Domestic appliance brand Smeg celebrates 70 years of Peanuts with limited edition model

The Italian domestic appliance brand, Smeg, is marking the 70th anniversary of the world-loved Peanuts brand with the launch of a limited edition refrigerator. In a deal brokered by WildBrain CPLG, Smeg will now produce 70 Peanuts commemorative refrigerators, one for each year of the brand’s existence.

The limited edition model will take the form of Smeg’s own popular 1950s family mini fridge FAB10, which will feature an illustration taken from the Peanuts comic strip. It will depict Snoopy alongside his cherished doghouse along with his friend, Woodstock.

Each fridge in the series will be decorated with a silver plaque showing its unique product number.

The Peanuts refrigerator will be available at Smeg’s stores and subsidiaries across Europe from November, with a retail price of €1299. Smeg will support the launch through window displays, social media and influencer activity.

Tara Botwick, senior director territory management for Peanuts Worldwide, said: “With Smeg known as one of the most popular names in home appliances thanks to the brand’s iconic retro style, colourful designs and reputation for quality, they are an excellent company to create a memorable product for Peanuts’ 70th anniversary milestone.

“We look forward to seeing this eye-catching refrigerator take pride of place in the homes of Peanuts fans across Europe.”

Shaquille O’Neal to star in and executive produce Genius Brands animated series, Shaq’s Garage

NBA legend, Shaquille O’Neal has partnered with Genius Brands International to executive produce a new animated comedy series for kids called Shaq’s Garage. The series will star Shaq as it follows the secret adventures of hi extraordinary collection of cars, trucks and automobiles.

O’Neal joins a team of executive producers on the show, made up of Genius Brands, PRP and ABG Entertainment. Through the partnership, O’Neal also becomes a shareholder in Genius Brands.

Shaq’s Garage will depict the adventures of O’Neal’s collection of vehicles, all of which have unique attributes, intellects, and skills ranging from musical stylings, Shaq Fu, and their mastery of the ultra-secret language of Shaqanese and the Shaqtionary.

Whether in Sheijing on a secret mission or visiting an ancient shrine in the lost city of Shaqmandu, each story will be as special as the vehicles and Shaquille himself.

“We challenged ourselves to come up with the most exciting storylines and vehicle designs inspired by Toy Story, Tony Stark, and 007!, that could only be imagined by ‘Big Diesel,’ himself,” stated Genius Brands Chairman & CEO Andy Heyward. “The lead vehicle is named Big Diesel and will be voiced by Shaq.”

O’Neal said: “Ever since I was a kid I have been fascinated by cars. I’m so excited to bring this series to life with Genius Brands. We plan to showcase the most amazing, tricked out assortment of vehicles that can only be found in my garage.

“They will all have larger than life personalities, larger than life missions and of course, larger than life sound systems. One of our cars is a vehicle missing a wheel, but she is as strong, fast, and smart as any other vehicle. This will be a kid’s show which will highlight inclusivity for all.”

Heyward continued: “Through comedy and adventure, we will showcase strong and diverse characters as positive role models with purposeful storytelling. This is going to be a special show that touches every button–music, adventure, humor, and positive prideful messaging for kids.

“I have known and admired Shaq for many years and am thrilled that we can come together to make this important show for all kids around the world, and Shaq will become a part of the Genius Brands family.”

Shaq’s Garage is slated to premiere in early 2022 on the new free digital Kartoon Channel!, which launched on June 15, 2020, and is available in over 100 Million U.S. television households across multiple AVOD and OTT platforms. Kartoon Channel! is a COPPA-compliant free children’s programming service focused on positive entertainment.

Scottish board game company lands Rangers FC, Chelsea FC and The Open licensing partnerships

The Scottish board gaming company, Taxi Game, has launched a raft of new titles under its Taxi! trivia board game range, with the addition of three new sports-themed editions for Rangers FC, Chelsea FC, and The Open, as well as two destination-themed games for Liverpool and Greater Manchester.

