Tag Archives: lead

Banijay Brands strengthens portfolio with Banijay Kids and Family

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Banijay Brands has announced it has secured the brand licensing rights to the Banijay Kids and Family catalogue.

Banijay Kids and Family produces a wide range of animation and live action series, digital content, and entertainment formats for children worldwide under three production labels: Zodiak Kids and Family, Monello Productions and Tiger Aspect Kids and Family. Banijay Brands already represents Tiger Aspect Kids and Family IP such as Mr Bean. The new partnership will the collective to further leverage the global infrastructure of Banijay Brands and deliver extensive brand licensing programmes for titles such as Street Football, Totally Spies!, Lolirock, Silverpoint, When I Was Your Age, Mister Maker and the upcoming The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti, and Mumfie.

Banijay Brands will also work with local commercial teams to explore a number of regionally-led opportunities.

Benoît Di Sabatino, CEO, Banijay Kids and Family, says: “It’s a big achievement for Banijay to announce at the same time the creation of our new brand Banijay Kids and Family and the launch of our licencing strategy with Banijay Brands. We are confident that our evergreen IPs as well as our creations will be in good hands with such a professional team like Banijay Brands.”

Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing, Banijay Brands added: “Banijay Kids and Family has a strong and relatable kids content slate, which, when partnered with the experienced team at Banijay Brands, should trigger a lucrative position in the the children’s licensing space. Recognising the already huge interest from the market, we will be working across a number of categories including experiential, publishing, gaming and products to ensure the relevant and successful exploitation of the business’ IP moving forwards.”

Mumfie is an upcoming new animated series of the heritage property (78 x 7’), directed by the French director Daniel Dubuis. It is a co-production between Zodiak Kids Studio France and Italian animation studio Animoka alongside France Télévisions and Rai (Italy). Zodiak Kids recently announced it has secured a pre-sale from KiKA German.

Street Football is the popular animated series combining the action of matches with insights into the hardships of life is co-produced by Zodiak Kids and Monello Productions for France 3 and Rai 2.

The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti is a co-production between Zodiak Kids Studio France, and Gigglebug Entertainment. An original animated comedy series for kids aged 6+ and their families, it has been co-commissioned by Disney Channel Europe, Middle East & Africa and Nordic broadcasters YLE, DR, NRK, and SVT.

Silverpoint is a 13 x 22’ sci-fi mystery adventure series about kids at summer camp. Co-produced by Zodiak Kids, CBBC and ZDF Enterprises, the series is created by Lee Walters, Lead Writer, and Executive Producer Steven Andrew, Creative Director, Zodiak Kids.

When I Was Your Age is produced for RAI and France Télévisions by Monello Productions. The animated series features 10-year-old Paul who has a special gift – as soon as someone says “When I was your age”, Paul is thrown back into the days when the person he is talking to was 10 years old.

Mister Maker is the popular ultimate interactive arts and crafts show for younger kids. Broadcast in over 200 territories, the series is a Zodiak Kids Studios production for CBeebies.

Totally Spies! is the hit franchise that has been broadcasting for over 15 years, produced by Zodiak Kids for TF1 and Disney France.

Lolirock is a Zodiak Kids production for Disney France and France Télévisions, featuring five princesses with magical singing voices.

UCLA partners with ZARA for exclusive men’s and children’s collection

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UCLA Trademarks & Licensing, an enterprise of Associated Students UCLA, has announced the launch of a new fashion collection for men and kids that celebrates the iconic UCLA brand. The new range features fleece crews, hoodies and long-sleeve tees from the ZARA “JOIN LIFE” label, embellished with UCLA’s Bruins mascot. The collection can be found in ZARA stores globally and at zara.com.

“UCLA enjoys opportunities to collaborate with some of the world’s most well-known fashion and lifestyle brands, something we do selectively and with purpose,” says Cynthia Holmes, Director of UCLA Trademarks and Licensing. “There is significant demand for UCLA products, at home in Los Angeles and around the world, which is a testament to the university’s universal brand appeal, message of optimism and commitment to education and service to communities worldwide.

