Category Archives: Highlight

Rainbow Designs celebrates 70 years of Snoopy with new Peanuts collections

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WildBrain CPLG has appointed Rainbow Designs its new plush partner for two distinctive collections starring Charles M Schulz’s iconic Snoopy and Woodstock characters.

The Everyone Loves Snoopy plush gift collection presents Snoopy and Woodstock in their traditional formats and is billed as ‘perfect for fans of all ages’. Meanwhile, the My First Snoopy collection has been created for babies and young children to encourage early developmental skills.

The infant collection features multiple variations of Peanuts plush toys, ranging from rattles and comfort blankets to 25cm baby soft cuddly toys.

The collaboration is perfectly timed, as the new show Snoopy in Space launched on Apple TV+ in November of last year. The STEM-based series celebrates the long history between Peanuts and NASA and brings Snoopy and the gang to the fore for a new generation as the brand gears up for its 70th anniversary in 2020.

“Plush has always been a key category for the Peanuts brand, with Snoopy plush often serving as children’s introduction to the brand,” said Tara Botwick, senior director, territory management EMEA for Peanuts Worldwide. “Rainbow Designs understands the importance of this connection and has a legacy of working with classic characters, which makes them an excellent fit for Peanuts.”

MD of Rainbow Designs, Anthony Temple, is delighted to have Snoopy and friends back home. “Snoopy has been an important character at Rainbow over the years,” said Temple.

“It is exciting to be commemorating the 70th Anniversary of Peanuts with the launch of two beautiful and iconic collections that will truly celebrate Snoopy and friends with Peanuts fans of all ages.”

The Everyone Loves Snoopy and My First Snoopy Collections will be available in all good toy and gift stores Autumn Winter 2020.

Rocket Licensing on sci-fi adventure with Legendary for Dune, Carnival Row and Lost in Space

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The global entertainment company, Legendary Entertainment, has appointed Rocket Licensing to manage the consumer products programme for the upcoming event feature film Dune.

The deal is part of a wider licensing programme for the sci-fi writer’s best loved works, including Carnival Row and Lost in Space (both of which have seen recent television adaptations), which will also both be spearheaded by Rocket Licensing here in the UK and Ireland.

Rocket Licensing has outlined target consumer product categories including: apparel, dress-up, gifting, social stationery, games and homewares.

Set for release on December 18, 2020, Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ Dune is based on the eponymous novel, renowned as one of the greatest science fiction works of all time.

The film stars Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, and Josh Brolin alongside the likes of Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, David Dastmalchian, Stephen Henderson, Chang Chen, Charlotte Rampling, with Jason Momoa, and Javier Bardem.

It is helmed by director Denis Villenueve and tells the coming-of-age story of Paul Atreides, a young man who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family.

Carnival Row, the hit neo-Victorian fantasy television series from Amazon Studios and Legendary Television, features Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne, among an ensemble British cast, and has already enjoyed more than 11 million viewers since its premiere in August 2019.

Set in a world where mythological immigrant creatures are struggling to coexist with humans, the series follows a war-hardened human detective as he investigates a string of gruesome murders threatening the uneasy peace of the Row and a refugee faerie who returns to his life and forces him to reckon with a past he is trying to forget, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Finally, and following a successful first series that has racked up more than 30 million viewers in the US since its premiere in April 2018, Lost in Space returns for series two, launched globally on Netflix in December 2019.

The long-awaited next instalment of the popular reimagining of the 1960s classic science fiction television show by Irwin Allen is back with brand new adventures for the Robinson family, as well as bringing a wealth of new opportunities for licensing.

Rob Wijeratna, joint managing director of Rocket Licensing, said: “We’re thrilled to be continuing our relationship with Legendary and working on this raft of great brands. Each of them is very different and together they create a wealth of potential for licensing partnerships. We’re excited to showcase these brands to the industry.”

Rocket Licensing on sci-fi adventure with Legendary for Dune, Carnival Row and Lost in Space

Posted on by

The global entertainment company, Legendary Entertainment, has appointed Rocket Licensing to manage the consumer products programme for the upcoming event feature film Dune.

The deal is part of a wider licensing programme for the sci-fi writer’s best loved works, including Carnival Row and Lost in Space (both of which have seen recent television adaptations), which will also both be spearheaded by Rocket Licensing here in the UK and Ireland.

Rocket Licensing has outlined target consumer product categories including: apparel, dress-up, gifting, social stationery, games and homewares.

Set for release on December 18, 2020, Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ Dune is based on the eponymous novel, renowned as one of the greatest science fiction works of all time.

