SEGA unveils animated series Sonic Colours: Rise of the Wisps trailer and 30th anniversary merchandise

SEGA has lifted the lid on a plethora of upcoming entertainment experiences surrounding its iconic Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, as the 30th anniversary celebrations of the flagship character continue, spanning animated series, live orchestra events, a host of new gaming announcements, and plenty of licensing activity.

The grand unveiling of this upcoming hive of activity took place on the first Sonic Central livestream event, a celebration of 30 years of Sonic the Hedgehog hosted on SEGA’s official YouTube and Twitch channels this week.

The stream kicked off with the creators of the upcoming Netflix animated series Sonic Prime, and was swiftly followed with the announcement of a live orchestra event on June 23rd, featuring music from Sonic games over the last 30 years, with a special preview coming during Geoff Keighly’s Summer Game Fest Kickoff Live on June 10th.

Following the opening segment, SEGA jumped into the medium where it all began, unveiling a slew of gaming-related announcements, including Sonic Colours: Ultimate and Sonic Colours: Rise of the Wisps. Sonic Colors: Ultimate is an adrenaline-pumping remaster of the beloved 2010 platformer, Sonic Colors.

Sonic Colors: Ultimate is set to release both digitally and physically on PlayStation 4, Microsoft Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, with a digital-only release on PC via the Epic Game Store on September 7, 2021.

In addition, SEGA unveiled a teaser to the two-part animation series, Sonic Colors: Rise of the Wisps, the first short-form animation featuring full dialogue and a voice cast including the return of legendary Sonic voice actor, Roger Craig Smith.

 

Following, SEGA revealed that it is working on a new compiled series that will include Sonic the HEdgehog one, two, Sonic Three and Knuckles, as well as Sonic CD under the Sonic Origins moniker. The collection will offer fans a nostalgic hit of classic gameplay, as well as fresh content with more details coming soon.

Other developments in the gaming space include the launch of a new Sonic Team Game, a Sonic avatar in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – The Official Video Game, and a host of mobile game special events, spanning Sonic Forces: Speed Battle, Sonic Dash, Sonic Racing, and more.

On top of this, to celebrate the 30th anniversary, Sonic will be making a special cameo in SEGA’s Two Point Hospital.

SEGA also revealed a lineup of commemorative merchandise to celebrate the 30th anniversary, as the studio collaborates with a robust list of partners throughout the year to create new Sonic products, including items like a Giant Eggman Robot play-set from Jakks Pacific, a full-colour hardcover Sonic encyclopedia from Dark Horse, and more.

As part of Sonic’s 30th celebration, IDW will release a special super-sized 80-page comic book featuring three tales of colorful heroes and dastardly villains. Commemorative 30th Anniversary gold and silver coins will also be available this year from APMEX.

’80s animated series The Raccoons makes play for retro and environmentalism licensing

The Raccoons is the latest animated property to be jumping the decades and making a play for the retro licensing space, helping fans and viewers who grew up with the show put to rest that fundamental question: what on Earth kind of aardvark is Cyril Sneer anyway?

First created in 1985, the animated TV series followed the day to day life of three raccoons: Bert, Melissa, and Ralph as well as their friend Cedric the aardvark and his greedy businessman father, Cyril. For two decades, the series engaged the imaginations of families across 180 countries.

Today, The Raccoons has tasked The Point. 1888 with bringing to market a raft of new branded products in accessories, babywear, socks, gifting, plush and more as the retro revival trend continues to gather pace among millennial and Gen Z audiences today.

With a wealth of entertainment brands already on The Point.1888’s books including Moomin, Molang and Moon & Me, The Raccoons is another significant win and comes just one year after the agency was appointed by 75 year old children’s brand Moomin to support its comeback and raise its brand licensing game.

With an underlying message of conservation and environmental protection running throughout the series, The Point. 1888 has already added nature charities and forests to the brand’s licensing strategy.

Olivia Wiggett, The Point.1888’s Associate Commercial Manager, said: “The Raccoons is such a wonderful, nostalgic brand that resonates with so many people across the world. We are so delighted to be working with the amazing team at The Raccoons, and can’t wait to start bringing the brand to life in the licensing space. Not only that, but because The Raccoons are such a perfect fit for nature charities and forests, we have added this to their strategy.”

