Category Archives: Highlight

Very Neko launches exclusive collection to celebrate season 2 of Emily in Paris

Posted on by
To celebrate the new season of Emily in Paris, Very Neko – “the home of all things cute and retro” – has launched an exclusive homeware and clothing range inspired by the hit show.
The Paris-set comedy-drama follows main character Emily Cooper through her love and professional life; the first season was watched by 58 million people in the first 28 days after its launch last year.
To celebrate the new season of the hit show, Very Neko has created a range inspired by the cast and the romance of Paris. The collection is the perfect way to embody the fashion and style of the series, and includes everything from t-shirts to hoodies and wash bags to wall art.
The new range is available from Very Neko’s UK and US sites. Prices range from £9.99 to £89.99.

 

 

 

 

Most popular kids’ videos on YouTube revealed

Posted on by

Website hosting platform hosting.co.uk has been looking into the kid-friendly YouTube videos with the most views.

According to its research, YouTube’s most popular children’s video – with 9.8B views – was ‘Baby Shark’ on the South Korean Pinkfong channel. Not only is this the most-watched kids’ video, it’s also the most-watched video of all time on YouTube.

Aside from Baby Shark, ‘Johny Johny Yes Papa ’, on the channel LooLoo Kids, was the most watched video, with 6 billion views. The video is of a popular nursery rhyme that encourages children to be honest after Johny gets caught eating sugar by his father.

Next up was ‘Bath Song’ on ‘Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes’. Despite being third on the most-watched list, ‘Cocomelon’ was the most subscribed-to kids YouTube channel with 122M subscribers.

The top 10 most-watched YouTube videos from the most subscribed-to kids’ channels were:

  • Pinkfong Baby Shark – Kids’ Songs & Stories, Baby Shark Dance: 9.8B
  • LooLoo Kids – Nursery Rhymes and Children’s Songs – Johny Johny Yes Papa: 6B
  • Cocomelon – Bath Song: 4.7B
  • Masha and the Bear – Recipe for Disaster: 4.4B
  • ChuChu TV Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs – Phonics Song with TWO Words – A For Apple – ABC Alphabet Songs with Sounds for Children: 4.3B
  • Little Baby Bum – Wheels On The Bus: 2.4B
  • Infobells – Hindi – Chal Chal Gurram: 2.1B
  • Super Simple Songs – This Is The Way: 2B
  • Kids Diana Show – LIKE IT: 1.6B
  • El Reino Infantil – El Gallo y la Pata: 1.5B

In 2019, Ofcom found that children between the ages of 5 and 15 were more likely to choose YouTube over other services such as Netflix. They also discovered that children between the ages of 3 and 4 using Youtube had more than doubled between 2015 and 2019.

CEO of hosting.co.uk Frederick Schiwek says: “YouTube is host to some of the most popular and watched videos in the world.

“Children often have their own devices and they know exactly how to navigate their way around and find their favourite videos. Children-themed channels are some of the most subscribed-to on the platform and we expect to see this continue to increase in coming years.”

Read hosting.co.uk’s full report here.

 

Animaccord launches Masha and the Bear e-shop

Posted on by

Personalised giftware company Star Editions has announced the opening of the first stand-alone online store for popular kids’ animation series Masha and the Bear, produced by award-winning entertainment company Animaccord. The store features an exclusive range of print-on-demand merchandise and products from existing licensees.

The available assortment now contains 10 product categories of the POD line, including T-shirts, mugs, puzzles, bottles and more, in addition to the master toy licensee collection from Simba Toys.

The variety of e-store products under the Masha and the Bear branding will be increased later next year.

shop.mashabear.com is now live.

Mattel Creations drops UNO deck featuring Gary Veynerchuk’s VeeFriends NFT signature characters

Posted on by

Mattel has announced a collaboration for the NFT community and crypto currency holders from Mattel Creations and VeeFriends, with a reimagined UNO deck featuring Gary Vaynerchuk’s VeeFriends NFT signature characters.

As one of the first physical products created from a digital NFT brand, the new deck offers UNO fans and NFT collectors the opportunity to own a VeeFriends collectible in the physical form of an UNO deck.

Each VeeFriends x UNO deck will include one special, non-playable foil card to collect – featuring one of 17 of the VeeFriends signature characters including Charming Cheetah, Sweet Swan, Gary Bee, and more.

The collaboration marks the first-ever UNO deck that includes randomly inserted foil cards that mirror VeeFriends spectacular NFT token Colours with varying levels of rarity for all 17 VeeFriends characters, with the Gary Bee card being the hardest for collectors to find.

As part of the UNO brand’s entry into the ultra-rare collectible space, the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), the largest trading card grading service, will begin grading UNO Cards starting with the VeeFriends x UNO collectible.

“As Mattel continues to pioneer bringing toy brands into the NFT space, we are thrilled to be working with Gary and his impressive VeeFriends collectibles,” says Richard Dickson, President and Chief Operating Officer, Mattel. “Gary’s leadership in this digital dialogue, coupled with our number-one card game in the world UNO, is sure to create a collectible craze as we continue to redefine the intersection between gaming, digital art and collectability.”

