Tag Archives: Bluey

Maurizio Distefano Licensing announces the arrival of Bluey toys in Italy

Posted on by

Maurizio Distefano Licensing, Italian agent for BBC Studios’ property Bluey, has announced the arrival at retail of new Bluey toys from Giochi Preziosi, the Italian distributor of master toy licensee Moose Toys.

Bluey toys are now available in large-scale retail shops and major toy shop chains across Italy.

Bluey has been a massive success in Italy on Disney+, Rai YoYo and YouTube, and this timely collection of toys inspired by the colourful world of the little blue heeler is a real treat for fans of Bluey, her family and friends.

The line includes 20cm plush toys of Bluey and sister Bingo and six sets of action figures, four of which consist of two characters from the animated series (Grannies, Cousins, Pool Time, Skateboard) and two of which highlight four characters (Bluey’s Family, Bluey’s Friends). There will also be two mini playsets (Bingo’s Playroom and Bluey’s Playground) and, of course, the Heeler 4WD Family Vehicle.

The promotion and launch of the collection have left nothing to chance – inside 70 Toys Center shops there is a dedicated shelf, with an eye-catching layout and logo and a luminous sign. Supporting the launch, the rich media plan will include commercials on all preschool target TV stations. There will also be an integrated launch plan on the social channels of both Bluey and Giochi Preziosi.

Bluey has enjoyed excellent results in terms of views, registering an incredible 10.38% share on RaiYoYo in the 4-7-year-old range, taking second place on the podium on RaiYoYo for total time spent and occupying third place for the most viewed series by children on demand on Rai Play.

Further confirmation of the extraordinary success of the little Aussie dog in Italy comes in the form of the many licensing agreements already secured by Maurizio Distefano Licensing. Several products will be launched in the market in the coming months. Multiprint will produce a collection of stamp sets inspired by the series, Dulcop will offer a range of soap bubbles dedicated to the characters and Diramix plans a sticker album. Grabo meanwhile will bring Bluey to its inflatable balloons, Halantex will bring out Bluey bedding, and finally Dolfin, looking to 2023, will sweeten the Epiphany with a dedicated selection of Epiphany stockings.

Maurizio Distefano says: “As soon as I saw Bluey, I knew that it had strong potential in the Italian market but even this may be an understatement. The success of the animated series in Italy has encouraged many Italian licensees to partner with the property already and this success looks like continuing for some while.”

 

BBC Studios showcases global brands for all ages in Las Vegas

Posted on by

With Licensing Expo 2022 opening in Las Vegas today (24 May), BBC Studios is set to share an impressive roster of brands with delegates.

 BBC Studios’ raft of titles includes global preschool hit Bluey, adventures in time and space with Doctor Who, multi award-winning animation Hey Duggee, much-loved entertainment show Top Gear and natural history brand BBC Earth.

 “We’re so excited to share our incredible range of brands with the industry, update people on our latest plans and products and meet potential new licensees,” says Stephen Davies, Managing Director of Consumer Products and Licensing, BBC Studios. “It’s been a while since we’ve been able to get together like this and we’ve certainly got a lot to catch up on – not least global hit preschool show Bluey, new Doctor Who and so many more popular brands we have in our roster and in development.” 

Licensing Expo is also a chance for BBC Studios to discuss the recently launched Kids & Family Division, which combines the exceptional talent and expertise of the BBC Children’s Production team and the content investment, customer and brand experience within BBC Studios into a new and integral part of the BBC Studios content powerhouse.

Bluey

Global-hit animation Bluey was Disney Junior’s #1 ratings driver with kids 2-5 in 2021 in the US.

With audiences worldwide falling for the lovable Blue Heeler pup and her family and friends, Bluey has set viewing records in its native Australia and features in the top three Disney Junior shows in five EMEA markets. BBC Studios is establishing a long-term global licensing programme for the brand and has already appointed agencies and licensees in markets around the world. Key existing agreements include master toy partner Moose Toys and master publisher Penguin Random House as well as global and multi-territory deals including VTech, Crayola, Colgate and a recently announced deal with Hasbro.

