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Sesame Workshop expands animation slate with Charlotte’s web

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Sesame Workshop is to expand its animation slate with book-based properties, starting with  E.B. White’s classic Charlotte’s Web. Partnering with WarnerMedia Kids & Family, Sesame Workshop will begin production in April on the recently greenlit family miniseries, which will be available on HBO Max and Cartoon Network in 2024.

“For over 50 years, Sesame Workshop has been weaving stories that centre memorable characters and diverse, compelling voices,” says Kay Wilson Stallings, EVP, Creative and Production, Sesame Workshop. “Stories can forge powerful connections with kids and families – where better to start than with a faithful retelling of one of the most beloved children’s novels of all time?”

Academy Award-winning director Luke Matheny will serve as executive producer and head writer for Charlotte’s Web. Matheny directs Sesame Workshop’s Daytime Emmy Award-winning Ghostwriter on Apple TV+, which draws inspiration from classic literary works like Alice in Wonderland, Frankenstein, and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

Wilson Stallings has brought on Heather Alexander as book and literary scout to identify and analyse children’s books and other content for potential development.

As part of a broader development strategy, Sesame Workshop is also building out its animation slate with new series and specials set on Sesame Street and beyond, launching on WarnerMedia Kids & Family’s newest preschool block Cartoonito on HBO Max and Cartoon Network.

“Animation has always been a part of our DNA, and we’re continuing that proud tradition with engaging new content that supports our mission: helping kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder,” Wilson Stallings said. “Not only are we building on our flagship brand with projects like Elmo Gets a Puppy and Sesame Street Mecha Builders, we’re also investing in new properties like Bea’s Block and exciting collaborations like this one to captivate the next generation of kids and families.”

 

Genius Brands launches first Kartoon Channel! in Asia Pacific

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Following the recent announcement of the first international launch of Kartoon Channel! in the Middle East, North Africa and across Latin America, Genius Brands International has announced the further expansion of the Kartoon Channel! brand in the Asia Pacific region with the launch of the channel on Samsung TV Plus in Australia starting March 23.

Spearheaded by Managing Director of Kartoon Channel! Worldwide Paul Robinson, who previously served as Managing Director of Walt Disney Television International and Senior Vice President Disney Channel Worldwide, Genius Brands is working with Hong Kong-based agent Lightning International to further expand the reach of Kartoon Channel! internationally through launches on FAST channels, AVOD, SVOD, OTT, mobile devices, and more.

Delivering thousands of episodes of carefully curated free family-friendly content, Kartoon Channel! features animated classics for little kids, including The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, Babar, Mello Dees, Super Simple Songs, and Baby Genius, as well as  hit content for bigger kids, such as Pac-Man, Angry Birds, and Yu-Gi-Oh!, to original programming like Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, KC! Pop Quiz, hosted by Casey Simpson, and coming this year, Shaq’s Garage, starring Shaquille O’Neal. Kartoon Channel! also offers STEM-based content through its Kartoon Classroom!, including Baby Einstein, and more.

Paul Robinson says: “With Kartoon Channel! and Kartoon Genius programming blocks now available in the Middle East, North Africa, Central America and South America with launches planned in Central Europe, we are thrilled to begin our growth in Asia Pacific with our debut on Samsung TV Plus in Australia. We look forward to working with Lightning International in the coming months to expedite the growth of Kartoon Channel! throughout the region.”

Kartoon Channel! Worldwide expands global reach

Channel 5’s Milkshake! confirmed as the home of MixMups

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Channel 5’s children’s strand, Milkshake!, has announced that it will be the broadcast home of MixMups, its first animated preschool series to feature disabled lead characters and to be made by a team with lived experience of disability.

Developed and produced with support from the UK Government funded Young Audiences Content Fund (YACF), which is managed by the BFI, and in collaboration with Raydar Media, the groundbreaking 52 x 10-minute stop-motion animated series for three- to five-year olds shines a light on different preschool play styles and the joy of mixing up objects and ideas to create stories.

The show’s premise is inspired by all children’s love of “mixing” and combining items as a way of playing, exploring and discovering, and centres around three loveable friends, the “MixMups”. Neat and tidy Pockets, creative and inventive Giggle, and boisterous and physical Spin, along with their lovable assistance pets, Roller Guinea and Yapette the guide dog, all live in a wheelchair-accessible Helter-Skelter house in “Mixington Valley”. Each episode sees the friends use their magical wooden spoon and mixing box to ‘Mix up the Magic’ of play and transport themselves on a host of comical adventures, where they embrace a variety of ways to play, entertain each other and embark upon day-to-day problem-solving challenges with the help of the trunky-beaked Lucky Loover Bird. Core themes include the joy of individuality, imagination, friendship and flexible thinking.

