Rovio and Billebeino team up for limited-edition Angry Birds capsule collection

There’s a new bird in town! Two Finnish companies – Rovio Entertainment and lifestyle brand Billebeino – have collaborated on a new limited-edition Angry Birds capsule collection, in a deal brokered by IMG. The line features Rovio’s iconic Angry Birds characters and a new exclusive character, Bille Bird, based on Billebeino founder and former NHL player Ville Leino. The limited-edition garments land in select retailers and in the Billebeino online store today.

The collection will include unisex casual wear and accessories for adults and children. The garments feature designs that combine the iconic Angry Birds characters with the minimalist and instantly recognisable logo and typeface styles that Billebeino has come to be known for. Bille Bird will appear in graphical placements that play on the fun and destructive nature of the Angry Birds, with kids’ designs incorporating the destructible materials that appear in every Angry Birds game.

Billebeino was founded in 2014 by former NHL player, Ville Leino, whose passion for sports and expression through art came together to inspire the brand. Today, Billebeino specialises in casual wear, all featuring Ville Leino’s designs.

“With Billebeino, we’ve found a partner that’s just as adventurous and fun as Angry Birds,” says Katri Chacona, Director of Licensing at Rovio. “Each brand brings its own unique design approach and offbeat sense of humour into the mix, resulting in a stylish new line that truly stands out from the rest.”

Commenting on the inspiration for the capsule collection, Billebeino founder Ville Leino says: “We wanted this collection to be playful and fun. We used a lot of colours and art on designs so we could get the whole family excited about the collection. It was very inspirational working with an international Finnish company. The most unique thing was designing our own character in the style of the legendary Angry Birds games. For an extra touch, we created a limited-edition Bille Bird plushie and choreographed a Bille Bird dance in cooperation with local dance school, DCA. We hope this collaboration inspires people to move, dance and enjoy life.”

To view the collection, click here.

Lisle Licensing bolsters commercial team to support growth

Leeds-based agency Lisle Licensing has seen an uplift in new client business and increased licensing activity throughout 2021.  To support its growth, two new commercial team members have joined the agency to support the team.

Deborah Haigh (above left) joined as Commercial & Retail Manager at the beginning of October in a role where she will work alongside Francesca and Colin Lisle with key account management at both licensee and retail level. In particular, she will work closely on new brands including the Style Sisters and Kate Smith Co.

Deborah joins Lisle Licensing with a career roster that spans retail operations, and client and business management. Having worked with blue-chip brands including Asda, Tui and Jazz FM she comes with an enviable insight into both client and operational functions.

A new role of Commercial Assistant is being introduced into the business structure to support the senior team. Lisle Licensing has appointed Katie Moran (above right) to this role with immediate effect. With three years’ experience in administration and liaising with external suppliers, she is key in ensuring the smooth-running of the business. Katie will work closely with licensees on their product launches as well as coordinating marketing and brand activities.

Commenting on the appointments, Francesca Lisle says: “I’m thrilled that we have two exceptionally skilled executives joining our team, who also bring with them a passion for our client portfolio, can-do attitudes and a sense of fun. After all, our industry isn’t just about doing great business, but being immersive across all areas, and networking. I look forward to introducing them in-person with licensors, retailers and licensees at BLE next month.”

 

Yeti Farm Creative’s Sweet Tweets expands to longer format and scores global distributor

Artist-driven Canadian studio Yeti Farm Creative is bringing a longer-form version of its Sweet Tweets series to Knowledge: Kids on British Columbia’s Knowledge Network, the publicly funded education cable network. The fan-favourite show will premiere on November 1, 2021.

In addition, Yeti Farm Creative (Hotel Transylvania Season 2, Summer Memories) has named Zodiak Kids, part of Banijay (Super Agent Jon Le Bon, Horrid Henry), worldwide distributor for the new 26 x 3.5 story-driven series produced with the financial participation of the Shaw Rocket Fund.

“We’re so excited to bring the Sweet Tweets series to viewers across Canada and around the world,” says Ashley Ramsay, Founder and CEO of Yeti Farm Creative and Co-Executive Producer of the show. “Sweet Tweets has amassed a large and loyal following on YouTube and other digital platforms over the years and we look forward to working with Knowledge: Kids and Zodiak Kids to debut the new longer-form series for existing and new fans everywhere.”

“Zodiak Kids is delighted to have taken on the distribution of this gorgeous yet simple programme,” says Delphine Dumont, SVP of Sales, Acquisitions & Co-Production, Zodiak Kids. “We are looking forward to presenting the longer version to broadcasters globally.”

