Nickelodeon and toy maker WowWee partner on new digital animated brand, The Squish

WowWee, the international toy maker and team behind Fingerlings and the Got2Glow Fairy Finder has struck up a new partnership with Nickelodeon Digital Studios to turn its My Squishy Little Dumplings characters into an animated brand.

The project will see the characters from the My Squishy Little Dumplings line come together as The Squish – a new, digital, K-pop inspired band devised to bring a new genre of music – called S-pop (aka Squish Pop) – to kids.

The partnership will see Nickelodeon Digital Studios produce a suite of digital content starring The Squish, kicking off the activity with a featured song and music video on the Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. YouTube Channels. Titled ‘Can You Resist the Squish?!,’ the song and video focus on the unique personalities of each of the characters: Doe, Dip, Dee and Dot.

The song will be available on all digital streaming platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, and more. Additional pieces of content will be released throughout the year on Nickelodeon’s YouTube Channels, including music videos, behind the scenes content, and House Party Tour.

“Kids and families from all over the world will adore ‘My Squishy Little Dumplings,’ the same way we do,” said Ashley Kaplan, senior vice president, Digital Studios, Nickelodeon.

“We are so excited to create an environment where these characters can evolve and thrive, and kids can fall in love with them in a whole new way.”

“When WowWee first showed us My Squishy Little Dumplings we immediately knew these fun, surprising and loveable characters were a natural fit for the Nickelodeon portfolio,” said Jamie Drew, Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Americas Licensing, ViacomCBS. “We’re thrilled to work with such a creative and innovative partner to launch this digital-first execution.”

Sydney Wiseman, vice president of brand development and creative strategy at WowWee, added: “We know kids everywhere are going to love the My Squishy Little Dumplings digital content on Nickelodeon’s digital platforms just as much as we do.

“Nickelodeon is the perfect partner for us to bring the Dumplings into this next phase of fandom around the world.”

Genius Brands begins third series production on hit animated IP Rainbow Rangers

Production has begun on a third season of the popular animated series, Rainbow Rangers as the Genius Brands property continues to grow its audience numbers through global broadcast partnerships with the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video Direct, HBO Max, Nickelodeon Latin America, and China’s CCTV.

The series is now gathering momentum with audiences across the world, reflected in its popularity on platforms such as Netflix, where the release of season one propelled it to the Top Ten children’s programmes on the platform.

 “It takes time for a brand to establish itself, but we are clearly seeing that this is now occurring with Rainbow Rangers across multiple-platforms, including the recent release of season one on Netflix, where the series cracked the Top 10 of children’s programs for the first time, and is consistently a top performer in Netflix categories such as “Girls Take the Lead,” “Everyone’s Watching,” and “Exciting TV Shows,” said Jon Ollwerther, president of Kartoon Channel and EVP of business development at Genius Brands.

“At the same time, we are witnessing adoption across a growing base of broadcasters, including the launch of Rainbow Rangers on Paramount Plus network on August 18th”

 The broadcast success corresponds with the development of a new 2022 retail program with master toy partner, Never Wrong Toys. The retail program is based on a broad range of preschool products, initially focused in the toy category. The launch is planned to coincide with the world premiere of season three of Rainbow Rangers, exclusively on Kartoon Channel!

 Genius Brands’ chairman and CEO, Andy Heyward, said: “The recent success of Rainbow Rangers reminds me of the early trajectory of Strawberry Shortcake, which started with Hasbro Toys, but moved to Bandai Toys, and Playmates, where it eventually drove a highly successful, multi-billion dollar global licensing program.

“We are taking a page from the Strawberry Shortcake playbook, with Emmy Award-winning producer Mike Maliani of that property leading the production of Rainbow Rangers in season three, introducing a twist in the new season – the addition of a scent in the storyline. Not unlike Strawberry Shortcake where all the dolls and products were scented strawberry, the dolls and products coming forth from Rainbow Rangers will be scented as well.

“We believe this will be a huge driver in the girls’ product category.” 

With two seasons available and season three currently in production, Genius Brands has a growing slate of media partners around the world on board for Rainbow Rangers, including Netflix (U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East), Amazon Prime Video Direct (U.S., U.K.), Nickelodeon (U.S.), Kartoon Channel! (U.S.), HBO Max (Latin America), Nickelodeon & NOGGIN (Latin America), and CCTV (China).

