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Sony Pictures Consumer Products adds PlayStation brand and gaming IP to North American licensing portfolio

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Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) has announced that the company will work with Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) to represent merchandise licensing in North America for the PlayStation brand and its PlayStation Studios games, including God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn and The Last of Us. As part of this collaboration SPCP will manage master toy deals and work closely with SIE to execute licensing programs in North America that tie into global PlayStation licensing strategies.

This collaboration is only related to licensing in North America and will enable SIE to leverage SPCP’s deep expertise in merchandise licensing. SIE will continue to have ownership and approval of the use of its intellectual property, including first-party games, and the PlayStation brand.

“SPCP is a natural fit to help lead merchandise licensing in North America for the PlayStation brand and our first-party games,” says Grace Chen, VP, Global Marketing, Sony Interactive Entertainment. “We are happy to be able to partner with other Sony companies, like SPCP, to leverage their strengths and best practices. This collaboration will help ensure great treatment of our IP in licensing deals as well as innovative merchandising ideas PlayStation fans are sure to love.”

The announcement comes during a dynamic year for the PlayStation brand, with the launch of PlayStation 5 in 2020 and upcoming entertainment content based on popular games, including a film based on Uncharted and a TV Series based on The Last of Us.

“We’re confident this strategic collaboration will provide fans with even more ways to interact with the PlayStation brand and their favourite PlayStation gaming IP through creative consumer products in North America,” says Jamie Stevens, EVP, Worldwide Consumer Products, Sony Pictures Entertainment. “By partnering across Sony divisions, we are able to leverage existing teams and infrastructures to maximise brand exposure and create great products for fans. We look forward to working closely with the PlayStation team to develop new strategies to grow the business.”

 

 

Asmodee Entertainment partners with Trends International for CATAN posters

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Asmodee Entertainment has announced a new licensing agreement with Trends International to produce and market a range of CATAN posters, which will be available exclusively from selected online outlets, including Trends’ own ShopTrends.com site and Amazon.

“Trends is excited to help spread the magic of CATAN by providing new merchandise that fans can collect and share,” says Greg Hill, Associate Licensing Manager at Trends International. “CATAN’s charm has never been limited to the tabletop – and is now expanding to your walls with the help of Trends’ poster products.”

Trends is a market leader and household name in posters and the agreement further expands Asmodee Entertainment’s push to establish the world’s best-selling board game as a true lifestyle brand.

“It is fantastic to welcome Trends International to the CATAN lifestyle merchandise family,” says Alexander Thieme, Licensing Manager for Consumer Products at Asmodee Entertainment. “We’re looking forward to the posters their creative team comes up with in the coming months and are sure that a great many CATAN fans’ homes will show even more of their love for CATAN soon. Exciting times!”

The first of this new range of CATAN posters from Trends are expected to launch in November and will be available from ShopTrends.com and Amazon.

The coolest Christmas gift ever? Xbox Series X replica mini fridge available exclusively at GAME

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GAME has announced that the ultimate gaming accessory is available to pre-order now: the GAME exclusive 10L capacity Xbox Series X Replica Mini Fridge Thermoelectric Cooler (£89.99).

Launching in December, the Xbox-lookalike fridge includes both AC and DC power cables, has a USB port for charging devices and comes with LEDs and surface-features made to resemble the Xbox Series X glow. Inside, there’s room for up to 12 cans of drink, and two removable door shelves for snacks.

Available to pre-order now in-store and via the GAME website.

 

Semaphore Licensing signs Gabi Faye, star of the world’s #1 toy site on TikTok

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Semaphore Licensing, known for creating successful licensing opportunities with products distributed at global retailers including Sephora, Target, Amazon, and Walmart, has welcomed TikTok creator Gabi Faye into its portfolio. With over 9.1 million followers on TikTok, Gabi Faye is known for her unique toy content, and has worked with leading brands including LOL Surprise!, Barbie, Fisher-Price, Spin Master and Mattel.

As the first international new media star to join Semaphore’s portfolio, Gabi Faye is a part of the licensing firm’s evolution, which is “dedicated to upping the ante by curating licensing deals that transcend perceived barriers”.