Now entering production, Milkshake! will premiere MixMups in March 2023.

MixMups was created by Rebecca Atkinson, the founder of the viral #ToyLikeMe campaign, which called for more diversity in children’s industries. The series will be produced by award-winning Manchester-based animation house Mackinnon & Saunders (Postman Pat, Raa Raa the Noisy Lion, Twirly Woos). The project initially received development support from the YACF and converted to a broadcaster commission with Milkshake! last year.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled that the wonderful MixMups, a show that celebrates individuality and the distinct play styles and personalities that preschoolers have, is joining the Milkshake! line-up,” says Louise Bucknole, Vice President, Children’s Programming, Paramount UK and Ireland. “It’s vital to us that our young audiences and their families see themselves reflected in our storytelling, so our cast of MixMups all have very different characters, and when they come together, magical things happen.

“It is also our first commission which from its very genesis, has been entirely inspired and created with the experiences of disabled children in mind. Working with Rebecca and a core production team that has lived experience of disability, we are confident we can bring a level of authenticity, understanding and commitment to the show, unlike any other.  We can’t wait for fans of Milkshake! to fall in love with the MixMups just as we have.”

Series creator, Rebecca Atkinson adds: “I am over the moon that MixMups will be joining Milkshake! It was my dream to create a compelling show that draws on my own experiences as a disabled person to create lovable characters and stories and really ‘mix’ up what disability representation looks like. As a child I loved mixing up potions, food, cake mix, paint, even toys in the bath!  I hope that MixMups will inspire a generation of preschoolers to reach for the nearest wooden spoon and ‘mix up the magic’ of play too.”

The agreement was brokered by Raydar Media on behalf of MixMups Entertainment Limited, a joint venture between Toy Like Me, Mackinnon & Saunders and Raydar Media. A global licensing and merchandising programme helmed by Valerie Fry at Raydar Media will roll out in 2023. Trade and consumer PR will be handled by Kirsty Barr of Grapevine PR on behalf of MixMups Entertainment Ltd.

Tom Felton fronts campaign for CASETiFY’s Wizarding World-inspired collection

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CASETiFY has announced a special partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, revealing a collection inspired by the beloved Wizarding World. The launch is supported by a marketing campaign starring Tom Felton, who played the infamous Draco Malfoy in the films.

Fans all over the world can sign up now for priority access to shop the collection on launch day, March 31, by visiting casetify.com.

Available online and in CASETiFY stores, the new protective phone cases are inspired by iconic early Hogwarts experiences, including Harry’s first interaction with the Mirror of Erised (available exclusively on the CASETiFY Co-Lab app), his very first broomstick, and his epic battle with the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets. Fans can discover their house with the new Leather Case lineup, featuring the house colours and crests of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin.

The partnership will also introduce CASETiFY’s first Lenticular Case – engineered to capture the magical qualities of the wizarding world through “moving photos.” When tilted from side to side, the new Lenticular Case will reveal the Marauder’s Map to its owner.

Designs will be available on a range of CASETiFY’s signature styles, with custom options made for the ultra-durable Impact Case series, Reflective-Plate Material Cases, Compostable Cases, and the Impact Crush series from the sustainable Re/CASETiFY Collection, retailing for $40 USD and up.

Phone cases are compatible with a range of iPhone device sizes, including the newest iPhone 13 series, as well as select Samsung models.

“The Harry Potter series holds a special place in so many of our hearts, and we’re excited to bring the magic to our community’s hands with a uniquely creative collection of high-quality accessories,” says CASETiFY CEO and Co-founder, Wes Ng. “This collection will spark memories of all your favorite Harry Potter adventures with designs that are nothing short of magical.”

To complement the exclusive phone case collection, fans can shop a full accessory lineup with matching gear for all their devices, including Apple Watches, AirPods and AirPods Pro.

Modelled after the fastest and smallest ball in the game of Quidditch, customers can enjoy a highly designed 3D Golden Snitch Airpods Case, complete with the inscription “I Open At The Close.”

To dress every student’s tech in full house colours, fans can also shop a limited-edition collection of classic AirPods cases and Apple Watch bands, in addition to the new Beaded Phone Strap, a trendy hands-free accessory decorated with house colours and mascot charms.

