Tag Archives: jazwares

The Point. 1888 and Moonbug Entertainment sign six new partners for pre-school hit Blippi

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The Point. 1888 and Moonbug Entertainment Ltd have secured six new licensing partners for the popular children’s brand, Blippi. The latest raft follows the brand’s recent publishing partnership with DJ Murphy and builds on the growing demand for licensed Blippi products.

The Point. 1888 was appointed in the summer as the master licensing agency across EMEA for Blippi, along with other brands in Moonbug’s portfolio, including CoComelon, My Magic Pet Morphle and ARPO.

Since coming on board, The Point.1888 has sought to capitalise on the show’s popularity with young children as well as the need to keep them entertained and engaged by signing licensees across a broad range of categories, including clothing, puzzles and games.

The new licensees secured by The Point.1888 for Blippi include Scholastic as master publisher, Poetic Brands for kids daywear, Misirli for Blippi branded socks, TDP Textiles and Aykroyds & Sons for Blippi pyjamas and swimwear, RMS International for Blippi puzzles, and Zak for Blippi branded lunch boxes.

The new line-up joins Blippi’s existing partners in Jazwares, Creative Kids, Texco, Round Room and DJ Murphy.

With over 12 billion content views worldwide, the fun and playful Blippi educates and entertains children aged two to six years old across the world, empowering them to explore their curiosity.

Bethan Garton, Commercial Director at The Point.1888, said: “The brand licensing programme for Blippi is really picking up pace, and that is in part thanks to the incredible team at Moonbug who have been so open to our ideas and share our passion in making this a success. It may look like there’s a lot going on now but trust me when I say it’s about to get even busier.”

Simon Philips, senior in-house advisor, Moonbug, added: “The Point.1888 has been an excellent partner and these new licensees are a testament to the hard work that the team has put into expanding the playful world of Blippi.”

CoComelon passes 100 million YouTube subscribers, 100 billion views and sees ‘sell-out success’ of Jazwares toy line

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Moonbug Entertainment has hit several record-breaking milestones for its wildly popular CoComelon brand having surpassed 100 million subscribers on YouTube and clocked nearly 100 billion views on the social media platform.

According to Forbes, CoComelon has also just broken records on Netflix where it pre-school series debuted on June 1 this year and, as of December 5th, made 100 consecutive appearances on the Top 10 in the US, outpacing all content categories for both kids’ and adult programming.

The new records have been set all within what has been earmarked by Moonbug Entertainment ‘as an unprecedented year of growth for the brand.’

“The brand ethos of CoComelon is simple: make kids happy and smart through fun and relatable content. That’s been our brand’s mission since creation, which is why CoComelon has not only remained a family favorite but has seen such exponential growth,” said Patrick Reese, general manager at Moonbug, CoComelon.

“Our content speaks to children through relatability and the age-appropriate nature of the show keeps them entertained and parents relieved.”

In addition to on-screen popularity, the CoComelon toy line with consumer products leader Jazwares has reportedly ‘been flying off the shelves.’

Moonbug and Jazwares have been working with retailers including Amazon, Target and Walmart to replenish stock so parents can access the products. The line features characters and items inspired by the show and includes a wide array of categories, such as plush, vehicles, figurines and role play.

“JJ, his friends and family have been a bright light for children since the brand’s inception,” added René Rechtman, co-founder and CEO, Moonbug. “As kids across the globe look to CoComelon for relatable content, we’re continuing to grow the show. This is just the beginning of the brand’s global growth as we work to expand the franchise both on and off the screen.”

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.

With its bright and bold colors and cheerful nursery rhymes and phrases, 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.

CoComelon is available on all major platforms including Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, Roku and Netflix.

Jazwares teams with Gaumont to launch toy line based on musical pre-school series Do, Re & Mi

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Jazwares has been named toy partner for the Amazon Studios and Gaumont animated pre-school series, Do, Re & Mi, a musical adventure series that follows three birds, featuring the vocal talents of Kristen Bell and Jackie Tohn.

