Tag Archives: lead

Rubies teams with Novel Entertainment for Horrid Henry World Book Day campaign

Posted on by

Costume designer and manufacturer Rubies Masquerade UK and Novel Entertainment have come together to support an exclusive Horrid Henry giveaway and Rubies dress-up costume for the brand.

Launching during the week of World Book Day (3 March), for which Rubies is an official corporate partner, the initiative will see an exclusive offer for 250 fans to receive a free copy of a specially created comic-style book entitled Horrid Henry’s Vile Vacation when they purchase a Horrid Henry dress-up costume through one of Rubies official retail partners. The offer will be supported on both Rubies and Novel Entertainment’s Horrid Henry official social media channels.

The book is based on the popular TV episode of the same name, written by Novel Entertainment’s Co-Founder and Creative Director Lucinda Whiteley, and follows Henry on the trip of a lifetime – even though it isn’t quite what he was expecting.

Under Novel Entertainment’s long-term deal with Rubies, the Horrid Henry costume is available in children’s sizes, while there is also ‘Bag of Tricks’ available, featuring essentials for every budding prankster and Horrid Henry fan.

Novel’s Lucinda Whiteley says: “As a long-standing and valued partner of Horrid Henry, it’s fantastic to be teaming up with Rubies on this campaign to support the launch of our first ever comic-style book alongside the latest brilliant costume. At Novel Entertainment, we’re committed to highlighting the joy of reading among Horrid Henry’s strong and growing fan base and this is just the start of our plans in this space. We can’t wait to see children have the chance to dress up and immerse themselves in the world of Horrid Henry’s Vile Vacation.”

Mike O’Connell, Managing Director of Rubies UK, adds: “This is a fantastic opportunity to promote the power of reading to children. With our exclusive offer, we know this will not only be a way to generate unprecedented interest in our Horrid Henry costumes and the new story, Vile Vacation, but to also inspire children to read, which provides untold and limitless benefits. We are proud of our robust relationship with Novel Entertainment and Horrid Henry, which is showcased through the unique opportunities we have to collaborate with them.”

LMI to develop UK and Eire licensing programme for The Little Prince

Posted on by

Ahead of the 2023 80th anniversary of the first edition of classic children’s book The Little Prince, LMI will be seeking new partnerships to develop a successful consumer products programme for the UK and Eire for the original illustrations – which are now available for licensing – as well as additional publishing projects including colouring books and activity books.

With more than 200 million books sold globally in 500 languages, the original publication has extended to a cinematic movie, a 3D animated Netflix series, a game with more than 100 million downloads, a theme park attraction, multiple global exhibitions, standalone stores, and a stage show musical.

A new pre-school TV series of 52 x 11 minutes is currently in development. The series, set for a 2023 release, is lead by BAFTA & NFT nominated writer Simon Nicholson, whose many credits include PJ Masks, Paw Patrol, Bob the Builder and Thomas and Friends.

Andrew Maconie, CEO LMI, says: “We are delighted to be working with POMASE [the owner of The Little Prince] and feel that together we can develop some innovative partnerships with key licensees.”

Thomas Rivière, great-grandnephew of Antoine de Saint Exupery and responsible for the estate of Saint Exupéry, adds: “It’s fantastic to be working with Andrew and the team to extend The Little Prince programme to the UK & Eire. LMI are a welcome addition to our expert team of global agents.’’

For further information contact Andrew Maconie, enquiries@lmiuk.com/01425 403430.            

BBC Studios signs new UK partners for Bluey and Hey Duggee

Posted on by

BBC Studios has signed UK licensing deals for Bluey and Hey Duggee for health and beauty products and wheeled toys, as Bluey is named the UK’s number one new toy property for 2021 by NPD.

New deals with H&A and MV Sports will see both properties expand in the UK and follow the recent announcement of agreements with Danilo, Amscan and Character Options for Bluey.

