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Marion Claret to lead Dandelooo’s animation studio Ooolala

Emmy Award-winning French animation production and distribution company Dandelooo has appointed Marion Claret to head its animation studio Ooolala in La Cartoucherie, Valence, France.

A partner at Dandelooo, Marion Claret also helped launch the Ooolala studio three years ago, founded by Jean Baptiste Wéry and Emmanuèle Pétry. Marion will spearhead a development slate of original productions, drive its expanding studio, and help supervise the pre-production teams for both original and client service work.

A graduate of Gobelins, Ecole de l’image, Paris, Marion joined Dandelooo in 2016 to produce the 2-D and live-action Emmy Award-winning series The Treehouse Stories for Canal+, now in its fourth season. She previously worked at French production companies Stromboli Films and Medialab Technology.

Ooolala is currently producing Billy the Cowboy Hamster, a 2-D series for preschoolers commissioned by France Televisions, and has recently completed the heart-warming Special Mum is pouring rain, co-produced with French/German production company Laïdak Films and commissioned by Canal+, as well as Stinky Dog, a slapstick comedy series co-produced with Folivari (France), Panique! (Belgium) and Pikkukala (Spain), commissioned by France Televisions.

Emmanuèle Pétry, Co-Founder, Dandelooo, says: “We are thrilled to have Marion head up Ooolala.  She brings great passion and energy to the role, and we believe she has all the necessary talents to make the studio blossom and help our projects become international successes.”

 

 

Bluey enjoys successful launch in Italy

Maurizio Distefano Licensing, agent for Bluey since September 2021, has welcomed the series’ recent excellent ratings in Italy.

The loveable Australian dog has gained many Italian fans since her first appearance on Rai Yoyo, the public broadcast service’s preschool channel, in December 2021, and the show has established itself as number 1 among kids’ channels according to the latest (30 January 2022) Auditel ratings for reach – with more than 19,000 watching hours in just one week.

Bluey is also expanding its global presence with an Italian language channel (joining existing French, Spanish, Danish and English channels who share more than 1.2 million subscribers).

Bluey follows the adventures of Bluey, a six-year-old Blue Heeler dog, defined by her inexhaustible vitality, imagination and constant curiosity about the world, all of which are the driving force behind each episode.

Bluey lives in Brisbane, in the Australian region of Queensland, along with her father Bandit, mother Chilli and younger sister Bingo. The Heeler family are joined by family, friends and community (each belonging to different dog breeds) who are drawn into their games and adventures.

Bluey recently hit headlines around the world for an innovative collaboration with Airbnb, which saw the Heeler home faithfully reconstructed in a real-life version in a suburb of Brisbane. The home is available for one lucky family for a weekend stay and will also host online experiences for fans from around the globe.

Airbnb offering one family the chance to live like Bluey for the weekend

The Pokémon Company unveils plans for Pokémon Day 2022

Beginning today, The Pokémon Company International is inviting fans around the world to get excited for this year’s Pokémon Day by unveiling news and events from across the franchise in the lead-up to February 27. These updates will be revealed globally on the brand’s official social media channels @Pokemon, and fans are invited to join the conversation with #PokemonDay.

Pokémon Day is an annual event marking the date – February 27, 1996 – that the first Pokémon video games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, launched in Japan. Each year, fans celebrate their love for Pokémon as a community, and to help them celebrate, The Pokémon Company International and its partners are hosting a variety of fan-focused activations.
Pokémon Center, the online destination for official Pokémon merchandise in the US, Canada and UK will be celebrating by unveiling and releasing a variety of new products featuring fan-favourite Pokémon throughout this week. The introductions begin with the launch today of new custom skateboards in the US and Canada by industry craftsman, Bear Walker, featuring Mew and Gyarados (available while supplies last).
Fans around the world can also check their local Pokémon animation broadcaster and streaming services for Pokémon Day-related celebrations featuring classic episodes of the beloved series and movies. Curated collections of episodes and movies leading up to and on Pokémon Day are also available now for free on Pokémon TV
“The Pokémon fan community is one of the most passionate and dedicated in the world,” says J.C. Smith, Senior Director of Consumer Marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “We look forward to helping Trainers celebrate their love of all things Pokémon from the Pokémon Trading Card Game to the video games, mobile apps, animation and more every year on Pokémon Day.
“Following Pokémon’s landmark 25th anniversary in 2021, one day did not feel like enough for Pokémon Day 2022, so we invite fans to join us in a week-long countdown to February 27 and enjoy the daily surprise reveals and activations along the way.”

Bing extends partnership with Alton Towers Resort with new themed bedrooms

Acamar Films has shared a first look at the new Bing-themed bedrooms coming to CBeebies Land Hotel at Alton Towers Resort in March 2022.

