Tag Archives: children’s content

Bing receives first sign language version in Italy through VoD partner TIMVISION

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The first sign language version of the multi-award winning pre-school series, Bing is landing with audiences across Italy thanks to a new partnership between Maurizio Distefano Licensing and Acamar Films’ Italian VoD partner, TIMVISION.

Through TIMVISION, a selection of original Bing episodes featuring an Italian sign language interpreter launched on December 24th last year as part of the company’s commitment to offer educational and fun-filled opportunities to deaf children in Italy.

The dubbed episodes joined the original 78 episodes of Bing that have been available to stream on TIMVISION since November 2019. A total of 14 Lingua dei segni Italiana episodes are now available to stream with more to come in 2021.

Eroulla Constantine, director of sales and distribution, Acamar Films, said: “We are delighted to have Bing as part of TIMVISION’s growing catalogue of LIS version episodes on their platform.

“We stand alongside TIMVISION’s commitment to diversity and inclusion with meeting children’s specific needs. We look forward to having more inclusive episodes of the series available in Italy.”

Maurizio Distefano, president, MDL, added: “Bing is enormously popular in the Italian market and this delightful, funny and educational show should be accessible to everyone, which is why we are delighted that TMVISION has introduced a sign language version. The first-ever LIS version of Bing is a genuine cause for celebration.”

Bing has seen incredible success in Italy since it first launched in 2018 and is beloved among little ones and their grown-ups in the region. With more stories in high demand, the latest series recently launched on-air and on various platforms including the new Bing app, Bing: Guarda, Gioca, Impara.

The app successfully launched in the summer and includes episodes and compilations, learning games and activities.

YouTube channels Braille Skateboarding and Trinity and Beyond land second series toy roll-outs following fan demand

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Semaphore Licensing, the licensing and merchandising specialist in the online content creator and influencer market, is ‘thrilled’ with the current response and consumer demand for licensed products and toys for its Braille Skateboarding and Trinity brands.

Reception to product launches from Bonkers Toys, toy partner for both Braille Skateboarding and Trinity and Beyond has fuelled a second wave release, as both brands now continue to bolster their US retail offering across Target.com and Target stores across the country.

Series two toy lines for both Braille Skateboarding and Trinity and Beyond feature elevated versions of initial releases. Braille Skateboarding is currently the number one skateboarding channel on YouTube and has just released a fresh series of blind bags featuring collectable mini skateboards, as well as a mystery two-pack and a mystery six-pack of mini skateboards.

Meanwhile, Trinity and Beyond has release a new series of buildable miniature figure blind bags along with a mystery figure two-pack and a mystery figure six-pack.

According to Semaphore Licensing, these latest releases have been met with much excitement as fans look to their favorite virtual buddies to help keep them entertained while much of their activity is still limited to play time at home amid the pandemic.

“We are thrilled by the fan response to the licensed products from Bonkers Toys for Semaphore YouTube stars Braille Skateboarding and Trinity and Beyond,” said Lisa Berlin Wright, senior vice president of licensing, Semaphore Licensing Solutions.

“Semaphore Licensing is delighted to represent some of the best social media stars on YouTube and other dynamic platforms.”

Maurizio Distefano Licensing named Italian licensing agent for Moonbug’s CoComelon, Blippi, and Morphle

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Maurizio Distefano Licensing has partnered with Moonbug Entertainment to become the licensing agent for CoComelon, Blippi, and My Magic Pet Morphle across the Italian market.

The move is the latest in Moonbug’s continued licensing push for a portfolio of brands that within just two years, has helped the firm become a powerhouse in the children’s programming sector. Moonbug currently boasts a librayr of more than 550 hours of content, distributed on more than 100 platforms globally.

CoComelon teaches children how to take on everyday activities and role models positive behavior with a sense of enthusiasm. Kids can easily relate to the universal themes and everyday narratives such as eating your vegetables, learning to tie your shoes and getting ready for bed.

