Tag Archives: news

The Pokémon Company partners with US artist Daniel Arsham for ‘fictional archaeology’ project

Posted on by

The Pokémon Company has partnered with the American artist, Daniel Arsham to unveil a new project featuring icons of the Pokemon franchise presented within the artist’s creative concept of fictional archeology.

Through his work, art and pop culture fans are invited to imagine the unearthing of Pokémon a thousand years from now and experience the passage of time.

“The fictional archaeology is really an idea of taking all of the objects from our present day and imagining as if we were an archeologist in the future and looking at these objects from our everyday life or our everyday experience,” said Arsham.

“I think there’s something kind of prolific and impactful about trying to step outside of our own time frame. It gives us a perspective of our own experiences and lives. Through these works, I hope to be able to shift people’s understanding about time in general.”

Tsunekazu Ishihara, CEO of The Pokémon Company, added: “Pokémon evolved as a brand by embracing new technologies and collaborating with partners from new fields ranging from data communication systems and geolocation-related technologies to partners in fashion and art.

“I’m delighted to welcome Daniel Arsham as our collaboration partner. Through his work, my wish is for people around the world to ‘dig deep’ into their imaginations and think about what Pokémon would look like in a thousand years.”

Additional details about the collaboration will be announced later this spring.

Myprotein teams with Warner Bros for special Justice League Hero Protein

Posted on by

The worlds of comic book heroes and fitness fanatics have collided, thanks to a new collaboration between Warner Bros and the global fitness brand, Myprotein, for the launch of a limited edition Justice League Hero Protein.

Launched on February 24th, the Myprotein Justice League Hero Protein is a specially formulated tropical flavoured protein powder available in a 250g pouch, with an RRP of £6.99, a 1kg tub RRP £19.99 and a Myprotein Justice League shaker for £8.99.

A special bundle launched including the 250g pouch, shaker and t-shirt, all created exclusively for the Myprotein brand – a sports and lifestyle division of The Hut Group – for a retail price of £24.99. This has already sold out in the UK and across Europe.

Matt Moulding, founder and CEO of The Hut Group, told Licensing.biz “This is a strategic partnership between two heavy-weight, global brands which has allowed us both to develop a value partnership and target new audiences.

“Myprotein is a leader in innovation in its field, so what better timing to put this to the test with Warner Bros. The offering has had very positive interest from customers already, even ahead of the launch, so we are looking forward to seeing the results.”

“They are sure to fly out of stock, but don’t fear, this is just one of three big launches planned for the new dream team of Myprotein and Warner Brothers this year….so watch this space,” concluded The Hut Group.

Xilam Animation scoops double win at César Awards for hit animated film I Lost My Body

Posted on by

Xilam Animation scooped a double win at the 45th César Awards this year, when it took home the Best Animated Film and Best Original Score for its popular animated feature I Lost My Body.

These latest wins follow I Lost My Body’s most recent awards and festivals success, which has seen the critically acclaimed feature take home 30 awards to date including three Annie Awards, a double win at Annecy International Animated Film Festival and the prestigious Critics’ Week prize at Cannes Film Festival.

A self-funded Xilam Animation production, I Lost My Body is an adaptation of Guillaume Laurant’s novel ‘Happy Hand’. Directed by Jérémy Clapin who also co-wrote the feature with Laurant (Amélie) and produced by Xilam’s Marc du Pontavice, I Lost My Body premiered to critical acclaim during Cannes Film Festival 2019 and launched on 29 November 2019 on Netflix.

Marc du Pontavice was also honoured at Annecy International Animated Film Festival 2019 as he received the MIFA Animation Industry Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the animation industry.

Marc du Pontavice, CEO at Xilam Animation, said: “We are thrilled and deeply humbled by these wins, which is the perfect way to finish what has been an amazing ride over the awards season. To see a small, independent film win at France’s most prestigious awards ceremony against such brilliant contenders, is not only an immense privilege but also demonstrates an extraordinary inclination from the César Academy for innovation in animation.

“These awards are also testament to Xilam’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of animation and nurturing game-changing talent who we know will forge new and ground-breaking paths in the genre.”

