Preschool animation series Brave Bunnies scores Italian book deal

Italian publisher DeA Planeta Libri, a subsidiary of Grupo Planeta and DeAgostini, has become the first company in the Italian market to publish books based on the popular kids’ series Brave Bunnies, produced by Ukrainian production team Glowberry. The deal was arranged by KidsMe, the distributor and agent for Brave Bunnies in Italy.

The book collection includes sticker books Amici Incredibili (Incredible Friends) and In Giro per il Mondo (Around the World), as well as hardcover books Eroi Controvento (Brave Heroes), Strisce da Esploratore (Hidden Treasure), and Pulizia Cosmica (A Great Mess).

In October, DeA Planeta Libri launched the books in leading book chains across 800 stores nationwide, as well as on online platforms. Besides dedicated book stores, the books are available in over 300 mass-market outlets across Italy.

Olga Cherepanova, originator of the Brave Bunnies concept and Creative Producer of the series, says: “The first release of books based on Brave Bunnies is a major event for the series team. It’s another step toward building a fully fledged universe around the Brave Bunnies series and its characters. Each new viewer of the series is motivating and inspiring us to go forward. That’s why we are always excited to gain new fans and connect with the established fanbase in a new way — through print media.

“We are proud to work with the talented team of KidsMe and DeA Planeta Libri, the undisputed market leader.”

KidsMe became Glowberry’s first partner and paved the way for the worldwide distribution of the project, which has included a global toy contract with toy company Spin Master, a deal with publisher Penguin Random House, and more.

Brenda Maffuchi, Chief of Co-Productions, Licensing and Sales Officer at KidsMe says: “We are very happy to have confirmed this first license for Brave Bunnies in Italy. It will be the first of many licenses and contracts we are working on in the Italian market. We are hoping to confirm these agreements very soon because we know that Brave Bunnies is an IP with great potential and we can’t wait to see the brand’s products in the Italian market.”

In Italy, BRAVE BUNNIES premiered this spring on RAIYoYo. The series first aired on the streaming service Rai Play and began airing on Rai YoYo nationwide on April 19.

Aimed at preschool kids and based on an original idea by Olga Cherepanova, Brave Bunnies is co-created with Spanish animation studio Ánima and is distributed internationally by Aardman Animations.

 

 

Success for Snowtap x The Art File’s range of greetings cards

KJG Ltd has signed a deal for graphic design and illustration property Snowtap with The Art File, to offer a range of greetings cards based on Snowtap’s natural world-inspired designs.

The collection of 16 cards to celebrate a range of occasions was launched in late July at Harrogate Gift Fair and PG Live, and has already received a fantastic response from The Art Files customer base. The licensee reports that 10 to 12 of the designs are very close in terms of sales, showing customers are buying into the entire range and then re-ordering, meaning the collection is a real winner with retailers.

Designs in The Art Files offering include the best-selling Happy birthday you old grumpdesign with a polar bear in glasses, as well as Bear hugs, Youre one in a chameleon, To a deer friendand more, including birthday cards for mama and papa bear, and more general occasion cards including the giraffe message Youre head and shoulders above the rest.

Snowtap was founded in 2016 by Susy Snow and Gracie Tapner, who studied Illustration and Visual Communication together at university. The company now has over 60 designs combining the instantly recognisable artwork bought to life with witty puns, and featuring illustrations in watercolour, line drawing and hand-drawn typography.

The Art File created its business in 1997 and exhibited at Spring Fair for the first time the following year. Since then, the company has grown to establish itself as a leading independent publisher of greeting cards, stationery and more recently gifts.

Gracie and Susy commented: We’re absolutely over the moon to have launched our exclusive range of designs in partnership with The Art File and to bring our humorous and extraordinary animal characters to their collection. We’re really looking forward to sharing our playful, illustrative world with big and small retailers alike, and to be part of this exciting new venture.”

James Mace, Sales and Marketing Manager for The Art File, added: We have been absolutely delighted with the launch of Snowtap to our customers. We launched the collection at PG Live, and Harrogate Home and Gift in July this year, and the uptake has been extremely positive and encouraging. Customers have commented on how much they love the illustrations from Susy and Gracie, tied in with the light and airy humour, this makes a real show stopping collection, we cant wait to be a part of the no doubt very exciting future for Snowtap, and would encourage any company looking to license these designs to sign them up.

