Tag Archives: bbc

New Chicken Run and Wallace & Gromit adventures in the works from Aardman

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Aardman Animation Studio has announced the cast lineup for its latest feature film Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, and confirmed a brand-new Wallace & Gromit adventure for 2024.

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the sequel to Chicken Run, the highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time, will be coming exclusively to Netflix in 2023.

Like its 2000 predecessor, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is a comedy action-adventure, in which our chicken heroes have to break into an impenetrable fortress. Ginger and Rocky will be played by Thandiwe Newton and Zachary Levi, respectively, while Bella Ramsey will voice their headstrong daughter, Molly. Reprising their roles are Jane Horrocks (Babs), Imelda Staunton (Bunty) and Lynn Ferguson (Mac), joined by new additions Josie Sedgwick-Davies (Frizzle), David Bradley (Fowler), Romesh Ranganathan (Nick), Daniel Mays (Fetcher) and Nick Mohammed (Dr. Fry). Sam Fell (Flushed Away and Oscar-nominated ParaNorman) will direct the film, on which production is already underway.

The BBC has also announced a brand-new Wallace & Gromit adventure for British audiences in 2024.

From the creative mind of Nick Park and the first Wallace & Gromit film since the 2008 BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated A Matter of Loaf and Death, the as-yet-untitled new film focuses on Gromit’s concern that Wallace has become over-dependant on his inventions – which proves justified when Wallace invents a “smart gnome” that seems to develop a mind of its own. As events spiral out of control, it falls to Gromit to put aside his qualms and battle sinister forces or Wallace may never be able to invent again…

The BBC has a long relationship with Aardman and this announcement follows the success of the latest Shaun the Sheep caper The Flight Before Christmas, which aired on BBC One over the festive period.

Sean Clarke, MD of Aardman, says: “Wallace and Gromit are so loved by everyone at Aardman – they’re like family to us, and we couldn’t be more excited to be creating a brand-new film for them to star in. When Nick came up with the concept for a ‘smart gnome’, we all agreed that Wallace would find the idea irresistible – despite warnings from Gromit, who is wise beyond his (dog) years. We’re sure audiences will find the story irresistible too.”

The film will premiere on the BBC in the UK, and on Netflix in the rest of the world. It will be directed by Nick Park (creator of Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep) and Merlin Crossingham (Creative Director, Wallace & Gromit and Animation Director, Early Man) with the story written by Nick Park and Mark Burton (Madagascar, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Shaun the Sheep Movie) and the screenplay by Mark Burton.

BBC orders live-action series A Kind of Spark from 9 Story Media Group

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9 Story Media Group has announced that BBC Children’s has ordered its new live action series A Kind of Spark (8 x 24’). Based on the award-winning book by neurodivergent children’s author Elle McNicoll, A Kind of Spark is the first project to be put into production from 9 Story’s first-look deal with award-winning publishing company Knights Of, which focuses on improving inclusivity in children’s books, both on the shelf and behind the scenes.

Winner of the Blue Peter Book Award and the Overall Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, A Kind of Spark tells the inspirational story of 11-year old Addie, a neurodivergent girl. When she learns about the witch trials that happened centuries ago in her hometown, Addie knows that there’s more to the story of these ‘witches’, just as there is more to her own. Can Addie challenge how the people in her town see her and her autism and make her voice heard?

Past and present interweave in eight action-packed episodes full of magic, mystery and friendship with a strong message of inclusion. A Kind of Spark is created for television by Anna McCleery (Free Rein, The Secret Life of Boys), written by Anna McCleery and Elle McNicoll (A Kind of Spark, Show Us Who You Are) and produced by 9 Story Media Group.

Sarah Muller, BBC Head of Commissioning & Acquisitions 7-12, says: “We’re delighted to bring this moving and powerful story to audiences in the UK. In Addie we have a character who is relatable, uplifting and inspiring and we can’t wait to bring her story to life. Our aim is to reflect all of our audience on screen and this story of difference and acceptance is one that we can’t wait to tell.”

“We are thrilled to partner with BBC, to bring this incredibly special story to the screen,” says Gráinne McNamara, Vice President, Live Action for 9 Story. “Just like the countless kids who have fallen in love with the book, we were instantly captivated and inspired by Addie’s way of looking at the world. Representation is crucial in kids television and we are excited to bring A Kind of Spark to new audiences in the UK.”

