Category Archives: Highlight

Atari gets in on the hotel game with eight themed locations planned for the US

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Atari is getting in on the hotel business as its owner Atari Interactive details its plans to develop eight Atari-themed hotels across the US.

The first site is expected to lay down its foundations in Phoenix, Arizona later this year, with a further seven planned for Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, Austin, Seattle, San Francisco, and San Jose.

The new hotels will be video game themed and will feature ‘fully immersive’ virtual reality and augmented reality experiences, as well as venues at select locations designed to accommodate esports events.

The project will employ the combined efforts of Atari Interactive, the GSD Group, the Phoenix-based real estate developer True North Studio, and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak’s Innovation Foundation.

“When creating this brand-new hotel concept, we knew that Atari would be the perfect way to give guests the nostalgic and retro meets modern look and feel we were going for,” said Napoleon Smith III of GSD Group.

“Let’s face it, how cool will it be to stay inside an Atari?”

Atari CEO, Fred Chesnais, said: “We are thrilled to partner with GSD Group and True North Studio to build the first-ever Atari branded hotels across the United States. Together we’ll build a space that will be much more than just a place to stay.

“Atari is an iconic global brand that resonates with people of all ages, countries, cultures and ethnic backgrounds and we cannot wait for our fans and their families to enjoy this new hotel concept.”

Playmates Toys forms alliance with Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir studio ZAG

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Playmates Toys has been called upon to begin development of a line-up of innovative new toy lines for ZAG’s portfolio of popular animated brands, including its hit Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir.

Playmates Toys is recognised as a global marketing company with over 50 years of innovation and success in the character licensing world. It’s now struck up an alliance with ZAG, the global independent entertainment studio.

“What we love most about Playmates Toys, aside from their fantastic team, is its ability to not only capture the magic of our characters but also bring them to life,” said Jeremy Zag, chief executive officer, ZAG.

“The team’s ability to tackle any and all production challenges inspires us to further push the envelope and continue to innovate. We couldn’t ask for a better partner.”

Karl Aaronian, senior vice president of marketing, Playmates Toys, added: “We’re thrilled to enter into an enduring partnership with such a high caliber entertainment studio. We continuously strive to create unique product lines for kids that are entertaining, innovative and high-quality, and ZAG is the perfect partner as we look to the future, sharing the same values as us.

“This is truly a new way of doing things. Working hand in hand with Jeremy and his team from the IP inception right through to having toys on shelves allows for a truly unique creative approach that will lead to incredibly innovative entertainment content and toy product.”

ZAG is led by founder and CEO, Jeremy Zag. After founding the company in France in 2009, he has since expanded the company and operations to the United States. With a new corporate headquarters in Santa Monica, California that has recently expanded to include the Global Brand Franchise office, ZAG has become a beacon of creative collaboration.

The company’s first entertainment property, Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, has become an international phenomenon, with new and upcoming titles Power Players and Ghost Force already creating significant buzz.

Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, which airs in over 120 countries worldwide, continues on a rapid growth path, with new seasons in production, movies, a major worldwide theatrical release and more. New title Power Players, currently airing on Cartoon Network, is an all-new action-comedy animation series with real stakes, large laughs and over-the-top action.

One of the most realistically animated, episodic shows ever produced, this heroic fantasy follows a young boy Axel as he transforms into a living action figure with a wild new perspective on the world.

Meanwhile, Ghost Force, an upcoming CGI-animated series, follows a group of junior high school friends who form a secret superhero team dedicated to protecting New York City from spectral villains, large and small.

BBC Studios taps France TV Distribution to manage Hey Duggee licensing programme across the region

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BBC Studios has turned to France TV Distribution to manage the licensing programme for Hey Duggee – or Hé, Oua-Oua in French – across the region.

The news comes as Europe’s largest toy fair, Nuremberg’s Spielwarenmesse prepares to get underway this week. The deal marks the first time Hey Duggee merchandise will be available to consumers in France and it will begin its roll-out this year.

France TV Distribution joins a raft of global licensees for Hey Duggee, including Golden Bear as the IP’s master toy partner for toys and plush, Ravensburger for puzzels and games, 8th Wonder for wooden toys, and Trends UK for electronic learning.

In addition, Jazwares is the master toy partner in the US and Jasnor will distribute both Golden Bear’s and Jazwares’ toys in Australia.

Devised by Studio AKA, the multiple BAFTA and Emmy award-winning preschool series Hey Duggee has an impressive global footprint in over 150 territories. In France, Hey Duggee broadcasts on France 5 and France 4.

Meanwhile in the UK, Hey Duggee consistently ranks as one of the top three programmes on CBeebies and has reached over 1.9 billion minutes of YouTube watch time.

Entertainment One powers up for fifth series of PJ Masks

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Entertainment One is powering up for a fifth series of its global pre-school superhero show, PJ Masks, revealing that a new run of 52 episodes is scheduled to land in 2021.

Produced by eOne and Frog Box, in collaboration with Disney Junior and France 5, series five will see the show’s heroes, Catboy, Owlette and Gekko, explore new locations and take on new villains in all new adventures.