CoComelon attracts children aged one to four to sing and dance along with Baby JJ and his siblings as they learn letters, numbers, animal sounds, colors and more. It is available on all major platforms including Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, Roku and Netflix and has surpassed 100 million subscribers on YouTube and garnered nearly 100 billion views on the platform.     

Meanwhile, Blippi is an energetic and loveable character clad in orange and blue that jumps off the screen with his goofy mannerisms and friendly demeanor. He’s taught millions of kids how to count, colors, letters, and much more. In just a few years since his inception, Blippi has become a global sensation with over 11 million YouTube subscribers and 700 million views per month.

Blippi is also available on some of the largest premium streaming services such as Hulu, Amazon Prime, Roku, Virgin Media and Kidoodle.

Morphle is a magical red pet who can morph himself into anything – a sweet puppy, a giant truck, a cool dinosaur or anything that his human companion Mila’s playful mind can imagine.

The series is aimed at children aged three to six and is available in 12 languages. With over 250 episodes in its library, the show teaches preschoolers the themes of friendship, problem solving and creativity, and is available on a range of digital platforms including YouTube, Amazon, Netflix, Apple TV, and most recently, was part of a deal to be shown on Virgin Media platforms.

A hit with tots and their families worldwide, the Morphle YouTube channel has 9.6 million subscribers and has had over 6 billion views since it was established in 2011.

“The relatable content in these properties makes them highly accessible, involving both children and parents in their first learning phases,” said Maurizio Distefano, president of MDL. “The successes that these series have collected since their inception demonstrates their strength, and we’re excited to help fans access products that include their favorite characters.”

Pinkfong and Baby Shark’s Space Adventure tops Netflix’s Top Ten Charts across 17 countries

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Pinkfong and Baby Shark’s Space Adventure has become the fifth most-watched movie in Netflix’s Today’s Top Ten in the US, only five days after its launch on to the streaming service.

The film also ranked in the Today’s Top Ten Movies across Netflix in 17 countries, including in the UK, Ireland, Canada, and Australia, over five consecutive days, according to the streaming analytics company, FlixPatrol.

Pinkfong and Baby Shark’s Space Adventure follows the characters, Pinkfong and Baby Shark, as they explore outer space and search for missing star pieces to return home. The feature includes children’s favourite songs.

Baby Shark has successfully expanded its underwater world to cinema with the Space Adventure movie and TV screen with the brand-new TV series Baby Shark’s Big Show!, co-produced with Nickelodeon Animation Studio. Baby Shark’s Big Fishmas Special, the holiday episode of Baby Shark’s Big Show!, premiered on Nickelodeon on Dec. 11, 2020, and ranked as the top telecast of the week with K2-5 (excluding sports), citing data by Nielsen Media Research.

Following the US launch in spring 2021, the new TV series will roll out on Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. channels internationally.

Pinkfong and Baby Shark’s Space Adventure is now available for streaming on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

ZAG Games and Toya launch first Miraculous game to Roblox platform

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ZAG Games, the games division of the independent animation studio ZAG, has partnered with the Israel-based start-up Toya to create its first game for the Roblox platform for the popular franchise, Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir.

Scheduled for release this April, the new Miraculous Ladybug & Cat Noir adventure quest game will be the first to bring a TV series to the Roblox metaverse – an online experience in which fans interact in 3D simulated virtual environments.

Fans can expect to meet new characters, enter new environments, and engage with new villains, together with a wealth of surprises. ZAG and Toya are planning to engage with fans through an inclusive global game development process that integrates their feedback on ideas and concepts design work before the game is officially released to the public.

Elinor Schops, the ZAG’s newly installed VP of ZAG Games and Interactive Experiences, said: “Miraculous Ladybug is a relatable heroine who sets up a positive, strong and rocking persona – with the ability to transform, figuratively and literally, the world she is living in.

