Category Archives: Highlight

Brave Bunnies launches UK publishing with Ladybird

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Ladybird is launching a series of pre-school titles with Brave Bunnies, the global Ukrainian children’s brand. Ladybird Commissioning Editor Ned Hartley acquired UK publishing rights to the brand from Big Picture Licensing, who are the master-agent for Brave Bunnies across EMEA & APAC regions.

Dan Frugtniet, MD of Big Picture Licensing, says: “It’s wonderful to have found a UK publishing home for Brave Bunnies with such a global leader as Ladybird & Penguin Random House. Given the terrible current events in Ukraine, the creators are keen to use Brave Bunnies to spread the important messages of friendship, diversity and inclusion which are the core DNA of the show.”

Brave Bunnies follows the adventures of bunnies Bop and Boo, who live with their family on the Bunny Bus and love to explore the world. At each stop, Bop and Boo make new friends, play new games and discovering a little more about the world and people around them, spreading messages of inclusivity, friendship and respect.

Created by Olga Cherepanova at Glowberry, Brave Bunnies is broadcast in over 63 countries. It launched in the UK on Milkshake! (on Channel 5) and Nick Jr. in February and September 2021 respectively. To date it has reached a UK audience of 4.4million. Brave Bunnies ranked as the #1 commercial channel in its slots for its premiere.

Ladybird launches the first two titles in the series in March 2022: Brave Bunnies Spring to the Rescue and Brave Bunnies Make a Friend, which see Bop and Boo learning lessons about bravery, responsibility and compassion.

Francesca Dow, MD of Penguin Random House Children’s, says: “This partnership is exciting for Ladybird because it is the result of several years of collaboration with the exceptionally skilled and creative team at Glowberry. We were first drawn to Brave Bunnies for its playful and warm ways of talking about friendship with a very young audience, and are excited that our books are now available for young readers to explore, bringing the internationally successful Brave Bunnies to existing and new fans in the UK.”

Silvergate Media announces broadcast launch of The Creature Cases

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Silvergate Media, producer of global hit IP Octonauts, has announced plans for the broadcast launch of its new animated series, The Creature Cases, which follows the adventures of a unique detective duo who specialise in solving animal mysteries. The first season will debut on Netflix’s global streaming platform from 12 April, 2022. 

Aimed at children aged 4-7 years, The Creature Cases is an original series created by head writer/producer Gabe Pulliam, with executive producers Adam Idelson and Kurt Mueller, EVP Creative Content, Silvergate Media. The action/comedy/detective series is animated by TeamTO, the award-winning French studio, which has a strong track record of animating hit children’s shows, including PJ Masks.

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.

“The Creature Cases invites young viewers to train a watchful eye on the many mysteries of the natural world,” says Kurt Mueller. “This show is X-Files for preschoolers, but instead of solving paranormal mysteries, Sam and Kit are solving strange but true animal mysteries. Each episode offers a super serving of odd zoological facts, imaginative gadgetry, and, well, the Mice Squad.  We look forward to introducing the show to audiences around the world this spring.”

“For our first collaboration with Silvergate Media, The Creature Cases was a very ambitious project,” adds Guillaume Hellouin, TeamTO President. “We had to push boundaries, once again, far beyond what we have done before. The diversity generated by the concept of discovering a new animal species in its native environment in each of the 40 episodes was a real challenge. But thanks to our fantastic team, combined with Silvergate’s talent, we managed to deliver an amazing show with a very cool design!”

Moose Toys partners with Silvergate Media for new Octonauts toy line

Style Sisters head to Ideal Home Show

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Aspirational lifestyle duo Style Sisters, Gemma Lilly and Charlotte Reddington, are heading to London’s Olympia exhibition hall this week as VIP guest speakers at the 2022 Ideal Home Show.

The Style Sisters have become well known for their expertise in home styling, interior décor and curating celebrity home transformations. Their practical hints and tips, mixed with their timeless style, have seen their brand continue to grow in popularity over the past 18 months. In September 2022, they are set to launch their own eagerly awaited Style Sisters collection, including home storage, accessories and home fragrance.

Today (Thursday 24 March) the Style Sisters will participate in three separate sessions at the Ideal Home Show on the Interiors Stage (11am and 4pm) and in the Super Theatre (12.30pm). Titled “Embrace Your Space”, the sessions will focus on giving the audience practical solutions on de-cluttering and tips on how to organise both wardrobe and home. Their sessions will also include visual demonstrations and step-by-step “How To’s” in styling and organising space around the home.

Deborah Haigh, Commercial and Retail Manager at Lisle Licensing, which represents the girls’ for their licensing strategy, says: “Gemma and Charlotte’s appearance at the Ideal Home Show is so fitting.  They’re at the UK’s most loved homes and interiors show and attendees will be able to see just how beneficial a stylish and organised living space can be to their lives.