Season three of Bluey debuted on ABC TV in Australia in November 2021 and is set to be released globally on Disney platforms later this year. It was recently announced that hit stage show Bluey’s Big Play will be touring in the US from November 2022 after a successful debut in Australia. The show has also made international headlines for an innovative partnership with Airbnb which saw the Heelers’ home recreated ‘for real life’ in Brisbane for a lucky family to stay at.

“Bluey has had an incredible couple of years of rapid growth with strong sales across markets and product lines; we’re excited for the future of the brand and we’ve put a strong platform in place to support the development of Bluey for the long-term,” says Andrew Carley, Director of Global Licensing, BBC Studios. “The show itself is so special and touches so many people and we are delighted to have assembled a fantastic global licensing programme with partners around the world who are busy making great products and experiences for fans.” 

Doctor Who

With over 58 years of history as the world’s longest running action-adventure television show and the Doctor’s next regeneration due to air later this year, Doctor Who is a hit global franchise with hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide and over 50 long-standing licensees including Character Options, Moonpig.com Limited, Winning Moves, Eaglemoss, Build-A-Bear and Brand Alliance.

Titan has renewed its worldwide licensing agreement for collectible figurines, apparel, cards, art prints and gifting/novelties. Battlefront Miniatures will continue to produce toys and games across Europe, the US, Canada and New Zealand. 

Hey Duggee

Multiple BAFTA and Emmy award-winning preschool animation Hey Duggee continues to delight fans and was recently commissioned for a fourth series as well as hitting the headlines for special collaborations with fitness guru Joe Wicks, and naturalist David Attenborough who narrated The Green Planet Badge. Hey Duggee has an impressive global footprint in over 150 territories and more than 1.2million fans across its social channels, and its official YouTube channel has more than a billion lifetime views. In 2021 in the UK, Hey Duggee was the most-watched kids’ show on CBeebies and was streamed more than 250m times on BBC iPlayer. 

The licensing programme continues to grow with new UK licensees recently announced for health and beauty products, H&A and an expanded range of wheeled toys from MV Sports. Master toy partners are Golden Bear (UK), Bizak (Spain) and Lansay (France), with wooden toys from 8th Wonder in the UK and roleplay and bubbles from HTI Toys (UK). Master publishing agreements are with Penguin Random House (UK), who recently scored a #1 bestseller for The World Book Day Badge, and Hachette (France). Ypsilon Licensing were announced as agents for Spain last year while France TV are licensing agents for France.

Earlier this year a new attraction, Hey Duggee’s Big Adventure Badge, opened at CBeebies Land at Alton Towers Resort in the UK.

Mandy Thwaites, Director, Magazines & Consumer Products, UK Division, BBC Studios, says: “Hey Duggee continues to delight audiences and we continue to be delighted with the growth of the brand. We have great existing partners for Hey Duggee and we’re continuing to welcome more on board. It’s going to be an exciting year for the brand with new content to share later this year and new partnerships to announce soon.” 

Top Gear

Top Gear still sits in pole position with its 31st series and BBC Studios are looking to expand the licensing portfolio for the hit global brand. Current successful partnerships include Danilo for cards and calendars and TDP and Aykroyds for nightwear, DreamTex as bedding partner, and Assured Products Ltd for car-cleaning gift kits. Kimm and Miller are partnered for food gifting,  Immediate Media for magazines and recently signed Ginger Fox for board games. BB Designs will also be working on the direct-to-consumer website selling multiple product areas.

BBC Earth

As BBC Studios’ natural history content pipeline grows bigger than ever, the BBC Earth brand continues its partnerships with Teemill, who have added a fun children’s collection to its sustainable clothing range, and Danilo for cards and calendars.

BBC Studios is at stand N204 for the duration of Licensing Expo 2022 with representatives from offices in all global markets in attendance.

 

BBC Studios expands Bluey global licensing programme

Posted on by

Bluey, the Emmy Award-winning sensation that has been winning over preschoolers and families worldwide, is expanding its licensing programme with new partners. The new agreements include:

  • Ten new partners and renewal US & Canada licensing deals
  • New Latin America licensing agents appointed for Brazil, South and Central America
  • Five new UK licensing deals announced
  • Licensing agents appointed for Israel as 13 new EMEA licensing deals unveiled, including Ravensburger (France, Italy and Nordics) and a pan-European deal with HTI Toys (inc. UK)

These licensing agreements follow closely on the heels of the announcement of BBC Studios’ new global partnership with Hasbro for co-branded Monopoly Jr. and Trouble games along with Play-Doh. VTech has also announced details of its Bluey products which are set to go on sale this year in the US, Canada, Australia and the UK, with New Zealand and France to follow.

