Myprotein and Vimto collab back by popular demand

Myprotein is collaborating with iconic drinks brand Vimto once again this summer, after becoming one of the most in-demand flavours of 2021.

Back by popular demand, the extended Vimto range includes Myprotein Limited Edition Vimto Clear Whey Isolate, a fruitier, lighter alternative to traditional whey protein, and Myvitamins Limited Edition Vimto Multivitamin Gummies, a gummy multivitamin containing real fruit juice and eight key nutrients.  

The Myprotein Vimto Clear Whey Isolate containing real fruit juice powder will be available in two limited-edition flavours: Orange, Strawberry and Lime, and Original Vimto flavour, Grape, Raspberry and Blackcurrant. Myprotein Clear Whey Isolate uses high-quality hydrolysed whey protein isolate, which boasts 20g of protein for just 84 calories. Both flavours can be purchased in full size at £28.99 and sample size at £2.49 on Myprotein.com.

Later this year, Myvitamins will also permanently launch Vimto Multivitamin Gummies in Original Vimto flavour. The eight key nutrients in the limited-edition gummies include vitamin D to support bone health, vitamin C to maintain immune function, vitamin A to maintain a healthy complexion, biotin to support the condition of hair and nails, and vitamin B6 to reduce feelings of tiredness. The gummies will be available for purchase at £13.99 on Myvitamins.com.

Both flavours of the Vimto Clear Whey Isolate will also be available in a taster pack containing sample size portions alongside a limited-edition Vimto collaboration protein shaker at £9.97 on Myprotein.com. 

Licensing-X Germany gearing up for successful show

Event organiser Spielwarenmesse eG has issued an update on preparations for Licensing-X Germany, planned in close cooperation with Licensing International and set to take place from 5 to 7 October at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre alongside the stationery expo Insights-X. The event aims to offer new programming and networking opportunities for the entire licensing industry, which continues to grow rapidly. 

Rapid growth

According to the Global Sizing Study by Licensing International, the worldwide retail revenue in licensed products and services amounted to 320 billion US dollars in 2021. In the German market alone, the sum adds up to 12.5 billion US dollars, an increase of 4.5% in comparison to the last study in 2019.

The strongest growth was registered by corporate brands, which grew disproportionately in the last year. This is due to the “cocooning” trend during the pandemic, whereby consumers fell back on familiar, trusted brands. The categories with the highest revenue are fashion and accessories, toys, video games, sports, entertainment electronics and foodstuffs.

Promising trends

Licensors, licensees and licensing agents, service providers and specialist retailers will all have the opportunity at the show to exploit the second largest European market, get to know its particularities and conclude new licensing deals. Currently, tried and tested properties dominated by blockbusters and famous characters from the preschool sector as well as innovative licenses from digital worlds are trending. These include NFTs, platforms such as YouTube, and streaming services. At Licensing-X Germany, the possibilities span much more than just the toy industry, offering the opportunity to reach new horizons with exciting business opportunities.

“Licensing-X Germany follows the long tradition of Licensing Market, which we have been organising for the licensing industry in the German-speaking area for over 20 years,” says Peter Hollo, who runs Licensing International in Germany. “After the pandemic continuously threw a spanner into its works, it was high time to replace an outdated hotel trade-fair format with a professional licensing trade fair. That is why Licensing-X Germany is not just a place for licensors alone, but rather the large overarching platform for all who offer services in the German-speaking licensing business.”

Market-oriented speakers

The event will be rounded off with an informative supporting programme. Licensing International will contribute with its own, already established formats such as the Licensing Awards and the Licensing University. Among the first confirmed speakers who will report on current industry topics are Prof Karl Peter Fischer, lecturer for applied management and digital marketing, and patent lawyer Christian Fortmann. Anika Scharlock, Global Relations Manager – Brand Protection at Amazon, is a keynote speaker. In addition, there will be a get-together with all participants of Insights-X on the first evening of the event.

Synergies and services

Parallel event Insights-X is the only independent specialist expo for the international stationery industry in Germany. It offers strong points of contact to the licensing business with its back-to-school category. Visitors will especially profit from the KombiTicket: at a price of 10 euros, it provides access to both expos for the entire duration and can be used as a ticket for local public transport. Opening hours are from 9 am to 6 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and from 9 am to 5 pm on Friday. Ticket sales will begin on 27 July.

