Category Archives: Lifestyle

WildBrain CPLG and Star Trek warp into digital wall art with BeArty

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The entertainment, sport, and brand licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG has secured a deal with the tech company BeArty to launch a new digital wall art range inspired by the iconic sci-fi franchise, Star Trek. The deal was brokered by WildBrain CPLG on behalf of ViacomCBS Consumer Products.

The new partnership will witness the launch of a collection of digital wall art that fans can display on their Smart TVs. Through BeArty’s Vizzio Art software, consumers can navigate thousands of artwork options through its mobile app. The new Star Trek offering will feature hundreds of images from the franchise. It will be available to subscribers from this month.

John Taylor, VP Northern Europe and MD UK, Eire and France at WildBrain CPLG, said: “Star Trek has a hugely loyal and wide fan-base and this innovative new partnership with BeArty gives those fans an exciting opportunity to access their favourite artwork in an affordable and accessible way.

“We look forward to seeing fans around the world replacing their blank TV screens with eye-catching Star Trek ships in their homes and offices.”

Patrick Ashworth, founder and CEO of BeArty Ltd, added: “BeArty is excited to launch this new platform, which will allow fans to experience Star Trek all day long. With the large and growing wall decoration market, and the widespread use of smart phones and Smart TVs, it is finally time to make a real impact in the market and make art available to everyone and empower them to change their wall décor in just a couple of clicks.”

Sketchers steps into the world of Dr Seuss as new collection kicks off with the Cat in the Hat

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Sketchers is stepping into the fantastical world of the author Dr Seuss with the launch of a new, fully licensed Sketchers x Dr Seuss collection. The new range captures the essence of Dr Seuss stories, kicking off with the world famous characters and designs from his classic series, The Cat in the Hat.

The new multi-year partnership has been launched globally, designed to bring the colourful world of Dr Seuss to life in wearable, designs for adults and children.

“Dr. Seuss is one of the world’s biggest cultural icons – read, shared and celebrated by millions since the 1950s. And now his legendary characters and vivid designs are here to walk the walk, in the spirit of his great talk,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers.

“We’ve taken our most popular footwear styles and have infused them with Dr. Seuss’s one-of-a-kind designs, delivering the unique charm that only he can offer – even creating matching pairs that parents and their kids can wear together.”

Starting with the legendary The Cat in the Hat, the Sketchers x Dr Seuss collection will launch with popular styles from Sketchers Street, Bobs from Sketchers, and Sketchers Kids featuring the Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and the story’s vibrant colours and patterns.

Future collections are planned with characters and designs from many other classics, including Green Eggs and Ham, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and Oh, the Places You’ll Go as well as How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The collection will launch in the US, Canada, and Europe this September before rolling out worldwide.

“Skechers is the ultimate family brand for every age – and their broad, dedicated fanbase is a perfect fit for the millions who love Dr. Seuss around the world,” said Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

“Their innovative spirit, vivid styling and comfortable footwear designs make stepping out in Dr. Seuss even more fun. We look forward to every chapter of this partnership, as Skechers unveils a new Dr. Seuss adventure with each new collection.”

Sketchers steps into the world of Dr Seuss as new collection kicks off with the Cat in the Hat

Posted on by

Sketchers is stepping into the fantastical world of the author Dr Seuss with the launch of a new, fully licensed Sketchers x Dr Seuss collection. The new range captures the essence of Dr Seuss stories, kicking off with the world famous characters and designs from his classic series, The Cat in the Hat.

The new multi-year partnership has been launched globally, designed to bring the colourful world of Dr Seuss to life in wearable, designs for adults and children.

“Dr. Seuss is one of the world’s biggest cultural icons – read, shared and celebrated by millions since the 1950s. And now his legendary characters and vivid designs are here to walk the walk, in the spirit of his great talk,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers.

“We’ve taken our most popular footwear styles and have infused them with Dr. Seuss’s one-of-a-kind designs, delivering the unique charm that only he can offer – even creating matching pairs that parents and their kids can wear together.”

