Category Archives: Highlight

Smiffys partners with Magic Light Pictures to launch Gruffalo, Highway Rat and Stick Man dress up

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The dress up and costumes specialist, Smiffys has struck upon a magical new partnership with Magic Light Pictures to develop a range of dress up costumes based on the popular book series from Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler, spanning The Gruffalo, The Highway Rat, Stick Man, Zog, and Room on the Broom.

The launch of the new licensed collection will kick off with the much-loved Gruffalo and a character costume that will wander into retailers in time for World Book Day 2021. The new toddler costume features a deluxe all-in-one fit with a novelty hood – billed as ‘perfect for any little one wishing to bring the literary character to life.’

Further Smiffys character costumes, all based on books by Donaldson and Scheffler, will launch later in the year, landing on the global stage in time for Australia’s own 2021 Book Week next year.

“We are delighted to be announcing this partnership; Julia and Axel’s work is renowned across the globe and has delighted children for nearly 30 years with her imaginative stories,” said Dominque Peckett, director at Smiffys.  

Aidan Taylor-Gooby, licensing manager at Magic Light Pictures, added: “Dress up is a crucial part of our licensing programme and always a fantastic product for us at key events like World Book Day, Halloween and Christmas. We’re really pleased to have found such a great partner in Smiffys who can deliver the great quality product that our consumers expect.”

Banijay launches new consumer products programme for Ready Steady Cook

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Banijay has launched a new consumer products programme for its iconic cooking brand, Ready Steady Cook, marking the return of the show and its licensing efforts with a modern style guide and suite of creative assets.

With its new look in tow, the Ready Steady Cook brand is looking to develop products across a range of categories, including food storage, kitchen appliances, cookware, textiles, foodstuffs, and digital products for the much loved heritage IP.

Jane Smith, group director, brand licensing of Banijay Brands, said: “Worldwide consumers and audiences love Ready Steady Cook and we’ve seen a real rise in fans from younger demographics. This classic heritage brand is both nostalgic and fresh in bringing together people, generating culinary ideas, and providing great entertainment, creating an exciting opportunity for new licensees and partners. The quality and popularity of the Ready Steady Cook brand means the products are sure to fly off the shelves.”

The popularity of home cooking reached new heights during the world’s period of lockdown, and with the pandemic threatening further restriction measures to be taken once again, Banijay has spotted that the relationship between consumers and their food ‘has never been more important.’

‘It’s for this reason,’ states the firm, ‘that now is the perfect time for Ready Steady Cook to be a brand partner for licensees in the culinary space.’

Banijay continues: ‘The Ready Steady Cook brand values mirror that of kitchens around the world, with a particular focus on value for money, sustainability, managing food waste and provenance; all of which will resonate with economically-conscious and environmentally-aware consumers looking for exciting culinary products to add to their homes.’

Ready Steady Cook is an internationally recognised brand, having seen the show adapted in over 20 territories. Consumer brand awareness has also been amplified this year in the UK following the successful TV relaunch on BBC ONe from Remarkable TV.

Popular presenter Rylan Clark-Neal was at the helm as he introduced the TV classic and gave new meaning to the phrases, “green peppers” and “red tomatoes”. The show performed well for younger viewers and was above the broadcaster’s slot average by +10 per cent for Adults aged 16 to 34.

The show has once again taught a new generation about contemporary food themes; from how to cook on a budget, to eating healthily, and feeding a whole family, whilst reflecting the changes in food and British cooking over the past decade.

Banijay Brands will launch at next month’s Festival of Licensing with senior executives available for meetings at the virtual conference.

The Banijay Brands portfolio includes MasterChef, Temptation Island, Peaky Blinders, Survivor, Deal or No Deal, The Inbetweeners, Big Brother, Mister Maker, Operation Triunfo, Eat Well for Less?, Simon’s Cat, Mr Bean, Don’t!, Sunday Brunch, Tipping Point, The Biggest Loser, Ready Steady Cook, Black Mirror, Miss France, Maddie’s Do You Know?, Wipeout and Crystal Maze.

Molang team Millimages appoints former Walt Disney exec as new senior sales manager and producer

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The French animation studio, Millimages, the producer behind hit animated series such as Molang, Louie, Mouk, and Pirata and Capitano, has reinforced its commercial team with a new senior sales manager and producer in the form of Sépideh Shirazi-Moayed.

In her new position, the former Disney acquisitions manager will help to propel the studio’s success by focusing on the production of new series on major video on demand platforms such as Netflix, iTunes and Amazon. She will also be a key player in enhancing exposure on linear and non-linear channels across the US, UK, Germany, and the Middle East.

