Category Archives: Highlight

Jared and Esquire launch men’s jewellery collection

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Retail jewellery chain Jared has announced the launch of estd. 1933 by Esquire, a collection designed in partnership with Esquire and SHR Jewelry Group. In a deal brokered by IMG, the collaboration will leverage increased visibility around the men’s jewellery category for Jared this holiday season. The new line features styles crafted in sterling silver with 10-14K gold overlay, and unexpected textures and materials.

“The men’s collection launch with Esquire and SHR reinforces our commitment to capturing market share in this ever-growing category,” says Ann Grimmett, Vice President of Merchandising at Jared. “As an expert in men’s fashion, Esquire is an ideal partner for this initiative to help elevate Jared’s current offerings and provide our customers with a well-made, stylish collection at an accessible price point.”

The collection is available to purchase on Jared.com and in stores now. The jewellery line will include a range of bracelets, rings, necklaces, pendants and earrings at a variety of price points starting at $199. Every piece is discreetly engraved with an unmistakable Esquire signature “E” to ensure authenticity.

“As more and more men are expressing themselves through jewellery, it’s critical to offer them the right blend of design, materials and craftsmanship that they can wear with confidence,” adds Scott Rauch, CEO of SHR Jewelry Group.

 

Skincare and yoga gear among Sesame Street’s latest direct-to-consumer collabs

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Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, is teaming up with a raft of direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands to let fans show their love for their favourite Sesame Street Muppets in new and fashion-forward ways.

“The pandemic has changed the way consumers shop, accelerating e-commerce growth to new heights,” says Gabriela Arenas, Vice President, Global Licensing, Sesame Workshop. “With the DTC model taking centre stage and shifting even more retail activity online, we’ve pivoted our licensing strategy to meet this new consumer demand. As we continue building long-term relationships with our fans, we’re thrilled to collaborate with these trend-setting lifestyle brands and take an innovative multigeneration approach to propel our characters forward.”

Sesame Street’s latest DTC collaborations are as follows:

  • Hedley & Bennett has launched a Sesame Street-inspired collection of their chef-tested premium kitchen gear this month. Featuring Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Elmo, and Bert and Ernie, the aprons are handcrafted and super functional for any cooking adventure.
  • Nugget, makers of the original play couch and leaders in the play couch category, has teamed up with Sesame Street to create the Elmo Nugget. This is a one-of-a-kind, mixed-fabric Nugget featuring a soft patterned cushion in microsuede, a thick sturdy base in Elmo’s signature red, and two triangle pillows each with Elmo eyes and nose—all for endless mix-and-match fun.
  • Sesame Street and NYC-based Staple joined forces on a new streetwear collaboration. Mixing Staple’s iconic pigeon and colorful graphics with favorite Sesame Street characters, the collection includes adult shirts, hoodies, hats, outerwear, a rug and plush.
  • Skincare brand Starface has launched a limited-edition collection inspired by Sesame Street characters. Starface products including Hydro-Star pimple protectors and Lift Off Pore Strips have been redesigned to feature Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and Oscar the Grouch.
  • Yoga accessory brand Yune Yoga is offering a new collection featuring Sesame Street’s Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, and The Count. Available now, the light-but-dense Trekk travel is made from eco-friendly PER, and features a soft, ridged surface and a firmer, stickier bottom for grip on any surface.

Earlier this year, Sesame Workshop announced a team-up with Hanna Andersson for an exclusive capsule collection of Sesame Street organic cotton pyjamas, as well as the launch of its sixth collection with Bombas – now including baby socks sized 0-6 months and 6-12 months, alongside adult and kids’ styles – and a collaboration with Designs by Chad & Jake for personalised gifts for infant and toddlers featuring Sesame Street characters.

 

Kelvyn Gardner License This! winners announced

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The winners of the 2021 Kelvyn Gardner License This! competition were announced at Brand Licensing Europe on Friday afternoon after nine finalists battled it out in three pitches full of creativity, inspiration, laughter and emotion.

The winners are:

  • Brand & Design Category: Sophie Jonas-Hill and Tea for Tattoo
  • Character & Animation: Joel Mercer – SeedFolk
  • New for 2021! Product Design in partnership with Mojo Nation: Wayne Lindsay – Imaginnovation
  • Tea for Tattoo is a series of hand-drawn motifs which bring together the colour palette and style of traditional blue and white ceramics, with the aesthetic and cheeky edge of old-school tattoos.
  • SeedFolk has been developed by the innovative creative team behind Seedlings Cards & Gifts; a lovable range of characters, who care for our native habitats and wildflower seeds.
  • Wayne Lindsay designed a desk tidy based on Aardman Animations’ beloved Morph and Chaz characters, a product inspired by the ‘tension’ and ‘collaboration’ epitomised in their relationship.