In summary, Spielwarenmesse eG’s Christian Ulrich says: “With Licensing-X Germany, we are expanding our portfolio into a rapidly growing market that is well-known to us and does business across various industries. We are doing everything we can to make the event the ‘place to be’ in the German-speaking area.”

Constantly updated information is available at the two websites www.licensing-x.de and www.insights-x.com.

Former Roblox VP Jon Vlassopulos joins advisory board at metaverse company Dubit

Dubit, the creator of metaverse experiences, games, and events for brands, has announced the appointment of Jon Vlassopulos – former Roblox VP, Global Head of Music – to its advisory board. 
Vlassopulos joins following almost three years leading music initiatives at Roblox, which reaches over 200 million users a month with games and experiences, and where he remains an advisor. The groundbreaking virtual concerts and experiences that he produced for major artists like Lil Nas X, Twenty One Pilots, KSI, 24KGoldn and Zara Larsson, reached and engaged over 100M people around the world.
Dubit recently created the first virtual experiences for the two biggest music awards shows, the BRITs and the Grammys, featuring standout virtual performances from viral UK artist Pink Pantheress and Latin star Camilo. The company is also behind Samsung’s Superstar Galaxy, which last Friday 17 June) showcased an exclusive concert from British singer-songwriter Charli XCX.
Vlassopulus will work with Dubit in a senior advisory capacity on future metaverse strategies, supporting its partnerships with brands, publishers, artists, and metaverse platforms.
Announcing the appointment, Matthew Warneford, CEO and Co-Founder of Dubit, commented: “We have had the pleasure of working closely with Jon and his team on multiple occasions over the past couple of years, and we’re thrilled he has chosen to join our advisory board. Jon’s relationships, unrivalled experience and creative production expertise will be an invaluable part of our ongoing strategy to help forward-thinking brands, artists and events activate in the metaverse.”
“Dubit became a trusted partner during my time at Roblox delivering entertaining and immersive virtual experiences for our music and brand partners,” says Vlassopulos. “The beauty of the metaverse is its power to reach and engage massive global audiences that are unreachable on other platforms and in the real world. Dubit’s ability to create experiences for this new medium that strengthens bonds between fans, brands and artists is among the best in the business. I’m looking forward to working with them to help conceive and activate many more iconic virtual events and experiences on platforms like Roblox.”
The possibilities are limitless for branded events and musical experiences in the metaverse. As well as Roblox (over 200m monthly active users), Minecraft (170m), and Fortnite (270m), newer platforms such as Core and web3 based platforms including The Sandbox are providing unprecedented choice and depth of experience for audiences.

WB Shop debuts House of the Dragon exclusive merch

Providing a sneak peek at the aesthetic from the highly anticipated prequel to Game of Thrones, fans can now purchase apparel, home goods and collectibles showcasing the new series, House of the Dragon – which premieres on August 21 on HBO and HBO Max – at digital retail destination WB Shop.

Inspired by the fiery Targaryen family and the quest to claim the Iron Throne, the WB Shop range includes the “Dreams Didn’t Make Us Kings. Dragons Did” Capsule Collection, featuring posters, t-shirts, hoodies, and mugs adorned with the bold statement; the Dragon Eye Capsule Collection of striking new accessories, apparel and housewares adorned with a red dragon eye reflecting the new Iron Throne against a black background, and the Dragon Crown Capsule Collection, showcasing the House of the Dragon crown design on fashion, accessories, collectibles, and more.

Outside the WB Shop, official House of the Dragon products will also debut from a variety of partners including Vintage Wine Estates, Treasury Wine Estates, and Mikkeller Beer. New merchandise will roll out throughout the summer and into the autumn on the WB Shop and at other retailers.

 

The Adventures of Paddington coming to MENA

Paddington, the lovable bear who stole the show at the recent star-studded Platinum Jubilee concert in London, is coming to MENA, thanks to family entertainment media company Spacetoon.

