Category Archives: Highlight

Sakar International and SEGA of America mark Sonic’s 30th anniversary with new line of wheeled goods

Posted on by

Sakar International and SEGA of America have today announced a partnership to expand Sakar’s line of licensed wheeled goods and accessories with Sonic the Hedgehog, as part of the iconic video game character’s 30th anniversary.

This autumn, Sonic fans can speed into action and adventure with hoverboards, scooters (manual and electric), four-wheel ride-ons and skateboards (manual and electric) all inspired by the beloved hedgehog. Additionally, Sonic-themed helmets and other protective gear will be available for purchase.

“Sakar International is looking forward to helping SEGA celebrate Sonic’s 30th anniversary with products that allow young fans to be active and expand their imaginations,” says Ralph Sasson, COO at Sakar. “Sonic is one of the most iconic gaming franchises and we’re excited to bring these products to an entirely new generation of fans.”

To further celebrate Sonic’s landmark anniversary, Sakar will create a variety of Sonic-inspired video game accessories and youth electronics including speakers, headsets, keyboards, mouse pads, charging stations, gaming furniture, walkie talkies, box kits, telescopes, binoculars, role-play electronic kits, wearable VR goggles, alarm clock radios, microphones and karaoke machines, among other consumer goods.

Sonic the Hedgehog-themed wheeled goods and accessories will begin racing into Walmart and other retailers across the US this holiday season.

Headquartered in Edison, NJ, with additional offices in Canada, Latin America, Australia, Hong Kong and China, Sakar International is a leading provider of consumer electronics and accessories. The company licenses over 40 major entertainment and corporate brands and is the parent company to Vivitar, a full-spectrum consumer tech company specialising in the production of cameras, camcorders, mobile accessories, and health and wellness products.

 

The NSPCC partners with Imagine8 for Pantosaurus and Buddy merchandise

Posted on by

Edutainment Licensing has announced that UK children’s charity the NSPCC has partnered with Imagine8 to create ranges of Pantosaurus and Buddy merchandise.

Based in Warrington, Imagine8 develops product ranges from concept to delivery for a one-stop-shop cross-category solution.

The ‘Back to School with Buddy’ range includes a selection of bags, water bottles and stationery featuring strong and bold graphics.

The NSPCC’s Buddy is a bright green speech bubble mascot used to communicate the NSPCC’s ‘Speak Out. Stay Safe’ (SOSS) campaign, which has so far reached 90 per cent of primary schools nationwide.

The age-appropriate SOSS assemblies and workshops are delivered to children aged 5 to 11 across the UK and Channel Islands to encourage them to speak out if something is worrying them.

The ‘Pantosaurus Summer’ range of accessories is perfect for taking to the swimming pool as well as the beach.

Pantosaurus helps children learn about the PANTS rules, which aims to help keep them safe. From P through to S, each letter of PANTS provides a simple but valuable rule: that their private parts are private, their body belongs to them, and that they should tell an adult they trust if they’re worried or upset.

Since the launch of PANTS, 1.5 million parents have already had one of these conversations with their children and the NSPCC hopes this amazing range of products will help many more parents and carers talk PANTS with their little ones.

Cyber Group Studios readies new ‘Precious Moments’ animated comedy series for preschoolers

Posted on by

Cyber Group Studios, the international producer/distributor of animated series and creator of entertainment brands for children and families, is developing Precious Moments, an animated comedy and adventure series for children ages 4–6 based on the gift industry phenomenon of the same name.

The whimsical 52 x 11-min series is created by Scott and Julie Stewart (Kate & Mim-Mim). The development plan also includes four 30- to 60-minute holiday specials.

Precious Moments follows the adventures of 8-year-old Hope and her adorable pet hamster, Sammy, as they work together to help make the children of Heartspring’s precious moments come true. With an abundance of comedy and heart, thoughtful undertones of mindfulness and plenty of fun, action-packed moments, Precious Moments features diverse characters and strong messages of inclusiveness. The series underscores the Precious Moments brand’s core values of loving, caring, sharing and kindness via stories that emphasise sharing feelings, overcoming fears and anxieties, and more.

