Fanattik celebrates its 15th anniversary in blockbuster style

Fanattik, the award-winning gift and collectibles licensee, celebrated its 15th anniversary in style this week with a special screening of Jurassic World Dominion, a film for which the company is also a licensee.

Fanattik took over Art Deco cinema The Rex for the private screening. Attendees included fellow licensees, brands, retail buyers and influencers, who also enjoyed viewing various props from the franchise during the event. 

Explaining why the Jurassic World film was chosen for the event, Fanattik’s MD Anthony Marks says: “It was signing our licensing agreement with Universal Studios all those years ago for the Jurassic Park franchise that set Fanattik on the road to success, and I wanted to pay homage to the franchise at this, the first of our 15th anniversary events.”  

Fanattik supplies pop culture retailers throughout Europe, North America, Australasia and MENA territories via its own offices and network of distributors.

Not wanting to leave non-UK retailers out of the celebrations, the company sent Fanattik cakes to buying teams all over the world, including one of their furthest afield retailer partners, based almost 12,000 miles away from their UK head office in New Zealand.

The company is a licensee for some of the biggest film and video game studios in the entertainment world, including Konami, Hasbro, Universal Studios, Bethesda, Capcom, Paramount Studios, Microsoft, and many others. The company also creates exclusive product for retailers with DTR licenses as well as being a distributor for gift ranges featuring Star Wars and Marvel.

Before the film started, Anthony took to the stage to thank the entire Fanattik team, the colleagues who have helped the company grow from “a one-man enterprise working out of a spare bedroom to what is now a global player in the pop culture field”.

“We genuinely love what we do. The fans can see the effort we pour into each and every product we create and that is reflected in the sales we help generate for retailers,” says Melissa Tudor, Creative Director, Fanattik. “It also explains why so many of those retail buyers have turned up to help us celebrate our anniversary.”

Starting Lineup is back

Hasbro, Inc., in partnership with global digital sports platform Fanatics, has announced the official re-launch of Starting Lineup, an iconic sports collectibles brand. Set to launch this autumn, the new product line will continue its legacy of bringing fans and collectors their favourite athletes in action figure form.

Starting September 22, products from the Starting Lineup brand will be available exclusively on Hasbro Pulse and across the Fanatics network of online sites, including Fanatics.com and official league stores.  

“We’re thrilled to be bringing back one of the most beloved sports collectibles brands of all time, Starting Lineup, and to be teaming up with Fanatics for its highly anticipated return this fall,” says Eric Nyman, President and COO of Hasbro. “The fast-growing sports collectibles category presents great opportunities to connect with fans of all ages, and we’ve got many exciting announcements to come from the brand in the months ahead.” 

Originally launched in 1988, the Starting Lineup brand developed a massive following by bringing enthusiasts figures of their favourite all-star players from a variety of sports for more than a decade. The return of the brand will introduce an all-new era of notable athletes to its classic heritage with figures featuring design like never before.  

“Hasbro’s Starting Lineup is an iconic collectibles brand, and Fanatics is thrilled to be the exclusive partner to help re-launch this historic product line and introduce a new generation of sports stars to fans and collectors everywhere,” says Jack Boyle, Fanatics Commerce Global Co-President of Direct-to-Consumer. 

For more information on the upcoming launch of the Starting Lineup brand, as well as a teaser trailer, visit Hasbro Pulse | Where Fans Come First.

 

Funko announces collab with Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team

Funko has announced a collaboration with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. Pop! vinyls of seven-time World Drivers’ Champion Lewis Hamilton and his former teammate, ten-time Grand Prix winner Valtteri Bottas, have been launched to coincide with the start of the 2022 F1 season, and come decked out in their 2021 custom race overalls and detailed caps displaying the Mercedes logo. 

Hamilton and Bottas were teammates for five seasons from 2017 to 2021, winning the World Constructors’ Championship during each of those seasons. For four of those five seasons, Hamilton also won the World Drivers’ Championship.

The new Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Botas Funko Pop! figures retail at £12/€15.

 

 

Funko announces collab with Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team

Funko has announced a collaboration with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. Pop! vinyls of seven-time World Drivers’ Champion Lewis Hamilton and his former teammate, ten-time Grand Prix winner Valtteri Bottas, have been launched to coincide with the start of the 2022 F1 season, and come decked out in their 2021 custom race overalls and detailed caps displaying the Mercedes logo. 