The firm will develop a range of toys, each featuring the show’s cast of characters, and themed around Do, Re & Mi’s key pillars of friendship, fun, and adventure, as well as the power of the music. The toy line will hit retail in conjunction with the launch of the series in 2021.

Plush toys, musical instruments, figures, and play-sets aimed at the pre-school market will all feature in the range, all of which will aim to channel the personalities of the show’s three main characters, including the inventive brain of Do the owl, the busy and energetic personality of Re the hummingbird, and the outgoing demeanor of Mi the blue jay.

“Do, Re & Mi is sure to enthrall little ones and it’s the kind of high quality, enriching content that lends itself well to pre-school toys,” said Laura Zebersky, chief commercial officer at Jazwares.

“We are looking forward to working with Gaumont and Amazon Studios on developing the line so that it captures the magic of this highly anticipated animated series.”

Nicolas Atlan, president of Gaumont US, added: “We’re excited to work with Jazwares to further expand the musical world of Do, Re & Mi.

“It’s thrilling to see how Amazon Studios has approached Do, Re & Mi, elevating it beyond our expectations. We look forward to offering parents and children the ability to discover and appreciate the power of music, in a fun and meaningful way through the engaging storytelling of the series and beyond the screen by making their own music through play with the exciting toy line Jazwares will bring to the market.”

Do, Re & Mi is a production of Amazon Studios and Gaumont for Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Kids+. The series is executive produced by Bell and Tohn, along with Michael Scharf and Ivan Askwith.

Jazwares promotes Jonny Taylor to SVP Europe and names Holly Oldham its new MD for UK and Nordics

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Jazwares its advances its plans for European expansion with the promotion of Jonny Taylor to the role of senior vice president, Europe, and the appointment of Holly Oldham to the position of managing director for the UK and Nordics.

The latest development is part of Jazwares’ ongoing plans for European expansion, a strategy that has been in place for the past eight years with the establishment of offices in the UK and Germany.

Having established the UK office in 2012 and managed the German office since February 2020, Taylor will continue to support development in these markets, while also focusing on growth in other key territories.

Stepping into Taylor’s previous role of managing director, UK and Nordics is Holly Oldham. Oldham has worked in the UK toy industry for over 15 years, most recently as the managing director at Rubie’s Masquerade Ltd and previously leading Hasbro’s UK consumer products business.

Oldham is looking forward to bringing her extensive experience within the licensed consumer goods industry, working with world-class brands and market-leading partnerships to Jazwares.

Laura Zebersky, chief commercial officer, Jazwares, said: “Over the last eight years we’ve built a solid foundation in Europe with successful offices in both the UK & Germany. We are excited to have Jonny lead our expansion plans in Europe and we are thrilled with the arrival of Holly to the team. We have a talented European team coupled with a strong product portfolio, now is the time to take things to the next level.”

Jazwares to launch The Smurfs master toy line in 2022 as Belgian franchise looks for revival with kids

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Jazwares has been named the global master toy partner for the popular animated franchise, The Smurfs. The toymaker will develop a new toy line inspired by the classic Belgian franchise, with plans for a 2022 launch.

The partnership is part of International Merchandising Promotions & Services plans to revive the internationally popular brand for today’s generation of children.

Created by Pierre Culliford (known as Peyo), The Smurfs first appeared in 1958 as a comic strip running in the Belgian magazine, Spirou. The brand quickly became a runaway success, and in the decades since, The Smurfs have permeated every aspect of pop culture, evolving into one of the world’s most beloved family brands.

Jazwares’ Smurfs toy line will include plush, figures, and playsets featuring the eternally young, little blue imps and their mushroom village that fans of the classic franchise will immediately recognize.

“The Smurfs is an evergreen franchise with a rich history and timeless values that has ignited children’s curiosity and creativity for decades,” said Laura Zebersky, chief commercial officer at Jazwares. “We are looking forward to working with IMPS to create a toy line that appeals to today’s kids while also capturing the nostalgia that other generations feel for the brand.”