“We believe that the Metaverse that Roblox has built is the ideal place to launch a game that celebrates girl empowerment and exploration, and we want to hand over to these girls (and boys of course) the power to advise how to play the game.

“In every sense, we plan for the game to be led by the community in order to make this into a community game – this is where fans will meet, and role play, in the Miraculous universe.

“Our partner Toya, with its female-led agenda, helps to transform the gaming experience for girls around the world, and we couldn’t have hoped for a better match of agendas and ideas.”

Anat Shperling, CEO and co-founder of Toya, added: “Toya is proud to work with ZAG to develop Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir’s first Roblox gaming experience.

“We are passionate about Roblox being a flexible and inclusive space that allows freedom of expression for adolescents’ inner worlds. We can’t wait to usher the beloved protagonists of the series, Ladybug and Cat Noir, into the Roblox realm, with an inspiring journey that invites global fans into a shared experience in the rich personal space of these admired characters.

“Core to Toya’s mission is developing inclusive gaming experiences that enable girls and boys to express themselves freely in a safe environment. We plan to design a journey that encourages players towards greater freedom of self-expression, and teaches them empowering skills for the outside world, such as time management, and decision-making.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring this experience to life in partnership with the ZAG gaming team, and with the support of the tremendous global community of Miraculous™ fans and followers.”

ZAG’s first “official” global mobile game for Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir was released in April 2018 and ranked as the number one game in 39 countries with 130 million downloads to date.

The launch of the Roblox game coincides with the debut of ZAG’s second big-budget animated movie, Miraculous World – Shanghai – Lady Dragon. The first of the two TV movies,  Miraculous World: New York: United Heroez, scored top ratings on its premiere in 2020.

Fans are also awaiting the launch of the theatrical feature, Ladybug & Cat Noir: Awakening(US$100M+ budget), which is planned for release worldwide in fall 2021 or at the beginning of 2022, alongside seasons four and five of the series, which are also currently in production.

Expanding the brand’s digital presence, Miraculous is now on TikTok, as well as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. During 2020, Miraculous grew its digital reach by 178 per cent. It currently attracts over 15 million subscribers across its nine official YouTube channels, available in eight languages.

ZAG Games and Toya launch first Miraculous game to Roblox platform

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ZAG Games, the games division of the independent animation studio ZAG, has partnered with the Israel-based start-up Toya to create its first game for the Roblox platform for the popular franchise, Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir.

Scheduled for release this April, the new Miraculous Ladybug & Cat Noir adventure quest game will be the first to bring a TV series to the Roblox metaverse – an online experience in which fans interact in 3D simulated virtual environments.

Fans can expect to meet new characters, enter new environments, and engage with new villains, together with a wealth of surprises. ZAG and Toya are planning to engage with fans through an inclusive global game development process that integrates their feedback on ideas and concepts design work before the game is officially released to the public.

Elinor Schops, the ZAG’s newly installed VP of ZAG Games and Interactive Experiences, said: “Miraculous Ladybug is a relatable heroine who sets up a positive, strong and rocking persona – with the ability to transform, figuratively and literally, the world she is living in.

“We believe that the Metaverse that Roblox has built is the ideal place to launch a game that celebrates girl empowerment and exploration, and we want to hand over to these girls (and boys of course) the power to advise how to play the game.

“In every sense, we plan for the game to be led by the community in order to make this into a community game – this is where fans will meet, and role play, in the Miraculous universe.

“Our partner Toya, with its female-led agenda, helps to transform the gaming experience for girls around the world, and we couldn’t have hoped for a better match of agendas and ideas.”

Anat Shperling, CEO and co-founder of Toya, added: “Toya is proud to work with ZAG to develop Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir’s first Roblox gaming experience.

“We are passionate about Roblox being a flexible and inclusive space that allows freedom of expression for adolescents’ inner worlds. We can’t wait to usher the beloved protagonists of the series, Ladybug and Cat Noir, into the Roblox realm, with an inspiring journey that invites global fans into a shared experience in the rich personal space of these admired characters.