Kerry Phelan, executive vice president and general manager of Global Franchise Management at Genius Brands stated: “Rainbow Rangers is a special series that is clearly resonating with young audiences around the world as we continue to build our viewership with new partners, such as Netflix, coming on board.

“To crack the Top 10 for the first time so quickly on Netflix, coupled with the traction we’re gaining on Amazon and our own platform, Kartoon Channel!, is a testament to the strong appeal of the themes and positive messaging of the show.

“Our strategy continues to center around growth in viewership, which, in turn, is designed to feed our long-term merchandising strategy. We are enthusiastic about our partnership with Never Wrong Toys and are excited about developing an exciting range of preschool toys that tap into the most appealing elements of the show for 2022.”

Rainbow Rangers is a rescue-based series that follows the adventures of seven girls who are Earth’s first responders – protecting people, animals, resources, and the natural beauty of our world.

Sixteen South’s preschool series Odo prepares to take flight in the US and Latin America

The recently launched preschool series, Odo – recognised for its warm-hearted and comic storytelling – is taking flight in the US and Latin America following a new broadcast deal between Sixteen South and WarnerMedia Kids & Family.

Under the partnership, the series will air on the company’s upcoming Cartoonito preschool programming block, slated for HBO Max across the two regions. Cartoonito will launch this autumn on HBO Max and Cartoon Network.

Meanwhile, Odo is now set to premiere in the UK on Channel 5’s Milkshake this summer, before rolling out to the German PSB children’s channel, KiKA as well as other territories. Currently in production with co-production partners, Letko, Odo will welcome kids aged three to five into a world of possibilities depicted in its hand drawn, 2.5D animation.

Although he is one of the littlest campers at the Forest Camp for Young Birds, Odo knows he can do absolutely anything that he sets his mind to.

The series aims to teach young children self-efficacy and to believe in themselves. Comedic and warm, with gender neutral appeal, the stories also deal with important themes such as immigration, racism and respect for others, and shows kids how to deal with setbacks in a meaningful way while promoting the development of social skills.

Colin Williams, showrunner and creator of Odo at Sixteen South, said: “Odo has had a fantastic response even before it is completed and is already taking flight around the world. We’re delighted that he has now also landed on the mighty HBO Max Cartoonito strand and that his adventures will be seen by kids all across the Americas – and we hope that they will love him as much as we do.”

Sixteen South Rights are managing the international distribution rights for Odo and Bulldog Licensing has been recently appointed to represent the global licensing rights for the brand.

The WarnerMedia Kids & Family/Cartoonito deal follows recent sales of Odo to Canal+ France, ABC Australia, TVO-Kids! Canada, RTE Ireland, Mini Mini Poland, SVT Sweden, NRK Norway, S4C Wales and VRT Ketnet Belgium.

Odo is produced by Sixteen South and Warsaw-based 2D animation studio Letko with funding provided by the UK government funded Young Audiences Content Fund (YACF), which is managed by the BFI, NI Screen and the Polish Film Institute.

UK and US licensing partners line up to celebrate 40 years of Danger Mouse

Boat Rocker Studios is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its classic and iconic animated series, Danger Mouse with a full roster of licensing partners spanning the UK and US markets, while crossing both the generations and categories through gifting, apparel, collectables, and more.

Tapping into the adult, nostalgia market, as well as the children’s space, licensing partners have been lined up from both sides of the Atlantic with a licensing programme reflective of the cross-generational appeal of the Danger Mouse IP as it celebrates its 40th anniversary milestone this year.

Kate Schlomann, EVP brand management and content marketing, Boat Rocker Studios, said: “Danger Mouse is the world’s greatest secret agent and one of TV’s most iconic animations, packed with action, comedy and drama. The show has achieved incredible global success in both its original incarnation and its thrilling reboot.

“We are delighted to be celebrating its 40th anniversary with an epic range of products which really capture the style and wit of the show.”

Leading the charge in the toy aisle, Funko has signed a worldwide deal to produce a new range of Danger Mouse Classic collectables, including its trademark Pop! stylised vinyl figures and its Vinyl SODA figures of the heroes and villains from the series, including a limited edition Evil Danger Mouse.

Meanwhile, Smiffys will continue to offer its dress-up costumes for both adults and kids. In addition, adult t-shirts will continue to be produced by Trademark Products Limited and further celebratory products will be available later in the year across a wide range of categories, including annuals, novelty, cards and gifting, children’s nightwear and babywear and pet apparel and accessories.

