Tag Archives: Pop Culture

Licensed collectables specialist Eaglemoss enters the Advent Calendar market with Doctor Who, Star Trek and more

Posted on by

The licensed collectables specialist and pop culture expert, Eaglemoss Hero Collector is entering into the advent calendars market for the first time, having appointed the PR, marketing, and digital agency Norton PR to spearhead its first campaign.

The company plans to target fans and collectors at launch, as well as run a mass market consumer initiative to drive sales in the run up to Christmas.

With detailed high-quality collectable items hiding behind each of the calendar doors, the new products have been designed to appeal to both dedicated fans from the Sci Fi and Music genres out of season plus have mass market appeal in the run up to Christmas. With a growing trend in the market for calendars that break with the traditional chocolate and sweet treat tradition, each calendar can also be used as a storage and display unit with the idea of keeping single-use packaging to a minimum.

Eaglemoss Hero Collector’s inaugural collection features three licensed calendars: Doctor Who, Star Trek, and The Beatles.

Fans of the fab four can take a trip down Penny Lane and enjoy the countdown to Christmas with The Beatles Advent Calendar designed in a four-tray format within an outer shell featuring iconic Beatles artwork.  Each ‘tray’ is illustrated with a stylized image of John, George, Paul or Ringo on its outer edge and contains a whole host of Beatles-inspired collectable gifts.

Meanwhile, Star Trek continues to delight and entertain fans across the world and followers of Gene Roddenberry’s intergalactic cinematic creation have a whole host of merchandise and collectables to discover in the Star Trek Advent Calendar.

“Norton PR has extensive experience in working with licensed products and a dedicated collector fan base through their work with numerous brands including Warner Bros. Consumer Products, LEGO, Airfix and Thunderbirds,” said Alex Neal, managing director, Ecommerce and brands at Eaglemoss.

“The team’s consumer insight and creative thinking around how we can best promote the calendars to drive retail sales both in and out of the traditional festive season will provide us with the platform we need to launch into an exciting new market for 2021.”

Eaglemoss recently sat down with ToyNews for an exclusive interview, discussing the company’s heritage in the pop culture and collectors space, as well as the thinking and strategy behind the decision to move into the Advent Calendars market this year.

You can read the interview in full in the Spring/Summer issue of ToyNews.

DKB takes on UK distribution of premium homewares specialist, Uncanny Brands

Posted on by

Uncanny Brands, the premium homewares brand with established presence in the US and Canada, has appointed DKB as its exclusive UK distributor across all of its key lines, spanning kitchen accessories based on hit IP such as Star Wars, Marvel, Pokemon, and others.

The partnership marks the latest signing for DKB Toys and Distribution who has already been working with the likes of Hasbro, Alex Global Brands, and Crazy Forts, while the business recently acquired MightyMast.

Best known for pop culture small appliances, Uncanny Brands is dedicated to creating licensed products that include kitchen accessories ranging from popcorn makers to toasters and hand blenders, all designed around iconic characters from some of the biggest entertainment franchises.

With initial product lines selling out instantly, DKB is committed to bringing in new shipments to supply its core and new retailer base. With limited distribution for 2021, the company is planning 2022 volumes now ahead of time so as to be able to respond quickly to growing consumer demand for these fantastic homeware’s products. 

“I am very proud to be working with a company like Uncanny Brands. Together we will offer fans of some of the worlds’ biggest licenses the opportunity to own a gadget or appliance featuring their favourite characters,” said Chris Lohmeyer, MD of DKB Distribution & Toys.

“The enduring appeal of these licensed ranges has had a huge impact on demand across UK retail and we are preparing well in advance for 2022 in order to facilitate as many orders as possible. We are starting small in 2021 but I cannot wait to see the success of Uncanny Brands in the UK in 2022 and beyond.”

Pop culture retailer Geek Retreat marks Star Wars Day and its eighth anniversary with National Autistic Society donation

Posted on by

The UK’s geek culture retailer, Geek Retreat, combined its Star Wars Day celebrations earlier this week with its eighth anniversary by donating eight per cent of its turnover generated on the day (Tuesday, May the Fourth) to the National Autistic Society.

