Category Archives: Highlight

Boat Rocker signs toy manufacturer Simba Dickie for Dino Ranch

Posted on by

Global entertainment company Boat Rocker has announced that Simba Dickie Group – one of the top five toy manufacturers in Europe – has signed a licensing deal for Dino Ranch, as the preschool hit continues to rapidly expand its global footprint.

The product range will feature the Big Bloxx Junior Building Construction set, which contains a minimum of 15 pieces, including exclusive figurines and accessories. Other highlights include foot to floor ride-ons, scooters, school and kitchen large role-play sets, pocket money toys– such as bubbles, magnetic drawing boards, glow in the dark sets and a light projector – and seasonal products including buckets, spades and sand toys.

Simba Dickie Group plans to launch its new ranges from SS23 across the UK & Eire and EMEA, including France, Iberia, Italy, Benelux, the Nordics, CEE and GSA.

Dino Ranch continues to be a ratings hit amongst kids aged 2-5 on Disney Jr and CBC, where it premiered in January 2021. Sustaining the number one position in its timeslot on Disney Jr has led to the show being sold to over 170 countries and made available in 15+ languages, with Tiny Pop in the UK the latest to come on board. Its unique mash-up of dinosaurs and cowboys set in the great outdoors continues to prove hugely popular across all platforms. Series two is currently in production and is set to premiere in the US this summer, including a 22-minute tentpole special.

Kate Schlomann, EVP Brand Management and Content Marketing, Boat Rocker, says: “We’re delighted to welcome Simba Dickie to our ever-growing herd of best-in-class licensees for Dino Ranch. As one of Europe’s leading toy manufacturers, this new deal will further strengthen our international reach, and the Dino Ranch brand. Their expertise will help expand the world of Dino Ranch for our preschool-aged fans, offering additional ways to play which complement our master toy range from Jazwares.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Boat Rocker Studios on Dino Ranch. This is a really unique new show for preschoolers and we’re excited to develop this Trrrrific range across our line,” says Werner Lenzner, Simba Dickie Group’s Licensing and Strategic Development Manager.

Simba Dickie joins a distinguished list of licensees already saddled up for Dino Ranch, including Master Toy partner Jazwares, which is launching its dynamic line across EMEA this summer; Scholastic, whose story and sticker books launched recently in English language territories; Rubies for dress up; Ravensburger for puzzles and games; Character World for bedding and soft furnishings; Immediate Magazine for a standalone magazine; and Kennedy for inclusion in their compilation titles.

Dino Ranch (104 x 11’ 3D animation) is created by Matt Fernandes (of Industrial Brothers) and produced by Industrial Brothers and Boat Rocker Studios, in association with CBC Kids and Radio-Canada. Boat Rocker manages the global franchise development, including content distribution and consumer products.

MARKET introduces Guns N’ Roses x Smiley collaboration

Posted on by
LA-based brand MARKET has announced the release of a unisex capsule collection in collaboration with Guns N’ Roses, The Smiley Company and Bravado. 
As a Los Angeles-based brand, MARKET seized the opportunity to honour Guns N’ Roses nearly 40 years after the band had its debut performance at the storied Troubadour in Los Angeles.
In order to properly pay homage to the heritage of Guns N’ Roses, the MARKET team sourced vintage denim from the 1980s and 1990s for the hero pieces of the collection. The team upcycled denim jeans and jackets of the time with new custom patches and airbrushed-style graphics, referencing the bad boy aesthetic that defines Guns N’ Roses and their music.
In addition to the vintage denim pieces, the collection features five apparel styles and a trucker hat, which draw inspiration from the iconic ‘Appetite for Destruction’ album cover and the electricity that Guns N’ Roses brought to rock ’n’ roll.
“The way in which Guns N’ Roses relentlessly stood for freedom of expression and creativity – at all costs – has always been an inspiration to me and to people around the world,” says creative director and founder of MARKET, Mike Cherman.
“The no-holds-barred attitude of Guns N’ Roses resonates with our approach to collaborations and design, so we were extremely excited to have the opportunity to fuse the rebellious energy of Guns N’ Roses with the irreverent and wacky world of MARKET and the irresistible spirit of our longtime partner SMILEY.”
This limited-edition collection will be available worldwide through MARKET’s website, ranging in price from $45 – $200 USD, in sizing XS-XXL.