“I am thrilled to have appointed The Art File as Snowtap’s leading greeting card publisher,” says Kirsty Guthrie, KJG Ltd. “They have taken the essence of Snowtap and have designed a stunning range of greeting cards, which only eight weeks after launch, are already performing over and above all of our expectations.”

ISKO and Soorty join forces to drive industry change with ISKO Future Face by Soorty Collection

Denim producer ISKO and Soorty – Pakistan’s largest vertically integrated denim company – have announced the launch of their first collaborative effort: ISKO Future Face by Soorty Collection. Through this partnership, the two global denim powerhouses have developed a business model that is a first in the industry with the potential to change working practices for the better and unlock value for the entire market through the scaling of responsible innovations.

Created using ISKO’s innovative ISKO Future Face™ technology, the collection is produced by Soorty specifically for the US market. ISKO Future Face technology is a patented woven fabric that looks like a knit: it combines a soft, silky finish with comfort, enhanced shape retention and a flattering drape, while maintaining all the properties of true denim. ISKO Future Face by Soorty is washed using responsible laundry techniques that avoid the use of stones, PPE or hazardous chemicals while reducing the need for water and energy.

Placing themselves at the forefront of sustainability, inclusivity, technology and education, both ISKO and Soorty have launched previous initiatives that focus on a change for the better for the industry. Examples include Soorty approaching DENIM AS A POWER OF GOOD with a continuous investment in the latest technology and smart machinery, and innovations that use less of limited resources, plus numerous CSR projects such as creating an inclusive workplace and a transparent education platform. The company has also introduced “one size fits all” – adaptive denim technology with genderless and unisex fabrics to open room for inclusivity and diversity.

ISKO has recently announced its participation in The Jeans Redesign, a project established by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Make Fashion Circular initiative. Eighty-five per cent of ISKO’s entire fabric production will consist of recycled material content made from pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled materials, and will be independently verified by Textile Exchange audit bodies. ISKO has also provided scholarships to underprivileged students through the Sani Konukoğlu foundation.

“We have always aimed at pioneering new models and innovations for the industry, like patenting textile technologies and building an actual denim ingredient brand,” says Marco Lucietti, ISKO Director of Strategic Projects. “We are now proud to be the ones to initiate this kind of new collaboration together with Soorty.”

 

 

 

 

Signature Publishing continues festive offering with two Elf on the Shelf special magazines 

Following a successful year which saw the now annual issue of We Love the Elf on the Shelfmagazine shortlisted at the 2021 Licensing Awards, Signature Publishing is launching two new specials devoted to the much-loved festive icon.

Lumistella’s The Elf on the Shelf has become a global phenomenon with 14.5 million Santa’s Scout Elves adopted by families worldwide since 2005, and the brand – managed by Rocket Licensing – firmly establishing itself as a family tradition in the UK. With huge momentum behind the brand, and high demand for new and innovative products that capture the magic, Signature Publishing is publishing two official magazines for fans.

“We are absolutely delighted to continue our highly successful relationship with Rocket Licensing and The Lumistella Company, working together on The Elf on the Shelf,” says Signature’s Managing Director, Danny Morris. “Not just because of the impressive sales the magazines have, and will continue to generate, but also because we absolutely adore the brand and the added excitement it brings to so many children in the lead-up to Christmas. It’s so rewarding for everyone involved to be a part of this tradition, using the magazine to extend the brand for existing fans while marketing it to a whole new audience.”

Signature Publishing’s changing theme magazines WE LOVE and COLOUR IT! provide the ideal vehicles for publishing special issues of The Elf on The Shelf. In WE LOVE The Elf on the Shelf, readers can immerse themselves fully in the brand with puzzles, games, makes and competitions. The magazine also comes with a cracker with four surprise gifts inside, plus a snow globe set to decorate. Meanwhile, COLOUR IT! The Elf on the Shelf magazine provides a creative offering with 36 pages of colouring and craft. The magazine also comes with a colouring set, where readers can design and hang their own bauble.