“This commitment also demands our attention to the impacts of production of UCLA-logoed products on the people who make them and the planet we live on. We are deeply engaged in these matters and the work that remains in front of us. Supporting the efforts and progress of others who are aligned with our goals is an important part of our journey of continuous improvement, so we’re delighted to have this UCLA collection featured on the ZARA JOIN LIFE label.”

“We are very proud to represent the UCLA brand and happy to see this collection from ZARA available world-wide to men and the children in their lives who aspire to live the UCLA dream,” says Malin Jähde Holm, Head of Softlines Licensing and Collaborations at Plus Licens AB, which represents the UCLA brand for licensing opportunities in the European market.

Men’s styles include full-cut sweatshirts with crewneck, long sleeves, ribbed trim and contrasting prints depicting the classic UCLA block arch and Bruins statue logos.

Kids’ styles include a crewneck sweatshirt as well as a long-sleeve tee-shirt and hoodie options featuring the UCLA mark together with the university’s seal or vintage Bruins character logo options.

For information on UCLA Trademarks & Licensing, and Associated Students UCLA, visit uclalifestyle.com

 

WarnerMedia celebrates 25 years of Space Jam

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Celebrating 25 years since Bugs Bunny and the Tune Squad defeated the Monstars in an epic basketball showdown, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences has announced a collection of 90s-inspired merchandise, an upcoming NFT drop, an all-new digital comic from DC, and more to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Space Jam.

The iconic film’s silver anniversary follows the global release of Warner Bros. Pictures’ animated/live action film Space Jam: A New Legacy earlier this year, which debuted at the top of the box office and scored the biggest opening for a family film earlier this year. Now streaming audiences can also view the original film at home with family and friends on HBO Max, where a new generation of fans can experience the frenetic, fun mashup adventure.

“Space Jam was the iconic film moment of 1996, and its cultural impact is undeniable. Today, it continues to spark nostalgia and excitement for millennials who were kids when it debuted, and that fervour has been passed to a new generation with the release of Space Jam: A New Legacy,” says Josh Hackbarth, Vice President of Franchise Development, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences. “We are pleased to celebrate the movie’s many groundbreaking achievements in ticket sales, merchandising, music, theme and design. Its legacy continues to live on with kids and families still enjoying everything that is Space Jam.”

Debuting on 15 November 1996, the original Space Jam earned $230M at the box office at launch and became the No. 1 grossing basketball film of all time, influencing everything from fast food to fashion and redefining movie merchandising. Its soundtrack was a best-seller and went platinum six times.

The film was also one of the first to have a dedicated promotional website. Today, www.SpaceJam.com/1996 remains untouched, an homage to the early internet and a testament to the brand’s enduring appeal to audiences across numerous generations.

Inviting fans everywhere to join the jam and celebrate this iconic film, the “Space Jam” 25th anniversary offerings include:

  • NTWRK’s “Space Jam 96” fashion collection, launching on 15 November. The collection includes new  “Space Jam” rugs by Rugtomize, along with an exclusive “Space Jam” print designed by artist Aaron Kai.
  • Warner Bros.’ Looney Tunes Shop is offering fans a variety of all-new “Space Jam” inspired apparel by unveiling the fourth drop in its popular ACME Intern collection, featuring original designs inspired by the film. Among the must-have items, fans can purchase a t-shirt with artwork of the original Space Jam website’s homepage.
  • House of Highlights, the No 1 digital media brand for Gen Z and part of the Bleacher Report brand portfolio, has unveiled a collaboration with DOC (Dustin O. Canalin) in honour of the Space Jam 25th Anniversary. House of Highlights’ brand new Space Jam collection showcases the Looney Tunes reimagining some of the most iconic moments in basketball history.
  • DJ Steve Aoki’s fashion and music label, Dim Mak, recently launched “Dim Mak x Space Jam 96,” a limited-edition streetwear capsule featuring 90s-inspired tees and hoodies in bright tie-dyes and featuring the Looney Tunes squad.
  • Comic book fans can also download a free Space Jam 25th anniversary comic book from DC, as highlighted by Warner Bros.’ Looney Tunes Shop, on the Stellar Souvenirs page of the original Space Jam
  • Nifty’s“Starting 5” Challenge will let fans own a special piece of Space Jam Beginning on 15 November, Nifty’s will encourage fans to collect as many Tune Squad or Goon Squad NFT’s from Space Jam: A New Legacy as they can before 13 January, 2022. Collectors who hold five or more NFT’s on 14 January, 2022 will be eligible to receive a limited edition Monstar NFT. Each of the Monstars will have their own unique NFT, totalling five designs. For every five Tune Squad or Goon Squad NFT’s a user holds (each NFT must feature an individual player on either team), they will be eligible for a Monstar NFT.
  • Fans can also enjoy iconic 90s tunes when they purchase the recently reissued vinyl edition of the multi-platinum soundtrack “Space Jam (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture)”, released by Rhino Entertainment..

