WildBrain Spark tapped to grow global audiences for The Polos and MarcoPolo Learning

WildBrain Spark has been appointed by MarcoPolo Learning to manage the educational media company’s channel and content on YouTube on a worldwide basis. WildBrain Spark will support and bolster the distribution of the content, including its flagship CG animated series, The Polos.

The content will run across the official MarcoPolo channel and on WildBrain Spark’s own hub channels on YouTube.

Jon Gisby, EVP and managing director at WildBrain Spark, said: “MarcoPolo Learning helps kids learn and explore through content every day. We love what they do, and are delighted to welcome this premium learning brand to the WildBrain Spark network.

“Our ‘always-on’ YouTube strategy for The Polos and MarcoPolo Learning’s other educational content will leverage our proprietary insight tools to identify relevant new audiences globally, creating millions more touchpoints for kids and families everywhere.”

Justin Hsu, CEO and co-founder of MarcoPolo Learning, added: “MarcoPolo Learning’s ambition is for all our content, including The Polos, to reach the widest possible global audience who are looking for genuinely educational content, that is also entertaining and fun.

“YouTube is one of the most important parental touchpoints, and so we are very excited to partner with WildBrain Spark and leverage their expertise to grow our channel and introduce families to our content all around the world.”

MarcoPolo Learning’s ecosystem of research-driven, immersive learning products is targeted at early learners aged three to seven. The STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) curriculum series The Polos features a mix of 3D animation and live-action footage and follows Marco, Willow, Gorby, Chester, Lily and Nash who travel in their transforming vehicle, the PoloMobile, from their digital world to explore the natural world.

Each adventure teaches children about natural science, inquiry and curiosity through stunning HD footage, highlighting such topics as the dung beetle, comets, dinosaurs, ocean pollution, music and sharks – all while modeling and fostering 21st-century skills.

The Polos is co-produced and distributed globally by leading media company Boat Rocker Studios, a strategic investor in MarcoPolo Learning and its subsidiaries, Jam Filled Entertainment and Radical Sheep Productions. The Polos is currently distributed across Latin America through Discovery Kids and Nat Geo Kids, as well as in China and Korea through Youku and CJ E&M, respectively.

Simon’s Cat sets first paws down in Brazil with Chico Rei partnerships

Simon’s Cat is soaking up some of that Brazilian culture thanks to a new partnership with Chico Rei, the region’s leading e-commerce platform for creative and personalised products that will see the launch of a special line of t-shirts, mugs, notebooks, phone cases and posters. The new range will feature exclusive prints of the world-renowned cat.

In a deal brokered by Endemol Shine Brazil, the entire Chico Rei collection will be handcrafted using 100 per cent natural and sustainable materials. It is also vegan certified with a PETA seal, which guarantees that the products in the clothing do not employ any type of animal exploitation.

“We are thrilled to be the first brand to license Simon’s Cat in Brazil. It is a pleasure to take this kitten from the screen to products and we are sure that the charisma of this character will win the hearts of the Brazilian public,” Bruno Imbrizi CEO of Chico Rei.

Simon’s Cat is a worldwide phenomenon, seen in over 100 countries, with 7 million fans on Facebook, 2 million followers on Instagram, and more than 1 billion views on YouTube. It features the antics of a cheeky white cat and his long-suffering owner Simon. The brand was created by award-winning illustrator, animator and director Simon Tofield.

First seen on YouTube in 2008, the Simon’s Cat brand enjoys international success across multiple categories including gaming, publishing and apparel. There have been more than 80 million digital sticker downloads and in excess of 18 million mobile gaming downloads with further titles in development.

“The expertise of Endemol Shine Brazil is to deliver complete experiences to the public and customers, engaging the audience beyond the television screen. Simon’s Cat is already a global phenomenon with millions of fans around the world, many of whom are Brazilian, and we couldn’t be happier to deliver exclusive and original products to our audience with Chico Rei,” said Fernanda Abreu, head of licensing of Endemol Shine Brazil.

Marvel Mania returns to the global stage for fifth year with new retail and product initiatives

The popular Marvel retail celebration, Marvel Mania, is making its return this year, bringing kids, families, and fans new ways to wear, connect, and play with the franchise, and it is all kicking off this month with a Marvel-sponsored Superhero Series sports challenge.

