Category Archives: Highlight

FuturumKids announces 10 new ‘Paddles’ offerings, including plush and apparel, will hit stores in time for Christmas

Posted on by

Following the successful launch on Cartoonito UK and RTE of state-of-the-art animation series Paddles, its creator, FuturumKids, is looking forward to a busy Christmas for its e-commerce range of Paddles merchandise.

Paddles fans can look forward to ten SKUs including plush and apparel. Manufactured in Shanghai and distributed via fulfilment houses in Northampton, London and Dublin, these will be available through the FuturumKids e-commerce portal well in time for the Christmas market.

Further broadcast expansion is expected over the coming months, with brand management company Monster Entertainment – which is handling global television sales for Paddles in all territories except Korea – expected to announce further territory deals in the coming weeks.

Paddles tells the story of a polar bear cub accidentally delivered by the Stork to a frozen River Shannon in Ireland – and brought up by a pack of Irish wolfhounds. Through the adventures, mistakes and discoveries of its funny and huggable star, and his friends Bracken, Bridie and Fagan, the series shows its young audience that being different is something to be celebrated and enjoyed.

This is the latest stage in the broadcast and merchandising development of Paddles, whose makers include members of the team behind the seven-time Emmy-award-winning children’s series Jakers!

Both Futurum and Monster Entertainment will be sending a strong team to entertainment industry exhibition MIPCOM, with the aim of building more broadcast alliances. Apart from expansion for Paddles, new FuturumKids projects including Ling Ling, the story of a wide-eyed panda newly arrived from Shanghai at Tavistock’s International School for Animals, London’s premier – and most eccentric – preschool. Ling Ling is already in production.

“We’ve been delighted by the response to Paddles in both the UK and Ireland,” says Brendan Kelly, Head of Sales at FuturumKids. “The wonderful characters, witty stories and stunning animation have clearly charmed a large number of four-to-seven-year-old viewers – and their parents. As the show’s reach continues to expand to new territories and new viewers, now is undoubtedly the right time to address growing demand for Paddle merchandise – and we’re ready.”

FuturumKids recently announced the establishment of a global HQ for its growing list of productions. The company is now based in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, where its new HQ will house both the company’s main offices and a full animation studio.

You’ve watched Netflix’s Squid Game – now, thanks to Zavvi, you can wear it too

Posted on by

Super-fans of the Netflix series Squid Game can now get their hands on official merchandise from the series. Online retailer Zavvi is launching a globally exclusive, limited-edition and fully licensed Squid Game clothing collection, based on the Netflix hit series which is taking the world by storm.

Inspired by the incredible cinematography in the series, Zavvi has released a complete range of merchandise, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, canvas high-top trainers and a selection of homeware. The range is emblazoned with the distinctive iconography from the series, representing all six childhood-themed games that feature in the show individually and through bright stills. The range also features ‘456’ in its designs, a nod to the 456 participants in the games.

The South Korean thriller, which could become Netflix’s biggest show yet, follows the story of a group of desperate and cash-strapped people competing in a bloodthirsty survival game.

The new and official Squid Game merchandise will be available worldwide, exclusive to Zavvi.com.

Disney Channels U.S. acquires ZAG Heroez’ CGI action-comedy series Ghostforce

Posted on by

Award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG has licensed its action-comedy series Ghostforce to Disney Channels U.S. Created and produced by Jeremy Zag, the supernatural series for kids aged 6–10 follows three junior-high school students who form a secret team to defend their city from the ghastly ghouls haunting it. Ghostforce premiered on 4 October on Disney XD, with new episodes debuting weekdays until October 15.

Disney Channels has licensed 52 eleven-minute episodes of Ghostforce for North America, Japan and India, adding to the existing deals with Disney Channel EMEA, Russia and the Middle East. Ghostforce had its world premiere in France on TF1 on 28 August this year, and Disney Channel has already debuted the series in Germany and Israel, with additional territories rolling out this autumn.

“Disney is the ideal home for our newest series, Ghostforce, which will be enjoyed by boys and girls alike,” says Jeremy Zag, Founder and CEO, ZAG. “Ghostforce had a spectacular debut on TF1 in France with an audience share of over 35 per cent, and is already resonating with kids as we are seeing tons of activity increasing across social media channels.”

Ghostforce follows junior-high students  Liv, Andy and Mike, who with each mission transform into Myst, Fury and Krush, superheroes armed with the powers of the ghosts they capture and high-tech gadgets invented by brilliant scientist Ms. Jones. They are the only ones who have the ability to hunt down the ghosts and fight them… before they hurry back to school so they don’t miss the next science class.

Ghostforce is co-produced with De Agostini Editores S.P.A.  A toy line for the series from ZAG Lab and Playmates will be available in 2022.