In collaboration with STUDIOCANAL, Spacetoon will broadcast season 1 of 3D animation series The Adventures of Paddington on its Spacetoon TV Channel and Spacetoon GO online streaming service, in September this year. The series will be available with Arabic dubbing.

STUDIOCANAL’s Beatriz Campos, SVP Global Sales and Production, Financing, says: “We are delighted that Paddington, the world’s favourite bear, will be travelling to the Middle East to embark on exciting overseas adventures thanks to our friends at Spacetoon. He is adored by millions, both young and adult audiences, and we are sure his kind, optimistic and easy-going stories will charm all viewers throughout the region.”

 

BOSS expands Legends series with Freddie Mercury collection

BOSS has launched a unique capsule collection celebrating the attitude, vision and spirit of iconic singer, songwriter and performer Freddie Mercury. 

Inspired by icons past and present, the BOSS Legends series launched recently with a collection inspired by Muhammad Ali and will continue over the coming months. Each collection is inspired by an iconic individual, with a portion of profits donated to a charity close to their heart.

This June during Pride Month, BOSS presents a limited collection that pays tribute to game-changing performer Freddie Mercury. The capsule contains statement essentials printed with black and white photos of some of his renowned performances, each accompanied by his autograph or a specially created combined BOSS logo and autograph motif. A standout item from the collection is a T-shirt printed with a quote from Freddie that perfectly captures the spirit of the BOSS Legends series: “I’m not going to be a star. I’m going to be a legend!”

The exclusive designs are available in black, white, or a bright yellow inspired by the jacket worn by Mercury during his last tour with Queen in 1986.

The collaboration was made possible by Bravado, Universal Music Group’s brand management division, in partnership with Mercury Songs Ltd. The Freddie Mercury capsule collection is available online and in BOSS Stores globally now, with a portion of all proceeds going to the Mercury Phoenix Trust.

 

Woodlodge partners with Pantone to brighten up British gardens

Gardenware specialist Woodlodge has teamed up with Pantone, the universal language of colour for designers, brands and manufacturers, for its latest licensed outdoor collection.

Inspired by Pantone’s most popular shades, the new collaboration offers a contemporary and on-trend range of planters designed to appeal to a wider range of consumers. Buyers can get the first glimpse of this exciting partnership at outdoor living show Glee next week.

Featuring the instantly recognisable Pantone logo, the new portfolio aims to inject colour into sales areas and tap into the popularity of bold shades in the home.

The new outdoor planter collection is available in eight different designs which include glazed terracotta, reinforced concrete and fibreclay planters in an array of colours, bringing Pantone’s expertise, vision and design to the gardener.

Pioneering the way in stand-out garden design for 2023 are the Woodlodge and Pantone Dipped Pots. Sleek, modern and aesthetically minimal, the straight-edged planters are available in seven different colours with a bare rim providing a contrasting design. The two-tone finish adds depth and looks great in contemporary and transitional homes, whilst the stone-like texture makes these planters’ equal parts striking and functional. Complete with the iconic Pantone logo, the simple design allows the plants to pack a real punch and reflects the aesthetic sensibilities of the Gen Z and Millennial audience.

Michael Wooldridge, Director of Woodlodge, says: “Pantone is highly recognised both within and outside of the design community and now Woodlodge is bringing it into the garden. The brand has a huge influence on interior design and fashion;Pantone’s Colour of the Year announcement is always influential in trends that are to come. This collaboration will bring a new audience to the garden retailer, as well as appeal to buyers who increasingly believe that interior fashion and design can play an important role in the garden too. We are delighted to add the Pantone licensed range to our ever-expanding portfolio and continue to lead the way in cutting-edge garden decor.”

Woodlodge will be exhibiting the Pantone range in Hall 20 at Glee (28–30 June, NEC Birmingham). For more information on Woodlodge’s new ranges for 2023, visit www.woodlodge.co.uk.

Verdy x Minions streetwear collection to launch this week

Inspired by the new Illumination film, Minions: The Rise of Gru, the Minions, in collaboration with Universal Brand Development, have teamed with graphic artist Verdy – the founder of streetwear labels Girls Don’t Cry and Wasted Youth – to launch the Verdy x Minions capsule collection, now exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood, and at Universal Studios Japan beginning June 24.

