Tag Archives: news

The Panini Group to become exclusive trading card and sticker album partner of WWE

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The Panini Group and WWE have announced a multi-year agreement that will make Panini WWE’s exclusive trading card and collectible sticker partner. The agreement will begin in the first quarter of 2022 and will include multiple trading card products and a sticker album collection during the first year.

The first two product releases – 2022 WWE Prizm trading cards and a WWE Sticker Album – will coincide with the buildup surrounding WrestleMania, WWE’s biggest annual event, taking place on April 2 and 3 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

“We have aspired to become a WWE licensing partner for a long time and so we are extremely excited to be able to deliver to fans around the world an extended publishing programme,” says Panini Group Licensing Director Peter Warsop. “The WWE is an iconic brand and along with our own brands and in-depth International reach will ensure not only an explosive start to the relationship but a long-lasting trend of continued growth and excitement.”

“Panini has a 60-year history in sports and entertainment collectables and is a leader in the trading card space throughout the U.S. as well as in Latin America, Europe and Asia,” adds Scott Zanghellini, WWE Senior Vice President, Revenue Strategy & Development. “We believe that this partnership perfectly aligns our mutual interests in providing fans with exclusive collectibles and, ultimately, growing this category globally.”

 

Pocket.watch partners with YouTube sensations The Onyx Family for new animated series, video games, apparel and more

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Kids and family entertainment company Pocket.watch today announced the wide release of animated comedy series Onyx Monster Mysteries and related games, merchandise and original music, marking an expansion of their successful ‘Onyx Family’ partnership.

Season 1 of the series, consisting of 12 episodes, will be widely released across dozens of streaming services just in time for Halloween. A special sneak preview of all 12 episodes of Season 2 is available exclusively on Amazon Kids+ beginning today and will go into wide release in December.

In Onyx Monster Mysteries, created by Albie Hecht, pocket.watch’s Chief Content Officer, and starring the Onyx Family (3.5 million subscribers), the Onyx Family is transformed into cartoon characters in an adventure series about the most endangered and misunderstood species in the world: monsters.

Onyx Monster Mysteries promotes diversity throughout the production, with the voice and musical talents of the Onyx Family as well as diverse production talent behind the camera. The show is proud to include the perspectives of showrunner Doreen Spicer (The Proud Family), Producer Jon Barnett and Creative Consultant Adrienne Lopez.

Fans can now stream Season 1 of ‘Onyx Monster Mysteries’ across 20+ platforms and Season 2 exclusively on Amazon Kids+.

The soundtrack of songs, all written and performed by the Onyx Family, is available across all major music services, including iTunes and Spotify, and weekly music videos featuring the animation will drop on the Onyx YouTube channel and across the family’s TikTok and Instagram accounts.

Four Onyx Monster Mysteries HTML mini-games, ‘Yeti Family Rescue,’ ‘Matchup!,’ ‘Spot the Difference,’ and ‘Word Search’ are available now on the pocket.watch mobile app.

Finally, Amazon will carry a brand new collection of Onyx Monster Mysteriesmerchandise, which includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, PopSockets, phone cases, and tote bags. Product is launching globally and available at amazon.com/onxyfamily.

“We are so lucky to get to work with the incredibly talented Onyx Family,” says Kerry Tucker, Chief Marketing and Franchise Officer, pocket.watch. “Onyx Monster Mysteries is an animated celebration of everything that makes this family so popular – music, humour, adventure and teamwork. At pocket.watch, we strive to create franchises that proudly represent our diverse global audience and we are thrilled to bring it to so many people, in such a unique way, through this many platforms at once.”

Amassing over 7 million social media followers, more than three billion views on their YouTube content and many more viewers more across major OTT platforms and streaming services including Hulu, Prime Video, and The Roku Channel, the Onyx Family consists of parents, Mirthell and Rita, and their four children Shalom, Sinead, Sade (Shasha), and Shiloh. Their mission is to reach families around the world to “Tell the Story, Feed the soul, Make them Laugh, Heal the heart.” Through funding community outreach programs, contributing to HBCU scholarships, and participating in various mission projects, their vision is to give back by inspiring families and children around the world to live out their greatest hopes, dreams, and aspirations.