Space Jam is currently available on Digital and 4K Ultra HD via Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. The film also received a special 25th anniversary DVD and Blu Ray release earlier this year, and an exclusive Space Jam double feature box set is at retail nationwide.

MGM lines up champion licensing programme to celebrate 45 years of “Rocky”

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MGM has announced the kick-off of iconic movie Rocky‘s 45th anniversary celebration with a robust line-up of live events, gaming, and merchandise.

The Rocky franchise has remained a global phenomenon thanks to its universally relatable themes: ambition, passion, determination and giving it your all to be a champion, even when the odds are against you. MGM’s Rocky and Creed films have generated more than $1.3 billion in worldwide box-office sales, three Academy Awards, and ten nominations.

To celebrate the 45th anniversary, a number of live events and activations have been planned for the end of 2021 through 2022, including Rocky-themed athletic runs, in-theatre events, as well as merchandise and new gaming collaborations. The Rocky licensing programme features 70 licensees covering the following categories of goods: Apparel, Accessories, Collectibles, Toy, Gaming, Gift & Novelty, Home, Interactive (console and AR/VR), Costumes/Cos-Play, Events, Publishing, and Stationery. Products will be available throughout North America, Latin and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

The festivities kicked off in Philadelphia on Thursday with a special screening event of Sylvester Stallone’s ROCKY VS. DRAGO: THE ULTIMATE DIRECTOR’S CUT, and next up is the “Rocky Run,” a 5K, 10 mile, and 13.1 mile run scheduled for 13 November. For fans who can’t make it to Rocky’s hometown, ROCKY V. DRAGO has also been released in other select cinemas nationwide in partnership with Fathom Events, and is available on demand and digitally everywhere from today. Fans can also participate in a virtual “Rocky Run” called the “Rocky Challenge” through 31 December.

Beyond these events, MGM is collaborating with a number of partners including Foot Locker x Diodora, Olympia Le-Tan, Fanattik, and Funko to bring an extensive line-up of merchandise to fans of all ages.  The programme includes:

Fashion collaborations:

  • Foot Locker x Diodora: for the sneaker obsessed! Inspired by characters in the Rocky franchise, Foot Locker, Inc. and Diadora are launching an exclusive new sneaker collection–and you can only find it at the Foot Locker, Inc., family of brands starting this November.
  • Olympia Le-Tan: a brand new, stylish clutch from the celebrated designer featuring the re-imagined iconic poster art of the Rocky film.
  • Contenders: stylish Rocky hoodies and tees featuring the art of the film.

Video Game:

  • Creed: Big Rumble Boxing: a brand-new console/pc game.  Fight as Adonis Creed, Rocky Balboa, and a complete roster of legends from the Creed and Rocky franchise, including Apollo Creed, Ivan & Viktor Drago, and Clubber Lang.  Live out classic Creed and Rocky training moments in thematic mini games.