The rooms, along with a brand-new Bing and Flop live show, are part of Acamar Films’ recently renewed long-term partnership with Alton Towers Resort and BBC Studios, bringing exciting new announcements to CBeebies Land for 2022.

The unique and colourful designs have been created especially for families with preschoolers and include a special interactive entertainment wall and lots of other toddler- friendly features.

From March, Bingsters visiting CBeebies Land Hotel will be able to enjoy the ultimate sleepover in the two new bedrooms. Guests at CBeebies Land will also be able to experience the brand-new Bing and Flop live show, which will be performed daily in the Big Fun Show Time, and Bing’s Sleepover will continue to delight overnight guests at the hotel.

Kirsty Southgate, Director of Experiential and Promotions at Acamar Films, says: “Announcing these new Bing experiences at Alton Towers Resort is a fantastic start to the year. We are thrilled to continue our valued partnership with the BBC and Alton Towers, and incredibly excited at this wonderful milestone in our Bing journey. We can’t wait to see Bingsters’ reactions following the first sleepovers in March.”
Larry Roles, Marketing Director for Alton Towers Resort, adds: “We are really excited to be adding the Bing bedrooms to our portfolio of experiences at the UK’s only CBeebies Land Hotel. We pride ourselves on providing truly immersive experiences for families to enjoy together and really captivate the imaginations of young fans. We’re sure both parents and children will love experiencing this fun new addition to the hotel and we cannot wait to see them being enjoyed by our guests.”

 

FaNaTtiK expands its licensing deal with Yu-Gi-Oh!

Award-winning collectible and gift specialist FaNaTtiK has secured a three-year extension to its long-standing licensing agreement with the hit brand Yu-Gi-Oh!, covering additional new products and territories.

Yu-Gi-Oh! has been entertaining and engaging audiences globally for over 25 years through its Manga, TV series (with over 900 episodes), three feature films, consumer products, hit mobile games Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links and Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel, as well as the immensely popular Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME. 

“Some Anime brands may come and go but Yu-Gi-Oh! is an evergreen with a passionate fan base that appreciate the gifts and collectibles we have created over the years,” says Anthony Marks, M.D., FaNaTtiK. “We look forward to creating many more fan focused products featuring this global IP over the next three years and beyond.” 

Jennifer Coleman, Vice President of Licensing and Marketing at Konami Cross Media NY, says: “FaNaTtiK is a tremendous partner for the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand. Its wide range of unique gifts and collectibles have delighted fans in the European market. We are excited to extend our relationship with FaNaTtiK to include even more products we believe will continue to impress fans. FaNaTtiK’s passion and understanding of the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand shines through in what it creates.”

FaNaTtiK will be supplying the North American, UK, Europe MENA and Australasian markets via its own offices and network of distributers. As well as the vibrant independent trade where Yu-Gi-Oh! thrives, the company will have products that appeal to all levels of pop culture retailers, from online to supermarkets, with a wide spectrum of retail price points and limited-edition pieces.

 

Hunter Price welcomes Nikki Samuels as Commercial Director

Consumer products business Hunter Price International has appointed brand and licensing expert Nikki Samuels as Commercial Director to help guide the Manchester-based business, which is on target to exceed its £40m sales forecast this year.

Nikki, the former Licensing Director and founder of character product manufacturer Sambro, brings decades of experience and knowledge to the Hunter Price team. He joins as part of the company’s ambitious growth strategy across its core product categories, including home and lifestyle, toys and activity and stationery and craft.

Following the appointment, Co-founder Jeremy Winburn will now take up the role of Trading Director, to focus on the company’s fast-paced reactionary trading business. Nikki will concentrate on the longer-term strategic vision for the business and new business development opportunities.

Hunter Price has established itself as a leading supplier of consumer products for the UK’s top retailers, with a host of successful own brands, such as ToyMania and SplashMania, as well as partnerships with the likes of Warner Bros, Cocomelon and the Style Sisters.

Most recently, the business has created and launched the new home and lifestyle brand Chapter B, for TV personality Billie Faiers, which will hit the market with the likes of Next and Very later this year.

Jeremy Winburn says: “We are industry innovators – and over the past two years we’ve continued to adapt and evolve, to carve out very clear areas of focus to help us achieve our goals.

“We’ve been strengthening our fantastic teams with the best talent, from buying and design, to sales and marketing. We’ve elevated our whole thought process and approach to enable us to deliver excellence within the industry.

“Nikki really shares our passion for product and his addition to the team will be invaluable as we start activating our plans over the coming years.”

Speaking about his new role, Nikki says: “When you set foot in Devon Mill – the home of Hunter Price – you’re hit with such an incredible energy of excitement and passion. The talent and drive to create outstanding products is like no other business I’ve known and that’s what brought me here.

“We’ve got really solid foundations as a business and now it’s time to maximise our opportunities and potential across our core categories in the UK and throughout Europe. It’s a really exciting time and we’re looking forward to sharing lots more with you about our plans throughout the year.”