Hamilton and Bottas were teammates for five seasons from 2017 to 2021, winning the World Constructors’ Championship during each of those seasons. For four of those five seasons, Hamilton also won the World Drivers’ Championship.

The new Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Botas Funko Pop! figures retail at £12/€15.

 

 

Call of Duty collectibles incoming from Koyo and Activision

Games and pop culture merchandise specialist Koyo and video game publisher Activision have partnered to launch officially licensed Call of Duty: Vanguard and Call of Duty: Warzone collectibles.

The new and upcoming products build on Koyo’s existing games offering, which encompasses a range of collectibles based on popular characters and iconic items from some of the world’s biggest game developers and publishers.

Koyo’s latest range for fans of Call of Duty: Vanguard and Call of Duty: Warzone includes logo pin badges, logo keyrings, bar blade bottle openers, patch sets, DIY pin badge sets and Tomogunchi pin badge sets.

More items in Koyo’s Call of Duty collectibles range will be revealed in the coming months.

The Call of Duty: Vanguard collectibles will be available for fans to buy direct from www.thekoyostore.com or through retail stores globally from 22 January 2022, with Call of Duty: Warzone collectibles following in February.

“We’re so excited to be working with Activision to create some truly unique Call of Duty collectibles,” says Koyo COO Helen Garlick. “Our aim is always to deliver what our fan communities want, and Call of Duty has been on many wish lists for a long time, including ours! We’re sure Vanguard and Warzone players everywhere will love these items – and we have more planned for the coming months.”

 

Mighty Jaxx appoints Alex Neal to spearhead European expansion

Mighty Jaxx, the Singapore-based designer and manufacturer of tech-enabled collectibles and lifestyle products, has announced the appointment of Alex Neal as its Managing Director (Europe) to expand its licensing and retail business across the UK and continental Europe.

Based in London, Alex is an industry executive who brings a wealth of operational experience to Mighty Jaxx, of which the last 15 years was spent at licensed collectible company Eaglemoss, where he served as Managing Director and oversaw the company’s global performance of e-commerce and retail business channels — incorporating end-to-end business functions and overseeing a team of 70 across five countries with a £50m turnover.

Alex will be responsible for the strategy and growth of Mighty Jaxx across the UK and continental Europe, together with a team that he will build and lead. As part of his remit, Alex will spearhead Mighty Jaxx’s on/offline retail strategy while also actively overseeing the prospecting and pitching process as he works to secure new licenses and collaboration opportunities and strengthen the Company’s brand development in the region.

This latest geographical expansion is part of a long-term growth strategy that has already seen China, North America and Southeast Asia form the largest contributors to Mighty Jaxx’s yearly revenue.

Jackson Aw, Founder and CEO, Mighty Jaxx, says: “Europe has been a growing priority for us and 2022 will be a great year for us to finally set up shop and tap into the strong, growing demand for our ‘phygital’ collectibles that we have witnessed over the past 18 months.

“Expansion into Europe has been some time in the works but we believe our patience will reap rewards. Alex is a highly experienced veteran of the collectibles and consumer products industry and comes with a proven track record in building and scaling iconic brands. His passion and knowledge of the industry and more importantly, the region, will enable him to positively impact our business from day one.”

“When we first spoke, Jackson and I clicked immediately,” says Alex, “and when I heard about the plans Mighty Jaxx had for the future, I was immediately sold and knew I wanted to be a part of this project and deliver Mighty Jaxx’s new, innovative phygital experiences to collectors across Europe. I truly believe there’s huge untapped potential and I look forward to helping the Company achieve its goals whilst growing the brand in Europe.”

To further contribute to its global licensing portfolio that already includes the likes of Formula 1, Hasbro, Toei Animation, Warner Brothers, among others, Mighty Jaxx is looking to collaborate with brands / properties in technology, entertainment, music, art, fashion, and streetwear, putting the Company in prime position to continue creating innovative and fully immersive products across different subcultures.

 

Fanattik strengthens senior team with new appointment

Pop culture brand Fanattik, a licensing partner for Hasbro, Universal Studios, Capcom, Bethesda, Studio Canal, Konami and many more leading video game and film studios, has appointed Melissa Tudor as Creative Director. She will take control of the company’s creative strategy which is integral to the company’s continuing success.

Anthony Marks, M.D of Fanattik, says: “I am delighted to announce Melissa’s new role. She has been with Fanattik for more than three years, helping to shape our creative team, which in turn has made Fanattik into a fan favourite brand within the world of pop culture.”

