Tag Archives: Pop Culture

Asmodee Entertainment builds out European licensing team with new appointment

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Asmodee Entertainment is building on its licensing success of 2020 with the appointment of Etienne Bonnin as the firm’s new senior manager, media development and licensing.

Based in Paris, Bonnin will report into Darren Kyman, SVP, business development for Asmodee Entertainment, a unit of the board game giant dedicated to building out wider franchises from the Asmodee IP, led by managing director, Andy Jones.

Bonnin has spent 15 years at Glénat Editions SA, the largest independent book publisher in France. In his role as Rights and Licensing Director at Glénat, Bonnin has been running the licensing department and negotiated all rights formats (translations, Film/TV, podcast, merchandising, partworks) globally for all of the Glénat group’s catalogues: comics & graphic novels, children’s books and illustrated books.

Asmodee Entertainment’s SVP of business development, Kyman, said: “Given our well-established global presence and diverse catalogue of leading IPs, it was important for us to have a dedicated media development and licensing manager based right in the centre of Paris.

“With his years of experience in both media development and IP licensing at Glénat, we are delighted to welcome Etienne aboard.”

Fanattik nets SpongeBob SquarePants in first partnership with animated property

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The pop culture specialist, Fanattik has signed a pan-European gift licensing partnership with ViacomCBS Consumer Products that will bring Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants into new home decor, barware, gifts and collectables.

The new collection of collectables and products will be available from September this year across gift and toy stores throughou Europe.

Fanattik managing director, Anthony Marks, said: “An internationally beloved and timeless brand, SpongeBob SquarePants is one of the most watched programmes in the world with 100 million global viewers monthly and a feature film on the way in 2021. This was a brand the whole team wanted to have in the Fanattik portfolio.”

Fanattik has received multiple awards and enjoyed ‘phenomenal growth’ over the past three years with multiple pan-European licensing agreements now signed up to the portfolio. Its partnership with Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob marks the first time the company has partnered with an animated show.

“With half of all viewers being adults, we are going to make sure the products we create appeal to the original fans as well as new ones. Each item will have that Fanattik twist which makes our pieces stand out from anything else in the market,” said Melissa Tudor, head of product development.

Mark Kingston, senior vice president, international, ViacomCBS Consumer Products, added: “SpongeBob continues to permeate pop culture with boundless positivity and fun. We’re excited to expand this iconic franchise in the gift license space through a partnership with Fanattik, a company which shares many of the same fun brand tenants as our favourite absorbent sponge. True to SpongeBob form this product is sure to deliver happiness.”

Since its launch July 17, 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has reigned as the number one kids’ animated series on TV, while generating a universe of beloved characters, pop culture catchphrases and memes, theatrical releases, consumer products, a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical and a global fan base.

SpongeBob SquarePants is the most widely distributed property in ViacomCBS Networks International history, seen in more than 170 countries and territories, translated in more than 30 languages, and averaging more than 100 million total viewers every month.

Meanwhile, Fanattik works with retailers and partners of all levels across Europe. Retailers not already working with the team can find out how to do so by contacting Luiz Ferreira, head of sales on luiz@fanattik.co.uk

Hasbro and Reebok combine forces to launch Mighty Morphin Power Rangers footwear collection

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The global entertainment powerhouse, Hasbro has partnered with Reebok to introduce a new collection of trainers based on the original ’90s television series, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. The new family footwear collection pairs some of Reebok’s iconic silhouettes with five of the original Power Rangers.

The characters featured in the line-up include the Red Ranger, Black Ranger, Blue Ranger, Pink Ranger, Yellow Ranger, and Megazord, Each of the Reebok models represent their Power Ranger, bringing in elements to connect the show to its corresponding Power Ranger and Zord.

Beyond unique details that relate to each character, each style incorporates a Power Coin, the Power Rangers bolt and materials inspired by the metallic Zords. And if that’s not enough, all six models will be packaged in shoeboxes designed to resemble different elements of the Megazord.

Combine the six boxes and, you’ve guessed it, avid collectors will be able to assemble a limited edition Megazord figure akin to the television show model.

So let’s take a look at those six models in a little more detail.

