Marvel teams with The Prince’s Trust to give aspiring designers their first break

Marvel has announced the launch of its first ever Marvel & The Prince’s Trust collection, created in collaboration with the youth charity.

Disney partnered with The Prince’s Trust on a two-week programme to give young aspiring designers the opportunity to break into the world of fashion and product design by pairing each participant with a mentor and hosting a series of exclusive, in-depth workshops.

This culminated in the aspiring designers creating two Marvel-inspired product ranges. The first, which spotlights Marvel’s The Avengers, features products with design influences from American street culture and sports after exploring current trends in the market, taking into consideration the themes of inclusivity as well as being inspired by the teamwork of Marvel’s super heroes. The collection will be available to purchase from The Disney Store and online from today at shopDisney.co.uk in the UK and across Europe.

This gender neutral collection features a range of products including The Prince’s Trust Avengers Hooded Sweatshirt (£45), The Prince’s Trust Marvel Avengers Backpack (£38), The Prince’s Trust Marvel Avengers Beanie (£20), and The Princes Trust Leather Journal and Pen (£40).

This year’s course, Get Started in Product Design with Marvel, was the first in the three-year partnership focused on providing nine young people, aged 16-30, with the change to design two Marvel product ranges with the support and mentorship of Disney’s designers.

The second range, celebrating female super heroes from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will go on sale later in the year – also exclusively on shopDisney.

 

 

FuturumKids and Monster Entertainment bring Paddles to Australia

Animation and media company FuturumKids, whose new CGI show for four-to-seven-year-olds, Paddles, has launched in a number of markets, has announced its arrival in its first major market outside Europe with a deal to show Paddles on the Stan streaming service in Australia.

Stan is a video-on-demand subscription service that provides its customers with access to a wide range of movies, television programmes, sports and other audio-visual content. This includes original productions and high-quality acquisitions, notably in children’s programming, where Stan has been building a strong portfolio of quality kids’ content.

With its wide availability on multiple devices, Stan has the fastest subscription growth rate of any streaming service in Australia. The show will launch on the Australian network in the autumn, boosting the fast-growing presence of the lovable polar bear in multiple markets.

The deal was brokered by brand management company Monster Entertainment, which last year signed a global distribution deal for Paddles. Monster Entertainment will focus on bringing Paddles to new territories around the world except Korea, which will be managed by local company Neon.

Paddles, a 52 x 11 series, tells the story of a polar bear cub who accidentally finds himself in Ireland – and is brought up by a pack of Irish wolfhounds.

This deal is the latest stage in the broadcast and merchandising development of Paddles, whose makers include members of the team behind the seven-time Emmy-award-winning children’s series Jakers! FuturumKids also contains senior figures from HIT Entertainment and its global franchises Bob the Builder, Barney and Thomas and Friends.

Paddles has already been sold to Cartoonito UK and launched on Ireland’s RTE with more major broadcast deals imminent. The Futurum team will be building on this success at MIPTV, where it expects to see strong interest in the show, which is also making inroads into the licensing arena.

As well as distribution deals with Monster and Neon, an e-commerce venture for plush is in the works, with a merchandising strategy already in place. This is led by Niall Watters, formerly Head of Brand Partnerships at ChannelSight, a leading e-commerce intelligence and performance optimisation platform. He is now Head of Commercial at Futurum Group and building a merchandising strategy that will start by bringing specially developed Paddles plush and other items to market at the same time as the show launches in a number of countries.

The first range of Paddles licensing and merchandising products is already on the way and a number of other deals are to be announced in the runup to MIPTV.

Brendan Kelly, Head of Sales at FuturumKids, says: “There’s always a very strong demand for preschool entertainment but it takes something special to attract the attention of a streaming service like Stan, which is focusing on building a portfolio of quality kids’ shows. We believe Paddles perfectly fits this aim and are thrilled that Monster Entertainment has brokered this deal with a leading name in Australia’s VoD market.”