“We’re the firm creators work with who want to take their brands to the next level. Our family of companies supports them through all levels of their growth. Gabi Faye is an inspiring addition to our talent portfolio and we’re looking forward to adding additional international stars,” says Michael Bienstock, Founder and CEO, Semaphore Licensing

With its headquarters in Irvine, California, and a licensing HQ located in Colorado, Semaphore has grown to include a suite of services including accounting, tax preparation, payroll, insurance, and brand and licensing management since it was founded in 2002.

Rovio and Billebeino team up for limited-edition Angry Birds capsule collection

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There’s a new bird in town! Two Finnish companies – Rovio Entertainment and lifestyle brand Billebeino – have collaborated on a new limited-edition Angry Birds capsule collection, in a deal brokered by IMG. The line features Rovio’s iconic Angry Birds characters and a new exclusive character, Bille Bird, based on Billebeino founder and former NHL player Ville Leino. The limited-edition garments land in select retailers and in the Billebeino online store today.

The collection will include unisex casual wear and accessories for adults and children. The garments feature designs that combine the iconic Angry Birds characters with the minimalist and instantly recognisable logo and typeface styles that Billebeino has come to be known for. Bille Bird will appear in graphical placements that play on the fun and destructive nature of the Angry Birds, with kids’ designs incorporating the destructible materials that appear in every Angry Birds game.

Billebeino was founded in 2014 by former NHL player, Ville Leino, whose passion for sports and expression through art came together to inspire the brand. Today, Billebeino specialises in casual wear, all featuring Ville Leino’s designs.

“With Billebeino, we’ve found a partner that’s just as adventurous and fun as Angry Birds,” says Katri Chacona, Director of Licensing at Rovio. “Each brand brings its own unique design approach and offbeat sense of humour into the mix, resulting in a stylish new line that truly stands out from the rest.”

Commenting on the inspiration for the capsule collection, Billebeino founder Ville Leino says: “We wanted this collection to be playful and fun. We used a lot of colours and art on designs so we could get the whole family excited about the collection. It was very inspirational working with an international Finnish company. The most unique thing was designing our own character in the style of the legendary Angry Birds games. For an extra touch, we created a limited-edition Bille Bird plushie and choreographed a Bille Bird dance in cooperation with local dance school, DCA. We hope this collaboration inspires people to move, dance and enjoy life.”

To view the collection, click here.

Lisle Licensing bolsters commercial team to support growth

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Leeds-based agency Lisle Licensing has seen an uplift in new client business and increased licensing activity throughout 2021.  To support its growth, two new commercial team members have joined the agency to support the team.

Deborah Haigh (above left) joined as Commercial & Retail Manager at the beginning of October in a role where she will work alongside Francesca and Colin Lisle with key account management at both licensee and retail level. In particular, she will work closely on new brands including the Style Sisters and Kate Smith Co.

Deborah joins Lisle Licensing with a career roster that spans retail operations, and client and business management. Having worked with blue-chip brands including Asda, Tui and Jazz FM she comes with an enviable insight into both client and operational functions.

A new role of Commercial Assistant is being introduced into the business structure to support the senior team. Lisle Licensing has appointed Katie Moran (above right) to this role with immediate effect. With three years’ experience in administration and liaising with external suppliers, she is key in ensuring the smooth-running of the business. Katie will work closely with licensees on their product launches as well as coordinating marketing and brand activities.

Commenting on the appointments, Francesca Lisle says: “I’m thrilled that we have two exceptionally skilled executives joining our team, who also bring with them a passion for our client portfolio, can-do attitudes and a sense of fun. After all, our industry isn’t just about doing great business, but being immersive across all areas, and networking. I look forward to introducing them in-person with licensors, retailers and licensees at BLE next month.”

 

Yeti Farm Creative’s Sweet Tweets expands to longer format and scores global distributor

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Artist-driven Canadian studio Yeti Farm Creative is bringing a longer-form version of its Sweet Tweets series to Knowledge: Kids on British Columbia’s Knowledge Network, the publicly funded education cable network. The fan-favourite show will premiere on November 1, 2021.

In addition, Yeti Farm Creative (Hotel Transylvania Season 2, Summer Memories) has named Zodiak Kids, part of Banijay (Super Agent Jon Le Bon, Horrid Henry), worldwide distributor for the new 26 x 3.5 story-driven series produced with the financial participation of the Shaw Rocket Fund.

