Big Picture Licensing named UK and Eire licensing agent for Brave Bunnies as portfolio plans get underway

Big Picture Licensing has been appointed the exclusive licensing agent for the UK and Eire, and master agent across EMEA and APAC for the animated pre-school series Brave Bunnies.

Created and developed by the Ukrainian creative production hub, Glowberry, the new series aims to blend the traditional feel of a pre-school property with modern and relevant themes of diversity and inclusivity. It follows the adventures of two brave and curious bunnies who journey through their world on the Bunny Bus in search of new friends.

52 episodes make up season one that, thanks to a partnership with Aardman as global content distributor, has already been placed with the likes of Milkshake and Nick Jr in the UK, SuperRTL in Germany, ABC in Australia, SVT in Sweden and more. The  show has already gone live in some territories, with further international roll-out scheduled during  Q1 2021.

On a global scale, Brave Bunnies has appointed a portfolio of licensing agents that includes DeAgnostini in Italy, and LaPanaderia, the master agent for the property in Latin America. Meanwhile, Big Picture Licensing has signed up a roster of leading agents in their respective regions, including CPLG for Benelux, Nordics, CEE, and Southern Europe, CLM for Africa, Centa IP in Australia and New Zealand, and Mediogen in Israel.

Brave Bunnies licensed products are set to roll out from Easter 2022, with Spin Master leading the charge as the property’s global master toy licensee. The firm will develop a range of pre-school toys based on the series. On top of this, Big Picture Licensing has signed up Penguin Random House as a strategic multi-territory licensee, joining Planeta Libra as publishing partners.

Brave Bunnies has already gone live in some territories, with further international roll-out scheduled for Q1 2021. A complimentary and comprehensive digital content plan is also in development. At MIPCOM last month, Brave Bunnies was the second most viewed show in the MIP Junior Screenings  Library (and number one in its preschool target-demo), and unsurprisingly interest is brewing in the licensing  arena. 

Sergey Molchanov, CEO at Glowberry, said: “We have taken a lot of care to ensure that Brave Bunnies has received the best quality treatment from the off, and we are delighted to maintain that  standard across our key commercial partner appointments.

“We’re grateful for the support and the  broad positive response to our property, and we’re just getting started.” 

Dan Frugtniet, MD at Big Picture Licensing, added: “We’re extremely proud and excited to be  working with Glowberry on this wonderful property, and delighted, but not at all surprised at the strong start – without exception, everybody who we have showed Brave Bunnies to has been  overwhelmingly positive about it.

“As well as finalising APAC agency appointments, we’re now  looking to secure UK licensing partners in all major product categories. Please get in touch to discuss  how you can hop on the Brave Bunny Bus.”

The Red Arrows to publish its official history with Penguin Random House’s Century

The world-famous aerobatics display team division of the Royal Air Force, The Red Arrows, is to publish its official history with Century, an imprint of Penguin Random House, thanks to a new deal brokered by IMG. The book will be published in hardback, audio, and e-book on April 29th, 2021.

Called the Red Arrows: The Story of Britain’s Iconic Display Team, the title is written by head of the Red Arrows, Wing Commander David Montenegro, a former Red 1 and Red Arrows team leader. The title will feature tales from Red Arrows pilots, past and present, as it celebrates the division’s history of courage, daring, and skill of the past 50 years.

The book will also provide an insight on how the team represents the RAF and the United Kingdom around the world, its important role and work.

David Montenegro, Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, said: “Ever since our first dynamic display, the Red Arrows has aimed to inspire and enthrall through precision and teamwork – showcasing the excellence of the Royal Air Force, worldwide.

“Much of this activity, and the strength and success of the team, is achieved through the tireless application, innovation and dedication of our highly-trained personnel – individuals who have served operationally, helping the RAF to secure the skies and protect our nation.

“I hope readers, who may have seen one of our nearly 5,000 displays since 1965, or perhaps just have an interest in high-performing teams, will gain a new, unique and colourful perspective on the Red Arrows. However, above all, I want to bring all of the excitement, speed and vibrancy synonymous with a world-class Red Arrows show to even more people through a book illustrating the very best of British.”