Collectables:

  • Funko: to celebrate the 45th anniversary, Funko is releasing Pop figures based on Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed.  The figures depict Rocky and Apollo as they appeared in their heavyweight bout–Apollo in his star-spangled trunks and Rocky sporting his white trunks and swollen eye that inspired the famous line “Cut Me, Mick.”  Pre-orders are available at Entertainment Earth and the figures will release in January.
  • Rocky Limited Editions 24K Gold Plated Bicentennial Superfight Ticket: from Fanattik, fans can score an individually numbered ticket to Rocky Balboa vs. Apollo Creed at the Philadephia Spectrum.

Additional Live Activations:

  • Rocky in Concert: launching with TCG Entertainment in 2022, the Rocky in Concert series will include six musical events for each of six films in the original franchise, beginning with Rocky.  Audiences will be able to hear the iconic music from the films performed live by a full orchestra, while watching the movies on larger-than-life Screens.
  • Bounce app: Fans of the franchise will also be able to download the all-new “Rocky Tour Experience” on the Bounce app, an immersive and unique submersion into the city of Philadelphia offering first-hand experiences at key landmarks from Rocky’s own hometown. Available Nov. 21, Rocky fans can test their trivia knowledge, see behind-the-scenes details and enjoy the City of Brotherly Love through a user-friendly, engaging and fun app companion.

Robert Marick, MGM’s Executive Vice President Global Consumer Products and Experiences, says: “Rocky is a timeless property that continues to appeal to new generations of fans with its inspirational message.  We are excited to celebrate the 45th anniversary with a stellar line up of partners that we are sure will delight devotees of the franchise young and old, and invite new fans to discover the stories of this iconic franchise.”

The Rocky 45th anniversary celebration will continue through 2022 with additional partnerships rolling out through end of year and into next year.

BLE EXCLUSIVE: Sine Klitgaard Møller on the LEGO Group’s sustainability initiatives

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The LEGO Group is participating in the BLE Sustainability Activation in partnership with Products of Change at Brand Licensing Europe 2021. The event runs in person from 17-19 November with follow-up online content launching 22 November and online networking taking place 30 November – 1 December. Registration is free at www.brandlicensing.eu

Ahead of the event, Sine Klitgaard Møller, Director Licensing & Extended Line Sustainability Transformation, the LEGO Group, outlines the measures the company has implemented to reduce its environmental impact.

The LEGO Group is being praised for pushing the sustainability agenda in the toy sector. Tell us what you’ve done and still plan to do.

At the LEGO Group, we want to play our part in building a sustainable future and creating a brighter world for children to inherit. We are guided by our Planet Promise, an approach built on the idea of leaving a positive impact.

When it comes to the environment, the LEGO Group is working to minimise the environmental impact of our operations and to make our products and packaging from more sustainable materials. In 2018, we launched our first bio-based elements made from sustainably sourced sugar cane. In 2020, we revealed and started piloting our new paper bags that will hold LEGO bricks in product sets. And earlier this year, we unveiled a LEGO prototype brick made from recycled plastic.

Within our licensing function, we’re working closely with the licensing partners on sustainability initiatives. Our big focus right now is to make our packaging more sustainable and to remove all single-use plastic. One example is the development of packaging guides for our partners, which include material guidelines, inspiration and ideas on how to remove plastic from designs.

We started looking at our licensing portfolio in 2019. We spent a lot of time educating ourselves and hiring experts. Understanding what our environmental impacts were and their magnitude was the first step we took. We then had to prioritise our efforts, as the list of potential projects kept growing, and ultimately, we built a strategy.

Today, we’re at a point where our understanding is deep, and we have created a systematic approach to sustainabiltiy in our licensing portfolio. And we are bringing our partners along on the journey with us. For example, we’re asking them to report through CDP as part of the LEGO Group’s supplier Engage-to-Reduce programme. We are also looking to create more playbooks to help guide our partners on, for example, their product materials challenges.

Do you have key performance indicators that you can share with us?