Starting with the legendary The Cat in the Hat, the Sketchers x Dr Seuss collection will launch with popular styles from Sketchers Street, Bobs from Sketchers, and Sketchers Kids featuring the Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and the story’s vibrant colours and patterns.

Future collections are planned with characters and designs from many other classics, including Green Eggs and Ham, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and Oh, the Places You’ll Go as well as How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The collection will launch in the US, Canada, and Europe this September before rolling out worldwide.

“Skechers is the ultimate family brand for every age – and their broad, dedicated fanbase is a perfect fit for the millions who love Dr. Seuss around the world,” said Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

“Their innovative spirit, vivid styling and comfortable footwear designs make stepping out in Dr. Seuss even more fun. We look forward to every chapter of this partnership, as Skechers unveils a new Dr. Seuss adventure with each new collection.”

The Very Hungry Caterpillar extends its partnership with Action for Children

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar is extending its partnership with the UK kids’ charity, Action for Children, with a special growing pack for new subscribers to the organisation that will include a host of gardening projects for youngsters.

The initiative will see the inclusion of a bug hotel, how to make a bird feeder, and grow your own lettuce and cress projects for all newly subscribed families. Those subscribers will also gain access to exclusive online The Very Hungry Caterpillar activities, incorporating crafting, growing, and cooking challenges based on what they are nurturing from The Growing Challenge.

Families who make a one off donation will be sent digital copies of the pack.

The new initiative emphasises The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s key values such as to inspire, explore, grow, educate and go green, and offers educational play activities for the many children whose usual pastimes have been restricted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Action for Children is promoting The Growing Challenge across its social media platforms and online.

The newest initiative is an extension of the partnership Rocket Licensing – the UK licensing agent for The Very Hungry Caterpillar – already has in place with Action for Children, having organised the popular The Giant Wiggle with The Very Hungry Caterpillar for the past seven years and having raised in excess of £300,000.

Over recent months, Action for Children has been working to support families who, before Coronavirus hit, may have already been struggling to feed their children, but have now lost their income overnight, leaving them frightened and vulnerable. The charity’s Emergency Appeal in response to Covid-19 has already helped support over 10,000 children and young people, and a new digital parenting site has been launched to support parents adapting to the challenges presented as a result of the pandemic. 

Published over 50 years ago, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is still a firm favourite among families worldwide, and over 160 million of the Eric Carle books have been sold worldwide. The multi-award-winning title now has 32 carefully selected licensing partners in the UK, in a robust programme curated by Rocket Licensing.

Charlie Donaldson, joint MD, Rocket Licensing, commented: “We are really pleased to be able to further support this wonderful charity through their work with The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Having launched at the beginning of the month, we have already seen a very positive response to the campaign and I’m sure the worldwide recognition of this literary classic will help to leverage Action for Children’s work and support them in raising valuable funds.”

Ellen Smyth, innovation manager, Action for Children, added: “We’re very excited to be exploring new and innovative ways to fundraise with The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It’s a brand our supporters know and love.

“Since the Covid-19 crisis hit, Action for Children has supported thousands of children and young people, and brilliant partnerships like this one help us continue to be a vital lifeline in our communities for children all over the country.”

The Very Hungry Caterpillar extends its partnership with Action for Children

Posted on by

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is extending its partnership with the UK kids’ charity, Action for Children, with a special growing pack for new subscribers to the organisation that will include a host of gardening projects for youngsters.

The initiative will see the inclusion of a bug hotel, how to make a bird feeder, and grow your own lettuce and cress projects for all newly subscribed families. Those subscribers will also gain access to exclusive online The Very Hungry Caterpillar activities, incorporating crafting, growing, and cooking challenges based on what they are nurturing from The Growing Challenge.

Families who make a one off donation will be sent digital copies of the pack.

The new initiative emphasises The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s key values such as to inspire, explore, grow, educate and go green, and offers educational play activities for the many children whose usual pastimes have been restricted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Action for Children is promoting The Growing Challenge across its social media platforms and online.

The newest initiative is an extension of the partnership Rocket Licensing – the UK licensing agent for The Very Hungry Caterpillar – already has in place with Action for Children, having organised the popular The Giant Wiggle with The Very Hungry Caterpillar for the past seven years and having raised in excess of £300,000.