When commenting on the final presentations, Ian Downes, chair of the judges and director of Start Licensing, said of the Brand & Design and Character & Animation categories:

“Congratulations to the finalists who presented very strong, well thought through and commercially mindful concepts. Lots of thought had gone into where the brands fit the market and the licensing potential of them.”

Of the Product Design category presentations, he said, “It was genuinely a very close call. The spirit of friendship between the designers – all three are sitting together – is a real credit to them and to design and creative people. It was a really good set of presentations, products and ideas and Aardman and Start Licensing would love to talk to all three designers afterwards about developing their ideas in the future and talk about how we can bring them to life.”

The Kelvyn Gardner License This! final can be viewed again during the online Brand Licensing Europe event, which takes place 30 November – 1 December. Brand Licensing Europe returns in 2022 from 20-22 September at ExCeL London.

Crunchyroll appoints Reemsborko as UK and Eire licensing agent for anime properties

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Crunchyroll, which connects anime and manga fans across 200+ countries and territories through the content they love, has appointed Reemsborko Ltd as the UK and Eire licensing agent for One Punch Man, JoJo’s Bizzare Adventure, God of High School, Tower of God and Bananya.

“Crunchyroll are a great partner and I’m very pleased to be able to expand the Reemsborko roster,” says Max Arguile of Reemsborko. “Animé is a still growing genre, especially in the UK.”

Waell Oueslati of Crunchyroll adds: “Reemsborko have done strong work so far for Crunchyroll with Junji Itô Collection. It makes sense to expand this with these properties.”

For licensing opportunities, contact max@reemsborko.com

Universal Brand Development prepares for the return of Minions in summer 2022

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Illumination’s Minions: The Rise of Gru, the long-awaited next installment of the most successful animated franchise in history, is set to hit cinemas across the globe in July 2022.

In anticipation, Universal Brand Development (UBD) is pulling out all the stops to support the new feature film with global toy partners Mattel and The Lego Group. The toy collection will feature fresh new looks of action figures, construction sets, electronics, plush, collectibles and playsets. Other partners include Topps, Asmodee, Ravensburger, Clementoni, Posh Paws, Danilo and Boxine.

During last year’s 2020 lockdown, Minions’ global popularity in the international grocery sector, which remained open, kept the beloved characters front-of-mind. The franchise has shown continued strength throughout Europe in FMCG, food, personal care and beauty categories and UBD is planning a broad-based programme in a number of categories with Yazoo, Brioche, Pez, Danone, Volvic, Perfetti Van Melle, Colgate, Avon, BIP and Glamglow.  Softlines will also be a focus as Minions: The Rise of Gru sparks further interest in the franchise.

With a roster of local agents around the globe, UBD is taking a tailored approach to retail activations and licensing and merchandising opportunities. It is a formula that has consistently delivered results, establishing Minions as a powerhouse brand.

Last summer, UBD developed a number of online-only events and promotions including the Free the Fun digital pop-up event in the UK that included giveaways and prizes that enlisted top-tier UK grocers including ALDI, ASDA, Sainsbury, Tesco, as well as toy stores Smyths, The Entertainer and Hamleys. Leading up to the film’s release in 2022, UBD’s promotional and marketing efforts will be doubled as the pent-up demand and anticipation for all things Minions is expected to be huge.

 

WildBrain appoints JAKKS Pacific as master global toy partner for Chip & Potato

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WildBrain has appointed JAKKS Pacific, the leading toy and consumer products manufacturer, as master global toy partner for its hit animated preschool brand, Chip & Potato. Additionally, Netflix has picked up Season 3 of Chip & Potato (20 x 11’) plus three seasonal specials (3 x 22’). An original series produced by WildBrain and Darrall Macqueen, Chip & Potato (S1 and S2: 20 x 22’) first launched on Netflix in 2019 and is also available on Netflix Junior’s YouTube channel.

The Master Toy partnership with JAKKS Pacific will launch the brand from the screen to the toy shelf, as JAKKS Pacific develops a range across multiple toy categories, including plush, figures, playsets, and role play for North America, the UK and Australia. Launch for the range is scheduled from autumn 2022. The deal with JAKKS Pacific was brokered by WildBrain’s consumer products licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG.