Mandy Thwaites, Director, Magazines & Consumer Products, UK Division at BBC Studios, says: “We’ve been extremely busy behind the scenes with Bluey and Hey Duggee and it’s great to see the interest both properties are generating. Personally, it was a real highlight to attend London Toy Fair and we had so many lovely conversations about the brands. It’s clear that our top dogs have great appeal across preschool audiences and people really connect to their warmth, inclusivity and humour.

“I’m excited to welcome H&A to our fabulous roster of partners and can’t wait for fans to see a great range of Bluey and Hey Duggee bath products on shelves. MV Sports has been a wonderful partner for Hey Duggee wheeled toys and are adding to that range as well as launching Bluey products in the UK. I’m also pleased to share details of further Character Options arts and crafts product lines for Bluey in addition to the deal we announced in December.

“Finally, I’m delighted to hear that Bluey has been confirmed as the number one new property in the UK. The buzz around the brand is phenomenal and it’s really capturing the hearts of the public – and we’re having so many fascinating conversations with potential and existing partners about what we can do to create innovative, sustainable and engaging products for fans of the show.”

Details of the new partnerships are as follows:

H&A, the UK’s number-one supplier of kids’ licensed toiletries, has signed an agreement with BBC Studios to produce health and beauty products including bubble baths, foams, bath bombs, shower gels, soaps and shampoos as well as bathtime accessories for both Bluey and Hey Duggee.

Livy Coare, Licensing and Marketing Manager at H&A, says: “H&A has a long-standing history with BBC Studios and we are thrilled to be working with them again to develop creative and innovative products across both Bluey and Hey Duggee. We are aligned with the BBC in our strategy to further develop sustainable products for kids’ bath time, and will be working closely together to execute exciting new product development.”

MV Sports, the UK’s leading designer of licensed wheeled toys, has agreed a deal to produce a range of Bluey branded bikes, trikes, scooters, ride-ons and accessories. MV Sports is an existing partner of BBC Studios; it already holds the license for Hey Duggee wheeled toys and has recently unveiled additions to the product range.

Phil Ratcliffe, Joint Managing Director, MV Sports, says: “We are delighted to be working on such a prestigious preschool property. Bluey already has a very strong pedigree of sales in other markets which we hope will be exceeded in the case of our UK range of wheeled toys.”

In addition to the recently announced deal for Bluey licensed Weebles toys, BBC Studios has agreed a licence for Character Options to produce activity-based arts and crafts products including colour-your-own backpacks; tabletop easels; craft sets; paint-up plaster figure sets; and scribblers. The new arts and crafts range is set to launch in A/W 2022.

 

The Point.1888 doubles Moomin UK licensing programme with raft of new partnerships

Posted on by

The Point.1888 has announced a raft of new Moomin licensees for the UK market, including The Hut Group and Moonpig.

Since announcing its partnership with Moomin Characters Ltd and Rights & Brands in January 2020, The Point.1888 has focused its retail-first brand extension model to widen both retail and licensing partners on the much-loved heritage brand.

The last two years have been hugely exciting for the Moomin brand, from celebrating their 75th anniversary to launching their ABC initiative, a literacy programme to help develop young readers and writers. This initiative has been hugely successful and will be the basis of a touring exhibition, with the first stop being held at the Eden Project this February half term.

The Point.1888 has now added new partners to the licensing programme, covering a broad range of categories and distribution channels including, but not limited to:

The Hut Group for a DTR consisting of apparel, homewares, furniture, stationery & paper goods, own brand, and collaborations

Fashion UK for kids’ and adult daywear, hosiery, and accessories

Denicci for baby and kids’ day and nightwear

Aykroyds for nightwear, swimwear and underwear

William Lamb for footwear, bags, purses, wallets and umbrellas

Moonpig for personalised POD greeting cards

IAMFY for prints, cushions, and throws

PSTR for print on demand art prints

Heart & Soul for celebration crackers

Artisiana Miniatures for miniature figurines

Potato Cellar for tote bags via Etsy

The Point.1888 has worked alongside Moomin Characters to grow the depth of distribution over the past two years, with licensing deals ranging from a partnership with Oxfam to HMV cross-category activations, through to new lines with dedicated partner Truffle Shuffle for key trade events.