Kevin Gillis, President of Run With Us Productions, added: “The Raccoons have had the honour of having a strong and environmentally-conscious fan following in the UK since Bert Raccoon first moved to the Evergreen Forest. As we recognize the growing critical importance of understanding our fragile global eco-system, we look forward to working with The Point 1888 in connecting with and supporting our many loyal and invaluable fans.”

Product development and marketing plans are now underway and The Point.1888 will be commencing talks with potential licensees and retailers in the next few weeks.

The Emoji Company and WildBrain launch new 2D series Emojitown in major brand extension

The Emoji Company and WildBrain have forged a new, far-reaching content and licensing partnership to launch Emojitown, a new digital first series and consumer products extension of Emoji.

Under the partnership, WildBrain’s AVOD network and digital studio, WildBrain Spark has teamed up with Emoji to develop and co-produce Emojitown, a new 2D series targeting teens and young adults.

WildBrain Spark holds exclusive global distribution rights to the new series and will premiere Emojitown on YouTube with a dedicated channel launching at the end of May, when viewers will be able to enjoy the first four episodes of the fast-paced, language-agnostic show, followed by additional episodes rolling out weekly.

Tapping into its expertise in brand management on YouTube, WildBrain Spark and the Emoji Company have created the series for AVOD audiences and is supporting the launch with extensive digital-marketing, paid-media campaigns and dedicated social-media strategies.

WildBrain Spark will also exclusively handle branded content opportunities and advertising sales for Emojitown on YouTube.

Meanwhile, WildBrain CPLG will handle the worldwide licensing and merchandising rights for Emojitown, building on the agency’s successful programme for the Emoji brand across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and other territories.

Marco Huesges, founder and CEO of emoji company, said: “This is a significant development for the Emoji brand, bringing our globally recognizable icons into the digital-content space. With their preeminent reputation on digital platforms, including YouTube, and their deep understanding of licensing and brand amplification, WildBrain Spark and WildBrain CPLG are the ideal collaborators for our push into new content creation and consumer products for the teen and young-adult audience. Together we will take this hugely exciting step in the evolution of Emoji.”

Maarten Weck, EVP and MD of WildBrain CPLG, said: “Building on our strong relationship with the emoji company, this expanded partnership combines the strengths of the much-loved emoji brand with our creative and collaborative capabilities across consumer products licensing, digital-content production, and AVOD management.”

Rachel Taylor, commercial director of WildBrain Spark, added: “With its universal appeal, the Emoji brand is ideal for the creation of an animated digital-first content offering, and our creative team has produced a funny, wry and edgy series, underpinned by bespoke data and insights drawn from our premium YouTube network.

“We’re delighted that the emoji company saw us as the right partner to co-develop and launch this extension of its brand for today’s digital-savvy audience of modern teens.”

In Emojitown we see daily struggles and nightmares ranging from the mundane to the absurd. The perils of dating apps, the instant regret of a DIY haircut, the cringe of a poolside bikini fail and more, are all played out in 2D-animated color. The story will focus on Jo, a girl in her late teens who, despite trying to “live her best life” with a cheery, optimistic outlook, simply cannot stop encountering the everyday “horrors” of modern life. Throughout it all, Jo is the relatable underdog, as she, along with her emojitown pals, navigate the pitfalls of life.

Joining Jo in Emojitown are Jaya, Jon, Jess, Jay, Julia and Joanie, plus the bizarre duo of Poophead and Unicorn Man. The cast has been develop to represent not just characters to sympathise with, but for viewers to actively see themselves or someone they know in. They have been developed to represent “real people” – the kind encountered every day, reflecting attitudes, style, ethnicity, gender, ability and sexuality as diverse and representative as real life.

IMG named global licensing representative for all animated releases from Skydance Animation

IMG has been named the global licensing representative for all animated releases from Skydance Animation, including its first two features, Luck directed by Peggy Holmes, and Spellbound directed by Vicky Jenson.

The new multi-year deal will see the licensing agency develop extensive product licensing portfolios for Skydance Animation’s animated films and first theatrical-quality animated TV series.