Nikki will also sit on the board of directors alongside co-founders Jeremy Winburn and Managing Director Josh Eden, Operations Director Jonathan Alexander and toys Sales Director, Richard Belford.

Billie Faiers unveils home and lifestyle brand Chapter B at Spring Fair

 

Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games to be marked by official stamps and coins

Birmingham 2022 and CGF Partnerships have signed a licensing deal with The Royal Mint and Royal Mail to produce commemorative coins and stamps to mark the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Birmingham 2022 marks the third time the Games have been hosted in England in its ninety-two year history, and each of those Games have been commemorated through the release of collectable Royal Mail stamps and Royal Mint coins, anchoring this significant event in history and contributing to the celebration of the Commonwealth Games.

Both The Royal Mint and Royal Mail have been awarded exclusive rights as Official Licensees to create a series of Birmingham 2022 themed coins and stamps to celebrate and mark the global sports event, which takes place from 28 July to 8 August.

The special 50 pence piece takes inspiration from Birmingham’s bedrock of innovation, creativity and architecture. Designed by Natasha Preece of the Royal Mint, the coin features the iconic design of the Library of Birmingham. It was released as part of the Royal Mint’s 2022 Annual Sets on 4 January 2022, which includes a coin designed in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The Birmingham 2022 collection features one main coin design, offered in a range of precious metals and will also include base metal designs featuring England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland coins and a Home Nations set.

Royal Mail has a rich history of issuing stamps to mark the Commonwealth Games being held in the UK. The Company has commemorated the British Empire Games 1925, Cardiff 1958, Edinburgh 1970, Edinburgh 1986, Manchester 2002 and most recently, Glasgow 2014 with Special Stamps as lasting souvenirs of the event for collectors and fans.

Details and images of the Special Stamps being issued by Royal Mail will be announced closer to the launch of the Games in July.

Ian Reid, CEO at Birmingham 2022, says: “These very special coins and stamps will be a perfect reminder of the excitement and thrill people will have by being part of Birmingham 2022. Both the Royal Mint and Royal Mail are organisations who have excellent international reputations, and the partnerships are a perfect fit for our incredible global event. The commemorative sets are a wonderful way to celebrate the Games and for the whole country to get involved in Birmingham 2022 and our festival of sport and culture!”

Both the commemorative coins and stamps will be available to buy in July, from post offices, the official Birmingham 2022 retail stores and online.

Licensed toys win big at the 2022 Toy of the Year Awards

The Toy Foundation has unveiled the winners of its 22nd annual Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY)
during a virtual event attended by play professionals and toy fans from around the world.

The awards ceremony included the induction of four industry trailblazers into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame, as well
as a spotlight on The Toy Foundation’s charitable initiatives. One hundred percent of the award programme’s proceeds
support the work of The Toy Foundation, which funds children’s hospitals in disadvantaged communities, provides
grant relief to non-profits assisting families impacted by COVID-19, and supports vital diversity, equity and inclusion
initiatives in the toy industry.

During the TOTY ceremony, Squishmallows from Jazwares took home the coveted “Toy of the Year” award, as well
as the “People’s Choice” award and “Plush Toy of the Year.”

TOTY awards were handed out in 16 categories and given to the following:

Action Figure of the Year – Masters of the Universe: Masterverse (Mattel)

Collectible of the Year – LEGO Minifigures MARVEL Studios (The LEGO Group)

Construction Toy of the Year – LEGO Marvel Spider-Man Daily Bugle (The LEGO Group)

Creative Toy of the Year – Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron (Moose Toys)

Doll of the Year – Ada Twist, Scientist Lab Doll (Just Play)

Game of the Year – A Game of Cat and Mouth (Exploding Kittens)

Grown-Up Toy of the Year – LEGO Botanical Collection Flower Bouquet (The LEGO Group)

Infant/Toddler Toy of the Year – Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Ultimate Learning Bot (Mattel)

License of the Year – Pokémon (The Pokémon Company International)

Outdoor Toy of the Year – ZURU Crazy Bunch O Balloons (ZURU)

Playset of the Year – LEGO Star Wars Boba Fett’s Starship (The LEGO Group)

Plush Toy of the Year – Squishmallows (Jazwares)

Preschool Toy of the Year – LEGO Disney Ariel, Belle, Cinderella and Tiana’s Storybook Adventures (The LEGO Group)

Specialty Toy of the Year – LEGO Everyone is Awesome (The LEGO Group)

STEAM Toy of the Year – LEGO CREATOR 3-in-1 Ferris Wheel (The LEGO Group)

Vehicle of the Year – PLAYMOBIL Volkswagen T1 Camping Bus (PLAYMOBIL)

“We are thrilled to unveil this year’s much-anticipated TOTY winners, all of which are outstanding examples
of the toy community’s talent in designing innovative, magical, and creative playthings for kids and adults alike,”
said Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. “We congratulate Squishmallows, each of
the category winners, and all the nominees for their wonderful achievements and thank the industry for coming
together in support of The Toy Foundation and its critical work of bringing toys, play, and healing to millions
of children in need.”

