SEGA announces Sonic the Hedgehog x Steve Aoki virtual concert event

As part of the continued celebrations surrounding Sonic the Hedgehog’s milestone 30th anniversary, SEGA is teaming up with EDM artist, DJ and producer Steve Aoki to host a virtual concert event coinciding with Aoki’s birthday on 30 November.

Set in a digitally created and immersive Sonic Universe, the one-of-a-kind concert aims to transport audiences to iconic environments like the Green Hill Zone, Chemical Plant and more as they rock out to their favourite Sonic the Hedgehog jams, EDM style. The 60-minute set will feature original songs from Steve Aoki, as well as Aoki remixed versions of fan-favourite Sonic tunes from the 16-bit SEGA Genesis era to today.

For a behind-the-scenes look at how the collaboration came together, click here.

Fans can tune into the virtual concert on the Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube and Twitch channels on November 30, 2021 at 12pm PT / 3pm ET.

SEGA announces Sonic the Hedgehog x Steve Aoki virtual concert event

As part of the continued celebrations surrounding Sonic the Hedgehog’s milestone 30th anniversary, SEGA is teaming up with EDM artist, DJ and producer Steve Aoki to host a virtual concert event coinciding with Aoki’s birthday on 30 November.

Set in a digitally created and immersive Sonic Universe, the one-of-a-kind concert aims to transport audiences to iconic environments like the Green Hill Zone, Chemical Plant and more as they rock out to their favourite Sonic the Hedgehog jams, EDM style. The 60-minute set will feature original songs from Steve Aoki, as well as Aoki remixed versions of fan-favourite Sonic tunes from the 16-bit SEGA Genesis era to today.

For a behind-the-scenes look at how the collaboration came together, click here.

Fans can tune into the virtual concert on the Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube and Twitch channels on November 30, 2021 at 12pm PT / 3pm ET.

GTRACING inks gaming chair deal with Man City

Football club Manchester City has teamed up with one of the leading brands of gaming chairs, GTRACING .

The partnership will see GTRACING become the Official Gaming Chair Partner of Manchester City’s esports operation and players.

Founded in 2011, GTRACING specialises in producing ergonomically designed gaming chairs that offer support and comfort to gamers all over the world, allowing them to reach their full playing potential.

Manchester City’s esports players and GTRACING will collaborate on various content and fan engagement activations throughout the partnership, in addition to the brand featuring across a number of Club digital assets. The parties will also release a line of co-branded gaming chairs.

Gavin Johnson, City Football Group’s Media Director, says: “We’re delighted to welcome GTRACING as a partner of Manchester City Football Club’s Esports team today. As a Club, we are dedicated to providing authentic esports experiences for our fans and I am pleased that GTRACING will be joining us on this journey as we continue to find new ways to engage with our fans within this space.”

“The integration of traditional sports and esports is the inevitable development of the times, and it is also the core growth project of GTRACING,” says GTRACING founder Aaron Wu. “We are very glad to be able to provide fans with a unique competitive experience through this innovative partnership with Manchester City. Gaming chairs are very important to the esports experience. GTRACING will be committed to focusing on optimising product innovation to fully meet user needs.”

 

The Weeknd marks 5th anniversary of STARBOY with Seventh Heaven capsule collab

In celebration of the fifth anniversary of his acclaimed album STARBOY, The Weeknd has announced the launch of a five-piece limited-edition collection designed in collaboration with John Ross’s Seventh Heaven. Originally released on November 25, 2016, STARBOY went double-platinum, hit number-one in 90 countries, and shattered the global streaming record at the time in under a week.
In addition to a hoodie and a short-sleeve tee, the collection features two premium handmade jackets in leather and denim with Seventh Heaven’s signature motif, a padded 3D cross. A signature symbol of the STARBOY era, a cross-shaped shoulder bag completes the celebratory capsule.
“I’m excited to be working with The Weeknd, who is such a great artist, [his co-manager] Cash and [creative director] La Mar being people I really respect,” says Ross. “It’s an honour to reimagine some of our staple pieces for this release.”
The capsule collection will be available exclusively on shop.theweeknd.com today, 25 November, at 3PM EST.

The Weeknd marks 5th anniversary of STARBOY with Seventh Heaven capsule collab

In celebration of the fifth anniversary of his acclaimed album STARBOY, The Weeknd has announced the launch of a five-piece limited-edition collection designed in collaboration with John Ross’s Seventh Heaven. Originally released on November 25, 2016, STARBOY went double-platinum, hit number-one in 90 countries, and shattered the global streaming record at the time in under a week.
In addition to a hoodie and a short-sleeve tee, the collection features two premium handmade jackets in leather and denim with Seventh Heaven’s signature motif, a padded 3D cross. A signature symbol of the STARBOY era, a cross-shaped shoulder bag completes the celebratory capsule.
“I’m excited to be working with The Weeknd, who is such a great artist, [his co-manager] Cash and [creative director] La Mar being people I really respect,” says Ross. “It’s an honour to reimagine some of our staple pieces for this release.”
The capsule collection will be available exclusively on shop.theweeknd.com today, 25 November, at 3PM EST.

