Scholastic’s The Magic School Bus lands feature length film deal

The Magic School Bus is heading to the big screen for the first time in its 26-year history, thanks to a new deal between Scholastic Entertainment, Brownstone Productions, Marc Platt Productions, and Universal Pictures.

The feature length, live action hybrid film will star Elizabeth Banks as the widely-popular Ms Frizzle. Banks will also take on a producer role alongside Max Handelman for Brownstone Productions, as well as Scholastic’s president and chief strategy officer Iole Luchesse and SVP and general manager, Caitlin Friedman.

“We are delighted to bring to life the iconic Ms. Frizzle and her zest for knowledge and adventure in a fresh new way that inspires the next generation of kids to explore science and supports the dedicated teachers who help make science real and accessible for young learners every day,” said Lucchese.

“We’re also extremely excited to be working with such top-tier partners as Elizabeth Banks, Marc Platt Productions, Brownstone Productions, Universal Pictures, and all of the amazing talent assembled for this noteworthy feature film.”

Ryan Christians from Marc Platt Productions will oversee production with Sara Scott and Lexi Barta from Universal Pictures.

The upcoming The Magic School Bus film is based on the best-selling Scholastic book series by author Joanna Cole and illustrator Bruce Degen, now with over 80 million books in print worldwide. The science-focused series features the intrepid Ms. Frizzle and her class, who set out on field trips in their familiar-looking yellow school bus that magically transforms into a plane, submarine, spaceship, or surfboard, depending on the science concept being explored.

The popular books were first adapted into an animated TV series, featuring Lily Tomlin in the starring role as Ms. Frizzle, on PBS in 1994. The show aired for 18 consecutive years in the US and has been broadcast in more than 100 countries around the world, making it the longest-running kids science series in history

The standout program has earned more than 100 prestigious awards, including an Emmy Award, Annenberg Award and National Education Association Award. The Magic School Bus has also garnered high praise from parents and educators for making science education fun and appealing to all audiences.

An animated sequel to the original series, The Magic School Bus Rides Again, featuring Kate McKinnon (SNL) as Ms. Frizzle’s sister, Fiona, debuted on Netflix in 2017. Multi-award-winning composer/lyricist/playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton, In the Heights) sang the theme song.

#ToyLikeMe lands pre-school series MixMups to give disability better visibility on screen

A new pre-school, stop frame animated TV series that highlights the importance of giving disability better visibility on screen and in children’s entertainment and media is going into production.

Called MixMups, the series concept was devised and created by Rebecca Atkinson, founder of the viral #ToyLikeMe campaign that has been the catalyst for many changes in attitudes towards inclusivity and representation both in the toy space and the wider children’s entertainment sphere.

Atkinson is recognised as a forerunner in the disruption of the global toy industry with the #ToyLikeMe campaign, which has now helped to deliver inclusivity for 150 million disabled children worldwide. Her latest achievement for the movement sees Raydar Media join forces with Mackinnon & Saunders to bring the new pre-school series into production.

The exciting new series – developed with support from the BFI’s Young Audience Content Fund – sees Pockets, Giggle, and Spin transported from their Helter-Skelter home, through a Magic Box Dress-Up portal, to embark upon costume-filled, problem-solving adventures which address the day-to-day life experiences of children living with and without disability.

“In MixMups I wanted to create an innovative show and brand, bursting with fun, magic and play, which would bring disability representation into the mainstream in a way which has never been done before,” said Atkinson.

According to Raydar Media’s Alison Rayson, the “dream team” that Atkinson has assembled to work on the series is a particular feather in the cap for its production, with all involved having first hand experience of disability and the ability to make that experience a central part of the series.

“Debbie Macdonald who is also co-writer on MixMups brought Raydar into the team and I feel very blessed that she did. Having a son with Down Syndrome, I know first hand that MixMups is the opposite of a “tick box” series,” said Rayson.

“It’s a character driven, funny show that everyone will be able to enjoy. We wanted to show that all children play differently and that this is something to embrace – MixMups encapsulates the joy of individuality and demonstrates that “there is always another way to play”.

Mackinnon and Saunders, whose credits include work on global preschool brands such as The Twirlywoos, Postman Pat SDS and Raa Raa the Noisy Lion will produce the show from their Manchester based studio and workshop facilities.

