Category Archives: Highlight

WildBrain CPLG to build design-led programme for international artist Romero Britto

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WildBrain CPLG has been appointed to represent international artist Romero Britto across the UK, EMEA and Russia. Under its growing Lifestyle division, WildBrain CPLG will build a design-led programme inspired by Romero Britto’s vibrant and colourful artwork across categories including fashion, accessories, home, paper goods, gifting, and arts and crafts.

Victoria Whellans, Group Brands Director at WildBrain CPLG Lifestyle, says: “There’s currently huge demand for licensed lifestyle products inspired by the art world, as seen in Romero Britto collaborations with Puma and Wilson, that give consumers a chance to ‘own’ a piece of art through more affordable and accessible purchases. With his vast international recognition and uplifting, eye-catching and vivid style, Romero Britto’s brand is perfectly positioned to tap into this trend for the long-term and deliver engaging product ranges that will offer consumers unique ways to connect with his art.”

Lucas Vidal, Global CEO of the BRITTO and Romero Britto Fine Art brands, added: “Romero’s work is instantly recognisable, and we believe that WildBrain CPLG is an important strategic partner to continue to bring his uplifting artwork and designs to a wider audience through innovative consumer products.”

Brazilian-born Romero Britto founded the Happy Art Movement in 1992 with the mission to inspire happiness, fun, love and optimism around the globe. His art uses vibrant colours and bold patterns, and has been described as exuding “warmth, optimism and love” by The New York Times.

Britto’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums in over 100 countries. He is considered the most licensed artist in history and Britto’s Happy Art has leant itself to many collaborations with international brands, such as NetDragon WebSoft, Audi, Bentley, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Walt Disney, Universal Pictures, Evian, Hublot, Invicta, Carnival Cruise Line, Hasbro and Mattel.

ZAG Games signs deal for first official Miraculous Ladybug console game

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Following the debut of its first game for Roblox, ZAG Games, a division of independent animation studio ZAG, has signed with U.S. game publisher GameMill Entertainment and French game developer Magic Pockets to create the first official Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir console game.

Based on the global hit TV series that airs in over 120 countries, the as-yet untitled action-adventure game will be available in stores and digitally in time for Christmas 2022.

“We’re looking to create a highly immersive experience featuring various gameplay elements while empowering players of any age to enjoy a new Miraculous Ladybug experience,” says Elinor Schops, ZAG’s VP, Gaming Experience. “The original game script will align closely with the television series, and we are confident that Magic Pockets and GameMill will bring their expertise, dedication, and passion to the game that will have fans the world over adding it to their holiday ‘22 gift lists.”

Most recently, the new Miraculous adventure quest role-play game for the Roblox platform – the first game based on a TV series to be developed on Roblox – launched on May 3, 2021, exceeding over 245 million plays to date. Miraculous RP: Quests of Ladybug & Cat Noir passed 100 million visits in the first seven weeks, with 88 per cent of players giving the game a “thumbs up.” The game exceeded one million daily active users in its first week of beta, with a rolling seven-day average of 1.2 million users, representing almost three per cent of Roblox platform’s global daily active user base.

ZAG is also in development on a Miraculous bubble shooter game with game developer and publisher CrazyLabs for the company’s second mobile game for the property, Miraculous Ladybug Puzzle RPG. Slated for a Q1 2022 debut, this new take on bubble shooter puzzle games combines RPG elements that feature challenging fighting levels designed for a new generation of players. In the game, users will form their own superhero team starring the show’s characters.

Season four of the Miraculous™: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir animated TV series started to roll out in over 120 countries during spring/summer 2021, and ZAG is currently in production on a US$100 million+ animated feature to premiere in 2022.  Miraculous is the winner of 19 awards, including the 2018 Teen Choice Award for Choice Animated Series.

 

 

 

Kids First and Amazon Kids+ expand the world of Hello Kitty with new 3D animated series

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Kids First today announced its first-ever collaboration with Amazon Kids+ on an original children’s programme based on Hello Kitty. The two companies are creating a new episodic series, entitled “Hello Kitty: Super Style!,” which will bring lifestyle brand Sanrio’s global pop icon to life in premium 3D animation. The new series will premiere in major territories around the world, including the US.