River Island and Barbie launch Just Be EXTRA! collection

Barbie – the world’s number-one fashion doll – and high street retailer River Island have teamed up for the second time for another fashionable kidswear collection.

The new collection is inspired by the Barbie EXTRA bold statement fashion dolls, with a range of apparel that includes playful and over-the-top slogan t-shirts, iconic matching lounge sets and more.

The ‘Just Be EXTRA!’ collection marks the second collaboration for the brands, following the sell-out success of their first partnership.

River Island says: “Let your little girl reach for the stars and rock her own unique style with our second RI X Barbie collection. Being a girl has no limits and neither do her clothes. More is always more!”

The collection campaign includes an influencer takeover on River Island’s social channels.

Barbie x River Island is available in 67 stores and online. The range is aimed at girls aged 3-16 years, with prices starting from RRP £15.

 

Bushmills Irish Whiskey is named the official tipple of Peaky Blinders

Bushmills Irish Whiskey – from the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery – has announced its designation as the Official Whiskey of the Peaky Blinders TV show, and preferred sipper of the notorious Shelby Family.

The partnership with Endemol Shine North America (a Banijay company), and Peaky Blinders’ official brand owner and series producer, Caryn Mandabach Productions, launches just in time for St. Patrick’s Day and will extend through 2022.

“The motivations of the Shelbys are those of family, loyalty and perseverance, which are the same qualities that have put Bushmills at the forefront of whiskey making for hundreds of years,” says Lander Otegui, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Proximo Spirits, Bushmills’ brand owner. “Over the course of our partnership, we are excited to connect with a new, dynamic generation of whiskey drinkers through collaborative content and experiences that speak to the history and heart of our brand.”

To kick off the partnership, U.S. fans of Bushmills Irish Whiskey and of the Peaky Blinders TV show can order a Shelby Sour from their local bar between now and 17 March, and Bushmills will cover the cost. The cocktail, inspired by Tommy Shelby, features sweet and fruity flavours, balanced by the smooth, warm finish of Bushmills Original Whiskey. Head to www.Bushmills.com/Shelby for official terms and conditions of the offer, the Shelby Sour recipe and an exclusive sneak peek into Bushmills’ next release.

“What better way to welcome Bushmills as the Official Whiskey of the Peaky Blinders TV series than with a free whiskey cocktail for our loyal fans,” says Scott Shillet, Vice President of Licensing at Endemol Shine North America. “We’re excited to give our extended Shelby family a first taste of the partnership this St. Patrick’s Day as they eagerly await the sixth and final season of the hit show.”

Throughout the year, Bushmills, Endemol Shine North America and Caryn Mandabach Productions will connect with U.S. consumers through a full-scale promotion featuring co-branded content, a national advertising campaign and live experiential moments.

 

 

 

 

Genius Brands appoints Brands with Influence as UK agent

Genius Brands International has appointed award-winning agency Brands with Influence as its exclusive licensing agent in the U.K. for the Company’s portfolio of IP.

Brands with Influence will be responsible for creating licensing, merchandising and retail programmes for Genius Brands’ slate of properties, including the Stan Lee brand, from the legendary Marvel creator, which the global media children’s company manages and controls following a joint venture announced in 2020 with Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment.

Additional IP from the Genius Brands’ catalogue that Brands with Influence will represent include Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rainbow Rangers, and more.

Genius Brands’ Chief Brand Officer Kerry Phelan says: “Stan Lee is a global icon who inspirational messages of hope, diversity and inclusivity have resonated globally for decades. It is of vital importance to us to find partners that understand our vision for the Stan Lee brand and can be trusted to deliver on Stan’s values and lasting legacy. We are thrilled to bring Brands with Influence on board to develop programmes across the U.K. for Stan Lee and our entire portfolio of brands and look forward to more exciting developments in the months to come.”