 

 

Jewel Branding & Licensing signs global giftware brand Lolita

Posted on by

Atlanta-based Jewel Branding & Licensing (JBL) has announced their representation of sought-after giftware brand Lolita for worldwide consumer product licensing.

The Lolita brand of collectab­­­le glassware was founded in 2004 by designer Lolita Healy, and has developed into an empire of 29 million products sold in more than 40 countries worldwide, and over 100,000 active glassware collectors. During the brand’s top year, $22 million was sold in the wholesale marketplace.

The brand “empowers women to celebrate life’s special moments while bringing joy to themselves and others with positive and fun designs”. With Lolita’s exponential growth and popularity, JBL believes the brand is well positioned to expand into multiple categories such as home décor, stationery/crafts, apparel, tabletop, gift, beauty accessories, textiles, and many more.

“We are thrilled by the recent signing of the Lolita brand,” says Carol White, Vice-President of Art Licensing, Jewel Branding & Licensing. “This fun and special moments gift brand, with its distinctive design and ‘celebrate life’ attitude, has captured the hearts of consumers around the world. We are excited to bring the Lolita signature style and empowering message to new categories that align with the brand and its loyal audience.”

“I chose Jewel Branding to represent and guide the brand’s future licensing growth and the timing is perfect with the upward momentum I’ve seen at Lolita,” says Lolita Healy. “The brand is about celebrating special occasions, gift giving and delivering joy to millions, with touchpoints to every personality and occasion. My art has global appeal due to its very nature of celebration and recipient art, spending special times with friends and family, and celebrating all those big, little moments that my brand represents… Jewel Branding, with their female-owned approach, global reach, and amazing reputation is the perfect agency for me.”

Jewel Branding & Licensing represents a diverse portfolio of designers and design-based brands including The New York Botanical Garden, Rachael Hale, Frank Lloyd Wright, and EttaVee.

KetchupTV to launch ‘StoryZoo’ content on English-speaking platforms in the UK, USA and Australia

Posted on by

Ketchup TV is adding StoryZoo to its international premium content lineup, accessible via free-to-air broadcast platforms, CTV, Telco partners, mobile and web.

Established in 2013, Ketchup TV operates both video-on-demand (VOD) and free ad-supported streaming (FAST) services, underpinned by its proprietary ad delivery network and monetization system. Ketchup TV will launch the StoryZoo episodes in two series:

‘StoryZoo Adventures – In the Zoo’, in which the three StoryZoo characters visit and learn all about different animals in the zoo.

‘StoryZoo Adventures – In Space’, where traditional animation is mixed with real footage supplied by the ESA (European Space Agency), enabling children to learn about Earth, the Moon and our solar system in a fun and exciting way. “The real-life images literally take these StoryZoo adventures to a higher level,” says Johannes Gropp, founder and CEO of StoryZoo B.V.

Paul Coster, CEO of Ketchup TV, says, “We’ve been looking to expand our preschool educational offering and partnering with StoryZoo provides the perfect opportunity. The stories are fun and interactive, providing children with the opportunity to learn about wildlife here on Earth, and then travel into space to learn about the solar system and Earth from above.”

The Metropolitan Museum of Art unveils new licensing partnerships

Posted on by

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has announced its new licensing partnerships across home décor, fashion accessories, gifting and educational games. Collectible clutch bags by Olympia Le Tan launched in September, while over the coming months, an exciting range of new products will be launched to consumers and the trade.

Inspired by the artworks and stories within its collection, the Met has worked closely with selected partners “who exhibit the highest level of creative development in their respective areas, from home textiles to social expressions”. Licensing partnerships include bedding and home accessories by Ann Gish (launching October 2021), giftable ceramic tabletop items by Ligne Blanche (winter 2021), case furniture by Abner Henry and Lingo educational games (both January 2020, Pura home fragrance, and paper goods and social expressions by Caspari (both spring 2022), and textiles, wallpaper and trim by Scalamandré (autumn 2022).

Six of the partnerships were sourced through the Met’s agency relationship with Beanstalk, the Met’s licensing agency for the US, Canada, EMEA and Japan. The remaining two – Olympia Le Tan and Ligne Blanche – were sourced by WildBrain CPLG.

Products will be available through partners’ distribution channels, and will be highlighted within the Met Store in New York. All proceeds from licensing revenues will support the Museum’s collection, study, conservation and presentation of over 5,000 years of art.

“We are thrilled and honoured to be working with these incredible companies, some of which, such as Scalamandré, have longstanding relations with the museum,” says Lisa Silverman Meyers, Global Head of Licensing and Partnerships for The Metropolitan Museum of Art. “We are so excited to see how they marry the heritage and the unique design sensibilities for which each company is known, to create offerings that are inspired by highlights from the Museum’s permanent collection.”