The Precious Moments brand, best known for its signature range of collectable porcelain figurines with distinctive teardrop-shaped eyes that help celebrate milestones and special occasions in people’s lives, has been a best-selling range of the gift business for over four decades.

“We are thrilled to be working with Cyber Group Studios and a team of thoughtful writers and artists to bring the Precious Moments brand to a new generation of children,” says Shehnaz Safiuddin, Vice President of Product and Marketing, Precious Moments, Inc. “Our updated art style and entertainment content are sure to captivate young audiences while fostering feelings of nostalgia among parents and grandparents.”

 

 

 

Team GB to present Day 1 keynote at Brand Licensing Europe

Posted on by

Fresh from securing 63 medals at Tokyo 2020 this summer, Team GB will present the opening day keynote at Brand Licensing Europe in November when British Olympic gold medallists Tom Daley and Charlotte Worthington will talk about their journeys to the 2020 Summer Olympics.

BLE – the meeting place for the European licensing industry – takes place in-person at ExCeL London from 17-19 November followed by an online event on 30 November to 1December. Visitors can register for a free ticket now at www.brandlicensing.eu

The Team GB keynote will take place on Wednesday 17 November at 4pm (GMT) in the Platinum Suite of ExCeL London, and open with the Olympians’ personal accounts of their experiences before, during and following their gold-medal-winning performances at this year’s 2020 Summer Olympics.

The first Team GB diver to win four Olympic medals, Tom Daley will appear by live video link from Canada. BMX Freestyle gold medallist Charlotte Worthington will appear in person alongside Tim Ellerton, Commercial Director of Team GB, and Will Stewart, Managing Director of The Point. 1888 (one of Team GB’s brand licensing partners).

A panel session will follow, featuring all four speakers and covering: how Team GB are building the brand to inspire future athletes and sports fans; how will Paris 2024 be a new milestone for the Team GB brand and its athletes?, and Team GB’s unique approach to brand licensing with sports and fan communities in mind.

Charlotte Worthington will join The Point. 1888 on their stand for a meet-and-greet following the presentation at 5pm.

“The brand licensing stories behind Team GB and our British Olympians are fascinating for retailers, licensees and consumers at any time, but this year – when the pandemic delayed the 2020 Summer Olympics by 12 months – they are particularly compelling,” says Informa Market’s VP of Licensing Anna Knight.

“How do you extend your campaigns while also ensuring they have the same impact with consumers? How do you maximise the window of opportunity when an athlete strikes gold? And how do you prep for something that’s three or four years ahead?

“BLE is truly honoured to have two of this summers’ most popular and inspirational Team GB Olympians participate in what will no doubt be an exceptional keynote at the event next month.”

“The Tokyo Games were a sporting event like no other and the postponement to a year later created some complicated challenges, not only for the athletes but also off the field of play in the commercial and licensing world,” says Tim Ellerton, Commercial Director of Team GB.

“Our ability to come together and find creative solutions for our partners and licensees played a huge role in ensuring that when the Games arrived we had everything in place to provide the athletes with the best possible platform to go and perform. We’re very excited to join the panel on the day and provide an insight into what was another fantastic Olympic Games for Team GB.”

Please note, attendees must pre-register for Brand Licensing Europe to ensure a seat.

 

WildBrain CPLG turns up the volume with MTV x Eastpak collaboration

Posted on by

Leading entertainment, sport and brand licensing agency WildBrain CPLG has secured a global deal with Eastpak for a collection inspired by ViacomCBS Consumer Products’ iconic pop culture and entertainment brand MTV. The range launched earlier this month and during MTV’s 40th anniversary year, and spans backpacks, a duffel bag and bum bag, all featuring bold hand-drawn elements and bright 1980s-inspired graphics. The deal was brokered by WildBrain CPLG’s Benelux team.

The MTV x Eastpak range is now available at Eastpak’s stores and website globally and is being supported by an extensive marketing and social media campaign.