This will all be joined by a new range of adult and children’s Danger Mouse apparel and drinkware, including t-shirts, sweats, hoodies, face wear, socks, and underwear from Bioworld, alongside adult joggers, slippers, bags, and headwear.

Truffle Shuffle, home of cool t-shirts, retro gifts and more, will also be launching a new range of T-shirts and clothing, knitwear, pyjamas, tote bags, mugs, art prints, metal signs, lunchboxes, enamel pins and door mats launching from June 2021 exclusively on TruffleShuffle.com.

The River Group, the UK’s leading independent content innovation agency, will be producing an 84-page Danger Mouse Anniversary Bookazine to launch in October 2021, while Blu Goblin has signed on for a limited-edition anniversary figurine set with proceeds going towards Kids Out Charity.

Over in the US, Redbubble, the leading print-on-demand online marketplace, will be adding Danger Mouse to its extensive range of apparel, accessories and home items.

The Danger Mouse YouTube channel is joining in on the celebrations by showcasing 40 original classic episodes. Fans will have the opportunity to relive some of their hero’s most death-defying and thrilling missions from September 2021.

Both the classic and the new series are widely available to watch on multiple platforms worldwide, including Netflix which holds the global rights for the new Danger Mouse series and also offers the classic seasons.

Originally produced by Cosgrove Hall Films for Thames Television, Danger Mouse ran on ITV from 1981 to 1992 and returned to TV screens with a high-octane 21st-century makeover on CBBC in September 2015.

The rebooted Danger Mouse has proved to be a global hit with 99 new episodes to date over three series.

Hasbro and eOne’s new animated comedy series Ninja Express to launch on CBBC next month

Hasbro’s global entertainment studio, eOne, has launched a new kids’ animated series to the global stage, an ‘absurd 2D and 3D mix of animated comedy’ for six to 11 year old kids, titled Ninja Express.

The series – c0-produced with Creative Conspiracy and Frogbox – follows the antics of a special delivery service run by super-powered Ninjas and is scheduled to roll out globally, premiering on CBBC in the UK, from July 1st this year.

“We are so proud to share Ninja Express with kids around the world,” said Olivier Dumont, president of eOne’s Family Brands division. “The show balances the ultimate mix of over-the-top humor with real heart and we are confident that people will fall in love with our three colorful ninjas – Aka, Kiro and Konpeki. The teams at Creative Conspiracy and Frogbox truly created something special with this show.”

A description of the new series, issued by Hasbro, asks audiences to ‘imagine a delivery service that delivers anything, anywhere, and anytime. One that not restricted by limitations of time and space, and to top things off, imagine it being run by three little Ninjas.’

Ninja Express follows Kiro – a Yellow Ninja with the ability to look through space and time, Konpeki, the Blue Ninja with the power to travel through space and time, and Aka, the Red Ninja who can temporarily reduce the size of any object by inhaling its mass.

“We’re really excited to bring Ninja Express to audiences everywhere,” said Peter Decraene, partner at Creative Conspiracy. “The show was really fun to create and produce. We are thankful for having such amazing broadcasters on board and are very happy that kids all over the world will now get to know our little ninjas and join them on adventures as they travel through space and time.”

Ninja Express is set to premiere on WarnerMedia’s Boomerang (EMEA, APAC, LATAM) and Ketnet (Belgium) from July 1st onwards. It will air on CBBC in the UK from July 3rd this year, as well as on Gulli in France, and Huace in China later in the year.

Moose Toys delivers knockout new franchise Akedo Ultimate Arcade Warriors with WildBrain CPLG and Nickelodeon

Moose Toys is delivering a knockout new launch this summer and its ‘biggest boys’ launch to date’ with the arrival of Akedo – Ultimate Arcade Warriors, a battling action figure series that will launch with a new animated series, a licensing programme managed by WildBrain CPLG, and a special tournament hosted by Nickelodeon.

Derived from the Japanese word for arcade, Akedo has a retro gaming look and combines it with kids battling one-on-one with 39 unique warriors including ninjas, robots, gladiators and Vikings, alongside teddy bears, a dinosaur and clowns, using skill and strategy to claim victory over their equally well-equipped opponents.