Jess Ballance, editor at Century, Penguin Random House, added: “We couldn’t be more proud and excited to be publishing The Red Arrows. It grants readers a fascinating pilot’s-eye perspective of what it means to fly in those iconic aircraft. This book is a true celebration of the Red Arrows, one of Britain’s national treasures, and their fascinating history, featuring personal stories from the people behind the planes and exploring the skills and incredible mindset of the world-class Red Arrows pilots.”

Ballance commissioned world rights to the project from IMG, the Ministry of Defence’s exclusive licensing representative.

Penguin Random House launches National Trust, Christmas Grotto, and Instagram campaigns for Peter Rabbit

Penguin Random House UK has launched a series of new brand activations for Peter Rabbit, giving families the chance to come together this winter as lockdown restrictions lift in the UK.

Leading the charge is a dedicated partnership with the National Trust that will see a series of Peter Rabbit Winter Activity Trails launch across 90 National Trust places within the UK this month. The trails will offer families nature-themed activities in outdoor settings, while a range of Peter Rabbit gifts will be stocked at all National Trust shops and online.

The ambitious partnership will bring Peter Rabbit to the Trust’s impressive family audience with an expected 1.7m visitors accessing the trails this winter. Dates and locations are all available on the National Trust website.

Meanwhile, a series of digital activities will be available at a dedicated Peter Rabbit area on the National Trust website, including festive storytelling and audio clips from the recently released Beatrix Potter: The Complete Tales and activity sheets, to support partners across the Peter Rabbit brand, will be promoted to the Trust’s combined social media following of 2.7m followers.

“Penguin Random House UK has worked in partnership with the National Trust for many years to protect Beatrix Potter’s legacy in the Lake District,” said Izzy Richardson, global brand director, Penguin Random House Children’s Owned Brands.

“We are so excited that our partnership can now bring the adventures of Peter Rabbit and friends to National Trust supporters and their families in an entirely new and immersive way.

“The trails will place Peter in some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the UK and offer families the opportunity to create memorable experiences together this winter.”

The trails and digital campaign use the festive illustrations from a new book, ‘Peter Rabbit: Christmas is Coming’ which provides a story and an activity to share, every day throughout December.

An influencer campaign to promote the new book is currently underway with seven influencers showcasing family-friendly, festive activities and stories as well as a range of perfect Peter Rabbit licensed gifts. With new content posted every week, the ‘Festive Fridays’ campaign will reach a combined following of approximately 480,000 Instagram users during the crucial Q4 period.

In addition, Penguin Ventures (the licensing team at Penguin Random House) has worked with Eskimo Jo for the third year running to launch an official Peter Rabbit Christmas Grotto. The immersive experience will launch at Centre MK this December with Peter Rabbit and friends, welcoming back families as the shopping centre reopens this month.

Thomas Merrington, creative director at Penguin Ventures, said: “This is the third year into our partnership with Eskimo Jo and Vibration Music Ltd following two sell-out Peter Rabbit grottos at intu Trafford Centre.

“Together we have created an incredibly atmospheric and theatrical, interactive grotto. The cosy rabbits’ burrow and opportunity for children to get involved with crafting, is the perfect way to evolve Peter Rabbit for Christmas family audiences.”

Penguin Random House owner Bertelsmann sets out to acquire Simon & Schuster for $2.2bn

Bertelsmann, owner of publishers Penguin Random House, has set out to acquire Simon & Schuster from ViacomCBS for $2.2bn, in a move that would ‘strengthen the company’s global footprint,’ particularly in the US.

Simon & Schuster employs around 1,500 people worldwide and generated revenues of $814 million in 2019.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close sometime next year. Bertelsmann has stated that it is ‘confident’ the acquisition would be approved.

The Bookseller reports that Simon & Schuster will continue to be managed as a separate publishing entity under the Penguin Random House umbrella.

Thomas Rabe, chairman and CEO of Bertelsmann said that the deal to acquire Simon & Schuster will enable the company to expand its global content business, strengthen its digital offering and build dominance in the US.

“Following the full acquisition of Penguin Random House in April this year, this purchase marks another strategic milestone in strengthening our global content businesses, which includes Penguin Random House, the Fremantle TV production business, and the BMG music division,” said Rabe.

“The book business has been part of Bertelsmann’s identity since the founding of C Bertelsmann Verlag more than 185 years ago and has lost none of its appeal to this day. Bertelsmann continues to be one of the world’s leading creative companies with annual investments in content of around €6bn.

