Tag Archives: children’s animation

BBC Studios expands Bluey global licensing programme

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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)

Warner Bros. Discovery EMEA jumps on board for series 2 of Mush-Mush & the Mushables

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Leading kids’ entertainment specialist CAKE, France’s La Cabane and Belgium’s Thuristar have announced a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery EMEA for season two of the Emmy-nominated comedy adventure, Mush-Mush & the Mushables.

Fifty new episodes, including two specials, are now in production and will air on HBO Max and Cartoonito in EMEA.

Warner Bros. Discovery EMEA joins Canal+ (France), VRT-Ketnet, RTBF (Belgium) and RTS (Switzerland), who have already confirmed their commitment to the second season. Season one of Mush-Mush & the Mushables has successfully launched in over 150 territories to date, most recently in the US on preschool block Cartoonito on HBO Max and Cartoon Network.

Created by Elfriede de Rooster, multi-award-winning Mush-Mush & the Mushables is produced by Perrine Gauthier, directed by Joeri Christiaen (Mush-Mush & the Mushables, season one, My Knight and Me) and produced by La Cabane and Thuristar in coproduction with CAKE, which is distributing the series worldwide. Copyrights Group, brand owner and licensing agent for Paddington, is acting as the global licensing agent.

 

Cyber Group Studios inks multiple deals with Gulli

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Cyber Group Studios, a leading producer and distributor of animated series for children and families worldwide, has announced the signature of several series agreements with Gulli (M6 Group), France’s leading children’s channel.

The deal includes the development of two original Cyber Group Studios properties, The McFire Family and George Moby and Co., as well as the pre-acquisition of the recently developed third season of the French hit animated series Taffy. All three shows are slated to begin production this year.

“We are extremely excited about this partnership,” says Pierre Sissmann, Chairman and CEO of Cyber Group Studios and co-creator of the three projects. “We have very much enjoyed working with the Gulli team on these series, which have both French and international appeal and are already generating strong interest worldwide.”

The McFire Family, created by Pierre Sissmann and co-written with Cyber Group Studios Vice President of Development Ira Singerman (Press Start!) and Head Writer Jacqueline Moody (Gigantosaurus), is a 52 x 11’ CG series aimed at kids ages 5-8. The series follows a family of superhero firefighters and rescuers whose powers stem from the inventive lifesaving technology they have developed.

George Moby and Co. is a 78 x 7’ 2D animated comedy series for kids and families. An original concept from Cyber Group Studio’s Ahmed Guerrouache (Director of Taffy), the show follows the adventures of George, a timid vegetarian lion, and Moby, a vociferous and determined little mouse. George is looking to make his mark on society and gives Moby a home inside his mouth, hoping that his new “inner voice” doesn’t do all the talking.

The 2D cartoon comedy series Taffy returns for a third season, centring on the non-stop, slapstick misadventures of a loyal hound dog named Bentley after his billionaire old lady owner, Mrs. Muchmore, takes in a racoon imposter posing as a wide-eyed, fluffy Angora cat. In each episode, Bentley tries to reveal Taffy for the varmint that he is – while super-clever Taffy handily (and comically) turns the tables on the dog.

Signature Publishing partners with Cyber Groups Studios to launch standalone Gigantosaurus magazine

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Following the success of the two special issues of Adventures with Gigantosaurus earlier this year, Signature Publishing has partnered with Cyber Groups Studios to launch the new standalone Gigantosaurus magazine. Aimed at pre-schoolers, the title is based on the award-winning animated TV series and Jonny Duddle’s original book, published by Templar.

Gigantosaurus supports early-years learning through fun stories, puzzles, colouring and lots more interactive activities, while each issue comes with a Gigantosaurus toy.

Gigantosaurus follows the adventures of four dinosaur friends – Mazu, Tiny, Bill and Rocky – as they explore the prehistoric world, searching through jungles, rivers and more, hunting down the elusive Gigantosaurus and making new dinosaur friends along the way. The fun-filled adventure focuses on friendship and teamwork as each friend overcomes their individual fears. The hit TV series is available on Disney +, Netflix and Tiny Pop, and was rated Tiny Pop’s #1 show when the new series launched, reaching 1.95million viewers during the three-month period.

“With such a massive following and proven magazine sales we’re really excited to be working with Cyber Group Studios on a regular Gigantosaurus magazine,” says Editor Julie Patten. “Plus, it’s such a lovely timeless story, full of adventure, excitement, friendship and fun but, most important of all… the biggest, fiercest dinosaur of them all!”

Gigantosaurus magazine launches on 4 November, with the first issue priced at £4.99. It’s available nationwide at all good supermarkets and newsagents.

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

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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 

Disney+ saddles up with Boat Rocker Studios’ pre-school hit Dino Ranch

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Disney+ UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand have each saddled up for Boat Rocker Studios’ popular animated comedy, Dino Ranch, following the series successful debut on Disney Junior and DisneyNow throughout January.

The series is set to launch on the Disney+ streaming platform from April 2021.

Dino Ranch proved an immediate hit on Disney Junior US, ranking as the number one US cable series among Kids, Boys and Girls aged two to five since launch. Among Disney Junior repeats, Dino Ranch also ranks number with Kids, Boys and Girls two to five.