“As we prepare for the debut of our first animation projects in the coming year, we are thrilled to be partnering with the world’s premier licensing agency to develop consumer products franchises that extend our stories and characters across retail platforms,” said Luis Fernández, head of consumer products, Skydance.

“Skydance Animation has assembled a team of legendary talent that is reimagining animation with some of the most exciting new feature-length film and series animation anywhere today,” added Bruno Maglione, president of licensing at IMG. “We’re proud to be on the ground floor of what promises to be an incredible journey of bold new stories, worlds and characters, and we look forward to building out engaging licensed product programs and experiences that bring them to life beyond the viewing experience.”

Academy Award-winner Jane Fonda will voice a lead role in Luck, written by Keil Murray, which centers around the unluckiest girl in the world, who after stumbling upon the never-before-seen world of good and bad luck, must join together with magical creatures to uncover a force more powerful than even luck itself.

Spellbound, is set in a world of magic where a young girl must break the spell that has split her kingdom in two. Written by Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin and Linda Woolverton, the original score for the film hails from Academy Award-winner Alan Menken, with lyrics by Glenn Slater. Chris Montan serves as executive music producer.

Launched in 2017, Skydance Animation is using the power of animation to create original stories for global audiences of all ages, set in fantastic new worlds with unforgettable characters.

Cartoon Salon launches online art gallery for prints from its award-winning film slate

The Academy Award nominated animation studio, Cartoon Saloon, has launched a new e-commerce art gallery, featuring limited edition framed prints from a slate of its award nominated and award winning films, including WolfWalkers, The Breadwinner, Song of the Sea, and The Secret of Kells.

Originating from Cartoon Saloon’s Studio in the medieval town of Kilkenny, Ireland, the series of artwork is now available, ranging in prices from €450. Each print is signed by the films’ directors and numbered and is printed on museum quality paper.

Brian Tyrrell, general manager, brand development with Cartoon Saloon, said: “The launch of our new art gallery offers us a tremendous opportunity to share the magic of these outstanding movies with fans around the world. We are extremely proud of our films, particularly with the most recent recognition WolfWalkers is receiving with Academy, Golden Globe and BAFTA Award nominations.

“We are thrilled to offer these carefully curated state-of-the-art limited edition numbered prints that are sure to become a valuable collector’s items in the years to come.”

2021 Academy Award, BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated WolfWalkers, directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was heralded by The Hollywood Reporter as “a visually dazzling, richly imaginative, emotionally resonant production,” while IndieWire headlines read, “Cartoon Saloon’s Irish Folklore Trilogy Ends with the Best Animated Film of the Year.”

The film opened theatrically in the U.S. on November 13, 2020 and is now available on Apple TV+.

WolfWalkers follows Robyn Goodfellowe, a young apprentice hunter who journeys to Ireland with her father in a time of superstition and magic to wipe out the last wolf pack. While exploring the forbidden lands outside the city walls, Robyn befriends a free-spirited girl, Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe rumored to have the ability to transform into wolves by night. As they search for Mebh’s missing mother, Robyn uncovers a secret that draws her further into the enchanted world of the WolfWalkers and risks turning into the very thing her father is tasked to destroy.

Meanwhile, nominated for an Academy Award in 2010 for best animated feature and winning awards at festivals worldwide, The Secret of Kells is a bewitching animated fairytale for children and adults alike that is a spirited retelling of the provenance of Ireland’s most cherished artefact, the Book of Kells.

With the Viking hordes approaching, the monks of Kells are forced to turn their attention from transcribing manuscripts to building barricades. The future of the precious book is in jeopardy and it falls to Brendan, young nephew of the abbot Cellach, to save the day.

The Secret of Kells was Cartoon Saloon’s first feature film and was directed by Tomm Moore with Nora Twomey as Co-director.

Song of the Sea tells the story of Ben and his little sister Saoirse – the last Seal-child – who embark on a fantastic journey across a fading world of ancient legend and magic in an attempt to return to their home by the sea. The film takes inspiration from the mythological Selkies of Irish folklore, who live as seals in the sea but become humans on land.

Finally, based on the best-selling children’s novel by Deborah Ellis, the award-winning and multi-award-nominated The Breadwinner, directed by Nora Twomey from a screenplay by Anita Doron and Deborah Ellis, is a celebration of children.