Geek Retreat , which opened its first store on May 4th 2013 in Glasgow and now boasts 24 shops, is a gaming cafe, retailer, and events hub rolled into one. In a show of commitment to the hallowed day of the geek, the retailer enabled customers to celebrate Star Wars Day with special merchandise such as posters, clothing, figures, and memorabilia.

Visitors throughout the day were also able to enjoy a special Jaffa the Hut milkshake, a blend of Jaffa Cakes and ice cream.

All of the brand’s stores commit to a COVID-19 secure environment, with strict social distancing and hygiene measures in place, to give customers extra piece of mind that they can visit in confidence.

Stephen Walsh, founder of Geek Retreat, commented: “Making sure that Geek Retreat provides an inclusive, welcoming, and social environment for our more vulnerable customers, like those on the autistic spectrum, or with mental health issues has always been extremely important to us.

“With this in mind, we are delighted to donate eight per cent of our turnover to the National Autistic Society to mark our eighth anniversary and the hugely popular Star Wars day.”

Kimberly Scoltock, head of philanthropy and partnerships at the National Autistic Society said: “Thank you so much to Geek Retreat for donating eight per cent of their turnover to our charity on this special day. This means even more at the moment, when we’re trying to weather the financial toll of coronavirus.

“We’re facing a significant funding gap and working hard to adapt how we work so we can continue helping tens of thousands of autistic children, adults and their families each year, and fighting for better support and services. Your brilliant and welcome support is helping us to fill this gap.”

Autism is a lifelong disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world.

There are around 700,000 autistic people in the UK. Because it’s a spectrum, every autistic person is different and will have their own strengths and face varying challenges. Some autistic children and adults need 24-hour care and support, others may need clearer communication or a little longer to do things at school or work.

Comic book series Trese enters licensing arena with Reemsborko as Netflix series readies to land

Posted on by

Ablaze Publishing’s award-winning comic, Trese, is making its leap into the licensing arena, having appointed the pop culture licensing entity, Reemsborko as its global representative across all categories for merchandising.

The deal marks the latest addition to the portfolio for Reemsborko, founded by Max Arguile, who earlier this week welcomed the webcomic and clothing brand Zombie Makeout Club to its library of pop culture and fan-focused brands.

Created by writer Budjette Tan and the artist Kajo Baldisimo, Trese is set in Manila where the mythical creatures of Filipino folklore live in hiding among humans. The story follows the heroine Alexandra Trese as she battles with a criminal underworld run by malevolent supernatural beings.

The comic has seen seven volumes released within the Philippines to date, and are now being steadily republished worldwide by Ablaze.

Clothing is about to appear in the US courtesy of two apparel licensees and apparel is in discussion already in Europe. Reemsborko’s Max Arguile believes that the property is due to become ‘even more popular this year when the animated version starts on Netflix.’

He said: “Trese is phenomenal storytelling. Budjette and Kajo first learned of these mythical beasts as kids via bed-time stories from their parents. Once the Netflix series hits, we should already have product in the market for the fans.”

Rich Young, co-founder of Ablaze, said: “We are delighted to have Reemsborko on-board helping create a must-have range of merchandising for Trese. This is going to be great.”

Fanattik partners with Hasbro to launch Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons gifts and collectables

Posted on by

The pop culture gifting specialist, Fanattik, has signed a new partnership with Hasbro for its popular Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons franchises.

The team will work with the brands to develop pop culture focused gifts and collectables including money boxes, clocks, gifts, and more.

Both Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons have seen sales surge this past year, operating under the Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment within Hasbro. The two franchises helped the global entertainment company to robust first quarter sales, contributing to a gaming category that totaled $365.3 million for Q1 2021.

Anthony Marks, MD or Fanattik, said: “Retailers have enjoyed strong sales with TCG related product created by Fanattik over the past two years, and they were asking us to replicate this success with other brands and we listened to them.

“You can’t get much bigger than Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons.”