“We fell in love with MixMups the moment we saw it and are delighted to be able to use our considerable experience in producing preschool programming to bring the show to life,” said studio co-founder, Peter Saunders. “MixMups is first and foremost a fun filled entertaining show about these three lovable, highly authentic and highly individual kids through who audiences around the world can experience all the comedy ups and downs of pre-schoolers at play but in this wonderful, magical world that Rebecca has created. It truly is a show for everyone.”

There are licensing plans afoot for the series, too and the team has enlisted the licensing expert, Valerie Fry, as part of the Radar Media team to oversee the development of a global consumer products programme in tandem with the television rights team.

Aardman and Netflix partner for Chicken Run sequel on 20th anniversary of original feature film

By today’s standards, 20 years is but a blip in a timeline of waiting for a movie sequel emerge, and exactly two decades on from the release of its first Chicken Run outing, Aardman has declared its intention to deliver the goods.

In partnership with none other than Netflix, the pair have confirmed that work is underway on a follow up feature to 2000’s hit movie, Chicken Run. The news was announced initially at a Making Of panel at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival by the directors at Aardman Animations.

Netflix confirmed the announcement shortly after via a post on its social media platforms.

‘Having pulled off a death-defyng escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has finally found her dream – a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world,’ reads the official line from the feature film’s developers.

‘When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland, the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat. For Ginger and her team, even if it means putting their on hard-won freedom at risk – this time, they’re breaking in.’

In a statement, Aardman Studio’s Peter Lord added: “Fans around the world have waited patiently for a sequel idea worthy of Chicken Run so we’re delighted to announce, on the 20th anniversary, that we’ve found the perfect story.

“Netflix feels like the ideal creative partner for this project too – they celebrate the film-maker, which means we can make the film we want to make – the one we really care about – and share it with a global audience.”

 

Royal Mail celebrates five decades of the iconic rock group Queen with new stamp collection

The Royal Mail is issuing a set of 13 special stamps to celebrate one of the UK’s most influential rock groups, Queen, the iconic rock group who has managed to sell more 300 million records across five decades.

Eight of the new stamps will feature images of some of the band’s most iconic album covers, including Queen II (1974), Sheer Heart Attack (1974), A Night at the Opera (1975), News of the World (1977), The Game (1980), Greatest Hits (1981), The Works (1984), and Innuendo (1991).

Completing the set is miniature-sheet celebrating Queen’s live performances with images of Freddie Mercury at Wembley Stadium in 1986, Roger Taylor at Hyde Park in 1976, John Deacon at Hammersmith Odeon in 1975, and Brian May in Budapest in 1986.

The centrepiece of the miniature-sheet is the iconic photograph taken by Johnny Dewe Mathews at the group’s first studio photoshoot in a Primrose Hill studio.

Roger Taylor said of the stamps: “Wow….stamps featuring our albums! What an honour. We must be really part of the furniture now. Thanks Royal Mail for stamping on us ! In gratitude.”

Brian May added: “It’s hard to put into words what I feel when looking at these beautiful stamps. Since we four precocious boys started out on our quest 50 years ago, our lives have been devoted to making our impossible dream come true. Sometimes it’s strange to wake up and realise the position in which we are now held – we have become a national institution. And nothing brings this home more than this incredible tribute from Royal Mail.

“It’s particularly poignant to look at this collection of images now – now that we are all in a world dominated by a coronavirus, in which none of this could have happened. I just know that I feel an overwhelming desire to own one of these sets. Somehow it will be a way of persuading myself that it really did all happen.”

Queen were only in their formative stages when they were hired to play their first gig: a charity event at Truro City Hall, in June 1970, while still performing under the name Smile. By the time John Deacon joined the following year, the group had changed their name; the four-piece line-up that would remain together for the next two decades made their first live appearance at Surrey College on July, 2, 1971.

The band’s list of musical achievements is rivalled by few: countless platinum, multi-platinum and gold albums; numerous Ivor Novello and BRITS awards; induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Queen also holds the record for the biggest selling album of all time on the Official UK charts with sales of over six million copies of the band’s Greatest Hits album.

The 2018 feature film Bohemian Rhapsody reinvigorated a base of core fans and generated a whole new audience the world over. The film became the biggest music biopic in history and swept the Golden Globes and Oscars with the soundtrack topping the charts the world over.

Celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2021, Queen becomes only the third music group to have a dedicated stamp issue – following on from the Beatles in 2007 and Pink Floyd in 2016.

Philip Parker, Royal Mail, said: “With their truly original, theatrical sound and effortless ability to mix musical styles, Queen are rock royalty. We pay tribute to one of the most loved bands of all time with these stunning stamps.”

The full set of 13 stamps, available in a Presentation Pack, retails at £16.00 and are available to purchase and be delivered worldwide.

The stamps and a wide range of collectible products are available now to pre-order at www.royalmail.com/queen
The stamps will go on general sale from July, 9, 2020.

Album covers – stamp by stamp

Queen II, 1973, gave the band their first top ten hit, ‘Seven Seas of Rhye’.

Sheer Heart Attack, 1974, featured the single ‘Killer Queen’ which was their first global hit and they made their first Top of the Pops appearance

A Night at the Opera, 1975, was their first number one album and featured the ground-breaking song ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ which, in the era of digital music, has become the most streamed song from the 20th century.

New of the World, 1977, featured two stadium-filling anthems ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘We Are the Champions’.

The Game, 1980, included their hit ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ which drew in new audiences.

Greatest Hits, 1981, is the biggest selling album in the UK of all time.

The Works, 1984, featured hit singles including their love letter to the old-fashioned wireless, ‘Radio Ga Ga’.

Innuendo, 1991, was the final Queen album to be released in Mercury’s lifetime, and featured the poignant ‘These Are the Days of Our Lives’.

Rocket Licensing named UK and Ireland agent for ’80s icon Bob Ross

Rocket Licensing has been appointed as the UK and Ireland’s licensing agent for the ’80s TV sensation Bob Ross, on behalf of the US agent, Firefly Brand Management LLC.

The TV painter and personality Bob Ross was the face of popular The Joy of Painting TV show, which originally ran from 1983 to 1994, and is now available on Netflix and Twitch. The series also recently launched on Vice in the UK and has a successful YouTube channel boasting 4 million subscribers.

The recent resurgence of The Joy of Painting programme has sparked a huge interest among millennials and students for its calming, meditative, mindful qualities. A consumer products programme has already been well-established in the US, with products from over 60 licensees over a range of categories including games and puzzles, collectables, partyware, homewares, apparel and more, along with direct to retail deals and major retail placement.

In the US, the brand has been shown in the inflight entertainment on Delta Airlines, and other airlines. Bob Ross enjoys a growing following on social media and has over 1.5 million followers on both Facebook and Twitch.

Rocket Licensing will be working with partners to build on the brand’s success in the US market for the UK market. The agency will be discussing with potential partners across categories including apparel, dress-up, gifting and homewares, arts and crafts, stationery and social stationery, accessories and publishing.

Charlie Donaldson, joint MD, Rocket Licensing, said: “Bob Ross is a real heritage brand with unique charm, which brings the relaxed, slower pace of the ’80s to busy modern lives and as such, has gained a pop culture status among millennials and students.

“There is an enormous asset bank for licensees to tap into in order to capture the essence of the iconic heritage of the property, and a wealth of opportunities for partners to leverage the popularity in the UK market.”

Kennedy Publishing partners with The Social Store to launch Hearts By Tiana themed issue of Totally

Kennedy Publishing is celebrating a successful partnership with The Social Store that will see the children’s magazine publisher launch a one-shot issue of its hit Totally magazine featuring the ten-year-old YouTube sensation, Tiana Wilson, face of the Hearts By Tiana brand.

The 36 page magazine will be based on Tiana’s licensed brand, Hearts By Tiana, which launched exclusively with ASDA where it saw a 60 per cent sell through in the first week. Tiana currently boasts more than 16 million subscribers across hr two YouTube channels and total video views of three billion.

In this special issue of Totally, readers can find out all about Tiana and read what she has to say in her own words. Fans can take the TT squad quiz, solve puzzles, get involved with squad pranks and make fun crafts. There will also be pull-out Tiana posters and an exclusive competition for Hearts By Tiana product. Readers will receive a Squad Set gift including gel pens, notepad, scrunchie and surprise collectable.

