African kid superhero. The Point.1888 has been brought on by edutainment company Kukua to manage the property’s licensing programme for UK & Eire and to focus on retail initiatives across all categories.

This follows the announcement that UTA will be representing the brand in the North America. Early response to the brand from potential partners across toy, apparel and publishing has reportedly been phenomenal, with retailers very excited about showcasing the property.

This announcement follows The Point.1888’s successful work in building and delivering licensing programmes with other YouTube hits such as Cocomelon, Blippi and Morphle as EMEA Master Agent.

The Super Sema animated series features the world-changing, STEAM-fuelled adventures of a 10-year-old African girl, Sema, and her twin brother MB on a mission to protect their village from a heartless A.I. robot villain. The series is produced by Kukua, with a female-led team that includes chief executive officer Lucrezia Bisignani and actress and children’s author Lupita Nyong’o.

Super Sema‘s first season of 20 five-minute episodes premiered as a YouTube Originals series in March 2021. Its second season will debut this summer, accompanied by a series of educational videos that help kids further explore the STEAM themes and topics from the animated series.

Bethan Garton, CCO at The Point.1888, says: “Super Sema is an incredibly powerful series which embodies strength, curiosity, innovation and confidence. We’re thrilled to be able to play a part in delivering an inspiring role model to kids throughout the UK via product. The team at Kukua have worked to deliver an outstanding property and we can’t wait for more kids to discover Sema and her world.”

Lucrezia Bisignani, CEO of Kukua, adds: “We’re committed to build a franchise that is fuelled by diversity, kid-power, STEAM skills and creativity. One that encourages children to think outside the box, to ask WHY, to care for others and their planet, to celebrate diversity and to become tomorrow’s change makers. A franchise that allows children to bring what they learn on screen into the real world, and the other way around – and to make, create and technovate inventions and solutions for problems that matter and for which we believe this generation of children is uniquely equipped to help solve.

“We look forward to partnering with like-minded and best-in-class licensing and publishing partners to continue to entertain and empower a generation of children.”

 

CoComelon to expand into new territories through WarnerMedia Cartoonito deal

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Moonbug Entertainment has announced an expanded partnership with WarnerMedia, bringing its leading IP, CoComelon, to preschool brand Cartoonito in over 115 countries across EMEA. CoComelon will go live on Cartoonito as the brand continues its rollout throughout 2022.

This marks Moonbug’s first ever multi-territory linear deal, bolstering the beloved kids’ brand’s global accessibility and building on the existing partnership in the UK, where CoComelon launched on Cartoonito in April 2021. The extended partnership will feature the rollout of 170 CoComelon episodes on Cartoonito across the EMEA region, in multiple languages including German, French and Italian.

“This is yet another milestone for Moonbug and CoComelon as we expand not only our reach but our existing partnership with WarnerMedia based on the proven success and demand of the show,” says Nicolas Eglau, Managing Director EMEA and APAC, Moonbug Entertainment. “This expansion signals a further vote of confidence in digital-first content, underscoring its high quality and the trust that Moonbug has built with its globally loved IPs.”

Zia Bales, Lead Acquisitions, Partnerships and Coproductions, Kids EMEA, WarnerMedia adds: “Preschool is such an important focus for us and this deal with Moonbug reaffirms our commitment to building our library of trusted brands for this audience.”

CoComelon is a household name globally, expanding from the digital world to being available on linear channels and platforms in multiple languages. CoComelon models positivity and good behaviour and supports preschoolers’ learning through music. The main characters JJ and his friends and family share their fun everyday adventures exploring and learning through relatable situations and toe-tapping songs.

For more information on Moonbug, visit www.moonbug.com.

Star Cutouts joins Acamar Films’ licensing programme for Bing

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Acamar Films continues to build its UK licensing programme with its newest licensee, Star Cutouts, which has launched a new range of cardboard cut-outs for hit preschool show Bing.

Star Cutouts has launched the Bing range with four character Star-Minis, ahead of expanding into life-size cut-outs, table toppers and masks – all ethically sourced and perfect for Bing-themed parties, room decoration and dress-up occasions.

In addition to Star Cutouts, Acamar Films is celebrating a raft of recent UK renewals with existing partners. Roy Lowe has renewed its contract for a further two years; its matching Bing and Flop family socks provide Bingsters and grown-ups with a fun way to connect with their favourite characters.

Paper Projects first launched its reward charts and sticker sets in 2019 and its Bing Potty and Toilet Training Reward Chart has been a consistent Amazon best-seller in the genre. Moonpig has also renewed its licensing agreement, expanding its greetings card offering to 21 colourful designs, with two more arriving for this upcoming Mother’s Day.

Ian Ravey, Managing Director of Star Cutouts, says: “Bing is a perfect property for Star Cutouts and we are delighted to partner with Acamar Films on this lovely new range. The preschool space offers lots of opportunities for parties and special occasions and we look forward to seeing little ones celebrating with their favourite character and his friends.”

Louise Simmonds, Head of UK Licensing for Acamar Films, says: “We’re thrilled to be teaming up with Star Cutouts, adding another fantastic new licensee for Bing, as well as renewing with a number of our valued partners. Celebrations, as a category, is particularly strong for Bing and it’s brilliant to be able to offer even more ways to make those big days extra special for our Bingsters.”

 

Netflix green-lights five new series based on the world of Dr Seuss

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Netflix and Dr. Seuss Enterprises have announced they are bringing some of the most iconic and beloved stories and characters of Dr. Seuss to life with five new animated preschool series and specials.

The projects are inspired by treasured stories like Horton Hears a Who!, The Sneetches, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and Wacky Wednesday, in addition to lovable characters like Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose.