2021 also saw the launch of new babywear SKUs within ASDA George, and new ladieswear lines.

Katie Wilkinson, Head of Publishing & Operations at The Point.1888, says: “We are so privileged to work with Moomin Characters and Rights & Brands on Moomin. It’s a brand whose values are more relevant today than ever before and that chimes so clearly with us as a business and individuals.

“The love for Moomin from both retailers and licensees is palpable and we are excited for how much there is in the pipeline for this brand.”

The Point.1888 secures 7 more licensees for Percy the Park Keeper

The Pokémon Company unveils plans for Pokémon Day 2022

Posted on by
Beginning today, The Pokémon Company International is inviting fans around the world to get excited for this year’s Pokémon Day by unveiling news and events from across the franchise in the lead-up to February 27. These updates will be revealed globally on the brand’s official social media channels @Pokemon, and fans are invited to join the conversation with #PokemonDay.

Pokémon Day is an annual event marking the date – February 27, 1996 – that the first Pokémon video games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, launched in Japan. Each year, fans celebrate their love for Pokémon as a community, and to help them celebrate, The Pokémon Company International and its partners are hosting a variety of fan-focused activations.
Pokémon Center, the online destination for official Pokémon merchandise in the US, Canada and UK will be celebrating by unveiling and releasing a variety of new products featuring fan-favourite Pokémon throughout this week. The introductions begin with the launch today of new custom skateboards in the US and Canada by industry craftsman, Bear Walker, featuring Mew and Gyarados (available while supplies last).
Fans around the world can also check their local Pokémon animation broadcaster and streaming services for Pokémon Day-related celebrations featuring classic episodes of the beloved series and movies. Curated collections of episodes and movies leading up to and on Pokémon Day are also available now for free on Pokémon TV. 
“The Pokémon fan community is one of the most passionate and dedicated in the world,” says J.C. Smith, Senior Director of Consumer Marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “We look forward to helping Trainers celebrate their love of all things Pokémon from the Pokémon Trading Card Game to the video games, mobile apps, animation and more every year on Pokémon Day.
“Following Pokémon’s landmark 25th anniversary in 2021, one day did not feel like enough for Pokémon Day 2022, so we invite fans to join us in a week-long countdown to February 27 and enjoy the daily surprise reveals and activations along the way.”

Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games to be marked by official stamps and coins

Posted on by

Birmingham 2022 and CGF Partnerships have signed a licensing deal with The Royal Mint and Royal Mail to produce commemorative coins and stamps to mark the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Birmingham 2022 marks the third time the Games have been hosted in England in its ninety-two year history, and each of those Games have been commemorated through the release of collectable Royal Mail stamps and Royal Mint coins, anchoring this significant event in history and contributing to the celebration of the Commonwealth Games.

Both The Royal Mint and Royal Mail have been awarded exclusive rights as Official Licensees to create a series of Birmingham 2022 themed coins and stamps to celebrate and mark the global sports event, which takes place from 28 July to 8 August.

The special 50 pence piece takes inspiration from Birmingham’s bedrock of innovation, creativity and architecture. Designed by Natasha Preece of the Royal Mint, the coin features the iconic design of the Library of Birmingham. It was released as part of the Royal Mint’s 2022 Annual Sets on 4 January 2022, which includes a coin designed in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The Birmingham 2022 collection features one main coin design, offered in a range of precious metals and will also include base metal designs featuring England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland coins and a Home Nations set.

Royal Mail has a rich history of issuing stamps to mark the Commonwealth Games being held in the UK. The Company has commemorated the British Empire Games 1925, Cardiff 1958, Edinburgh 1970, Edinburgh 1986, Manchester 2002 and most recently, Glasgow 2014 with Special Stamps as lasting souvenirs of the event for collectors and fans.

Details and images of the Special Stamps being issued by Royal Mail will be announced closer to the launch of the Games in July.