“2022 is already shaping up to be a great year for the Style Sisters, and their own range, carefully created by the girls and our fantastic licensee partners, gives consumers everything they need to embrace their space.”

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.

Prisoners of Geography taps Map Marketing for licensed merchandise

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Independent publisher Elliott & Thompson’s Sunday Times best-selling Prisoners of Geography books by author Tim Marshall continue to engage fans of maps and facts from 6-80 years. With unprecedented and continued global sales success, the franchise is extending into a range of licensed merchandise for launch during 2022.

Map Marketing Ltd is on board to develop a range of printed maps, posters and framed prints in various sizes and gifts featuring the beautiful map illustrations from the Prisoners of Geography illustrated edition.

“Map Marketing lives and breathes everything to do with maps, so Prisoners of Geography was a no-brainer licence acquisition for us,” explains Brian O’Donnell, MD of the Devon-based business. “We absolutely love the detailed but easy to understand map illustrations, which in themselves are beautiful works of art. We’ve seen a huge growth in consumer interest in geography and maps as both educational and beautiful art for home decor in recent years. Prisoners of Geography is a hugely versatile brand and is also perfect for our growing direct-to-schools business Geopacks.”

Maggy Harris from BlueSkye Licensing, which brokered the deal, says: “Extending the franchise is a natural step forward for Tim’s books and we are delighted to welcome Brian and his Map Marketing team into the Prisoners of Geography brand family. We’re seeing a great response from companies responding to increased consumer interest and demand for quality, factual, fun, family brands. The detailed illustrations are perfect for family-focused edutainment merchandise. Watch this space for further 2022 product launches across jigsaws, games, puzzles, gifts and stationery.”

Lorne Forsyth, Chairman of publisher Elliott and Thompson, adds: “Prisoners of Geography has been an astonishing, long-lasting hit in hardback and paperback, providing a gripping exploration of the power of geography to shape humanity’s past, present and future. It is acknowledged as one of the bestselling international geo-politics books of all time.”

ZAG appoints Rafael Baltodano as VP, North America Retail Development

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Award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG has announced the appointment of Rafael Baltodano, formerly with The Walt Disney Company, as Vice President, North America Retail Development. The announcement was made by Julian Zag, EVP Global Operations and Head of Consumer Products.

Reporting to Lisa K. Foster, Sr. Vice President, Licensing, North America, Rafael will manage strategic relationships across all tiers of retail throughout North America for the roster of properties under the ZAG Heroez label – an umbrella brand franchise that brings together the superheroes from ZAG’s animated properties, which include the global phenomenon Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, Power Players, and the company’s newest property, Ghostforce. He will help further ZAG’s mission in building best-in-class licensed programmes, supporting licensees with product placement and promotion.

Rafael’s initial focus will be to work with retailers on the autumn rollout of products for ZAG’s Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, for which over 200 million products have been sold during the past three years.

“Demand continues to be extremely strong for Miraculous, with sales exceeding expectations across the board,” says Julian Zag. “Rafael will lead the charge to expand placement for our partners, as well as securing promotional space for retailers around key events surrounding the brand.”

“I have been impressed by the tremendous growth of ZAG over the past couple of years and the quality of content and merchandise the company creates,” adds Rafael. “I look forward to working with the ZAG team, retailers, and our partners, to bring a whole new range of quality products to our Miraculous fans across North America this fall and throughout 2023.”

Numerous licensed Miraculous products are rolling out this year alongside the new autumn 2022 toy line from ZAG Lab and Playmates, which includes an expanded Heroez doll line with new characters and nineteen Kwami collectibles. Toys have been rolling out in planogram at retailers Walmart, Target and Kohl’s, to name a few. Other products rolling out this year include watches from Accutime, craft and activity products from Horizon, walkie talkies from Kid Designs, healthy snacking from Crunch Pak, and fruit snacks from Ferrara.

These new products will join numerous items already at retail, including publishing from Little Brown Books for Young Readers; colour and activity books from Bendon; an expanded apparel line and sleepwear from Bentex Apparel Group, Komar and BioWorld; girl’s apparel from Jerry Leigh of California; footwear from SG Companies; underwear from Handcraft; fashion and accessories products including hair accessories and jewellery from HER; puzzles and games from TCG; stickers from Trends International; outdoor and seasonal products from What Kids Want; beverages from Good to Grow; seasonal candy from Galerie; wound care from Aso, and the Miraculous Spinbrush and Orajel toothpaste from Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

Prior to joining ZAG, Rafael served in several key licensing and retail positions for The Walt Disney Company, Pixar, and Marvel, spanning over 15 years.  Most recently he served as Director of Retail Brand Development, creating the overarching go-to-market retail strategies for the Disney and Pixar franchises.