“2020 marks five years since PJ Masks first swooped onto TV screens and we’re absolutely thrilled to be announcing that a fifth series is in production,” said eOne’s Olivier Dumont, president, family and brands.

“PJ Masks has won a place in the hearts of families all over the world and has created many happy childhood memories for kids who have grown up with the characters. We look forward to bringing brand new adventures to the show’s fanbase and introducing the series to the next generation of pre-schoolers.”

PJ Masks has been off to a flying start since it debuted on Disney Junior US in 2015. It is now one of the top-rated broadcasts for pre-schoolers airing regularly on multiple FTA and VOD platforms around the world. Annual global retail sales now reach over $1.1 billion with consumer products programmes firmly established in 85 markets worldwide and a growing presence in Asia.

Series four of PJ Masks is currently poised to launch on Disney Junior globally, beginning spring 2020 and autumn on Okoo, France Télévisions kids platform will kick off with an epic 44-minute special episode giving fans a never before seen exciting introduction to new adventures.

Walt Disney Studios to launch global immersive experiences with Secret Cinema

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Walt Disney Studios has signed an exclusive agreement with the popular thematic experience, Secret Cinema, to bring to life some of the company’s most iconic films.

The immersive cinema specialists will work alongside Walt Disney Studios’ StudioLAB to create live shows across the globe. The partnership will kick off in the UK and US.

The first show will premiere in London this year. This will be followed by events in Los Angeles and New York.

Matt Duel, head of business partnerships at StudioLAB, said: “We are excited to bring his innovative and immersive new cinema-going format to the Walt Disney Studios family, and to be a part of introducing it to new audiences in the US.

“Working with Secret Cinema, we’re able to create a whole new way for fans to engage with some of our most loved films.”

It hasn’t yet been revealed what films from the Disney portfolio are to be adapted for the experience, however, past Secret Cinema experiences have included a 2015 production of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.

 

The deal was brokered by Secret Cinema’s chief executive Max Alexander and director of slate, Kate Davidson.

Kellogg’s launches pop-up cereal café to celebrate new W.K. Kellogg by Kids

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Kellogg’s has launched an official Kellogg’s cereal café for kids, run by kids, as part of a launch campaign around the breakfast brand’s first new cereal launch in over 20 years.

To celebrate the launch of its new W.K. Kellogg by Kids, the first children’s product to include fruit and vegetables with no added sugar, the brand has enlisted the creative talents of Taylor Herring for the PR campaign, including the opening of its pop-up cereal café.

The launch of the new cereal follows research that has highlighted the ‘evolving palate of Britain’s children’, revealing that over two-thirds of kids – 66 per cent – have a more varied diet than their parents had. Healthy choices lead the way as apple – 52 per cent – topped lists of snacks kids are most likely to request from their parents.

In light of the research, a pop-up cereal café with a twist has launched– designed for and run by kids themselves; complete with mix-your-own cereal dispensers, colouring-in tables and a full-sized doodle wall.

To launch the café, celebrity mum Myleene Klass was invited to be one of the first to try a bowl of W.K. Kellogg by Kids at the café.

“I think children are definitely having a re-education around their food – I remember just wanting burger and chips but the girls are more likely to go for the likes of apples, blueberries, avocado or even sushi,” said Klass.

“Mornings can be mad in our house so it’s amazing to know that breakfast is easy. A cereal with fruit, veg, no added sugar, plus the whole family think it tastes great – what more could you want?”

A Kellogg’s spokesperson added: “It’s amazing to see the changing tastes of the UK, especially coming from the younger generation. Our kid’s panel of experts knew exactly what they wanted when it came to creating this brand new breakfast cereal and it’s everything you’d expect kids to love – delicious and fun.”

W.K Kellogg by Kids is the first children’s cereal to include fruit and vegetables and comes in two tasty flavour variants that the whole family will love: Strawberry, Apple and Carrot and Blueberry, Apple and Beetroot.

Chris Isitt steps down from VP and MD role with Rubie’s Masquerade

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Chris Isitt is stepping down from his role as vice president of EMEA and Australia and managing director of Rubie’s Masquerade by the end of next month.

Over his 22 year tenure with Rubie’s, Isitt has helped to build its international team as well as oversee major licensing portfolio acquisitions while setting the firm on a path to success in the UK and European markets.

‘He will always be a treasured member of the Rubie’s family and we wish him continued success in all of his endeavours,” read a statement from the firm.

Meanwhile, Rubie’s has appointed Peter Warton to the role of executive director of Rubie’s Masquerade and International Licensing. Warton currently serves as the chief executive officer of Rubie’s Deerfield, and previously served as the managing director of Deerfield Pty.

‘He is a proven leader with expertise in motivating individuals and teams, building strong partnerships with licensors and customers, and expanding operations,’ said the company. ‘Under Pete’s leadership, Rubie’s Deerfield has grown exponentially, and we are confident that he will see the same success in his new role.’