Each VeeFriends x UNO deck also includes a new special rule card, the Wild Sharing Squirrel card, which requires the next player to post a selfie of themselves and all the cards in their hand to social media with the hashtag #veefriendsuno.

“If you told 9-year-old Gary that he was doing a collaboration with UNO, he would jump in the swimming pool and swim laps for the rest of his life out of excitement,” says Gary Vaynerchuk. “I’m so incredibly honoured to take my VeeFriends intellectual property and team up with one of the most iconic properties in the world. Not only am I honored, and little me is excited – I’m mostly excited for all the people who are going to be able to play this game, expand the VeeFriends universe and enjoy some of the collectibility that comes along with this collaboration.”

The new collectible will be available exclusively on Mattel Creations, Mattel’s direct-to-consumer platform featuring curated items that both celebrate and expand Mattel’s intellectual property.

The VeeFriends x UNO deck is available for $25 pre-sale exclusively at MattelCreations.com.

Rainbow Group’s Pinocchio and Friends joins CBeebies lineup

Posted on by

Italy’s Rainbow Group has inked an exclusive agreement with the UK’s leading free-to-air preschool channel CBeebies to broadcast its new CGI animated series Pinocchio and Friends from early 2022.

The new adaptation featuring the much-loved wooden character ranks as the most watched and top-rated show on Italian channel Rai Yoyo, which premiered Pinocchio and Friends last November.

Produced by Rainbow in collaboration with Rai Ragazzi and Toonz Media Group, the 26 x 12-minute action-comedy show retains the original values that made Collodi’s novel a timeless classic, while taking the audience on brand-new adventures set in the artfully designed, contemporary world.

The puppet is joined on his adventures by Freeda, a pirate doll always ready to board, and grumpy Talking Cricket, appointed by the Fairy with Turquoise Hair to keep an eye on them. Among old and new encounters, modern technology, and surprising twists, Pinocchio aims to take the audience on a funny journey to discover everyday little wonders and universal values such as inclusion, friendship and the power of dreams.

Rainbow’s Founder and CEO Iginio Straffi, who devised the concept for the new show, says: “I have been waiting for the right time to bring this concept to light with the attention and quality it deserves. My new Pinocchio brings out the essence of what makes this story so inspirational while speaking to children in a light-hearted, educational show that empowers their dreams with key life values and exciting dynamics.

“I couldn’t be more delighted that we’ve partnered with top-quality broadcaster BBC to air on CBeebies for British children next year, and we look forward to seeing the series thrive.”

 

 

 

TomboyX partners with Warner Bros for Enter the Matrix collection

Posted on by

Tomboy X has collaborated with Warner Bros for the third time for its Enter the Matrix collection. The new clothing range is inspired by The Matrix Resurrections, the fourth film in The Matrix franchise starring Keanu Reaves, Priyanka Chopra and Neil Patrick Harris.

The collection features TomboyX’s signature genderless underwear and loungewear including bras, underwear, t-shirt and joggers in a Matrix-themed print made with TENCEL™ and OEKO-TEX®-certified cotton.

In sizes XS – 6X with prices ranging from $20 – $48, items are available now at TomboyX.com.

BBC Studios signs new UK deals for Bluey

Posted on by

BBC Studios has signed UK licensing deals for Bluey with Character Options for Weebles, as well as Danilo (calendars, cards and gift stationary) and Amscan (party wares).

The deal with Character Options should see Bluey versions of classic toy Weebles on UK shelves in July 2022.

Mark Hunt, Marketing Director, Character Options, says: “We are delighted to be a part of the Bluey family. Weebles has heritage with iconic branding that is highly recognisable amongst parents, and we believe Bluey figures that wobble but don’t fall down, is a play pattern that perfectly aligns with the target age group.”

Danilo product lines are set to include calendars, cards, gift wrap and sets and will launch in spring/summer 2022.

Amscan have extended their partnership with BBC Studios to include Bluey, and will have foil/latex balloons, party goods and dress up/costumes available for fans from January 2023.

Mandy Thwaites, Director, Magazines & Consumer Products, UK Division at BBC Studios, says: “Bluey has been a huge success for us in 2021, rounded off with a great performance at Christmas in the UK. We’re delighted to bring new partners on board to continue this growth and can’t wait to work with Character Options, Danilo and Amscan on exciting new products for Bluey fans.”

These new product lines complement a growing range across UK and EMEA which has been bolstered recently by licensing expansion in Italy and Greece. New products will also be launched in Spring 2022 from master toy partner Moose, including talking plush toys and the Bluey caravan. Crayola are also set to launch product lines in the UK in early 2022.

Bluey is produced by multi-Emmy award-winning Ludo Studio for ABC Kids Australia, co-commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios, and distributed internationally by BBC Studios outside of Australia.

New licensing opportunities for hit animation Bluey as it launches in Italy and Greece

Forever 21 teams with Virtual Brand Group for Roblox experiences

Posted on by

Virtual Brand Group, a metaverse creation company which accelerates global brands into the metaverse, and iconic fashion brand Forever 21, owned by Authentic Brands Group, today announced an exclusive partnership to build a fashion retail experience on Roblox, the global online platform for shared experiences connecting tens of millions of people every day.