Sweet Tweets will present character-driven stories about life’s small adventures, featuring a cast of friendly “Tweets” who laugh, play and, especially, sing together. The relatable stories focus on social-emotional lessons for preschoolers, from dealing with disappointments – like being inside on a rainy day and cleaning up big messes – to the simple joys of everyday life such as playing games with friends and learning something new.

The upcoming show expands on the original Sweet Tweets series of song-centred, one-minute digital shorts. Every episode of the longer-form series will include a minute-long, standalone original song by composer Daniel Ingram (My Little Pony: The Movie, Littlest Pet Shop), to be available on iTunes.

The series was created entirely in British Columbia with 2D Harmony. It is set to air on Knowledge Network each weekday at 12:42pm PT and stream across Canada on the free Knowledge: Kids app and online at www.knowledgekids.ca.

 

Cabal rum partners with The Explorers Club for journey of discovery

Cabal rum is the new official partner of the Great Britain and Ireland Chapter of The Explorers Club, the international organisation dedicated to the advancement of field exploration and scientific inquiry.

Together, they will be hosting a wide range of events and strategic exploration initiatives aimed at supporting research and education in the physical, natural and biological sciences, starting with a special evening event on board HQS Wellington in London on 27 November.

Claire Kinloch, CEO of Edinburgh based Harpalion Spirits, owner of the Cabal brand, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with such an inspiring partner as part of our overarching strategy. Cabal rum has been built on an ethos of truth, taste and togetherness, with collaboration and exploration wholly embedded in our product development process, and we have the utmost respect for the legacy of the rum industry and the environment in which we operate. The partnership will provide our other partners, customers and consumers with the opportunity to engage, learn and benefit from the work we will do together, adding value to what we collectively strive to offer and contribute to the sector, society and the planet.”

The Great Britain and Ireland Chapter regionally represents global organisation The Explorers Club, which was founded in New York in 1904. Chapters of The Explorers Club can be found throughout the world, creating individual communities of like-minded people from many different disciplines of exploration.

The Club’s members have been responsible for an illustrious series of famous firsts: first to the North Pole, first to the South Pole, first to the summit of Mount Everest, first to the deepest point in the ocean, first to the surface of the moon – all accomplished by its members.

Patrons in the UK include Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Sir Chris Bonington, Rory Golden, Alexandra Shackleton, Felicity Aston, Levison Wood, Rod McDonald, Sir David Kim Hempleman-Adams, Kenton Cool, Alicia Colson and Neville Shulman.

Explorer, author, speaker and chairman of The Explorers Club GB and Ireland Chapter, Mark Wood, said of the partnership: “We’re really excited to be working with Cabal and the team. They have shown a real understanding of what The Explorers Club is about and what it is trying to achieve. We are really looking forward to working with such an enthusiastic, passionate, committed and engaged team to help us raise awareness and promote the incredible endeavours of The Explorers Club.”

Cabal No.1513, which was officially launched in May 2021, is created using a combination of pot and column distillation techniques with rums from distilleries in Guatemala, Guyana, Trinidad, Panama and the Caribbean, tropically aged at origin. The liquid is then finished in Pedro Ximénez casks in Speyside. There is no added colouring, flavour or sugar, leaving a high-quality, natural rum.

Cabal No.1513 was awarded gold in the super premium golden rum category at the recent Spirits Business Global Spirits Masters 2021 and a silver at the DBSB Autumn Tasting.

Cabal No.1513 is distributed in the UK through bbb drinks and is available to both on-trade and off-trade outlets and online platforms across the UK. Export will also be a key channel and Gold Medal Marketing in Alberta, Canada, has already been appointed as a regional distributor.

Skew Studio creates the first National Trust brand licensing style guide

Brand extension expert Skew has produced a portfolio of bespoke designs for the National Trust and its brand licensing collaborations. The original designs created by Skew are now available on a range of products, including the interior tile range from Sarsen Stone Group (pictured), lighting from Anglepoise and garden tools and accessories from Burgon & Ball.

“Good design should provoke a reaction, and make you feel, think or act,” says Oliver Dyer, MD, Skew Studio. “Places cared for by the National Trust stimulate the same response, whether a stunning period interior or a pristine piece of coastline, so working with the charity to create something original together was such a rewarding project.”

The guides provide a framework for further collaborations and product ranges, unlocking untapped stories, and bringing to life important themes and messages. With new products and a wider number of partners and licensees, the National Trust can reach new audiences, securing further sources of revenue to continue their conservation work.