Peter Evers, Commercial Director Benelux at WildBrain CPLG, says: “There continues to be significant demand from consumers for merchandise that evokes a feeling of nostalgia and transports them back to a moment in time. Through this loud and bold collection, we’ve brought together two decade-defining brands from the 1980s to create a line that celebrates not only the importance of both MTV and Eastpak during that era, but also their continuing appeal with young adults today.”

Maxime Morel, Senior Merchandiser Special Projects at VF International – owner of the Eastpak brand – added: “Our new collaboration with MTV reimagines our classic designs in the style of the world’s most iconic entertainment brand. We translated the nostalgic MTV graphics into a capsule collection that features three vibrant prints, and each design stands out with co-branded MTV and Eastpak logos. The boombox-inspired MTV Duffle bag is exclusive to this collection, paying homage to the 1980s era.”

WildBrain CPLG represents additional pop culture and retro ViacomCBS Consumer Products brands in multiple territories, including MTV, Star Trek, Twin Peaks and 90210. This MTV x Eastpak collaboration builds upon WildBrain CPLG’s recent deal for ViacomCBS Consumer Products with Tommy Hilfiger, which saw the successful launch of ‘A Blast From The Past’ capsule fashion collection this summer. The Hilfiger range features iconic characters and logos from Nickelodeon and MTV across a range of T-shirts, sweats, and hoodies.

Nelvana and Juniper Creates launch ‘Max & Ruby’ throwback merch line for Millennial and Gen Z fans

Posted on by

Nelvana, international producer, distributor and licensor of children’s animated and live-action content, and direct-to-consumer merchandise manufacturer Juniper Creates  have partnered to deliver childhood nostalgia with a new Max & Ruby clothing line targeted at Millennials and Gen Zs who grew up with the series.

The Max & Ruby Remix Collection is an homage to the show and its dedicated fan-base, and portrays the beloved brother and sister bunny duo in a creative and colourful way. The line is available to shop now on www.maxandrubyremix.com.

“Millennials and Gen Zs all over the world have fond memories of watching Max & Ruby as preschoolers,” says Mellany Masterson, Head of Nelvana Enterprises. “Tapping into the power of nostalgia and drawing insights from the viral success we’ve had on TikTok, this new collection captures the playfulness and fun of Max & Ruby.”

Over the past 18 months, Max & Ruby enthusiasts on TikTok have generated over 127 million uses of the hashtag #maxandruby. The three different trends that went viral include a remix dance, classic cake remakes and theme song origins. By exploring styles that appeal to this Max & Ruby audience, the Max & Ruby Remix Collection line was created to capture the essence of the brand but still be easily integrated into day-to-day wear. Pieces from the line include tops, overalls, oversized fashion earrings, and a Max & Ruby version of the trendy blanket sweater.

“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Nelvana, this time with the Max & Ruby franchise as it nears its 20th broadcast anniversary in May 2022,” says Shawn Curtis, Director of Partnerships at Juniper Creates. “The team is developing exclusive and limited-edition merchandise that ties into the nostalgia of the IP appealing to broad audiences that grew up watching this brother and sister bunny duo. We’ll bring the Max & Ruby Remix Collection to market, leveraging our full supply-chain and technology platform, manufacturing and fulfilling orders globally via a dedicated Direct to Consumer storefront, maxandrubyremix.com”.

Fans can still watch all their favourite episodes of Max & Ruby on Treehouse and live and on demand with STACKTV, available through Amazon Prime Video Channels.

 

 

Nelvana and Juniper Creates launch ‘Max & Ruby’ throwback merch line for Millennial and Gen Z fans

Posted on by

Nelvana, international producer, distributor and licensor of children’s animated and live-action content, and direct-to-consumer merchandise manufacturer Juniper Creates  have partnered to deliver childhood nostalgia with a new Max & Ruby clothing line targeted at Millennials and Gen Zs who grew up with the series.

The Max & Ruby Remix Collection is an homage to the show and its dedicated fan-base, and portrays the beloved brother and sister bunny duo in a creative and colourful way. The line is available to shop now on www.maxandrubyremix.com.