Widely lauded by parents and press alike for its heartfelt and funny portrayal of family life and celebration of play, the series follows Bluey, a 6-year-old Blue Heeler dog, who loves to play and turns everyday family life into extraordinary adventures that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family – including younger sister Bingo and parents Bandit and Chilli – as well as friends and community into her world of fun and discovery.

Season three of Bluey debuted on ABC TV in Australia in November 2021 and is set to be released globally on Disney platforms later this year.

U.S. and Canada

BBC Studios has shared new details on deals with Ball Bounce & Sport inc. dba Hedstrom, Berkshire Fashions, Centric Beauty, Daytime Enterprises, Disguise, Fathead, Heys International, Horizon Group, Mad Engine and Party City Holdings inc. for a range of new products spanning multiple key categories. From apparel and arts and crafts to party supplies, and more, the Bluey introductions will begin rolling out to major retailers across the US and Canada this spring.

Suzy Raia, SVP Consumer Products and Business Development, BBC Studios Americas, says: “Love for Bluey continues to soar all across the globe, and we’re excited to be teaming up with each of these category-leading companies to provide many new ways for preschoolers and their families to experience the fun and imaginative adventures that make the series such a standout.

“Consumer demand for Bluey products is very strong and we look forward to working with these partners to develop offerings that will enhance fans’ connection to the brand every day.”

New Bluey partners to introduce product this year include:

  • Ball, Bounce & Sport inc. dba Hedstrom – playballs, hoppers, sport ball, over the door hoop and bowling sets (US)
  • Berkshire Fashions – headwear, cold weather and rain accessories etc. (US)
  • Centric Beauty – bath and cosmetics (US)
  • Daytime Enterprises ­– costume character appearances to be led by Nelvana (Canada)
  • Disguise – new costumes and accessories following multi-year renewal agreement (US)
  • Fathead – wall graphics, standees, peel & stick wallpaper and decals etc. (US)
  • Heys International – bags & luggage, backpacks and lunch bags etc. (Canada)
  • Horizon Group – arts & crafts (US)
  • Mad Engine – apparel and accessories (US); apparel, sleepwear, underwear, hosiery and winter accessories, via Nelvana (Canada)
  • Party City Holdings inc. – party goods, balloons, Halloween costumes and accessories (US & Canada – via Nelvana in Canada)

In the US, Bluey has been a runaway hit since its 2019 debut. The standout series was Disney Junior’s #1 ratings driver with kids 2-5 in 2021. It also ranked as the #1 most-watched TV series in 2Q21 and a top 3 show every quarter in 2021. In addition, Bluey owned two of the top 10 cable telecasts of 2021 with kids 2-5.

In Canada, Bluey continues to rank #1 on Disney Junior with children 2-11 and kids 2-5 on La Chaine’s Disney Junior (Canadian French language channel). Bluey was also the #2 programme with children 2-5 on Disney Junior and kids 2-5 on Disney Channel’s Junior block.

Latin America

To further extend the footprint of the global hit through the region, BBC Studios appointed as its licensing agents Panaderia for Mexico, Lotus Global for Brazil and Tycoon for South and Central America (excluding Mexico and Brazil).

In Mexico, the Bluey licensing programme keeps expanding into other categories following Bandai’s very successful toy launch last year. Starting this June and extending into the autumn, new licensed assortments ranging from party goods to apparel and publishing will launch in Mexico, with the following partners: Granmark, Ruz, Stor, Union Kids, Novelty Corp and Penguin Random House.

The Bluey toys produced by global master toy licensee Moose Toys are distributed locally by Candide in Brazil and are expected to launch in Q3 2022. Apparel, accessories, publishing and party items will follow to market in time for Christmas. Later this year, even more fun and engaging Bluey products will be distributed locally by Imexporta in Chile and Peru; Caffaro in Argentina and Boing Toys in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Central America and the Caribbean islands.