The new project is produced by Paris-based production companies Watch Next and Monello (Banijay Group) with Milan-based Maga Animation Studio and distributed worldwide by Kids First, with Japanese distributor ABC Frontier, Inc. in charge of Asian territories.

In this cheerful, action-packed new series, Hello Kitty stars as the friendliest face in the tight-knit community of Cherry Town, where she will stop at nothing to help friends in need. In each episode, Hello Kitty uses the power of her magical bow to activate an amazing transformation, changing her outfit to be a brave explorer, a top-notch chef, a sensational pop star and more to help her pals overcome silly setbacks.

“I believe that children all over the world will be empowered by this Hello Kitty series to live happily in harmony with one another to create a brighter future for all. We hope you’ll also enjoy the new characters that appear alongside Hello Kitty as she explores the important themes of friendship and kindness throughout the series!” says Yuko Yamaguchi, Head Designer of Sanrio Company, Ltd.

“Having a well-known international digital video service and soon to be announced best-in-class linear broadcasters all backing the project demonstrates the wide appeal of one of the most popular and adorable characters on earth,” added Philippe Alessandri, CEO of Kids First and Watch Next.

Brand Licensing Europe partners with ExpressTest by CignPost to facilitate testing needs for international attendees

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Brand Licensing Europe has partnered with ExpressTest by CignPost to facilitate all testing requirements for international attendees. Anyone needing to take a day two test to enter England will be able to purchase a ‘click and collect’ testing kit to be picked up at ExCeL. The tests can be self-administered in any location with results uploaded online. Those requiring a ‘fit to fly’ test for re-entry into their country of origin will also be able to benefit from an onsite service with tests carried out by CignPost staff in secure private meeting rooms at the venue.

The test booking service will open during the first week of November and information will be communicated via the BLE website, social media channels and direct communications with event customers. Attendees are also reminded to join the next BLE webinar at 2pm (BST) Tuesday October 26, where the team will provide information on this new partnership as well as the show’s health and safety plan. Attendees can register for the webinar here.

ExpressTest by CignPost is one of the leading UK testing providers, an ABTA partner and a UK government listed COVID-19 screening service, which provides fast, accurate and reliable testing. They said: “We are delighted to be working with Brand Licensing Europe as official testing partner, providing both gold-standard PCR and lateral flow tests for exhibitors and delegates alike.  ExpressTest has been at the forefront of testing to help businesses operate through the pandemic.”

This latest partnership is just one of the many measures in place to help the safe return to live events by organiser Informa Markets. In addition to requiring proof of vaccination, negative test or natural immunity to enter ExCeL and an extremely comprehensive list of other safety measures, organisers are now also requiring that masks are worn by attendees. Medical exemptions will apply, as well as allowing for the removal of masks when eating and drinking. The team is also asking attendees to be respectful of each other during business meetings and wear a mask if their meeting partner requests it.

The full BLE health and safety plan can be found here and ExCeL London’s safety plan can be found here.

“As a safe event organiser, BLE is committed to going above and beyond UK government guidelines with a robust set of safety measures and the facilitation of required testing for international attendees,” said Anna Knight, VP Licensing, Informa Markets.

“We are all looking forward to the return of Brand Licensing Europe and the bringing together of the licensing industry. Nevertheless, it’s imperative that we do this as safely as possible and remove any challenges related to international travel for a significant contingent of our audience. I’m pleased to be announcing our partnership with CignPost and to reiterate our commitment to attendee safety as we approach the final countdown to BLE 2021.”

Barbie and River Island collaborate on new girlswear collection

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Barbie and high-street retailer River Island have teamed up to launch a new girlswear collection. This marks the second collaboration for the brands, following the sell-out success of their first partnership.

The collection is inspired by sports athleisure and features lush pink velour tracksuits, sporty crop tops, trainers, leggings and hoodies, including sets that are designed to be worn together or mixed and matched. Key pieces feature Barbie motifs and slogans such as ‘You Go Girl’ and ‘Stay Strong’, designed to empower mini fashion icons.

Gemma Daniels, Mattel’s Head of Softlines EMEA says: “Barbie’s appeal transcends categories and ages, and following the successful launch for Barbie’s 60th, we are excited to partner with River Island once again to offer a fashion-forward collection of kids’ apparel that will excite girls and mums alike.”