MARKET introduces Guns N’ Roses x Smiley collaboration

Posted on by
LA-based brand MARKET has announced the release of a unisex capsule collection in collaboration with Guns N’ Roses, The Smiley Company and Bravado. 
As a Los Angeles-based brand, MARKET seized the opportunity to honour Guns N’ Roses nearly 40 years after the band had its debut performance at the storied Troubadour in Los Angeles.
In order to properly pay homage to the heritage of Guns N’ Roses, the MARKET team sourced vintage denim from the 1980s and 1990s for the hero pieces of the collection. The team upcycled denim jeans and jackets of the time with new custom patches and airbrushed-style graphics, referencing the bad boy aesthetic that defines Guns N’ Roses and their music.
In addition to the vintage denim pieces, the collection features five apparel styles and a trucker hat, which draw inspiration from the iconic ‘Appetite for Destruction’ album cover and the electricity that Guns N’ Roses brought to rock ’n’ roll.
“The way in which Guns N’ Roses relentlessly stood for freedom of expression and creativity – at all costs – has always been an inspiration to me and to people around the world,” says creative director and founder of MARKET, Mike Cherman.
“The no-holds-barred attitude of Guns N’ Roses resonates with our approach to collaborations and design, so we were extremely excited to have the opportunity to fuse the rebellious energy of Guns N’ Roses with the irreverent and wacky world of MARKET and the irresistible spirit of our longtime partner SMILEY.”
This limited-edition collection will be available worldwide through MARKET’s website, ranging in price from $45 – $200 USD, in sizing XS-XXL.

New Hot Wheels Munchy Play plate set to take mealtimes up a gear

Posted on by

Munchy Play is today launching the Hot Wheels Car Plate – the first of its kind to feature a built-in racetrack.

Kids can race their cars around the signature orange Hot Wheels track, dodging obstacles along the way, before taking a pit stop to ‘refuel’. The plate features a 4cm track around its perimeter, which fits all Hot Wheels diecast cars.

Available exclusively in the UK and Ireland, the tableware starts from £15.99 and is available at munchyplay.com, Amazon, and a number of outlets.

Sophia Procter, founder and CEO of Munchy Play, says: “We are thrilled to launch our exciting new Car Plate with Hot Wheels in the driving seat! Designed to bring fun to mealtimes, it’s also a real sanity-saver for parents too. Following the success of our Thomas & Friends train plate collection, it was a natural choice to partner with Mattel again. I know children will love this design as much as we do.”

Munchy Play has received several industry awards for its innovative track plates and was recently named London Start-up Business of the Year by the Federation of Small Business.

Jon Spalding, Mattel Head of UK Consumer Products, says: “Hot Wheels is all about igniting the challenger spirit, and this fun Car Plate certainly promises to rev-up dinner time by tapping into children’s universal love of Hot Wheels and imaginative car play. We are excited to collaborate with Munchy Play again and extend our partnership on this innovative product.”

Suitable from 6+ months, Munchy Play tableware is easy to clean, stack and store. The high sides made it easier for little ones scoop up food, while the sturdy non-slip base helps prevents accidents. Made in Britain using polypropylene, the plates are free of BPA, PVC, and melamine. With zero-single-use plastic, both plate and packaging can be recycled.

For more information, visit munchyplay.com and hotwheels.com.

 

New Hot Wheels Munchy Play plate set to take mealtimes up a gear

Posted on by

Munchy Play is today launching the Hot Wheels Car Plate – the first of its kind to feature a built-in racetrack.

Kids can race their cars around the signature orange Hot Wheels track, dodging obstacles along the way, before taking a pit stop to ‘refuel’. The plate features a 4cm track around its perimeter, which fits all Hot Wheels diecast cars.

Available exclusively in the UK and Ireland, the tableware starts from £15.99 and is available at munchyplay.com, Amazon, and a number of outlets.

Sophia Procter, founder and CEO of Munchy Play, says: “We are thrilled to launch our exciting new Car Plate with Hot Wheels in the driving seat! Designed to bring fun to mealtimes, it’s also a real sanity-saver for parents too. Following the success of our Thomas & Friends train plate collection, it was a natural choice to partner with Mattel again. I know children will love this design as much as we do.”

Munchy Play has received several industry awards for its innovative track plates and was recently named London Start-up Business of the Year by the Federation of Small Business.

Jon Spalding, Mattel Head of UK Consumer Products, says: “Hot Wheels is all about igniting the challenger spirit, and this fun Car Plate certainly promises to rev-up dinner time by tapping into children’s universal love of Hot Wheels and imaginative car play. We are excited to collaborate with Munchy Play again and extend our partnership on this innovative product.”

Suitable from 6+ months, Munchy Play tableware is easy to clean, stack and store. The high sides made it easier for little ones scoop up food, while the sturdy non-slip base helps prevents accidents. Made in Britain using polypropylene, the plates are free of BPA, PVC, and melamine. With zero-single-use plastic, both plate and packaging can be recycled.