Accessories in the collection are available in limited quantities and retail for $35 USD and up.

To learn more about the collection and all CASETiFY Co-Lab launches, visit online and download the new CASETiFY Co-Lab app (available now in the App Store).

For updates on all things CASETiFY, follow along on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.

LICENSING EXPO PREVIEW I Perfetti Van Melle

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Italian Perfetti Van Melle is a global confectionery manufacturer and owner of power brands Mentos, Airheads, Chupa Chups and Fruit-tella, among many others. Licensing.biz caught up with them ahead of exhibiting at Licensing Expo in Vegas this May.

 

For those who don’t already know Perfetti Van Melle, who are you and how do you fit into the licensing industry?

Our company, Perfetti Van Melle, is one of the world’s global confectionery manufacturers and owner of many power brands such as Mentos, Airheads, Chupa Chups and Fruit-tella. We have been building international licensing programmes with these brands for many years. The Chupa Chups licensing programme started 25 years ago as a lifestyle programme. Today we diversify with our brands in both lifestyle and food and beverage extensions.

Do you have any recent news you can share with us?

We have just opened a spectacular Chupa Chups event at the Changhi airport in Singapore, where fans of the brand can be transported into a world of interactive and yummy-looking backdrops such as a carousel ride made of lollipops, a Ferris wheel or pose with moving larger-than-life lollipop daisies! The true eyecatcher of the event is the gigantic mega sized lollipop installation that has been proclaimed Singapore’s largest Chupa Chups lollipop by Singapore’s Book of Records, and which is already going viral.

We are thrilled about the ongoing success of the Chupa Chups sparkling drink range. The newly launched Chupa Chups Zero Sugar drinks in Strawberry and Lemon & Lime flavour have been awarded the 2022 Superior Taste Award by the prestigious International Taste Institute in Belgium. Seeing how these sparkling drinks are taking the world by storm, we are now exploring opportunities for Mentos drinks as well.

For Airheads, we are preparing the launch of a Market and Airheads drop this autumn, that will include limited-edition clothing and accessories as well as the first Airheads co-branded limited-edition Market flavour. Later this year, we have exciting launches coming up of mini figurines and toys by MGA L.O.L., Moose and Super Impulse with our brands Mentos, Chupa Chups and Airheads.

What are the biggest trends – challenges or opportunities – facing licensing and retail?

Our licensing business is very much global, so we are still affected by the consequences of the pandemic and also challenged by the uncertainty and impact that is provoked by the geopolitical situation. Trend-wise, the talk of the licensing town is all about the NFT/Metaverse business opportunities and sustainability policies. We are dedicating resources to understanding the business model, the trademark protection issues and how we can best fit in with our brands.

And what are the biggest trends across the food and beverage category?

We are seeing a huge appetite in the F&B aisles for innovative collaborations. Teaming up with trusted brands from adjacent food categories is an excellent way to offer novelty to the market.

On the other hand, there is an increasing need to pursue wellness and offer products that can cater to the need to indulge in a healthier way, which is why we advocate to develop better-for-you treats in the combined R&D efforts of our licensed products.

An area where we see a big growth potential is the protein category, in which we are exploring opportunities with leading companies for several brands at the moment.

Are you exhibiting at Licensing Expo for the first time? If so, what are you hoping to achieve from being on the show floor?

We have been visiting Licensing Expo for many years and have always had a presence through the first-in-class agencies who represent us in the USA: Seltzer Licensing for Airheads and Lisa Marks for Mentos and Chupa Chups. As it has become such a global showcase, we have started to exhibit with a corporate Perfetti Van Melle booth, too.

What excites you about returning to an in-person Licensing Expo?

There’s nothing like walking the aisles of the Expo to get a feel for what’s relevant in the ever-changing licensing scene. We also adore the opportunity to offer our business partners a sneak peek at our latest artwork developments, which we are renowned for. And we will admit, we do love to discuss business face to face with a smile!

What can visitors expect to see on your stand?

This year the star of the show will be Mentos, our most global and well-known brand. Visitors will be able to check out the colourful and trendy art assets we can offer with Mentos and examples of successful international launches, such as the one with Mentos & Sally Hansen. And as usual, there will be a splash of colour that transmits the fun of our brands and a treat for all is guaranteed!

Perfetti Van Melle will be at Bayside Exhibit Hall – Level 1 — D136 at Licensing Expo 2022, 24–26 May, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas.

