Tag Archives: lead

Rollacrit and Asmodee Entertainment debut first CATAN merchandise collection

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Rollacrit and Asmodee Entertainment have launched the first collection in their CATAN merchandise partnership, which celebrates the hit board game.

The collection features a range of apparel and mugs aimed at dedicated and casual CATAN fans alike. Rollacrit will be releasing a full range of merchandise including more apparel designs, accessories, collectables and homewares, available at Rollacrit.com.

Lifestyle brand Rollacrit was recently contracted as the official merchandise supplier for 2021 for GenCon, the largest tabletop game convention in the US. The new range of CATAN merchandise has been developed by Rollacrit’s designers, who are themselves fans, with fellow fans in mind.

“With the ‘Greetings From Catan’ collection, we focused on channelling the natural beauty and rustic feel of the world of CATAN,” says Nick Carr, Creative Director at Rollacrit. “As long-time CATAN players ourselves, partnering with Asmodee Entertainment has given us a fantastic opportunity to create a line we hope will inspire everyone to visit the game world we know and love.”

The ‘Greetings from Catan’ series takes fans on a tour of Catan’s landscapes, one for each of the valuable resources. Visit the Golden Fields for wheat, the Verdant Pastures for sheep, the Lush Forest for wood or the Scenic Mountains for ore, while brick can be found in the Rugged Hills. Each design is available on both mugs and unisex t-shirts.

“Rollacrit came to the table with so many great ideas. You could really tell they are fans,” says Katha Busk, Product Development Coordinator for Asmodee Entertainment. “They did, and continue to do, great work melding their modern and clever sense of design with the beautiful world of CATAN. I’m really excited to share their hard work with CATAN fans!”

This first collection is currently available on Rollacrit.com.

Spread Group signs worldwide license with ZAG for Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir collection

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Award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG has signed a global licensing agreement with Spread Group. Under the new agreement, Spread Group will provide a print-on-demand collection for the globally successful animated series Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, created by ZAG and co-produced with ON kids & family (Mediawan). Kids and young adults’ apparel and accessories for Miraculous will be available via Spread Group’s Marketplace in time for the holiday season.

A worldwide print-on-demand offering means brands can demonstrate their sustainability credentials to customers. At Spread Group, nothing is printed before it is ordered, so there is no overproduction. The Miraculous designs will be published online, ready to be printed on to t-shirts, hoodies and lunchboxes, plus accessories like bags and mugs.

Helena Perheentupa, VP, Licensing, Central, Eastern, Northern Europe and Russia at ZAG, says: “Print-on-demand is a great new opportunity for our passionate fans to engage with Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir. This global partnership marries Spread Group’s e-commerce expertise with the enthusiasm of our fans, who can now choose from a range of styles and accessories to suit them. We’re delighted with this new initiative and look forward to its great success.”

Sven Burscher, Head of Licensing at Spread Group, adds: “We’re excited to be the strategic e-commerce partners for ZAG, especially after the IP has just won three Licensing International Awards in Germany. Our partnership shows how print-on-demand can add a sustainable element to licensing. Miraculous fans can now choose from pre-designed products that are only printed once an order is placed. Fans can also change the product and the colour to suit their own style, from a range of kids’ clothing and accessories.”

This is Spread Group’s first licensing deal since Sven Burscher’s appointment in October.

Spread Group becomes a strategic e-commerce partner for ZAG in time for the worldwide premiere of the US$100M+ Miraculous animated feature to premiere in 2022.

 

 

Spin Master, Mattel and more come on board for Pitch Smarter Conference

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Ryan Beaird, Event Director of the Brands & Retail UK 2022 screening conference, has announced more major global character and entertainment brands have come on board for the inaugural event. The Brands & Retail UK ‘Pitch Smarter’ Conference, sponsored by Fabacus, will take place British Library on the 20 January 2022 from 9am till 6pm.

Joining Bulldog Licensing, ViacomCBS, Hasbro, Moonbug Entertainment, BlueZoo Rights and Acamar Films are Mattel, Spin Master, Penguin Ventures, Warhammer (Games Workshop), MGAE, SEGA and Activision, with only a couple of brands left to be announced.