9 Story Media Group is a creator, producer and distributor of kids and family focused intellectual property whose award-winning animation studio, Brown Bag Films, is recognised around the world for brands such as Doc McStuffins, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Octonauts, Wild Kratts, Blue’s Clues and You, Ada Twist, Scientist andKarma’s World.

 

 

 

Pokémon is heading to the BBC for the first time as iPlayer catches series and movies

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Pokémon is heading to the BBC for the first time.

The British broadcaster has acquired two complete story arcs from the Pokémon the Series collection to be housed on the BBC iPlayer, along with the story arcs’ accompanying feature-length Pokémon the Movie for both linear broadcast and the iPlayer.

This will mark the first time that Pokémon has been broadcast on the BBC platform. From this August, BBC iPlayer viewers will be able to watch the adventures of Ash and Pikachu, with all 189 episodes of Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, and all 142 episodes of Pokémon the Series: Black & White.

Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl will be exclusively available to UK audiences on BBC iPlayer from August 2, while Pokémon the Series: Black & White will follow this autumn on a non-exclusive basis. The deal lands in time to help fans continue to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Pokémon brand this year, marking a quarter of a century since it was first launched in Japan in 1996 with two Game Boy titles.

Pokémon is one of the world’s most popular and successful entertainment properties. Its anime began in 1997 and now spans 24 series, with over 1000 episodes, and accompanying movies, which have aired in 176 different countries and regions in over 30 languages.

Emily Arons, SVP of licensing at The Pokémon Company International, said: “We are delighted to team up with such a world-renowned broadcaster as the BBC to bring the exciting adventures of Ash, Pikachu, and their friends to their huge UK audience.

“In our 25th anniversary year, it gives Pokémon fans old and new even more to celebrate with this wonderful opportunity to revisit or discover the wonderful world of Pokémon in these thrilling animated series. In addition, the Diamond and Pearl episodes will provide a great introduction to the fascinating Sinnoh region.”

Moonbug makes play for organic baby food in the US and lands BBC iPlayer UK deal

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Moonbug Entertainment is strengthening its licensing and broadcast portfolio on both sides of the Atlantic this week, having entered the organic baby and toddler foods market in the US, while strengthening the reach of its preschool portfolio through a new partnership with BBC here in the UK.

The content studio has struck up a new partnership with Neptune Wellness Solutions, a health and wellness company focused on plant-based and sustainable lifestyle brands, and its Sprouts Foods organic baby and toddler foods range for a new, officially licensed CoComelon range of products.

Brokered by Moonbug’s North American licensing agency, UTA, the product is expected to land at retailers across the US this summer. Sprout is currently the fifth largest name in the organic baby food category in the US, and number three organic baby food brand on Amazon.

“I am thrilled to announce this arrangement with CoComelon, the number one children’s show in North America,” said Michael Cammarata, chief executive officer and president of Neptune. “Since acquiring Sprout in February, we have already increased sales through expanding our distribution across Target stores in the United States, and we expect to add more national retailers.

“This agreement with CoComelon, through its unparalleled reach, should fuel additional dynamic growth for this leading organic baby food brand.”

With more than 110 million subscribers worldwide, CoComelon is the number one children’s entertainment and educational show in the world claiming a number one ranking on Youtube with its top three episodes generating nearly 9bn views around the world. Additionally, the show was number one on Netflix and maintains a Top 10 ranking across all genres with the recent launch of Season three.

Simon Philips, senior in-house advisor at Moonbug, said: “Healthy living is a core part of what makes CoComelon a global family favorite, so are thrilled to be launching a partnership with Sprout, a leading North American organic baby food and toddler snack brand.”

Meanwhile, on this side of the Atlantic, Moonbug has struck its first deal with a public broadcaster, having signed with BBC to bring its portfolio of preschool properties, including CoComelon, Digley and Dazey, Little Baby Bum, Go Buster, and Playtime with Twinkle to the iPlayer platform.

Nicolas Eglau, managing director EMEA and APAC, Moonbug has called the deal “a real quality stamp” for the company’s creative teams.