The two tabletop gaming properties enjoy a fanbase of millions around the globe, with numbers growing and set to continue growing as Hasbro rolls out further product and brand extensions. With an upcoming Magic: The Gathering Netflix series, a live action Dungeons & Dragons film, and a raft of video games featuring both on the horizon, demand for product is tipped to swell.

“With sales related to both of these brands exploding in Europe, we would like to invite gift and toy retailers who are not already talking to Fanattik to contact myself to book a video appointment to learn more about both of these ranges,” said Luiz Ferreira, head of sales, Fanattik.

Ferriera can be contacted via luiz@fanattik.co.uk

Millimages taps The Point. 1888 for Molang licensing push across the UK’s Gen Z and pre-school audiences

Posted on by

The Paris-based production company, Millimages has tapped The Point. 1888 to represent Molang across the UK, as the animation studio looks to build on the character’s growing social audience of 4 million fans across the globe.

Launched initially as a pre-school IP supported by four animated TV series on Tiny Pop and Netflix in the UK, Molang has picked up a cult following of Gen Z and Millennial fans, an age group that embraces the character’s friendship themes, happiness and humour – evidenced by the 13 billion views of Molang on giphy.

Millimages has also witnessed strong adult sales of Molang accessories via the webshop – www.molang.com – that it launched last December.

The Point.1888’s brief will be to define and develop a new, retail-focused licensing strategy for Molang which primarily targets young UK adults (18 to 24 year olds), whilst also encompassing its secondary pre-school audience.

A phased category rollout, split by audience, will kick off with a range of adult gift and accessories (Abysse Corp), plush, apparel, publishing and then followed by fashion and jewellery collaborations.

Other softlines planned for 2022 onwards include homewares, health and beauty plus cosmetic collaborations. Hardline categories identified include gaming and FMCG.

Retail targets for these young adult ranges will encompass specialist outlets that appeal to lovers of Korean culture (Molang was originally created by a Korean artist) and fans of kawaii products, as well as more mainstream high street retailers.

For Molang’s pre-school audience, The Point.1888 will develop baby and toddler nightwear, fashion daywear and accessories, together with book and magazine publishing.

Mickael Zeggagh, commercial director licensing at Millimages said: “Our long-term vision is to build Molang into a global, 360 lifestyle brand for all ages. We’re certain The Point will become an invaluable strategic partner to help us realise this vision in the UK – a hugely important market.

“Together with Highlight PR, whose brief this year is to increase their creative influencer campaigns to continue driving brand awareness amongst Gen Zs and millennials, we are now in a strong position to ensure Molang takes off in the UK.”

Will Stewart, founder and managing director, The Point.1888, added: “We’re really thrilled to be working with Millimages studio and Molang. This is one of those brands that the entire team got excited about and the potential across retail and product is endless.

“As a retail-first agency we see what buyers want and ask for, and with Molang we can tick so many boxes. 2021 and beyond is going to be incredibly exciting for our team and all at Millimages, as we roll out our agreed strategy, work together on new creative and introduce this brand to a wider audience. As well as some exciting collaborations which we cannot wait to get started on.”

“Game changer” | Funko celebrates potential for NFT market with TokenHead acquisition

Posted on by

Funko is strengthening its position amid the global collectables scene by making a play for the NFT space through the acquisition of a majority ownership stake in TokenWave, the developer behind TokenHead.

TokenHead is recognised as a leading mobile app and website for showcasing and tracking Non-Fungible Token or NFT, a blockchain platform for digital collectables that has picked up steam among audiences and media over the course of the year.

The financial terms of the investment have not been disclosed, but the move has gone to highlight the potential the NFT space has for licensing, as Funko approaches the market with a ‘clear strategy for its pop culture content across TV, film, sports, music, anime, video games, and comic books.’

TokenHead is currently available on iOS and Android and displays over 10 million NFTs, with more than 100,000 visits per day.

The investment accelerates Funko’s initial entry into the NFT market and will extend the Company’s pop culture platform to include digital assets. Funko expects to launch its initial NFT offerings in June, featuring a unique property each week at a starting price point of $9.99.