Véronique Culliford, president and founder of IMPS / Lafig and daughter of Peyo, added: “I am extremely proud of this beautiful partnership with Jazwares. It is a family company like ours that advocates for the same human values. I’m sure that with their legendary creativity, many beautiful toys will invade the world to the joy of young and old children.”

Jazwares to launch toy line for YouTube’s Like Nastya with lifestyle licensing roll-out to follow

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The next six months will witness the global launch of a new line of toys based on and inspired by the current YouTube sensation, Anastasia (Nastya) Radzinskaya, lead by the leading toy company, Jazwares. The new range will encompass the first Like Nastya doll land in January 2021, followed by toys, games, dress-up, role-play and more.

Anastasia Radzinskaya is a six year old YouTube sensation who has risen to fame having hit more than 170 million subscribers and over 85 billion total views on YouTube – more than any other creator in the world currently. The YouTube channel and its fun, educational videos will now be brought to life through the Jazwares toyline and a subsequent lifestyle collection.

In a suite of new partnerships brokered by IMG Licensing, the brand’s global exclusive licensing agent, and launching just in time for the holiday season, a colorful collection of apparel, accessories, bags and stationery featuring Nastya will be available globally on Amazon by early November, with additional Like Nastya sleepwear, headwear, accessories, bags, girls underwear and apparel collections set to launch in stores and online in spring 2021.

January 2021 will see the first Like Nastya doll, created by leading toy company Jazwares, released exclusively on Amazon, with a full Jazwares collection of toys, games, dress-up, role-play and more set to launch widely online and in stores from spring 2021.

“Over the past couple of years, Nastya has become a global phenomenon and the most popular YouTuber in the world with localized content in 12 languages,” said Eyal Baumel, CEO at Yoola and Anastasia’s manager.

“Her fun, playful, educational, and unique content has created such a deep connection with her fans, that they see her not just as an entertainer and role model, but more importantly, a good friend.

“We are excited to expand the franchise into consumer products that represent Nastya’s spirit and values, and will allow kids and families all over the world to enjoy the Like Nastya experience in a variety of ways.”

Laura Zebersky, chief commercial officer, Jazwares, added: “With her vibrant personality and relatable adventures, it comes as no surprise that Like Nastya has quickly become one of the most popular YouTube channels for kids and parents to co-view.

“We are looking forward to bringing families a robust toy line that embraces the playful, imaginative nature of Nastya’s storytelling and gives kids a new way to engage with their favorite YouTube superstar.”

Gary Krakower, vice president of licensing, IMG, said: “The fact we’ve built such an extensive licensing programme in just a few short months shows Like Nastya’s global influence and ability to inspire and entertain through imaginative, playful and educational content.

“We’re excited to explore additional categories including outdoor toys, footwear, homeware, food and beverage, and arts and crafts.”

Nastya was recently named to Variety’s 2020 Power of Young Hollywood list and is ranked third on Forbes’ 2019 Highest-Paid YouTube Stars list.

Jazwares met with ‘incredible demand’ for CoComelon debut toy line

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Jazwares has been met with ‘incredible demand’ for its CoComelon toy line, range of plush, vehicles, figurines, and role play toys that made its debut at retail this year and marks the first toy launch for the popular pre-school 3D animated series. The toy firm has stated that it is already working with retailers to replenish stock.

Developed in partnership with Moonbug, the debut toy line features characters and items from the CoComelon series. Now available on Netflix and YouTube, CoComelon is the number one most watched channel on YouTube with over 3.5 billion monthly views.

The debut toy range from Jazwares includes the Musical Yellow School Bus, the Musical Bedtime JJ Doll, the Musical doctor Checkup Set, the Family & Friends Six Packs, and an array of Mini Vehicles.