During the event, four toy industry visionaries were officially inducted into the esteemed Toy Industry
Hall of Fame – the late Johnny Gruelle, creator of Raggedy Ann & Raggedy Andy; the late Lucille King,
founder of the Playskool Institute; Jim Pressman, president of Pressman Toy Corporation; and
Bob Wann (retired) of PlayMonster.

More than 600 TOTY Award nominees poured in late last summer. Of those, 114 finalists were selected
by a panel of expert judges. Category winners were then determined based on votes from toy retailers
(mass and specialty), media, Toy Association members, and consumers. The “Toy of the Year” winner
was determined by an expert panel that discussed all the finalists before rendering a decision based on
TOTY votes, holiday sales, and media buzz (traditional, online, and social). The “People’s Choice” award
winners were uniquely selected by online consumer votes. All results were audited for accuracy,
including the judging and voting process, and The NPD Group validated marketplace acceptance.

Descriptions of all TOTY finalists can be found at ToyAwards.org.

 

British fashion label Chinti & Parker launches Care Bears collection

Bulldog Licensing’s latest partner to celebrate the Care Bears’ 40th anniversary by joining the consumer products programme is luxury knitwear label Chinti & Parker.

Established in 2009, Chinti & Parker produces knitwear that celebrates joyful colour, timeless shapes and innovative textures. Now, using some of its favourite intarsia knitting techniques and intricate embroidery, Chinti & Parker brings the colourful Care Bears to life in a collection of cashmere jumpers, hoodies, sweat pants and T-shirts. The range is the latest in a line of nostalgic collaborations for the fashion label and features oversized, slouchy fits and a bold colour palette designed to keep the look cool rather than cutesy.

While the Care Bears have grown through various looks and styles over the last 40 years, the rainbow colours, main characters and unique belly badges, along with the core messages of kindness and caring, remain iconic and instantly recognisable.

Designs in the Chinti & Parker collection range from the classic Care Bears logo to the faces of characters including Grumpy Bear and Lucky Bear, as well as jumpers with Cheer Bear and Funshine Bear emerging from their pockets, and fun slogans such as ‘Good Vibes’.

Sophie Yates, Licensing Executive at Bulldog Licensing, says: “This collaboration is a great addition to the Care Bears licensing programme and clearly demonstrates the strength of the Care Bears brand. We can’t wait to see these pieces being styled and shared over the coming weeks.”

“Chinti & Parker have always been effortlessly cool and fun,” adds Roubina Tchoboian, VP of International Licensing at Cloudco Entertainment, owner of the Care Bears brand. “We’ve been a fan of their nostalgia collections for quite some time and are thrilled to see the Care Bears collection come to life as we celebrate 40 years of sharing and caring.”

The Chinti & Parker x Care Bears collection is available to buy online now at chintiandparker.com/collections/chinti-parker-x-care-bears.

Playmates Toys and Paramount Consumer Products reveal first look at Star Trek: Prodigy action figures

Playmates Toys and Paramount Consumer Products have revealed a first look at the action figures from the Paramount+ animated series Star Trek: Prodigy.

Star Trek: Prodigy follows a motley crew of young aliens who must figure out how to work together while navigating a greater galaxy, in search for a better future. These six young outcasts know nothing about the ship they have commandeered – a first in the history of the Star Trek franchise – but over the course of their adventures together, they will each be introduced to Starfleet and the ideals it represents.

Produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio and CBS Studios, Star Trek: Prodigy is currently available to stream exclusively on Paramount+ and will debut on Nickelodeon in the U.S. later this year.

At launch, the new toy line will include the following Star Trek: Prodigy characters:

  • Dal R’El figure with Murf
  • Gwyndala
  • Jankom Pog
  • Hologram Janeway
  • Zero
  • Rok-Tahk (coming early 2023)

These five-inch, 1:14 scale figures will feature 14 points of articulation and come packaged in a brand-new blister pack style designed exclusively for the Star Trek: Prodigy toy line.

“We are excited to be bringing Star Trek: Prodigy toys and accessories home to families for the first time. This new lineup we are unveiling is highly focused on playability — we want kids to take the toys out of the packaging and engage in imaginative play as if they were part of the Star Trek world themselves,” says Karl Aaronian, senior vice president, Playmates Toys.

The action figures will be available at online retailers beginning in October 2022 and on store shelves in spring 2023. New Star Trek: Prodigy ships, vehicles and role play toys will be available later in 2023.

NAVIGATION