With a background in law initially,, it was a love for animation that drove Shirazi-Moayed to pursue a master’s degree in Audiovisual Marketing and Distribution, and from that point on her career quickly evolved from programming and acquisitions coordinator at major French channels Canal J and Tiji, to acquisitions, compliance and productions manager at The Walt Disney Company in France.

Throughout her successful career, Shirazi-Moayed has also held roles such as compliance supervisor for Al Jazeera children’s channel, as well as contracts administrator for Canal Plus’ legal department. Her years of experience working with some of the biggest names of the entertainment industry eventually led to her assuming a managing position at Disney.

“I am very excited to join one of the most established independent animation studios in Europe that develops, produces and distributes high quality family entertainment worldwide,” said Shirazi-Moayed. “I am confident that my background in acquisitions will provide me with the right tools to lead Millimages’ commercial activities to new dimensions.”

Roch Lener, CEO, Millimages, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Sépideh to the Millimages team. She will play a pivotal role in maximising the potential of our existing and future commercial success.”

Banijay, Sanrio, and Diageo make up final keynotes for Festival of Licensing Live Stage

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Festival of Licensing has revealed the final three keynotes to take its Live Stage – this year sponsored by Crunchyroll – as it welcomes Banijay, Sanrio, and Diageo to the fold. The three firms will take up the European, Asian, and Americas keynotes respectively.

Banijay recently became the world’s largest international content producer and distributor, following its recent acquisition of Endemol Shine Group, Sanrio is a global lifestyle brand best known for it pop icons like Hello Kitty, and Diageo is a powerhouse behind beverage, spirit, and beer brands such as Johnnie Walker, Baileys, Guinness, Captain Morgan, and more.

The three latest additions joins a roster that already boasts the likes of Smiley, Alibaba, and Authentic Brands Group among others.

A month-long virtual celebration of the global licensing industry running from October 6 to 29th, Festival of Licensing incorporates three regional events linked to the world’s biggest markets – Europe, Asia and the Americas – and culminates with the global C-suite and executive-level virtual conference, Licensing Leadership Summit. 

The live presentations will take place as follows: 

  • Europe Keynote – Powered by Brand Licensing Europe on Thursday, 8 October, 9am BST:

The Role of Licensing in Building Global Brands
Speakers: Jane Smith, Group Director Brand Licensing and Gaming, Banijay/Endemol Shine

  • Asia Keynote – Powered by Licensing Expo China and Licensing Expo Japan on Thursday, 15thOctober, 2pm CST 

Small Gift, Big Smile: Evolving a Global Heritage Brand While Maintaining Core Values
Speaker: Linh Forse, Senior Director, Sales and Business Development, Sanrio Inc.

  • Americas Keynote – Powered by Licensing Expo on Thursday, 22ndOctober, 9am PST 

How Diageo Leverages Licensing to Fuel Growth in an Ever-changing Marketplace 

Speakers: Declan Hassett, Senior Licensing Manager, Diageo, and Shane Grogan, Senior Licensing Manager, Diageo

“Banijay, Sanrio and Diageo are huge brands and home to some of the world’s most creative and successful licensing programmes, which have – unsurprisingly – captured the hearts and loyalty of their fans and consumers. We are delighted to have them join us on the Festival of Licensing Live Stage next month,” said Anna Knight, vice president of licensing, Informa Markets.  

“Crunchyroll has been the world’s best home for anime for over 10 years and is also an established licensor and distributor worldwide, so it made perfect sense for us to partner with Festival of Licensing as the Live Stage sponsor and we’re really looking forward to enjoying the programme, along with thousands of other visitors across Europe, Asia and the Americas,” added Waell Oueslati, director of acquisitions and licensing at Crunchyroll SAS (EMEA).

Meanwhile, ViacomCBS Consumer Products, which is sponsoring the Festival of Licensing Community & Wellbeing Programme, has also added fresh details to its well-being workshop content, which is available to view, download and start grooving to from Tuesday, 6 October at 7am BST.

Community & Wellbeing Programme:

  • GET UP AND MOVE WITH NICK JR

Take a break from the day and invite your kids to join as your favourite Nick Jr. friends guide you through family friendly dance moves, yoga poses and stretching exercises.

  • BIKINI BOTTOM YOGA

Take a trip to Bikini Bottom for a SpongeBob-themed yoga class. Hosted by yoga enthusiast Adanna Paul, viewers will experience a calming yoga practice, set to tropical music and ocean sounds, providing a healthy break to stretch and relax.