The Hearts By Tiana range, including daywear, nightwear, bags, shoes, accessories and stationery is now available at over 1000 retailers across the UK. Readers can find an exclusive discount code inside the magazine to put towards their favourite items.

“We are excited to be working with Tiana for this new one-shot edition of Totally magazine,” said Sophie Rowlands, licensing director at Kennedy Publishing. “High quality editorial, design and gifts combined with Tiana’s huge following will ensure the magazine is a great success at retail.”

Ian Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Social Store added: “[Hearts By Tiana] has opened up a new category of licensors injecting new opportunities into the retail space and demonstrated the power of licensing in a new, high profile and rapidly growing influencer industry.

“We are very proud to work with Kennedy Publishing on this landmark magazine and are sure it will be a huge success for kids looking to learn more about Tiana.”

Asmodee’s Aconyte Books strikes UK distribution deal with Simon & Schuster

Aconyte Books, the fiction imprint of the global games company, Asmodee Entertainment has entered into a distribution agreement with Simon & Schuster for the UK book trade.

Under the new deal, the publishing house will handle sales and distribution when the Aconyte portfolio launches in the UK this October. A partnership with Simon & Schuster is already in place for the US market.

Aconyte’s mission it to create deep tie-in fiction set in the fantasy world’s of much of Asmodee’s game portfolio, as well as those of other partners including Marvel.

Sarah Anderson, client publishing director at Simon & Schuster, said: “We are delighted to welcome Aconyte to the Simon & Schuster family, and we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership over the years to come.”

Aconyte’s publisher, Marc Gascoigne added: “This is lovely news. We’re doing something a little different with fantasy fiction, and the experienced team at Simon & Schuster are a perfect fit. With their impressive track record handling tie-in books based on world-famous properties, Simon & Schuster are the ideal partners to help launch our novels into the British book trade.”

WildBrain Spark appoints new vice president and head of US advertising sales

WildBrain Spark, the digital media division of  the independent kids’ and family entertainment units, WildBrain has named Charles Gabriel its new vice president and head of US advertising sales.

Gabriel brings over 15 years of experience in digital advertising to the role aimed at expanding WildBrain’s digital AVOD sales efforts to its current partners, US media agencies and US brands reaching kids and families.

Over the course of his career he has built and led sales organisations inside major media companies like AOL and Disney and growth-phase startups alike. Gabriel, based in Los Angeles and New York, reports to Jon Gisby, managing director, WildBrain Spark.

“WildBrain has secured its position as a leader in premium content for kids and family audiences across linear broadcasting and SVOD, and WildBrain Spark has become one of the segment’s largest AVOD networks on YouTube,” said Gisby. “Now, we will amplify our AVOD business globally with direct ad sales. Charles’ extensive track record is perfect for WildBrain Spark as it enters this new growth phase.”

WildBrain Spark is the integrated marketing and digital network within WildBrain, the award-winning entertainment company that owns iconic IP like Peanuts, Inspector Gadget, Strawberry Shortcake, Teletubbies, Caillou, and Yo Gabba Gabba!, among others, and produces premium series like Primetime Emmy Award Nominees Carmen Sandiego for Netflix and Snoopy in Space for Apple TV+.

With over 168 million subscribers globally and over 21 million unique monthly viewers in the US, WildBrain Spark has a market-leading position in the kids’ space on YouTube, reaching over 40 per cent of kids under 13 in the territory.

“I’m excited to join WildBrain Spark to lead the growth of US Advertising at the moment when the kids AVOD sector is being shaped, streaming is at its highest, and family connections are more important than ever,” said Gabriel. “In the kids and family category, AVOD is essential for brands to reach consumers and WildBrain Spark is uniquely positioned to deliver.”

WildBrain Spark was established to bring premier entertainment to kids and families worldwide and works with many major studios, IP owners and toy companies, helping brands such as Fireman Sam, Polly Pocket, Woody Woodpecker, Popeye, LOL Surprize!, and Playmobil to connect with viewers.

Licensing International to host a virtual UK Licensing Essentials Course this summer

Licensing International, the trade organisation for the global licensing industry is bringing its UK Licensing Essentials Course to the virtual sphere this summer, hosting a two-day event from Wednesday, July 29th to Thursday, July 30th.

Designed as a crash course in all aspects of brand licensing, the event is targeted to all brand licensing professionals, with a focus on retail executives, as well as other professionals looking to break into or expand their profile in the $293 billion licensing industry.