The range kicks off with the Zig Kinetica II Red Ranger, pairing the Red Ranger’s athleticism and personality with Reebok’s new Zig Kinetica II. The shoe features a jagged toe box to represent the Tyrannosaurus Zord’s teeth with silver Zord accents along the midsole.

Next up is the Nano X1 Black Ranger, inspired by the Black Ranger’s sleek look, agility and speed. The shoe features a heel tab design that references the Black Ranger’s signature ’90s fashion sense.

Cluc C Legacy Blue Ranger pays homage to the Blue Power Ranger’s work through the translucent sole, which shows an imortant aspect of the shoe that is so often shrouded by the outsole. The sneaker also includes a white collar and heel blocking to resemble the design of the Triceratops Zord’s crown.

Reebok’s Freestyle Hi Pink Ranger is the company’s first workout shoe made exclusively for women, designed to represent the Pink Ranger – known for promoting individual empowerment and investing in others by teaching aerobics at her community centre. The shoe incorporates pink stripes down the front of the upper that make reference to the Pterodactyl Zord, as well as a green broken heart on the inside strap that alludes to the Pink Ranger’s relationship with the Green Ranger.

Club C Yellow Ranger, a silhouette known for its’ adaptability from the skate park to the tennis court, matches the Yellow Power Ranger’s signature versatility. In addition to Zord markings, the Club C Yellow Ranger features a wing logo on the back of the tongue as a tribute to Yellow Ranger actress Thuy Trang.

Finally, the Question Mid Megazord features a range of markings to represent the Zord, from the black and yellow logo on the tongue that resembles Zord eyes to the V-printed eyelets that emulate Zord teeth. The shoe also includes a question mark on the right toe with an M for Megazord.

The Question Mid Megazord will be available exclusively at Reebok.com/power_rangers beginning June 29, 2021. All remaining models in the Reebok x Power Rangers collection will be available at both Reebok.com/power_rangers and various additional retailers on June 29.

Currently, Power Rangers is celebrating 28 continuous years on the air, making it one of the longest-running kids’ live-action series in television history, with nearly 900 episodes aired to date.

Created by Haim Saban and launched in 1993 with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the franchise celebrates its 28th season, “Power Rangers Dino Fury,” currently airing on Nickelodeon in the US.

Opinion | Channel hopping: Netflix becomes latest global brand to adopt direct to consumer

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With Netflix becoming the latest global brand to adopt a direct to consumer model for its portfolio of licensed merchandise, consumer products, and original series brand extensions, industry insights and intelligence expert and seasoned market analyst, Utku Tansel takes a look at the ever-strengthening trend of tapping into the consumer directly

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Netflix’s announcement to unveil an online shop for show-themed licensed merchandise has definitely raised some eyebrows. The entertainment giant’s new platform will sell limited-edition show tie-in apparel, merch, and other collectables. Among the items that will make a debut this month are streetwear and action figures inspired by anime series Yasuke and Eden, as well as apparel and decorative items based on Lupin in partnership with the Musée du Louvre.

There are also other exclusive products in the pipeline which will leverage the licensing power of its popular titles such as The Witcher and Stranger Things. Furthermore, there will be a new Netflix logo-wear from Japanese fashion house BEAMS.

As the escalated streaming wars take their toll on the company, Netflix.shop, which was developed and launched with the e-commerce site Shopify, should provide a brand new revenue source, and will witness an expansion of a product line that already offers through partners like Walmart, Amazon, H&M, Sephora, Target, and others.

Now available in the US, Netflix’s new online is set to expand abroad over the coming months.                   

With its recent move, Netflix’s aims to ride on the rising popularity of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) which has been one of the emerging retailing models in recent years. The ongoing pandemic has accelerated this considerably, prompting many companies to shift their models.

2020 saw a number of brands increase their focus and investment in developing their DTC offerings. Spending more time at home has undoubtedly encouraged more consumers to embrace DTC particularly in grocery and clothing. In the fashion space, VF Corporation (The North Face, Timberland) acquired Supreme. It was reported that over 60 per cent of the company’s revenue comes from its online operations, and VF announced a cornerstone of its strategy will be expanding the brand’s Direct-to-Consumer offering.