Clare Brown, Head of Brand Licensing and Retailer Development, National Trust, says: “The National Trust is Europe’s largest conservation charity and has the privilege of taking care of natural and architectural assets which are loved by so many people… To create this project, we asked Skew to draw upon these places – the natural and the built – to create a cohesive collection of assets that are innovative, distinctive and vibrant. I love seeing their work on our products, and how this helps us to continue to care for nature, beauty and history for future generations.”

The new style guide is already proving a great asset to the licensing team and its day to day work with licensees, according to National Trust Brand Licensing Manager Michaela Davies. “I anticipate that the new style guide will also be instrumental in the charity forming further collaborations with new licensees, delivering new sources of income to support the work of the National Trust,” she says. “Developing the guide alongside the team at Skew was a great project, and their insight and designs are key to the flexibility of this asset and the licensee partners we can now reach.”

Sara Bignardi, Lead Designer, Skew Studio commented: “It was such a thrill working with the National Trust as it is an iconic and beloved British institution. Our multi-layered approach, utilising natural assets like pebbles, coastlines, foliage and outstanding architectural features, felt like working with the fabric which forms the country. Seeing our work come alive across diverse products and packaging is satisfying, but most importantly it’s how our designs and ideas connect with the National Trust brand in a cohesive and original way.”

 

B.O.T. and the Beasties agrees publishing deal as the show’s audience grows

Award-winning merchandise, licensing and brand agency Brands with Influence has announced the signing of two new licensing partners for CBeebies show B.O.T. and the Beasties, made by Ragdoll Productions.

Leicester-based Sweet Cherry Publishing, recent winners of Small Press of the Year 2021 at the British Book Awards, is to produce a series of new book formats for the show, with the first release planned for 2022. These will include story books, picture books and creative play books utilising sounds from the episodes.

In parallel, Immediate Media has signed to run regular B.O.T. and the Beasties content in their CBeebies magazine.

“We are delighted to be welcoming two excellent new partners to the B.O.T. family,” says Martin Lowde, MD at Brands with Influence. “The series is proving really popular with the young audiences and with its colourful and eclectic range of characters there is lots of scope for a fabulous new range of books and magazines.”

Sanjee de Silva, Publisher at Sweet Cherry, explained why they were so keen to sign with B.O.T. “This brand is exactly what we have been looking for here at Sweet Cherry. It has longevity, a range of great characters and portrays the fun and educational values that we are proud to align ourselves with. Sweet Cherry’s creative teams have designed a really innovative and exciting new range for the series.”

Brands with Influence will be at BLE next month sharing more details about the B.O.T. and the Beasties licensing programme.

APC Kids scores new international deals for ‘DinoCity’, including Discovery Italia

APC Kids, the children’s entertainment division of co-production and distribution group APC Studios, has secured a wave of international sales for its preschool series DinoCity, produced by Riki Group in partnership with Animax Production animation studio. The series began rolling out in Europe earlier this year and will premiere in Russia on Karusel TV this Friday 23 October.

The hit 2D animated series will be heading to Discovery Italia, which has picked up free TV rights for broadcast on its channel Frisbee, and All Media Latvia in the Baltics (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) which has secured non-exclusive SVOD rights. APC Kids has also licensed free TV rights to TG4 for the Republic of Ireland and Minika for Turkey.

These new partners join recent sales, which include: Piwi+ (Canal+ Group, France) taking pay TV rights, along with YLE (Finland), ERT (Greece), Ketnet (Flemish Belgium) and MBC (MENA) securing free TV rights. APC Kids also licensed the exclusive free TV rights and non-exclusive SVOD rights to Menart in the Balkans (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Macedonia). The series has already successfully debuted on DeA Junior (Italy) and Tiny Pop (UK).

Lionel Marty, Managing Director of APC Kids, says: “After receiving a hugely positive response to the show’s premiere, we’re delighted to be building on the success of DinoCity by announcing new global broadcast partners. DinoCity is not only fun and adventure-filled but focuses on important themes such as family and friendship which will resonate with new audiences across the world.”

Sandro Sgrulloni, Programming & Content Acquisition Senior Manager at Discovery Kids, says: “We’re very happy that DinoCity is landing on Frisbee. Frisbee is a colourful place where kids can be given full rein to their imagination and we’re sure the stories of this ordinary family – to which the audience can relate – and the everyday situations that turn into amazing adventures, will bring fun and excitement to our viewers.”

Anna Mysskaya, Riki Group Head of International Department, commented: “DinoCity was initially created to harness the demand for truly global animation and we are so excited to see how this story will find viewers all around the world. It rarely happens that the world premiere of a project takes place outside of its origin country and so we are delighted to follow in the success of DinoCity’s debut in Italy and the UK. These new partnerships with Discovery Italia, All Media Latvia and TG4 are testament to the show’s broad appeal and we’re looking forward to shortly debuting the series on Karusel TV channel. We’re sure local Russian viewers will have the same positive reaction as we’ve seen from international audiences so far.”