 

Warner Bros Consumer Products and Myprotein flex new collab with limited edition Superman collection

Posted on by

Warner Bros. is once again flexing its consumer products muscles, this time through a renewed partnership with the popular fitness brand, Myprotein, to launch a limited edition Superman protein range.

Launched this week, the new whey protein and accessories collection follows a successful pairing between the Warner Bros Consumer Products and My Protein that first landed in 2020 when the fitness brand introduced its Justice League Hero Protein.

Fuelled by a demand for DC Comics inspired workouts, the brand reconnected at the tail of last year to introduce its Warrior Protein, a limited edition run themed around the Wonder Woman film, WW84.

Now, the two are at it again, this time bringing out a solo collection for Warner Bros’ own Man of Steel, Superman. The collaboration features the Myprotein Superman Clear Whey Protein in Acerola Cherry, available in 10 and 20 serving tubs, as well as a limited edition bundle that includes a Superman t-shirt along with a 20-serving protein tub and shaker.

“Last year, Myprotein and Warner Bros Consumer Products launched their official licensing agreement with the introduction of a special Justice League Hero Protein, followed by a Wonder Woman 84 range. The Superman limited edition is the latest installment of three super hero lines for Myprotein,” read a statement from the firm.

The company is expecting the range to be ‘a blockbuster’ among fans and is urging consumers to get their orders in fast, signalling the Superman range to be the final launch in its Warner Bros. collaboration.

LEGO has revamped its ‘retail entertainment’ with New York City flagship LEGO Store

Posted on by

The LEGO Group has opened the doors of an immersive new LEGO Store in New York City, setting up shop in a two-storey location on Fifth Avenue as the first flagship store to feature new retail formats.

Elements of the innovative new store will be introduced to more than 100 stores worldwide in the coming year, the toy maker has stated, as it highlights a new format designed to ‘create an immersive world of LEGO bricks’ by blending digital and physical experiences.

The New York City flagship has been developed as part of the company’s strategy to innovate its stores in line with consumer demands for more personalised and interactive retail offerings, as well as recognition of the role that brick and mortar stores play in strengthening connections with the brand, despite the surge in online shopping.

Colette Burke, chief commercial officer at The LEGO Group, said: “For a number of years we’ve seen the trend towards people visiting stores for high-quality, entertaining brand experiences. Over the past year our fans have missed personal and tactile interactions with the brand and we can’t wait to welcome them back.”

The LEGO Group spent two years developing the new retail concept and researching what shoppers and children want from a LEGO store visit. They found that people were keen for more opportunities to play with bricks, participate in brick-inspired activities, personalise their experience and have fun.

As a result, LEGO has unveiled a suite of impactful features in the New York City Store, including an experience that immerses people and their LEGO builds in a virtual world. Called Brick Lab, the in-store technology brings walls, floors, and ceiling to life with light, sound, and music for an interactive build and play experience.

Meanwhile, an interactive Tree of Discovery is made from 880,000 LEGO elements and acts as the store’s centrepiece. It stands as ‘an expression of the LEGO Group’s commitment to being inclusive and having a positive impact on society and the planet.’

An interactive Storytelling Table has been designed with adult fans of LEGO in mind, enabling them to bring the stories behind sets available in store to life. It shows early product designs and prototypes, lifts the lid on the development process and allow fans to virtually ‘meet’ the LEGO designers.

The store’s Personalisation Studio invites visitors to make a memento of their visit. In it, they can reimagine themselves in LEGO form, either as a portrait from the Mosaic Maker or a Minifigure from the LEGO Minifigure Factory.

Elsewhere, with LEGO Expression, visitors can have fun with LEGO Minifigures who mimic their facial expressions, while the new Fifth Avenue store will also include larger than life builds of icons of the city, such as a taxicab to sit in, an Empire State Buyilding and One World Trade skyscraper, the lights and billboards of Broadway and Time Square, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Thor, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk, and Captain America, and the Ghostbusters Firehouse and crew.

The new store format has been designed to be flexible so that it can work in LEGO stores of all sizes, as well as in third-party retail partners’ stores. It will be introduced to over 100 LEGO stores around the world during the coming year, as well as select global partner retailers.

The LEGO Group currently has around 731  branded stores in 50 countries around the world and plans to open 120 new stores during 2021. In addition to investing in brick and mortar, the LEGO Group will continue to invest in building its e-commerce capabilities.

In 2020, the number of visitors to its LEGO.com online store doubled to a quarter of a billion and this growth has continued in 2021.