Now in its fifth year, Marvel Mania is recognised as the only campaign to bring all the Marvel Super Heroes together as it offers a suite of global retail activations, new content launches, and new products for fans of all ages. The campaign will continue with a host of global activity through to October this year.

Powered by Marvel, the ‘Superhero Series’ is the UK’s largest interactive sporting event dedicated to the nation’s 13.3 million people with disabilities. Six families and their celebrity team captains will be starring in a special shopDisney.com-sponsored Channel 4 programme as they take on this year’s ‘At Home Superheroes’ challenge.

Due to air on August 15th, the programme will be presented by Clare Balding and includes ‘Marvel Mania’at shopDisney break-bumpers. Supporting the at-home initiative Marvel will bring the energy of its iconic Super Hero characters to participants’ homes and neighbourhoods through downloadable games, signs and more to help participants feel like a true Super Hero.

“What started as a targeted retail campaign in the US has grown into an international celebration with a wide range of retailers and more than a hundred global licensees supporting worldwide,” said Paul Gitter, SVP, Marvel Licensing. “The success of Marvel Mania is a testament to the strength, power and diversity our characters represent on screen and beyond with amazing products and experiences.”

In Mexico, Marvel will be collaborating with a sporting and cultural phenomenon this October and in the US shopDisney.com will feature a month-long ‘Marvel Mania’ collector event to debut new products, content and Marvel-themed accessories and apparel.

In China, a Marvel ‘Find Your Power’ campaign will launch this fall with additional Asia Pacific region retail touch points, new product offerings, and multiple consumer activations running through 2021. Japan will feature “A Universe of Heroes” exhibition that celebrates the Marvel Cinematic Universe opening in Osaka, Japan from August 10 to November 23 with limited-edition products sold exclusively at the exhibition including Beams Marvel t-shirts designed by three local artists.

Supporting Marvel Mania will be robust merchandising programmes from major UK and European retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Argos, Smyths, ASDA, Amazon and Carrefour as well as shopDisney and The Disney Store.

In the US Walmart, Target, Amazon, Kohl’s, Hot Topic, Box Lunch, FYE, Party City, Walgreen’s and Books-A-Million will all be taking part. Fans in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and India can look forward to an exciting line-up of Marvel campaigns now until November across the region’s largest online retailers and e-Commerce platforms, such as Lazada, Shopee, Flipkart and Amazon.

These campaigns will bring the latest Marvel merchandise online, from kids’ favourite Hasbro and LEGO offerings, to the ultra-affordable-but-chic MINISO for an added touch of “power” to any home and living space. Latin America rounds out the programme with support from El Palacio de Hierro, Walmart and Marathon. All participating retailers will feature unique ‘Marvel Mania’ promotions and special offers.

Additionally, an exciting cross-category merchandise portfolio spanning video games, publishing, apparel, accessories, toys and more will give kids, families and fans the biggest, broadest, and ‘most diverse merchandise line ever.’

Highlights include launches for the Marvel fanatics such as X-Men 20th Anniversary collectables toys from Hasbro, Marvel Zombies Funko Pop! collectables, the LEGO Marvel Studios Iron Man art set and more, while for kids there will be the likes of the BattleWorld Thanos Ship Showdown from Funko,  Spider-Man: Maximum Venom toys including Venom Burst Action Figures and role play from Hasbro, construction sets from LEGO, and Funko Pops.

Nelvana and Spin Master secure raft of new broadcasters including Netflix for the hit Bakugan franchise

The children’s animated and live action content distributor, Nelvana and kids’ entertainment company, Spin Master have secured a raft of new broadcast partners for both seasons one and two of the hit Bakugan franchise.

The new distribution deal for both Bakugan: Battle Planet and Bakugan: Armored Alliance includes Netflix in the US and Canada, Pop in the UK, 9Go! in Australia, and Dreamia in Portugal for the second season, as well as Televisa in Mexico, Dreamia in Portugal, Nelonen Media in Finland, Dexy Co in Serbia, and Talent Show in Croatia for season one.