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.”

 

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.

Tom Felton fronts campaign for CASETiFY’s Wizarding World-inspired collection

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CASETiFY has announced a special partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, revealing a collection inspired by the beloved Wizarding World. The launch is supported by a marketing campaign starring Tom Felton, who played the infamous Draco Malfoy in the films.

Fans all over the world can sign up now for priority access to shop the collection on launch day, March 31, by visiting casetify.com.

Available online and in CASETiFY stores, the new protective phone cases are inspired by iconic early Hogwarts experiences, including Harry’s first interaction with the Mirror of Erised (available exclusively on the CASETiFY Co-Lab app), his very first broomstick, and his epic battle with the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets. Fans can discover their house with the new Leather Case lineup, featuring the house colours and crests of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin.

The partnership will also introduce CASETiFY’s first Lenticular Case – engineered to capture the magical qualities of the wizarding world through “moving photos.” When tilted from side to side, the new Lenticular Case will reveal the Marauder’s Map to its owner.

Designs will be available on a range of CASETiFY’s signature styles, with custom options made for the ultra-durable Impact Case series, Reflective-Plate Material Cases, Compostable Cases, and the Impact Crush series from the sustainable Re/CASETiFY Collection, retailing for $40 USD and up.

Phone cases are compatible with a range of iPhone device sizes, including the newest iPhone 13 series, as well as select Samsung models.

“The Harry Potter series holds a special place in so many of our hearts, and we’re excited to bring the magic to our community’s hands with a uniquely creative collection of high-quality accessories,” says CASETiFY CEO and Co-founder, Wes Ng. “This collection will spark memories of all your favorite Harry Potter adventures with designs that are nothing short of magical.”

To complement the exclusive phone case collection, fans can shop a full accessory lineup with matching gear for all their devices, including Apple Watches, AirPods and AirPods Pro.

Modelled after the fastest and smallest ball in the game of Quidditch, customers can enjoy a highly designed 3D Golden Snitch Airpods Case, complete with the inscription “I Open At The Close.”

To dress every student’s tech in full house colours, fans can also shop a limited-edition collection of classic AirPods cases and Apple Watch bands, in addition to the new Beaded Phone Strap, a trendy hands-free accessory decorated with house colours and mascot charms.

Accessories in the collection are available in limited quantities and retail for $35 USD and up.

To learn more about the collection and all CASETiFY Co-Lab launches, visit online and download the new CASETiFY Co-Lab app (available now in the App Store).

For updates on all things CASETiFY, follow along on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.

Character.com launches Mighty Mike in the UK

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Leading French Animation studio TeamTO and UK Licensing Agency This is Iris have been working together on a number of licensing collaborations for popular international kids’ animated comedy Mighty Mike (78 x 7).

The first of those collaborations to be announced is with leading online character specialists Character.com, with products launched on Monday 21 March. The first lines available to pug-loving consumers will be apparel, nightwear and backpacks, with licensees TDP, Aykroyds and William Lamb.

“We are really excited to be working with This is Iris and to be the first to market with Mighty Mike,” says Karen Hewitt, Co-Founder of Character.com. “We know how popular Mike and his friends are and we hope that this range will let their fans support their favourite canine in style.”

Mighty Mike can currently be seen on screens across the globe, from the US, UK and Australia to France, India and China. Top partner broadcasters include CITV, Cartoon Network, France Televisions, Super RTL, Family Channel Canada, Boing, YLE, and many more.

“We instantly loved this show the minute it was presented to us,” says Sarah Lawrence of This is Iris. “Throughout the last year we’ve heard from licensees and retailers who have been watching Mighty Mike with their children, telling us that it’s the perfect show to bridge the gap between preschool and tween, with families coming together to watch Mike’s humorous attempt to impress Iris, the neighbour’s poodle.

“We’re thrilled to be launching with Character.com. They loved the show and together with our partners have been fantastic in developing the collection during such a challenging time for all involved in manufacturing.

“We have every confidence in this show as further deals are to be announced shortly. Not only is this show funny and packed with character, being non-verbal and built around our love for our pets, especially pugs, means that this show reaches a much wider audience.”

Patricia De Wilde, Director of Marketing and New Business at TeamTO, adds: “We are delighted to be working with This is Iris to make Mighty Mike a household name in the UK. Sarah’s original and creative approach to bringing out Mike’s inherent humour, personality and charm is guaranteed to result in a spectacular licensing range. We can’t wait for UK fans to discover our favourite pet pug!”

For more information see: Mighty Mike – This is Iris and www.TeamTO.com