Martin Lowde, MD Brands with Influence, says: “Like millions across the world, we are massive fans of the legendary work of Stan Lee – he is the ‘Godfather of Marvel Comics’. We look forward to working with Kerry and the Genius Brands team to create a consumer products programme that honours his legacy, as well as developing unique programmes for their library of original children’s brands.”

Fender and Mattel collaborate for one-of-a-kind Hot Wheels collection

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation’s Fender Custom Shop has announced the launch of a special collaboration with Mattel and Hot Wheels.

Created by the Shop’s team of 11 master builders and five apprentice builders, the Fender Custom Shop Hot Wheels collection consists of 16 one-of-a-kind, bespoke designs inspired by the die-cast vehicles introduced by Mattel in 1968.

Each guitar in the collection is designed with careful attention to unique designs, graphics and Hot Wheels colour shades that stay true to the 1:64 scale cars. In addition, each model comes with a Hot Wheels strap and pick set as well as a custom Hot Wheels Hardshell case, all adorned in the brand’s signature orange and blue, as well as a Hot Wheels die-cast that its associated guitar is inspired by and a certificate of authenticity.

“We’re honoured to be working with Mattel to bring this Hot Wheels collection to life,” says Mike Lewis, VP Product Development, Fender Custom Shop. “For years, we’ve taken a deep source of inspiration from the automobile industry and with such a unique take on cars, Hot Wheels was always a dream partner. Each builder crafted their own guitar with world-class creativity and we can’t wait for people globally to see these collectible products.”page1image15070912

“The Hot Wheels team is thrilled to create such a special collection of guitars with the global leaders of musical instruments at Fender Custom Shop,” says Ted Wu, Global Head of Hot Wheels Design at Mattel. “Both of our brands trace their roots back to California, with Hot Wheels embodying SoCal car culture and Fender synonymous with Los Angeles rock ’n’ roll. We can’t wait for artists and car enthusiasts alike to see these one-of-a-kind designs.”

The collection features a variety of established models, including the Stratocaster, Precision Bass, Telecaster, Jaguar and Katana.

“Hot Wheels rides have been just as much part of our team’s childhood as classic guitars, so getting the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind instruments inspired by some of our favourite cars has been a dream,” says Dennis Galuszka, FCS Master Builder. “Each builder brought their own unique take to the design process, which was influenced by years of childhood nostalgia and the iconic orange track. The final results are works of art that pay tribute to both Fender and Hot Wheels.”

As the bestselling toy in the world, Hot Wheels has become a worldwide powerhouse franchise with live and virtual events on almost every continent, sought-after consumer products and top-tier collaborations, a number-one-rated content channel on YouTube and more. While 16.5 Hot Wheels are sold every second and over 8 billion cars have been sold to date, the brand continues to expand its presence in new ways such as NFTs and digital gaming, with success across mobile, console and PC platforms.page5image15139584

Hot Wheels Collection guitars will be available for purchase at limited dealers. For more information visit www.fendercustomshop.com.

Cityneon wins Lumiere Award for VR Machu Picchu experience

Cityneon‘s VR experience, Machu Picchu and the Spirit of the Condor, has won the Best Use of VR category at the 12th annual Lumiere Awards.

The company was honoured alongside many top industry names in global film, television, and gaming studios in the awards ceremony, held at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, California.

Cityneon’s Machu Picchu and the Spirit of the Condor features the first-ever virtual showcase of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Peru. Through the utilisation of patented VR motion chairs fully equipped with multi-sensory stimulation features such as high-resolution six degrees of freedom (6-DOF) VR headsets, haptic feedback on the backseats, scent dispensers and unlimited 360-degree rotation, the VR experience is featured as the highlight of the company’s Original Artefact IP Experience – Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru.

“We are ecstatic to receive this prestigious award,” says Ron Tan, Executive Chairman & Group CEO of Cityneon Holdings. “This award not only recognises the wonderful potential of virtual reality in capturing the world around us, but it is also a testament to Cityneon’s expertise in innovative technologies that empowers the Group to bring immersive entertainment to a whole new level.”