Meanwhile, in the toy industry, Hasbro and Mattel expanded their DTC operations in order to meet the growing demand for e-commerce.

As I investigated in my “Retail and E-commerce: The Impact of COVID-19 in the UK” Opinion piece previously, the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed shopping behaviour completely making a profound effect on the retail industry.

While COVID-19 continues to cause significant disruption to bricks and mortar retail, DTC is in a good place to be one of the headline trends for 2021. It is the preferred choice for many businesses and brands already as they increasingly become more agile, more authentic and produce more personalised products en masse.

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Utku Tansel has 17 years of success in driving global thought leadership, project and content management, delivering strategic business intelligence and actionable insight to major international companies, retailers and financial institutions.

With a solid market research background, Utku regularly writes for leading industry publications including ToyNews and Licensing.biz focusing on the most recent trends and developments.

A sought-after speaker, he also presented at world-renowned industry events including Licensing International Mind Mix Executive Conference, Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, PlayCon, World Congress of Play, and Walmart Global Toy Summit highlighting key findings from the latest global research studies.

Toei Animation teams with LA streetwear brand The Hundreds to celebrate One Piece

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Toei Animation has joined forces with the LA-based streetwear brand, The Hundreds to celebrate the international anime series, One Piece, with the launch of a full range of apparel and collectable accessories.

Produced by Toei Animation and based on the top-selling manga title of all time by Eiichiro Oda, the One Piece anime series spans more than two decades with over 975 episodes to date since it first launched on Japanese TV in October 1999. The series follows pirate Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat crew on the quest to fine One Piece – the legendary treasure of the Pirate King Gol D Roger.

The anime series has achieved global pop culture status that has spurred the growth of the franchise to span theatrical films, home videos, video games, and a catalogue of licensed merchandise that includes accessories, toys, novelties, furniture, housewares, and apparel.

The Hundreds X One Piece Collection will feature Monkey D. Luffy, Roronoa Zoro, Nami, TonyTony Chopper, and the rest of the crew across a line of graphic t-shirts, long sleeves, crewnecks, pullover hoodies, sweatpants, and hats, as well as an array of collectable accessories, including stickers, coffee mugs, pin sets, keychains, and post-it notes.

The Hundreds X One Piece Collection arrives on Thursday, June 17, and will be available on The Hundreds App and Online Shop, as well as The Hundreds flagship store at 501 N Fairfax in Los Angeles and in select authorized retailers in the United States, and Canada.

Lion Brand Yarn Company launches official Schitt’s Creek line to help fans recreate the show’s iconic looks

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The hit Canadian sitcom series, Schitt’s Creek is embarking on a new licensing venture, enabling fans of the ‘must-watch TV series of the pandemic’ to recreate some of the most iconic looks from the pop culture phenomenon.

In partnership with ITV Studios – the global distributor of the award-winning Schitt’s Creek series – Lion Brand Yarn Company is helping the series’ biggest fans create those chic sweaters, tops, and outfits, thanks to its upcoming line of official products.

“We are excited and proud to be partnering with ITV Studios and launching a product line inspired by ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ a show that has captured the hearts of TV viewers in multiple countries,” said Chris Mills, president and CEO of Lion Brand Yarn Company.

“In addition to releasing exclusive yarns and patterns that will allow fans and crafters to recreate their favorite garments, we’re honored to be associated with a show that promotes positivity, warmth, and inclusivity – messages that are integral to Lion Brand’s mission as a company.”

Lion Brand’s line of Schitt’s Creek products will include varying styles and colors of yarn – including white, heather grey, blush, and jet black – all of which will bear an exclusive “Schitt’s Creek” label. It will also include a wide variety of patterns for both adults and children, with detailed instructions on how to create the clothing inspired by the “Schitt’s Creek” characters: David Rose’s unforgettable collection of sweaters; Alexis Rose’s spirited, bohemian cardigans; and more.

Matching merchandise such as pillows and throw blankets will also accompany the line.

“We were thrilled with the opportunity to work with Lion Brand on this first-of-its-kind Schitt’s Creek product line,” said Kim Dingler, CCO global entertainment, ITV Studios.