Ian Reid, CEO at Birmingham 2022, says: “These very special coins and stamps will be a perfect reminder of the excitement and thrill people will have by being part of Birmingham 2022. Both the Royal Mint and Royal Mail are organisations who have excellent international reputations, and the partnerships are a perfect fit for our incredible global event. The commemorative sets are a wonderful way to celebrate the Games and for the whole country to get involved in Birmingham 2022 and our festival of sport and culture!”

Both the commemorative coins and stamps will be available to buy in July, from post offices, the official Birmingham 2022 retail stores and online.

Macmillan marks 40 years of Dear Zoo with new key partnerships

Posted on by

Celebrations are underway at Macmillan Children’s Books to mark the 40th anniversary of Rod Campbell’s interactive picture book, Dear Zoo. The publisher will celebrate this much-loved family classic with a year-long programme of activity, starting with the publication of a new golden board book edition in January.

A dedicated marketing and PR campaign will see a series of immersive events, national press coverage, experiential advertising and other surprise deliveries. A year-long digital advertising campaign will run alongside far-reaching trade and consumer promotions. An instore competition is currently running with JoJo Maman Bébé across 88 UK and Irish stores.

A major partnership with leading family attraction ZSL London Zoo launches in the spring. A Dear Zoo trail featuring all the animals from the book will feature through the zoo during the Easter holidays, launching on 2 April. ZSL will also be running an experiential activity based on Rod Campbell’s 2021 book Look After Us.

The sell-out Dear Zoo Live! on stage production will return for its third nationwide tour in 2022. https://dearzoolive.com/

Further partnerships designed to bring the brand to an even wider audience will be launched through the anniversary year.

Sales of Dear Zoo now exceed 13 million copies. In 2021 it appeared 38 times in the Preschool & Picture Books weekly Top 20. Rod Campbell’s titles had a record year in 2021, with sales across all of his titles growing 9% to total 1.5m copies across all markets. Internationally his sales grew by 59% in volume across all markets. Five new languages were sold, bringing the total to 31.

Dear Zoo is available in a variety of formats in addition to the classic board book edition, including paperback, cloth and buggy, sound and pop-up, as well as audio books. For countless babies and toddlers Dear Zoo is their first book and many go on to share it themselves with their own children.

Rod Campbell said: “I am absolutely delighted that so many generations of young children continue to love Dear Zoo. Their pleasure when interacting with the story is so pleasing to see, and for me is the greatest of compliments. Here’s to the anniversary activities bringing Dear Zoo to an even wider audience of families.”

Stephanie Barton, Publisher, says: “With just eight animals, 16 pages and 115 words, Dear Zoo hits the spot every time. Putting the child at its centre, Dear Zoo is a joyful, playful first book for little children everywhere, and is much loved by parents and grandparents who remember it fondly from their own childhood. Rod Campbell finished 2021 as the second bestselling author/illustrator in the UK’s Preschool market and Dear Zoo was the number-one best-selling preschool title by an author /illustrator in 2021. That’s quite an achievement over 40 years and we are so proud to work with Rod and on Dear Zoo.”

 

LICENSING EXPO: Networking and content timetable revealed

Posted on by

A packed programme of in-person networking events and live content has been confirmed for Licensing Expo this May.

Licensing Expo, which is run in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, is the world’s largest licensing trade show and takes place at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas from May 24-26, 2022. Online registration is free and open now.

Celebrations will kick off on the evening of Monday, May 23, with the unveiling of this year’s Licensing International Excellence Awards winners. The awards will take place at Light, with free entry from 5:30 pm.

Tuesday, May 24, will see doors open at 9:00 am for the first day of Licensing Expo, with the official Opening Night Party taking place later that evening. The party will be hosted at Daylight outdoor beach club from 5:30 pm till late and is free to attend for the first time ever. Finally, exhibitors are invited to join informal drinks at the Eyecandy Sound Lounge and Bar on Wednesday evening.