The targets that are most relevant to my work are firstly, our ambition to remove single-use plastic and transition to more sustainable packaging by end 2025, and secondly, our science-based CO2 target to reduce emissions by 37% by 2032, compared with 2019, which not only covers our own operations but also the supply chain – and includes all of our licensing partners.

What can other brands, manufacturers and retailers learn from LEGO Group’s experience when it comes to sustainability?

I think we can all learn from each other, as it is such a complex agenda to grasp. One thing is for sure, no one can ignore the climate crisis and carry on with business as usual. We must each be open to learning new ways and challenge ourselves to find solutions to the changes we must implement.

My biggest learnings personally came through educating myself on climate change and circular economy principles and understanding the need to partner with environmental experts on my projects. I’m also lucky to work for a creative brand where creative thinking is baked into the way we work.

What will visitors to Brand Licensing Europe see from the LEGO Group in the Sustainability Activation? 

We are excited to share the first brown reduced-print ADIDAS x LEGO shoebox, LEGO CITY bedding with no single-use plastic and a reduced-print packaging card, made by Character World for JYSK, and a LEGO Brick Backpack made from recycled PET plastic bottles, by Carry Gear Solution.

What’s the one message you’d like the licensing industry to take away from visiting you at BLE? 

We want to inspire others to get started on their sustainability journey if they have not already done so. We also want to encourage our peers to join forces and work together, so that we can all learn from one another. Sustainability will be the licence to operate and a requirement of how we do business in the future, which is why it’s so important for us to act now.

What’s the one message you’re sharing with kids – big and small – about sustainability through the LEGO Group? 

The LEGO Group have a responsibility to take urgent action and protect the world that children will inherit. And we’re working hard to play our part in building a sustainable future.

We also believe that children’s voices on sustainability need to be heard, and we want to help give children a greater platform. For example, at COP26, the LEGO Group shared Building Instructions for a Better World with decision makers, informing leaders what young people believe need to happen if we’re to tackle the climate crisis and create a more sustainable future.

 

BLE latest: Style Sisters’ live appearance, plus attractions for speed freaks and dog lovers

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Come and meet the celebrities’ favourite duo, the Style Sisters, for an insight into their incredible skill set detoxing, styling and organising homes; relax with special guests from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and Guide Dogs; check out the latest automotive innovations with Motul and more.

With nearly 300,000 Instagram followers, celebrity clients and fans aplenty, Style Sisters Gemma Lilly and Charlotte Reddington are taking time out of their busy schedules to make an exclusive appearance at Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) next Thursday (18 November) to tell the story of their burgeoning brand in the Retail Trends Lounge and take part in a meet-and-greet at the BLE bar.

Attendees are not only able to grab one of 40 giveaway copies of their book Style Sisters: Helping you live an organised and stylish life, but also be in with a chance to win a very special wardrobe detox* by The Style Sisters themselves.

“We are thrilled that the Style Sisters are able to join everyone at BLE, talking to retailers, licensees and guests about their success in business and what it takes to bring an organised and stylish life to everyone’s home, and on all levels of budget,” says Francesca Lisle, Managing Director, Lisle Licensing.

“Style Sisters are due to launch their licensing programme in Spring 2022 and are looking forward to sharing their plans with guests in the retail lounge and in the BLE Bar during Thursday afternoon.  After all, every stylish life deserves a glass or two to make you smile!”

Exclusive appearance from the Style Sisters on Thursday 18 November:

2.15pm-2.45pm – Presentation and Q&A in Retail Trends Lounge
2.45pm-3.45pm – Meet & Greet at BLE Bar (Stand C191)

Gemma and Charlotte’s appearance at BLE (17-19 Nov, ExCeL London) is just one of many exciting new announcements to the event schedule.

Each day of the show, BLE attendees can meet a Battersea dog or join the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home team at any time for a chat and ice cream by Jude’s (visit stand #C201), which last year launched its Battersea branded ice cream for dogs.

Guide Dogs for the Blind will also be bringing two adult dogs and two pups in training to the first day of BLE, Wednesday November 17. Attendees can meet them via their brand licensing agent, Bulldog Licensing (stand #A182), or come and say hi as they make their way through the show.