Atlantyca Entertainment partners with NAKAS GROUP for Geronimo Stilton stationery

Atlantyca Entertainment has signed a licensing agreement with leading Greek Publisher, Hartini Poli Editions of the NAKAS GROUP, to produce an extensive line of gift and stationery products for their globally popular Geronimo Stilton brand.

The deal expands the relationship between the two companies; NAKAS GROUP is Atlantyca’s publishing partner for Geronimo Stilton Comic Books in the country.

Set to be in stores in Greece and Cyprus by spring 2022, the NAKAS products will include pencils, pencil cases, stamps, puzzles, board games, stickers sheets, mugs, keychains, notebooks, calendars, activity kits, stationery sets and much more.

“We strive to always build on our partner relationships,” says Marco Piccinini, Licensing & Agents Manager, Atlantyca Entertainment. “Geronimo Stilton’s young fans love to have stationery products as part of their school and daily routines.  We are so excited to broaden our relationship with NAKAS GROUP, who are the best at what they do with great detail, and look forward to sharing these products with young children, Geronimo Stilton fans old and new, in the forthcoming year.”

“Bringing what we love out into the world is our top priority,” adds Angelina Papadimitriou, Licensing Coordinator of Hartini Poli Editions. “We are happy to add Geronimo Stilton to our gifts and stationery catalogue. Children in Greece love this sharp reporter and his friends and we look forward to share our new products with all of them.”

Judas Priest and Z2 Comics announce ‘Screaming for Vengeance’ graphic novel

Z2 Comics has partnered with heavy metal legends Judas Priest for an original graphic novel to be released in 2022, in time for the return of Comic Con International and the 40th anniversary of the band’s highest-selling album of all time: ‘Screaming for Vengeance’.

Produced with writers Rantz Hoseley (Comic Book Tattoo, the Heroin Diaries) and Neil Kleid (Savor), and artist Christopher Mitten (Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.), the novel is set 500 years from now, when a ring of cities orbit high above the surface of a dead world, controlled by a ruling elite that maintains power through manipulation and brutality. When a naive engineer inadvertently threatens the status quo with his vital scientific discovery – a bloodstone – he is betrayed by those he trusted and cast out to the broken planet below.  In the wreckage and desolation of a broken world where every day is a battle for survival, he must choose between accepting his new life in exile… or SCREAMING FOR VENGEANCE.

The graphic novel includes an extensive interview with original cover artist Doug Johnson in which he discusses the process of creating the award-winning album cover design, and the origin of the metallic bird of prey, now known as The Hellion. Additionally, as part of the expansion of Z2’s product offerings, newly appointed Z2 Vice President of Collectibles and Aggronautix founder Clint Weiler has designed a detailed Hellion statue, with battery-operated LED “electric eyes” in celebration of both the original album design, and the dramatic conclusion of the story in the Screaming for Vengeance graphic novel.

Judas Priest: Screaming for Vengeance will be released in both softcover and hardcover formats in selected bookstores, comic shops and record stores in July 2022, with special limited deluxe and super deluxe versions featuring an exclusive anniversary vinyl LP, prints and more, available to preorder now exclusively through the Z2 website.

Paddington-inspired café opens at London’s Paddington Station

The Copyrights Group has announced the launch of a new Paddington-inspired café at Paddington Station.

Designed with the help of interior designers Avocado Sweets, the unique environment has been created to reflect the Paddington brand values, and features rich colours, vintage furniture, natural textures and a live green wall.

Luggage tag themed way-finding, comfortable booth seating complete with vintage luggage rack and suitcases beside an illuminated ‘Lost and Found’ sign evoke Paddington’s original journey to London where he was found at Paddington station. Playful touches have been designed to “embody Paddington’s spirit”, and include his iconic silhouetted head carefully burned into each tabletop by hand.

Peggy Fortnum’s original Paddington illustration, first published in 1958, has been faithfully reproduced as a piece of mural art on the café’s red brick wall.

The café will serve beverages and locally sourced food, including freshly baked pastries and muffins, and Fairtrade Peruvian Single Origin coffee – a nod to Paddington’s home country.

Building on the successful Paddington store located a few steps away, the Paddington Café will also offer a dedicated range of bespoke products to purchase, including adult apparel and some iconic Paddington products.

“We are thrilled to open our first Paddington Café,” says Sophie Kopaczynski, CEO Copyrights Group. “The warm ambiance, subtly inspired by Paddington, will offer a bubble for a relaxing moment and an invitation to travel, to all our customers, who will be able to enjoy carefully sourced fresh products, and premium quality coffees and teas. But also marmalade sandwiches! Everything has been designed and thought in accordance to Paddington’s main value: kindness. We do believe we’ll offer a unique Café experience to commuters, travellers and Paddington fans.”

The Paddington Café is located on The Lawn, Unit 22, Paddington Station. More information, including opening times, can be found at @PaddingtonCafeLondon on Instagram.

 

 

 

 

SmileyWorld and Tsingtao partner for limited edition beer collaboration

The Smiley Company has partnered with China’s number-one beer brand Tsingtao for an exclusive collaboration. The limited-edition range of beer will be sold across mainland China.