Products will be sold on the WAX platform, the leading decentralized wallet on the blockchain, which provides verifiable authenticity for purchases of Funko NFTs.

“Funko is thrilled to advance another platform that our fans and collectors will love and find valuable,” said Brian Mariotti, chief executive officer of Funko. “Our strategy in this space is clear – bring the value-added NFT opportunity to our licensing partners to leverage our broad range of existing pop culture content across Television, Movies, Sports, Music, Anime, Video Games and Comic Books.

“Our amazing licensing partners are excited about our entry into this new digital space and we believe the diversity of our licensing portfolio sets us up for long-term success.”

Mariotti has highlighted the ‘game changing potential’ that the deal now lends the pop culture specialist as the firm begins to draw clear plans to combine its new Funko Pop! digital NFTs with exclusive Funko Pop! Vinyl Figures.

“The marriage of digital and physical using WAX’s patented NFT technology known as vIRLs™ is powerful,” said Mariotti. “By backing the rarest of the Funko NFTs with exclusive redeemable Funko Pop!, we are poised to enter the NFT market in a very unique manner.

“Importantly, we plan to make Funko NFTs broadly accessible to our fans by providing affordable entry pricing. Utilizing WAX Blockchain technology, we have the opportunity to eventually bring Funko collectible NFTs to our millions of fans around the globe. The NFT world is all about content, and Funko has been connecting fans to the content they love for over 20 years.”

Forbidden Planet and ViacomCBS launch Paramount Pictures partnership for Top Gun, Forrest Gump, and cult classic Galaxy Quest

Posted on by

The pop culture retailer, Forbidden Planet ha partnered with ViacomCBS to launch a new line of direct to retail branded merchandise featuring some of the most classic Paramount Pictures properties, including Top Gun, and Galaxy Quest.

The online retailer is launching a new range of apparel and giftware based on seven films from the Paramount Pictures library, with The Godfather, Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick, Forrest Gump, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Anchorman, Sleepy Hollow, and Galaxy Quest all featuring in the line up.

Releases developed under the partnership will include t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories, including sew-on patches, enamel keyrings and pin badges. In addition, there will be an exclusive, collectible line of giftware with art prints, postcard packs, mugs, tea towels, magnets and travel pass holders. 

The launch of the new Paramount Pictures line follows two other successful ViacomCBS / Forbidden Planet DTR tie-ups for Nickelodeon and South Park. Due to its ties to science-fiction and fandom, Galaxy Quest as the first release in the range.

Anthony Garnon, licensing and special projects manager at Forbidden Planet, said: “I’m genuinely thrilled to be working on the Paramount Films library. These are some of the most well known and beloved films of all time. I’m very proud to launch with some great Galaxy Quest merchandise, as that’s a fantastic cult film that hasn’t had much merchandising in recent years – and we’ve had fans crying out to get their hands on some.”

Radar Licensing named global agent for Nic Cage horror film Willy’s Wonderland

Posted on by

Radar Licensing has been appointed the global licensing agent for the 2021 horror film Willy’s Wonderland, a role in which it will spearhead a worldwide consumer products retail programme spanning apparel, accessories, publishing, electronics, toys, and costumes.

Starring Nicolas Cage alongside Emily Tosta, Ric Reitz, and Chris Warner, Willy’s Wonderland enjoyed a successful PVOD premiere this February. Since then, the t-shirt worn in Willy’s Wonderland by Cage has been consistently selling out of stock.

Radar Licensing has now appointed its first licensee, Changes, as apparel partner to replicate the t-shirt for availability this spring. Radar, in partnership with Landmark Studio Group, anticipate additional products for Willy’s Wonderland to begin hitting retail in Q3 this year.

“We are thrilled with the fan and critic reception of Willy’s Wonderland, which has received great reviews and millions of impressions to date across YouTube and social media platforms,” said David Ozer, CEO, Landmark. “Fans want more engagement with the film, and this is the opportune time to partner with a seasoned licensing agent like Radar to create a line of products that reflect the quirky, fun, and adventurous vibe of the film delivered by the talents of Nic Cage to the marketplace.”