Licensing Expo will also host two special in-person keynotes at midday on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Wednesday’s keynote spotlighting this year’s Location-Based Experiences theme. Attendees will also benefit from the return of Licensing International’s acclaimed Licensing U programme, sustainability sessions delivered by Products of Change and the live finale of the License This! Competition on Thursday, May 26.  Further details will be confirmed over the coming weeks.

Additional content and networking opportunities will also be available via the Licensing Expo official online platform. Opening on April 11, the platform is accessible pre-, during and post-show to browse exhibiting brands and IPs, see who’s attending, view exclusive content and schedule meetings to take place both in-person in Las Vegas and online post-event until June 3.

“The licensing industry is a very sociable community and the lack of opportunity to connect face to face has had a real negative impact on our attendees’ ability to make meaningful connections and drive business. We’re planning to set this right at Licensing Expo in May and have a wonderful programme of events lined up to reconnect people,” says Anna Knight, VP of Licensing, Informa Markets.

The extensive networking and content programme will support three days of meetings, deal-making, and trend spotting. Latest exhibitors confirmed include Bravado, Banijay Brands, Penguin Random House, Zag Studios, Jazwares, Falcon Creative, Shell, Moonbug Entertainment and many more.

After-hours and networking programme overview

Monday, May 23, 5:30-8:30 pm: Licensing International Excellence Awards sponsored by Alifish and InSpirit Designs

    • Awards from 6:00 to 7:15 pm
    • Free entrance, registration to open shortly
    • Location: Light (Mandalay Bay, 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd)
  • Tuesday, May 24, 5:30 pm-late: Licensing Expo Opening Night Party
    • First-come-first-serve attendance
    • Free to attend. All attendees MUST be registered for Licensing Expo to gain entry
    • Location: Daylight Beach Club (3950 S Las Vegas Blvd)
  • Wednesday, May 25, 5:30 to 7:30 pm: Exhibitor Drinks
    • Free to attend – available to exhibitors only
    • Location: Eyecandy Sound Lounge and Bar (inside the Mandalay Bay casino)

Keynote and content programme overview

  • Tuesday, May 24 & Wednesday, May 25 – 12:00-12:45 pm: Licensing Expo keynote presentations delivered in-person on the show floor.
  • Licensing U, presented by Licensing International, returns to the show floor with content available May 24 through May 26.
    • Tickets available for sale soon
  • Thursday, May 26, 11:00-12:00 pm: License This! Competition live finale

Maura Regan, President of Licensing International, says: “The licensing industry has adapted to drastic changes and our content this year is focused on the opportunities that exist to continue to move business forward. It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to gather together in Las Vegas and we look forward to celebrating the successes of the past year and providing a platform for networking, new partnerships and learning.”

LICENSING EXPO: Networking and content timetable revealed

Posted on by

A packed programme of in-person networking events and live content has been confirmed for Licensing Expo this May.

Licensing Expo, which is run in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, is the world’s largest licensing trade show and takes place at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas from May 24-26, 2022. Online registration is free and open now.

Celebrations will kick off on the evening of Monday, May 23, with the unveiling of this year’s Licensing International Excellence Awards winners. The awards will take place at Light, with free entry from 5:30 pm.

Tuesday, May 24, will see doors open at 9:00 am for the first day of Licensing Expo, with the official Opening Night Party taking place later that evening. The party will be hosted at Daylight outdoor beach club from 5:30 pm till late and is free to attend for the first time ever. Finally, exhibitors are invited to join informal drinks at the Eyecandy Sound Lounge and Bar on Wednesday evening.

Licensing Expo will also host two special in-person keynotes at midday on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Wednesday’s keynote spotlighting this year’s Location-Based Experiences theme. Attendees will also benefit from the return of Licensing International’s acclaimed Licensing U programme, sustainability sessions delivered by Products of Change and the live finale of the License This! Competition on Thursday, May 26.  Further details will be confirmed over the coming weeks.

Additional content and networking opportunities will also be available via the Licensing Expo official online platform. Opening on April 11, the platform is accessible pre-, during and post-show to browse exhibiting brands and IPs, see who’s attending, view exclusive content and schedule meetings to take place both in-person in Las Vegas and online post-event until June 3.