The film stars Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, and Josh Brolin alongside the likes of Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, David Dastmalchian, Stephen Henderson, Chang Chen, Charlotte Rampling, with Jason Momoa, and Javier Bardem.

It is helmed by director Denis Villenueve and tells the coming-of-age story of Paul Atreides, a young man who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family.

Carnival Row, the hit neo-Victorian fantasy television series from Amazon Studios and Legendary Television, features Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne, among an ensemble British cast, and has already enjoyed more than 11 million viewers since its premiere in August 2019.

Set in a world where mythological immigrant creatures are struggling to coexist with humans, the series follows a war-hardened human detective as he investigates a string of gruesome murders threatening the uneasy peace of the Row and a refugee faerie who returns to his life and forces him to reckon with a past he is trying to forget, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Finally, and following a successful first series that has racked up more than 30 million viewers in the US since its premiere in April 2018, Lost in Space returns for series two, launched globally on Netflix in December 2019.

The long-awaited next instalment of the popular reimagining of the 1960s classic science fiction television show by Irwin Allen is back with brand new adventures for the Robinson family, as well as bringing a wealth of new opportunities for licensing.

Rob Wijeratna, joint managing director of Rocket Licensing, said: “We’re thrilled to be continuing our relationship with Legendary and working on this raft of great brands. Each of them is very different and together they create a wealth of potential for licensing partnerships. We’re excited to showcase these brands to the industry.”

BBC Studios renews plush partnership with Posh Paws for BBC Earth

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BBC Studios and Posh Paws International have renewed their current partnership to continue to develop and distribute plush products under the BBC Earth license.

The deal brokered by European Licensing Agent WildBrain CPLG, will be effective in the UK, EMEA, Australia, and New Zealand from January 2020.

After the successful launch of the BBC Earth inspired toy plush range in 2019, Posh Paws will be adding a new range of soft baby animals to the collection, including a giraffe, penguin, seal pup, lion cub, baby leopard and a baby monkey. All will be available for spring 2020 from all good retailers.   

An eco-conscious new collection, the new range will include 100 pr cent recycled post-consumer waste PET plastic (plastic bottles) filling to demonstrate a commitment to the environment, along with packaging made from 100 per cent recycled FSC certified craft paper and soy-based inks.

Each plush comes  with a Love me for Life swing tag and statement highlighting that each toy is not a throwaway purchase and encourages consumers to ‘love them for life or pass on to someone else who will care for them just as much.’

“The development team at Posh Paws International is aware of how important environmental issues are,” said Lauren Shipman, group marketing director. “The addition of this new BBC Earth product range is just a first step on our journey to make more sustainable and environmentally friendly soft toys.”

Julie Kekwick, senior licensing manager at BBC Studios, added: “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Posh Paws and are looking forward to rolling out further toys inspired by the BBC Earth brand.”

BBC Studios renews plush partnership with Posh Paws for BBC Earth

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BBC Studios and Posh Paws International have renewed their current partnership to continue to develop and distribute plush products under the BBC Earth license.

The deal brokered by European Licensing Agent WildBrain CPLG, will be effective in the UK, EMEA, Australia, and New Zealand from January 2020.

After the successful launch of the BBC Earth inspired toy plush range in 2019, Posh Paws will be adding a new range of soft baby animals to the collection, including a giraffe, penguin, seal pup, lion cub, baby leopard and a baby monkey. All will be available for spring 2020 from all good retailers.   

An eco-conscious new collection, the new range will include 100 pr cent recycled post-consumer waste PET plastic (plastic bottles) filling to demonstrate a commitment to the environment, along with packaging made from 100 per cent recycled FSC certified craft paper and soy-based inks.

Each plush comes  with a Love me for Life swing tag and statement highlighting that each toy is not a throwaway purchase and encourages consumers to ‘love them for life or pass on to someone else who will care for them just as much.’

“The development team at Posh Paws International is aware of how important environmental issues are,” said Lauren Shipman, group marketing director. “The addition of this new BBC Earth product range is just a first step on our journey to make more sustainable and environmentally friendly soft toys.”

Julie Kekwick, senior licensing manager at BBC Studios, added: “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Posh Paws and are looking forward to rolling out further toys inspired by the BBC Earth brand.”

The Emoji Company continues global expansion with Indian lingerie brand Clovia

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The Emoji Company is kicking off 2020 just as it ended 2019, with plans to continue its global brand expansion. And leading the firm into the new decade, Emoji has just signed a new licensing partnership with India’s fastest growing lingerie brand, Clovia.