WE LOVE The Elf on the Shelf is on sale 4 November 2021 and COLOUR IT! The Elf on the Shelf on 17 November 2021. Both magazines are priced at £5.99 and are available to buy at all good supermarkets and newsagents.

Other magazines in Signature’s growing portfolio include; TRANSFORMERS and TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS ACADEMY published under license from Hasbro. GO JETTERS published under license from BBC Studios. SPIRIT RIDING FREE and TROLLS under license from NBC Universal. SUPER WINGS, published under license from Alpha Group. POLLY POCKET, published under license from Mattel. Plus DINO FUN!, PETS2COLLECT, DINOSAUR ACTION!FANTASTIC! FUNWORLDSO MAGICAL! and ADVENTURES WITH. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International Olympic Committee launches unified Olympic Shop

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the launch of a unified online Olympic shop developed in collaboration with global merchandise leader Fanatics. The launch of the Olympic Shop comes as Paris 2024 marks its 1,000-day countdown to the opening of the next Olympic Summer Games.

Through the Olympic Shop, fans will be able to purchase official Olympic and Paralympic Games merchandise produced by licensees and suppliers appointed by the IOC and the Organising Committees of the upcoming Games editions, Paris 2024, Milano Cortina 2026 and LA28.

“This is an exciting launch for us, as fans from an increasing number of territories will be able to purchase official Olympic merchandising and connect with the magic of the Olympic Games ahead of each edition,” says Timo Lumme, IOC Television & Marketing Services Managing Director. “We are looking forward to collaborating on this new shop with the Organising Committees of Paris 2024, Milano Cortina 2026 and LA28 to engage with a broader fanbase and offer collectables and goods that convey the values of the Olympic Movement, in line with the IOC Global Licensing Strategy.”

The Olympic Shop will offer the largest assortment of Olympic-branded merchandise to date, distributed through Fanatics’ vertical, on-demand manufacturing model and globally connected supply chain, as part of three Olympic core licensing collections: The Olympic and Paralympic Games Collection; The Olympic Heritage Collection and the Olympic Collection, which targets a young and active audience through unique branded products exclusively available online and at The Olympic Museum Shop in Lausanne, Switzerland, such as toys and games, bags, stationary items and sports equipment.

The different collections are currently available in the United States, Mexico and Europe, including France, the United Kingdom and Switzerland, and will expand further by summer 2022, with exclusive product launches along the way. Visa, the Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic payment partner, is the official way to pay on the Olympic Shop.

The Olympic Shop complements the Olympic store on Tmall, developed in collaboration with Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner Alibaba and which remains the official platform for Chinese fans to purchase official Olympic and Paralympic products.

HP partners with Hasbro for unique Peppa Pig printable activities

HP has introduced everyone’s favourite pig, Peppa, to HP Printables, a free resource with downloadable activities from colouring pages to learning worksheets and simple projects.

The Peppa starter pack features the Peppa Pig Paper Theater, Peppa, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig, plus a few accessories, allowing parents and kids to create their own Peppa-themed scene, act out their favourite Peppa moments, or create their very own. In addition to the starter pack, there are six additional printable pages offered where parents and kids can download additional characters, costumes, accessories, and backgrounds.

“We know schedules, particularly around the holiday season, can become increasingly cluttered and we want to encourage moments of family togetherness through simple, creative activities,” says Anneliese Olson, SVP and General Manager, Printing Category at HP. “Peppa Pig is a beloved children’s character who encourages curiosity, inclusion, and imagination, all qualities that we value here at HP. We hope the HP Peppa Pig Printables will give parents, teachers, caretakers and children the opportunity to enjoy less screen time and continue to create memories rooted in those simple moments of togetherness.”

Developed in partnership with Hasbro, the HP Peppa Pig Printables are exclusively available in the US on the HP Smart mobile app and at hp.com/printables. Across all seven packs, parents and kids can download and enjoy over 100 unique Peppa Pig Printables. Additional packs include locations, like Peppa’s Treehouse or Playgroup, costumes for Peppa, George and friends, and of course, lots and lots of muddy puddles.