“CoComelon has captivated millions of families around the world with its relatable, entertaining and educational programming. We’re excited to bring families new ways to play and learn together with their favorite characters this holiday season,” said Andy Yeatman, head of the Americas, Moonbug.

In addition to helping pre-schoolers learn letters, numbers, animal sounds, colors, and more, the upbeat videos gently impart positive, prosocial life lessons, providing parents with an opportunity to teach and play with their children as they watch together.

“CoComelon has quickly become one of the most parent / child co-viewed brands in the world, and joyful preschoolers will be thrilled to celebrate this beloved content in toy form,” said Jeremy Padawer, EVP at Jazwares. “As a result of this significant viewership, combined with quality, musical content focused on little JJ, his family and friends, we are already seeing incredible demand for CoComelon.”

Sony Pictures details globe-spanning licensees for The Boys ahead of second season premiere

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Sony Pictures Consumer Products has detailed a globe-spanning consumer products roster inspired by the popular Amazon Prime Video series, The Boys, ahead of the show’s second season premiere this week. Included in the roster is a selection of apparel, accessories, collectable toys, costumes, novelty and home goods.

The initial wave of products is being sold on its home platform on the Vought International themed storefront on Amazon. Select products are now available on Amazon with additional products being released throughout the year and in 2021.

On top of this, Amazon X-Ray is offering a one-of-a-kind, interactive shopping experience for fans by giving them the opportunity to purchase products they see during the second season and on the new weekly after-show “Prime Rewind: Inside the Boys.”  Using web, mobile or Fire TV, fans will be able to spot exclusive t-shirts and plush that they can take home for themselves.

“The Boys has an unconventional yet captivating story line around superheroes that you can’t find anywhere else, and we are extremely proud of the success the show has received so far. With season two coming up and season three greenlit already, we’ve been working fast and furiously to bring fans around the world products they can use to express their true fandom,” said Jamie Stevens, EVP, worldwide consumer products, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“We are thrilled by the support and seamless collaboration of all our licensees to help deliver products across various categories and allow fans to support the show in many ways. With the unique in-viewing shopping experience that Amazon is offering, we are sure that the opportunity presents even more meaningful purchases for fans.”

Funko kicks off the licensee line-up, alongside Jazwares who is developing a line of plush based directly on product seen in the series. Mad Engine has launched a collection of apparel and accessories on to Hot Topic, Spencer’s and FYE, while Ripple Junction apparel is themed on Vought International, The Seven, and The Boys. The line includes men’s and women’s t-shirts, baseball t-shirts, sweatshirts, pullover hoodies and tank tops.

Meanwhile, Spirit Halloween will feature adult costumes themed to Starlight, Homelander, and The Deep, while Universal Publishing has launched a 2021 wall calendar on Amazon.

Additional licensees for 2020 include: Culturefly accessories and Just Funky drinkware, home and novelty goods and Trends International posters. NECA is also releasing highly-detailed, fully poseable, 7” Homelander and Starlight action figures that come in premium packaging; the leading collectibles maker is working on a special product for consumers as well around the fan-favorite character Laser Baby from the first season of The Boys.

The excitement continues in 2021 with licensee Good Smile’s vinyl action figures.

Sony Pictures Consumer Products is also going beyond the US with a slew of international licensee collaborations, including: Cotton Division apparel, accessories and home goods across France, EMP Merchandising with apparel, accessories, bags and footwear across Europe, Good Speed, Inc with apparel, accessories, and novelty in Japan.

These are joined by Grupo Erik Editores with a range of posters, prints, calendars, and novelty in Andora, France, Portugal, and Spain, Pyramid Posters in Europe and the Middle East, and Ripple Junction with apparel in Germany and the UK. Finally, Sprd.Net AG has launched a range of apparel and bags in Austria, France, Germany, Switzerland, and the UK.

Hasbro and Jazwares team up for retro revival of the iconic Micro Machines

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Jazwares and Hasbro are teaming up for a retro revival that will delight all fans of the ’80s and ’90s collectables hit, Micro Machines, with the relaunch of the entire line, including new play-sets and Micro Machine vehicles. The new retro-launch has landed at Target and Walmart stores across the US this week.