“Millennials and Gen Zs all over the world have fond memories of watching Max & Ruby as preschoolers,” says Mellany Masterson, Head of Nelvana Enterprises. “Tapping into the power of nostalgia and drawing insights from the viral success we’ve had on TikTok, this new collection captures the playfulness and fun of Max & Ruby.”

Over the past 18 months, Max & Ruby enthusiasts on TikTok have generated over 127 million uses of the hashtag #maxandruby. The three different trends that went viral include a remix dance, classic cake remakes and theme song origins. By exploring styles that appeal to this Max & Ruby audience, the Max & Ruby Remix Collection line was created to capture the essence of the brand but still be easily integrated into day-to-day wear. Pieces from the line include tops, overalls, oversized fashion earrings, and a Max & Ruby version of the trendy blanket sweater.

“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Nelvana, this time with the Max & Ruby franchise as it nears its 20th broadcast anniversary in May 2022,” says Shawn Curtis, Director of Partnerships at Juniper Creates. “The team is developing exclusive and limited-edition merchandise that ties into the nostalgia of the IP appealing to broad audiences that grew up watching this brother and sister bunny duo. We’ll bring the Max & Ruby Remix Collection to market, leveraging our full supply-chain and technology platform, manufacturing and fulfilling orders globally via a dedicated Direct to Consumer storefront, maxandrubyremix.com”.

Fans can still watch all their favourite episodes of Max & Ruby on Treehouse and live and on demand with STACKTV, available through Amazon Prime Video Channels.

 

 

ZAG promotes Lisa K Foster to SVP, Licensing, North America

Posted on by

As award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG continues to build a robust consumer products programme for flagship brand Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, the company is elevating North American Licensing VP Lisa K Foster to the role of Senior Vice President, Licensing, to manage the company’s portfolio of brands under the ZAG Heroez label – an umbrella brand franchise that brings together the superheroes from ZAG’s animated properties.

ZAG has also appointed former Disney Consumer Products and MGA Entertainment alum Monique Daggett as Licensing Manager, and Freddie Ordonez as Licensing Attorney. The announcements were made by Julian Zag, EVP, Global Operations and Head of Global Consumer Products.

“Lisa is passionate about the Miraculous brand and how fans of all ages want to engage with the stories and characters that we continue to create,” commented Julian. “She’s done a phenomenal job identifying and securing best-in-class partners in the US who will start rolling out products this fall and spring 2022. We’re delighted that Lisa will lead our US licensing and merchandising strategies for Miraculous and our newest series, Ghostforce, by working directly with the global team and me.”

Since joining the company in September 2020, Foster has contributed to over 60 new licensing partners for the North America market for Miraculous. In her elevated role, reporting directly to Julian Zag, Foster will continue to develop the licensing strategy for North America for the Miraculous brand, which includes the TV series currently spanning four seasons, with season five in production; the upcoming US$100M+ animated feature film and as yet unannounced spin-off series; and the company’s newest property to launch, Ghostforce, an original gender-neutral series for kids 6–10 years old that debuted on Disney XD on October 4. A toy line for Ghostforce is in the works from ZAG Lab and Playmates.

Retail expansion for Miraculous – lead by Sarah Boyer, Vice President of North America Retail­ – is underway across North America, with the toy line from ZAG Lab and Playmates hitting brick and mortar stores this autumn following the successful Spring 2021 rollout on e-commerce platforms including Walmart, Target and Kohls.

Other products hitting retail shelves in the US and Canada starting this year include books from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; costumes and accessories from InSpirit Designs; oral care from Church & Dwight Co; bedding and bath from Jay Franco; underwear from Handcraft Manufacturing; swimwear, sportswear, tees and sleepwear from Bentex Apparel Group, Komar and BioWorld; novelty sunglasses from Sunstaches; confections from Galerie; fruit snacks from Ferrara, stationery from Inkology; beauty from Centric Beauty; craft & activity from Horizon, posters and stickers from Trends International; colour and activity from Bendon; and novelty toys from What Kids Want, Inc.