“BBC is known worldwide for its engaging programming for preschoolers, and Moonbug is excited to enter a partnership with such a renowned organization,” said Eglau.

Moonbug’s programming introduces universal themes that children can relate to via colorful animation and compelling storytelling. Whether it’s eating veggies or getting ready for bed, Moonbug’s playful animation and catchy songs supports children’s development and learning.

Asda, BBC, and Kantar among first speaker line-up for Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit

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Licensing experts from Asda, BBC and Kantar are among the first tranche of speakers announced for Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit, which takes place online from 9-11 June.

Early bird registration for the summit opens today, with three-day passes starting at just £175 (£161 for Licensing International members) and closes on 16 April. 

The three-day event will help middle-management, business leaders and owners navigate the changing retail, content and consumer landscape through keynotes, panel discussions, roundtables and workshops all providing actionable advice, information and strategies on the future of brands and licensing.

Insights leaders Claire McLelland (Kantar client executive, pictured above) and Gary Pope (Kids Industries Co-Founder & CEO) will tackle the ‘consumer’ as they join License Global’s content editor Ben Roberts to investigate the changing purchasing choices of children, Generation Z and millennials. 

Asda’s Ruth Golightly, who recently revealed the grocer was ‘unapologetic for its approach to own the market for licensed clothing in the UK’, will debate what’s next for bricks and mortar and the future of the high street consumer. 

BBC Studios’ Licensing Director Rikesh Desai, Nutmeg Licensing Managing Director June Kirkwood and SGLP MD Simon Gresswell will all take part in Day Two of B&LIS, which focuses on CSR and sustainability with a programme exclusively curated by Products of Change.

“We’re delighted to have such well-respected experts across retail, sustainability, consumer behaviour and content trends joining us for the first B&LIS in June and are really excited to firm up many more inspirational names over the next few weeks,” explained Anna Knight, VP of licensing, Informa Markets.

Claire McClelland, client executive, Kantar, said: “We as businesses and consumers have undergone over a year of constant change. It’s been harder than ever to unlock opportunities through our core shoppers – as behaviour is changing constantly to adapt to new rules.

“B&LIS will give attendees better clarity on the latest industry trends and provide actionable insight to plan with confidence.”

Products of Change CEO Helena Mansell-Stopher added: “Education is the most powerful tool we have to change our social norms and drive business forward to a more sustainable future, with the smart insights gathered by the wonderful team at Informa and the calibre of speakers and topics of the inaugural B&LIS conference, I cannot think of a better stage to continue the sustainable conversation outside the POC platform and the SILC conference.”

Online registration for the Brand & Licensing Innovation Summits is now open at www.brandlicensinginnovationsummit.com.

Early bird discounts of 30 per cent are available until 16 April. A three-day delegate pass at the early bird rate will cost just £175 (£161 for Licensing International members). Qualified retailers are invited to register for free.

Acclaimed British artist Charlotte Posner turns to lifestyle licensing with WildBrain CPLG

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The acclaimed British contemporary artist, Charlotte Posner, the mind behind Pop Dolls, a work that sent social media into a frenzy in 2015, has appointed WildBrain CPLG as the European Licensing agent for her move into lifestyle licensing.

Under its lifestyle division, WildBrain CPLG will assemble a design-led consumer products programme inspired by Posner’s vibrant artwork with an initial focus on the UK market. The firm will target categories such as beauty, stationery, homewares and soft furnishing, fashion and accessories, luxury ceramics, and gifting.

John Taylor, VP Northern Europe and managing director UK and France at WildBrain CPLG, said: “Charlotte’s work is captivating and original, both accessible and uniquely creative, and we are excited to collaborate with her to develop innovative and design-led product ranges.

“The licensing programme will sit closely alongside Charlotte’s art, offering fans of her work another chance to own a little piece of Posner magic.”

Posner’s style and popularity exploded onto the public scene in 2014 when she was featured as part of the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and was profiled on the BBC’s The Culture Show. A social media frenzy then erupted when she first introduced her ‘Pop Dolls’ series to the public in 2015. Coca-Cola, Walls, Kellogg’s and Cadbury’s all complimented the works, and one piece later became the creative for Magnum’s UK social media platforms.

