BlackMilk to release The Legend of Zelda clothing collection

Fans of the hugely successful video game franchise will be able to show their love for The Legend of Zelda with an upcoming clothing collection from BlackMilk, inspired by six popular games in the series.

BlackMilk has previously collaborated with Nintendo on their Super Mario and Animal Crossing: New Horizons collections.

With more than 40 pieces in in the collection, BlackMilk’s latest range draws on six of The Legend of Zelda games: Breath of the Wild, Majora’s Mask, Ocarina of Time, Skyward Sword, The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess. Memorable scenes, items and characters from these games – along with famed hero Link and the wise Princess Zelda – feature on BlackMilk’s signature pieces, including leggings, dresses, overalls, active wear and unisex pieces. Two unique bomber jackets featuring artwork from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess are standout pieces, with easily recognisable patterns, motifs and large-scale back prints aimed at bringing the games to life.

The collection will be available for purchase from 7am (AEST) on 12 October at www.blackmilkclothing.com, with an online lookbook available at 12pm (AEST) on 6 October and a full collection preview at 9am (AEST) on 8 October.

BlackMilk to release The Legend of Zelda clothing collection

Fans of the hugely successful video game franchise will be able to show their love for The Legend of Zelda with an upcoming clothing collection from BlackMilk, inspired by six popular games in the series.

BlackMilk has previously collaborated with Nintendo on their Super Mario and Animal Crossing: New Horizons collections.

With more than 40 pieces in in the collection, BlackMilk’s latest range draws on six of The Legend of Zelda games: Breath of the Wild, Majora’s Mask, Ocarina of Time, Skyward Sword, The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess. Memorable scenes, items and characters from these games – along with famed hero Link and the wise Princess Zelda – feature on BlackMilk’s signature pieces, including leggings, dresses, overalls, active wear and unisex pieces. Two unique bomber jackets featuring artwork from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess are standout pieces, with easily recognisable patterns, motifs and large-scale back prints aimed at bringing the games to life.

The collection will be available for purchase from 7am (AEST) on 12 October at www.blackmilkclothing.com, with an online lookbook available at 12pm (AEST) on 6 October and a full collection preview at 9am (AEST) on 8 October.

ViacomCBS Consumer Products to share Diversity & Inclusion insights plus new toy research during BLE Day 2 keynote

ViacomCBS will share insights from its corporate Diversity & Inclusion efforts with a specific focus on its recently conducted toy research study during Brand Licensing Europe’s second day keynote.

Mark Kingston, Senior Vice President, International, ViacomCBS Consumer Products will lead the keynote and review the impact on culture, community and industry when there’s a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging. The keynote will also include Ameeta Held, Vice President, Insights and Business Strategy, Consumer Products, ViacomCBS, referencing original toy research detailing the importance of authentic representation in dolls and the impact on choice.

The keynote, which takes place in-person at BLE from 13:00-14:00 on Thursday 18 November, will also set the background as to why the consumer products and licensing community plays such a pivotal role in diversity and inclusion.

“As an organisation we are dedicated to creating content that reflects the global audiences we serve, and within consumer products we are especially committed to ensuring our products are inclusive and representative,” says Mark Kingston. “Our latest research shines a light on the important role our industry plays in our continued conversation around Diversity & Inclusion and I look forward to presenting our thoughts and findings alongside my colleagues at BLE.”

Ahead of ViacomCBS’ keynote, representatives from Black Lives Matter Licensing UK will take to the stage to talk about the group’s purpose, goals and activity in the sector to date.

Informa Markets’ VP of Licensing Anna Knight says, “It’s not possible to underestimate the importance of this keynote to our industry and I implore everyone who is attending BLE to pre-register now and secure a spot. Consumer products has a huge responsibility – and opportunity – to represent, embrace and empower diversity if we are to build a more inclusive and equal future for consumers across the world.”

ViacomCBS is one of over 150 exhibitors currently confirmed for BLE, which takes place in-person at ExCeL London from 17-19 November followed by an online event on 30 November to 1 December. The Exhibitor list features companies from all three licensing categories – Character & Entertainment, Brands & Lifestyle, and Art, Design & Image – and with strong representation from Europe, the UK and wider afield.

You can view the show’s exhibitor list here.

Character World dreams big with £14.5m Secure Trust Bank finance deal

Licenced textile product provider Character World has secured a £14.5m refinance package from Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, as it plans for growth in 2022.