Over recent months, Action for Children has been working to support families who, before Coronavirus hit, may have already been struggling to feed their children, but have now lost their income overnight, leaving them frightened and vulnerable. The charity’s Emergency Appeal in response to Covid-19 has already helped support over 10,000 children and young people, and a new digital parenting site has been launched to support parents adapting to the challenges presented as a result of the pandemic. 

Published over 50 years ago, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is still a firm favourite among families worldwide, and over 160 million of the Eric Carle books have been sold worldwide. The multi-award-winning title now has 32 carefully selected licensing partners in the UK, in a robust programme curated by Rocket Licensing.

Charlie Donaldson, joint MD, Rocket Licensing, commented: “We are really pleased to be able to further support this wonderful charity through their work with The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Having launched at the beginning of the month, we have already seen a very positive response to the campaign and I’m sure the worldwide recognition of this literary classic will help to leverage Action for Children’s work and support them in raising valuable funds.”

Ellen Smyth, innovation manager, Action for Children, added: “We’re very excited to be exploring new and innovative ways to fundraise with The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It’s a brand our supporters know and love.

“Since the Covid-19 crisis hit, Action for Children has supported thousands of children and young people, and brilliant partnerships like this one help us continue to be a vital lifeline in our communities for children all over the country.”

Rovio and Topgolf Entertainment launch Angry Birds into select venues

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Eagle, Birdie, the rarely scored Albatross, whatever term you’d like to use, Rovio Entertainment is looking to go the distance in a new partnership with Topgolf Entertainment Group to bring the Angry Birds franchise to select Topgolf venues this autumn.

The partnership marks a new first for both the Angry Birds IP and Topgolf and is aimed at ‘delivering humour and fun for families and friends,’ by utilising Topgolf’s exclusive Toptracer ball-tracing technology to blend the physical act of hitting a golf ball with the digital game play of Angry Birds.

Taking on a variety of challenges, Topgolf guests will be able to partner with much-loved Angry Birds characters including Red, Chuck, and Bomb to demolish virtual structures placed on the Topgolf targets.

“As a company deeply-rooted in innovation, creating new and dynamic experiences is something we consistently deliver, and we know Angry Birds will be a game-changing addition to our existing gaming collection,” said Dolf Berle, Topgolf Entertainment Group chief executive officer.

“With the Angry Birds’ loyal fanbase, this offering is sure to deliver on an experience that makes our Guests feel like they are part of the highly acclaimed mobile game.”

Angry Birds started as a popular mobile game in 2009 and has since evolved into one of the world’s most loved entertainment brands, covering games, blockbuster movies, animated series, location-based entertainment and more. In total, Angry Birds mobile games have been downloaded over 4.5 billion times.

“This experience perfectly embodies the Angry Birds brand in terms of its accessible fun and all-round irreverence,” said Ville Heijari, CMO of Rovio Entertainment. “Added to that, what Topgolf has developed with their Toptracer technology is highly innovative and aligns with the physics-based challenges that can be discovered in Angry Birds mobile games. The resulting experience is a familiar but uniquely branded experience that we’re excited for our fans to take a swing at.”

Rovio and Topgolf Entertainment launch Angry Birds into select venues

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Eagle, Birdie, the rarely scored Albatross, whatever term you’d like to use, Rovio Entertainment is looking to go the distance in a new partnership with Topgolf Entertainment Group to bring the Angry Birds franchise to select Topgolf venues this autumn.

The partnership marks a new first for both the Angry Birds IP and Topgolf and is aimed at ‘delivering humour and fun for families and friends,’ by utilising Topgolf’s exclusive Toptracer ball-tracing technology to blend the physical act of hitting a golf ball with the digital game play of Angry Birds.

Taking on a variety of challenges, Topgolf guests will be able to partner with much-loved Angry Birds characters including Red, Chuck, and Bomb to demolish virtual structures placed on the Topgolf targets.