Australia and NZ

In the series’ homeland, Australia, the well-established Bluey brand is booming, and continues to add to an impressive portfolio of partners across ANZ. 2022 kicked off with an incredible ‘Only On Airbnb’ partner experience which saw the iconic Heeler home recreated ‘for real life’ in Brisbane (generating 60 million+ social impressions), and was followed up with announcements that Bluey is the first ever Australian brand to partner with Colgate, won Preschool License of the Year at the Australian Toy Awards for the third year running, and that the Aussie-made stage show would be touring the U.S. following a wildly successful Australian run – with more major announcements to come soon in the FMCG space.

In Australia, Bluey remains the number one kids show on broadcast television and is the most-watched series ever on ABC iview. With season three already airing in Australia, the show has performed 2.3 times above timeslot average audience (total audience) and the new episodes achieved 14 of the top 20 broadcasts on free-to-air TV in 2021. Just this week, it was announced that 11 more Series 3 episodes will air in Australia from mid-June.

“Australia is the home of Bluey and fans here are absolutely buzzing about the new June episodes,” says Kate O’Connor, Head of Licensing and Brands, BBC Studios ANZ. “The second half of 2022 will bring more exciting Bluey news that we can’t wait to surprise our fans with!”

UK

Bluey is hugely popular with audiences in the UK. It was the most-watched programme on CBeebies for Q1 2022 with toys from both Moose Toys and Ravensburger making Bluey one of the hottest brands since its launch in shops last year and gaining the title of number-one new preschool toy brand in 2021 according to NPD data. Earlier this year Crayola released products in the UK, with sales already exceeding expectations. Building on this success, BBC Studios are announcing new deals with 8th Wonder (wooden toys), Spin Master (wooden puzzles – extending their US range into the UK), Moonpig (cards and gifting), Drew Pearson (accessories) and an expanded deal with Ravensburger (details below in EMEA section).

“8th Wonder is delighted to be working with BBC Studios on such a prestigious property,” says Louise Tyrer, Managing Director, 8th Wonder. “The Bluey wooden toy range will be fun, educational and produced using FSC certified wood. All product and packaging will be designed with sustainability in mind. With over 25 years’ experience creating distinctive, innovative wooden toys, we look forward to delivering an award-winning range through this fantastic brand.”

In addition, BBC Studios has just signed a new pan-European deal (inc. UK) with HTI Toys for large role play, cases, bubbles and outdoor toys.

Alison Downie, Global Licensing and Brand Director for HTI Group, says: “We are thrilled to be partnering with BBC Studios once again on another hugely popular preschool show. Bluey will be made very welcome here at HTI Toys and we are excited to develop a range of toys that complement Bluey’s love of play.”

Partners launching products in the UK this year include:

  • Character Options – Weebles and arts & crafts
  • Danilo – calendars, cards and gift stationery
  • H&A – health & beauty
  • MV Sports – wheeled toys
  • Stor – lunchboxes, bottles and tableware
  • William Lamb – footwear and bags

EMEA

Bluey continues to grow its licensing programme in EMEA and existing licensee Ravensburger has signed a new agreement with BBC Studios to cover France, Italy and Nordics and to expand its range of products in the UK including the introduction of proprietary games including Memory and Labyrinth.

 “We are delighted to extend our UK and Ireland contract for Bluey to France, Italy and the Nordic markets and to extend our very long standing and excellent partnership with BBC Studios,” says Tim Hall, Managing Director, Ravensburger. “We launched Bluey in the UK last autumn/winter and our puzzles were immediately best sellers in all the accounts where they are listed and that success continues to build. Bluey is a special property that young children and their parents adore. We look forward to further growth in the UK and Ireland and establishing the property in the new territories.”

BBC Studios has also newly appointed Mediogen as licensing agents for Israel; joining CLM (South Africa), France tv distribution (France), Maurizio Distefano Licensing (Italy), Partner Plus (Greece) and Plus Licens (Nordics, Baltics and CEE).