These new distribution deals are in addition to the previously announced broadcast partners including TeleToon in Canada, Cartoon Network in the US, Cartoon Network in Spain, Italy and Middle East, Gulli and Canal J in France and Africa, and Pop in the UK, alongside a host of others.

“Bakugan is a revered franchise with a loyal fan base that has achieved great popularity worldwide as the series continues to enthrall and capture the attention of young audiences,” said Mellany Masterson, head of Nelvana Enterprises. “The momentous addition of these leading international broadcasters elevates this powerful franchise to the next level and allows Bakugan to be shared and enjoyed by many more brawlers around the world.”

Thom Chapman, senior director, sales and distribution, Spin Master, added: “The continued influx of international distribution deals is a strong testament to the franchise’s reigning popularity.

“Bakugan is an exemplary franchise for Spin Master proven in its long-lasting brand affinity. We look forward to bringing the epic world of Bakugan to more fans with this expansion.”

Bakugan: Armored Alliance is the second season of Bakugan: Battle Planet. The anime adventure series follows the adventures of Dan Kouzo and his best friends as the first kids on Earth to bond with the mysterious alien creatures known as Bakugan. The fate of not one but two planets rests in the hands of this new breed of Bakugan Brawlers.

The new season launched earlier this year on Cartoon Network in the US, and TeleToon in Canada.

Along with the new season, Spin Master launched Bakugan: Armored Alliance toys in North America in Spring 2020, with a new wave of products launching this autumn in US and Canada. Additionally, the children’s entertainment company will be rolling out their Bakugan: Armored Alliance toy line internationally this autumn.

 

Jetpack Distribution secures major content deal with South Africa’s SVOD service Showmax

The international children’s and family distributor, Jetpack Distribution, is rocketing into South Africa having secured a new deal with the region’s subscription-based VOD service, Showmax for an entire suite of children’s properties.

The deal, finalised last week, will see more than 153 hours of content from Jetpack’s expanding catalogue broadcast across a range of devices in sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa.

Shows available through the service in 2020 and 2021, will include the BES comedy animation Kitty is not a Cat, Funrise’s hit animation Rainbow, Butterfly, Unicorn, Kitty, Outfit 7’s Talking Tom and Friends, Pop-Up Workshop’s puppet live action show Pop Up, CBBC’s award winning liver action drama Katy, and more.

Jetpack CEO, Dominic Gardiner, said: “In the last few years, we’ve been increasingly focused on building a rich and diverse catalogue, one that spans beyond our heartland of comedy animation; breaking new ground where possible.

“This deal demonstrates that we can offer a great deal of choice and variation for one network. While consistently delivering high quality and enduringly appealing content.”

Showmax head of content, Candice Fangueiro, added: “Our business has fundamentally changed over the past few months with SVOD usage jumping dramatically, and kids’ content in particular has been extremely popular. The timing for this deal, which adds a wide range of new kids shows, couldn’t be better, and it’s a perfect complement to the total revamp of the kids section that we recently completed, giving parents full control over what their kids can see.”

ADK Emotions NY prepares for 20th anniversary of Beyblade with archived epsiodes drop on its YouTube channel

The US-based Japanese IP specialist, ADK Emotions NY, has debuted a selection of archived episodes from the global anime and toy franchise Beyblade across its official YouTube channel. The classic Generation  One content is now available to watch on demand, laying the foundations of Beyblade’s 20th anniversary celebrations in 2021.

Focused on exploring the two-decades rich history of Beyblade, ADK Emotions NY is embarking on a nostalgic journey back to the origins of the global phenomena. With weekly classic episode drops in both English and Latin American Spanish, the brand’s YouTube channels – which boast more than 2 million subscribers (excluding Asia) – is connecting with a groundswell of rekindled fandom for the franchise.

All of the episodes are being promoted by a robust social media campaign that serves both Beyblade demographics: the long-time fans, who have responded to the nostalgia of the campaign, and a new generation of fans keen to discover the classic content for the first time. Meanwhile, the Beyblade Geeks, long time Beyblade YouTubers, have also come on board to release a special episode that will give fans past and present alike, a chance to dive into the storylines and concepts of Generation One.

Buoyed by the social media buzz generated by the classic content campaign, ADK Emotions NY will be releasing brand new Beyblade Generation One apparel which will also be available this summer on Amazon.