Also available on DisneyNOW and VOD, Dino Ranch has been the number three Disney Junior long-form series for three consecutive weeks. Two episodes have been posted on Disney Junior’s YouTube channel (“Big Jon, Big Trouble” and “Spookasaurus”) and have amassed over 1.5 million views collectively. In the six weeks since the launch of the official Dino Ranch YouTube channel it has accumulated over 3 million views.

Created by Matt Fernandes of Industrial Brothers and produced by Industrial Brothers and Boat Rocker Studios, Dino Ranch follows the action-packed exploits of the Cassidy family, ranchers with a difference – their charges are dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes who are also their best friends.

The new Disney+ deals follow recent global sales of Dino Ranch to Super RTL/Toggo Plus (Germany), Gulli plus TiJi and Gulli Africa (France), NRK (Norway), YLE (Finland) and DR (Denmark).

Boat Rocker Studios is managing global content distribution and global merchandising rights to the series.

FuturumKids signs Monster Entertainment as global distribution partner for CGI show Paddles

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The animation and media company, FuturumKids, has signed the brand management company, Monster Entertainment, as its global distribution partner for the new CGI children’s show, Paddles.

Under the partnership, Monster Entertainment will focus on bringing Paddles – a show aimed at the four to seven year old audience – to all territories with the exception of Korea which will be managed by the local company, Neon.

Paddles tells the story of a polar bear cub accidentally delivered by the Stork to a frozen River Shannon in Ireland, and brought up by a pack of Irish wolfhounds. Through the adventures, mistakes and discoveries of the series’ star, and his friends Bracken, Bridie and Fagan, Paddles shows its young audience that being different is something to be celebrated and enjoyed.

This appointment is the latest stage in the broadcast and merchandising development of Paddles, whose makers include members of the team behind the seven-time Emmy-award-winning children’s series Jakers! Paddles has already been sold to Cartoonito UK with more major broadcast deals imminent.

As well as distribution deals with Monster and Neon, an e-commerce venture for plush is in the works.

Brendan Kelly, head of sales at FuturumKids, said: “With its strong reputation, diverse range and especially its highly successful focus on children’s animation, Monster Entertainment is the ideal partner to develop our strategy for bringing Paddles to the wide broadcast and merchandising audience it deserves. We are looking forward enormously to working with the Monster Entertainment team.”

FuturumKids signs Monster Entertainment as global distribution partner for CGI show Paddles

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The animation and media company, FuturumKids, has signed the brand management company, Monster Entertainment, as its global distribution partner for the new CGI children’s show, Paddles.

Under the partnership, Monster Entertainment will focus on bringing Paddles – a show aimed at the four to seven year old audience – to all territories with the exception of Korea which will be managed by the local company, Neon.

Paddles tells the story of a polar bear cub accidentally delivered by the Stork to a frozen River Shannon in Ireland, and brought up by a pack of Irish wolfhounds. Through the adventures, mistakes and discoveries of the series’ star, and his friends Bracken, Bridie and Fagan, Paddles shows its young audience that being different is something to be celebrated and enjoyed.

This appointment is the latest stage in the broadcast and merchandising development of Paddles, whose makers include members of the team behind the seven-time Emmy-award-winning children’s series Jakers! Paddles has already been sold to Cartoonito UK with more major broadcast deals imminent.

As well as distribution deals with Monster and Neon, an e-commerce venture for plush is in the works.

Brendan Kelly, head of sales at FuturumKids, said: “With its strong reputation, diverse range and especially its highly successful focus on children’s animation, Monster Entertainment is the ideal partner to develop our strategy for bringing Paddles to the wide broadcast and merchandising audience it deserves. We are looking forward enormously to working with the Monster Entertainment team.”

British kids’ property Master Moley teases ‘extensive licensing plans’ as it moves into Roblox

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Having successfully premiered on Warner Media’s Boomerang channel across more than 100 territories last month, the new children’s property Master Moley has set its sights high with an innovative new Roblox marketing strategy, as well as a 52 part series to follow in 2021.

Created by the British entrepreneur, James Reatchlous, Master Moley is based on an original idea he conceived as a bedtime story for his daughters Hettie and Tattie some 20 years ago. Following a battle with cancer three years ago, Reatchlous made it his mission to bring Master Moley to a global audience.

It was mission accomplished by summer this year as the IP creator signed an international deal with Warner Media that saw Master Moley make his television debut on November 28th in over 100 countries.

With a voice cast including Warwick Davis, Julie Walters, Charles Dance, Gemma Arterton, and Richard E Grant, Master Moley is due to close the next round of funding of £3 million this month. The IP was recently valued at over £40 million by The Sunday Times.

Now, in addition to setting out an extensive licencing plan for the coming years, the property has launched its own Roblox game, which has received over 60,000 plays in the first week of release.

By tapping into a space in which children are active appears to be paying dividends for the brand in terms of recognition and awareness. The team believes the move is now set to boost future plans for further spin-off properties, including movies, products, and more.

“The journey of Master Moley has been incredible,” commented Reatchlous. “It has been a thrill to see the little mole brought to life and watch him entertain a new generation of children in a new way.

“I’m incredibly grateful that I’ve been given the gift of bringing all these stories to life, so hopefully millions of children around the world can also be taken on adventures with this charming little mole. That is very special.”