As a global leader of immersive experiences, Cityneon seeks to capture the imagination of their visitors and deliver compelling experiences that will shape the future of the experience entertainment industry. Their enduring partnerships with global partners such as Disney, Marvel, Hasbro, Universal, Lionsgate, and 20th Century Studios, and the Peruvian and Egyptian governments, drive the company to produce world-class experiences for millions of visitors each year.

Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru launched last October at the Boca Raton Museum of Art in Florida and the experience will be travelling to Paris at the City of Architecture and Heritage, Palais de Chaillot, on 16 April 2022. The Group also launched the world premiere of Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs in Houston, Texas, last November.

Apart from the two artefact IPs, the Group also holds studio IP rights including partnerships with 20th Century Studios for Avatar: The Exhibition, Universal Studios for Jurassic World: The Exhibition, Marvel for Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. – debuting in Tokyo this April – Lionsgate for The Hunger Games: The Exhibition, and Hasbro for Transformers: The Experience.

Cityneon has also recently announced a partnership with Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment to produce two unique global touring themed art experiences inspired by DC Comics and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, slated to launch in 2023.

To support its global endeavours, Cityneon has announced its expansion into Qatar to cater to markets in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa, and the launch of a new R&D facility in Wuxi, China, to further expand its capabilities in entertainment robotics.

 

First pitchers announced for Brands & Retail UK Summer Conference

Ryan Beaird, Event Director of the Brands & Retail UK Conference, has confirmed a host of big-name participants for the Summer conference, which takes place at the British Library, London, on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 July 2022.

Companies confirmed so far include:

TeamGB – Day 1 and Day 2

The Victoria and Albert Museum – Day 1

Mattel – Day 2

Paramount – Day 1 and Day 2

Acamar Films – Day 2

Kelebek Media – Day 2

MGA Entertainment – Day 2

Penguin Ventures – Day 2

Warhammer – Day 2

With only twelve 15-minute pitching slots left for Day One (6 July) for Lifestyle, Commercial, Heritage, Charity and Sports brands and only seven 15-minute pitching slots left for the Character and Gaming brands on Day Two (7 July), opportunities are limited.

Ryan says: “If you’re already a licensee or retailer of any the brands, please do email to pre-register as the capacity is limited to 200 seats on both days. As a reminder, the conference is free, and you can have up to three members of staff attend from your company.

“The B&RUK Winter conference, which took place on 24 February this year at the British Library, was a huge success. With over 200 key executive representatives from brands, licensees and retailers attending, the feedback from the audience on the format and the quality of the screenings was all positive. I’m excited the Summer conference is now really taking shape.

“The Winter conference sold out in weeks of being announced and I was operating a reserve list so knew we could expand the conference into two days for the summer, which must mean I’m doing something right for the industry.

“Licensees who attended the 24 February conference are already pre-registering for both Days One and Two, and I am speaking with the main UK Retailers about them bringing their wider buying teams and building the retail side of the audience.

“Brands & Retail UK conferences are only open to licensees and retailers, and to watch the screenings and presentations you will need to sign a conference NDA and will be vetted for attendance.

“I am also finalising the closing Summer Terrace Party which take place on the terrace at the British Library from 5pm on 7 July and will only be open to the licensees and retailers attending both days and the brands taking part.

“With capacity for 200 people on the terrace it will be a great place to do business after watching the great screenings and presentations during the day.”

If you wish to book a remaining pitching slot please email Ryan at Ryan.Beaird@BrandsRetail.uk, and if you are a retailer or licensee and wish to reserve your seats now you can do so by reaching out.

More information is available at www.BrandsRetail.uk

 

Barbie x Núnoo collection launches on MyBag

MyBag has partnered with Núnoo, the Danish bag and accessories brand, and iconic doll brand Barbie, to launch an exclusive collection that launched in line with Barbie Day on 9 March. 