The event is free for licensees and retail buyers to attend and full registration is now open at www.BrandsRetail.eventbrite.co.uk

Major character and entertainment UK licensees who have signed up to attend include: Amscan, Aykroyd and Sons, Blueprint Collections, Blues Clothing, Brands In, Brecrest, Cooneen, Dennicci, Danilo, Dreamtex, Character World, Character.com (Retail Buyer), Event Merchandising, Golden Bear, Lowe and Sons, Immersive Everywhere, Pyramid International, Rainbow Designs, Rubies, TDP, ToyTopic, Poetic Brands Vtech and Winning Moves.

To round off the day [6pm to midnight] there will be an event party at the exclusive Ivy Club. Anyone booking tickets before 1 December can take advantage of a special early-bird rate of £55; after that, tickets cost £75 each.

Drinks, canapés and bowl food will be served in the glamorous Loft of the Ivy Club. “I’m also putting on karaoke for the more ‘expressive’ types in the Licensing industry,” says Ryan. “And as the event is in January and it will be cold, I will be organising coaches from the British Library to the Ivy Club.”

The booking site is now live for Retail Buyers and Licensees only to attend – details can be found on the event website, brandsretail.uk.

For more information contact Ryan.Beaird@BrandsRetail.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

MGA Entertainment joins forces with Dentsu Inc. for Pui Pui Molcar toy line

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MGA Entertainment, the fastest growing and biggest privately held toy company in the US, has announced a long-term agreement with Dentsu Inc. for the master consumer products licensing rights to Pui Pui Molcar, a Japanese stop-motion short anime series produced by director Tomoki Misato.

MGA will develop a robust line of Molcar toys that will launch in summer 2022 and are expected to be the next big merchandise trend for the year and beyond. The latest new Japanese IP to release this year, Molcar is a popular anime series that currently airs on YouTube, TV Tokyo and Netflix and has been viewed over 36 million times. Popular in Japan, Europe and North America, the addictive episodes detail the adventures of guinea pig characters who have been transformed into vehicles powered by human drivers and are filled with humour and emotion. Pui Pui Molcar is a global sensation already and the new line of toys will continue to captivate kids and millennial adults worldwide with fantastical elements perfect for immersive play or collecting.

Isaac Larian, CEO and Founder of MGA says: “MGA Entertainment is proud to partner with Dentsu, Inc. and bring innovation, digital dominance, world class performance, and distribution to this collaboration. Every property MGA has launched has been an uber success – and Molcar will be too.

“In addition to its core Molcar toy line, MGA will develop a robust and unique licensing programme featuring best-in-class industry leaders across home, apparel and accessories, electronics, and gaming. Both the Molcar toy and licensed products are slated to be sold at all major retailers in summer 2022.”

The MGA family includes award-winning brands such as L.O.L. Surprise!, Little Tikes, Rainbow High, Bratz, Na! Na! Na! Surprise, Baby Born Surprise and Zapf Creation. Visit www.mgae.com for more information.

The show that keeps on giving: BLE goes digital on 30 November and 1 December

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Attendees to Brand Licensing Europe, which took place at ExCeL London last week, participated in 2,669 pre-booked meetings and many hundreds more arranged spontaneously during the three-day show, resulting in one exhibitor hailing the event a ‘triumphant return’.

BLE was back in person after more than two years away to reconnect thousands of retailers, manufacturers and designers with over 150 exhibiting companies and a marked increase in retailer attendees compared to 2019 (11 per cent to 15 per cent).

BLE 21 networking continues online

A further 870 (and rising) meetings have now been booked on the BLE platform for the follow-up online event, which takes place on 30 November and 1 December. Attendees unable to attend BLE in person, and those who did attend but want to book overflow meetings, will be able to connect with most of the in person exhibitors as well as 53 online-only exhibitors, including Mattel, The Pokémon Company, Playmobil, ITV Studios, Bavaria Media, Brigitte Bardot, Edutainment Licensing, Metrostar, Mondo TV, Princess Sam, and more.