The launch follows the recent success of the company’s Edinburgh, Glasgow, Celtic, Scottish Rugby and London edition that have sold with ‘rocketing success’ over the course of the year, as lockdown measures across the UK have forced families to take up new hobbies while spending more time at home.

Taxi Game has also stated that the games have found an appeal among fans who are currently missing live sport.

Each Taxi! trivia board game tests players’ knowledge of a particular destination or sport and includes alternative general knowledge questions. The better a player’s knowledge, the more tips they collect and the more money they earn.

The trivia game, which now boasts 18 different editions, was invented five years ago by former taxi driver Derek Carroll, who came up with the idea while sitting on the taxi rank one winter’s evening waiting on his next fare. The game is based on the working life of a taxi driver with players travelling around the board, picking up passengers,  receiving a ‘tip’ based on their ability to answer trivia questions about that city, sports team or general knowledge.

There are also opportunities to ‘sound off’ like a cabbie, a moment in the game in which players are given a subject to talk about for 30 seconds with six key words that you have to identify, the more included, the more they can earn.

Gordon Drysdale, one of the company’s founding directors, said: “As a result of the coronavirus lockdown, many people have gone back to basics, spending more time with their family and friends, and playing board games together has been a popular and fun past-time.

“Games such as Taxi! also impart useful facts and general knowledge about a destination or sports team which stays with you long after the game is finished. We have seen a significant rise in game sales in the last six months, and it’s fantastic to be adding to our existing range of games with the launch of these new editions.”

The benefits of board games appear to go beyond simply entertainment and connecting as a group. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have recently suggested that playing board games can help to improve thinking skills in the elderly, with a range of cognitive health benefits well into old age.

The Taxi Game company is now at what it calls “an exciting point in its development”, with a long line of clubs and different sports in the UK and further afield, looking to partner up in 2021.

The directors are now looking for further investment to help them realise the opportunities in front of them and are in discussions with potential investors.

Blue Planet Software renames as Tetris and secures raft of 18 global partners for the video game brand

Blue Planet Software Inc., known by video game and merchandise licensees worldwide as the sole agent for the Tetris brand, has changed its company name to that of the iconic brand that it represents: Tetris.

The move has been made in order to strengthen its global positioning and recognition just as it unveils a slate of 18 new and returning merchandise partners, spanning apparel and footwear to decor, debit cards and stationery.

The expansive line up of new licensees showcases the continued growth of the brand’s lifestyle offering, enjoyed by audiences around the world.

“Just as the Tetris brand has evolved over the past 36 years, so have we,” said Maya Rogers, president and CEO of Tetris. “We have long recognized that our broad, global network of video game and merchandise licensees and licensing agents mostly identify our company by the name Tetris.

“Therefore, we decided to make it official. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to deliver great, innovative games, lifestyle products and experiences to fans, including the many new partners we’re announcing today – only now you’ll know us simply as Tetris.”

Kicking off with the global market partnerships, Tetris has secured new deals with the likes of Loot Crate and its curated collections of Tetris apparel and accessories, Natur Food Ventures and Tetris branded functional gummies that will launch in Europe and the US and Canada in 2021, OppoSuits for a 2021 collection, Pinfinity for collectable Tetris pins enhanced with AR technology to reveal animation, music, and exclusive content, and Retro-Bit, a portable retro game gaming device.

These are joined by North American partnerships in Buffalo Games & Puzzles’ new board games, Card.com’s series of Tetris pre-paid online debit cards, Mad Engine’s Tetris t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, accessories and more, Open Road Brand’s wall decor, magnets, and more, and Pollard Banknote’s Tetris themed instant lottery scratch tickets.

Across Europe, Blokken, the popular Benelux quiz show which features a Tetris core element is kicking off its 27th season, Diakakis Imports has new Tetris themed back to school gear and activity sets in Greece, Cyprus, and Malta, Ermoda is debuting a range of Tetris apparel for men, women, and kids, Fizz Creations is launching Tetris keychains, Hunter Price has teased new lifestyle products coming to the UK and Ireland in 2021, and MadLab is bringing a larger than life Tetris arcade experience to Zaragoza in Spain this October.