“Bertelsmann will finance the acquisition of Simon & Schuster from existing cash resources. External borrowing is not necessary, thanks partly to the overall positive business development since the summer and the already completed sale of various businesses, investments and real-estate properties.”

Markus Dohle, CEO of Penguin Random House, added: “Simon & Schuster is an extremely well-managed and extraordinarily attractive company with world-renowned authors, 2,000 new publications annually, and a catalog of 35,000 titles. We are very proud to welcome this esteemed company, founded in 1924, to our global publishing community.

“We share the same passion for books and reading and will work together to give our authors the greatest possible access to readers worldwide. Penguin Random House empowers its 320 publishers around the world with maximum creative and entrepreneurial freedom and will, of course, extend this to our new colleagues at Simon & Schuster.”

Ian Chapman, UK and international publisher and CEO for Simon & Schuster, said: “The news today comes at the end of a long year for us all and we welcome it with open arms. To become part of the outstanding global company that is Penguin Random House is a truly significant moment for us all. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the staff in the UK, India and Australia for their fortitude and resilience during this uncertain time and our authors and their literary agents who have shown abiding loyalty and trust in us. We look forward to thriving even more vibrantly under new ownership.”

Peter Andre signs up to support Snowman Enterprises’ Winter Windows charity campaign

Television personality and singer-songwriter, Peter Andre has signed on to support the launch of Snowman Enterprises Ltd’s 2020 winter charity campaign to raise funds for children’s hospices in the UK.

Inspired by the rainbows displayed in support of key workers earlier this year, families and independent retailers are encouraged to create a scene from Raymond Briggs’ timeless picture book, The Snowman in their windows, to share a little magic with their community this winter. 

Peter Andre and his family will be creating their own window display at home to encourage the nation to join the campaign.

Andre said: “Who better than Raymond Briggs’ beloved Snowman to bring families and communities together this winter to create some festive cheer? Not only will The Snowman window scenes sprinkle some much needed magic across the UK, they will raise vital funds for children’s hospices. So you can have fun creating and sharing your Snowman window and know that you’ve made a difference in doing so. Christmas just isn’t Christmas without The Snowman, and this year Christmas most definitely has come early.” 

Snowman Enterprises Ltd has pledged £1 to children’s hospice charities Together For Short Lives and Chestnut Tree House (of which Raymond Briggs is a patron) for every Snowman window scene shared on social media.

Raymond Briggs CBE, author of The Snowman, said: “After a very challenging year, I couldn’t be happier to think that my Snowman is helping to raise the nation’s spirits but more importantly, is raising funds for children’s hospices around the UK. 

“I know how vital these services are and the huge difference they make to the lives of young people and their families.  It would be wonderful to see The Snowman popping up in windows around the UK this winter.”  

Every Wednesday for six weeks a new line art illustration from The Snowman will be made available at https://www.thesnowman.com/winter-windows and shared on The Snowman social media channels.  

These can be printed off and coloured in, or used to inspire Snowman artwork, and added to window scenes. A bumper Snowman prize bundle will be awarded to one lucky winner of a Winter Window scene shared on Facebook or Instagram.

Classic Peter Rabbit bounds into new partnerships in China with Twinings and PRICH

Penguin Ventures – the licensing arm of Penguin Random House UK – and CAA-GBG, the global brand management platform and the licensing agent for Classic Peter Rabbit in China, are together broadening the Peter Rabbit licensing programme across the region this year.

 In a new partnership with Twinings China, Peter Rabbit – along with seven other of Beatrix Potter’s iconic characters – will be brought to life across a range of tinned teas, gift and travel sets and tea  accessories.

The initial range of eight items was launched in China in June 2020 through Twinings’ official Tmall flagship store with additional products made available in August and October this year. The focus has primarily been online but the collection will also be rolled out into hypermarkets, supported by  dedicated Peter Rabbit in-store displays.  

Charlie Wang, brand manager, Twinings China, said: “Over the past three centuries, Twinings has  become synonymous with a great cup of tea for consumers all over the world and it has long been  recognized as the finest purveyor of tea in England.

“Twinings consumers pursue a graceful, delicate lifestyle. As of today, Twinings exports to 115 countries and produces more than 600 different tea  blends. We believe this luxury tea brand complements the heritage of Peter Rabbit perfectly.”