Attendees with a love of all things automotive can visit a wide variety of cars and motorcycles on the show floor from a range of prestigious brands. Direct to Retail will be bringing an M-Sport WRC Rally Car (Stand #D143/C190), BlueSkye Licensing and KJG Ltd will be showcasing the world’s smallest car, the Peel P50, on the BLE Bar and the Motul Café will be hosting two iconic British and Italian bikes – the 1956 Triumph Bobber and 1979 Moto Guzzi Custom – to bring automotive brand licensing to life.

BLE runs from Nov. 17-19 and is also followed by a complementary two-day online event on 30 Nov and 1 Dec. Registration for both events is free and available online at www.brandlicensing.eu. Please note, visitors to the in-person event at ExCeL London are asked to register by Tuesday 16 November.

* The winner of the Style Sisters’ Wardrobe Detox must live within the M25 and must submit a picture of their wardrobe to gain approval. Single/two single wardrobes only.

All I want for Christmas… is the Mariah Carey Holiday Collection

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Mariah Carey has launched her very first Holiday Collection, announcing the news with a commercial shared across her social accounts. The range will be available in the US at Target and Wal-Mart, while fans can shop the collection now at MariahCarey.com.

Developed in partnership with NECA, the range is inspired by Mariah’s record-breaking classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You”, and the popular song title, as well as animated versions of Mariah and her beloved dog Cha Cha, are incorporated throughout the designs.

“I’m not sure if you’re aware but Christmas is kind of my thing,” she says. “Putting together this line was so much fun because I added my own festive spin to traditional holiday merchandise. I worked on it all year long and now it’s finally time to share my holiday collection with you all. Merry Christmas!”

The collection ranges from cosy – including blankets, throw pillows, socks and slippers – to festive, with pet outfits, stockings, an ornament, a plush Mariah and Cha Cha, holiday cards and an extensive wrapping-paper kit.

Mariah Carey has consistently dominated the airwaves with 19 Billboard Hot 100 #1 Singles and more than 200 million albums sold to date. Mariah’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is not only a 6x platinum song, but also a worldwide phenomenon that is played year-round and even more heavily during the holiday season.

NECA (National Entertainment Collectibles Association) is a leading creator, marketer and global distributor of licensed consumer products based on some of the world’s most recognisable movies, video games, comic books and pop culture influences. The NECA group of companies includes game developer and publisher WizKids, urban vinyl icon Kidrobot, and Joseph Enterprises, Inc, the creator of Chia Pet, The Clapper and other iconic American Products.

Epic Rights to develop global L&M programme for Cyndi Lauper

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Epic Rights is now representing Cyndi Lauper, the Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning musical star behind hit songs “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Time After Time” and “True Colors.”

Epic Rights will be developing a robust licensing programme across multiple categories such as fashion, apparel, footwear, accessories, health & beauty, home décor, digital gaming, collectables, and more. Initial product launch for some categories will be spring 2022.

Headquartered in West Hollywood, Epic Rights represents a diverse roster of music artists and brands including AC/DC, KISS, Aerosmith, David Bowie, John Lennon, Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Britney Spears,  and *NSYNC. It offers a range of services, including retail licensing, tour merchandising, D2C e-commerce, VIP/fan experiences, merch bundles, and fan engagement opportunities. For more information, visit www.epicrights.com.

TheSoul Publishing hires BuzzFeed leader to spearhead expansion

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Award-winning digital studio TheSoul Publishing is expanding into the consumer product space with the appointment of Ines Pacheco as Director of Licensing. She brings extensive experience to the licensing space as TheSoul looks to bring its more than one billion social media followers a compelling line of products showcasing the studio’s universe of uplifting brands, including 5-Minute Crafts, Bright Side, 123Go! and Slick Slim Sam.