Executive Producer Dustin Ferrer (Esme & Roy, Shimmer & Shine, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood) will serve as showrunner across all five projects, and additional showrunners will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The announcement expands the partnership between Netflix and Dr. Seuss Enterprises even further, following the launch of the critically acclaimed animated series Green Eggs and Ham in 2019, which will have its anticipated second season premiere on April 8, 2022.

The new Dr. Seuss line-up will serve as an anchor for Netflix’s expanded focus on preschool. Introducing concepts of foundational learning, this new slate of programming will explore themes of diversity and respect for others, all told through fun and engaging stories that incorporate the whimsical humour, distinctive visuals and rhythmic style of Dr. Seuss.

“Netflix is a trusted home for characters that kids love, and generations of kids love the characters imagined by  Dr. Seuss,” says Heather Tilert, Director of Preschool Content, Netflix. “These beloved stories have been a core part of families’ libraries for many years and it gives me great pride that we are bringing them to our catalogue of Netflix shows, in a fresh and modern way that resonates with audiences today.”

Susan Brandt, President and CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, adds: “Dr. Seuss Enterprises is proud of the collaborative relationship we share with Netflix.  We are always looking for new and engaging ways to share our stories, characters and messages with the next generation of fans, and Netflix has a unique ability to create original, delightful adaptations of our timeless classics with an emphasis on imagination, fun, and education.

“Our partnership has been very prosperous thus far with our award-winning animated series Green Eggs and Ham. We hope to continue that success with our upcoming projects.”

 

 

 

 

Milo named Best Children’s Series at the British Animation Awards

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Milo, the preschool TV series produced by Fourth Wall in association with DeAPlaneta Entertainment, has won the 2022 Best Children’s Series at the British Animation Awards. 

Since launching in the UK on Channel 5’s Milkshake!, Milo has enjoyed high ratings and is also available on the broadcaster’s on-demand platform My5.

The series has reached 1m kids aged between 4 and 15 and 3.3 million individuals aged 4+ in the UK. Overall, Milo achieved an average audience of 53k and a 17% share. Milo already has more than 4 million views on its official YouTube channel.

The series is also broadcast in Poland (MiniMini+), Italy (DeAJunior), Australia (ABC Kids) and Hungary (MTVA). The show continues to expand across the globe and will launch in China (Senyu) shortly.

Next spring, Milo will land in Latin America (Cartoonito & HBO Max), Finland (YLE), Spain (Clan), Poland (Pulse TV) and the Czech Republic (Česká televise). The series will also receive its free TV launch in Italy (Rai Yoyo) and Sweden (SVT) this summer.

In late March and early April, Milo will be featured alongside other properties at the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair (21-24 March 2022, Bologna), Miptv (4-6 April 2022, Cannes) and Cobrandz (7-8 April 2022, Paris).

Milo (52 x 11′ episodes) is bright, colourful and brings a contemporary graphic style to the small screen. Together with his best friends Lofty and Lark, Milo uses role-play to explore the wonderful world of vocations, from doctors and mechanics to hairdressers, chefs and postal workers, introducing preschoolers to a variety of professions in a positive and entertaining way.

DeAPlaneta Entertainment holds and manages worldwide consumer product rights to the series and is working with Lisle Licensing in the UK to build a strong brand presence and licensing programme.

FuturumKids and Monster Entertainment bring Paddles to Australia

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Animation and media company FuturumKids, whose new CGI show for four-to-seven-year-olds, Paddles, has launched in a number of markets, has announced its arrival in its first major market outside Europe with a deal to show Paddles on the Stan streaming service in Australia.

Stan is a video-on-demand subscription service that provides its customers with access to a wide range of movies, television programmes, sports and other audio-visual content. This includes original productions and high-quality acquisitions, notably in children’s programming, where Stan has been building a strong portfolio of quality kids’ content.

With its wide availability on multiple devices, Stan has the fastest subscription growth rate of any streaming service in Australia. The show will launch on the Australian network in the autumn, boosting the fast-growing presence of the lovable polar bear in multiple markets.

The deal was brokered by brand management company Monster Entertainment, which last year signed a global distribution deal for Paddles. Monster Entertainment will focus on bringing Paddles to new territories around the world except Korea, which will be managed by local company Neon.

Paddles, a 52 x 11 series, tells the story of a polar bear cub who accidentally finds himself in Ireland – and is brought up by a pack of Irish wolfhounds.

This deal is the latest stage in the broadcast and merchandising development of Paddles, whose makers include members of the team behind the seven-time Emmy-award-winning children’s series Jakers! FuturumKids also contains senior figures from HIT Entertainment and its global franchises Bob the Builder, Barney and Thomas and Friends.

Paddles has already been sold to Cartoonito UK and launched on Ireland’s RTE with more major broadcast deals imminent. The Futurum team will be building on this success at MIPTV, where it expects to see strong interest in the show, which is also making inroads into the licensing arena.

As well as distribution deals with Monster and Neon, an e-commerce venture for plush is in the works, with a merchandising strategy already in place. This is led by Niall Watters, formerly Head of Brand Partnerships at ChannelSight, a leading e-commerce intelligence and performance optimisation platform. He is now Head of Commercial at Futurum Group and building a merchandising strategy that will start by bringing specially developed Paddles plush and other items to market at the same time as the show launches in a number of countries.

The first range of Paddles licensing and merchandising products is already on the way and a number of other deals are to be announced in the runup to MIPTV.

Brendan Kelly, Head of Sales at FuturumKids, says: “There’s always a very strong demand for preschool entertainment but it takes something special to attract the attention of a streaming service like Stan, which is focusing on building a portfolio of quality kids’ shows. We believe Paddles perfectly fits this aim and are thrilled that Monster Entertainment has brokered this deal with a leading name in Australia’s VoD market.”