“We’re so excited to bring the Sweet Tweets series to viewers across Canada and around the world,” says Ashley Ramsay, Founder and CEO of Yeti Farm Creative and Co-Executive Producer of the show. “Sweet Tweets has amassed a large and loyal following on YouTube and other digital platforms over the years and we look forward to working with Knowledge: Kids and Zodiak Kids to debut the new longer-form series for existing and new fans everywhere.”

“Zodiak Kids is delighted to have taken on the distribution of this gorgeous yet simple programme,” says Delphine Dumont, SVP of Sales, Acquisitions & Co-Production, Zodiak Kids. “We are looking forward to presenting the longer version to broadcasters globally.”

Sweet Tweets will present character-driven stories about life’s small adventures, featuring a cast of friendly “Tweets” who laugh, play and, especially, sing together. The relatable stories focus on social-emotional lessons for preschoolers, from dealing with disappointments – like being inside on a rainy day and cleaning up big messes – to the simple joys of everyday life such as playing games with friends and learning something new.

The upcoming show expands on the original Sweet Tweets series of song-centred, one-minute digital shorts. Every episode of the longer-form series will include a minute-long, standalone original song by composer Daniel Ingram (My Little Pony: The Movie, Littlest Pet Shop), to be available on iTunes.

The series was created entirely in British Columbia with 2D Harmony. It is set to air on Knowledge Network each weekday at 12:42pm PT and stream across Canada on the free Knowledge: Kids app and online at www.knowledgekids.ca.

 

Cabal rum partners with The Explorers Club for journey of discovery

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Cabal rum is the new official partner of the Great Britain and Ireland Chapter of The Explorers Club, the international organisation dedicated to the advancement of field exploration and scientific inquiry.

Together, they will be hosting a wide range of events and strategic exploration initiatives aimed at supporting research and education in the physical, natural and biological sciences, starting with a special evening event on board HQS Wellington in London on 27 November.

Claire Kinloch, CEO of Edinburgh based Harpalion Spirits, owner of the Cabal brand, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with such an inspiring partner as part of our overarching strategy. Cabal rum has been built on an ethos of truth, taste and togetherness, with collaboration and exploration wholly embedded in our product development process, and we have the utmost respect for the legacy of the rum industry and the environment in which we operate. The partnership will provide our other partners, customers and consumers with the opportunity to engage, learn and benefit from the work we will do together, adding value to what we collectively strive to offer and contribute to the sector, society and the planet.”

The Great Britain and Ireland Chapter regionally represents global organisation The Explorers Club, which was founded in New York in 1904. Chapters of The Explorers Club can be found throughout the world, creating individual communities of like-minded people from many different disciplines of exploration.

The Club’s members have been responsible for an illustrious series of famous firsts: first to the North Pole, first to the South Pole, first to the summit of Mount Everest, first to the deepest point in the ocean, first to the surface of the moon – all accomplished by its members.

Patrons in the UK include Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Sir Chris Bonington, Rory Golden, Alexandra Shackleton, Felicity Aston, Levison Wood, Rod McDonald, Sir David Kim Hempleman-Adams, Kenton Cool, Alicia Colson and Neville Shulman.

Explorer, author, speaker and chairman of The Explorers Club GB and Ireland Chapter, Mark Wood, said of the partnership: “We’re really excited to be working with Cabal and the team. They have shown a real understanding of what The Explorers Club is about and what it is trying to achieve. We are really looking forward to working with such an enthusiastic, passionate, committed and engaged team to help us raise awareness and promote the incredible endeavours of The Explorers Club.”

Cabal No.1513, which was officially launched in May 2021, is created using a combination of pot and column distillation techniques with rums from distilleries in Guatemala, Guyana, Trinidad, Panama and the Caribbean, tropically aged at origin. The liquid is then finished in Pedro Ximénez casks in Speyside. There is no added colouring, flavour or sugar, leaving a high-quality, natural rum.

Cabal No.1513 was awarded gold in the super premium golden rum category at the recent Spirits Business Global Spirits Masters 2021 and a silver at the DBSB Autumn Tasting.

Cabal No.1513 is distributed in the UK through bbb drinks and is available to both on-trade and off-trade outlets and online platforms across the UK. Export will also be a key channel and Gold Medal Marketing in Alberta, Canada, has already been appointed as a regional distributor.