“There is a huge opportunity for TheSoul Publishing to bring its fans new and exciting ways to interact with our world class, market leading brands. From the kid-friendly Slick Slime Sam, to the LOL moments on 123 Go!, to the incredible DIY feats on 5-Minute Crafts, our entire offering has proven to both keep up with trends and remain ‘sticky’ to viewers across genres, locations, and age ranges,” says Patrik Wilkens, TheSoul Publishing’s Vice President of Operations. “Bringing in a professional with direct consumer product experience like Ines will help launch this growing aspect of our business and establish TheSoul Publishing brand as a household name.”

Pacheco previously managed global operations for brand licensing as BuzzFeed’s Vice President of Licensing and Brand Design Operations. She has an extensive portfolio of brand experience in categories including kitchenware, toys & games, pets, food & beverage, and apparel. She also developed and executed marketing campaigns for licensed products while building brand guidelines, creating logos, and designing packaging. In addition, Pacheco will draw on experience at The Wall Street Journal where she led the rollout of a new sales organization structure. Pacheco is a graduate of Harvard University.

“I’ve been a fan of TheSoul Publishing’s content for years and I believe there’s a huge opportunity for growth in this space,” says Pacheco. “We’re starting with a massive audience that any marketer would jump to have the opportunity to connect with. Now comes the fun part: figuring out exactly what our audience wants, and how to get it to them wherever they shop!”

In capitalising on crave-worthy consumer trends including cutting-edge 3D technology, stop motion, fun live-action, quirky music videos, craft projects and vibrant animation, TheSoul Publishing is enjoying huge success on social media. Its universally positive channels, including 5-Minute Crafts, 123 GO!, and Slick Slime Sam, are distributed across social media and streaming platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, SnapChat, TikTok, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Chinese platforms including Xigua, Douyin and Bilibili.

This latest high-profile hire follows TheSoul Publishing surpassing one billion subscribers across all of its social media platforms. Tubular Labs reports TheSoul Publishing has garnered the most online media views every month since October 2020, outpacing legacy creators including ViacomCBS, Sony Pictures, Comcast and The Walt Disney Company.

TheSoul Publishing has garnered numerous accolades including the ‘Digital Studio of the Year’ at the 2021 Digiday Video & TV Awards, a 2021 Drum Award win for Best Use of Pinterest, a 2021 Webby Award nomination for 5-Minute Crafts, a 2020 Streamy Award nomination (Best Brand Engagement), a pair of 2021 Shorty Award nominations (Best YouTube presence, Best Community Engagement), a 2021 Drum Award nomination (Video Team of the Year) and a Media Excellence Award win (Excellence in Original Content).

For further information about TheSoul Publishing visit the website.

 

Interview: Anna Knight, BLE Event Director, talks trends, testing and Team GB

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Hi Anna, thanks for giving up your time in the run-up to the show. We’re guessing everyone is delighted to be able to meet in person again. Is there a real sense of excitement?

100 per cent. Me and the whole BLE team can’t wait to get to ExCeL and see everyone in person again. The support we’ve had from exhibitors (199 companies confirmed to date), the numbers of visitor registrations we’ve had and the fact over 1,500 meeting requests have already been sent show how excited the industry is, too. It’s a brilliant opportunity to reconnect and reunite the European licensing industry and we’re only too happy to play our part.

Are there any new initiatives this year?

Yes, there’s loads of news stuff this year, starting with a new theme – What’s Next – which is aptly forward-looking after the two years we’ve all endured and highlights the progress that’s being made when it comes to D&I and sustainability, among other things. Check out the Agents of Change gallery in the main entrances that highlights Who’s Next in licensing.

Don’t miss the Sustainability Activation in partnership with Products of Change: a must-stop for brands, retailers and manufacturers and packed with innovation when it comes to sustainable technology, processes, materials, retail, product, and fashion design. We’ll have product showcases from the likes of Lego, Keel Toys, George at Asda, Natural History Museum, The Eden Project, Tesco, Teemill and many more.

There are five brilliant insight sessions in the Retail Trends Lounge from the likes of George @ Asda and Hasbro, Kids Industries and The Insights People.