DinoCity is an original preschool series created by Riki Group, in partnership with Animax Production animation studio, which portrays a family of dinosaurs in a perfectly urban setting. Little Ricky and his elder sister Tyra manage to turn most everyday situations into something quite extraordinary. Their parents will often gladly join them in their playfulness and follow their crazy reasoning, in order to help them channel all that energy and imagination… and to make sure they do not turn the house upside down.

APC Kids co-invested in the production of the 52 x 5’ international version of the series and holds exclusive distribution rights in all territories excluding Russia, CIS and China.

 

Wonder Woman comes to the catwalk with Nivedita Saboo’s latest collection

Warner Bros Consumer Products and Indian fashion designer Nivedita Saboo have announced a new collection inspired by Wonder Woman, the iconic DC Super Hero. In celebration of Wonder Woman’s 80th anniversary, Nivedita launched her range on October 15 at the St Regis, Mumbai, as a part of The Bombay Times Fashion Week.

The collection draws inspiration from the architecture, history and the spirit of the Amazonian warriors in Themyscira who support and uplift each other.

Vikram Sharma, Head of Consumer Products, Advertising & Partnerships, WarnerMedia India, Southeast Asia & Korea says: “This month marks the 80th Anniversary of Wonder Woman. She has a lasting legacy as a pop culture icon and even today is an inspiration to fans. Nivedita has captured this spirit in her stunning new collection.”

Nivedita added: “This collaboration with Warner Bros to design their prêt and couture collections truly resonates with my signature style. The custom-created digital prints, sharp seams, precision cuts and intricate techniques of detailing infuse the qualities and ethos of Wonder Woman in the womenswear and menswear ensembles. This couture collection is specially created to celebrate our Indian culture, weddings and festivals. Wonder Woman as a superhero is very close to my heart since she resonates with me, my team of wonder women and all the lives that we touch every single day while we create new products and collections. I am looking forward to launching this collection in India.”

Nivedita is an award-winning designer who has showcased her collections at fashion weeks in London, Paris, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, Colombo and all major cities in India. The collection will be available at her stores in Pune and Mumbai and on her online store at www.NiveditaSaboo.com

LEGO Group unleashes epic new range of LEGO Marvel sets

The LEGO Group has launched an epic new range of LEGO Marvel sets that will get superhero fans excited, including the LEGO Marvel Spider-Man’s Drone Duel, LEGO Marvel The Eternals In Arishem’s Shadow and LEGO Marvel Rise of the Domo.

The new products are:

  • 76240 LEGO® DC Batman™ Batmobile™ Tumble (available 1 November) £209.99
  • 76145 LEGO® Eternals’ Aerial Assault £8.99
  • 76154 LEGO® Marvel Deviant Ambush! £17.99
  • 76155 LEGO® Marvel The Eternals In Arishem’s Shadow £59.99
  • 76156 LEGO® Marvel Rise of the Domo £89.99
  • 76184 LEGO® Spider-Man vs. Mysterio’s Drone Attack £17.99
  • 76185 LEGO® Spider-Man at the Sanctum Workshop £34.99
  • 76195 LEGO® Spider-Man’s Drone Duel £17.99
  • 76237 LEGO® Sanctuary II: Endgame Battle £34.99

The new LEGO Marvel set are available for order now through www.LEGO.com and from selected leading retailers around the world.

Outright Games to launch ‘DC League of Super-Pets’ video game in 2022

Outright Games has revealed the first-ever look at the forthcoming ‘DC League of Super-Pets’ video game as part of DC Kids FanDome, the 24-hour, immersive, global virtual event that took place this weekend.

The game, which is inspired by the Warner Bros film due in theatres in summer 2022, is licensed by Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment on behalf of DC and will be available on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and PC Digital in 2022.

DC League of Super-Pets is a 3D on-rail action game that puts players in the paws of Super-Pets Krypto the Super-Dog and Ace as they fly over the city skylines to protect the animal population of Metropolis from a new and looming threat.

Founded in 2016, Outright Games has established its place in the market delivering interactive games featuring beloved global entertainment characters. Its titles include Jumanji: The Video Game (with Sony Pictures), Paw Patrol The Movie: Adventure City Calls (with Nickelodeon), Ben 10 Power Trip (with Cartoon Network) and Dragons: Dawn of New Riders (with NBC Universal).