Colette said: “We’re seeing significant growth across e-commerce channels, but we also understand the distinct and important role that each of our retail channels plays in building the brand. We will continue to invest in innovating across all our channels to create compelling experiences online, in-store and with our retail partners.”

Check it out

The Brick Lab

Designed exclusively for LEGO flagship stores, the 20-minute themed experience uses innovative technology to bring walls, floors, and ceilings to life with interactive animated content, lighting, sound, and music to invite kids (and grown-ups) to play in a virtual world that plays right along with them.

Each visitor will have the opportunity to meet the characters on screen and let their imaginations run wild as they build their own creation, scan their build and then watch it become a living part of the Brick Lab in seconds so they can play both physically and virtually.

The Tree of Discovery

The tree, which took 1,900 hours to construct and is made of over 880,000 LEGO bricks, symbolises the LEGO Group’s commitment to having a positive impact on society and the planet.

A key feature is its bright rainbow trunk which houses a whole host of wonderful hidden details and secrets for shoppers to discover such as mini-scenes, kaleidoscopes and picture viewers from DUPLO, Technic and the LEGO System in Play bricks.

The Mosaic Maker

Which captures your image and creates your own personalized LEGO mosaic portrait in just a few minutes.

The LEGO Minifigure Factory

Allows you to design and create a unique LEGO Minifigure (complete with a brick with your name and a special box) – the perfect souvenir for your visit or gift for someone else.

LEGO Expressions

Ever wanted a LEGO Minifigure to copy your every move?  Well now you can with the magical LEGO Expressions.  Simply stand in front of the screen and Lady Liberty and her NYC pals will copy every facial expression you make.

Exclusive NYC inspired LEGO models

Highlights include a talking Statue of Liberty Minifigure, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes such as Thor, Spiderman, Iron Man, Hulk and Captain America who’s standing on top of an iconic yellow NYC taxi cab, a New York cityscape, a wall featuring LEGO recreations of famous Broadway show and Movie LEGO posters, the Ghostbusters Firehouse featuring the full Ghostbusters crew, Stay-Puft Marshmellow Man and Slimer.

 

Hearst UK extends partnership with Homebase to launch House Beautiful and Country Living wallpaper

Posted on by

Hearst UK has unveiled the next iteration of its ongoing Homebase partnership with the launch of its House Beautiful and Country Living wallpaper range, available exclusively through the DIY retailer.

Co-created by the Homebase and the House Beautiful and Country Living Style teams in collaboration with Graham & Brown, the range of 12 exclusive designs is available from April 21st both online and in two Homebase Decorate centres, located in Sutton and Cheadle.

The House Beautiful collection looks to deliver on trend, stand out designs that ‘offer a simple way to achieve a contemporary interior style.’ The designs use premium quality paper, produced in the UK. The collection includes easy application innovation such as ‘paste the wall.’

The Country Living collection contains hand illustrated patterns that reflect the beauty of the British landscape. A proudly British-made high quality wallpaper that includes a sustainably made option which is produced using water-based ink and FSC certified paper. True to Country Livings eco-ethos, three trees are planted for each tree used in the production of the wallpapers.

Louise Pearce, director of content at Country Living and House Beautiful said: “We are thrilled to continue to progress this amazing partnership with Homebase, with this move in to Home Décor, and specifically wallpaper. Each of the wallpaper ranges truly reflect our brand values and ethos, as well as the trends we know our readers love and are searching for.”

Mad Beauty become year-round gifting partner for Boots with Never Too Old For range

Posted on by

The health and beauty outfit, Mad Beauty has become a year-round gifting partner for the high street retailer, Boots, thanks to the launch of its Never Too Old For range of fully licensed products.

Under the new deal, Mad Beauty’s range of bath and body creations – which feature classic Disney characters – will become a part of the UK retailer’s year-round beauty and gifting collection. The extended partnership was drawn up following the strong Christmas performance of Mad Beauty’s licensed and new ranges.

A spokesperson from the Boots buying team, said: “As a lifelong super-fan, it’s extra exciting to be working with Mad on this project. Our priority at Boots is to make sure we can offer the very best products to our customers in stores and on Boots.com.

“It’s great to be working with such a creative and forward-thinking brand such as Mad Beauty and to be able to bring ideas in my head to life! After a great performance at Christmas, it was the logical next step to include the collection in to our year-round gifting assortment.”

Mad Beauty’s managing director, Trevor Cash, added: “We have always said that a gift is not just for Christmas and here at Mad HQ we are really excited that our customers will be able to enjoy our fun beauty gifting items all year.”

Even in the toughest of years, Mad Beauty has continued to see ‘huge UK and international expansion’ and both Disney and Boots have been valued partners in helping drive this growth for the company.