For more information, visit munchyplay.com and hotwheels.com.

 

Licensing Expo facilitates 3,000+ meetings

Posted on by

The global licensing community is ready to re-convene at Licensing Expo, held this May 24-26 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, for its first in-person gathering since 2019.

To date, 3,000+ meetings have been confirmed on the event’s online platform. Thousands of registered guests are leveraging the online platform as a strategic tool to preemptively book meetings in advance of the in-person event before schedules fill up, guaranteeing face-to-face time with brands of interest. Visitors are encouraged to register here to access the online platform and proactively plan their agenda.

Even with less than two weeks remaining, registration numbers continue to rise with big-box retailers and world-class manufacturers signing on to meet directly with the owners of the world’s biggest brands, discover the latest trends, sift through the hottest IPs available for license, learn from industry experts, and network with peers.

Among the latest registrants to sign up are Wayfair, Urban Decay Cosmetics (L’Oréal), TJX, Burlington Stores, H&M, Forever 21, Aldi, AMC Theatres, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Claire’s Accessories,Paladone Products, Rue21, Moleskine, General Mills, Kohl’s, Levi Strauss & Co, Panini Spa, and Super RTL GmbH.

Notably, large groups from Mad Engine, Hallmark, Bioworld, Hot Topic, Target, Walmart, Centric Brands, and Jakks Pacific have registered and will be walking the show floor to meet and network with the 230-plus exhibitors.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, we’re seeing licensing take off as a strategic approach to meet consumers where they are and enhance their experience with the brands they love,” says Anna Knight, SVP of the Global Licensing Group. “There is so much pent-up demand for an in-person event of Licensing Expo’s scale and breadth across categories, especially as retailers and manufacturers search out new ways to engage with their customers in a more meaningful and intentional way.

“Meetings are being booked faster than they ever have before – if you haven’t accessed the online platform yet, we encourage you to do so to set yourself up for success and ensure a productive time on-site.”

While historically, entertainment and characters have dominated the $292 billion global licensing industry, emergent categories increasingly harness the power of brand extension strategies to reach new audiences and build a loyal fan base. This cross-category investment in licensing is reflected by the wide range of brands confirmed for the upcoming event, ranging from art and design, gaming and eSports, fashion and apparel, toys and kids, sports, technology, to location-based entertainment.

The latest exhibitors confirmed to participate include Microcosmic International LA Inc., IMC TOYS (CRY BABIES), Dipit, High Times, Death Row Records x Snoop Dogg, National Basketball Association,2nd Coming Comix / The Bunker Media Group, Get Down Art, Drizzle Art, Dylan Sky, All Star Kid LLC, Merry Marble Trees, Dancing Lemurs, BM Srl, Garena Free Fire and BenjiLock, LLC. New brands exhibiting their portfolio of licensable IPs include Jazwares, LAI Games, Netflix, and Riot Games. The full exhibitor list can be found here.

“Squishmallows has taken the world by storm as an industry-leading lifestyle brand that’s grown well beyond the toy aisle,” says Judd Karofsky, Executive Vice President of Jazwares, a highly sought-after new exhibitor. “As a first-time Licensing Expo exhibitor, we couldn’t be more thrilled to showcase the power of our brand and the infinite opportunities Squishmallows bring to our world-class licensing partners and beyond.”

Some of the most prominent IPs exhibitors will showcase include The Batman, Coca-Cola, Keith Haring, Catan, Elden Ring, Pac-Man, Peppa Pig, Call of Duty, Black & Decker, Volvo, Xbox, Cap’n Crunch,Care Bears, Sesame Street, Hot Ones, Bob Marley, The Smurfs, The Walking Dead, The Cat in the Hat, Monopoly, Space Invaders, League of Legends, KFC, NBA, Casa de Papel, Star Trek, Rugrats, Paul Frank, Variety, Rolling Stone, Ryan’s World, and Cocomelon. Overall, thousands of IPs will be displayed across the show floor.

 

LEGO and Hasbro unite for first time for Transformers collab

Posted on by

The LEGO Group and Hasbro have united for the first time to bring the iconic Transformers Autobot, Optimus Prime, to life in LEGO form – complete with alt mode.

The new LEGO Transformers Optimus Prime set is a tribute to the heroic Autobot leader with over 1,500 detailed LEGO pieces. Once assembled, the figure features 19 points of articulation that allow fans to convert from robot to truck alt mode and back again. This is one of the first times a LEGO set has been able to convert between two models, without the need to rebuild.