“Core to Toya’s mission is developing inclusive gaming experiences that enable girls and boys to express themselves freely in a safe environment. We plan to design a journey that encourages players towards greater freedom of self-expression, and teaches them empowering skills for the outside world, such as time management, and decision-making.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring this experience to life in partnership with the ZAG gaming team, and with the support of the tremendous global community of Miraculous™ fans and followers.”

ZAG’s first “official” global mobile game for Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir was released in April 2018 and ranked as the number one game in 39 countries with 130 million downloads to date.

The launch of the Roblox game coincides with the debut of ZAG’s second big-budget animated movie, Miraculous World – Shanghai – Lady Dragon. The first of the two TV movies,  Miraculous World: New York: United Heroez, scored top ratings on its premiere in 2020.

Fans are also awaiting the launch of the theatrical feature, Ladybug & Cat Noir: Awakening(US$100M+ budget), which is planned for release worldwide in fall 2021 or at the beginning of 2022, alongside seasons four and five of the series, which are also currently in production.

Expanding the brand’s digital presence, Miraculous is now on TikTok, as well as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. During 2020, Miraculous grew its digital reach by 178 per cent. It currently attracts over 15 million subscribers across its nine official YouTube channels, available in eight languages.

Boat Rocker Studios secures raft of global broadcasters for Dino Ranch

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Boat Rocker Studios has secured a raft of global sales for the animated pre-school series, Dino Ranch following its successful premier on Disney Junior in the US and CBC in Canada at the start of the year.

Later this year, the animated show will land on Disney Latin America, SRC in Canada, and major broadcasters across Europe.

“Dino Ranch has a unique ability to resonate with audiences through engaging storytelling and first-class animation,” said Jon Rutherford, president, Boat Rocker Studios, Kids & Family and Rights. “We’re thrilled that the show will be available to viewers in more markets around the world, so they can saddle up and ride along with the Cassidy family.”

In Germany, Dino Ranch has been acquired by leading free-to-air channel SUPER RTL, and it will also air on their time-shift kids’ channel TOGGO Plus.

Leading free-to-air kids’ channel Gulli has acquired the series in France, where it will also be available on their Pay TV channels TiJi and Gulli Africa, with plans to additionally air it during the morning kids’ programming on general channel M6.

In Scandinavia, Dino Ranch has been acquired by national public service broadcasters NRK (Norway) and YLE (Finland), and DR (Denmark).

Dino Ranch is a 52 x 11’ 3D animation created by Matt Fernandes of Industrial Brothers and produced by Industrial Brothers and Boat Rocker Studios. It follows the action-packed adventures of the Cassidy family as they tackle life in a fantastical, “pre-westoric” setting where dinosaurs still roam. As the young ranchers learn the ropes, they discover the thrill of ranch life whilst navigating the great outdoors through unpredictable challenges.

Boat Rocker Studios is managing the global content distribution and consumer products program for the franchise.

Moonbug Entertainment signs Poetic Brands for Blippi apparel range

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Moonbug Entertainment has signed Poetic Brands to design an apparel range based on the kids’ entertainment sensation, Blippi. The move arrives as digital entertainment brands continue to gather momentum in the licensing space.

Blippi has connected with children globally through his show Blippi, where he takes them on fun play-dates, learning through playing and doing. Blippi is available in the UK on Virgin Media, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. 

The children’s apparel range from Poetic Brands is set to include accessories, children’s daywear, outerwear and swimwear.            

The aim of Blippi is to inspire and explore children’s curiosity with fun and educational activities. The playful character takes children on adventures in each 15-minute episode, presenting viewers with a range of subjects and facts. 

Additionally, the wider consumer products programme for Blippi, managed throughout EMEA by brand licensing specialist The Point.1888, has begun with a toy range from Jazwares, featuring talking dolls, vehicles, role-play and outdoor toys. The property also features a monthly magazine from DJ Murphy.