Typically held in London, this year’s course will be fully online, opening up the opportunity for professionals outside of the UK to easily participate for the first time ever. Also for the first time, there will be no cost to attend.

The programme will take place over two, half days from 13:30 to 16:00 GMT each day, and will feature both live and pre-recorded sessions broken up by a series of fun networking activities, including virtual roundtables and a happy hour at the Virtual Licensing Bar.

Content will be tailored for everyone from industry newcomers to accomplished veterans while sessions will cover best practices, basic licensing know-how and new industry standards in light of recent global events. Among the topics to be covered are:

  • It All Starts Here: How IP Comes to Life – a deep dive into the path new IP follows to make it to store shelves
  • Reality Check: License Agreements for Non-Lawyers
  • Who’s Shopping? A Profile of the Children’s Market
  • The New Normal for Licensing – a look at how licensing has been impacted by COVID-19 and how to take advantage of new opportunities

Confirmed speakers include Susan Bolsover of Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House); Andrew Carley of TILT Global Brand & Licensing Solutions, Dave Collins of PowerStation Studios, Rob Corney of Bulldog Licensing, Steven Ekstract, Informa’s Global Licensing Group, Louise French of Beanstalk, and consultant Aysha Kidwai.

They will be joined by Adrienne Mirviss of Wildbrain CPLG, Holly Oldham of Rubie’s UK, Gary Pope of Kids Industries, Claire Potter of Metrostar Media, Julia Redman of Buyers Eye, consultant Graham Saltmarsh, commercial strategist Pete Selby, and Will Stewart of The Point.1888.

“The decision to host Licensing Essentials Course online this year has allowed us to not only open it to a global audience, but also make it free to attend for the first time ever,” said Maura Regan, president, Licensing International.

“This event truly is a must-attend for anyone looking to expand their understanding of the brand licensing industry, especially retail executives who may be exploring new ways to adapt or enhance their business models in light of the disruption we’re currently seeing.”

The Licensing Awards 2020 are now open for entry

All award categories for this year’s Licensing Awards are now open for entry via the website www.thelicensingawards.co.uk, with returning categories including those for licensed products and properties, retailers, marketing, and honorary achievement.

This year will also see accolades awarded out for sustainable licensed products, international retailers, and licensed live events.

In a change from previous years, all entries for the licensed product categories will be online only, rather than physical products needing to be submitted.

Ian Hyder, joint managing director, Max Publishing – the team behind the awards, explained: “Having consulted with the industry, in light of the uncertainty and disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted a failsafe method for people to be able to enter their licensed products. With the majority of offices and warehouses currently closed and with many people working from home, submitting imagery and accompanying information online seems an ideal solution.”

Judging for licensed product categories will also be undertaken online, in line with social distancing guidelines, by an extensive judging panel, made up of retailers from across the board.

The 2020 awards cover licensed product launches, licensing activity and licensed retailing execution in the 12 months up to the end of May 2020. Entries will be open until 29 May, 2020, and are, as always, free to enter, via a quick and easy process.

The three new categories are The Sustainability Product Award, The Best Licensed Live Event Award, and The Best International Retailer of Licensed Product Award.

Jakki Brown, joint managing director, Max Publishing, added: “It has always been our core belief that to maintain their respected status, The Licensing Awards categories would need to evolve in order to reflect the developments with the industry. The addition of a dedicated Licensed Sustainability Product Award is a perfect example of this.

“The changing UK retail landscape has seen the proliferation of international retailing brands who are engaging in licensing also needed to be recognised, hence the new Best Overseas Retailer of Licensed Products category.”

The new Best Licensed Live Event Award will be open to all paid for theatrical shows and events, fairground rides, or events within paid for experiences.

“While the current situation precludes these events from taking place right now, as the period for entry goes back to the start of last June, all the great licensed live events activity over last summer, right up to the middle of March, can be entered,” added Hyder.

The Licensing Awards 2020’s headline sponsor is Brand Licensing Europe, while Licensing International is also an official supporter.

The finalists of The Licensing Awards will be announced in July, and the winners will be unveiled on Wednesday 9 September in The Great Room at The Grosvenor House Hotel, set to welcome 1,400 licensors, retailers and licensees.