Returning for the first time in over 10 years, the classic toy automobile collection enjoyed a popularity for over 30 years. It now retiurns to the scene with a modern update.

A relaunch of the classic brand would not be complete without the cornerstone of the Micro Machines World, Super Van City. With over 20 action-packed locations and areas of play, this updated take on a classic Micro Machines item transforms from Super Van to Super City and features an entire miniature metropolis that can fold up to create an Airstream-inspired motorhome.

Bringing back the Micro Machine bundles, fans and collectors alike can also purchase an assortment of vehicle packs, including blind packs and world-building sets.

Vehicles at launch include Micro Machines Single Blind Packs($1.99), featuring an exciting mystery vehicle for their collection, a Micro Machines Starter Pack ($4.99) featuring three highly detailed vehicles that fall under a unified, iconic theme such as Muscle Cars, Farm, Racing, Construction, Off-Road and more, and Micro Machines World Packs ($9.99) featuring five highly detailed vehicles and a corresponding Micro City scene that allows you to play or display your vehicles.

The line also includes new Core Playsets ($14.99), each featuring an exclusive vehicle,  that will enable fans to build out a connected world.

“Micro Machines is one of those collectable lines forever etched in pop culture and the minds of adults who adored them as kids,” said Jeremy Padawer, EVP and partner at Jazwares. “Not only will fans of the original Micro Machines love the updated collection, but now they’ll have the chance to introduce this iconic brand to their own kids as they connect and collect their Micro Machine universe together.”

“Our collaboration with Jazwares to relaunch such an iconic vehicle property in Micro Machines is driven by our common mission for kids to think big and play small,” said Casey Collins , general manager and SVP, Global Consumer Products, Hasbro.

“Together we want to encourage kids to immerse themselves in a world of vehicle play and collect amongst an expansive diverse set of themed vehicles and playsets. Couldn’t be more excited to see this come to life globally.”

Jazwares to launch first action figure and role play toy line for UFC

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Toymaker Jazwares has joined forces with the global mixed martial arts organisation, UFC, to bring the world of this adrenaline fuelled sport to the action figures and role-play aisles. Available for pre-sale at Ringside Collectibles, the Jazwares UFC collectable line will be landing on Amazon in the coming weeks, and into Walmart stores from early August.

The collectables line features current and former UFC champions including UFC lightweight champion Khabib ‘The Eagle’ Nurmagomedov, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon ‘Bones’ Jones, and former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor.

Additional fighters such as former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, former featherweight champion Max Holloway and UFC lightweight Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone are also featured in the collection.

The UFC Ultimate Series limited-edition figures by Jazwares are billed as  ‘the most detailed, realistic, and sophisticated representations of UFC athletes’. Each figure features the athlete’s true-to-life details including any tattoos, their respective weight classes and realistic facial expressions. These popular athletes also come with two sets of removable hands, each with UFC gloves, feature interchangeable heads and over 30 points of articulation.

“With an extensive roster of iconic UFC champions, this unveiling is unmatched. This new line of collectible figures will allow UFC fans, both kids and collectors, to engage and replicate the biggest UFC super-fight showdowns,” said Laura Zebersky, chief commercial officer, Jazwares.

“The collectibles celebrate the history and icons of the UFC today, and so we’re glad to bring this to life and offer fans authentic action figures that they can keep forever.”

UFC senior vice president, global consumer products, Tracey Bleczinski, added: “Jazwares is a great partner and UFC is pleased to offer fans this new line of limited-edition action figures to celebrate some of the greatest athletes and moments in UFC history.”

Today’s launch at retail includes the first wave of seven 6″ premium figures of iconic UFC athletes. Additional products will debut at retail in Fall 2020, including figures, plush, an Octagon playset and role play items such as the UFC Legacy Championship Belt.