The Onyx Family’s multi-million dollar portfolio includes videos, books, music, courses, podcasts, branded merchandise, consumable products, websites, speaking engagements, television appearances, animations, and streaming shows on multiple platforms and streaming services.

 

 

StoryToys announces New LEGO DUPLO Marvel collaboration for preschool app

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Team17, a global games label, creative partner and developer of independent video games and edutainment apps for children, has announced that its subsidiary StoryToys has partnered with the LEGO Group and Marvel Entertainment on the LEGO DUPLO MARVEL mobile app.

The new app will allow preschoolers to join Spidey, Captain America, Ghost-Spider and other heroes for learning adventures and imaginative play. Each activity will feature a play experience where kids can help their favourite Marvel hero save the day by shooting webs with Spidey and his Amazing Friends or rescuing a kitten with Captain America.

The LEGO DUPLO MARVEL app is aligned with the Headstart Early Learning Outcomes Framework to ensure it meets the developmental needs of 2–5-year-olds. Each activity will feature fun and engaging challenges to support learning and development skills including early maths, creativity, reasoning and problem-solving.

The LEGO DUPLO MARVEL app launches worldwide in 28 languages initially, with more to come in 2022. The app is now available for pre-order on the App Store and Google Play and will launch in December 2021. The LEGO DUPLO MARVEL app will be free to download and include additional content to purchase.

StoryToys has produced apps with many leading children’s brands, including LEGO, Disney, Pixar, Penguin, Warner Bros, Sesame Workshop, Hasbro and Nickelodeon. Key titles include LEGO DUPLO WORLD, Disney Coloring World, and Hungry Caterpillar Play School.

Viacom18 Consumer Products launches exclusive range of Garfield merchandise in India

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With 18 million social followers, global awareness of 92 per cent and licensed across 111 countries, Garfield – the lasagne-loving orange cat – is one of the best known entertainment icons in the world. In an endeavour to bolster Garfield’s fandom beyond television screens, Viacom18 Consumer Products is set to introduce an exclusive range of Garfield merchandise to bring young Indian fans and their families closer to their favourite character.

Over the past year, Viacom18 Consumer Products has appointed 10 new licensee brands across 10+ categories for apparel, accessories, eyewear, furnishings and more, aimed at both adults and kids.

“At Viacom18 Consumer Products, we have endeavoured to constantly expand our reach and build a portfolio of iconic characters and become the one-stop destination across multiple touchpoints for the fans in India,” says Mahesh Shetty, Head of Network Sales, Viacom18. “Garfield is an iconic and relatable character in the animation ecosystem for both kids and adults. The character’s quirky and honest appeal is unlike any other. Starting from a comic strip, Garfield has grown to become a globally sensational character. With the addition of Garfield to our products portfolio, we aim to get one step closer in our endeavour to provide our viewers with an opportunity to connect with their most-loved characters beyond screens.”

Mark Kingston, Senior Vice President, International Licensing, ViacomCBS Consumer Products, says: “At ViacomCBS Consumer Products, we aim to provide vital support to our consumers who have been trying to navigate through the unprecedented situation of the pandemic. As families are adjusting to the new normal, our team has been at the forefront to translate ‘content watched to products purchased’. With the launch of Garfield merchandise in India, we aim to bring truly unique products to the market that fans will enjoy and appreciate.”

 

 

TSBA secures book deal between Opus and The R&A 
to celebrate The 150th Open

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Opus and The R&A has announced the planned publication and pre-order release of The Open Opus, which will celebrate the 150th playing of The Open and documents the history of the world’s oldest and most prestigious championship. The partnership was brokered by TSBA, The R&A’s licensing agent.