Michael Riley, Chief Brands Officer at WildBrain, said: “Chip & Potato is a terrific example of WildBrain’s brand capabilities extending from development and production, through global distribution, to consumer products licensing. Chip & Potato has captured the hearts of kids and families around the world, and it’s been a delight to work with Netflix and Darrall Macqueen to deliver this original property to a huge global audience. We look forward now to extending that enjoyment off screen for kids with new toys from JAKKS Pacific.”

Virginia Reneau, SVP of Global Licensing at JAKKS Pacific, Inc, added: “Preschool products and toys is a priority category at JAKKS and Chip & Potato is the perfect fit for our growing line. We look forward to working with WildBrain to bring Chip, Potato and the rest of their friends to the toy aisle.”

Produced at WildBrain’s Vancouver animation studio, Chip & Potato follows Chip, a five-year-old pug whose life is about to change. She’s going it alone at kindergarten, play dates and sleepovers, and facing big life challenges without grown-ups. There to help and comfort Chip whenever she needs it is her best friend Potato: a little “toy” who she snuggles in her pocket. However, Potato is actually a real, living mouse who must be kept a secret.

 

WarnerMedia EMEA commissions preschool series Spookies for Cartoonito and HBO Max EMEA

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WarnerMedia has acquired the broadcast rights for German-produced preschool show Spookies. The series will be broadcast on WarnerMedia’s Cartoonito channel and will also be streamed on HBO Max in EMEA. Serious Kids, UK, is the global distributor of Spookies, which is produced by Wolkenlenker. The 78 x 7 CGI animated series is due to be delivered in 2023/24.

Spookies tells the story of three special little spooks, Lily, Bob, and Freddy, who live in Castle Ravenrock where there is something new to discover around every cobwebbed corner and up every dusty stairwell. In Ravenrock, no door stays locked, no secret stays under lock and key and no opportunity for adventure is wasted.

 Zia Bales, Lead Acquisitions, Partnerships and Coproductions Kids & Family, WarnerMedia EMEA, says:“Spookies immediately stood out as a perfect fit for Cartoonito and for HBO Max EMEA. We are excited to partner with Wolkenlenker to bring this delightful show to preschool audiences.”

Sebastian Wehner, Wolkenlenker, adds: “Childhood today can be anxiety inducing. Our three little ghosts are showing kids, with a lot of humour and understanding, that you can overcome almost everything life throws at you.”

The series concept was created by Daniel Acht and the Head Writer is Jen Upton.

 

 

 

 

 

Penske Media Corporation accelerates consumer products programme with Brainbase

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Brainbase, the venture-backed company helping licensing teams optimise their partnerships from contract to revenue, and Penske Media Corporation (PMC), a pioneer in the digital media space and owner of iconic brands including Billboard, Robb Report, Rolling Stone, SXSW, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety and WWD, among many others, have announced that PMC will begin using Brainbase’s brand licensing platform to streamline and manage their global licensing business.

“We’re thrilled to combine Brainbase’s leading licensing technology platform with PMC’s innovation in the media and entertainment space to create an elevated consumer products programme,” says Nate Cavanaugh, co-founder and CEO of Brainbase. “Our team is committed to delivering industry-leading technology that will take PMC’s growing licensing business to the next level and contribute to their organisation’s success for years to come.”

“As PMC continues to evolve with its brands’ audiences, we’re excited to expand our licensing programme to new categories including cannabis, health & wellness, food & beverage, apparel and more,” says Rachel Terrace, SVP of Licensing & Brand Development at PMC. “The Brainbase platform will enable us to optimise our processes and in turn launch a diverse range of partnerships across our iconic brands.”

Brainbase aims to bring together every feature required to run a global licensing business at scale to help licensing teams make smarter, faster decisions. With the help of Brainbase, IP owners are able to unify their global operations into a single software platform – from deals, product approvals, royalty reporting, digital asset management, and dashboard analytics.

PMC joins a Brainbase customer roster with leading global brands including BBC Studios, BuzzFeed, Chefclub, Crayola, Moose Toys, SYBO Games and the Van Gogh Museum, among others.

 

Penguin Ventures announces new Peter Rabbit collection from Blade & Rose

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Penguin Ventures has announced a new Peter Rabbit apparel collaboration with Blade & Rose, on behalf of Frederick Warne & Co (owner of THE WORLD OF PETER RABBIT and part of Penguin Random House).

The leading children’s clothing brand specialises in trend-setting leggings, featuring stylish and quirky designs on the bottom with matching accessories.