 

ZAG promotes Lisa K Foster to SVP, Licensing, North America

Posted on by

As award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG continues to build a robust consumer products programme for flagship brand Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, the company is elevating North American Licensing VP Lisa K Foster to the role of Senior Vice President, Licensing, to manage the company’s portfolio of brands under the ZAG Heroez label – an umbrella brand franchise that brings together the superheroes from ZAG’s animated properties.

ZAG has also appointed former Disney Consumer Products and MGA Entertainment alum Monique Daggett as Licensing Manager, and Freddie Ordonez as Licensing Attorney. The announcements were made by Julian Zag, EVP, Global Operations and Head of Global Consumer Products.

“Lisa is passionate about the Miraculous brand and how fans of all ages want to engage with the stories and characters that we continue to create,” commented Julian. “She’s done a phenomenal job identifying and securing best-in-class partners in the US who will start rolling out products this fall and spring 2022. We’re delighted that Lisa will lead our US licensing and merchandising strategies for Miraculous and our newest series, Ghostforce, by working directly with the global team and me.”

Since joining the company in September 2020, Foster has contributed to over 60 new licensing partners for the North America market for Miraculous. In her elevated role, reporting directly to Julian Zag, Foster will continue to develop the licensing strategy for North America for the Miraculous brand, which includes the TV series currently spanning four seasons, with season five in production; the upcoming US$100M+ animated feature film and as yet unannounced spin-off series; and the company’s newest property to launch, Ghostforce, an original gender-neutral series for kids 6–10 years old that debuted on Disney XD on October 4. A toy line for Ghostforce is in the works from ZAG Lab and Playmates.

Retail expansion for Miraculous – lead by Sarah Boyer, Vice President of North America Retail­ – is underway across North America, with the toy line from ZAG Lab and Playmates hitting brick and mortar stores this autumn following the successful Spring 2021 rollout on e-commerce platforms including Walmart, Target and Kohls.

Other products hitting retail shelves in the US and Canada starting this year include books from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; costumes and accessories from InSpirit Designs; oral care from Church & Dwight Co; bedding and bath from Jay Franco; underwear from Handcraft Manufacturing; swimwear, sportswear, tees and sleepwear from Bentex Apparel Group, Komar and BioWorld; novelty sunglasses from Sunstaches; confections from Galerie; fruit snacks from Ferrara, stationery from Inkology; beauty from Centric Beauty; craft & activity from Horizon, posters and stickers from Trends International; colour and activity from Bendon; and novelty toys from What Kids Want, Inc.

 

Maestro Media partners with international tabletop game consulting firm All About Games for global expansion

Posted on by

Maestro Media, the strategic product and business development firm specialising in innovative tabletop game publishing, has officially announced its partnership with All About Games, a consulting company dedicated to international tabletop and board game markets, to help expand Maestro Media’s international reach, sales, localisation, manufacturing and distribution, and to assist in further scaling the company to create a larger impact in the tabletop gaming market.

All About Games initially partnered with Maestro Media to help source localisation partners for Maestro’s hugely successful The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls Requiem Kickstarter campaign, which generated over $6.7 million, becoming one of the top 20 performing Kickstarter campaigns of all time. All About Games secured placement of the game in eleven territories, generating an additional $1 million in sales. Due to the success of that initial partnership, Maestro Media and All About Games have decided to expand the partnership to help continue Maestro’s international growth and expansion.

“Because of the amazing and experienced team behind All About Games, we were able to achieve international growth we would not have seen otherwise around The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls Requiem,” says Javon Frazier, Founder and CEO of Maestro Media. “The success of our initial collaboration is just beginning, as our massive partnership will include many exciting projects launching globally every year, and the most important part to us – quality working relationship and collaboration – has already proven to be unparalleled. Our two teams have already started ramping up on future projects with the goal of elevating Maestro as a true staple in the global tabletop gaming industry.”

The partnership will focus on international expansion of Maestro Media through marketing growth as well as strategising and executing global manufacturing and distribution of Maestro’s games catalogue. As part of its upcoming slate of projects, Maestro Media will work in conjunction with All About Games to continue to expand popular game IPs, including Umbrella Academy, Tapeworm, Sugar Heist and The Binding of Isaac, with many more in the works. The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls Requiem is set to release in 2022.