To celebrate the initiative, celebrity guests were treated to an early preview of the collection at a private party at Universal Studios Hollywood on Thursday, June 16, which featured music by DJ Zack Bia, access to the “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” ride and the Super Silly Store – where the collection will be available for purchase – as well as photo ops with Illumination’s Minions and Verdy’s Vick character, signature cocktails, appetisers and more.

Pairing two global brands, both with massive appeal, the Verdy x Minions collection reunites the mischievous Minions with Verdy’s signature character Vick after a record-setting sell-out collaboration between the two style icons in 2020. The limited run will feature tees, hoodies, long-sleeve shirts, hats, accessories, and skate decks brought to life with graphics featuring new Minion Otto paired as a duo with Vick. Additional designs include the larger-than-life Minions featured on long-sleeve tees, as well as graphic tees and jackets with a re-imagined design of Verdy’s yellow rose in a can with the Minions creating mayhem around it.

Verdy x Minions is available exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood, and at Universal Studios Japan beginning  June 24, 2022, with a special limited edition launching July 1, the same day Minions: The Rise of Gru arrives in cinemas, on www.verdyxminions.com.

“I’m happy to continue my relationship with Illumination’s Minions,” says Verdy. “Having my character Vick made into a mascot and interacting with the Minions characters at the Universal Studios theme parks in Hollywood and Japan seems unreal. It is a dream come true.”

“Illumination’s Minions are global icons, and they’ve profoundly influenced pop culture and fashion worldwide,” says Scott Schiraj, Director, Franchise Management, Universal Brand Development. “Our first Verdy x Minions collaboration sold out in under 60 seconds. With fans asking for more, we’re thrilled to collaborate with Verdy on a new capsule inspired by Minions: The Rise of Gru and have strategically partnered with our Universal Studios theme parks in Hollywood and Japan, to exclusively launch the collection – serving fans with early access to these coveted limited-edition drops.”

Verdy, a graphic artist based in Tokyo, has worked with brands such as Nike, Human Made, Instagram, Levi’s, Louis Vuitton, Dover Street Market and more. In 2021, he entered the contemporary art world by having his first solo show at Takashi Murakami’s gallery, Kaikai Kiki in Tokyo.

Animation Café and WildBrain Spark team up for Sunny Bunnies sing-along series

Media I.M. Incorporated, a London-based content distribution company specialising in premium animation and family entertainment, has announced that Sunny Bunnies Sing-Along, a new spin-off from the hugely popular Sunny Bunnies preschool series, will go into production this month, with the first episode due to be released in August.

The new series of 26 x 2.5-min episodes is a co-production between kids’ and family AVOD network WildBrain Spark, and Poland’s Animation Café, which took over the production and rights to the preschool phenomenon in March this year. The partnership will see Warsaw-based Animation Café ramp up production of the new Sunny Bunnies music sub-brand, which is being developed off the back of the global success of the Sunny Bunnies series, now in its sixth season. Sunny Bunnies has amassed more than 3.8 billion views and 2.6 million subscribers since it launched on YouTube in 2015.

Animation Café aims to produce two new episodes for Sunny Bunnies Sing-Along per month from mid-August. Launching initially on the official Sunny Bunnies YouTube channel, each episode of the new series will feature a popular nursery rhyme, which will be ‘Bunnified’ with funny new lyrics, musical arrangements and the brand’s signature animation. US-based children’s animation veteran Michael Mennies (The Fixies; Kit ‘n’ Kate; Take My Muffin) has been named as the music producer on the new series. Sunny Bunnies Sing-Along is already poised to become a YouTube hit, following the release of a Sing-Along pilot series of 6 x 2.5 mins in July 2021, which has since generated 32 million views.

Media I.M., which manages global distribution rights for Sunny Bunnies and Sunny Bunnies Sing-Along, has also extended its agreement for WildBrain Spark to continue managing the official Sunny Bunnies YouTube channel, as well as distributing both shows via its global network of hub channels for the next five years. WildBrain Spark has been the driving force behind the success of Sunny Bunnies on YouTube since 2016.