The Open Opus will chronicle the evolution of the Championship from its very first playing at Prestwick in 1860 to the present day, culminating in its 150th playing at St Andrews next year. It will include 150 of the ‘Greatest’ moments from The Open, such as when the late Seve Ballesteros sunk a 15-foot putt to win The Open at St Andrews in 1984, or ‘The Duel in the Sun’ at Turnberry in 1977, the head-to-head between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.

The 800+ page book will feature a wealth of action photography, including many images spanning one-metre wide and several two-metre wide gatefolds, accompanied by exclusively written essays and interviews with many of the sport’s icons and players.

The Limited Marquee Opus ‘Champions’ Edition of only 150 copies will run to 800 pages, each measuring 20 inches x 20 inches (45cm x 45cm) weighing in excess of 32kg (70lb). The Opus will be leather hand-bound, signed by many Champion Golfers, greats and icons, individually numbered and include special features and experiences.

Karl Fowler, Opus CEO, says: “To be able to tell this story in such large luxurious format, showing photographs and treasures from the 150 Greatest moments from the world’s most prestigious golf championship will hopefully make The Open Opus rather special. We look forward to making more announcements on this unique Opus project over the coming months as we lead up to The 150th Open next summer at St Andrews.”

Jo Edwards, Global Head of Licensing, TSBA Group, adds: “The 150th Open is a momentous occasion in the history of golf; The Open Opus will capture the greatest moments from the Championship in style. With exclusive content, stunning photography and quality presentation, coupled with the limited number of copies available, it will become a collector’s edition to cherish.”

Neil Armit, Chief Commercial Officer at The R&A, says: “The Open has produced many memorable moments throughout its revered history and we have worked closely with Opus to capture them in a very special publication that fans of the Championship will be able to enjoy and cherish.”

For licensing opportunities with The Open brand, contact enquiries@tsbagroup.com

The LEGO Group announces UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 partnership

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Today the LEGO Group announces a new partnership as National sponsor of the UEFA Women’s EURO England 2022. The partnership will see the LEGO Group sponsor the tournament hosted in England next summer and forms part of the company’s ‘Ready for Girls’ campaign that celebrates girls who are rebuilding the world through creative problem solving and challenging outdated gender stereotypes.

As a National sponsor of the tournament, the LEGO Group is planning a series of initiatives in the run-up to the tournament that will provide fun, interactive ways for fans to get involved. More details will be revealed in early 2022.

The tournament is due to be the biggest women’s European sport event in history and takes place from 6 July – 31 July 2022 in 10 stadiums, across nine cities in England. There will be over 700,000 tickets available, with extensive coverage of every game of the tournament on free-to-air television, radio and online. As part of its legacy, the tournament aims to inspire long-term, sustainable positive change in women’s and girls’ football.

A recent study from the LEGO Group and Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media found that girls feel less restrained by typical gender biases than boys when it comes to creative play (74% of boys vs. 62% of girls believe that some activities are just meant for girls, while others are meant for boys), and they are more open towards different types of creative play compared to what their parents and society typically encourage. For example, 82% of girls believe it’s OK for girls to play football and boys to practice ballet, compared to only 71% of boys. However, despite the progress made in girls brushing off prejudice at an early age, general attitudes surrounding play and creative careers remain unequal and restrictive, according to the research.

Parents from this study are almost five times as likely to encourage girls over boys to engage in dance (81% vs. 19%) and dress-up (83% vs. 17%) activities.  Adversely, they are almost four times as likely to encourage boys over girls to engage in program games (80% vs. 20%) and sports (76% vs. 24%) and over twice as likely to do the same when it comes to coding toys (71% vs. 29%).

Speaking ahead of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Finals draw, Isabel Graham, Head of Marketing, the LEGO Group UK and Ireland says: “We know that different types of play are still heavily judged as being gender specific which is why we are committed to championing inclusive play and ensuring that children’s creative ambitions – both now in the future – are not limited by gender stereotypes. It’s fantastic to see the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 tournament getting more and more prominence and we’re proud to help support this by being a National sponsor for 2022.”