  • RETRO MTV WORKOUT

Get up and move in between business sessions with fitness influencer Sydney Cummings, who will lead viewers through an MTV-themed workout. Don’t worry about skill level, there are options and modifications for everyone! 

Festival of Licensing is organised and produced by the Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets.

Visitors can register for free at www.festivaloflicensing.com. 

BlackMilk partners with Nintendo to launch Super Mario and Animal Crossing: New Horizons collections

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The globally loved Nintendo franchises, Super Mario and Animal Crossing: New Horizons are finding a new footing in the fashion world, thanks to a partnership between the video game maker and apparel specialist, Black Milk Clothing.

Renowned for its unique take on licensed collaborations, BlackMilk Clothing is offering gaming fans a new way to express their love for both Super Mario and Animal Crossing through the brand’s signature styles, including leggings, dresses, overalls, and more.

BlackMilk x Super Mario will be the first of the two collections to be released, going live at 7am on October, 6th 2020. The collection features some of the franchise’s favourite characters, including Princess Peach, Yoshi, Bowser and, of course, Mario. It will also feature the game’s iconic power-ups and numerous items. Active wear and unisex pieces are on offer alongside a variety of fun outerwear styles. 

Meanwhile, customers will then be treated to an entirely new collection when BlackMilk x Animal Crossing: New Horizons is released a week later, landing at 7am on October 13th, 2020.

Fans of the Nintendo Switch game will be able to shop a range of pieces featuring their favourite islanders and collectibles. Alongside BlackMilk’s signature bold printed styles, the collection includes designer pieces made with specially created fabrics, such as a unique flocked Timmy and Tommy design. 

BlackMilk is expecting both collection ‘to be hugely popular, with some limited edition pieces likely to sell out fast.’

Brand Central named global consumer products agency for US YouTube-created lifestyle brand Full Send

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Brand Central LLC has been appointed the global consumer products agency for the US lifestyle brand Full Send, a label created by collaborative portfolio of YouTube content creators, including the popular Nelk Boys.

Under the partnership, Brand Central will look to develop strategic collaborations as it extends the Full Send brand into retail, tapping into the popularity of the brand’s collaborative popularity across content creators such as @kyleforgeard, @mtvjesse, and @stevewilldoit.

 The licensing agency is looking to attract licensees and retailers on a mission to tap into the world of digital influencers. Both the FULL SEND brand and the Nelk Boys were founded in 2010 and have to date amassed more than 27 million followers across all social platforms. 

“Our team is thrilled to go all in with Brand Central as they are the go-to licensing experts in digital, lifestyle, and pop culture representing brands such as Jake Paul and Ninja,” said Full Send’s business manager, Drew Hill. 

“We are honored to work with the Nelk Boys and the Full Send brand which is the obsession of millions of young adults fans.  We are confident of the success of Full Send at retail and looking forward put together very compelling collaborations that will be become ‘must have’ products of 2021,” added Ross Misher, Brand Central CEO.

Groovy Chick taps new generation of fans with Organic apparel collection on ASOS

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Groovy Chick is tapping firmly into a new generation of fans, having seen its new range of Organic cotton t-shirts not only launch with the online retailer, ASOS this week, but achieve sell-out status on selected lines within only hours of going live.

The newly launched organic collection has proved a hit for Bang on the Door, the Groovy Chick brand owner, who delivered the exclusive range of Organic Cotton T-shirts to the online platform last week. A collection of Organic Cotton Hoodies and Organic Cotton Sweatshirts will follow soon.

Karen Duncan, director at Bang on the Door, said: “In recognising the Climate Emergency, we felt that Groovy Chick should be associated with responsible product and using Organic Cotton was a good starting point in the apparel sector.”

The new range has been developed by Groovy Chick apparel licensing partner, Daisy Street in a partnership brokered by Andrew Levy.

Levy said: “Not only have we insisted on Organic product, but we have reduced packaging by using a sticker in the product pack. Early sale indications are extremely positive, with one line selling out within hours and Groovy Chick trending on Twitter – demonstrating the enduring appeal of Bang on the Door’s Groovy Chick and that she has a new generation of fans.”

Dr Seuss Enterprises makes strides across Europe with German book publishing deal

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Dr Seuss Enterprises is making strides across Europe, having secured new and renewed international licensing deals with the German publisher, Verlag Antje Kunstmann for The Lorax and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The German company has now landed the exclusive publishing rights to the titles across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Verlag Antje Kunstmann first published The Lorax eight years ago, however the deal will mark the first time it has published the popular story How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The publishing house will begin to release the titles this month, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of The Lorax. Both The Lorax and How the Grinch Stole Christmas will be translated by the award-winning German graphic artist and children’s book author, Nadia Budde for the German, Austrian and Swiss markets.