David Imhoff, president, Radar Licensing, added: “With its multi-genre appeal, Willy’s Wonderland has so many fantastical elements from which we can develop a merch program. We look forward to working with Landmark to develop and bring these products to retail.”

Directed by Kevin Lewis from a screenplay written by G.O. Parsons, in Willy’s Wonderland a quiet loner (Cage) finds himself stranded in a remote town when his car breaks down. Unable to pay for the repairs he needs, he agrees to spend the night cleaning Willy’s Wonderland, an abandoned family fun center. But this wonderland has a dark secret that the “Janitor” is about to discover. He soon finds himself trapped inside Willy’s and locked in an epic battle with the possessed animatronic mascots that roam the halls. To survive, he must fight his way through each of them.

View the official trailer below:

LEGO and NASA partner on Space Shuttle Discovery set launch, with help from Astronaut Dr Kathy Sullivan

Posted on by

The LEGO Group has partnered with NASA to launch its new LEGO NASA Space Shuttle Discovery set, a new science-focused construction set aimed at the adult LEGO fan audience.

The new set was officially revealed this week by the former NASA Astronaut, Dr Kathy Sullivan, who was part of the original NASA STS-31 mission over 30 years ago. This was the mission that launched the Hubble Telescope, the telescope that has gone on to capture images of the universe and shape our understanding of space.

To celebrate the launch of the new LEGO NASA Space Shuttle Discovery, the LEGO Group spoke to Dr. Kathy Sullivan about her experience onboard the original NASA STS-31 mission and how the real-life space shuttle compares to the LEGO model’s detailed build of the spacecraft and famous Hubble Space Telescope.

Filmed at COSI (Center of Science and Industry), the interview is now available on lego.com/gobeyond, and sees Dr. Kathy Sullivan detail the incredible mission, which launched the Hubble Space Telescope into the cosmos – enabling NASA, and scientists around the world, to explore more of the universe than ever before.

The interview also delved into Dr. Sullivan’s thoughts on encouraging more young people into STEM careers and the future of space exploration.

The new LEGO NASA Space Shuttle Discovery is a complex 2,354 piece build that pays homage to this pioneering moment in space history and marks the 40th anniversary since the first Space Shuttle flight on 12th of April 1981.

Aimed at adult builders, the set features the Discovery orbiter with functional landing gear, payload bay doors, elevons and rudder; and the Hubble Space Telescope, which can either be folded and contained within the payload bay or expanded with solar array and displayed separately.

Both also come with a display plaque which features key data from the mission.

Dr. Kathy Sullivan said: “I was thrilled to see the space shuttle in LEGO form, and was very impressed by the amount of intricate detail they have managed to recreate from the module where we used to sleep and eat through to what we called the “milk stalls” on the telescope.

“Looking at the model, it was great to reminisce about my experiences in space launching the telescope for the first time. Hubble is definitely the highlight of my career. This LEGO model is a great way for LEGO builders and space fans alike to get excited about space travel and learn more about the famous mission in a fun and engaging way.”

Marking the passing of 30 years since the original mission, LEGO has delved into people’s passion for space to uncover what they think of exploration. 72 per cent of those asked believe space exploration is ‘essential’. 24 per cent of them believe that we will find new planets, and 13 per cent think we will find alien life in the next 30 years.

71 per cent of people believe there is life on other planets, while over half think there will be space tourism in the next 30 years.

Speaking with LEGO, Dr Kathy Sullivan suggested that “the biggest barriers to space tourism in the next 30 years is the safety and costs elements, if we can break through these the general public really could take a trip to space in the future.”

As part of the wider LEGO Go beyond campaign, that kicks off with this product launch, space and LEGO fans alike can head to lego.com/gobeyond to watch the interview and find out more about the original mission, discover more about the LEGO NASA Space Shuttle Discovery set and access some great online space learning tools from LEGO Education.

LEGO® NASA Space Shuttle Discovery is on sale 1st April from LEGO.com and LEGO Retail stores.