Posner said: “I am excited to be working with WildBrain CPLG to expand my brand. We are at an exciting stage of development and it is a great opportunity to share our creativity with more companies.”

In the face of severe dyslexia, Posner’s undaunted creative approach shows extraordinary versatility. She has now collaborated and worked with some of the world’s leading luxury brands and retailers including Brown Thomas, Louis Vuitton, Nicholas Kirkwood, Crème de la Mer, London Fashion Week, and Japanese cosmetics brand Shiseido.

Inspired by people, places and popular culture from all over the world, Posner’s signature art style is distinguishable by its expression of shape and form, colour and confidence. She uses her art to transcend the invisible barriers that divide people and evoke emotion. Although working in a variety of media, it is traditional dip-pen and ink with acrylic and watercolour that she has become most noted for.

With an international following and requests for commissioned works by both private collectors and corporations, Posner holds art shows twice a year to showcase her latest pieces. She believes artwork should be accessible, so releases a series of limited edition signed prints of 50-100 for Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter.

Ragdoll Productions taps Brands with Influence to manage licensing roll out for B.O.T. and the Beasties

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The award winning production company, Ragdoll Productions, has tapped Brands with Influence to manage the licensing and merchandising rights for its new animated children’s TV series, B.O.T. and the Beasties, a new series scheduled to land on CBeebies in early 2021.

Developed by Anne Wood and the team at Ragdoll Productions’ studios in Stratford upon Avon, B.O.T. and the Beasties draws upon the team’s unrivaled experience in the pre-school market to deliver a series that follows that trials and tribulations of the lovable robot B.O.T. (Beastie Observation Transmitter) as he discovers new worlds and the Beasties that inhabit them.

The BBC has acquired 50 episodes of the new series and B.O.T. Crucial to the development of the series and its appeal has been Ragdoll’s research and development process. All the characters have been tested with the target market for appeal and comedic value for a show that attracts the pre-school audience and keeps them engaged through visual comedy and imaginative play.

Martin Lowde of Brands with Influence, said: “We have been working with Ragdoll for the last 18 months through the development phase of this exciting new series and it’s fabulous that we are now able to share this great show with the licensing industry.

“With a strong commitment from CBeebies across their platforms and a great production team at Ragdoll the series has all the ingredients needed in a new show.”

Brands with Influence is now organising a series of live online screenings and presentations.

Chris Wood of Ragdoll Productions, added: “We are delighted to be working with the team at BWI. Our new pre-school B.O.T. and the Beasties series is full of fun through silliness, play and imagination and has masses of potential for licensing as we have seen first-hand how children love to interact with the stories and characters.”

Ragdoll Productions taps Brands with Influence to manage licensing roll out for B.O.T. and the Beasties

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The award winning production company, Ragdoll Productions, has tapped Brands with Influence to manage the licensing and merchandising rights for its new animated children’s TV series, B.O.T. and the Beasties, a new series scheduled to land on CBeebies in early 2021.

Developed by Anne Wood and the team at Ragdoll Productions’ studios in Stratford upon Avon, B.O.T. and the Beasties draws upon the team’s unrivaled experience in the pre-school market to deliver a series that follows that trials and tribulations of the lovable robot B.O.T. (Beastie Observation Transmitter) as he discovers new worlds and the Beasties that inhabit them.

The BBC has acquired 50 episodes of the new series and B.O.T. Crucial to the development of the series and its appeal has been Ragdoll’s research and development process. All the characters have been tested with the target market for appeal and comedic value for a show that attracts the pre-school audience and keeps them engaged through visual comedy and imaginative play.

Martin Lowde of Brands with Influence, said: “We have been working with Ragdoll for the last 18 months through the development phase of this exciting new series and it’s fabulous that we are now able to share this great show with the licensing industry.

“With a strong commitment from CBeebies across their platforms and a great production team at Ragdoll the series has all the ingredients needed in a new show.”

Brands with Influence is now organising a series of live online screenings and presentations.

Chris Wood of Ragdoll Productions, added: “We are delighted to be working with the team at BWI. Our new pre-school B.O.T. and the Beasties series is full of fun through silliness, play and imagination and has masses of potential for licensing as we have seen first-hand how children love to interact with the stories and characters.”