The pairing of SmileyWorld – known for happiness, positivity and self-expression – with trend-driven brand Tsingtao creates the perfect platform to engage with young adults through a campaign centred around creating a “Happy Planet”, full of happy people.

Launched at the beginning of November, the collaboration will feature music-related designs on millions of Tsingtao ‘Pure Draft’ cans and bottles. With eight fun SmileyWorld icons decorating the cans, including bespoke icons created especially for the campaign, Tsingtao and SmileyWorld will encourage people to express their attitude through the Smileys.

A limited edition bottle has also been created, with a design intended to bring people together: when placed together, two bottles create a complete Smiley, showcasing the power of friendship and sharing.

Supported by a 360-degree marketing campaign including TVC, online and social media, content will be created for WeChat, Weibo, Little Red Book and TikTok. Tsingtao’s brand ambassador Hua Chenyu, a musician with 40 million followers on Weibo and over 7 million on Tik Tok, will also promote the partnership through online and social media.

Nicolas Loufrani, SmileyWorld CEO says: “Tsingtao is the most iconic beer brand in China, one perfectly matched to SmileyWorld in terms of appeal to trend-driven consumers. The Smiley Studio has created a new set of bespoke designs which will appeal to Chinese consumers and co-created a fantastic activation with our friends at Tsingtao.This proves once again the talent of the team at the Smiley Studio and our ability to work with the most professional brands and agencies in the world.”

A Tsingtao Beer spokesperson commented: “Our Pure Draft beer and SmileyWorld collaborated to reimagine our current packaging with a fresh SmileyWorld design. The new can and bottle designs are trendy, fun and creative. By creating these impactful and appealing trend-driven products, we have created a link between beer and the lifestyle industry. We believe that the collaboration between our two brands will bring consumers more fresh and novel experiences.”

 

Jetpack Distribution inks 14 new deals for kids’ shows

Global kids and family content distributor Jetpack Distribution has announced that it has signed 14 new deals with video-on-demand (VOD) and linear platforms across the globe for 964 hours of TV series from its burgeoning catalogue of kids’ character driven shows.

The deals are heavily focused on VOD rights and are testament to the growing demand for VOD content from both platforms and audiences worldwide.

The following European networks have paid for rights for a selection of hit animated shows.

  • Discovery Italy has bought both linear and SVOD rights for pre-school animation Yoko (seasons one to three).
  • C+ in France renewed the PTV and SVOD rights for Talking Tom & Friends (seasons one to three) and licensed both rights for Kitty is Not a Cat season one.
  • Kidzone TV (across the Baltics, Middle East and North Africa) is taking pay TV and SVOD rights for Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed! season one and pay TV rights for Kazoops, The Sisters season two, Talking Tom & Friends seasons one to three, Talking Tom Heroes and Talking Tom Minis.
  • Minimax has bought pay TV and VOD rights across Central Eastern Europe for Oswaldo, and Marsupilami seasons one, two and  three.
  • JimJam has bought the Pay TV and VOD rights for Daisy & Ollie seasons three and four for their pan-Europe feed.
  • UK’s Pop has acquired the free-to-air and FVOD rights for Rainbow Butterfly Unicorn Kitty.
  • NRK in Norway is taking the free-to-air and FVOD rights for Welcome to Cardboard City.

The following VOD networks across the globe have paid for the rights to air a further selection of animated series across all age groups.

  • HBO Max in Latin America has acquired the SVOD rights for Chuggington S6, Talking Tom & Friends seasons four and five, Talking Tom Heroes and Talking Tom Minis seasons one to four.
  • Semillitas pay TV Channel and SVOD services in US, Central America and Caribbean ‘Flix Latino’ and ‘Pinguinitos’ has picked up the rights for Chuggington, seasons two and three.
  • Lingopie, ​​educational app for language learning based on TV content to learn languages has taken the rights for The Sisters season one (German and Italian), Wolf season one (German and Italian), Talking Tom and Friends (Italian) seasons three, four and five, Yoko season one (Italian).
  • Toon Goggles in the UK, USA and Canada has bought the AVOD and SVOD rights for Boj, Daisy and Ollie seasons one and two, Emmy & GooRoo, Kitty is Not a Cat, My Petsaurus seasons one and two,Talking Tom & Friends seasons four and five and Yoko season one.
  • Tet Sia in Latvia is taking the SVOD rights for Talking Tom & Friends seasons three to five and Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed! seasons one and two
  • Kartoon Channel in the USA and Canada have bought the AVOD and SVOD rights for Boj, Kitty is Not a Cat season two and Yoko season one.
  • Indonesia’s Mola TV has bought the SVOD rights for Emmy and GooRoo seasons one and two and is renewing Wolf seasons one and two.

Dominic Gardiner, CEO of Jetpack says: “It’s hugely inspiring to cement deals with such a strong selection of networks. Our content library has broadened significantly in recent times with multiple shows that work for different age groups, cultures and networks.

“We see – more than ever – the growing demand for VOD content and these deals demonstrate the proliferation of opportunities for content producers and distributors in this area. They also reflect the ever-evolving consumption habits of viewers worldwide.”