“Peppa Pig’s loud snort, mischievous ways and infectious laugh have long inspired creativity and a sense of everyday adventure for our audiences. The opportunity to give kids a new way to express themselves with HP Printables was a natural fit,” says Casey Collins, GM & SVP, Global Licensed Consumer Products at Hasbro. “Working on simple projects, like cutting paper and creating art, enables parents and kids to enjoy a shared experience that can spur new memories, conversations and – if they’re anything like Peppa and her family – a few snorts of laughter too.”

In addition to these limited edition Peppa Pig Printables, the HP Printables site features learning worksheets, colouring pages and seasonal crafts, plus unique greeting cards, business worksheets and organisational tools.

 

Ocean Pacific brings California style to new Heelys designs


Surf lifestyle brand Ocean Pacific, owned by Iconix Brand Group, has announced a new collection of footwear with Heelys, the original shoes with wheels, owned by BBC International. The collaboration will feature three OP styles, with the added Heelys’ wheel technology.

Ocean Pacific, previously a surfboard brand, became the first company to translate the West Coast surf culture into a lifestyle brand. The brand fuses sports, music, art, and fashion with an echo of the sand and streets of Southern California’s surf and skate culture. The styles will reflect the OP brand’s surf spirit and the Californian laid-back aesthetic, paired with the now-iconic Heelys wheel that gives the wearer the ability to go from sneaker to wheeled shoe by shifting weight on to the heel.

“We are excited to add Ocean Pacific to our portfolio of Heelys collaborations,” says Seth Campbell, Heelys Corporate President. “The west coast culture of the OP brand allows us to infuse our product with their great heritage designs and classic surf colouration — things we know resonate with our core consumers.”

“As we build upon the momentum of OP’s upcoming golden anniversary, we couldn’t be more excited about this perfect partnership,” adds Bob Galvin, Chief Executive Officer and President at Iconix Brand Group. “With OP’s history of bringing together sport and culture and Heelys dedication to adventure, we have brought together two brands who embody the importance of an active lifestyle for a fun collaboration that will appeal to fans of both brands.”

The Ocean Pacific x Heelys collab comes in three styles with ranging sizes: kid’s size 13-8 and adult’s size 9-13. The collection is available now, at www.Heelys.com

 

Signature Publishing partners with Cyber Groups Studios to launch standalone Gigantosaurus magazine

Following the success of the two special issues of Adventures with Gigantosaurus earlier this year, Signature Publishing has partnered with Cyber Groups Studios to launch the new standalone Gigantosaurus magazine. Aimed at pre-schoolers, the title is based on the award-winning animated TV series and Jonny Duddle’s original book, published by Templar.

Gigantosaurus supports early-years learning through fun stories, puzzles, colouring and lots more interactive activities, while each issue comes with a Gigantosaurus toy.

Gigantosaurus follows the adventures of four dinosaur friends – Mazu, Tiny, Bill and Rocky – as they explore the prehistoric world, searching through jungles, rivers and more, hunting down the elusive Gigantosaurus and making new dinosaur friends along the way. The fun-filled adventure focuses on friendship and teamwork as each friend overcomes their individual fears. The hit TV series is available on Disney +, Netflix and Tiny Pop, and was rated Tiny Pop’s #1 show when the new series launched, reaching 1.95million viewers during the three-month period.

“With such a massive following and proven magazine sales we’re really excited to be working with Cyber Group Studios on a regular Gigantosaurus magazine,” says Editor Julie Patten. “Plus, it’s such a lovely timeless story, full of adventure, excitement, friendship and fun but, most important of all… the biggest, fiercest dinosaur of them all!”

Gigantosaurus magazine launches on 4 November, with the first issue priced at £4.99. It’s available nationwide at all good supermarkets and newsagents.

Story House Egmont launches CoComelon Magazine

Story House Egmont has launched CoComelon Magazine, based on Moonbug Entertainment’s successful preschool brand. The magazine aims to help preschoolers learn letters, numbers, and colours, and will cover important life lessons, providing parents with an opportunity to teach and play with their children as they enjoy the content together.

On YouTube, CoComelon is the no. 1 kids’ channel, the no. 1 educational channel, and the no. 2 channel worldwide. CoComelon garners 2.5 billion monthly views on YouTube and is adding to its 119 million subscribers every day.