Warton will be spending the majority of his time in the UK to work closely with Holly Oldham as the managing director of Rubie’s Masquerade to continue to grow the business in addition to his responsibilities at Rubie’s Deerfield.

He will also be working with Mike O’Connell at Bristol Novelties and Graham Gardiner’s international sales team as Rubie’s continues its ongoing initiatives to evolve and transform the business in the new decade.

Warton will be in the Wallingford offices beginning in February.

‘The Rubie’s family looks forward to continuing to foster its relationships with customers and licensors as well as this next chapter of ambitious international growth and development,’ said the firm.

Rebecca Morris makes return to licensing as client service director with WildBrain CPLG

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Rebecca Morris is making her return to WildBrain CPLG, taking up the newly created role of client service director, heading up the rebranded client services unit, previously the business development team, based at the company’s head office in London.

The Client Services team is focused on managing licensor relations, centralising sales and marketing information and streamlining processes between licensors and WildBrain CPLG’s 14 regional offices.

Morris will report to Steve Manners, VP business development at WildBrain CPLG and WildBrain Spark. She previously held the position of director of product development and brand assurance at WildBrain CPLG for three years, before stepping away from the industry.

In her new position, Morris will lead a team which includes Gaby Dior, senior client services manager (previously senior business development manager); May Chiem, client services executive (previously business development executive), and the recently appointed Ellie-Rose Cousins who joined earlier this month as client services executive.

Additionally, WildBrain CPLG has promoted Sophie Bloomfield to head of creative services. Previously design manager, Bloomfield has been with WildBrain CPLG for three years and will now lead the creative services team which is responsible for all aspects of the WildBrain CPLG branding, style guide direction and development, trend reports, trade marketing, creative strategy and look books in addition to creative pitches to licensees and retailers.

Bloomfield reports to WildBrain CPLG’s EVP and managing director, Maarten Weck, and works with designers, Yana Maslova, who is based in the company’s Russian office, and Marika Colombo, who is based in the company’s Italian office.

Weck said: “With these latest developments, it’s already shaping up to be a significant 2020 for us as we take important steps to ensure we’re delivering the best possible service for all our partners. We’re delighted to welcome back Rebecca to head up the Client Services team, which has a new name to better reflect its activity, and to promote Sophie to spearhead the invaluable offering of our Creative Services department.”

Morris added: “I’m delighted to return to WildBrain CPLG and I’m very much looking forward to working closely with my fantastic team to ensure we’re identifying and maximising growth opportunities for our partners, while ensuring efficient and streamlined processes for our internal teams across all local territories.”

Bloomfield said: “As we continue to support both our licensors and internal sales and retail teams with creative pitches, style guide direction and trends, I’m very much looking forward to expanding our work across the portfolio and delivering both creative and commercially competitive projects for our partners.

“We’ve got some exciting creative projects in development and I look forward to seeing these come to life over the coming months.”

Studio 100 appoints Vanessa Windhager as sales executive global distribution

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Studio 100 has appointed Vanessa Windhager as its sales executive global distribution where she will be responsible for all global distribution activities for the company in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Joining the international sales department with immediate effect, Windhager will report in to Dorian Bühr, head of global distribution.

With extensive experience in the TV industry and content sales Windhager has over the past seven years worked for NBC Universal International Television Distribution, most recently as sales manager liaison, where she was in charge of distribution in Switzerland, as well as managing various product categories in Germany and Austria.

Prior to this, she helped open and establish CBS Studios International’s first office in Germany.

Bühr, head of global distribution at Studio 100 Media, said: “We are delighted to have Vanessa on board. With her long-term experience in the industry, she is a great addition to our team for the important markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.”

Mad Beauty to break US market and secures new Warner Bros partnership

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The London-based Mad Beauty is taking on the US market, thanks to a new partnership with Diverse Marketing and Total Business Fulfilment, through which the licensed health and beauty products specialist will be provided with all it needs to break the American market.

This will include the provision of back office services, warehousing, and distribution support, providing the company with the infrastructure needed for country-wide distribution of its product line.

Established for over 20 years, Mad Beauty has seen major recent growth here in the UK and across Europe. The team also recently had its Disney license extended to the US market, as well as Canada, Brazil, and Mexico.

Wes Hardin, president of Diverse Marketing, said: “Diverse Marketing Nation could not be more excited to partner with such a dynamic organisation. Mad Beauty has entered the US market by storm, and we foresee a long and successful partnership.”

Further boosting its licensing business, Mad Beauty has recently signed with Warner Bros to bring some of the studio’s best-loved properties, including the Friends license, to the health and beauty range.

Mad Beauty CEO, Trevor Cash, said: “It is a great honour to be able to bring our products to the US marketplace, especially as this includes some of America’s most iconic brand names.

“We hope US customers will enjoy our unique mix of fun and creative packaging in combination with the high-quality ingredients all at a great price.”

The collection will make its US debut at Atalanta Gifts, as well as at Las Vegas, Minneapolis, and Seattle gift fairs.