Genius Brands’ Kartoon Channel! acquires Sonic the Hedgehog and Pac-Man animated series

The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog and Pac-Man and The Ghostly Adventures are the latest children’s series to be landing on Genius Brands’ recently launched Kartoon Channel! app. The streaming rights to the two animated series were acquired from 41 Entertainment as GBI continues to build its animated content offering.

Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures features the classic video game character Pac-Man in a series that follows his daily adventures, alongside his loyal crew Cyli and Spiral. Together they protect Pac-World from a ghostly army led by the evil Betrayus.

Pac-Man was originally conceived in 1980 when the franchise rose to fame via its arcade video games. Pac-Man went on to make an array of branding and entertainment appearances, becoming one of the most recognised video game characters on the planet. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the video game franchise that can be credited with kick-starting a pop culture movement.

Meanwhile, Kartoon Channel! has also secured 26 episodes of Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, a series based on the blockbuster video game series from SEGA. This light-hearted adventure series emphasizes positive themes for kids about personal safety and interpersonal relationships.

The series stars Sonic and his friend Tails as they work to thwart the machinations of Dr Robotnik and his henchmen Scratch, Grounder, and Coconuts.

“Our mission in creating Kartoon Channel! has always been to deliver the best of the best in children’s entertainment, and we are excited to add these two series, featuring popular characters that are proven winners and that kids love,” said Caroline Tyre, general manager of Kartoon Channel!

IFL Science, One Tree Planted, and Sho Water unite for project to protect the ocean’s Orca

IFL Science, the platform devised to make science accessible to everyone through its humorous slant on the scientific world around us, has partnered with the One Tree Planted organisation and Sho Water on a special project to help protect the world’s disappearing population of Orca.

Together the trio have developed two special edition, sustainably made, life-long water bottles, each brandishing the One Tree Planted x IFL Science graphics for a special partnership to encourage the green circular economy. For every special edition bottle sold, three trees will be planted in the Pacific Northwest.

By planting trees in the area, the project aims to build up the health of the ecosystem surrounding the banks of the rivers where Chinook salmon spawn. By revitalising the habitat in which the salmon reproduce, Sho Water, One Tree Planted, and IFL Science aim to protect a primary food source for a dwindling number of Orcas.

With only 75 individuals left, the Southern Resident Orcas are at their lowest numbers in over 30 years. Trees improve soil health by stabilizing the bans, absorbing water, and building stability with their root structures. Ensuring soil is stable and has adequate nutrients is critical to restoring overall forest health. Tree planting projects are now underway to protect the primary food source of the Orca and reduce habitat contamination.

The IFL Science, One Tree Planted and Sho Water deal was brokered by the UK licensing agency Licensing Link Europe, with credited input from Tracey Richardson at Louis Kennedy.

Chris Taday, co-director of Licensing Link Europe, said: “This is a wonderful collaboration of partners that we are extremely excited to have played a role in bringing together. The project is a chance to witness the potential that licensing has to give something back to the environment, and we are proud to be promoting that message across all of the social media channels.”

For more information on the current crisis that the Southern Resident Orcas, check out the below video:

K-Swiss forges alliance with Magic: The Gathering for re-imagined Gstaad ’86

The American heritage tennis brand, K-Swiss, has forged a new alliance with the collectable and digital collectable card game, Magic: The Gathering. Inspired by the iconic strategy card game, the Magic: The Gathering x K-Swiss collaboration now introduces a complete re-imagination of the Gstaad ’86.

The new partnership sees K-Swiss tap into Magic: The Gathering’s more than 25 years of card character heritage and brings to life one of the most beloved characters, Jace Beleren. The Planeswalker is one of the most powerful beings in the multiverse – with a well-known costume design that sets the tone for the updated K-Swiss Gstaad ’86.