Asia completes the line up with Tetris Mini playable keychain devices courtesy of Gametech, and fashion and home accessories hitting Japan next year from Moritoku.

Egmont Magazines launches new Power Rangers title based on new Beast Morphers series

Egmont Magazines is expanding its licensed primary boys’ portfolio with the launch of Power Rangers magazine, based on the new Beast Morphers series.

The new magazine launched on October 21st making its debut with exclusive Power Rangers comic strips, created by Egmont, as well as inside info on the rangers and their skills. Each issue will come with puzzles, posters, and competitions, as well as come accompanied by a Power Rangers gift developed in collaboration with Hasbro.

Egmont’s Kiran Vara, said: “We know that kids and parents alike love Power Rangers, and we’re thrilled to be able to bring the larger-than-life feel of the brand to print.

“The magazine’s content really is bursting with the Power Rangers’ trademark feel-good adventure and humour, and we know that our readers will love feeling like one of the team with the help of the Power Rangers branded gift on every issue.”

Sony Consumer Products’ hit TV series Outlander moves into jewellery with Aurora Jewellery

Aurora Jewellery has launched an official Outlander collection of jewellery thanks to its partnership with Sony Consumer Products brokered by WildBrain CPLG. Having been developed over recent months by the experts at Auora, the range is now available in outlets across Scotland.

Steven Cooper, owner of Aurora Jewellery, said: “We were delighted to be approached by WildBrain CPLG and invited to collaborate on an Outlander collection. Our existing range of jewellery and tartans are greatly inspired by the islands’ history and culture, so the Outlander theme was the perfect fit for us. And, since we are also fans of the series, it has been an absolute pleasure to work on the new range.”

Laura Quinn, category manager UK, at WildBrain CPLG, added: “We are so excited to see the Outlander collaboration with Aurora Jewellery launch. Aurora Jewellery has created a wonderful collection, which reflects Scottish style and design beautifully, and is the perfect gift for any Outlander fan.”

The great success of the series is believed to be responsible for the recent surge in visitors to Scotland and also contributing to a boost in the textiles industry. Outlander boasts its very own unique tartan, registered by the Scottish Tartan Authority and owned by Sony Pictures.

The show attracts a worldwide audience and enjoys a very passionate fan base. It follows the story of a time-travelling 20th century doctor Claire Fraser and her 18th century Highlander husband Jamie Fraser.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Aurora Jewellery to bring their unique and authentic handcrafted designs to Outlander fans around the world and people who visit Scotland’s many Outlander tourist locations,” said Jamie Stevens, EVP, worldwide consumer products, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“Our strategy is always to put our fans first and it is important to us to work with licensees who are fans themselves and can champion our brands – and we have found that with the talented team at Aurora Jewellery. Created in the beautiful Orkney Islands, Aurora Jewellery is uniquely suited to offer the Outlander fans product they want. We hope that this program will lead to more amazing products and licensees to come on board.”

The full range of Aurora silver, gold and diamond jewellery is available in their shops: in Albert Street, Kirkwall; Rotterdam Street, Thurso; and Commercial Street, Lerwick. It is also available online at www.aurora-jewellery.co.uk

Asmodee Entertainment’s Catan steps into footwear partnership with Plainview Shoes

Asmodee Entertainment has struck up a partnership with  Plainview Shoes to take its popular Catan brand into the world of fashionable footwear. The new range, spanning flip flops and trainers, is scheduled to launch to the North American market in 2021.

Plainview has made a success of licensed footwear in the past, having previously partnered with Capcom to launch footwear based on its portfolio of video games. Under the Asmodee partnership, the firm will channel the Catan board game’s themes of trading, building, and settling into a new range.

 “We are excited that we can add Catan to our portfolio of gaming footwear,” said Lyndon Tucker, president of Plainview Shoes.