“As a company deeply-rooted in innovation, creating new and dynamic experiences is something we consistently deliver, and we know Angry Birds will be a game-changing addition to our existing gaming collection,” said Dolf Berle, Topgolf Entertainment Group chief executive officer.

“With the Angry Birds’ loyal fanbase, this offering is sure to deliver on an experience that makes our Guests feel like they are part of the highly acclaimed mobile game.”

Angry Birds started as a popular mobile game in 2009 and has since evolved into one of the world’s most loved entertainment brands, covering games, blockbuster movies, animated series, location-based entertainment and more. In total, Angry Birds mobile games have been downloaded over 4.5 billion times.

“This experience perfectly embodies the Angry Birds brand in terms of its accessible fun and all-round irreverence,” said Ville Heijari, CMO of Rovio Entertainment. “Added to that, what Topgolf has developed with their Toptracer technology is highly innovative and aligns with the physics-based challenges that can be discovered in Angry Birds mobile games. The resulting experience is a familiar but uniquely branded experience that we’re excited for our fans to take a swing at.”

National Hot Rod Association propels into new categories through latest licensing partnerships

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The National Hot Rod Association’s official licensing agency, JRL Group, has secured three new NHRA licensing partnerships that look to propel the growing consumer products and licensing programme into new categories and distribution channels.

The three new NHRA licensees crossing the line this season are JH Design with a new range of apparel and outerwear, Holland Bar Stool for home decor bar stools, tables, and neon wall clocks, and Authentic Street Signs with its stainless steel signs.

“We are very excited about these new licensing partnerships as we continue to leverage the NHRA’s rich heritage as well as its best-in-class reputation to deliver high quality products for loyal NHRA fans,” said Andy Lieb, president of JRL Group.

The NHRA is one of the world’s largest motorsports sanctioning bodies. Since its inception in 1951, the National Hot Rod Association has been the preeminent force in the world of Drag Racing and Hot Rodding. The NHRA fields race teams with over 11,000 horsepower that reach extreme speeds of over 300mph in just under four seconds.

The 24 national NHRA race event schedule is from February to November and airs on Fox Sports and FS1.

The NHRA Licensing Program will continue to focus on lifestyle products such as apparel and accessories, home decor as well as items for the garage for the auto enthusiast such as automotive accessories, automotive tools, appearance and other automotive related products.

National Hot Rod Association propels into new categories through latest licensing partnerships

Posted on by

The National Hot Rod Association’s official licensing agency, JRL Group, has secured three new NHRA licensing partnerships that look to propel the growing consumer products and licensing programme into new categories and distribution channels.

The three new NHRA licensees crossing the line this season are JH Design with a new range of apparel and outerwear, Holland Bar Stool for home decor bar stools, tables, and neon wall clocks, and Authentic Street Signs with its stainless steel signs.

“We are very excited about these new licensing partnerships as we continue to leverage the NHRA’s rich heritage as well as its best-in-class reputation to deliver high quality products for loyal NHRA fans,” said Andy Lieb, president of JRL Group.

The NHRA is one of the world’s largest motorsports sanctioning bodies. Since its inception in 1951, the National Hot Rod Association has been the preeminent force in the world of Drag Racing and Hot Rodding. The NHRA fields race teams with over 11,000 horsepower that reach extreme speeds of over 300mph in just under four seconds.

The 24 national NHRA race event schedule is from February to November and airs on Fox Sports and FS1.

The NHRA Licensing Program will continue to focus on lifestyle products such as apparel and accessories, home decor as well as items for the garage for the auto enthusiast such as automotive accessories, automotive tools, appearance and other automotive related products.

Winners of the 2020 Licensing International Excellence Awards revealed in virtual awards ceremony

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The winners of the 2020 Licensing International Excellence Awards have been revealed in the industry’s first virtual awards ceremony that brought together nearly 1,000 executives from around the world for the celebrations.

Hosted by Handcraft VP and stand-up comic Marshall Mizrahi, the event saw licensing powerhouse Martha Stewart inducted into the Licensing Hall of Fame.