Set in Paris, I Lost My Body sees Naoufel fall in love with Gabrielle. In another part of town, a severed hand escapes from a dissection lab, determined to find its body again. During a dangerous expedition across the city, it remembers its life together with Naoufel up until the accident. After an eventful journey, they reconnect in the most unexpected and poetic way.

Ferrero USA launches promotional partnership with Square Enix for Final Fantasy VII Remake

Posted on by

The American confectioner Ferrero USA has struck up a new promotional partnership with Square Enix in celebration of the launch of the video game title Final Fantasy VII Remake.

Through the partnership, Ferrero is offering players and fans of the video game franchise a dynamic new theme for their PlayStation 4 as well as a selection of exclusive in-game accessories. Ferrero is the only confectionery company to be partnering with Square Enix on the new launch.

“Square Enix is the perfect partner to help us get gamers excited about our delicious products,” said Silvia Borla, vice president of marketing, Ferrero Chocolate Brands, Ferrero North America. “This partnership is an important next step in connecting Ferrero to the world of gaming.”

Starting March 3, with the purchase of any two Butterfinger, Baby Ruth, or Crunch bars, Final Fantasy VII Remake players can register online to receive a dynamic theme for their PlayStation 4 system featuring fan favourite character, Tifa Lockhart.

Participating players can also earn and redeem codes to download items that enhance characters in the game when it is released April 10. Up to five different pieces of in-game armour and accessories that boost stats and abilities will be available, with more powerful items awarded after every code redemption.

“Ferrero is creating a special opportunity for players to enhance their Final Fantasy VII Remake experience,” said John Heinecke, CMO of Square Enix West, “We think fans will be excited about the dynamic theme and items, and we appreciate Ferrero’s partnership in bringing this promotion to players across the United States.”

The promotion begins March 3 and is effective through May 14. Further details are available at www.ButterfingerFF7R.com.

Second season of Rainbow’s 44 Cats debut in Italy this week, with global roll out to follow

Posted on by

44 Cats, the popular children’s series from the European animation powerhouse, Rainbow, is ready to launch its second season to the global stage, making its debut on Italy’s Rai Yoyo channel this week.

Pay TV partners Discovery Kids and Nickelodeon will begin broadcast of the second season to audiences across Latin America and the rest of the world, respectively, from Q2 and Q3 this year. The show will later land on free to air broadcasters from autumn this year.

The first season of 44 Cats established record ratings since its very first launch in November 2018, and it’s proving a sensational success: 44 Cats is on air in over 100 countries and in more than 20 languages. According to Rainbow, the series is ‘conquering major kids networks,’ such as Carousel Russia where it is currently the number one show in the country for ratings and share.

Meanwhile, CCTV 14, China’s major kids’ content channel, the show launched early in February with ratings that confirm 44 Cats a leading show on the channel.

Produced by Rainbow in collaboration with Antoniano and Rai Ragazzi, the series is billed as a growing hit for ratings and web interactions, while making a significant impact on the licensing sector. Currently, more than 100 partners from across the world and a number of product categories have signed with 44 Cats, across both national and multi-territorial deals.

“Already on air on the major pay and free to air TV networks in the world and on leading digital platforms such as Netflix, Tencent and YOUKU in China, Start.ru and Yandex in Russia, 44 Cats is performing incredibly and turning into a true web phenomenon and a widespread success on YouTube, where the official channels have surpassed 320 million views in just 14 months,” said Rainbow in a press release.

The newest season comprises 52 episodes that follow the adventures of the Buffycats and Granny Pina as they are joined by new animal and human friends.

Rainbow added: “The explosive mix of action, comedy, friendship and great music makes 44 Cats a series that stands out worldwide, with a magnificent soundtrack of original songs by Antoniano.

After captivating TV, social media and the web around the world, the new chapter of the Made in Italy preschool classic by Rainbow is set to amaze again thanks to the great attention to product quality, universal values and educational content offer.”

Posh Paws launches its DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls World Tour collection

Posted on by

Posh Paws has officially launched its latest licensed plush line, a new collection inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming feature film, Trolls World Tour.

Scheduled to premiere here in the UK on April 13th this year, Trolls World Tour is the much anticipated sequel to the 2016 blockbuster hit Trolls, and will see Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake reprise their roles as Poppy and Branch among a cast of big names including Ozzy Osbourne and Gwen Stefani.