“After partnering with Capcom for footwear based on various videogames, Catan was the logical choice for us to expand into tabletop games and its huge fanbase. Catan is the premier boardgame of our time. It truly is a modern classic and many of us let this quirky German boardgame into our lives in our twenties.

“Catan is both full of nostalgia and very current, with its central element of cooperative competition for the good of all and the stewardship of natural resources. Gaming Properties in the licensed footwear space are greatly underrepresented and we know there are a great many fans out there who look to express themselves with gaming-inspired footwear.”

 David Harris, creative director of Plainview, added: “When Lyndon first talked about adding a boardgame brand to our portfolio, I had one hope: please let it be Catan!

“Catan has a unique design language and within the fan community there are many in-jokes around trading, building and settling. Concept works are already on the way and we are looking forward to the day when we can show more.”

 Since its creation in 1995 by Klaus Teuber, Catan and its many expansions have sold more than 32 million games around the world. The game is published in more than 40 languages and is sold in more than 70 territories.

As the world’s pre-eminent boardgame, Catan is a global phenomenon that enjoys growing success as a lifestyle brand through Asmodee Entertainment’s strategic partnerships with carefully selected premium brand licensees. The collaboration with Plainview is one of several announced in recent months.

“We know how important Catan is for its fans. Trading, building and settling is an integral part of many of their social lives, be it through their regular gaming nights or through Catan tournaments. The game is a regular social anchor for many and with its elegant, nature-focused design elements it has already become a lifestyle brand,” said Alexander Thieme, licensing manager at Asmodee Entertainment.

“It is great to see Plainview coming on board as one of the first apparel licensees in the US, following Hot Topic.”

Earthworm Jim lands on retro gaming platform Antstream Arcade in Interplay Entertainment partnership

Earthworm Jim! From the soil he did crawl and onto the retro games platform Antstream Arcade he now falls, thanks to a new licensing deal with Interplay Entertainment.

This is the latest development for Antstream, the games streaming platform that specialises in retro and throw back video game titles. It follows the firm’s recent deal with Bandai Namco and will see popular titles such as Earthworm Jim and Descent become available for gaming fans of a certain vintage across the globe.

With all games streamable over any 4G connection or better and on multiple smart devices, having access to some of the most celebrated titles from the world’s leading games and entertainment brands strengthens Antstream’s position as the de facto retro game streaming company.

For monthly subscription, gamers will be able to play Antstream’s growing library of licensed classics and curios, as well as enjoy the chance to participate in a wide range of global tournaments and leaderboards.

Steve Cottam, CEO at Antstream, said: “Interplay is one of the most iconic and well- respected games publishers and developers, so this deal is hugely important for Antstream.

“Following other high-profile partnerships we have signed, and with more deals in the pipeline, we are clearly demonstrating the strength of our position in the gaming market and the huge growth potential that cloud-based streaming services creates.”

Herve Caen, CEO of Interplay Entertainment, added: “It is always great to partner with a company which is clearly leading the way in gaming and, in this instance, retro gaming. Antstream Arcade is on track to doing just that, substantiated by its strong vision and having a solid understanding and passion for the industry. We are very much looking forward to what this collaboration will deliver.”

Aardman and Shaun the Sheep partner with The Sleep Charity for Better Sleep Week plush

Aardman Animations and Shaun the Sheep have partnered with the Sleep Charity to launch a new plush toy as part of the organisation’s annual awareness campaign, Better Sleep Week.

As the charity’s ambassador, the Shaun the Sheep plush toy features a pillow with the campaign slogan ‘Sheep Dreams’ and will retail at £25, with 15 per cent of the proceeds going to The Sleep Charity.  The new plush can be purchased exclusively online at www.sheepdreamswithshaun.com from Friday 23rd October. 

“Shaun the Sheep has been our sheepy sleep ambassador for two years now, championing the work that we do and working with us to develop resources like colouring sheets to help families enjoy the benefits of a good night’s sleep,” said Vicki Dawson, CEO of The Sleep Charity.