The movie tells the story of 11 year old Parvana who gives up her identity to provide for her family and try to save her father’s life. Every day is a challenge as Parvana tries to bring home enough food and water to support her mother, sister and little brother. She meets a fellow girl in disguise called Shauzia and together, they form a bond that will give them the strength to endure the war that comes to their doorstep.

MeteoHeroes grows its international presence with RTVE broadcast deal

MeteoHeroes, the environmentally-themed animated children’s series, is growing its global broadcasting presence, having landed a new slot with the Spanish broadcaster, RTVE.

Under its new partnership with Mondo TV Group, RTVE will air series one of the animated show, the only children’s series to be co-produced by Mondo and the Italian weather forecasting centre, Meteo Operations Italia. RTVE will air the series across a number of its markets, starting with previews in the spring.

The contract covers not only Spain, but also Latin America on Clan Internacional – an international coverage that will play an important role in supporting the licensing and merchandising programme that is currently underway in those areas.

The timing of the agreement will allow Mondo to repeat the successful consumer product strategy adopted in the Italian market in 2020. With Panini Spain already on board for a wide range of products – including sticker lines, sticker albums, magazines and flowpacks – Mondo TV will soon be expanding its licensing programme into many other categories.

A key partner in this expansion will be the toy distributor, which will be announced soon. The arrival of the first MeteoHeroes toys in the market is scheduled for autumn 2021. Play Around, the master toy licensee, has developed a toy line that includes 3D figures, role play items and a playset. The toy line will help kids to identify with the superhero stars in their fight against climate change and pollution.

The first series of MeteoHeroes has already been sold or confirmed into over 120 countries and was among the biggest hit shows on Cartoonito in Italy last autumn.

It is recognised as the only cartoon in the world dedicated entirely to climate and environmental issues. Each episode focuses on issues related to ecology and respect for nature through the adventures of six super-powered kids who can control weather phenomena. Working alongside scientists and meteorologists at their futuristic HQ based in Gran Sasso Mountain National Park in Italy, the MeteoHeroes are trained to control their powers and fulfil their mission: to save the Earth.

Matteo Corradi, CEO of Mondo TV, said: “In a very short time MeteoHeroes has established itself as one of the leading series in our portfolio; in fact a second series is already being planned.

“This agreement with RTVE, a major partner in Spanish-speaking markets worldwide, is a very important development, not only bringing the show to millions of potential viewers in a large number of new markets but also boosting the reach of the ongoing licensing and merchandising campaign.”

Sonic the Hedgehog will charge onto Netflix in new animated series in 2022

A new animated series of Sonic the Hedgehog called Sonic Prime will be tearing onto Netflix with a worldwide premiere scheduled for 2022.

The 24-episode animated adventure is the product of a triple-threat deal between Netflix, SEGA of America, and WildBrain. Aimed at kids, families, and long-time fans of the franchise, Sonic Prime promises to draw upon the keystones of the brand as it follows Sonic on a new adventure in both a race to save the universe and find redemption.

The series will be animated at WildBrain’s Vancouver studio, and SEGA and WildBrain will jointly participate across production, distribution and licensing. Man of Action Entertainment, creators of Ben 10 and the characters and team in the Academy Award-winning feature Big Hero 6have been brought on as showrunners and executive producers for the series.

Dominique Bazay, director of original animation, Netflix, said: “Sonic is a beloved character and holds a special place in everyone’s heart including my own. I spent many hours with the blue blur as a kid and it’s a privilege to be able to bring this character everyone knows and loves on a brand new adventure with Netflix – one that a generation of loyal fans and brand new fans around the world can enjoy.”

Ivo Gerscovich, chief brand officer at SEGA, added: “Sonic the Hedgehog is a global entertainment icon that has captivated audiences since its video game debut in 1991. With over 1.14 billion game units sold and downloaded to date, an exciting feature film, a robust licensing program and more, SEGA’s iconic hedgehog continues to surprise and delight audiences worldwide.

“We’re thrilled to partner with WildBrain, Man of Action Entertainment and Netflix to speed into this new, animated chapter in the Sonic franchise.”