The collection will launch with a dedicated social campaign featuring River Island’s ‘mini-insiders’ modelling their favourite looks from the collection.

Barbie x River Island is available now online and in selected flagship stores. Prices start at £15.

YouTube Originals greenlights new episodes of hit Korean animated series Pinkfong Wonderstar

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YouTube Originals today announced the new episode pick-up of Pinkfong Wonderstar, SmartStudy’s popular animated series, returning with new adventures this November. The 13 new episodes of the series will be sequentially released on Pinkfong’s Korean and English official YouTube channels and will be available on the YouTube Kids app from November 9.

Pinkfong Wonderstar was the first Korean animated series on YouTube Originals in 2020. The first 13 episodes have been streamed in English and Korean since December 2020 with 73 million views as of October 2021.

YouTube Originals also launched the first 13 episodes of the series in four additional languages – Spanish, Portuguese, Indonesian and Russian – in 2021.

Pinkfong Wonderstar follows two best friends, Pinkfong and Hogi, as they team up to solve their friends’ problems in Wonderville, using Pinkfong’s magical powers and Hogi’s great ideas. Exclusive to YouTube Originals are special clips at the beginning of every episode featuring Pinkfong and Hogi’s fun explanation of key learning takeaways from each episode’s story.

“We are delighted to introduce another fun-filled adventure of Pinkfong Wonderstar on YouTube Originals,” says Min Seok Kim, CEO of SmartStudy. “We hope the series continues to bring joy to children across the globe and help them to learn the important values of life with exciting stories and songs and lovable characters.”

“Building on our successful partnership with SmartStudy, we are thrilled to bring the global YouTube Kids audience new episodes of Pinkfong,” says Nadine Zylstra, Head of Family, Learning and Impact, YouTube Originals. “It is so exciting to see the impact of launching a global IP across the world and in multiple languages on the same day.”

Pinkfong Wonderstar is the latest addition to an expanding roster of YouTube Originals focused on kids and family, including the award-winning Lockdown, and recent hits such as Get Curious with Vice President Harris, BookTube Jr, The Workout Badges, Growing with Lottie Dottie and Break the Record.

 

 

DC FanDome exclusives and new ‘The Batman’ merch available now

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Hot on the heels of a record-breaking DC FanDome, DC and Warner Bros Consumer Products have revealed more products inspired by DC Super Heroes.

Multiple retailers including the DC Shop and Walmart have unveiled toys, collectables and apparel, with the DC Shop offering more than 60 exclusive DC FanDome 2021 graphics with the potential for fans to choose from more than 270 different products.

Fans are getting a first look at the new The Batman merchandise. LEGO’s The Batman collection is available for presale exclusively at Walmart.com and features three new building sets. Meanwhile, manufacturer McFarlane Toys Collectibles has debuted a lineup of collectables related to The Batmanmovie. The Batman, The Riddler and Catwoman are all available to pre-order for $19.99.

The Batman Batmobile by Hot Wheels (pictured) is a collectible replica of Batman’s newest vehicle from the highly anticipated film. This 1:10 scale Ultimate edition features movie-accurate graphics, LED lights, smoke and flame FX from both the hood and the rear, detailed exterior and interior, a Batcave-inspired plinth, and a posable Batman figure behind the wheel. It boasts high-tech features such as light and sound effects and working suspension, as well as a diorama plinth.

Puma and Warner Bros Consumer Products have dropped five PUMA Suedes, each tied to a specific DC character, designed by award winning comic artist Jen Bartel. She took her inspiration from The Suicide Squad to create sneakers for King Shark, Harley Quinn, Peacemaker, Polka-Dot Man, and Bloodsport.

Tango Hotel is releasing a limited-edition clothing collection featuring key artwork from Batman: The World, DC’s new 184-page hardcover anthology book. Apparel collections from Extra Butter and Meshika Hats have also dropped.

DC FanDome shattered last year’s viewership with 66 million views worldwide to date from the streaming event on October 16. The virtual event drew fans from around the world to immerse themselves in the DC Multiverse with exclusive first-looks and behind-the-scenes previews from highly anticipated feature films, live-action and animated television series, games, comics, home entertainment releases and more.