The business has increased its working capital facility from £8m to £10m after four years of working with the bank, to help meet increased demand for its products. Secure Trust Bank has also provided an additional £4.5m term loan to refinance an outstanding unitranche facility that was put in place when Palatine Private Equity backed the business in 2014.

Cheadle Hulme-based Character World is the leading manufacturer and distributor of licensed bedding for children in the UK and Europe, allowing the best-loved characters from brands like Fortnite, Minecraft, Warner Brothers, Nickelodeon, PlayStation, Lego, and Pokémon to become part of their world.

Founded as a family business in 1998 by Tommy Schweiger and his son Danny, the 52-strong firm has been under the stewardship of Danny and his brother Mark for almost 20 years and has partnerships with some of the biggest names in UK retail including Amazon, Primark, Aldi, Tesco, Asda, Littlewoods and Next.

The firm reported over a 20 per cent increase in turnover following the Covid-19 lockdown, as consumers turned to online shopping. As the business looks ahead to its busiest period of the year, in the run-up to the festive season, the additional £2m working capital facility will allow Character World to invest in new licenses, new revenue streams and meet further increases in demand.

“Business is going really well and we’re pleased to be able to utilise our existing relationship with Secure Trust Bank to further this growth,” says Max Paterson, finance director at Character World. “Their understanding of our business – having worked with us for four years – has made the process much easier for us. We know that we can have proactive discussions with the team and that they are willing to find the right solution to support us where perhaps other lenders may not have been so flexible.

“Moving forward, we want to maintain the positive results we have seen following the increase in online shopping and the backing we’ve received from Secure Trust Bank will help us to do that.”

Paul Johnston, regional managing director at Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, said: “Over the last four years working with Character World, we have developed a strong relationship with the team, fostered a deep understanding of its business and used our knowledge of ABL to create flexible facilities that can evolve with the business. Our continuing work with Character World underlines our commitment to forming long-term partnerships with clients and helping them to thrive.”

 

 

 

A wild idea: Crazy Shirts partners with Discovery, Inc for animal-themed apparel

In celebration of World Animal Day this week (4 October), Discovery, Inc, the global leader in real-life entertainment, and Hawaiian retailer Crazy Shirts have teamed up for a special Animal Planet apparel collection.

The Animal Planet x Crazy Shirt range includes 12 T-shirt and long-sleeve top designs, available in both men and women’s sizes, designed to capture the wild spirit of the animal kingdom.

Made from 100 per cent cotton that is ring-spun then combed to remove impurities, the fabric of each item is luxuriously soft and lightweight yet incredibly strong. Only environmentally friendly water-based inks have been used; these penetrate the material’s fibre, resulting in more vibrant colours, a softer feel and artwork that doesn’t crack or peel. All the designs are printed in the United States.

To check out the full range, visit www.crazyshirts.com. Prices range from $32–$44 US.

WarnerMedia Kids & Family acquires animated series Dodo from CAKE for HBO Max and Cartoon Network

Leading kids’ and family entertainment specialist CAKE has announced a deal with WarnerMedia Kids & Family for Wildseed Studios’ animated kids’ comedy series Dodo. Based on the multi-award-winning short film and YouTube hit Not the End of the World by British creator and series director Jack Bennett, Dodo (20 x 11 minutes) perfectly depicts the drama every child experiences during middle school through the character of 11-year-old Joe Connolly and his friends Frisbo, Pete and Lily. The series will air on HBO Max and Cartoon Network in 2022.

Ed Galton, CEO at CAKE says, “We are delighted to bring Joe’s dramas to audiences in the US. His hilarious adventures will resonate with and delight children, who can identify with his experiences as well as parents, who will remember their school days with fond nostalgia.”

“Whether our middle-school memories were fraught with tears or laughter we all went through them, and they are perfectly captured in this intensely profound comedy,” says Adina Pitt, Vice President, Partnerships, Acquisitions and Co-Productions for the Americas, WarnerMedia Kids and Family. “CAKE has delivered yet again a hilariously palpable story that kids can identify and laugh along with.”

Dodo is produced by Helen Stern (Gumball), directed by creator Jack Bennett, with the support of Ben Ward (Horrible Histories) on scripting and with executive guidance provided by Wildseed’s Head of Kids and Animation Sarah Mattingley. Produced by BAFTA-winning Wildseed Studios (The Last Bus for Netflix, Counterfeit) in association with Birkdale Film and Television, Toonz Media Group in India and Telegael in Ireland, Dodo is a Sky Original.