“We are delighted to have the LEGO Group join us as one of the first national partners of UEFA Women’s EURO 2022,” says Guy-Laurent Epstein, Director of Marketing at UEFA. “The addition of this major brand is further proof of the scale of this event and our ambition to make it the biggest women’s European sport event ever. It is important for us to have partners on board who share the same values, working together collectively to deliver what is set to be a record breaking tournament that further grows the women’s game.”

The Final Draw Show for UEFA Women’s EURO England 2022 takes place this Thursday, 28 October Live on BBC One from 16.30 when the groups and resulting fixtures will be drawn.

 

 

WildBrain CPLG to build design-led programme for international artist Romero Britto

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WildBrain CPLG has been appointed to represent international artist Romero Britto across the UK, EMEA and Russia. Under its growing Lifestyle division, WildBrain CPLG will build a design-led programme inspired by Romero Britto’s vibrant and colourful artwork across categories including fashion, accessories, home, paper goods, gifting, and arts and crafts.

Victoria Whellans, Group Brands Director at WildBrain CPLG Lifestyle, says: “There’s currently huge demand for licensed lifestyle products inspired by the art world, as seen in Romero Britto collaborations with Puma and Wilson, that give consumers a chance to ‘own’ a piece of art through more affordable and accessible purchases. With his vast international recognition and uplifting, eye-catching and vivid style, Romero Britto’s brand is perfectly positioned to tap into this trend for the long-term and deliver engaging product ranges that will offer consumers unique ways to connect with his art.”

Lucas Vidal, Global CEO of the BRITTO and Romero Britto Fine Art brands, added: “Romero’s work is instantly recognisable, and we believe that WildBrain CPLG is an important strategic partner to continue to bring his uplifting artwork and designs to a wider audience through innovative consumer products.”

Brazilian-born Romero Britto founded the Happy Art Movement in 1992 with the mission to inspire happiness, fun, love and optimism around the globe. His art uses vibrant colours and bold patterns, and has been described as exuding “warmth, optimism and love” by The New York Times.

Britto’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums in over 100 countries. He is considered the most licensed artist in history and Britto’s Happy Art has leant itself to many collaborations with international brands, such as NetDragon WebSoft, Audi, Bentley, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Walt Disney, Universal Pictures, Evian, Hublot, Invicta, Carnival Cruise Line, Hasbro and Mattel.

ZAG Games signs deal for first official Miraculous Ladybug console game

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Following the debut of its first game for Roblox, ZAG Games, a division of independent animation studio ZAG, has signed with U.S. game publisher GameMill Entertainment and French game developer Magic Pockets to create the first official Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir console game.

Based on the global hit TV series that airs in over 120 countries, the as-yet untitled action-adventure game will be available in stores and digitally in time for Christmas 2022.

“We’re looking to create a highly immersive experience featuring various gameplay elements while empowering players of any age to enjoy a new Miraculous Ladybug experience,” says Elinor Schops, ZAG’s VP, Gaming Experience. “The original game script will align closely with the television series, and we are confident that Magic Pockets and GameMill will bring their expertise, dedication, and passion to the game that will have fans the world over adding it to their holiday ‘22 gift lists.”

Most recently, the new Miraculous adventure quest role-play game for the Roblox platform – the first game based on a TV series to be developed on Roblox – launched on May 3, 2021, exceeding over 245 million plays to date. Miraculous RP: Quests of Ladybug & Cat Noir passed 100 million visits in the first seven weeks, with 88 per cent of players giving the game a “thumbs up.” The game exceeded one million daily active users in its first week of beta, with a rolling seven-day average of 1.2 million users, representing almost three per cent of Roblox platform’s global daily active user base.

ZAG is also in development on a Miraculous bubble shooter game with game developer and publisher CrazyLabs for the company’s second mobile game for the property, Miraculous Ladybug Puzzle RPG. Slated for a Q1 2022 debut, this new take on bubble shooter puzzle games combines RPG elements that feature challenging fighting levels designed for a new generation of players. In the game, users will form their own superhero team starring the show’s characters.