The event’s online content programme will expand BLE’s ‘What’s Next’ theme, including three online-only ‘In Conversation’ sessions with senior executives from ViacomCBS Consumer Products; a sustainability panel with Products of Change, and Licensing U, alongside the option to watch recordings of the Team GB and ViacomCBS live keynotes, five ‘What’s Next at Retail’ sessions and the Kelvyn Gardner License This! final, which took place at the show. All of this content will be available to watch on demand for free until 28 February 2022.

 Online-only content includes:

‘D&I In Conversation’ sessions with ViacomCBS executives

  • Diversity in the Workplace
  • Diversity in Content
  • Diversity in Products

Brands for Social Change: Join Products of Change as they talk to Yellow Octopus, Newlife, Preloved Kilo and George at Asda to discuss how they are diverting clothes from landfill and building a fully circular fashion industry.

Licensing U: Featuring 14 presentations across three tracks – Basics, Spotlights and Tactics & Strategies – Licensing U is a one-stop-shop education programme about the $292bn licensing industry for newcomers and experienced professionals. Tickets start at £145 if purchased ahead of the event, or £160 in the platform, and can be purchased when registering for BLE. (Licensing International members can enjoy a 10% discount).

Anna Knight, VP licensing, Informa Markets, says: “What can I say? A massive thank you to everyone who not only made it possible for BLE to return in person this year, but who delivered a top-quality event that delivered on its promise to reconnect the European licensing industry for three days of incredible networking and content. We couldn’t be prouder or more delighted with the feedback we’ve received from exhibitors, visitors and partners.

“Next stop BLE online on Tuesday 30 November and Wednesday 1 December. This is the last real opportunity for the European licensing industry to connect en masse in 2021, so book those meetings now. And then next year we’ll be travelling over to Vegas for Licensing Expo and finally – just 10 months from now – BLE 2022, which will take place 20-22 September at ExCeL London. Despite the sore feet, we can’t wait.”

 

 

 

 

The show that keeps on giving: BLE goes digital on 30 November and 1 December

Posted on by

Attendees to Brand Licensing Europe, which took place at ExCeL London last week, participated in 2,669 pre-booked meetings and many hundreds more arranged spontaneously during the three-day show, resulting in one exhibitor hailing the event a ‘triumphant return’.

BLE was back in person after more than two years away to reconnect thousands of retailers, manufacturers and designers with over 150 exhibiting companies and a marked increase in retailer attendees compared to 2019 (11 per cent to 15 per cent).

BLE 21 networking continues online

A further 870 (and rising) meetings have now been booked on the BLE platform for the follow-up online event, which takes place on 30 November and 1 December. Attendees unable to attend BLE in person, and those who did attend but want to book overflow meetings, will be able to connect with most of the in person exhibitors as well as 53 online-only exhibitors, including Mattel, The Pokémon Company, Playmobil, ITV Studios, Bavaria Media, Brigitte Bardot, Edutainment Licensing, Metrostar, Mondo TV, Princess Sam, and more.

The event’s online content programme will expand BLE’s ‘What’s Next’ theme, including three online-only ‘In Conversation’ sessions with senior executives from ViacomCBS Consumer Products; a sustainability panel with Products of Change, and Licensing U, alongside the option to watch recordings of the Team GB and ViacomCBS live keynotes, five ‘What’s Next at Retail’ sessions and the Kelvyn Gardner License This! final, which took place at the show. All of this content will be available to watch on demand for free until 28 February 2022.

 Online-only content includes:

‘D&I In Conversation’ sessions with ViacomCBS executives

  • Diversity in the Workplace
  • Diversity in Content
  • Diversity in Products

Brands for Social Change: Join Products of Change as they talk to Yellow Octopus, Newlife, Preloved Kilo and George at Asda to discuss how they are diverting clothes from landfill and building a fully circular fashion industry.

Licensing U: Featuring 14 presentations across three tracks – Basics, Spotlights and Tactics & Strategies – Licensing U is a one-stop-shop education programme about the $292bn licensing industry for newcomers and experienced professionals. Tickets start at £145 if purchased ahead of the event, or £160 in the platform, and can be purchased when registering for BLE. (Licensing International members can enjoy a 10% discount).