Please wear bright clothes on Thursday for Colour for Kelvyn day and pop to The Light Fund stand to make a donation. You can also bring a piece of preloved branded clothing, you can swap it in our Newlife Charity Branded Clothes Swap in the Sustainability Activation in return for a donation to the Light Fund, too.

We have partnered with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to bring dogs to the show for visitors to pet and cuddle as part of our commitment to health and wellness. And I hope everyone joins us for our Welcome Back drinks between 5pm and 7pm on the show floor across our Crunchyroll Bar, BLE Bar and Motul Cafe

The keynote speakers this year sound really interesting. Do you think diversity and inclusion is going to become second nature to companies, moving forward?

Yeah, they are both pretty epic keynotes, aren’t they? On Wednesday 17 at 4pm we’ll have a Team GB panel session featuring two British Olympic gold medallists, Tom Daley and Charlotte Worthington, who’ll be appearing alongside Tim Ellerton (Team GB) and Will Stewart (The Point.1888).

The second is at 1pm on Thursday 18 November and is a super insightful session from ViacomCBS Consumer Products discussing insights from its Diversity & Inclusion efforts with a specific focus on its recent toy research. This keynote will follow a presentation from Black Lives Matter Licensing UK. ViacomCBS has also curated three exclusive online sessions for us that go live on 22 November with very senior executives looking at D&I in the workplace, in content and in products.

Diversity, equity and inclusion cannot be ignored any longer. The uprising of the Black Lives Matter movement in the States last year was a real tipping point and brands are now taking action to ensure that their marketing, products and people are truly – and authentically – reflective of the society that they operate in. It’s important to note, too, that inclusivity is not – and should not – be limited to race, but must also take into account gender, age, physical and neuro disability and social mobility.

Can you tell us a bit more about the Covid measures and testing processes you’ve put in place?

We take our role as a safe event organiser very seriously. This is why we’re going above and beyond UK Government guidelines and asking people to wear masks while they’re on the show floor unless they are medically exempt, are eating and drinking, or they are in a business meeting where everyone is comfortable being mask-free.

We have also partnered with ExpressTest by CignPost to facilitate all testing requirements for international attendees. Anyone needing to take a day two test to enter England will be able to purchase a ‘click and collect’ testing kit to be picked up at ExCeL. The tests can be self-administered in any location with results uploaded online. Those requiring a ‘fit to fly’ test for re-entry into their country of origin will also be able to benefit from an onsite service with tests carried out by CignPost staff in secure private meeting rooms at the venue.

These are just two of many measures in place. The full BLE health and safety plan can be found here and ExCeL London’s safety plan can be found here.

What’s been the interest so far in the Kelvyn Gardner License This! Competition?

 So, this is our 11th year of License This! but our first named in tribute to Kelvyn. Once again, we’ve had some truly creative and professional entries for all three award categories and we have nine finalists who will battle it out for the much-coveted Brand & Design, Character & Animation and Product Design trophies in the Retail Trend Lounge on Friday 19 November.

How do you think the licensing industry has weathered the storms of the pandemic, and where do you see it heading in 2022 and beyond?

When you look at industries like travel or hospitality, the licensing sector has had a much milder storm to navigate and, in fact, some categories within licensing – toys, games, puzzles, outdoor play – have had a fantastically successful 18 months.

In 2022 and beyond, I’m personally interested to see what happens in the world of location based entertainment now everything is opening up post-pandemic, and this is the theme for Licensing Expo in May. The licensing partnerships between entertainment brands and fashion have really pushed the envelope in recent years and I think we’ll see a lot more from these collabs especially as more high end and edgy brands enter the game.

Are there any collaborations that have impressed you this year, or that you’re looking forward to seeing?

In the toy space, LEGO and Barbie have always been particularly creative with collabs. I love that LEGO is at COP 26 advising governments on the next steps children want to see them carry out. I love that Smurfs are working so closely with the UN to promote the sustainability message among kids. And I love the quirky collabs you don’t expect but make perfect sense when you see them, like Kermit on a pair of Stan Smiths.