B.O.T. and the Beasties agrees publishing deal as the show’s audience grows

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Award-winning merchandise, licensing and brand agency Brands with Influence has announced the signing of two new licensing partners for CBeebies show B.O.T. and the Beasties, made by Ragdoll Productions.

Leicester-based Sweet Cherry Publishing, recent winners of Small Press of the Year 2021 at the British Book Awards, is to produce a series of new book formats for the show, with the first release planned for 2022. These will include story books, picture books and creative play books utilising sounds from the episodes.

In parallel, Immediate Media has signed to run regular B.O.T. and the Beasties content in their CBeebies magazine.

“We are delighted to be welcoming two excellent new partners to the B.O.T. family,” says Martin Lowde, MD at Brands with Influence. “The series is proving really popular with the young audiences and with its colourful and eclectic range of characters there is lots of scope for a fabulous new range of books and magazines.”

Sanjee de Silva, Publisher at Sweet Cherry, explained why they were so keen to sign with B.O.T. “This brand is exactly what we have been looking for here at Sweet Cherry. It has longevity, a range of great characters and portrays the fun and educational values that we are proud to align ourselves with. Sweet Cherry’s creative teams have designed a really innovative and exciting new range for the series.”

Brands with Influence will be at BLE next month sharing more details about the B.O.T. and the Beasties licensing programme.

APC Kids scores new international deals for ‘DinoCity’, including Discovery Italia

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APC Kids, the children’s entertainment division of co-production and distribution group APC Studios, has secured a wave of international sales for its preschool series DinoCity, produced by Riki Group in partnership with Animax Production animation studio. The series began rolling out in Europe earlier this year and will premiere in Russia on Karusel TV this Friday 23 October.

The hit 2D animated series will be heading to Discovery Italia, which has picked up free TV rights for broadcast on its channel Frisbee, and All Media Latvia in the Baltics (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) which has secured non-exclusive SVOD rights. APC Kids has also licensed free TV rights to TG4 for the Republic of Ireland and Minika for Turkey.

These new partners join recent sales, which include: Piwi+ (Canal+ Group, France) taking pay TV rights, along with YLE (Finland), ERT (Greece), Ketnet (Flemish Belgium) and MBC (MENA) securing free TV rights. APC Kids also licensed the exclusive free TV rights and non-exclusive SVOD rights to Menart in the Balkans (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Macedonia). The series has already successfully debuted on DeA Junior (Italy) and Tiny Pop (UK).

Lionel Marty, Managing Director of APC Kids, says: “After receiving a hugely positive response to the show’s premiere, we’re delighted to be building on the success of DinoCity by announcing new global broadcast partners. DinoCity is not only fun and adventure-filled but focuses on important themes such as family and friendship which will resonate with new audiences across the world.”

Sandro Sgrulloni, Programming & Content Acquisition Senior Manager at Discovery Kids, says: “We’re very happy that DinoCity is landing on Frisbee. Frisbee is a colourful place where kids can be given full rein to their imagination and we’re sure the stories of this ordinary family – to which the audience can relate – and the everyday situations that turn into amazing adventures, will bring fun and excitement to our viewers.”

Anna Mysskaya, Riki Group Head of International Department, commented: “DinoCity was initially created to harness the demand for truly global animation and we are so excited to see how this story will find viewers all around the world. It rarely happens that the world premiere of a project takes place outside of its origin country and so we are delighted to follow in the success of DinoCity’s debut in Italy and the UK. These new partnerships with Discovery Italia, All Media Latvia and TG4 are testament to the show’s broad appeal and we’re looking forward to shortly debuting the series on Karusel TV channel. We’re sure local Russian viewers will have the same positive reaction as we’ve seen from international audiences so far.”

DinoCity is an original preschool series created by Riki Group, in partnership with Animax Production animation studio, which portrays a family of dinosaurs in a perfectly urban setting. Little Ricky and his elder sister Tyra manage to turn most everyday situations into something quite extraordinary. Their parents will often gladly join them in their playfulness and follow their crazy reasoning, in order to help them channel all that energy and imagination… and to make sure they do not turn the house upside down.

APC Kids co-invested in the production of the 52 x 5’ international version of the series and holds exclusive distribution rights in all territories excluding Russia, CIS and China.