CAA-GBG and Twinings are working together to promote the Peter Rabbit ranges across WeChat and  Weibo platforms and developing experiential marketing activations planned for boutique hotels, supermarkets and grocers. 

In addition to the Twinings partnership CAA-GBG has secured a deal with PRICH, an iconic women’s apparel brand and part of The E∙land Group. The partnership witnessed the development of a 12-piece collection which launched in September 2020 and includes shirts, skirts, blouses, knits and accessories.

The launch was supported by KOL seeding and a dedicated social media campaign. The collection is available through the PRICH flagship store on Tmall online, as well as through the 150 PRICH retail stores in China.  

Jinny Gao, merchandising manager, PRICH, said: “Prich provides a perfect combination of elegant  design and superior quality. These values are immediately apparent in our new Peter Rabbit range matching the DNA of this intrinsically British brand.” 

Susan Bolsover, licensing and consumer products director, Penguin Ventures, added: “We are  delighted to be launching these two fantastic new collections for Classic Peter Rabbit in China. The brand values of both Twinings and PRICH match Peter perfectly. It has been a real joy to see not only the product, but also the creative campaigns come together in collaboration with the CAA-GBG China team, who have done a fantastic job in nurturing these relationships.”

Peter Rabbit hops into long-term partnership with Cadbury for Easter 2021 and beyond

Penguin Ventures, the licensing arm of Penguin Random House UK, has today detailed a long-term partnership for its ever popular Classic Peter Rabbit brand with Cadbury at Easter to launch a suite of themed Cadbury products for Easter 2021.

The initial Peter Rabbit range will hop onto shelves in time for Easter next year and will be available nationwide. Under the partnership, Peter Rabbit will appear on some of Cadbury’s most iconic product ranges in what has been described as ‘a perfect pairing of two British brands so intrinsically associated with Easter.’

Markéta Kristlová, senior brand manager, Easter, Cadbury, said: “We are very excited about this partnership of two very beloved brands with a shared rich British heritage. We look forward to Peter Rabbit and Cadbury’s helping families to have even more magical Easter celebrations from next year.”

Lindsay Pearl, head of international licensing, Penguin Ventures, added: “We are over the moon to be able to announce a long term collaboration with Cadbury on a beautiful and delicious range of Peter Rabbit Easter chocolate. Peter Rabbit and Cadbury are both synonymous with Easter gifting, shared experiences and family celebrations and we look forward to amplifying those shared values as we launch next year.” 

Cadbury is the biggest chocolate brand at Easter in the UK with iconic products including shell eggs, hollow bunnies, Mini Eggs and Crème Eggs.

Sony, Penguin and Clarkson Potter cosy up with Outlander Knitting

Clarkson Potter, Penguin Random House, and Sony Consumer Products are cosying up this autumn to launch Outlander Knitting, a collection of knitting projects inspired by the hit TV series Outlander, an adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s best-selling novels.

The new launch will feature 20 projects for apparel, accessories, and home decor that relate to specific episodes of the TV series, allowing fans to recreate rustic knits – both those worn on the show and other items imagined from the story of Jamie Fraser and Claire Beauchamp Randall.

Fans will be able to knit the capelet cowl that Mrs. Fitz gives to Claire at Castle Leoch, warm their feet with Clan Mackenzie Boot Socks, swaddle the bairn with the Mo Chridhe Baby Blanket, and dress their very own Jamie in a warm waistcoat. From beginner-friendly chunky knits to more advanced Celtic cables, each project includes a clearly written pattern, photography, and scenes from the set.

Billed as ‘a love letter to the fans’, Outlander Knitting aims to ‘transport you back in time to the Scottish Highlands.’

“We are very excited to partner with Clarkson Potter|Penguin Random House on Outlander Knitting. The book happens to be a passion project of mine because it not only rounds up and beautifully displays the unique pieces of knitwear seen on the show, but it also encourages fans to tap into their creativity to make their favorite Outlander-inspired knits that they can proudly say they created on their own,” said Jamie Stevens, EVP, worldwide consumer products, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“With projects for beginners to advanced knitters, Outlander Knitting is sure to keep fans entertained when they are watching the show and even when they are not.”