Building excitement for the action-packed game play of Akedo, Moose is making its largest ever investment in content with WildBrain. Moose also is partnering with Nickelodeon to create a branded “as live” event ― The Akedo Super Ultimate Ultimate Tournament ― on Nickelodeon’s YouTube channel which garners over 50 million views each month.

To create full franchise opportunities for the new brand, Moose and WildBrain Spark are co-producing a new animated series bringing the world of Akedo to life. The action-packed series trailer can be viewed on the MooseTube Mania YouTube channel, a mini movie will premiere on July 2 and full episodes will roll out shortly thereafter.

Episodes also can be viewed on Amazon Prime Video Direct. In Canada, WildBrain also will debut the new Akedo series on its leading television network beginning this fall.

Alongside the robust content offering, Moose also has partnered with WildBrain CPLG, to manage a global licensing program for the Akedo brand across all categories to follow the toys’ launch. WildBrain will handle global distribution for the new series.

Action-packed gameplay is created by figures that are attached to individual coin bases that are reminiscent of arcade play. Using the included controller, figures deliver a unique split strike action that literally splits the other Akedo figure in half. Players’ skill and strategy increase as they move through the collection of 39 warriors, including Classic, Epic, Ultra Rare, Legendary, Exclusive Ultra Rare and the very Limited Edition Mythical Stormstrike, a glow-in-the-dark Viking.

For the ultimate battle experience, players can match up in the ’90s retro style Ultimate Battle Arena, a play-set that emulates an old-school arcade game complete with its own theme song. The arena comes with two exclusive Ultra Rare warriors, Turbo Chux and Screen Shot, both with double battle accessories.

Included are two interchangeable backdrops, two deluxe controllers and detachable training punching bag. Adding excitement, and a bit of humor, to the battles, the arena plays more than 35 real battle sound effects.

“Our success in the boys’ aisle with the Treasure X and Heroes of Goo Jit Zu lines established Moose as a toy super innovator in the category. We are pulling out all of the stops with the Akedo launch,” said Ronnie Frankowski, chief marketing officer, Moose Toys.

“Combining our expertise in collectibles, WildBrain’s cutting edge approach to content and licensing and Nickelodeon’s ability to create on-trend interactive events for its highly engaged and loyal audience, Akedo is positioned to deliver a knock-out hit.

“It’s the most dynamic battling toy ever, and with deep collectability and engaging entertainment, we are delivering a fully-rounded experience that meets kids where they are. It’s a bold move that is consistent with Moose WOW innovation. Akedo is the next global boys’ action franchise mega hit.”

Rachel Taylor, commercial director, WildBrain Spark, added: “Having successfully managed Moose’s YouTube strategy for a number of years at WildBrain Spark, we know just how incredibly engaged kids are with their content online. As more and more kids’ brands move to digital-first launch strategies, it’s a natural step to extend our Moose partnership across WildBrain’s integrated offering of production, distribution and licensing for the amazing new Akedo franchise.

“Moose has an excellent track record of delivering toys kids love, and we’re confident Akedo is going to be a big hit both on and off screen.”

Frankowski added: “Working with Nickelodeon we’ve created an action-packed interactive component to the product launch, The Akedo Super Ultimate Ultimate Tournament, that literally brings to life the Akedo experience in a way no other partner could.

“Moose has had a long-standing relationship with Nickelodeon, but this is the first time we’ve partnered with them for a branded “as live” event. Tapping into Nickelodeon’s group of top-level influencers to introduce kids to Akedo and this absolute next level game play will be entertaining as well as demonstrate how the game is played by enthusiasts that kids can relate to.”

April L. McKenzie, Vice President, Kids & Family Activation, Velocity, ViacomCBS, said: “Through this collaboration with Moose Toys, Nickelodeon continues to push the envelope by creating innovative content and experiences that appeal to fans of all ages.

“The Akedo Super Ultimate Ultimate Tournament not only spotlights the exciting launch of this new action-based toy, but also offers kids and families an opportunity to be at the center of the action.”

The Akedo Super Ultimate Ultimate Tournament will tap the power of Nickelodeon’s 35 million social reach, and enlist its talent and influencers to reach kids and parents. The event will match up 16 competitors made up of kids and top influencers in an exclusive bracket-style tournament, with each competitor battling for their warrior to win the title and become the Ultimate Akedo Champion.

Leading up to the event, influencers including Ninja Kidz, Onyx Kids, Kyle’s Toys & Games and Ohana Boys will be sharing content that showcases how they are training for battle.