Josh Scherba, President, WildBrain, said:”With generations of devoted fans around the world, Sonic the Hedgehog is more popular today than ever before, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Netflix, SEGA and Man of Action to deliver all new Sonic adventures for audiences worldwide.

“This premium franchise is ideally suited to WildBrain’s capabilities and it’s already inspiring great things from our talented creative teams. We’ve witnessed first-hand the enduring popularity of this brand from the strong and steady global demand for our library of legacy Sonic series. We look forward now to bringing fresh and exciting Sonic content to fans both new and old.”

Building on the momentum generated for Sonic in 2020 – and as the brand celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2021 – Sonic Prime aims to captivate the imaginations of audiences ages six to 11, as well as legacy Sonic fans of all ages, and will match the scale and scope of the epic adventures synonymous with the Sonic franchise.

In 2020, the theatrical feature Sonic the Hedgehog, took the number one spot worldwide on opening weekend and remained on top globally for weeks while breaking domestic box office records. Producers SEGA Sammy and Paramount Pictures have announced a sequel to the feature is in development.

Global animation studio Snipple launches UK-based division Snipple Originals

The global animation studio, Snipple, is to launch a new, UK-based internationally-focused division and team devoted to the development of long-form animated content for audiences around the globe.

Called Snipple Originals, the launch coincides with news that Snipple has secured a £6million investment from BGF – the UK’s most active investor – that will see it take a minority share in the business as it fuels its global growth.

Under the leadership of London-based CEO, Kaine Patel along with co- founders, studio director Jonathan Tinsay and creative director Romy Gacia, Philippines-based Snipple Animation has worked with some of the biggest broadcast networks globally, including the likes of Warner Bros., Disney, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, and more.

Its portfolio of animation work boasts some of the world’s best loved evergreens such as Where’s Waldo? Dora And Friends: Into the City! Animaniacs, Green Eggs and Ham, Ducktales, Be Cool Scooby Doo, Phineas and Ferb, and more.

The company is now realising its ambition to launch an original production arm, drawing on its wealth of knowledge, talent and expertise. As well as its close relationships with global broadcasters and in-depth understanding of what they look for.

The operation will be led by award winning producer Karina Stanford-Smith, appointed as animation development director. Karina’s 30 years’ experience includes working with industry giants Disney, Nickelodeon, Amazon, CBBC, CITV, Zodiak Kids, Milkshake and The Jim Henson Company. She will report directly to Kaine Patel.

Meanwhile, the award-winning Vincent James has been appointed as creative director. His experience includes BBC, Nickelodeon, ITV, Children’s TV Workshop and Dreamworks. Simon Godfrey joins as Creative Development Producer, having worked with companies including Amazon, Coolabi, The Jim Henson company and Zodiak Kids.

Snipple Originals is open for business and ready to present its first content slate of five shows to potential broadcasters, streamers and IP partners.

The slate kicks off with Peeled Prawn & Shaved Sheep, a comedy action adventure series aimed at six to 12 year olds starring a sheep and prawn combo who join forces to fight crime. It is joined by Snö, a magical adventure series for four to seven-year-olds set in the far far North.

Cassidy’s Castle is a metaphysical mystery series for six to 12-year-olds about dreams, doors and destiny, while Wise Island Woohoos is an environmental edu-tainment series aimed at three to six-year-olds. Finally, Trippin’ is an over 18s comedy series based around a high octane and extremely offensive US road trip.

Karina Stanford-Smith, said: “It is so exciting to draw on the huge talent and expertise of Snipple and to have the freedom to create and develop home grown ideas. We have the perfect team in place to produce high-quality global hits that audiences will love.

“The Snipple Originals development team have been working together for 30 years in various guises. We have a chemistry that has allowed us to hit the ground running; now bringing a varied slate of projects to the table.”

Snipple Group CEO, Kaine Patel, added: “It has been a dream for me to expand Snipple into the world of original content. It’s the perfect expression of our creativity and heritage as a studio. Animation is really having a moment right now and I can’t wait to start talking to potential broadcast partners and bring them on our journey.”

Japan’s biggest anime feature movie Demon Slayer has its sights on US licensing with Lucky Helmet

The Japanese animated feature film, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train is set to expand its licensing and merchandising presence across the US through the efforts of the IP development business, Lucky Helmet.