“We are delighted that they’ve specifically produced this super soft cuddly plush toy in support of the charity and to coincide with our Better Sleep Week. The donation from the sale of these cuddly Shaun the Sheep toys will ensure that we can continue to provide the services we offer to help the nation to sleep better. 

“Children thrive on routine and they can also meet their full potential more easily when they have had a good night’s sleep.  And part of getting a good night’s sleep is the bedtime routine checklist which includes turning off screens an hour before bed and doing calm, relaxing activities, having a warm bath, brushing teeth, dimming the lights, snuggling up with a story and a cuddly toy and then saying goodnight.”

Aaron Simpson, CEO, of Kindred.co, added: “We are honoured to help and support The Sleep Charity raise urgently needed funds at this time. Every penny counts and we hope that everyone can join in and buy a little something for Christmas stockings and presents to help out The Sleep Charity.”

Along with the plush toy there are also a range of other Shaun the Sheep products to purchase.

Rachael Peacock, senior brand manager at Aardman said: “We are proud of our partnership with The Sleep Charity and are delighted that the exclusive Shaun the Sheep plush toy is now available for fans to buy. We developed the Sheep Dreams initiative to encourage  an understanding of the importance of a good night’s sleep.

“Shaun is known for his fun adventures, but sleep has always been a prevalent theme in the series. It’s great to be able to use our brand as a force for good.” 

Aware that many children and their families do not enjoy the benefits of a good night’s sleep, Aardman was keen to ensure this initiative would help and asked Louis Kennedy’s director of partnerships and licensing, Tracey Richardson to identify a charity partner.  

Tracey Richardson said: “The Sheep Dreams concept and style guide from Aardman is a complete delight. I was thrilled to be asked to find a charity partner aligned to the theme. The Sleep Charity is the perfect fit being the only national charity helping children and their families benefit from a good night’s sleep. This exclusive Shaun is a fantastic way to bring this special partnership to life.” 

TeamTo acquires TV, film, and licensing rights to fantastical graphic novel series Ninn

TeamTo has acquired the television, film, and licensing rights to NINN, a popular series of graphic novels by Jean-Michel Darlot and Johan Pilet, marking the content producer’s first foray into limited series animation for the seven years plus market.

NINN follows the stories of the young Parisian girl, Ninn, who has an unusual passion for the city’s underground, Paris Metro. Skateboarding through its tunnels is her favourite hobby, where she encounters all manner of fantastical happenings, such as swarms of butterflies visible only to herself, or an origami tiger that guides her on her search for the secrets of her past.

Despite her father’s concerns, Ninn and the tiger explore every dark tunnel and abandoned station, eager to uncover the clues and connections she has been searching for her whole life.

“As soon as I saw the first album, I immediately felt attracted to its graphic design style, which is both classic and fantastical,” said TeamTo executive producer, Corinne Kouper.

“I fell in love with the independent and free-thinking spirit of this little urban girl on the platform of the Paris Metro, visibly protected by her large and warm white tiger. I also liked the idea of Ninn roaming freely through the underground tunnels on her skateboard as if it were her bedroom, and her unique and touching relationship with her two dads.”

Mary Bredin, TeamTo creative development executive, added: “Stories that are grounded in locations are really appealing to me and this one is set in the Paris Metro – how surprising and intriguing is that?!

“Our hero’s story is at once unbelievable and yet so relatable. Adapting graphic novels is a bit of a trend right now but I think it is because they play in a darker, more dramatic space which provides a depth that isn’t normally present in a lot of animated series.”

Jean-Michel Darlot, author of Ninn, commented: “I have definitely been influenced by Miyazaki in finding the magical in the ordinary, and I have always been inspired by the Paris Metro. This is where the story comes from, the Metro is not just a means of transportation. It has its own personality and we portray it as a character in our story – a character with some secrets of its own.”

Published by boutique Belgian publisher Kennes Éditions, the series was written by Jean-Michel Darlot and illustrated by Belgian artist Johan Pilet. To date, four graphic novels have been distributed in France, Belgium and Canada, with over 100,000 copies sold in France; a fifth and sixth novel of the series are in production.