 

Honda Motor Europe signs with Faster Brands

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Automotive and entertainment specialist Faster Brands has signed an agreement to represent Honda Motor Europe for the UK and Europe. The agency will source new licensed partnerships and collaborations for Honda across all major categories.

Faster Brands MD Chris Parkes says: “The Honda name is recognised the world over and I am proud to welcome such a prestigious brand to our client list. Work has already started on developing a strategic licensing plan and we will shortly be welcoming interest from potential partners in high-end lifestyle and fashion apparel.

“Faster Brands is excited about helping Honda celebrate its amazing heritage as well as on its journey towards becoming net-zero.”

 

The Point.1888 to represent YouTube hit Super Sema in the UK and Eire

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Retail-first licensing agent The Point.1888 has been appointed as the UK & Eire licensing agency for the YouTube Originals series Super Sema.

The animated children’s series, produced by Lupita Nyong’o, is the world’s first series focused on an African kid superhero. The Point.1888 has been brought on by edutainment company Kukua to manage the property’s licensing programme for UK & Eire and to focus on retail initiatives across all categories.

This follows the announcement that UTA will be representing the brand in the North America. Early response to the brand from potential partners across toy, apparel and publishing has reportedly been phenomenal, with retailers very excited about showcasing the property.

This announcement follows The Point.1888’s successful work in building and delivering licensing programmes with other YouTube hits such as Cocomelon, Blippi and Morphle as EMEA Master Agent.

The Super Sema animated series features the world-changing, STEAM-fuelled adventures of a 10-year-old African girl, Sema, and her twin brother MB on a mission to protect their village from a heartless A.I. robot villain. The series is produced by Kukua, with a female-led team that includes chief executive officer Lucrezia Bisignani and actress and children’s author Lupita Nyong’o.

Super Sema‘s first season of 20 five-minute episodes premiered as a YouTube Originals series in March 2021. Its second season will debut this summer, accompanied by a series of educational videos that help kids further explore the STEAM themes and topics from the animated series.

Bethan Garton, CCO at The Point.1888, says: “Super Sema is an incredibly powerful series which embodies strength, curiosity, innovation and confidence. We’re thrilled to be able to play a part in delivering an inspiring role model to kids throughout the UK via product. The team at Kukua have worked to deliver an outstanding property and we can’t wait for more kids to discover Sema and her world.”

Lucrezia Bisignani, CEO of Kukua, adds: “We’re committed to build a franchise that is fuelled by diversity, kid-power, STEAM skills and creativity. One that encourages children to think outside the box, to ask WHY, to care for others and their planet, to celebrate diversity and to become tomorrow’s change makers. A franchise that allows children to bring what they learn on screen into the real world, and the other way around – and to make, create and technovate inventions and solutions for problems that matter and for which we believe this generation of children is uniquely equipped to help solve.

“We look forward to partnering with like-minded and best-in-class licensing and publishing partners to continue to entertain and empower a generation of children.”

 

McLaren Racing signs memorabilia licence agreement with The Memento Group

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The Memento Group (TMG), the UK-based sports licensing, retail and memorabilia business, has confirmed a new multi-year licence agreement with Formula 1  team McLaren Racing allowing authentic, race-used memorabilia to be sold through www.f1authentics.com – F1’s official memorabilia platform.

The multi-year licence agreement will extend the relationship between McLaren Racing and The Memento Group until the end of the 2024 F1 season and is the largest commitment the F1 team has made to date to the F1 Authentics ecommerce platform.

Under the terms of the agreement, McLaren Racing will release official components and bodywork for the first time alongside heritage items and racewear pieces that have been available on F1 Authentics since 2019.

Barry Gough, CEO of The Memento Group (TMG), owners of F1 Authentics, says: “McLaren is a name steeped in F1 history. It is the second most successful Formula One team having won 12 Drivers’ Championships, eight Constructors’ Championships, and 183 races – one of which was claimed as part of a fantastic 1-2 at last season’s Italian Grand Prix.

“As a team on the rise, and one with an extremely loyal fan base, this is a great time to enhance our partnership. It marks an important step in giving those fans exclusive access to authentic merchandise, the latest memorabilia and for the first time ever, race-used McLaren car parts and bodywork.”

Lindsey Eckhouse, Director of Licensing, eCommerce & esports at McLaren Racing, adds: “We are delighted to be extending our relationship with the Memento Group and F1 Authentics. The addition of official components and bodywork, which will be available for fans to purchase for the first time, allows us to give components a new lease of life and supports our mission to provide positive solutions to sustainability, through our people, technology, processes, operations and partners.”