It also played host to a showcase of this year’s six international Rising Stars in Krystyna Braxton (NFL Players Inc.); Allison Cimino (RockLove); Carolina Garcia Souza (Cinecolor Colombia, representative of The Walt Disney Company); Gao Qiang (Tencent); Hannah Stevens (The Point.1888); and Louis Yenik (Crunchyroll). 

Newly redesigned trophies for both the main Awards and the Hall of Fame were also unveiled at the event, designed by Alternatives and PowerStation Studios, respectively. 

The 23 Awards winners hail from around the globe, including companies from Brazil, France, Germany, Korea, the UK and the US, and were unveiled by 10 leading licensing executives who each brought their own special flair to the event.

The Coca-Cola Company and Sesame Workshop each “took home” multiple trophies – Coca-Cola swept the Food & Beverage categories, winning Best Product for its Coca-Cola-flavoured Tic Tacs in partnership with Ferrero, and picking up the prize for Best Food & Beverage Brand of the Year. Sesame Workshop’s “Sesame Street” was named Best Live-Action Entertainment or Character Brand and also won for its “A Cautionary Tale” promotion with Squarespace. Meanwhile, Wildbrain CPLG was crowned as the first winner in the newly added Best Licensing Agency category. 

A number of companies supported the Licensing International Small Business Global Grants Fund by taking space in the Awards Program, which was made available digitally Monday. Thanks to their contributions, the Grants Fund has raised more than $110,000 to help small businesses in the licensing community impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. 

“This year marks the 35th anniversary of the International Licensing Awards, and while we had of course looked forward to celebrating in person, this virtual gathering was an amazing event,” said Maura Regan, president, Licensing International.

“Perhaps more than ever it was important to celebrate the incredible creativity and innovation of our industry. Seeing the very best work of this industry on display, alongside some of the dynamic executives who drive it, was a powerful reminder that, in the wake of uncertainty, the power of trusted brands and well-known licenses is more critical than ever before.”

The 23 2020 Licensing International Excellence Awards winners are:

Best Licensed Products

  • Apparel/Footwear/Accessories – Vans for David Bowie Apparel & Footwear Range
  • Appliance/Automotive/Housewares/Electronics – Pro-Ject Audio Systems for The Beatles Turntable
  • Toys/Games/Novelties for ages 0 to 8 – WowWee for Pinkfong Baby Shark Song Puppets
  • Apps/Software/Video games – Story Toys / Touch Press for LEGO Duplo World App
  • Food/Beverage – The Coca-Cola Company / Ferrero for Coca-Cola Tic Tac
  • Health and Beauty Aids – Lipsmacker for Crayola Lip Care Line
  • Home Decor – Dreamtex Ltd for National Geographic Recycled Bedding
  • Publishing/Back-to-School – Party City – Pantone’s 2019 Color of the Year Partygoods & Tableware
  • Toys/Games/Novelties for ages 8+ – LEGO for Stranger Things Lego Set

Best Licensed Brands

  • Art/Designs/Celebrity/Fashion Brand – V&A by Victoria & Albert Museum 
  • Digital/ App/ Video Game Brand – Brown & Friends by LINE Friends
  • Corporate Brand – Cat by Caterpillar  
  • Entertainment/Character Brand: Animated – Peppa Pig by eOne / Hasbro
  • Entertainment/Character Brand: Live Action – Sesame Street by Sesame Workshop
  • Food/Beverage/Restaurant Brand – Coca-Cola by The Coca-Cola Company
  • Sports/Collegiate Brand – Rugby World Cup by World Rugby / IMG

Other Awards

  • Best Licensed Promotion – Squarespace & Sesame Street “A Cautionary Tale”
  • Best Licensed Collaboration – SpongeBob Squarepants x Nike x Kyrie Irving
  • Best Experiential or Location-Based Initiative – The Very Hungry Caterpillar at the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Best Retailer for a Character/Entertainment Initiative – Galeries Lafayette for Batman 
  • Best Retailer for a Corporate/Lifestyle/Sports Initiative – NBA Stores Brazil 
  • Best Licensing Agency – Wildbrain CPLG
  • The Newcomer Award – Harrogate Tipple Ltd for Downton Abbey Gin & Whisky