The new LEGO set will transport fans back to 1984 to when Transformers first exploded into popular culture with the original toy line and animated TV series. Modeled after the G1 Optimus Prime character, the new LEGO set includes remarkable attention to detail and features such as the ion blaster, Energon axe, an Energon Cube and the Autobot Matrix of Leadership which can be stored in the chest chamber.

“It has been an honour and a joy to work together with Hasbro to develop a LEGO version of Optimus Prime,” says Senior Designer at the LEGO Group, Joseph Patrick Kyde. “I am excited to see these two toy companies come together for the first time to celebrate the leader of the Autobots. Optimus Prime has become a pop culture symbol of courage, selflessness, and great leadership as well as an awesome toy that embodies the problem-solving and creativity skills that both companies value so much. It’s been a wonderful and challenging task to bring him to life using LEGO bricks, especially making sure that he can shift modes without disassembly and stay true to his signature look and style.”

Casey Collins, Head of Licensed Consumer Products and Business Development at Hasbro, adds: “We’re excited to bring two of the world’s greatest play and entertainment companies together to celebrate this larger-than-life, iconic character – Optimus Prime. We know fans everywhere will be thrilled by this collaboration as it enables fans and families of all ages to create memories as they work together to build the LEGO Transformers Optimus Prime.”

Once complete building this 1,508-piece model, fans can admire their build with pride by adding the display plaque to pay tribute to the iconic Transformers character.

The LEGO Transformers Optimus Prime set will be available globally from LEGO.com/optimus and in LEGO stores from June 1 priced at £149.99 / 169,99 USD/EUR.

Silvergate Media teams up with Tencent Video in a new landmark partnership

Posted on by

Silvergate Media is joining forces with Tencent Video to bring its new animated series The Creature Cases to China.

Silvergate will also partner with Tencent Video on a full consumer products roll-out in China from 2023, to be led by toys and publishing.

The Creature Cases is an action, comedy and detective series animated by TeamTo that follows the adventures of a unique detective duo who specialise in solving animal mysteries. The first series, launched on Netflix on 12 April 2022, is soon to be released on Tencent Video, which will significantly expand the broadcast reach to families across China.

“The Creature Cases storylines have a vibrant, universal appeal and we’re excited that this new partnership with Tencent Video will bring the show to viewers in China,” says Ron Allen, EVP Commercial. “Tencent Video shares our passion for bringing audiences innovative children’s content and we look forward to showcasing the series on China’s leading VOD platform and building a broad consumer products programme.”

Selina She, Director of Kids’ IP Development and Programming Centre at Tencent Video, says: “We are delighted to get our paws on The Creature Cases and thrilled to be partnering with Silvergate Media on this dynamic new series. We deduce that its exotic mix of real-life fascinating facts from the amazing animal kingdom along with side-splitting, super-sleuthing detective antics will have broad appeal in China. We are excited to be launching the series in the territory shortly, followed by the start of our consumer products programme which will be full of animal wonder!”

In The Creature Cases, Sam Snow and Kit Casey are the lead agents of CLADE: the Covert League of Animal Detective Experts, who solve animal mysteries by exploring the habitats and behaviours of fascinating, sometimes bizarre creatures. Armed with top-secret intel from their miniature contacts, the Mice Squad, these brilliant animal sleuths travel a world populated exclusively by animals, solving mind-boggling animal mysteries that mix real zoological facts with wild detective action.

 

Moose Toys to create more Magic at Licensing Expo

Posted on by

Moose Toys has found ‘magic’ in the licensing of its popular brands, and it is poised to do so again with Magic Mixies Mixlings, a collectible line based on global sales phenom Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron, as well as The Legend of Akedo, an action-packed line of collectibles that represents the toymaker’s biggest boys’ brand launch to date.

WildBrain CPLG, licensing agency for the two brands, will be hosting the toymaker at its booth (#E154) during the Licensing Show in Las Vegas, May 24-26, 2022, for vendors interested in partnering with the brands. WildBrain CPLG represents Magic Mixies Mixlings in the U.S. and Canada from its dedicated North America office; the company has the global licensing rights for The Legend of Akedo.

“We are looking to WildBrain CPLG to work its magic with both of these brands to create imaginative, clever products that incorporate the inherent brand personalities of Magic Mixies Mixlings and The Legend of Akedo,” says Menal McGrath, vice president, global licensing, Moose Toys. “We’re thinking outside the ‘cauldron’ for ways to incorporate the surprise and delight of Magic Mixies. For The Legend of Akedo, with its impressive array of collectible action figures and action-packed content that brings them to life, licensed products are the logical next step and something fans of the brand will be looking for Moose to bring to the experience.”