It will mark the first in a sweep of new IP to be brought to the region’s licensing sector thanks to the firm’s appointment by Aniplex of America Inc to represent selected titles released in North America.

Lucky Helmet is a newly launched agency focused on assisting creators, producers, and other IP owners with commercialisation strategies on existing brands, as well as with the development of new content-based franchises.

The partnership will be led by Demon Slayer, a highly anticipated film based on one of the best-selling manga series. According to the film’s official Twitter account, the film had grossed ¥28.8 billion ($277.5 million) as of December 7, overtaking the American film, Titanic. It is now the second highest-grossing film in Japan, ever, behind only Studio Ghibli’s 2002 release, Spirited Away.

The Demon Slayer film is breaking records in other Asia territories as well. In China, the movie surpassed China’s Jiang Ziya to become the highest-grossing animated feature of 2020; and in Taiwan, the film quickly earned over $15 million, making it the biggest release of the year, and the highest-grossing animation release of all-time in the territory.

The movie centers on the hero Tanjiro Kamado’s efforts to save the lives of passengers aboard the Mugen Train, named after the Japanese word for infinity, on which countless people have gone missing.

The film is currently being adapted for American audiences, and is expected to release in the US in 2021 by the Sony-owned division Aniplex of America in association with Funimation.

Demon Slayer’s box-office success overseas, in the middle of a pandemic, is nothing less than extraordinary,” commented Marc Harrington, founder of Lucky Helmet.

We are incredibly excited to have the opportunity to support Aniplex on its licensing and merchandising efforts in North America, and we are confident that the film will further excite fans, and that there will be great potential for new licensing partners across many categories.”

Lucky Helmet previously announced that it had signed four-time Academy Award-nominated animation studio, Cartoon Saloon, to consult on licensing and merchandising opportunities based on its original IP, including the animated feature film, Wolfwalkers; the International Emmy Award-nominated series, Puffin Rock, and its upcoming film, Puffin Rock-The Movie.

Japan’s biggest anime feature movie Demon Slayer has its sights on US licensing with Lucky Helmet

The Japanese animated feature film, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train is set to expand its licensing and merchandising presence across the US through the efforts of the IP development business, Lucky Helmet.

It will mark the first in a sweep of new IP to be brought to the region’s licensing sector thanks to the firm’s appointment by Aniplex of America Inc to represent selected titles released in North America.

Lucky Helmet is a newly launched agency focused on assisting creators, producers, and other IP owners with commercialisation strategies on existing brands, as well as with the development of new content-based franchises.

The partnership will be led by Demon Slayer, a highly anticipated film based on one of the best-selling manga series. According to the film’s official Twitter account, the film had grossed ¥28.8 billion ($277.5 million) as of December 7, overtaking the American film, Titanic. It is now the second highest-grossing film in Japan, ever, behind only Studio Ghibli’s 2002 release, Spirited Away.

The Demon Slayer film is breaking records in other Asia territories as well. In China, the movie surpassed China’s Jiang Ziya to become the highest-grossing animated feature of 2020; and in Taiwan, the film quickly earned over $15 million, making it the biggest release of the year, and the highest-grossing animation release of all-time in the territory.

The movie centers on the hero Tanjiro Kamado’s efforts to save the lives of passengers aboard the Mugen Train, named after the Japanese word for infinity, on which countless people have gone missing.

The film is currently being adapted for American audiences, and is expected to release in the US in 2021 by the Sony-owned division Aniplex of America in association with Funimation.

Demon Slayer’s box-office success overseas, in the middle of a pandemic, is nothing less than extraordinary,” commented Marc Harrington, founder of Lucky Helmet.

We are incredibly excited to have the opportunity to support Aniplex on its licensing and merchandising efforts in North America, and we are confident that the film will further excite fans, and that there will be great potential for new licensing partners across many categories.”

Lucky Helmet previously announced that it had signed four-time Academy Award-nominated animation studio, Cartoon Saloon, to consult on licensing and merchandising opportunities based on its original IP, including the animated feature film, Wolfwalkers; the International Emmy Award-nominated series, Puffin Rock, and its upcoming film, Puffin Rock-The Movie.