New Bluey licensees in EMEA include:

  • Diramix – stickers, sticker albums and cards (Italy)
  • Dolfin – seasonal confectionery (Italy)
  • Dulcop – bubbles (Italy)
  • Educa Borras – wooden puzzles and arts & crafts (France)
  • Grabo – balloons (Italy)
  • Graffiti – back to school and stationery (Greece)
  • Halantex – home textiles (Italy)
  • HTI Toys – large role play, cases, bubble toys and outdoor toys (pan-Europe inc. UK)
  • Liniex – scooters and scooter accessories (Nordics)
  • Multiprint – stamps, stationery sets and colouring sets (Italy)
  • Ravensburger – puzzles and games inc. Memory and Labyrinth (France, Italy and Nordics)
  • Showagent – meet & greet (Nordics)
  • Skybrands – apparel and home (Nordics)

BBC Studios names Tycoon licensing agent for Bluey in South and Central America

Posted on by

BBC Studios, distributor and licensor for the Emmy Award-winning international preschool sensation Bluey, has appointed Tycoon as its licensing agent for South and Central America, helping to further extend the footprint of the global hit throughout the region.

Elias Fasia-Cohen, President and Co-Founder of Tycoon, says: “We have been long admirers of BBC Studios and could not be happier to represent Bluey, which is a true reflection of the group’s commitment to high-quality content. We are delighted to work hand in hand with such a talented group in bringing Bluey to the homes and hearts of Latin American consumers and look forward to many years of success together.”

Murilo Hinojosa, Director of Licensing, Latin America for BBC Studios, says: “We’re excited to work with Tycoon and confident their expertise will help expand the global sensation Bluey further to South and Central America. The upcoming range of high-quality licensed products will enable children to use their imagination and enjoy their own Bluey-inspired adventures.”

The Bluey toys, from global master toy licensee Moose Toys, will be distributed locally by Imexporta in Chile and Peru; Caffaro in Argentina; and Boing Toys in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Central America and the Caribbean islands beginning later this year.

Early this year, Lotus Global was appointed as licensing agent for Brazil while Panaderia was appointed for Mexico in the last quarter of 2021. In Mexico, the programme keeps expanding into other categories after a very successful toy launch last year.

In 2022, starting in June and extending into the autumn, new licensees will be launched, including Granmark, Ruz, Stor, Union Kids, Novelty Corp, and Penguin Random House, ranging from party goods to apparel and publishing.

In Latin America, Bluey is available on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney+ as well as through free-to-air television channels, TV Cultura in Brazil and Azteca 7 in Mexico.

To complement the experience, there is also content on social media, through the Facebook channel launched in January this year and the official YouTube channel, which has reached over 510k followers in less than a year with over 200M views on the Spanish page.

Bluey has won the hearts of kids and parents around the world since it first launched in Australia in October 2018 and has fast become a global hit, achieving outstanding ratings and attracting a multitude of best-in-class partners. In its home market, Australia, Bluey is the #1 children’s show across all age groups (since 2019). With season three already airing in Australia, the show has performed 2.3x above timeslot average audience (total audience) and the new episodes achieved 14 of the top 20 broadcasts on free-to-air TV in 2021.

Season three of Bluey is set to be released globally on Disney platforms later this year. In the U.S., where the series has been a runaway hit since its 2019 debut, Bluey was Disney Junior’s #1 ratings driver with kids 2-5 last year. It also ranked as the #1 most-watched TV series in second quarter of 2021 and a top 3 show every quarter in 2021. In addition, Bluey owned two of the top 10 cable telecasts of 2021 with kids 2-5.4

The series has enjoyed critical success globally, winning an International Emmy Award in the Preschool category in 2020. Most recently, Bluey has earned four 2021 Kidscreen Awards (Best Animated Series, Best Directing, Best Writing, Best Music), a 2021 Rockie Award (Best Animation Program for Pre-school Viewers), and a 2021 ARIA Award for Best Children’s Album.

 

BBC Studios names Tycoon licensing agent for Bluey in South and Central America

Posted on by

BBC Studios, distributor and licensor for the Emmy Award-winning international preschool sensation Bluey, has appointed Tycoon as its licensing agent for South and Central America, helping to further extend the footprint of the global hit throughout the region.