CAKE is a leading independent entertainment company specialising in the production, distribution, development, financing and brand development of kids’ and family properties. CAKE Productions Ltd supports CAKE’s development and production activities on shared and originated projects. With over 13 properties in development, productions include Angry Birds: Summer Madness for Netflix; Mama K’s Team 4 with Triggerfish Animation for Netflix; Angelo Rules with TeamTO for France Télévisions, Canal+ and Super RTL, Space Chickens in Space with Anima Estudios for Disney EMEA; Pablo with Paper Owl for CBeebies and Mush-Mush & The Mushables with La Cabane and Thuristar currently premiering internationally on Boomerang.

 

Surge Brands signs first US licensing partners for Candy Dynamic’s Toxic Waste Slime Licker and Hazardously Sour Candy

Surge Brands, a leading global licensing agency for Candy Dynamics’ Toxic Waste line of sour candy, has signed a roster of new leading licensees to create branded products based on the popular Toxic Waste Slime Licker and Toxic Waste Hazardously Sour Candy confectionary brands.

Following the success of Candy Dynamics’ first product launch, Toxic Waste Hazardously Sour Candy – a one-of-a-kind, double-action sour treat packaged in an iconic yellow industrial drum – multiple product lines have hit retail shelves. These include Toxic Waste Slime Licker, which recently sparked an internet craze and has become the top-trending candy on TikTok.

Retail sales for both brands have been growing at exponential rates and, riding on the momentum, Surge Brands has signed the first partners to create branded products for the retail market utilising Candy Dynamics’ vibrant and zany characters – including “Mr Toxie Head” – and logos.

The new licensees include H3 Sportgear (master apparel and accessories); License 2 Play (plush figures, plush pillows, fidget toys); Centric Beauty/TASTE Beauty (lip balms); Super Impulse (mini collectible blind box and blind bag toys); Inkology (school supplies, stickers, stampers and chalk), and Rasta Imposta (Halloween costumes and masks).

“Licensing is an important branding initiative for Candy Dynamics, allowing us to leverage our expansive and growing family of candy brands,” says Laura King, President, Candy Dynamics. “The retail marketplace both in the US and abroad is clamouring for Toxic Waste-branded products. We are thrilled to collaborate with our new strategic global licensing agency, Surge Brands, to develop a range of licensed products that will further engage our fans across the globe.”

“Candy Dynamics’ edgy approach appeals to kids in non-traditional ways and has created a massive demand for Toxic Waste, sparking a fervour in the marketplace,” says Mark Freedman, President of Surge Brands. “We look forward to working with our first US partners to create a line of unforgettable products that embody the fun of the brands and to develop a robust consumer products programme at retail. We plan to announce additional licensees in the US and overseas in the coming weeks.”

Based in Carmel, Indiana, Candy Dynamics was established in 2006 as a marketer of sour candy products. Its additional product lines include Sour Smog Balls, Nuclear Fusion, Atomz, Hi Voltage & Short Circuits Bubble Gum and Sour & Chewy Bears and Worms. Toxic Waste is widely available all over the US, while international markets include the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, South Africa, Canada, Brazil, New Zealand and the UAE.

 

Spread Group gains Sven Burscher as Head of Licensing

Spread Group has appointed Sven Burscher as its new Head of Licensing, in a move that highlights the expansion of its licensing business. Burscher will be responsible for Spread Group’s entire licensing portfolio, with a special focus on international marketing strategies. He moves from a longtime partner of Spread Group, the WildBrain CPLG agency.

As Brand & Retail Director, Sven Burscher most recently led the development of WildBrain CPLG’s e-commerce business. He played a key role in the licensing agency being named “Agency of the Year” at the International Licensing Awards in 2020. After earning his degree in business administration, he made his start in the licensing industry in 2014 and quickly rose to become the main contact for major rights holders, such as Peanuts, Universal, Hello Kitty and Sesame Workshop.

Over the past four years at WildBrain CPLG, he has overseen the expansion of the agency’s licensing portfolio both in bricks-and-mortar retail, with clients such as Lidl and Puma, and in e-commerce with Spread Group. Effective immediately, he is now responsible for the company’s current roster of approximately 190 licensing properties worldwide, including Warner Bros. Entertainment, Zag, Sesame Workshop, Kiddinx and Sony Music.