F1 Authentics launched in 2019 and includes an online shop and auction featuring past and present F1 memorabilia, such as used race wear as well as bespoke show cars and restored ex-race cars. Each item of memorabilia features an authentic hologram that can be digitally registered.

Working directly with F1 teams and drivers, F1 Authentics also presents official licensed products. The Memento Group holds licence agreements with the following F1 teams: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, McLaren Racing, Alpine F1 Team, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team, Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN & Haas F1 Team.

For official McLaren Racing memorabilia and more visit www.f1authentics.com.

 

UNIQLO and Blue Note Records team for t-shirt collection

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Blue Note Records and UNIQLO have teamed up once again for a new UT t-shirt collection featuring five new designs based on iconic Blue Note album covers that were selected by Blue Note President and GRAMMY-winning producer Don Was.

Brokered by Universal Music Group’s merchandising division, Bravado, via their team in Japan, the new UT collection is on sale today in UNIQLO stores worldwide and online at bluenote.lnk.to/uniqlo.

“We’re thrilled to team up with UNIQLO on this new UT collection that lets fans adorn themselves in the visionary designs of Reid Miles,” says Was. “In the 1950s and 60s Reid created an enduringly hip Blue Note aesthetic with album covers that were themselves works of art, and we hope new generations will discover his genius through UT.”

This is Blue Note’s fourth collaboration with UNIQLO and the second volume of the popular UT collection that was launched last year. UT asked Was to select 30 “Essential” Blue Note album covers from which the UT designers carefully selected the seven designs released in 2021 and the five additional designs featured in this new collection: Lee Morgan’s Cornbread and The Rumproller, Freddie Hubbard’s Hub-Tones, Andrew Hill’s Judgment, and Eric Dolphy’s Out To Lunch.

To celebrate the collaboration Blue Note has updated the official playlist BLUE NOTE MEETS UT, which was specially curated by Was for this collaboration.

Sesame Street Educational Play Centers come to Korea

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Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit media and education organisation, is launching its first in a series of Sesame Street-themed Educational Play Centers (EPCs), interactive location-based experiences for young children that foster playful learning. Partnering with AVECS Creative Group, a Seoul-based agency, the first EPC will open in the new LOTTE Department Store Dongtan in Gyeonggi Province on 18 March.

“Sesame Street Learn & Play” is the first of five EPCs that Sesame Workshop and AVECS Creative Group will launch across Korea over the next five years. Research has shown that children learn best through play as they are cognitively, physically and socially engaged in activities that they’re interested in, and play provides opportunities to try new things.

Classes include Cooking, Science, Art, Music & Dance, and Messy Sensory Play. Décor features Sesame Street’s much-loved colourful characters and iconic scenery, making for a welcoming and immersive experience.

“We are thrilled to be launching Sesame Workshop’s first Educational Play Center in South Korea, where Sesame Street has been a beloved and recognised brand for many years,” says Will DePippo, Senior Director of Asia Pacific, Sesame Workshop. “We know that playful learning boosts academic skills, as well as physical and social-emotional development. Combining our 50+ years of producing world-renowned educational content and themed attractions with AVECS’ industry-leading expertise in building best-in-class experiential offerings locally, we are expanding our efforts to help South Korean children become creative and engaged learners for life.”

Sesame Street is available in South Korea on free-to-air public broadcaster EBS and via Pay-TV on CJ E&M. Sesame Street content can also be seen through the LG Smart TV app as well as on Coupang Play, a major Korean streaming platform.

“We are excited to partner with Sesame Workshop to present the world’s first Educational Play Center in South Korea,” says Park Hong-bin, CEO of AVECS Creative Group. “Sesame Street Learn & Play Center is a unique multi-educational play facility for children of all ages – offering fun-filled activities, recreation and play in an environment based on the philosophy of the household education brand that all Koreans love and trust – Sesame Street.”

As location-based entertainment and demand for in-person experiences continue to grow globally, Sesame Workshop is creating a variety of in-person engagement opportunities for kids and their families. The Sesame Street EPC offers a “Learn through Play” model with activities such as skills classes, interactive play experiences, and Sesame Street character interactions, in addition to food and beverage, and merchandising possibilities.

“Our goal at Sesame Street Learn & Play is for kids to have a positive, playful learning experience, inspiring them to become lifelong learners and helping them thrive in all aspects of their growth,” comments Choi Soung-ah, Executive Vice President, AVECS Creative Group. “We want all kids to leave the center feeling like they were successful.”