“Verlag Antje Kunstmann has been an excellent publisher for our titles and we’re looking forward to expanding this partnership as Dr. Seuss’s iconic library continues to perform outstandingly well in these European markets,” said Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

Illustrated books editor Heike Bräutigam at Verlag Antje Kunstmann, added: “We’re excited to expand our work with Dr. Seuss Enterprises as Dr. Seuss’s children’s books are timeless classics that deserve to be discovered, read and enjoyed by a broad young readership in our markets.”

The expansion of the partnership with Verlag Antje Kunstmann marks the latest growth for the Dr. Seuss portfolio globally. Recently, Dr. Seuss Enterprises announced deals with European licensees Verbarium Publishing, Botart Publishing House, and Thalia, and Australian licensees Amscan, Lake Press, MJM Australia, and Zak Australia.

Peppa Pig garden ornaments from Primus win Best of British Award at Glee Gathering

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A range of garden ornaments depicting Peppa Pig and her friends took home a double award win at last week’s Glee Gathering, where the new, licensed metal garden sculptures won both the Best of British Award and Best Garden Decoration Award.

Already an official supplier of Shaun the Sheep and Wallace and Gromit garden ornaments, the brand’s new range of Peppa Pig and Friends garden ornaments is offered in partnership with Hasbro.

These fully licenced characters have intricate detail and each ornament is made of metal with springy arms and base allowing them to dance in the wind and provide entertainment for children of all ages. The collection features Peppa, her brother George, Suzy Sheep, Rebecca Rabbit, and Gerald Giraffe.

Steve Perry, head of marketing at Primus, said: “The new Peppa Pig range received an overwhelming response from judges. We have taken great measures to make sure that these products stand out for our retailers. We’re anticipating high demand and hope our new range of merchandisers and incentive offers will be a big hit.”

Each character is available to order separately, and Primus has a fully branded merchandiser deal with a free floor standing unit on each first order, drawing attention to these unique sculptures, which RRP for £24.99. The smaller George pig ornament has an RRP of £17.99.

The company’s other range, Prehistoric Garden Dinosaurs, was also a finalist in the Garden Decoration category. To support retailers, Primus also launched a new merchandisers range at the event, including countertop spinners to FSDU’s and bespoke display stands.

Coolabi Group’s Scream Street rises up on CBBC for second season

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The spook-tastic stop animation TV series Scream Street is wending its way back onto CBBC this autumn, as season two of the popular children’s show prepares to land in time for Halloween. The deal was brokered by the series’ independent international rights holder, Coolabi Group.

Based on the hit book series of the same name written by Tommy Donbavand, the all new, 26 x 11’ series features a whole host of new characters and rib-tickling adventures.

The Scream Street gang includes Luke the teenage werewolf, Resus the Vampire, savvy 4,000 year-old Mummy, Cleo, Luella the trainee witch, surf-dude zombie Doug and Frankenstein-style creation Six. This season they go on their most outrageous adventures yet, featuring thrills, chills and a lot of laughs.

Six is a new character for series two, who is the same age as most of the gang, but born yesterday, and along with Luella and Cleo, forms part of Scream Street’s brand-new girl squad. She moves to Scream Street with her creator, Dr F, and eccentric scientist and the latest antagonist to the Scream Street crew.

The new episodes see the gang come up against a whole host of silly spooks as they battle to save Scream Street, usually from one of evil Otto’s dastardly tricks, or one of their own sticky situations.

Luke is voiced once more by Tyger Drew-Honey, with John Thomson, Debra Stephenson, Claire Skinner, Rasmus Hardiker, Tala Gouveia, and Jim Howick returning to voice the remaining residents of Scream Street.

Jeremy Banks, chief executive of Coolabi, said: “In a world where audiences of all ages are falling in love with strange and spooky stories, Scream Street is a fun-filled, weird and extremely wonderful show for younger audiences, brimming with tricks, treats and laugh-out-loud humour for all the family.”

The hit show, produced by Coolabi Group, is being brought back to life by showrunner Giles Pilbrow (Spitting Image and Horrible Histories) and is co-produced and animated by award-winning animation studio Factory (Clangers, Strange Hill High) in Altrincham.

Coolabi will be working with ZDF Enterprises to bring the hit animated comedy series to kids across the world.