Elias Fasia-Cohen, President and Co-Founder of Tycoon, says: “We have been long admirers of BBC Studios and could not be happier to represent Bluey, which is a true reflection of the group’s commitment to high-quality content. We are delighted to work hand in hand with such a talented group in bringing Bluey to the homes and hearts of Latin American consumers and look forward to many years of success together.”

Murilo Hinojosa, Director of Licensing, Latin America for BBC Studios, says: “We’re excited to work with Tycoon and confident their expertise will help expand the global sensation Bluey further to South and Central America. The upcoming range of high-quality licensed products will enable children to use their imagination and enjoy their own Bluey-inspired adventures.”

The Bluey toys, from global master toy licensee Moose Toys, will be distributed locally by Imexporta in Chile and Peru; Caffaro in Argentina; and Boing Toys in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Central America and the Caribbean islands beginning later this year.

Early this year, Lotus Global was appointed as licensing agent for Brazil while Panaderia was appointed for Mexico in the last quarter of 2021. In Mexico, the programme keeps expanding into other categories after a very successful toy launch last year.

In 2022, starting in June and extending into the autumn, new licensees will be launched, including Granmark, Ruz, Stor, Union Kids, Novelty Corp, and Penguin Random House, ranging from party goods to apparel and publishing.

In Latin America, Bluey is available on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney+ as well as through free-to-air television channels, TV Cultura in Brazil and Azteca 7 in Mexico.

To complement the experience, there is also content on social media, through the Facebook channel launched in January this year and the official YouTube channel, which has reached over 510k followers in less than a year with over 200M views on the Spanish page.

Bluey has won the hearts of kids and parents around the world since it first launched in Australia in October 2018 and has fast become a global hit, achieving outstanding ratings and attracting a multitude of best-in-class partners. In its home market, Australia, Bluey is the #1 children’s show across all age groups (since 2019). With season three already airing in Australia, the show has performed 2.3x above timeslot average audience (total audience) and the new episodes achieved 14 of the top 20 broadcasts on free-to-air TV in 2021.

Season three of Bluey is set to be released globally on Disney platforms later this year. In the U.S., where the series has been a runaway hit since its 2019 debut, Bluey was Disney Junior’s #1 ratings driver with kids 2-5 last year. It also ranked as the #1 most-watched TV series in second quarter of 2021 and a top 3 show every quarter in 2021. In addition, Bluey owned two of the top 10 cable telecasts of 2021 with kids 2-5.4

The series has enjoyed critical success globally, winning an International Emmy Award in the Preschool category in 2020. Most recently, Bluey has earned four 2021 Kidscreen Awards (Best Animated Series, Best Directing, Best Writing, Best Music), a 2021 Rockie Award (Best Animation Program for Pre-school Viewers), and a 2021 ARIA Award for Best Children’s Album.

 

Bluey brings first-ever live show to U.S. audiences

Posted on by

The much-loved Heeler family are coming to theatres across the United States with the Bluey live show, Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show.

The Emmy Award-winning animated preschool series, which airs on Disney Junior, Disney Channel, and Disney+, will be “taking the show on the road” to theatres all across the U.S., starting with its November 18, 2022 premiere at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. See blueylive.com for more information and to purchase tickets, which will be on sale from late May 2022.

Fans of all ages will get to see Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli as they’ve never seen them before, as the Heelers embark on their very first live theatre show in the U.S. featuring puppetry, live actors, and iconic sets. Based on an original new story written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show also contains new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush.

“After seeing the amazing reaction the show received during its Australia run, we are delighted to bring this standout live theatre show to U.S. audiences,” says director Rosemary Myers of Windmill Theatre Co. “We know how much love there is out there for Bluey and are thrilled and honored to translate these brilliant characters into the three-dimensional world and to share this special experience with fans throughout America.”

“U.S. audiences have whole-heartedly embraced Bluey and all its Aussie quirks, and I can’t wait to see their reaction to the live show,” says Kate O’Connor, Head of Licensing and Brands, BBC Studios ANZ. “Bluey’s Big Play is exceptional, and the fact it has such a talented Aussie team behind it makes even more special. And I must add I’m personally pretty excited for a bin chicken to make its U.S. theatre debut!”

Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co. The stage show enjoyed much success in the home market of Australia, where it premiered in Bluey’s hometown Brisbane and went on to perform 447 times across 65 venues, including the Sydney Opera House.

BBC Studios signs new UK partners for Bluey and Hey Duggee

Posted on by

BBC Studios has signed UK licensing deals for Bluey and Hey Duggee for health and beauty products and wheeled toys, as Bluey is named the UK’s number one new toy property for 2021 by NPD.

New deals with H&A and MV Sports will see both properties expand in the UK and follow the recent announcement of agreements with Danilo, Amscan and Character Options for Bluey.

Mandy Thwaites, Director, Magazines & Consumer Products, UK Division at BBC Studios, says: “We’ve been extremely busy behind the scenes with Bluey and Hey Duggee and it’s great to see the interest both properties are generating. Personally, it was a real highlight to attend London Toy Fair and we had so many lovely conversations about the brands. It’s clear that our top dogs have great appeal across preschool audiences and people really connect to their warmth, inclusivity and humour.

“I’m excited to welcome H&A to our fabulous roster of partners and can’t wait for fans to see a great range of Bluey and Hey Duggee bath products on shelves. MV Sports has been a wonderful partner for Hey Duggee wheeled toys and are adding to that range as well as launching Bluey products in the UK. I’m also pleased to share details of further Character Options arts and crafts product lines for Bluey in addition to the deal we announced in December.

“Finally, I’m delighted to hear that Bluey has been confirmed as the number one new property in the UK. The buzz around the brand is phenomenal and it’s really capturing the hearts of the public – and we’re having so many fascinating conversations with potential and existing partners about what we can do to create innovative, sustainable and engaging products for fans of the show.”

Details of the new partnerships are as follows:

H&A, the UK’s number-one supplier of kids’ licensed toiletries, has signed an agreement with BBC Studios to produce health and beauty products including bubble baths, foams, bath bombs, shower gels, soaps and shampoos as well as bathtime accessories for both Bluey and Hey Duggee.

Livy Coare, Licensing and Marketing Manager at H&A, says: “H&A has a long-standing history with BBC Studios and we are thrilled to be working with them again to develop creative and innovative products across both Bluey and Hey Duggee. We are aligned with the BBC in our strategy to further develop sustainable products for kids’ bath time, and will be working closely together to execute exciting new product development.”

MV Sports, the UK’s leading designer of licensed wheeled toys, has agreed a deal to produce a range of Bluey branded bikes, trikes, scooters, ride-ons and accessories. MV Sports is an existing partner of BBC Studios; it already holds the license for Hey Duggee wheeled toys and has recently unveiled additions to the product range.

Phil Ratcliffe, Joint Managing Director, MV Sports, says: “We are delighted to be working on such a prestigious preschool property. Bluey already has a very strong pedigree of sales in other markets which we hope will be exceeded in the case of our UK range of wheeled toys.”

In addition to the recently announced deal for Bluey licensed Weebles toys, BBC Studios has agreed a licence for Character Options to produce activity-based arts and crafts products including colour-your-own backpacks; tabletop easels; craft sets; paint-up plaster figure sets; and scribblers. The new arts and crafts range is set to launch in A/W 2022.

 

Bluey enjoys successful launch in Italy

Posted on by

Maurizio Distefano Licensing, agent for Bluey since September 2021, has welcomed the series’ recent excellent ratings in Italy.

The loveable Australian dog has gained many Italian fans since her first appearance on Rai Yoyo, the public broadcast service’s preschool channel, in December 2021, and the show has established itself as number 1 among kids’ channels according to the latest (30 January 2022) Auditel ratings for reach – with more than 19,000 watching hours in just one week.

Bluey is also expanding its global presence with an Italian language channel (joining existing French, Spanish, Danish and English channels who share more than 1.2 million subscribers).

Bluey follows the adventures of Bluey, a six-year-old Blue Heeler dog, defined by her inexhaustible vitality, imagination and constant curiosity about the world, all of which are the driving force behind each episode.

Bluey lives in Brisbane, in the Australian region of Queensland, along with her father Bandit, mother Chilli and younger sister Bingo. The Heeler family are joined by family, friends and community (each belonging to different dog breeds) who are drawn into their games and adventures.