The sneakers are crafted with premium leather overlays and underlays that are accented by glow-in-the-dark elements. The leather collar lining, printed designs, rubber outsole and extra laces are all inspired by Jace’s power and costume. Metal lace clip-ons modeled after Jace’s character design and a debossed Magic: The Gathering logo at the tongue and a sublimated sockliner of Jace’s artwork complete the magical reinvention of this classic K-Swiss style.

The new sneakers are packaged with a special-edition box and tissue paper.

The Magic: The Gathering x K-Swiss Gstaad ’86 are available now. The special-edition launch is limited to just 300 pairs and will be available exclusively Hasbro Pulse retailing at $100.

State Bicycle Co goes inter-dimensional with Rick and Morty in new bike and accessories collection

Cycling specialists, State Bicycle Co has detailed a new partnership with Warner Bros. for the launch of a range of its Adult Swim animated comedy Rick and Morty styled bicycles and accessories.

Under the partnership, State Bicycle Co has launched a line of limited edition Rick and Morty themed premium bikes, parts, and clothing all featuring the iconic characters from the animated series. The officially licensed collaboration brings in elements of the hit show on Adult Swim.

The primary graphic design of the State Bicycle Co. x Rick and Morty series pays homage to the inter-dimensional Portals of the show, with an all-over graphic on the Core Line bike, and a Portal Graphic treatment for logos on the high-performance 6061 Black Label bike and frameset.

Handlebar tape, foot straps and a cycling kit (jersey and bib shorts) also feature the Portal Graphic, while the other jersey in the collection showcases a collection of the strange beings Rick and Morty encounter on their travels through space-time.

“We could not be more excited to partner with Rick and Morty. The TV show has been one of the most exciting and daring of the last decade and we feel the opportunity to mix cycling and their favorite pop culture characters will be an awesome opportunity for self-expression for our customers,” said State Bicycle’s co-founder, Mehdi Farsi.

This limited-edition collection is available starting September 1, exclusively through Statebicycle.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Experiences expert Legends appoints new VP International Retail to expand client merchandising and licensing efforts

The sport and entertainment experiences expert, Legends, has appointed Victoria Hawksley to the new role of vice president, international retail, a role in which she will oversee the merchandise operations and strategy for the firm’s expanding business.

Hawksley will be responsible for developing innovative merchandising strategies for Legends’ roster of world-class clients, including the newly launched omnichannel retail programme for Real Madrid. She will work closely with the firm’s HQ in London to lead event retail and merchandising across e-commerce, in-venue retail, live events, brick and mortar store operations and custom merchandise.

The new VP joins Legends after 14 years with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club where she most recently served as the head of retail and visitor attractions. In this role, she was responsible for all retail operations for the club, including global e-commerce, the Tottenham Experience, all retail stores, buying and merchandising, and licensing efforts.

She also led the development, launch, and operations for Tottenham Hotspur Stadium’s comprehensive visitor attractions at their much-acclaimed new stadium, including the Stadium Tour Experience, The Dare Skywalk, and The Tottenham Hotspur Archive.

“Legends has significantly grown our international footprint during the past few years, and we are fortunate to add Victoria to our leadership team in Europe as we continue to invest in our global merchandise vertical,” said Andrew Hampel, president Legends International.

“She brings an incredible depth of knowledge and experience to Legends from her previous role and will be critical as we develop long term merchandising and retail strategies to support our roster of blue-chip partners on a global stage.”

Hawksley said: “I’m excited to build upon all the recent momentum at Legends, as we think about the future of merchandising and how we can create innovative and customized programs and solutions for clients. I see a huge opportunity to merge the expertise and capabilities of Legends Global Merchandise division, with the insights and local expertise that Legends has in markets across Europe and Asia, to develop customized strategies.”

Previously, Hawksley served as a general manager at World Duty Free, leading the business at Terminal 4 London Heathrow Airport. She also worked for The John Lewis Partnership for seven years, from a Graduate trainee to a Merchandise Manager, before moving to Airport retailing.