The promotion comes at the end of a year that has seen phenomenal growth for the award-winning gift and collectible manufacturer, which supplies gift retailers throughout the UK, Europe and beyond with everything from SpongeBob Squarepants bottle openers to Jurassic Park playing cards, and sees them in good stead for 2022, the company’s self-proclaimed ‘Year Of Export’.

Fanattik strengthens senior team with new appointment

Pop culture brand Fanattik, a licensing partner for Hasbro, Universal Studios, Capcom, Bethesda, Studio Canal, Konami and many more leading video game and film studios, has appointed Melissa Tudor as Creative Director. She will take control of the company’s creative strategy which is integral to the company’s continuing success.

Anthony Marks, M.D of Fanattik, says: “I am delighted to announce Melissa’s new role. She has been with Fanattik for more than three years, helping to shape our creative team, which in turn has made Fanattik into a fan favourite brand within the world of pop culture.”

The promotion comes at the end of a year that has seen phenomenal growth for the award-winning gift and collectible manufacturer, which supplies gift retailers throughout the UK, Europe and beyond with everything from SpongeBob Squarepants bottle openers to Jurassic Park playing cards, and sees them in good stead for 2022, the company’s self-proclaimed ‘Year Of Export’.

Far Cry 6 collectables available now from Koyo and Ubisoft

Entertainment merchandise specialist Koyo and video game publisher Ubisoft have expanded their partnership to launch officially licensed Far Cry 6 collectables.

The new products build on Koyo’s existing Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six offering, which encompasses a range of pin badge collectables based on popular characters and iconic items from the Ubisoft franchise.

Koyo’s latest range of ‘must have’ items for Far Cry 6 fans includes:

Logo Keyring – Far Cry 6 logo nickel keyring with soft enamel finish.

Logo Pin Badge – Far Cry 6 logo nickel pin badge with soft enamel finish.

3D Lion Pin Badge – Metal 3D pin badge replica of in-game dictator Antón Castillo’s lion neck-tie pendant.

Animal Pin Badge Sets – Containing some of the fan-favourite animals from within the game, including Guapo, Chicharron & Chorizo.

Backpack Pin Badge Sets – Containing some of the most popular backpacks from within the game, including Exterminator, Furioso, Fantasma & the Gladidor.

Patch Set – Embroidered flag patch and PVC logo patch, both attachable with Velcro.

Steel Mug – Double-wall insulated steel mug in matte black finish with Far Cry 6 double logo print.

Water Bottle – 500ml water bottle in matte black with logo print and added carabiner clip.

The collectables are available globally for fans to buy direct at https://thekoyostore.com/collections/far-cry-6 or through retail stores worldwide.

“We’re thrilled to have expanded our long-standing partnership with Ubisoft to include Far Cry 6 collectables for the very first time,” says Koyo COO Helen Garlick. “It’s fantastic to have these collectables available in time for Christmas – we know fans will love the items and we’ll be adding more from Far Cry 6 over the coming months.”

 

 

Cyber Group Studios readies new ‘Precious Moments’ animated comedy series for preschoolers

Cyber Group Studios, the international producer/distributor of animated series and creator of entertainment brands for children and families, is developing Precious Moments, an animated comedy and adventure series for children ages 4–6 based on the gift industry phenomenon of the same name.

The whimsical 52 x 11-min series is created by Scott and Julie Stewart (Kate & Mim-Mim). The development plan also includes four 30- to 60-minute holiday specials.

Precious Moments follows the adventures of 8-year-old Hope and her adorable pet hamster, Sammy, as they work together to help make the children of Heartspring’s precious moments come true. With an abundance of comedy and heart, thoughtful undertones of mindfulness and plenty of fun, action-packed moments, Precious Moments features diverse characters and strong messages of inclusiveness. The series underscores the Precious Moments brand’s core values of loving, caring, sharing and kindness via stories that emphasise sharing feelings, overcoming fears and anxieties, and more.

The Precious Moments brand, best known for its signature range of collectable porcelain figurines with distinctive teardrop-shaped eyes that help celebrate milestones and special occasions in people’s lives, has been a best-selling range of the gift business for over four decades.

“We are thrilled to be working with Cyber Group Studios and a team of thoughtful writers and artists to bring the Precious Moments brand to a new generation of children,” says Shehnaz Safiuddin, Vice President of Product and Marketing, Precious Moments, Inc. “Our updated art style and entertainment content are sure to captivate young audiences while fostering feelings of nostalgia among parents and grandparents.”