“Thanks to Lion Brand, a company that shares the Schitt’s Creek ethos of community, consumers and crafters will have a one-stop shop and be able to make their own ‘Schitt’s Creek’ outfits.”

Created by father-and-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy, who also star in the show opposite Catherine O’Hara and Annie Murphy, the Canadian comedy series Schitt’s Creek first debuted in 2015, before a migration to Netflix set it on course to become a worldwide phenomenon.

Over five years and six seasons, the story of a wealthy family displaced and brought down to earth in a modest small town exploded in popularity, and for its final season, it won nine awards at the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, as well as two Golden Globes.

Throughout its run, Schitt’s Creek became as beloved for its bold fashions as it did for its characters and storylines. The unique knits and patterns worn by David Rose (Dan Levy), Moira Rose (O’Hara) and Alexis Rose (Murphy), specifically, inspired countless Halloween costumes as well as major clothing retailers and fashion designers.

“For Lion Brand, the combination of the show’s striking knitwear and its warmhearted themes were a perfect match,” said Mills. “With everything we do, we strive to create a more colorful, connected, comforting, and caring world, and that’s exactly what the world of Schitt’s Creek is. We can’t wait for our customers to make, wear, and enjoy the stunning styles of that world.”

FanSets and Asmodee bring magic to the collectable pins space with first KeyForge line-up

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FanSets LLC has partnered with the tabletop gaming giant, Asmodee to bring a dose of magic to the enamel pins space, with the launch of a series of collectables based on the popular card game title, KeyForge. The range will be launched to fans and collectors across the US, Canada, and the UK.

The series will feature KeyForge characters from every house, including the newly premiered house Unfathomable, and will be available in Summer 2021. The new deal is the latest in Asmodee Entertainment’s continued expansion into licensed opportunities for its portfolio of popular board game and card game titles.  

For FanSets, meanwhile, this deal expands their collector-focused product line and is the team’s first tabletop brand partnership. 

“We are excited to announce this new partnership just in time for fans to explore the newly released KeyForge game set Dark Tidings,” said Alexander Thieme, licensing manager for publishing and consumer goods at Asmodee Entertainment. “FanSets’ fantastic enamel pins provide our fans a way to represent their allegiance to their favorite houses. We’re thrilled  to work alongside the talented team at FanSets to bring such a great, sought after collectible to our fans!” 

KeyForge is the world’s first Unique Deck Game. Fans play as the mighty Archons and, using  their team of vault warriors, race to forge keys to unlock the secret vaults of the Crucible, a  world in which anything is possible and nothing is predictable. Fans of KeyForge all have favorite cards and houses, either because of the colorful and dynamic artwork featured or  because of the card’s power on the table, and now they can represent their favorites with  equally dynamic enamel pins. 

“Our customers are collectors, hobbyists, and passionate fans,” said FanSets co-founder Lew Halboth. “We love tabletop games and are putting every ounce of that passion into developing these KeyForge pins. We know fans will love them because we love them. We are excited to add Asmodee Games as one of our key licenses going forward and we look forward to working with their passionate team.” 

The first of these releases is planned for Q3 2021 and pins will be available at hobby and specialty shops and online. 

Children’s publisher AMEET partners with Skybound to launch new LEGO comic book series

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The children’s book publisher AMEET has detailed a new partnership with the multi-platform content company, Skybound Entertainment to launch a new series of LEGO comic books. The first in the series is slated to debut in 2022 and will be published by Image Comics and Skybound.

The exclusive English-language licensed publishing partnership will bring LEGO properties into Skybound’s vast slate of notable comic book series, that includes the likes of The Walking Dead, Invincible, and Ultramega.

“As a lifelong fan of LEGO toys and content, nothing brings me greater joy than partnering with AMEET on this iconic brand. Each title will be a portal to the endless worlds accessible in every LEGO play session, created to inspire the LEGO builders, readers, and thinkers of tomorrow,” said Sean Mackiewicz, senior vice president, editor-in-chief at Skybound Entertainment.

“Comic Books form a key component of the LEGO Books publishing strategy to bring LEGO stories to young readers everywhere,” added Eric Huang, vice president and publisher at AMEET. “Skybound is the perfect LEGO Books comics partner. They’re as passionate as we are about publishing books that encourage creativity and play.”