Anna Knight, VP licensing, Informa Markets, says: “What can I say? A massive thank you to everyone who not only made it possible for BLE to return in person this year, but who delivered a top-quality event that delivered on its promise to reconnect the European licensing industry for three days of incredible networking and content. We couldn’t be prouder or more delighted with the feedback we’ve received from exhibitors, visitors and partners.

“Next stop BLE online on Tuesday 30 November and Wednesday 1 December. This is the last real opportunity for the European licensing industry to connect en masse in 2021, so book those meetings now. And then next year we’ll be travelling over to Vegas for Licensing Expo and finally – just 10 months from now – BLE 2022, which will take place 20-22 September at ExCeL London. Despite the sore feet, we can’t wait.”

 

 

 

 

Converse celebrates 25 years of Pokémon with new collection

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Converse has joined the 25th anniversary celebration of Pokémon with the debut of a full range of Pokémon-inspired footwear, apparel and accessories.

Throwing it back to the Kanto region, the first Pokémon world, an original class of Pokémon are interpreted on Converse’s Chuck Taylor All Star icon. Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Jigglypuff and Pikachu come to life through the lens of heavy-metal tour merch, underscoring Pokémon’s duality of cuteness and edginess.

The products on offer include the Poké Ball Chuck Taylor All Star, designed for adults and teens, which features an all-over pattern of Pokémon printed against a white canvas upper plus a domed, squeezable Poké Ball as an added fun element; the Easy-On Chuck Taylor All Star Ox (Infant), designed for the tiniest of Pokémon fans, and a heavy-metal inspired Pokémon 25th Celebration Hoodie featuring “electrified” Converse and Pokémon graphics and “tour stops” from the world of Pokémon on the back.

As part of Converse By You, a digital customization experience also enables Trainers to craft their own unique Pokémon Converse on the Chuck Taylor All Star and Chuck 70.

•Converse x Pokémon pricing begins at £35 while custom pricing varies. The collection launches globally starting December 10 at Converse.com and select retailers.

 

 

 

WildBrain serves up more Strawberry Shortcake deals

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WildBrain has signed a further wave of licensees for both the new and classic Strawberry Shortcake brand, brokered by its consumer products licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG. Additionally, the new Strawberry Shortcake series, Berry in the Big City (80 x 4’), plus four brand-new CG-animated seasonal specials (4 x 44’), produced by WildBrain’s Vancouver animation studio, will be available on Netflix worldwide, with the series launching Spring 2022 and specials to follow in 2023. Other streaming and linear television partners across the globe are expected to be announced in the coming months.

“Strawberry Shortcake’s evergreen status as a cherished brand continues to attract major partners across the entertainment and licensing industry,” says Michael Riley, Chief Brands Officer at WildBrain. “We look forward to building on these strong foundations as we continue to roll out the new Strawberry Shortcake for fans to enjoy on and off screen.”

The new 44-minute CG-animated specials are part of the global rollout of WildBrain’s new Strawberry Shortcake brand across animated content, gaming, music, toys, food, apparel, events and other licensing partnerships. Berry in the Big City made its digital-first debut this September on WildBrain’s premium kids’ and family AVOD network, WildBrain Spark. A new Roblox game, Bake with Strawberry Shortcake, is also launching this fall.

Jasen Wright, VP of North America at WildBrain CPLG, says: “Strawberry Shortcake has always had enduring popularity, and the relaunch has seen excitement around this property really ramp up. We’ve seen strong interest from licensees in WildBrain’s new version of the brand, and that halo is fueling a simultaneous renaissance around the classic brand from the 1980s, all of which is testament to the strength of Strawberry Shortcake’s appeal across generations.”

Newly signed promotional partners for WildBrain’s new Strawberry Shortcake include I’m the Chef Too! (culinary educational) and Bahama Buck’s (ice cream). These add to the list of previously announced licensees, including Moose Toys (Master Toy) and Penguin Random House (publishing), plus promotional partners Naturipe (strawberries and blueberries), Sunkist Growers (oranges, lemons and limes), Envy Apples (apples), Zolli Candy (dentist-approved lollipops), Dippin’ Dots (ice cream), Snip-Its (kids’ hair salons) and Challenge Butter (butter).