On Aug. 15, the event goes live on Nickelodeon’s YouTube channel hosted by digital creator and YouTube star Nathan from Unspeakable calling the action through Aug. 21. Catch it after Aug. 21 on Moose’s YouTube channel, MooseTube Mania.

Akedo will launch on Walmart.com and Amazon in July and in stores at all major retailers in August.

Final Fantasy IX lands animated series adaptation with Cyber Group Studios

The Paris-based Cyber Group Studios has struck a co-development and co-production deal with the Japanese video game company, Square Enix to adapt its fantasy title Final Fantasy IX for the small screen.

The move will mark the first time that the Final Fantasy franchise’s ninth title will be the subject of an animated series. In addition to producing the series, Cyber Group will also handle worldwide distribution, licensing, and merchandise.

In a report from Kidscreen, Pierre Sissman, CEO of Cyber Group, said that the company is planning to begin pitching to broadcasters in the coming months. The goal, according to the CEO, is to begin production by the end of 2021 or beginning of 2022.

Originally launched in 2000, Final Fantasy IX has sold more than five million copies worldwide and follows the story of a thief who kidnaps a princess but finds himself teaming up with her to save the kingdom from evil forces. It is the ninth installment in a franchise that has sold more than 154 million copies worldwide collectively.

With a history spanning 30 years in the video games space, the franchise has been the focus of a TV adaptation previously, however its Cyber Group Studios deal will mark the first time that the game’s ninth iteration specifically will be adapted as an animated kids’ series.

Spin Master considering global roll-out of Future of Play Scholarship ‘based on interest’

Spin Master will be considering the expansion of its new Future of Play Scholarship Programme across its 28 global offices, based on the level of interest expressed within the individual markets.

Last week, the global entertainment powerhouse and toy maker detailed the launch of a programme to support the education and career advancement of individuals from under-represented communities across the toys, entertainment, and digital games sectors.

Through its Future of Play Scholarship, the firm has committed to investing up to $100,000 a year in financial aid, as well as mentorship and on the job experience for individuals from under-represented communities, including BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA+, and indigent students seeking post-secondary education with toy design, creative production, digital gaming, and app development.

The launch of the programme follows findings across all three sectors – toys, animation, and gaming – that suggest vast under-representation for many communities, including the matter that black inventors file for patents at one third the rate of white inventors. Similar patent disparities have been uncovered for women, who in 2019 accounted for just 22 per cent of US patents. Research also found that families in the top one per cent of income are ten times more likely to produce patent holders than families in the lower half.

Elsewhere, 2015 research in the animation space found that 60 per cent of animation students are women, yet men make up almost 80 per cent of animators in the workforce, according to Women in Animation data. Representation is even lower for women of colour working in animation, who are in less production roles than their white counterparts.

“At Spin Master, we create toys that inspire, characters that entertain and story lines that empower children around the world to be positive members in their communities,” Tammy SMitham, Spin Master’s VP of global communications and corporate citizenship, told Licensing.biz.

“We want to ensure that our teams creating these toys, games, and series are representative of the diverse communities in which we live and work and that children experience in their daily lives.”

With 28 offices around the world, Spin Master has stated that it will consider expanding the Scholarship programme outside of the US and across its global market based on the interest expressed by each.

“The industry is already having conversations and taking steps to increase diverse representation,” continued Smitham. “What needs to be considered is that not only are the toys, series, and experiences we create more inclusive, but that the people behind the scenes, creating, innovating, and telling the stories are diverse and representative of the kids and families they entertain.”

While the company has highlighted a commitment of $100,000 to the programme, as well as the offer of internships at Spin Master with the potential for full-time employment upon the completion of studies, the toy maker is also keen to see word of the initiative spread among networks, with an eye on awarding more scholarships that originally planned, should the firm receive more applications that expected.

“We want to be a contributor to the movement to increase diverse representation within our industry and within our company,” said Smitham. “At Spin Master we believe that diversity of thought can fuel new ideas and further innovations which will only benefit the children and families we entertain.

“We hope that our Future of Play Scholarship helps to increase representation in the industry as a whole, while also helping students who may have thought they couldn’t pursue their career dreams in the children’s entertainment industry because of lack of opportunity or funding.

“By increasing diverse representation, we can ultimately deliver even more inspiration to the children who we engage with every day.”