On Netflix, CoComelon was 2020’s most watched show, and so far in 2021 it has been featured in the top 10 list for 258 consecutive days.

With further reach on BBC iPlayer, Cartoonito, Tiny POP and SKY Kids, this makes CoComelon the world’s most watched kids’ show, with the largest kids’ audience ever.

CoComelon is the latest addition to Story House Egmont’s pre-school portfolio which currently includes Thomas & Friends, Milkshake!, Ryan’s World, PAW Patrol, the UK’s no. 1 preschool magazine, and PAW Patrol EXTRA, which launched into the UK market in August this year. The launch issue comes with a Doctor Playset and complementary content inside the magazine which encourages young fans to ‘Play Doctors’. Issue 1 also includes 45 stickers alongside a tick-and-stick reward chart to incentivise all those mini milestones that young children achieve every day.

Over 14,000 retail outlets are stocking the magazine in the UK, enhanced by mass-market listings achieved across all major grocery, convenience, and discount outlets. Further promotional activity is happening in-store to celebrate the first issue at Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Co-op, and LIDL, to drive prominence and awareness among consumers.

“We are delighted to be launching the CoComelon magazine and sharing this joyful brand in a printed format with thousands of young families across our publishing network,” says Laura Adnitt, Story House Egmont Publishing & Brand Management Director. “CoComelon, with its mind-blowing reach and ‘of the moment’ relevance, is a wonderful addition to our publishing portfolio. We are incredibly excited by this new entry into the market and can’t wait to see the consumer reaction to CoComelon magazine.”

Katie Wilkinson, Publishing Manager for Moonbug’s EMEA Licensing Agent, ThePoint.1888, says: “To launch a new title into 14,000 retailers in the UK from the start is quite incredible and shows the immense popularity of CoComelon.  Story House Egmont have done an incredible job capturing the essence of this brand in a new magazine and are supporting with an exciting marketing plan.  I cannot wait to see this launch.”

CoComelon magazine will launch in UK, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Croatia in 2021, with Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland all due to market in early 2022.

TSBA secures book deal between Opus and The R&A 
to celebrate The 150th Open

Opus and The R&A has announced the planned publication and pre-order release of The Open Opus, which will celebrate the 150th playing of The Open and documents the history of the world’s oldest and most prestigious championship. The partnership was brokered by TSBA, The R&A’s licensing agent.

The Open Opus will chronicle the evolution of the Championship from its very first playing at Prestwick in 1860 to the present day, culminating in its 150th playing at St Andrews next year. It will include 150 of the ‘Greatest’ moments from The Open, such as when the late Seve Ballesteros sunk a 15-foot putt to win The Open at St Andrews in 1984, or ‘The Duel in the Sun’ at Turnberry in 1977, the head-to-head between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.

The 800+ page book will feature a wealth of action photography, including many images spanning one-metre wide and several two-metre wide gatefolds, accompanied by exclusively written essays and interviews with many of the sport’s icons and players.

The Limited Marquee Opus Champions’ Edition of only 150 copies will run to 800 pages, each measuring 20 inches x 20 inches (45cm x 45cm) weighing in excess of 32kg (70lb). The Opus will be leather hand-bound, signed by many Champion Golfers, greats and icons, individually numbered and include special features and experiences.

Karl Fowler, Opus CEO, says: To be able to tell this story in such large luxurious format, showing photographs and treasures from the 150 Greatest moments from the world’s most prestigious golf championship will hopefully make The Open Opus rather special. We look forward to making more announcements on this unique Opus project over the coming months as we lead up to The 150th Open next summer at St Andrews.”

Jo Edwards, Global Head of Licensing, TSBA Group, adds: “The 150th Open is a momentous occasion in the history of golf; The Open Opus will capture the greatest moments from the Championship in style. With exclusive content, stunning photography and quality presentation, coupled with the limited number of copies available, it will become a collector’s edition to cherish.”

Neil Armit, Chief Commercial Officer at The R&A, says: The Open has produced many memorable moments throughout its revered history and we have worked closely with Opus to capture them in a very special publication that fans of the Championship will be able to enjoy and cherish.”

For licensing opportunities with The Open brand, contact enquiries@tsbagroup.com