New content in the form of Beyblade Burst has been championed by international broadcasters and it has enjoyed a profile presence on Netflix and YouTube where we have seeded more than 1,600 videos and achieved 360 million global views.  The addition of classic content is the perfect kick-off to what promises to be a comprehensive and coordinated campaign of fresh content and bold new consumer products that will take Beyblade into its third decade.

ADK Emotions NY will continue to engage Beyblade Burst fans in as many ways as possible in the latter half of the year. In September, a digital EP featuring the series theme songs will be released on all major digital distribution platforms including Spotify, iTunes, and Google Play Music, meeting the fans fervent demand for music.

Mattel has the power in new Masters of the Universe toy line reveal featuring UNO, Fisher-Price and Mega Construx

Mattel has unveiled a new generation-spanning collection of toys, action figures, tabletop games and even a themed version of its popular card game UNO all based on the Masters of the Universe franchise, proving that the global toymaker really does ‘have the power.’

Revealed at this year’s virtual edition of Power Con, Mattel finally shed light on the much anticipated Masters of the Universe toy line for 2021, a launch that will coincide with the arrival of a new Masters of the Universe series on Netflix. And it’s a range designed to truly bring generations together.

For the first time, Masters of the Universe is launching in to the pre-school space with a line of Fisher-Price toys under the Little People moniker. The line-up of four figures features He-Man, Skeletor, Man-at-Arms, and Beast Man.

Mattel then begins to transition up the age groups with the introduction of a new action figure line from its Imaginext collection. The Fisher-Price Imaginext Masters of the Universe XL Action Figures line features a collection of super-sized 10-inch action figures including He-Man, Skeletor, and Beast Man.

Mega Construx comes roaring into play as the brand expands its Masters of the Universe offering with a reissue of last year’s Pro Builders Series Castle Grayskull. The 3,508-piece building set includes three floors featuring the Throne Room, Command Centre, Dungeon, Power Sword-activated Jawbridge, and more. It also includes six collectable micro action figures.

Meanwhile, the Mega Construx Masters of the Universe Skeletor Skull Assortment comes with three collectable Skeletor heads, each containing micro action figures and building materials.

Skeletor and Panthor signature sets complete the line up, alongside a Battle Ram vehicle with Tri-Klops and Mekaneck micro action figures.

Mattel has also got the gaming sector covered with a Masters of the Universe themed version of its hit game UNO. The new launch features vintage artwork from the franchise’s archives of oil paintings created by Williams George and Ruby Obero in the 1980s, tapping into the retro-revival with vintage appeal.

Finally, Mattel has also detailed the first tabletop roleplaying game to feature Masters of the Universe, introducing players to Legends of Grayskull. The launch is the result of a multi-year licensing deal with Fandom – the team that developed D&D Beyond – to produce a roleplaying game complete with a 250 page hardcover guidebook with pull-out maps, a digital companion app and toolset, a community content creation and sharing platform, and a ‘play programme that gives fans the chance to participate in a connected, living story with other players around the world.’

 

Marshmello makes Mellodees pre-school YouTube series debut as Lil Mello

One month on from its initial launch to the pre-school stage, Mellodees – a new kids’ YouTube channel featuring weekly videos and upbeat music produced by Marshmello and Moe Shalizi – has offered audiences a special guest appearance from the global DJ superstar Marshmello himself.

The episode, titled Wheels on the Bus, sees Dee receive a surprise visit from Marshmello in miniature form as Lil Mello, who makes his first appearance in the series, driving the bus and seated on a phone book.

Mellodees’ music videos have surpassed three million views on YouTube. The channel includes a fresh remix of classic nursery rhymes including ABC’s Song, Rock-A-Bye Baby, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and Twinkle Twinkle, as well as compilations.  With Dee’s imagination, he and his friends go on adventures providing families with music, special dance moves and more.

By Following the Beets, kids can easily read and sing along with the lyrics.

Additionally, Dee and Mellodees will be featured in the first-ever iHeartMedia Saturday Morning Dance Party, a family-friendly music event for children and parents across the US. Families can tune in to the two-week dance series to enjoy songs, new videos and Dee’s signature dance moves, taking place on Saturday, August 22 and August 29, with streaming available on iHeartRadio’s Facebook Page.