Magic Mixies Mixlings, a mesmerising line of more than 40 collectible figures, each with their own interactive wand and magic feature, will be supported by original content on the Moose TubeSquad YouTube channel. The 11-minute Mixlings mini movie debuts on May 13; two teasers were previously released. Additional episodes can be expected in June and throughout summer.

Working together, Moose and WildBrain CPLG will develop a range of products for Magic Mixies Mixlings that infuses innovation and real magic to continue the momentum and excitement of the Magic Mixies product, which was so successful it was the No. 1 item in Special Feature Plush in December and the Fall season and continued to be through March ’22 as per NPD. Mixies also was recognised as The Toy Foundation’s Creative Toy of the Year in 2021.

The Legend of Akedo, with its epic warrior figures, provides an expansive gallery of unique characters from which to draw ‘wild’ inspiration, including ninjas with swords, a teddy bear with a chainsaw and a big baby ruling with his gavel, as well as robots, gladiators, Vikings, dinosaurs and clowns. For both brands, the initial focus for the consumer products roll out will be on apparel, sleepwear, publishing, accessories and homeware categories.

“Moose Toys delivers incredibly imaginative toys, and we have the pleasure – and fun – to develop products that are complementary in style, form and function to the distinctive characteristics that make these two brands immensely popular,” says Jasen Wright, VP North America, WildBrain CPLG. “They are a wonderful collaborative partner, and we are delighted to work with them to deliver very special products for Magic Mixies Mixlings and The Legend of Akedo.”

Licensed merchandise for Magic Mixies Mixlings will weave in key spellbinding features of the brand that will bring magic to the clothes kids wear and the everyday accessories they use.

“While we still are in the development stage, I can say for Magic Mixies Mixlings there are plans for hidden reveals, secret compartments, colour change and many more magical touches,” says McGrath.

Since launching in autumn 2021, Magic Mixies has become a global sales phenomenon. In the U.S., Magic Mixies is the #2 brand in Total Plush YTD, as per NPD. The toy is continuing to grow in popularity with demand for Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron at retail staying high, and it has new-found celebrity on social media. The recently introduced line of Mixlings collectibles and a newly released content about the magical creatures coupled with several upcoming new product releases have the brand poised to catapult to even greater success.

WildBrain CPLG/Moose will be at Licensing Expo, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, from 24-26 May 2022. 

ARTiSTORY signs multiple licensees to its Gathering of the Greats theme

Posted on by

Art and cultural IP specialist ARTiSTORY has welcomed new licensees Jade City Food, Ruggable, and Fashion UK. The licensees have all chosen designs from ARTiSTORY’s Gathering of the Greats theme and will launch products later this year.

ARTiSTORY researches market trends to create modern and contemporary design assets that are inspired by original artworks and artefacts from its museum partners.  Its Gathering of the Greats theme takes inspiration from some of the greatest artists and eras of our time, from Chinese landscapes to impressionist paintings. These designs are licensed to consumer brands and retailers and assist them to introduce compelling products, engage shoppers via digital marketing and offer immersive shopping experiences.

The deals with Ruggable, the first patented machine-washable rug, and Jade City Foods, a gourmet food and beverage company, were brokered by the ARTiSTORY U.S. office.

Launching in summer 2022, and in partnership with the National Gallery, Ruggable will create unique, artist-themed collections including works by Van Gogh, Monet and Turner. The National Gallery X Ruggable collaboration sees these famous artworks reimagined into bespoke rugs for people’s living rooms.

Jade City Foods will launch a collection of hot sauces and coffees in summer 2022. In partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the National Gallery, London, the products will all contain a variety of bespoke flavours and ingredients depending on the artwork that has been its inspiration.

“We are thrilled to be working with Ruggable and Jade City Foods, companies that mirror the ethos of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the National Gallery, London,” says Anna Stein, Country Manager and Business Development Director ARTiSTORY USA. “Watching historical artworks come to life is like sharing a piece of culture and history with the world. It’s not just about reinterpreting these masterpieces, it’s also about the story behind the design that now sits in your living room.”

Fashion UK will launch range of apparel in French retailer Kiabi in July 2022.  Brokered by ARTiSTORY LTD (EMEA) and inspired by the Gathering of the Greats theme, the range features iconic art from the National Gallery, London, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Natasha Dyson, co-founder and licensing director of ARTiSTORY, says: “The Gathering of the Greats theme has been our most popular theme to date. It’s fantastic to see the innovative way licensees are interpreting our designs and the art of our museum partners.”

For more information contact natasha@artistorybrands.net