Clovia’s newly added holiday collection includes Christmas themed nightwear and briefs, and is aimed at millennials and their continued engagement with emoji’s vast library of icons.

India’s fashion label focuses on comfort and style, and the new entire collection is crafted from soft breathable cotton fabric. The nightwear consists of full sleeves tops and pyjama sets with season inspired slogans and emoji icons to compliment.

‘This entire Christmas collection by Clovia makes for a perfect cosy winter gift. You definitely cannot go wrong by gifting cute nightwear to your best friend or BAE,’ reads a statement from Emoji.

“Clovia is known for its high quality, and cool design for women’s fashions, and the emoji brand is all about expression, so this was an exciting alliance,” said Marco Hüsges, CEO and founder, the emoji company.

Steve Manners named VP of business development at WildBrain CPLG and WildBrain Spark

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WildBrain has appointed Steve Manners to drive a new business development initiative designed to help licensors and content creators reach consumer audiences through YouTube.

In the newly created role, Manners will work with clients to build brand management programmes that leverage the blended expertise of WildBrain’s established consumer products licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG, and its WildBrain Spark network and studio.

According to the firm the initiative reflects WildBrain’s position to “offer a full approach to brand management and monetisation through its expertise in consumer products licensing, content creation, and digital distribution.”

Maarten Weck, EVP and managing director at WildBrain CPLG, said: “We have been working closely with our colleagues at WildBrain Spark as the licensing industry becomes increasingly attuned of the potential of YouTube and other digital platforms for launching, supporting or reinvigorating IP.

“Steve is the ideal person to spearhead business initiatives that help inform and support our clients as they look to navigate the digital landscape, and his new role will help maximise the synergies across our businesses.”

Jon Gisby, managing director at WildBrain Spark, added: “WildBrain Spark’s expertise in digital distribution and content creation can help IP owners and their licensees engage audiences across the world, and maximise the return on their marketing investments.

“With approximately four billion views per month on our YouTube network, we have an abundance of insights and data that can drive consumer products strategies and campaigns. In addition, we assist licensors in creating ‘always on’ content delivery on YouTube to further engage consumers and support brand activity, so it’s a natural step to harmonise our offering for IP owners.

“Steve’s experience and relationships in the licensing world will enable us to enhance our services and forge expanded and new partnerships.”

As VP, business development WildBrain CPLG and WildBrain Spark, Manners will report to Weck and Gisby. He boasts nearly 30 years’ experience in consumer products. Since 2010, he has been a key member of the management team that has seen WildBrain CPLG become one of the world’s top consumer products licensing agencies.

Manners has played an integral role at the agency in overseeing the successful programmes of key licensors and also securing new representation. Prior to CPLG, he held senior positions at 20th Century Fox, Universal and Beanstalk.

Manners added: “There is a huge opportunity for IP owners in harnessing the expertise, tools and reach of both WildBrain CPLG and WildBrain Spark – it’s a very exciting time to be at the forefront of this bold new world.

“We are uniquely positioned to offer combined expertise and services that benefit those coming from the AVOD-first space to consumer products, as well as those licensors looking to leverage YouTube as a tool.”

The Point. 1888 expands leadership team as it readies for 2020 growth

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The Point.1888 is roaring in 2020 with an expanded senior leadership team to meet its five-year expansion plan.

 Following a successful 2019, in which four new clients were signed, the brand licensing agency has created two new roles within its leadership team – Head of Retail and Head of Business Development.

 Hannah Stevens, previously The Point.1888’s senior commercial manager, has taken the role of Head of Retail, following another outstanding year in the business. The newly created role has been pegged as ‘vital for The Point. 1888’s continued growth,’ who now has 68 active accounts on the books.

Having spent two years at the agency, and recently winning the company’s coveted Joseph Miller Human of Year award, Hannah was the first choice for this new role and will continue to work closely with Commercial Director Bethan Garton to push the business into the “roaring 20’s” with a bang.

 Speaking about Hannah’s promotion, Garton said: “Hannah has had the most amazing year and without a doubt has made the biggest impact to The Point.1888 throughout 2019. Her tireless energy, incredible capacity and impact on our culture and purpose have made this promotion to Head of Retail a must as our business steps into its next phase.

“With our team growing and restructuring once again, we are all ready for what the future holds and with Hannah and I leading this department, we know that the possibilities are endless and we are so excited to share it all with her.”

 Meanwhile, taking the agency’s role of Head of Business Development is Martin McLaughlin, who joined The Point.1888 last June.