The capsule collection comprises six exclusive bags, including a re-envisioned version of the iconic Helena and Honey bags, a phone pouch and an AirPod holder, in either hot pink, light pink or black, with a hint of sparkle.  

Inspired by the concept of Barbie going to Copenhagen, the partnership combines the laid-back Scandinavian style of Núnoo with the iconic colours and branding of Barbie. Each bag is accessorised with an iconic Danish bicycle keyring with Barbie branding, to tie the theme together. 

MyBag is celebrating the new collection with a vibrant campaign featuring the ultimate girl gang, inspiring fun and confidence in personal style. In line with the MyBag ethos, the campaign promotes self-love and kindness, with the slogan ‘Together we shine with Barbie x Núnoo’.  

The collection will be stocked exclusively on MyBag.com. 

Licensing Expo heads to Las Vegas with 170+ exhibitors and growing

Licensing Expo is gearing up to host what promises to be the consumer product industry’s most productive in-person get together in three years, with a growing roster of brands signing on daily to exhibit at the in-person event to be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, May 24-26, 2022.

Produced in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, the event continues to lock in cross-category brands from around the world, from sports to gaming, entertainment, corporate brands and artists, with 17 countries represented to-date.

With 40 new companies confirmed in the past four weeks alone, the event now comprises more than 170 exhibitors signed on to date. The exhibitor list is now available online and is accessible here.

“Licensing Expo returns in-person for the first time since 2019, and excitement among the industry is palpable,” says Anna Knight, SVP of Licensing, Informa Markets. “This is a business-critical time in the calendar for brands, manufacturers and retailers alike – they’re coming with a pen in hand ready to ink new deals and discover the new trends that will line their shelves in the coming years, but also to reconnect in-person possibly for the first time since the pandemic.”

Commenting on Licensing Expo’s return, Knight also remarked: “The licensing industry is built on relationships, and we’re delighted to be able to provide a safe and comfortable environment for people to reconnect, strengthen existing partnerships, celebrate successes and do business at scale face-to-face for the first time in three years. We’re also extremely excited to showcase Location-Based Experiences as the event’s theme, creating even more opportunities for brands to engage and inspire attendees in new ways.”

The event is on track to showcase brands from all major and emerging categories, including character and entertainment, fashion and apparel, gaming and eSports, FMCG, attractions and theme parks, sports, art and design, non-profits, and museums.

Latest exhibitors confirmed include Banijay Brands, Legendary Entertainment, Hasbro, MGA Entertainment, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Epic Story Media, Mattel, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Lego, Joester Loria Group, Beanstalk, Buzzfeed, The Pokémon Company, Falcon’s Beyond, TOHO, Bravado, Zag, Ubisoft, Wildbrain CPLG, NFL Players Association, Shell Oil Company, Crunchyroll, Buzzfeed, Games Workshop, Jazwares, King Features, WWE, Moonbug Entertainment, Peanuts Worldwide, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America, Frida Kahlo, Yale University, MGM Studios, Spin Master, BBC Studios, Crayola Properties, and many more.

“Excitingly, we’re seeing a robust selection of brands represented from across the globe, including Europe, the U.K., Japan, South America and the U.S.,” Anna Knight says. “We’re taking every measure possible to ensure non-domestic exhibitors and attendees are fully equipped with the latest health and safety measures in place, in addition to providing logistical information that will simplify international travel to Las Vegas.”

Thousands of retailers and manufacturers have already secured their free ticket to attend and meet with these brands, including Amazon, AMC Theatres, Bioworld, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Concept One Accessories, Difuzed, Funko, GAP, Hallmark Cards, Hot Topic, It’Sugar, Jakks Pacific, Jazwares, Kellogg’s, Macy’s, Moose Toys, Old Navy, Pacsun, Paladone Products, Primark, Spin Master, Zulily and many more. Attendance to Licensing Expo is free and tickets can be secured here.