Season four of the Miraculous™: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir animated TV series started to roll out in over 120 countries during spring/summer 2021, and ZAG is currently in production on a US$100 million+ animated feature to premiere in 2022.  Miraculous is the winner of 19 awards, including the 2018 Teen Choice Award for Choice Animated Series.

 

 

 

Kids First and Amazon Kids+ expand the world of Hello Kitty with new 3D animated series

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Kids First today announced its first-ever collaboration with Amazon Kids+ on an original children’s programme based on Hello Kitty. The two companies are creating a new episodic series, entitled “Hello Kitty: Super Style!,” which will bring lifestyle brand Sanrio’s global pop icon to life in premium 3D animation. The new series will premiere in major territories around the world, including the US.

The new project is produced by Paris-based production companies Watch Next and Monello (Banijay Group) with Milan-based Maga Animation Studio and distributed worldwide by Kids First, with Japanese distributor ABC Frontier, Inc. in charge of Asian territories.

In this cheerful, action-packed new series, Hello Kitty stars as the friendliest face in the tight-knit community of Cherry Town, where she will stop at nothing to help friends in need. In each episode, Hello Kitty uses the power of her magical bow to activate an amazing transformation, changing her outfit to be a brave explorer, a top-notch chef, a sensational pop star and more to help her pals overcome silly setbacks.

“I believe that children all over the world will be empowered by this Hello Kitty series to live happily in harmony with one another to create a brighter future for all. We hope you’ll also enjoy the new characters that appear alongside Hello Kitty as she explores the important themes of friendship and kindness throughout the series!” says Yuko Yamaguchi, Head Designer of Sanrio Company, Ltd.

“Having a well-known international digital video service and soon to be announced best-in-class linear broadcasters all backing the project demonstrates the wide appeal of one of the most popular and adorable characters on earth,” added Philippe Alessandri, CEO of Kids First and Watch Next.

YouTube Originals greenlights new episodes of hit Korean animated series Pinkfong Wonderstar

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YouTube Originals today announced the new episode pick-up of Pinkfong Wonderstar, SmartStudy’s popular animated series, returning with new adventures this November. The 13 new episodes of the series will be sequentially released on Pinkfong’s Korean and English official YouTube channels and will be available on the YouTube Kids app from November 9.

Pinkfong Wonderstar was the first Korean animated series on YouTube Originals in 2020. The first 13 episodes have been streamed in English and Korean since December 2020 with 73 million views as of October 2021.

YouTube Originals also launched the first 13 episodes of the series in four additional languages – Spanish, Portuguese, Indonesian and Russian – in 2021.

Pinkfong Wonderstar follows two best friends, Pinkfong and Hogi, as they team up to solve their friends’ problems in Wonderville, using Pinkfong’s magical powers and Hogi’s great ideas. Exclusive to YouTube Originals are special clips at the beginning of every episode featuring Pinkfong and Hogi’s fun explanation of key learning takeaways from each episode’s story.

“We are delighted to introduce another fun-filled adventure of Pinkfong Wonderstar on YouTube Originals,” says Min Seok Kim, CEO of SmartStudy. “We hope the series continues to bring joy to children across the globe and help them to learn the important values of life with exciting stories and songs and lovable characters.”

“Building on our successful partnership with SmartStudy, we are thrilled to bring the global YouTube Kids audience new episodes of Pinkfong,” says Nadine Zylstra, Head of Family, Learning and Impact, YouTube Originals. “It is so exciting to see the impact of launching a global IP across the world and in multiple languages on the same day.”

Pinkfong Wonderstar is the latest addition to an expanding roster of YouTube Originals focused on kids and family, including the award-winning Lockdown, and recent hits such as Get Curious with Vice President Harris, BookTube Jr, The Workout Badges, Growing with Lottie Dottie and Break the Record.