 Having previously delivered communications, advertising and brand partnership planning for superbrands such as T-Mobile, Cadbury, Amazon, Warner Music and Ford among others, he spent the last seven months growing The Point.1888’s book of FMCG and Publishing clients as well as using his expertise supporting its Marketing & Creative division.

 In his new role, he’ll be focusing on brand recruitment, international expansion and special projects as well as managing the publishing category. He will also head up the rapidly growing consultancy division which has big plans for the year ahead.

 Garton added: “Martin joined our team last summer and in such a short space of time has had a huge impact on the business. His creativity and ability to deliver a compelling brand narrative is phenomenal and I am very proud to have Martin in my team and heading up all that comes under the Business Development umbrella.”

 The Point.1888 Director and Founder, Will Stewart, said: “It’s a huge honour and privilege for me to be leading such a talented team of professionals. 2020 is going to be even more exciting for us with these additions to my senior team and just what they are bringing to the business on a daily basis, and the changes they are making to both our existing clients and the many new brands we are working with as we enter what will be the biggest year yet for The Point.1888.”

Cottonwood Media’s The Ollie & Moon Show lands partnership with South Korea’s Asiana Licensing

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The European kids’ content producer Cottonwood Media, has secured a new licensing partnership with South Korea’s Asiana Licensing Inc. for its popular animated pre-school series The Ollie & Moon Show.

Under the deal a special merchandising programme will be put in place to cover publishing, toys, apparel, collectibles, and promotions, while celebrating the show’s hero characters. The programme will focus on unique high-end collections tapping into a pre-school to tweens audience.

This partnership is following the successful debut of The Ollie & Moon Show TV series on EBS, one of South Korea’s leading TV channels.

 Now into its second season, The Ollie & Moon Show has already sold into more than 150 territories worldwide, airing on platforms such as Tiny Pop, Netflix, TVO, Radio Canada, YLE, France TV,  RTP, Canal Panda, Tencent Video, and Discovery (multi-territory).

The deal was brokered by Ana Micoud, who spearheads Cottonwood’s licensing business through her company The Wizards.

“Asiana Licensing is a perfect partner to extend this brand into the L&M arena as it has an unparalleled understanding of what the Korean audience wants when it comes to buying licensed merchandise, as well as an impressive track record for building promotional partnerships,” said Ana Micoud, founder, The Wizards.

“We are delighted to be representing the L&M rights for The Ollie & Moon Show. The TV series was extremely well received by viewers when it aired on EBS, captivating young audiences with its globetrotting storylines and educational/entertaining details which feature cultural experiences in various countries.

“As such, this is perfect timing to bring the adorable heroes of the show into the daily lives of children and their parents in Korea,” said Hangyung Kim, brand manager, Asiana Licensing Inc.

The Ollie & Moon Show is an animated, upper-preschool, television series celebrating unusual friendships, curiosity, and appreciating the differences in all of us. The series stars two cats – the carefree, adventurous, and happy-go-lucky Moon along with the practical, strait-laced, by-the-book Ollie.

The television series is based on the best-selling Ollie & Moon books created by Emmy winning author and illustrator Diane Kredensor.

Reemsborko named UK and Eire licensing agent for Dragon Ball

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Reemsborko Ltd, the pop culture licensing specialist run by the industry’s own Max Arguile, has been named the exclusive licensing agent for the whole of the Dragon Ball franchise across the UK and Eire.

The appointment was made by Toei Animation Europe, the EMEA media company in charge of the distribution and exploitation of Toei Animation’s Japanese animated series in Europe. The deal encompasses the Dragon Ball brand, including Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super.

The new partnership arrives at an interesting time for animé brands here in the UK, a sector that has been steadily increasing in popularity with mainstream audiences over the last few years. Dragon Ball now joins the likes of other popular animé properties, including Cannon Busters and Hatsune Miku – the popular holographic animé character – that sit within Reemsborko’s growing brand portfolio.

With a 30 year heritage, Dragon Ball now boasts a fanbase of millions across the globe.

Max Arguile of Reemsborko, said: “I have worked on Dragon Ball many times over the years – what a great property. It is the single most widely recognised animé, with a demonstrable success at UK retail over the past 12 months.

“This year saw the launch of a new series, Dragon Ball Super, on kids TV channel Pop, which will grow a whole new generation of fans. I am very pleased to be able to represent this for Toei Animation Europe in the UK.”

Hélène Virenque of Toei, added: “We have been very happy with our past collaborations with Max, and we’re looking forward to working with him to grow the Dragon Ball licensing and retail opportunities even further in the UK and Eire.”

Max Arguile can be contacted for licensing opportunities around the Dragon Ball franchise via max@reemsborko.com