Bluey recently hit headlines around the world for an innovative collaboration with Airbnb, which saw the Heeler home faithfully reconstructed in a real-life version in a suburb of Brisbane. The home is available for one lucky family for a weekend stay and will also host online experiences for fans from around the globe.

Airbnb offering one family the chance to live like Bluey for the weekend

Airbnb offering one family the chance to live like Bluey for the weekend

Posted on by

The iconic Heeler family home from hit Australian kids’ show Bluey is being listed on Airbnb in Brisbane, Queensland, offering one lucky family the opportunity to live like the Heelers for the ultimate Bluey fan weekend.

Bluey is a global phenomenon that follows the adventures of Bluey – a lovable six-year-old Blue Heeler dog – who lives with her Mum (Chilli), Dad (Bandit) and little sister Bingo. The show screens in over 60 countries.

Airbnb has partnered with BBC Studios, co-commissioner and global distributor of Bluey, on this one-of-a-kind experience.

The Brisbane house has been entirely customised to bring the cartoon experience to life, featuring quirky details Bluey fans will recognise from the Heeler family home in the show.

“The Heeler house is almost a character in its own right,” says Madeleine Jelfs, Bluey Senior Marketing Manager, BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand. “We’ve been amazed at the outpouring of love the fans have shown for this iconic setting, and for all the beautiful Queensland locations the crew have so lovingly included across the three series. Bringing Bluey’s backdrop to life in such an ingenious and colourful way for our fans has been an absolute delight.”

Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, adds: “Like many parents with young children, I’ve been captivated by the adventures of Bluey and her family, which bring so much joy and quintessential Aussie humour to audiences across the globe. We’re delighted to add Bluey, Bingo, Chilli and Bandit to our growing community of Airbnb Hosts. And while we have some incredible homes on Airbnb, there will be nothing quite like waking up in the Heeler house and getting to live and breathe in Bluey’s magical world for one wondrous weekend.”

The weekend getaway includes an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the Ludo Studio, where Bluey is created; a Chinese takeaway feast in the backyard; an afternoon decorating the Heeler’s famous duck cake, where the whole family can test their culinary skills, and a puppet-making craft session featuring Bluey’s famous Bob Bilby character (a local Aussie marsupial).

The two-night stay, for two adults and two children, will take place from Friday, February 18 to Sunday, February 20 for AUD $20. Bookings are available on a first come first serve basis. For full details, visit airbnb.com/bluey.

BBC Studios signs new UK deals for Bluey

Posted on by

BBC Studios has signed UK licensing deals for Bluey with Character Options for Weebles, as well as Danilo (calendars, cards and gift stationary) and Amscan (party wares).

The deal with Character Options should see Bluey versions of classic toy Weebles on UK shelves in July 2022.

Mark Hunt, Marketing Director, Character Options, says: “We are delighted to be a part of the Bluey family. Weebles has heritage with iconic branding that is highly recognisable amongst parents, and we believe Bluey figures that wobble but don’t fall down, is a play pattern that perfectly aligns with the target age group.”

Danilo product lines are set to include calendars, cards, gift wrap and sets and will launch in spring/summer 2022.

Amscan have extended their partnership with BBC Studios to include Bluey, and will have foil/latex balloons, party goods and dress up/costumes available for fans from January 2023.

Mandy Thwaites, Director, Magazines & Consumer Products, UK Division at BBC Studios, says: “Bluey has been a huge success for us in 2021, rounded off with a great performance at Christmas in the UK. We’re delighted to bring new partners on board to continue this growth and can’t wait to work with Character Options, Danilo and Amscan on exciting new products for Bluey fans.”

These new product lines complement a growing range across UK and EMEA which has been bolstered recently by licensing expansion in Italy and Greece. New products will also be launched in Spring 2022 from master toy partner Moose, including talking plush toys and the Bluey caravan. Crayola are also set to launch product lines in the UK in early 2022.

Bluey is produced by multi-Emmy award-winning Ludo Studio for ABC Kids Australia, co-commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios, and distributed internationally by BBC Studios outside of Australia.

New licensing opportunities for hit animation Bluey as it launches in Italy and Greece