Skybound’s first venture into the LEGO Group’s vast library of intellectual property will be announced in the coming months.

Skybound Entertainment is a multi-platform content company that works with creators and their intellectual properties, extending their stories to platforms including comics, television, film, tabletop and video games, books, digital content, events, and more. The company is the home of notable properties including The Walking Dead, Invincible, and Super Dinosaur.

Skybound holds strategic partnerships across the entertainment industry, and has the in-house capabilities to serve as publisher, producer, and global distributor for tabletop and video games. On screen, Skybound holds a first-look television deal with Amazon Studios and a first-look movie deal with Universal.

Additional partnerships include comic book publishing with Image Comics, book publishing with Simon & Schuster, and a first-look narrative audio deal with Audible.

Children’s publisher AMEET partners with Skybound to launch new LEGO comic book series

Posted on by

The children’s book publisher AMEET has detailed a new partnership with the multi-platform content company, Skybound Entertainment to launch a new series of LEGO comic books. The first in the series is slated to debut in 2022 and will be published by Image Comics and Skybound.

The exclusive English-language licensed publishing partnership will bring LEGO properties into Skybound’s vast slate of notable comic book series, that includes the likes of The Walking Dead, Invincible, and Ultramega.

“As a lifelong fan of LEGO toys and content, nothing brings me greater joy than partnering with AMEET on this iconic brand. Each title will be a portal to the endless worlds accessible in every LEGO play session, created to inspire the LEGO builders, readers, and thinkers of tomorrow,” said Sean Mackiewicz, senior vice president, editor-in-chief at Skybound Entertainment.

“Comic Books form a key component of the LEGO Books publishing strategy to bring LEGO stories to young readers everywhere,” added Eric Huang, vice president and publisher at AMEET. “Skybound is the perfect LEGO Books comics partner. They’re as passionate as we are about publishing books that encourage creativity and play.”

Skybound’s first venture into the LEGO Group’s vast library of intellectual property will be announced in the coming months.

Skybound Entertainment is a multi-platform content company that works with creators and their intellectual properties, extending their stories to platforms including comics, television, film, tabletop and video games, books, digital content, events, and more. The company is the home of notable properties including The Walking Dead, Invincible, and Super Dinosaur.

Skybound holds strategic partnerships across the entertainment industry, and has the in-house capabilities to serve as publisher, producer, and global distributor for tabletop and video games. On screen, Skybound holds a first-look television deal with Amazon Studios and a first-look movie deal with Universal.

Additional partnerships include comic book publishing with Image Comics, book publishing with Simon & Schuster, and a first-look narrative audio deal with Audible.

Fanattik renews gift and collectables deal with Rare to span Sea of Thieves, Banjo-Kazooie and more

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The award-winning pop culture specialist, Fanattik has renewed its gift and collectibles licence with the video game studio, Rare, in a partnership brokered by Tinderbox, the digital media division of Beanstalk.

The pan-European licence covers Rare’s smash hit Sea of Thieves, the pirate-themed video game with 20 million players, as well as classic titles created by the studio including Banjo-Kazooie, Battletoads, Viva Piñata, and more.

Anthony Marks, MD at Fanattik, said: “We worked closely with the Rare team prior to the launch of Sea of Thieves back in 2018. With regular updates and features being announced all the time, this is a game that continues to excite gaming fans. As well as product for the general trade, we have been working on a lot of exclusive product for the official online store as well as selected gift retailers here in the UK.”

Gaming merchandise, which was already a growth area for the gift trade, has exploded given the millions of people who are gaming more due to having to spend more time at home during the pandemic. Fanattik and Rare now look to capitalise on this growth with gaming gifts and collectibles for Rare fans.

With Fanattik unable to exhibit this year at Toy, Spring Fair and Nuremberg, buyers have been invited to book video appointments with the team to learn more about the new products coming to market.

Luiz Ferreira, head of sales at Fanattik, said: “We are looking forward to bringing the trade up to speed with all our new release information, not just for Sea of Thieves, but all the other classic games that Rare has been behind.”

For further details and to book a video appointment, please contact hello@fanattik.co.uk