“The licensing industry is a very sociable community and the lack of opportunity to connect face to face has had a real negative impact on our attendees’ ability to make meaningful connections and drive business. We’re planning to set this right at Licensing Expo in May and have a wonderful programme of events lined up to reconnect people,” says Anna Knight, VP of Licensing, Informa Markets.

The extensive networking and content programme will support three days of meetings, deal-making, and trend spotting. Latest exhibitors confirmed include Bravado, Banijay Brands, Penguin Random House, Zag Studios, Jazwares, Falcon Creative, Shell, Moonbug Entertainment and many more.

After-hours and networking programme overview

Monday, May 23, 5:30-8:30 pm: Licensing International Excellence Awards sponsored by Alifish and InSpirit Designs

    • Awards from 6:00 to 7:15 pm
    • Free entrance, registration to open shortly
    • Location: Light (Mandalay Bay, 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd)
  • Tuesday, May 24, 5:30 pm-late: Licensing Expo Opening Night Party
    • First-come-first-serve attendance
    • Free to attend. All attendees MUST be registered for Licensing Expo to gain entry
    • Location: Daylight Beach Club (3950 S Las Vegas Blvd)
  • Wednesday, May 25, 5:30 to 7:30 pm: Exhibitor Drinks
    • Free to attend – available to exhibitors only
    • Location: Eyecandy Sound Lounge and Bar (inside the Mandalay Bay casino)

Keynote and content programme overview

  • Tuesday, May 24 & Wednesday, May 25 – 12:00-12:45 pm: Licensing Expo keynote presentations delivered in-person on the show floor.
  • Licensing U, presented by Licensing International, returns to the show floor with content available May 24 through May 26.
    • Tickets available for sale soon
  • Thursday, May 26, 11:00-12:00 pm: License This! Competition live finale

Maura Regan, President of Licensing International, says: “The licensing industry has adapted to drastic changes and our content this year is focused on the opportunities that exist to continue to move business forward. It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to gather together in Las Vegas and we look forward to celebrating the successes of the past year and providing a platform for networking, new partnerships and learning.”

WildBrain CPLG partners with Moose Toys for Magic Mixies licensing programme

Posted on by

Entertainment, sport and brand licensing agency WildBrain CPLG is partnering with Moose Toys to handle representation of the global toy company’s mega-hit Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron, as well as planned line extensions for the brand.

Under its dedicated North America office, WildBrain CPLG will represent Magic Mixies in the U.S. and Canada to build a cross-category merchandise offering, targeting kids aged 5–8 years old. The initial focus for the consumer products roll-out will be on the apparel, sleepwear, publishing, accessories and homeware categories. Moose will be building the brand’s presence even further with a comprehensive content plan later this year.

Jasen Wright, VP North America at WildBrain CPLG, says: “As we continue building our successful relationship with Moose Toys, it’s fantastic to add yet another of their exciting brands to our remit. Magic Mixies has captured the attention of kids and retailers alike, as demonstrated by the stand-out sales since launch. The brand has significant potential beyond the core toy range, and we look forward to forging partnerships that extend the wonderment of Magic Mixies for kids across the U.S and Canada.”

Menal McGrath, Vice President, Global Licensing, Moose Toys, adds: “WildBrain CPLG has proven itself to be a dynamic and creative partner for our brands in the U.S. and Canada. Furthering our relationship with them by adding Magic Mixies to their portfolio was both the best and the right choice to solidify Mixies’ success. We look forward to seeing them work their ‘magic’ to expand the brand’s presence in lifestyle categories for the ultimate Magic Mixies fans.”

WildBrain CPLG also handles the global licensing programme for Moose Toys’ biggest boys’ franchise to date, Akedo – Ultimate Arcade Warriors. Additionally, the agency recently secured a partnership with Moose for a range of toys and playsets based on a fresh iteration of WildBrain’s Strawberry Shortcake brand and its new animated series, Berry in the Big City.