Penguin Random House to bring Bluey book series to the US and UK in BBC Studios partnership

Penguin Random House has been appointed the master publishing partner for the popular global pre-school brand, Bluey. Working in partnership with BBC Studios, the publishing house will be launching the first three books in the series to the US market this October, before rolling them out to the UK in the second half of 2021.

The Emmy-winning animated series, created by Ludo Studio, will be landing on Disney+ in the UK next year. With the global rights in all languages (excluding China and Chinese languages), Penguin Random House will be launching two storybooks and one activity book to regions across the globe.

Jan Paterson, the head of book and audio publishing at BBC Studios, said: “We are delighted to partner with Penguin Random House to bring Bluey from the screen to the page for a wonderfully varied collection of fantastic story and activity books for little ones around the world.”

Suzy Raia, VP consumer products and business development, BBC Studios – Americas, said: “Love for Bluey continues to grow among families with young children around the US, and we are looking forward to bringing the stories beyond screens into beloved books we know pre-schoolers will enjoy with their parents.

“The partnership with Penguin Random House is a wonderful addition to a growing licensing program that started with Moose Toys last month. There are many more exciting things ahead for our favourite Blue Heeler.”

Penguin Random House Australia already holds the publishing rights to Bluey in Australia, where the books have enjoyed phenomenal success, selling one million copies in only seven months. The first three Bluey titles, which launched in November 2019, were the second, third and fourth-highest selling Australian children’s books of the year.

Since their launch, titles from the Bluey franchise have held the number one position in Nielsen BookScan’s official Australian bestseller charts a total of 24 weeks (out of 42 weeks).

Francesca Dow, managing director at Penguin Random House UK Children’s, added: “We are thrilled to be publishing Bluey and bringing a bit of the Australian sunshine to the UK. Bluey has a unique charm that appeals to children and adults alike. Her stories are full of boundless energy, brilliant adventures and fun and, most important, are rooted in family experience, which is why they’ve been such a hit with viewers so far.

“We are excited by the unparalleled success in Australia and look forward to creating the same sensation here in the UK. Our wish is for all young children and families to fall in love with Bluey, as we have done.”

The Bluey books have received industry recognition when Bluey: The Beach was awarded the 2020 Book of the Year – the first time in the history of the Australian Book Industry Awards that a children’s picture book has won this prestigious award.

Bluey follows the adventures of a lovable six-year-old Blue Heeler, who lives with her dad, Bandit; mum, Chilli; and four-year-old little sister, Bingo. In each episode, Bluey uses her limitless Blue Heeler energy to play elaborate games that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family and the whole neighbourhood into her world of fun.

Bluey is the most watched series ever on Australia’s ABC iview, with over 261 million plays for series 1 and 43 million plays for series 2.

In June 2019, BBC Studios struck a global broadcast deal with Disney to premiere the first two series of Bluey on Disney Junior and Disney+ in all territories outside Australia, New Zealand and Greater China including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Penguin Random House launches Peter Rabbit summer activity campaign Wild Wednesdays

Penguin Random House has launched a new summer content campaign for its beloved Peter Rabbit property under the moniker Wild Wednesdays. The initiative has been launched to provide families with weekly activities to enjoy at home throughout the summer.

Kicking the campaign off, Instagram influencers have been tasked to create weekly step-by-step tutorials, each inspired by Peter Rabbit’s love of the outdoors. These activities will include recipes using foraged berries and herbs, tutorials to create a big hotel and a vegetable patch, and nature arts and crafts.

The campaign will also promote Puffin Books’ newly launched Hoppy Holidays activity book and Rainbow Toys’ Peter Rabbit plush range.

“We recognise that many families won’t have the opportunity to go on holiday this summer and following the success of our Easter #AtHomeWithPeterRabbit campaign, we’re keen to continue to support parents with new family-friendly activities,” said Izzy Richardson, global brand director, Owned Brands, Penguin Random House Children’s.

“We’ve worked with some brilliant influencers to create fantastic ideas that parents and children alike will love creating at home during the holidays.”

In addition Peter Rabbit will be a partner for the National Trust’s new Play Week campaign. Play Week will run from August 3rd to 7th and will offer National Trust members activities and suggestions, with a new play theme every day.

Peter Rabbit colouring and activity sheets will be included alongside downloadable Audio stories from the newly announced audiobook, Beatrix Potter: Complete Tales. These have been made available exclusively to the National Trust to inspire play, ahead of release on September 17th.