Hawksley will be based out of Legends’ operations in Madrid.

Studio 100 names Joachim Knödler its new head of licensing as company veteran Gerd Russwurm announces retirement

Studio 100 has named the former WildBrain CPLG Central Europe managing director, Joachim Knödler its new head of licensing, taking over the role from Gerd Russwurm who is retiring at the end of the year after more than 24 years with the company.

In his new role, Knödler will be responsible for the international licensing of the Studio 100 Group and will report to Martin Krieger, CEO of Studio 100 Media. He was most recently the managing director at Wildbrain CPLG Central Europe. Under his leadership, the business in Central Europe was restructured and during his 17 years there, he gained extensive experience in brand licensing, entertainment and the launch of private label brands including the implementation of DTR licensing.

Knödler developed fundamental licensing strategies with all major Hollywood Studios for a successful introduction of the company’s portfolio in GSA and Europe. Another focus of Knödler’s work is the development of Master Toy lines.

Previous positions at Hasbro and Simon Marketing / The Marketing Store have given him extensive experience in the toy sector. In various roles, he was responsible for the relaunch of the Star Wars Toy Line together with the launch of E1 and the roll-out of the Pokémon Master Toy Line and the Nerf Toy Line in the German-speaking territories.

He also supervised the development of the Happy Meal Toys for McDonald’s Germany and was accountable for the first McDonald’s Monopoly, which was rewarded with significant sales growth. In addition, Knödler was responsible for initiating the success of Sesame Street and Minions in the German-speaking world.

Joachim Knödler said: “I very much look forward to bringing my experience and expertise to such a fantastic licensor as the Studio 100 Group. In my new role, it is important for me to drive a coherent licensing strategy that fits the target group and that includes the right choice of licensing partners.

“My goal is to have a wide range of consumer products on the market. I know that I’m following and stepping into really big footsteps when I take over from Gerd – and that’s precisely why I’m extremely grateful for the trust that is placed in me and look forward to this new challenge.”

Martin Krieger, CEO at Studio 100 Media, added: “Joachim’s reputation and achievements speak for themselves. I am confident that as head of our licensing team together with the entire Studio 100 Group, he will help us grow and continue to meet and exceed the needs of our partners worldwide.

“Moreover, I look forward to working with him, and to the many new products and collaborations, it will bring under his management. At this point I would like to take the opportunity to express my sincere thanks to Gerd: It was not easy to find a successor. Gerd’s dedication and commitment, his experience in the industry and his personality have shaped our company and the brands: In December, an era will come to an end.”

Gerd Russwurm will remain at Knödler’s side over the next few months and will pass the baton on at the end of the year.  After more than 24 years with the company and countless successes in the industry, including thousands of licensed products for Maya the Bee, Vik the Viking, Mia and me, the World Cup and Mickey Mouse with nine working for Disney Russwurm will then retire.

British wallpaper brand MissPrint lands Fy deal courtesy of The Point. 1888

The British eco-wallpaper design brand, MissPrint has landed a new partnership with the online homewares, wall art, furniture, and accessories platform, Fy thanks to a deal secured by the brand specialist, The Point. 1888.

Under the new deal, Fy will be showcasing 39 of MissPrint’s hand drawn art prints from this month. The wallpaper brand is known for its unique collection of eco-conscious designs, each hand illustrated and printed in the UK.

Already hugely popular among women, homeowners and interior design enthusiasts, the brand appointed The Point.1888 in March 2020 to extends its audience base by creating products which have wider appeal and are suitable for those renting property, as well as homeowners.

 To date, MissPrint has enjoyed success with brand licensing collaborations such as John Lewis, Dunelm, Quaker Oats and others. The new partnership with Fy should ensure that MissPrint can reach its new target audience, who consider  the online shop as their go-to for home and fashion purchases.