Mellodees promises to deliver relevant messages and energetic music for the preschool set and their millennial parents to enjoy. New music and videos release each week on the Mellodees YouTube Channel as well as all streaming platforms.

China’s UYoung brings Magic Light Pictures’ The Gruffalo and more to its UKids app

China’s children’s and family entertainment media company, UYoung, has acquired six family favourite films from Magic Light Pictures to broadcast across its educational UKids app and SVOD service.

The new deal will see Magic Light’s hit features The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, Room on the Broom, Stick Man, The Highway Rat, and Zog all land on the platform, China’s only dedicated content English learning platform for pre-schoolers.

Based on the much-loved children’s picture books written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, the films were first broadcast to audiences of millions on the BBC as an integral part of its Christmas schedules, for which Magic Light has produced a new festive treat each year for the last seven years.

Ukids is UYoung’s recently launched one-stop service of global children’s programming for Chinese families aimed at helping children to speak English through high-quality developmental content. Available on OTT, iOS, Android mobile and tablet, the dedicated kids’ app contains a wealth of specially curated content chosen for its educational value, ranging from STEM, arts and crafts and nature through to socio-emotional programming.

The English language learning elements of the app have been developed in partnership with the British Council.

Clara Yang, vice president international business and newly appointed general manager for Ukids, said: “We are delighted to have added these wonderful films from Magic Light to our UKids portfolio. They are perfect for the platform’s aim of providing educational and entertaining content in a safe and happy environment to help children grow and develop, and are yet another example of our ability to acquire top-class content from leading international production companies.”

Muriel Thomas, Magic Light Pictures’ head of international distribution, said: “The Gruffalo’s films and subsequent TV specials have a huge international appeal and we are thrilled to have signed our first deal with UYoung to bring these wonderful stories to a whole new audience.”

Licensing International hosts first Diversity & Inclusion Workshop and launches toolkit to encourage a more diverse industry

The licensing industry’s trade organisation, Licensing International held its first Diversity & Inclusion Workshop this week where it brought together leading minds in the business to discuss the challenges and opportunities for companies looking to better enhance diversity and inclusive practices.

It was Madeline Di Nonno, CEO of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media at Mount Saint Mary’s University who kicked off proceedings with a presentation of the findings of a recent study of diversity in the licensing industry, commissioned by Licensing International.

Among other findings, the research shows that while 30 per cent of companies surveyed currently have a Diversity & Inclusivity programme, only 10 per cent have budgeted financial support to those programmes.

“If you don’t measure, you don’t you have any substantive understanding of where things stand or a benchmark by which to gauge success,” said Maura Regan, president, Licensing International. “This research is the crucial first step in creating real, lasting change in our companies and the global licensing community as a whole.”

The full research study is now available for download at www.LicensingInternational.org.

Following the presentation of the research results, newly elected Licensing International Board Member Steven Wolfe Pereira, CEO and co-founder of Encantos, was joined by Petco’s chief marketing officer Tariq Hassan, for a screenside chat about what it means to create an organization that is truly inclusive and how to go about doing it.

“You cannot only do this from executive-level down,” said Hassan. “If you want to tell people to bring their authentic selves to work, you’ve got to allow them to have a place to express it, and you’ve got to allow it to then influence the decisions of the company. … ‘You don’t have to ask for permission to be who you are’ – we have to create a culture that celebrates that insistence. When you put it that way, it stops being about what’s wrong, and it focuses on the energy and creativity of what’s right.”

The panelists who participated in the third part of the event echoed that sentiment, and shared details about how they are nurturing diversity at their own companies. They included: Bryony Bouyer, senior vice president, Diversity & Inclusion and Multicultural Strategy at Hasbro; Cindy Levitt, senior vice president of Licensing, Mad Engine LLC; Dolores Ordas, vice president of People and Culture, Mad Engine LLC; and Eric Ueno, SVP of Human Resources of Hot Topic Inc.

Much of the conversation throughout the event centered on where and how organisations can start to take action. To that end, Licensing International is proud to share its new Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit, developed in conjunction with the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.

For the next month, Licensing International is making this Toolkit available to the global licensing community at large, after which time it will continue to be available to Licensing International members and partner trade organizations.