 

 

One Animation adds new fan experiences and product ranges for Oddbods

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Singapore-based creation, distribution and licensing studio One Animation is finding new ways to bring hit CG-animated property Oddbods to fans, securing new seasonal activations and consumer products partnerships in Europe and Asia.

In the Netherlands, One Animation has inked a deal with Just In Between Pictures for an Oddbods Halloween-themed 55-minute theatrical experience, consisting of two existing extended 22-minute length specials – ‘Party Monsters’ and ‘Oddbeard’s Curse’ – and seven-minute ‘Halloween Heroes’ episode. The experience is currently available across 75 local cinemas.

In Malaysia, One Animation’s local consumer products agent ANIMONSTA Studios has secured a new publishing deal with Ladybug for a range spanning activity books and interactive products, which will launch in Q4 2021 across extensive local retail and distribution networks. A further deal has also been signed in the territory with Dr Mama for self-sanitising kids’ fabric face masks and additional personal care items, such as hand sanitisers, with the collection launch scheduled for Q1 2022.

Sashim Parmanand, CEO at One Animation, says: “A core part of our Oddbods strategy is ensuring we’re bringing the brand to life for fans all around the world through innovative, captivating, and accessible experiences – it’s important that the Oddbods gang plays a role in their lives beyond the screen. Both the new cinema activation and merchandise ranges give young fans and their families a variety of colourful and interactive ways to engage with the brand.”

Condé Nast opens second Vogue Café in China at Galeries Lafayette Shanghai

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Vogue Café Shanghai has opened its doors as Condé Nast’s second branded property venture in China. The Café opens at luxury shopping destination Galeries Lafayette Shanghai, and follows the success of the opening of Vogue Café Beijing which opened in November 2020. Both of the Vogue Cafés in China operate under license agreement with Beijing Sycamore Seed Advertising & Media Co Ltd.

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Beijing Sycamore Seed Advertising & Media Co Ltd and open our second café venture in China’s fashion capital, Shanghai,” says Markus Grindel, Managing Director, Global Brand Licensing, Condé Nast. “Our restaurant ventures are designed to offer consumers a unique luxury experience as a physical extension of our world-leading media brands. Galeries Lafayette is the perfect destination for the Vogue Café which transforms fashion, style and culture into a dining space.”

The 300-square metre space features two dining rooms and a cocktail bar. It offers an all-day dining menu of modern Mediterranean cuisine with some Asian influences, as well as Vogue Afternoon tea and a takeaway menu. In addition to featuring iconic imagery from editions of Vogue around the world, the walls will display exclusive video content, shot by Vogue China’s new Editor in Chief Margaret Zhang.

Vogue Café Shanghai joins Condé Nast’s portfolio of branded property under its global licensing division. Other Condé Nast restaurants around the world include Vogue Cafés in Bangkok, Beijing, Moscow, Porto and Riyadh, Vogue Lounge Kuala Lumpur, Vogue Restaurant Istanbul and GQ Bar Bodrum.

WWE and Mattel extend global partnership

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WWE and Mattel have announced a multi-year extension of their global master toy licensing agreement. The extended partnership includes exclusive rights around Action Figures, Action Figure Accessories and Kids Toy Title Belts.

The portfolio of innovative toys that Mattel and WWE have developed together since 2009 are currently stocked in more than 50 global markets around the world. WWE Action Figures have ranked as the No. 1 action figure property in the US and consistently hold a top ranking.

Mattel’s WWE Basic Action Figure Series is the longest-running continuous action figure assortment in history. Over the years, WWE and Mattel have launched multiple collaborations such as WWE and Ghostbusters and WWE and Masters of the Universe.

“Mattel is a true industry leader that continues to surprise and delight our fans around the world with innovative and creative WWE products that drive significant revenue for our retail partners,” says Sarah Cummins, WWE Senior Vice President, Consumer Products.

Nick Karamanos, Senior Vice President of Entertainment Partnerships, Mattel, adds: “We are very pleased that WWE has once again chosen Mattel to help bring its storied history and characters to children and fans around the world. WWE is an important partner, and we look forward to continuing our relationship for years to come.”