The all-new experience, Forever 21 Shop City, is designed to allow Roblox users, fashion influencers and creative world builders to own and manage their personal store.

Users will be able to buy and sell Forever 21 merchandise, including accessories and clothing, hire non-player characters (NPCs) as employees and express themselves by customising every aspect of their own store as they try to become the ‘top shop’ in the experience.

Forever 21 Shop City is a community-first game launching in collaboration with some of Roblox’s most “fashion fabulous” user generated content creators and Roblox influencers. Sam Jordan @Builder_Boy curated the Forever21 Shop City fashion line in partnership with @Beeism, @OceanOrbsRBX, and @JazzyX3 who have all created exclusive items for Forever 21 Shop City and collectively had millions of item sales on the platform.

In addition, Forever 21 Shop City will feature personally designed stores by influencers such as KrystinPlays, Shaylo, and the Sopo Squad.

“The metaverse is the most transformative innovation since the creation of the internet,” says Justin Hochberg, VBG’s CEO. “Roblox is one of the platforms creating the biggest business opportunities for brands with more than 50 million daily active users who socialise and live digital lives for hours every day, just like my son, daughter and all their friends do.

“Our collaboration with Forever 21 marks not just one of the biggest metaverse launches this year, but also one that uniquely combines the physical and virtual worlds by delivering IRL content from Forever 21 in-game and finding ways for Roblox UGC creations to exist in real life.”

Katrina Glusac, Chief Merchandising Officer at Forever 21, says: “With Forever 21 Shop City, our goal is to expand how we engage with customers, extending our presence and product in new ways. We’re excited to provide a new space on Roblox where our fans can connect with their community and bring their own vision of Forever 21 to life.”

Every 21st of each month, Forever 21 Shop City will have “Forever 21 Day”, integrating new themed content and activities. December 21st will mark the first-ever Forever 21 Day and will commence with a holiday-themed update.

 

Shaun the Sheep gets merry in Merino in new partnership with The Woolmark Company

Posted on by

To mark the launch of Shaun the Sheep’s latest film Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas, multi-award-winning animation studio Aardman has created a unique short film with The Woolmark Company, celebrating planet-friendly fibres this festive season.

The short film, which can be watched here, sees Shaun and the flock busily knitting Christmas jumpers from 100% pure wool to gift during the holidays.

“Christmas has come early for us as we deliver another wonderful partnership with The Woolmark Company,” says Aardman Marketing Director Lucy Wendover. “We’re delighted to celebrate the gift of giving natural wool jumpers and Shaun the Sheep is the perfect fit. The respect of nature and sustainability are key themes for Shaun the Sheep and increasingly important to the whole studio, so it’s great to have this at the heart of the campaign.”

“We’re thrilled to partner once again with Aardman on another Shaun the Sheep film,” adds John Roberts, CEO of Australian Wool Innovation (parent company of The Woolmark Company).

“One of Woolmark’s key pillars is to champion conscious consumption and drive more sustainable purchasing pathways. There’s never been a better time than the festive season to champion this message and encourage people to think about what they gift to friends and family.

“Shaun and his flock choose to gift wool jumpers, knowing this natural fibre is not only long-lasting but its emotional value is strong as it is handed down to from one owner to the next.”

UK department store Fenwick has joined Shaun and friends to celebrate the eco-credentials of wool, creating an edit of seasonal woolly essentials available in store and online. Shop the range here.

Continue reading →

Beanstalk extends global reach with new offices in Mexico and Brazil

Posted on by

Brand licensing agency Beanstalk has further extended its global reach by establishing offices in Mexico City, Mexico, and Sao Paulo, Brazil, to directly service its global clients and the growing demand for corporate brands in the region.

In addition, Beanstalk has established a licensing team dedicated to servicing the Caribbean, Central American, Andean and Southern regions of Latin America. The agency is developing licensing programs in Latin America for several of the world’s most recognisable brands.

Beanstalk’s on-the-ground presence in Mexico and Brazil will provide direct, localised licensing expertise to assist clients in expanding their brands’ presence in the territory. The agency is also actively identifying opportunities for native Latin American brands that can benefit from utilising licensing as part of their marketing strategies.

Allison Ames, president and CEO of Beanstalk, says: “The culture at Beanstalk has always focused on empowering teams to identify trends and opportunities that keep the agency and our clients’ licensing programs at the forefront of the licensing industry. As Beanstalk approaches its 30th anniversary, we continue this tradition with the expansion of our on-the-ground presence in Latin America to service our clients and to capitalize on the growth of brand licensing in the region.

“According to Licensing International’s annual Global Licensing Survey, licensing in Latin America grew nearly 10% from 2018 to 2020, and despite the global pandemic, licensing in the region will continue to be a source of new opportunities for world-class brands.”

To learn more about Beanstalk’s services in Latin America contact LATAM@beanstalk.com or visit www.beanstalk.com.