Posh Paws’ official movie plush line features fan-favourite Trolls characters including Poppy, Branch and Tiny Diamond the glitter hip-hop troll, while new faces such as Queen Barb, the leader of the Rock Trolls have been added to the cast.

As with all Posh Paws products, each character is recreated in soft fabrics with a variety of price points that are ideal for fans to enjoy whatever the occasion, from pocket money treats through to a favourite birthday gift.

Lauren Shipman, group brand and marketing director, said: “We are extremely proud of our new Trolls World Tour Plush collection. DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls are incredibly popular and with these new characters we expect this will be a standout collection for Posh Paws and our retail partners this year.”

PAW Patrol is bounding onto the big screen with its first animated movie in 2021

Posted on by

PAW Patrol is bounding onto the big screen with the launch of the first animated feature film produced by Spin Master Entertainment in association with Nickelodeon Movies.

The film will be distributed by Paramount Pictures and is slated to hit theatres by August next year.

The movie will be directed by Cal Brunker (Escape from Planet Earth), with Spin Master Entertainment’s EVP Jennifer Dodge producing. Ronnen Harary, co-CEO of Spin Master, will executive produce along with the company’s EVP of strategic partnership and franchise development Adam Beder.

PAW Patrol The Movie is set to be the first of multiple feature films in the works by Spin Master’s entertainment division.

PAW Patrol first launched in 2013 and now airs in 30 languages in more than 160 countries. The series was Spin Master’s first original pre-school property and went on to become a ratings smash. For years PAW Patrol was also a driving force behind sales for the company’s pre-school and girls segment (up seven per cent to US$493 million in fiscal 2017 and up five per cent to US$517.5 million in fiscal 2018).

Kids Insights welcomes Utku Tansel to the team as it launches its Global Insights Reports

Posted on by

Kids Insights, part of the Insights People, has launched its new Global Insight Reports – an initiative which will cover eight sectors including devices, video games, cosmetics, fashion and will be launching with its first toys and games report this March.

The reports will be based on Kids Insights surveying 125,000 children across eight countries and four continents each year. Analysis will be undertaken by industry expert Utku Tansel who has joined the team as Head of Global Insights Reports.

Tansel brings 15 years of success in research and analysis having worked for companies such as Euromonitor and WARC.

Nick Richardson, CEO, The Insights People, said: “In the last 12 months we have firmly established ourselves as the global leader in kids market intelligence, and we are now perfectly positioned to provide clients with a global viewpoint based on our considerable data.

“This enables us to offer sector – specific analysis and insight, which further helps our clients understand the attitudes, behaviour and consumption of children relating to their product areas. And as we grow into other regions, we will be able to include that incorporate that data into these reports.”

Tansel will be responsible for the strategic production of the Kids Insights Global Insight reports: Toy and Games Report 2020 (issued March 2020), Video Games Report 2020 (issued April 2020), Food and Drinks Report 2020 (issued June 2020), Electronics Report 2020 (issued August 2020), Health and Beauty Report 2020 (issued September 2020), Clothing Report 2020 (issued October 2020), Marketing & Engaging Kids Executive Report 2020 (issued December 2020).

He said: “I am really excited to join The Insights People. I have been extremely impressed by their approach and look forward to working with them to develop these global reports, which firmly establishes themselves as the global leader in kids, parents and family market intelligence.”

The Kids Insights Global Toy & Games report will be available in March and will feature how the toys industry is adapting to transformative times by embracing sustainability and inclusivity while AR & AI push limits on innovation – driven largely by ever – rising smartphone/tablet penetration among children.

In the US, a substantial 63.5 per cent of three to nine year olds own a tablet and 65.1 per cent of 10-14-year olds own a mobile. Kids Insights data also highlights that 66.2 per cent of parents spend up to £49 (US$64.40) on toys & games on a monthly basis in the UK. Within this bracket, 82.8 per cent of purchases are made by women.

In pocket money toys, kids’ rising financial empowerment drives sales and there is an intense battle over kids’ allowance. In Italy, puzzles accounted for almost one – fifth of all pocket money toy purchases in 2019, the highest in the world.