 The Point.1888 is a pioneer of the retail-first model within the brand licensing industry, creating new products based on the gap it sees at retail; rather than what it thinks the brand’s target demographic might like. This supports a higher chance of retailer buy-in and a better sales performance. As a result of early conversations with retailers, the agent identified huge demand for the brand and the partnership with Fy will be the first of many exciting new ventures for the MissPrint brand.

MissPrint co-founder, Rebecca Drury, said: “MissPrint is no stranger to brand licensing and yet this is the first time we have worked on creating an art print collection inspired by our wallpaper designs. It makes perfect sense to create such a product range to attract new customers and I’ve found the whole design process really exciting. We’re so grateful to The Point.1888 for giving us this opportunity and cannot wait to unveil our other plans.”

 Janine Richmond, senior commercial manager for Home at The Point.1888, added: “We’re delighted to have paired MissPrint with Fy as the retailer was top of our target list for reaching style-conscious home renters and owners. Fy only works with the world’s coolest emerging brands, artists and designers and MissPrint’s place on that list is well-deserved.”

Hasbro Consumer Products adds eOne brands to WildBrain CPLG’s Benelux remit

Hasbro has detailed an expansion to its licensing representation partnership with WildBrain CPLG Benelux to include the globally renowned portfolio of Entertainment One brands, including the likes of Peppa Pig and PJ Masks, following the recent integration of the business.

Under the partnership, WildBrain CPLG will now represent the licensing and merchandising rights for pre-school hits including Peppa Pig, PJ Masks, and Ricky Zoom across the Benelux region.

“We are maximizing our local partnership with WildBrain CPLG Benelux and adding Peppa Pig, PJ Masks, and Ricky Zoom,” said Marianne James, vice president of Hasbro Consumer Products in EMEA.

“With WildBrain CPLG’s local retail relationships, we see this region as a strong growth market to deepen our consumer connections across Merchandising, Publishing, Promotions and short-term Location Based Entertainment.”

Brenda Draaisma, managing director at WildBrain CPLG Benelux, added: “The expansion of Hasbro’s brand portfolio with the addition of eOne’s beloved global preschool brands including Peppa Pig, PJ Masks and Ricky Zoom, has added significant firepower to Hasbro’s already impressive offering.

“We look forward to working across these new brands and we’re confident with their focus on family-oriented storytelling, the properties will drive new growth for licensees and retailers in the Benelux market.”

DC to celebrate global Batman Day and puts wheels in motion with GPS app Waze

DC has revealed its plans for a global Batman Day celebration taking place on September 19th this year, inviting fans from across the globe to participate in a range of Batman-themed activities.

The celebration will kick off with a new partnership with the GPS navigation app Waze, introducing a Batman and The Riddler theme to the system, alongside a collection of Waze and DC Super Hero or Super-Villain playlists on Spotify while driving via the Waze Audio Player feature to complete the driving experience.

On top of this, free digital comics, free activity kits for kids, a Batman Virtual 5K and 10K run or walk, and even a digital mystery to solve in which fans can take on the role of the caped crusader, will all launch in celebration of the DC super hero.

Fans can also team up with Batman to protect Gotham City in a series of digital activities, such as joining the celebration on social media and helping Batman to piece together a series of clues left behind by The Riddler. Players who successfully decode the mischievous hints will unlock exclusive, limited-time reveals.

The adventure begins when the virtual Bat-Signal lights up at 12PM PT, September 18, on the @DCComics Twitter.

The new Waze Batman theme allows for more than 100 million monthly active Waze users to ride along with Batman and The Riddler from August 31 to October 31.

Waze drivers can opt to hear directions in the style of Batman, voiced by Batman: The Animated Series actor Kevin Conroy, as well as select a custom Batmobile icon and Batman mood. Drivers who want a slightly more villainous experience can select The Riddler voice directions (voiced by actor Wally Wingert), mood and custom vehicle. Waze users worldwide can experience the Batman theme in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.