Classic Strawberry Shortcake is also enjoying a surge in interest from licensees with multiple new deals signed, highlighting the evergreen appeal of the brand amongst girls and their mothers. The vintage brand is partnering with boutique specialty retailers in North America and Canada in unique capsule collections, as well as ranges that feature classic artwork from the original brand. Dolls Kill and Unique Vintage are planning Strawberry Shortcake apparel with the Dolls Kill capsule collection including apparel, outerwear, swimwear, loungewear, intimates, accessories, footwear and home for ladies and junior in the US (stores) and worldwide (online), while Unique Vintage will launch apparel, accessories and home ranges, available worldwide.

Additionally, designer Samii Ryan will be releasing a Strawberry Shortcake apparel and accessories collaboration for early 2022; PacSun will be launching ladies and junior holiday collections by The Forecast Agency in the US and Canada, following the success of its summer line launch, which will feature apparel, underwear, socks, tote bags and headwear; and Glamlite is set to launch a cosmetics line in Spring 2022.

 

Global Trademark Licensing drives into Scania representation

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Leading full-service brand and licensing agency Global Trademark Licensing (GTL) has been appointed to represent Scania, the well-known provider of transport solutions including heavy lorries, trucks and buses. GTL is developing a cross-category global consumer products offering across all major toys, collectables and lifestyle categories, with a particular focus on kids’ mobility products.

GTL has already secured an array of licensees for Scania, including new global toys and collectables licensees WSI Models B.V, Tekno B.V, Mattel Inc and Herpa.

Lindsay Weaver, Director of Special Projects at Global Trademark Licensing, says: “Scania is recognised globally for its continuous innovation, customer-first approach and commitment to building a more sustainable future for the transport industry. This impressive reputation gives the brand strong licensing potential across a number of key categories, as demonstrated by the fantastic line-up of partners we’ve seen come on board in a short space of time. We’re looking forward to building upon this initial success.”

“As we start our journey with GTL, we’re looking forward to collaborating closely with their team to expand the success of our internationally recognised brand,” says Tobias Lindahl, License Manager at Scania. “Our partnership has got off to a really great start and GTL has already identified an array of licensees that are ideally suited to Scania and our wider brand strategy. We’re confident GTL is going to do a fantastic job at taking Scania into new categories and supporting us as we drive the shift towards a more sustainable transport system. We’re only just beginning!”

Scania joins GTL’s roster of many of the world’s most famous automotive and transport brands, including the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC), Lotus Cars, McLaren Racing, McLaren Automotive, Mercedes-Benz, Pagani, Jaguar Cars and Land Rover.

Universal Brand Development prepares for the return of Minions in summer 2022

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Illumination’s Minions: The Rise of Gru, the long-awaited next installment of the most successful animated franchise in history, is set to hit cinemas across the globe in July 2022.

In anticipation, Universal Brand Development (UBD) is pulling out all the stops to support the new feature film with global toy partners Mattel and The Lego Group. The toy collection will feature fresh new looks of action figures, construction sets, electronics, plush, collectibles and playsets. Other partners include Topps, Asmodee, Ravensburger, Clementoni, Posh Paws, Danilo and Boxine.

During last year’s 2020 lockdown, Minions’ global popularity in the international grocery sector, which remained open, kept the beloved characters front-of-mind. The franchise has shown continued strength throughout Europe in FMCG, food, personal care and beauty categories and UBD is planning a broad-based programme in a number of categories with Yazoo, Brioche, Pez, Danone, Volvic, Perfetti Van Melle, Colgate, Avon, BIP and Glamglow.  Softlines will also be a focus as Minions: The Rise of Gru sparks further interest in the franchise.

With a roster of local agents around the globe, UBD is taking a tailored approach to retail activations and licensing and merchandising opportunities. It is a formula that has consistently delivered results, establishing Minions as a powerhouse brand.

Last summer, UBD developed a number of online-only events and promotions including the Free the Fun digital pop-up event in the UK that included giveaways and prizes that enlisted top-tier UK grocers including ALDI, ASDA, Sainsbury, Tesco, as well as toy stores Smyths, The Entertainer and Hamleys. Leading up to the film’s release in 2022, UBD’s promotional and marketing efforts will be doubled as the pent-up demand and anticipation for all things Minions is expected to be huge.