The escalated streaming wars will increasingly shape content while the potential and growth from YouTube and Gaming licensed products are high. The research shows that the kid-spending economy on toys and games in the UK is worth £969m ($1.26bn), and in the US – $5.95bn.

For more information about Kids Insights, the award-winning market research and how their Global Insights Reports could help your business, please visit www.kidsinsights.com/reports

Nickelodeon UK partners with VisitBlackpool to bring Nickelodeon’s Slimefest back for fifth year

Posted on by

Nickelodeon UK is partnering with VisitBlackpool to bring Nickelodeon’s Slimefest back for a fifth year running, promising another year of slime, music, and mayhem following a run of sold out shows.

Slimefest 2020 will take place at The Arena at Blackpool Pleasure Beach from October 17 to 19 and is coming to London for the first time, as DHP Family prepares to present two shows at The SSE Arena, Wembley on October 26th.

Long-standing Slimefest hosts Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely will be returning to the stage, joined his year by Max and Harvey and Holly H for all eight shows. They’ll host Nickelodeon’s unique mix of chart-topping music acts, special guests, social stars and of course, slime. 

Virginia Monaghan, VP, events and experiences, ViacomCBS Networks International, commented: “We can’t wait to bring Slimefest back for a fifth year, it’s been such a huge success in Blackpool so we’re looking forward to returning to the UK’s favourite beach resort.

“Expanding the shows to the iconic arena in Wembley is a testament to the event and it’s affinity with kids and parents alike. London and Blackpool -prepare for the ultimate badge of honour from us at Nickelodeon….slime.”

Cllr Gillian Campbell, deputy leader of Blackpool Council, added: “We are delighted to see the return of Nickelodeon’s SlimeFest in 2020. These shows have become an integral part of Blackpool’s fantastic October half-term offer, attracting parents and children from across the country.

“We look forward to welcoming families to another three days of fabulous entertainment and hope they will take the opportunity to enjoy everything that Blackpool has to offer during our spectacular Illuminations season.”

Slimefest will also air on Friday, November 6 at 6pm on Nickelodeon as well as over the weekend on Channel 5.

Slimefest 2019 saw performances from Diversity along with music acts like Professor Green, Scouting for Girls, New Hope Club, Max and Harvey, Road Trip, and Jess Folley.

Over 100,000 people have attended related Slimefest events across the globe in the US, Australia, Italy, UK, Germany and Spain.

Aurora World welcomes troupe of new YooHoo plush characters as YoHoo to the Rescue takes off globally

Posted on by

The character and content company, Aurora World, has welcomed a troupe of new YooHoo characters to its popular plush line, inspired by the cast of characters from the newly launched 3D animation, YooHoo to the Rescue.

The expanded collection of 37 new characters will launch mid 2020 with plush available in four different sizes, combining characters from season one of YooHoo to the Rescue with new characters introduced in season two and three. Season three will be launching on Netflix this spring.

In the newly introduced 11-inch YooHoo plush (available in the US and Canada), there will be eight plush made up of main seven characters, along with the popular RingRing the Panda character. In addition, with season two on the air and season three due soon, eight characters from season two and six characters from season three will be added to the best-selling five-inch and eight-inch YooHoo collection of 33 characters launched in 2019.

The new characters include Gina the Giraffe, TJ the Sea Turtle, and Bellus the Congo Peafowl.

The plush line will benefit from synergy with the animated series YooHoo to the Rescue and Aurora World’s established plush toy business, of which YooHoo is a leading part. It will not only meet demand from fans for plush based on their favourite characters from YooHoo to the Rescue, but will also enhance the collectability of the brand.

A full licensing and merchandising programme is under way across many other categories with several products ready for launch in territories worldwide from a number of licensees, including Panini (stickers, mini figurines, trading cards), Nuvita (baby products), Kennedy Publishing and Media Zawada Services (magazines), and Dev Games and Tap Tap Tales (digital apps).

Jay Noh, director of content business, Aurora World, said: “The strong environmental themes of YooHoo to the Rescue, encompassing many animals and habitats, have inspired some truly wonderful characters who have clearly won the hearts of young viewers.

“These new characters are a welcome addition to the successful new YooHoo plush line and will, I am sure, be enormously popular with kids everywhere.”