British stationery brand Manuscript Pen Company launches online preschool series Lionheart Tales

The Great British stationery brand, Manuscript Pen Company, has entered the children’s animation sector with the launch of a new preschool series based on its successful Lionheart Collection early learners craft brand.

Manuscript launched its Lionheart Collection in 2019, with a range of arts and craft products for children aged three to 10 years old, specially designed to support development, learn new skills and offer additional benefits, such as pen control, concentration and mindfulness for young learners.

Following the success of the range, the company has now decided to bring The Lionheart Collection to life with a series of animations about the characters, aimed at children aged three to five years old, as well as extend the current product range.

The Lionheart Tales animations will feature on YouTube, and include Arthur, the Mayor of Lionheart Town and his friends, who will each have a heartfelt message to help children develop.

The first episode, called ‘Tummy Flutter-Byes’ is now available to view online.  Coinciding with the launch, Manuscript Pen Company will be supporting the children’s mental health charity Place2Be and non-for-profit global reforestation organisation, Creating Tomorrow’s Forests by donating a percentage of sales from its Lionheart Tales website towards their efforts.

Manuscript will be sharing a series of short, easily digestible mental health and wellbeing blogs with tips and advice from Place2Be, using The Lionheart Tales characters to encourage mental wellness with young audiences early. The move is particularly poignant following findings into the negative impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the mental health of children in the UK.

Manuscript Pen Company has also donated £1,000 of products to Place2Be’s Art Room, where art is utilised to enhance children and young people’s wellbeing.

Charlie Stockbridge, managing director at Manuscript Pen Company, said: “Our Lionheart Collection has continued to prove popular with parents and children alike, so we are delighted to build upon this success and launch our new The Lionheart Tales animation by working in conjunction with creative storytellers, 3Megos.

“It was really vital for us that we created a fun and engaging animation series which positively promotes diversity and inclusivity, and introduces children to different family types and personal characteristics that they may be able to identify with. We hope children love The Lionheart Tales as much as we do and there will be plenty to keep them occupied as our website is going to have lots of activities and learning opportunities too.

“We’re thrilled to have established strong relationships with both larger retailers and smaller outlets since the launch of our Lionheart Collection in 2019, and with new products now available to coincide with the launch of The Lionheart Tales, we look forward to speaking with any additional stockists who may be interested in the range.”

For further information on The Lionheart Tales, visit www.thelionhearttales.com

British animated kids’ property Moley appoints Bulldog Licensing as its global licensing agency

The British made children’s property, Moley, has appointed Bulldog Licensing as its global licensing agency, marking the latest step for the new animated kids’ IP following the adventures of a fun-loving mole who lives in bustling city of MoleTown.

The character, voiced by Warwick Davis, finds himself on a series of escapades as he explores the world around him with accompanying magic, comedy and adventure.

Bulldog will be launching the brand to the licensing world at a star-studded event, including talent from the Series, at Chelsea’s Physic Garden this July. As one of the first opportunities for the industry to get together since March 2020, the event, set in a four-acre site on the bank of the River Thames, promises to be a spectacular debut for the property and an opportunity to introduce the cast of the 52-episode animation.

Alongside Warwick Davis (Star Wars, Harry Potter, Maleficent), the voice cast includes Julie Walters (Harry Potter, Paddington, Billy Elliot), Charles Dance (Game of Thrones, The Crown), Gemma Arterton (Tamara Drewe, Saint Trinians), Richard E Grant (Withnail and I, Logan) and Togo Igawa (Mama Mia, Star Wars).

Rob Corney, MD, Bulldog Licensing, said: “We are delighted to add Moley to Bulldog Licensing’s carefully selected portfolio of brands. It’s a truly unique property that has the potential to be a global powerhouse in licensing.

“Moley has an endearing appeal which really connects with children and their families. We can’t wait to start working with partners in building a range of products that will capture the essence of this brilliant property and ensure its success everywhere.”

Creator of Moley, James Reatchlous, added: “The journey of Moley has been incredible – he has gone from a father’s bedtime stories to the star of an incredible animated show. I can’t wait for the Physic Garden event at which we will premiere a number of episodes to show the industry how Moley will reach new audiences around the world.

“With Bulldog now building the global licensing programme for Moley, I’m so excited for the next chapter of the brand.”

To find out more and catch up on all Moley news, please go to www.mastermoley.com/master-moley-news