Andrei Ledzianeu, Director of Animation Café, says: “While developing a new Sunny Bunnies spinoff, we wanted to add a musical aspect to the franchise. One obvious complexity is that none of the characters in the series can sing; however, we came up with a solution which fits perfectly with the overall feel of the show. We are really excited to have our little fans enjoy this new musical content – the Sunny Bunnies Sing Along.’’

Matt Rennie, VP Content & Operations at WildBrain Spark, adds: “The global success of Sunny Bunnies is testament to the strength of our YouTube network to drive the growth of a kids’ brand – especially one with such captivating and engaging stories and characters. Exploring the development of a sing-along series was a natural extension for the brand, and we’re excited to be working with Animation Café and Media I.M. on the creative execution of new original content as we continue to build the Sunny Bunnies brand on YouTube and beyond.”

Maria Ufland, co-founder of Media I.M. Incorporated, says: “WildBrain Spark has been a very supportive partner to us since we started to manage Sunny Bunnies and has helped us grow the brand into a truly global phenomenon. WildBrain Spark’s endorsement not only speaks to Sunny Bunnies’ creative excellence but also confirms that the brand is highly valuable and highly investable IP – and we have five strong years of YouTube data to prove it.”

Launched in 2015 on YouTube, Sunny Bunnies was picked up in 2016 by Disney Channel, Disney Junior and DisneyNOW in the US. A wave of high-profile sales across Europe and Asia-Pacific followed, as the preschool animation’s popularity built around the world. It now airs in more than 160 countries and is supported by a comprehensive L&M strategy encompassing toys, publishing and apparel.

Sunny Bunnies are five beaming balls that can appear anywhere there is a source of light, from sunshine to moonlight. In each episode, the cheeky creatures bring their fun and games to a different location – a circus, a sports stadium, a park – embarking on mischievous adventures and spreading laughter and happiness. And at the end of every episode, the fun continues with a collection of bloopers.

 

 

 

 

 

Derry Girls star joins voice cast for Aardman’s Lloyd of the Flies

Multi-award-winning independent animation studio Aardman has launched a new teaser from its latest comedy series, Lloyd of the Flies, to celebrate Insect Week. The studio has also announced Jamie-Lee O’Donnell as a new addition to the voice cast.

Lloyd of the Flies shines a light on the weird and wonderful world of insects. The series follows the adventures of Lloyd B Fly, a housefly and the middle child of 453. Lloyd lives with his parents, his little sister PB and their 225 maggot siblings inside a compost bin. In the series, Lloyd is always accompanied by his best and only friend, Abacus Woodlouse, PB, and eccentric tag-along, Cornea Butterfly. Together they explore the strange world beyond the compost bin, where there is no shortage of lessons for Lloyd to very nearly learn.

 

Developed in-house and supported by the BFI-managed Young Audiences Content Fund (YACF), the new series is Aardman’s first “in-house” CGI production. The studio is working to develop a broad range of partnerships around Lloyd of the Flies, developing the brand’s presence across all major touchpoints including consumer products, attractions and interactive entertainment. An AR experience app will be launched to coincide with the series.

Jamie-Lee O’Donnell (Derry Girls, Screw) also joins the cast as the voice of Louse Hunter, a spider who only hunts woodlice for the challenge and thrill of the chase, and Yard the bumble bee who regularly frequents the local Pancake Diner.

She stars alongside Tom Rosenthal (Friday Night Dinner, Plebs) who voices Lloyd, Alex Lawther (The End of the F***ing World, Black Mirror), who voices Lloyd’s best friend Abacus, and Lauren Patel (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) who takes on the role of PB. Teresa Gallagher plays Cornea Butterfly, with Callum Scott Howells (It’s A Sin) voicing Lloyd’s nemesis, Berry.

Sean Clarke, Managing Director of Aardman, says: “Launching our first in-house CGI series marks an exciting new development for Aardman as well as the advent of new talent from the studio bringing their ideas to life. With a host of incredible voices alongside exceptional crew, drawn from all over the world, we can’t wait to share Lloyd of the Flies with audiences from this autumn. This comedic new series will entertain the whole family and we are sure that it will create a real buzz in living rooms.”

The 52 x 11’ animated sitcom series will be premiering on CiTV in September 2022.