Anne Bradford, Director, Poetic Brands, said: “Blippi is already an established kids’ phenomenon with over 15 billion views worldwide. There is no doubt that children are more than ready for Blippi to launch an apparel line and we are looking forward to discussing opportunities across retail.” 

Becky Langer, senior commercial manager, soft goods at The Point.1888, added: “What better way for a child to express their adoration for a brand than to wear clothing emblazoned with its characters? Apparel was one of our priorities when devising Blippi’s brand licensing programme, and with Poetic Brands being an advocate of the use of sustainable fabrics, it was our first choice.”

Moonbug Entertainment signs Poetic Brands for Blippi apparel range

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Moonbug Entertainment has signed Poetic Brands to design an apparel range based on the kids’ entertainment sensation, Blippi. The move arrives as digital entertainment brands continue to gather momentum in the licensing space.

Blippi has connected with children globally through his show Blippi, where he takes them on fun play-dates, learning through playing and doing. Blippi is available in the UK on Virgin Media, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. 

The children’s apparel range from Poetic Brands is set to include accessories, children’s daywear, outerwear and swimwear.            

The aim of Blippi is to inspire and explore children’s curiosity with fun and educational activities. The playful character takes children on adventures in each 15-minute episode, presenting viewers with a range of subjects and facts. 

Additionally, the wider consumer products programme for Blippi, managed throughout EMEA by brand licensing specialist The Point.1888, has begun with a toy range from Jazwares, featuring talking dolls, vehicles, role-play and outdoor toys. The property also features a monthly magazine from DJ Murphy.

Anne Bradford, Director, Poetic Brands, said: “Blippi is already an established kids’ phenomenon with over 15 billion views worldwide. There is no doubt that children are more than ready for Blippi to launch an apparel line and we are looking forward to discussing opportunities across retail.” 

Becky Langer, senior commercial manager, soft goods at The Point.1888, added: “What better way for a child to express their adoration for a brand than to wear clothing emblazoned with its characters? Apparel was one of our priorities when devising Blippi’s brand licensing programme, and with Poetic Brands being an advocate of the use of sustainable fabrics, it was our first choice.”

Brand-Ward named UK and Ireland licensing agent for pre-school IP Pikwik Pack

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The UK-based licensing agency, Brand-Ward, has been tapped to represent Guru Studio’s latest pre-school series, Pikwik Pack across the UK and Ireland, with a focus on consumer products including toys and games.

The licensing firm already represents Guru Studio’s True and the Rainbow Kingdom and will now add Pikwik Pack to its remit as it looks to build a licensing portfolio for the IP across apparel, housewares, accessories, publishing, party decorations, and live events.

“After a successful premiere on Disney Junior in the US and Treehouse in Canada, we’re excited to partner with Brand-Ward to lead Pikwik Pack’s expansion into the UK and Ireland,” said Jonathan Abraham, VP of sales and business development at Guru Studio.

“The team at Brand-Ward are industry veterans that have brought expertise and strategic planning to the forefront of all our deals. We will be announcing our broadcast partners for the UK and Ireland shortly.”

Trudi Hayward, co-Founder of Brand-Ward Services, said: “We are delighted to be extending our relationship out with Guru Studio and to be working with them on their delightful new property Pikwik Pack. Deliveries and awaiting for those special packages has become a very big part of our lives during this last year with lockdown, so Pikwik Pack could not be more topical right now.”

Pikwik Pack debuted on Disney Junior US and Treehouse Canada late last year, with new episodes continuing to air throughout 2021. The series will be rolling out worldwide later this year with broadcasters such as Super RTL (Germany), Canal Panda (Portugal), HOP (Israel), Minimini+ (Poland), and more.

In the US, the series is represented by Licensing Street, with Playmates Toys (master toy) and Scholastic (US Publishing) already on board.