“My goal is to further strengthen Licensing as a strategic business area and to form new collaborations with international best-in-class partners,” says Sven. “Furthermore, I would like to increase the visibility of the range of our licensing topics and exchange ideas directly with our licensors. This includes, for example, increased representation at the top licensing trade shows. I’m very excited about these new challenges at Spread Group.”

ARTiSTORY to build global licensing programme for the Brooklyn Museum

The Brooklyn Museum in New York – mission: “To create inspiring encounters with art that expand the ways we see ourselves, the world and its possibilities” – is the latest partner to join the art and cultural licensing specialist ARTiSTORY.

As a Master Licensee, ARTiSTORY will license designs created from the Brooklyn Museum’s internationally-renowned collection of 1.5 million works of art, craft, design and artefacts. With global rights, ARTiSTORY will work with licensees across a wealth of product categories to bring the likes of Claude Monet, John Edward Hicks, John Singer Sargent, Katsushika Hokusai, Charles Sheeler, William Morris, Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt, and Utagawa Hiroshige to the global market.

ARTiSTORY has offices in London, Barcelona, Shanghai, Singapore, Beijing and Boston, and is supported with IP protection and business investment from Sinofaith IP Investment Company (SIPIC) – an investment arm focused on art and cultural IP. The company is confident its innovative approach will resonate with Millennial and Gen Z consumers, audiences with growing influence and spending power who are reshaping the way that we shop and consume content.

“At ARTiSTORY we strive to discover and share the stories behind the artefacts, to bring innovation in product manufacturing and licensing collaborations alongside groundbreaking shows, exhibitions and immersive experiences in order to expand the possibilities that the global heritage sector has to offer,” says Yizan He, Co-Founder and CEO of ARTiSTORY and Managing Partner of SIPIC. “By partnering with the Brooklyn Museum, we access incredible collections, reflecting the development of humanity across the world, including many American and Native American artefacts – an exciting new partnership we’re thrilled to begin.”

Sharon Matt Atkins, the Museum’s Deputy Director for Art, adds, “We have been impressed with ARTiSTORY’s commitment to creating dynamic opportunities to engage with art and its histories. Moving beyond traditional licensing programs, ARTiSTORY appealed to us as a partner of choice due to their dedication to providing art historical background and context on source images while also developing new and innovative ways to use art to inspire new audiences.”

The Brooklyn Museum joins a growing list of cultural partners for ARTiSTORY, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the National Gallery, London; the National Palace Museum, Taiwan; and Dunhuang Culture & Tourism Group.

RHS and Caspari present the Sunflowers range of tableware and napkins

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has partnered with licensee Caspari, publisher of beautifully designed and printed paper products, for Sunflowers, a range of tableware and napkins.

The range consists of cocktail and luncheon napkins, guest towels, dinner plates and salad & dessert plates. There will also be a large gift bag and a bottle bag, with an additional gift bag and gift wrap to follow.

For the designs that appear throughout the range, Caspari brought together several botanical illustrations chosen from the RHS Lindley Collections – the world’s largest collection of botanical art. The RHS name appears on all packaging as well as on the products themselves.

All the paper products in the range are FSC-certified and made using environmentally conscious raw materials, ensuring that they are both biodegradable and compostable.

“Sunflowers are a joyful symbol of late summer and the early days of autumn, and these illustrations perfectly capture that splendid time of year,” says Gaea Rich, Licensing & Concept, Caspari. “We really feel this is tableware that many people will be thrilled to have at parties or gatherings.”

The RHS Lindley Collections contain more than 25,000 superb images of botanical art. RHS Enterprises Limited uses this artwork collection and RHS gardening expertise to create and endorse high-quality products, with each partner offered a tailored support package overseen by the RHS’s experienced Licensing team. In 2017 the RHS won the award for Best Licensed Heritage or Institution Brand at The Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards. In 2018, again at The Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards, the RHS Flora Apparel collection by COAST won the award for Best Brand Licensed Adult Apparel Product or Range.

The Sunflowers range was officially launched as part of Caspari’s autumn 2021 collection in June and will be supplied to wholesale customers worldwide. Stockists in UK and EU markets can pre-order wholesale product on b2bintl.casparionline.com. US customers can pre-order product on both Caspari’s B2B and B2C US websites. The full range is expected to be in stock for retail and consumers in all of these markets from early this month.