The Blade & Rose X Peter Rabbit collection features five distinct designs – Veg Patch, Playtime, Floral, Classic and Festive – which all take inspiration from Beatrix Potter’s Lake District, where Blade & Rose are based. Each set includes a long-sleeved top, matching leggings and socks for babies and preschool children aged 0-4 years and is designed with comfort and longevity in mind.

Jen Greenway, Softlines Category Manager at Penguin Ventures says: “Blade & Rose have done a fantastic job of bringing Peter Rabbit to life in their bold and colourful trademark style. The collection includes their iconic leggings with designs on the bottom and is sure to keep little ones cosy and well-dressed this autumn. Blade & Rose keep quality at the heart of their offering and this, together with an impressive commitment to sustainability, has made them a brilliant partner to work with for Peter Rabbit.”

Amanda Peffer, owner and founder of Blade & Rose, says: “We are so excited to launch an iconic collection featuring none other than children’s favourite, Peter Rabbit himself. Blade & Rose was born in the Lake District from a love of bright design and comfort for children, and we take inspiration from the beautiful countryside around us just as Beatrix did when she was creating her famous Tales. We’re delighted to be on this journey with Peter Rabbit and to have launched this amazing collaboration with Penguin Ventures.”

The Winter range will be launched in January and will be available directly from www.bladeandrose.co.uk

 

Banijay Brands strengthens portfolio with Banijay Kids and Family

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Banijay Brands has announced it has secured the brand licensing rights to the Banijay Kids and Family catalogue.

Banijay Kids and Family produces a wide range of animation and live action series, digital content, and entertainment formats for children worldwide under three production labels: Zodiak Kids and Family, Monello Productions and Tiger Aspect Kids and Family. Banijay Brands already represents Tiger Aspect Kids and Family IP such as Mr Bean. The new partnership will the collective to further leverage the global infrastructure of Banijay Brands and deliver extensive brand licensing programmes for titles such as Street Football, Totally Spies!, Lolirock, Silverpoint, When I Was Your Age, Mister Maker and the upcoming The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti, and Mumfie.

Banijay Brands will also work with local commercial teams to explore a number of regionally-led opportunities.

Benoît Di Sabatino, CEO, Banijay Kids and Family, says: “It’s a big achievement for Banijay to announce at the same time the creation of our new brand Banijay Kids and Family and the launch of our licencing strategy with Banijay Brands. We are confident that our evergreen IPs as well as our creations will be in good hands with such a professional team like Banijay Brands.”

Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands added: “Banijay Kids and Family has a strong and relatable kids content slate, which, when partnered with the experienced team at Banijay Brands, should trigger a lucrative position in the the children’s licensing space. Recognising the already huge interest from the market, we will be working across a number of categories including experiential, publishing, gaming and products to ensure the relevant and successful exploitation of the business’ IP moving forwards.”

Mumfie is an upcoming new animated series of the heritage property (78 x 7’), directed by the French director Daniel Dubuis. It is a co-production between Zodiak Kids Studio France and Italian animation studio Animoka alongside France Télévisions and Rai (Italy). Zodiak Kids recently announced it has secured a pre-sale from KiKA German.

Street Football is the popular animated series combining the action of matches with insights into the hardships of life is co-produced by Zodiak Kids and Monello Productions for France 3 and Rai 2.

The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti is a co-production between Zodiak Kids Studio France, and Gigglebug Entertainment. An original animated comedy series for kids aged 6+ and their families, it has been co-commissioned by Disney Channel Europe, Middle East & Africa and Nordic broadcasters YLE, DR, NRK, and SVT.

Silverpoint is a 13 x 22’ sci-fi mystery adventure series about kids at summer camp. Co-produced by Zodiak Kids, CBBC and ZDF Enterprises, the series is created by Lee Walters, Lead Writer, and Executive Producer Steven Andrew, Creative Director, Zodiak Kids.

When I Was Your Age is produced for RAI and France Télévisions by Monello Productions. The animated series features 10-year-old Paul who has a special gift – as soon as someone says “When I was your age”, Paul is thrown back into the days when the person he is talking to was 10 years old.

Mister Maker is the popular ultimate interactive arts and crafts show for younger kids. Broadcast in over 200 territories, the series is a Zodiak Kids Studios production for CBeebies.

Totally Spies! is the hit franchise that has been broadcasting for over 15 years, produced by Zodiak Kids for TF1 and Disney France.

Lolirock is a Zodiak Kids production for Disney France and France Télévisions, featuring five princesses with magical singing voices.