Sesame Workshop expands animation slate with Charlotte’s web

Sesame Workshop is to expand its animation slate with book-based properties, starting with  E.B. White’s classic Charlotte’s Web. Partnering with WarnerMedia Kids & Family, Sesame Workshop will begin production in April on the recently greenlit family miniseries, which will be available on HBO Max and Cartoon Network in 2024.

“For over 50 years, Sesame Workshop has been weaving stories that centre memorable characters and diverse, compelling voices,” says Kay Wilson Stallings, EVP, Creative and Production, Sesame Workshop. “Stories can forge powerful connections with kids and families – where better to start than with a faithful retelling of one of the most beloved children’s novels of all time?”

Academy Award-winning director Luke Matheny will serve as executive producer and head writer for Charlotte’s Web. Matheny directs Sesame Workshop’s Daytime Emmy Award-winning Ghostwriter on Apple TV+, which draws inspiration from classic literary works like Alice in Wonderland, Frankenstein, and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

Wilson Stallings has brought on Heather Alexander as book and literary scout to identify and analyse children’s books and other content for potential development.

As part of a broader development strategy, Sesame Workshop is also building out its animation slate with new series and specials set on Sesame Street and beyond, launching on WarnerMedia Kids & Family’s newest preschool block Cartoonito on HBO Max and Cartoon Network.

“Animation has always been a part of our DNA, and we’re continuing that proud tradition with engaging new content that supports our mission: helping kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder,” Wilson Stallings said. “Not only are we building on our flagship brand with projects like Elmo Gets a Puppy and Sesame Street Mecha Builders, we’re also investing in new properties like Bea’s Block and exciting collaborations like this one to captivate the next generation of kids and families.”

 

Sesame Street Educational Play Centers come to Korea

Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit media and education organisation, is launching its first in a series of Sesame Street-themed Educational Play Centers (EPCs), interactive location-based experiences for young children that foster playful learning. Partnering with AVECS Creative Group, a Seoul-based agency, the first EPC will open in the new LOTTE Department Store Dongtan in Gyeonggi Province on 18 March.

“Sesame Street Learn & Play” is the first of five EPCs that Sesame Workshop and AVECS Creative Group will launch across Korea over the next five years. Research has shown that children learn best through play as they are cognitively, physically and socially engaged in activities that they’re interested in, and play provides opportunities to try new things.

Classes include Cooking, Science, Art, Music & Dance, and Messy Sensory Play. Décor features Sesame Street’s much-loved colourful characters and iconic scenery, making for a welcoming and immersive experience.

“We are thrilled to be launching Sesame Workshop’s first Educational Play Center in South Korea, where Sesame Street has been a beloved and recognised brand for many years,” says Will DePippo, Senior Director of Asia Pacific, Sesame Workshop. “We know that playful learning boosts academic skills, as well as physical and social-emotional development. Combining our 50+ years of producing world-renowned educational content and themed attractions with AVECS’ industry-leading expertise in building best-in-class experiential offerings locally, we are expanding our efforts to help South Korean children become creative and engaged learners for life.”

Sesame Street is available in South Korea on free-to-air public broadcaster EBS and via Pay-TV on CJ E&M. Sesame Street content can also be seen through the LG Smart TV app as well as on Coupang Play, a major Korean streaming platform.

“We are excited to partner with Sesame Workshop to present the world’s first Educational Play Center in South Korea,” says Park Hong-bin, CEO of AVECS Creative Group. “Sesame Street Learn & Play Center is a unique multi-educational play facility for children of all ages – offering fun-filled activities, recreation and play in an environment based on the philosophy of the household education brand that all Koreans love and trust – Sesame Street.”

As location-based entertainment and demand for in-person experiences continue to grow globally, Sesame Workshop is creating a variety of in-person engagement opportunities for kids and their families. The Sesame Street EPC offers a “Learn through Play” model with activities such as skills classes, interactive play experiences, and Sesame Street character interactions, in addition to food and beverage, and merchandising possibilities.

“Our goal at Sesame Street Learn & Play is for kids to have a positive, playful learning experience, inspiring them to become lifelong learners and helping them thrive in all aspects of their growth,” comments Choi Soung-ah, Executive Vice President, AVECS Creative Group. “We want all kids to leave the center feeling like they were successful.”

 

Just Play named as master toy licensee for Sesame Street

Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organisation behind the iconic Sesame Street, has named preschool toy specialist Just Play as its multi-territory master toy licensee for North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Under this multi-year partnership, Just Play will manufacture and market an expansive array of products featuring beloved Sesame Street characters including Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Abby Cadabby. The company will also support Sesame Workshop’s mission “to help kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder”.

Starting in 2023, Just Play will take the helm and usher in a new era of engaging educational products that will roll-out throughout the year and beyond. Key preschool play patterns and categories including plush, figures, playsets, vehicles, role play/dress up, bath and learning toys will define the new product portfolio.

Just Play will contribute to Sesame Workshop’s social impact efforts by providing funding for vital initiatives that bring critical early learning and support across a broad variety of challenges to children around the world. These initiatives are fundamental to both organisations’ ongoing efforts to help families everywhere thrive.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Just Play and strengthen the Sesame Street brand globally,” says Ed Wells, EVP and Head of Global Media and Education, Sesame Workshop. “Just Play creates fantastic, best-in-class products that delight the whole family. This, coupled with its exceptional retailer and distribution network, and impressive mix of items across multiple categories, make it a natural partner. We’re also mission-aligned: we both create unique and powerful experiences for kids and families to play and learn with their favorite brands. Those deep connections drive everything we do at Sesame Workshop.”

“It’s a privilege to become a central partner to one of the most beloved and respected franchises in the world,” says Sunny Lauridsen, SVP of Licensing and Brand Strategy, Just Play. “Sesame Street is a brand that connected with each of us in our childhood and continues to provide important educational, social and giggle-inducing content for families today. We’re honoured to bring the next generation of toys to market.”

Just Play’s international reach is essential to supporting the growth of Sesame Street globally with its recently opened UK office serving as the hub to EMEA operations, and strategic partnerships in Latin America.

 

Sesame Place theme park to open in San Diego

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Sesame Workshop have announced that Sesame Street’s favourite furry friends are getting ready to welcome guests from all over the world to the all-new Sesame Place San Diego theme park, opening on Saturday, March 26.

The new 17-acre park will be the only Sesame Place location on the U.S. West Coast and the second location in the country. The park will be open year-round offering Sesame Street-themed rides and attractions, including a kid-friendly rollercoaster and a 500,000-gallon wave pool – one of the largest in Southern California. The park will also feature a musical play area, an interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood complete with the iconic 123 Stoop, daily live character shows, award-winning parades, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities and of course, everyone’s favourite Sesame Street characters.

“This is an exciting milestone for our company, as this is the second Sesame Place in the United States and the first new theme park we’ve opened since 2013,” says Marc Swanson, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment CEO. “We are thrilled to debut this new park and add a premiere tourist destination to California that is so appealing to families. Having spent part of my career with this company at the original Sesame Place in Pennsylvania and being part of its success, I’m looking forward to continuing the legacy on the West Coast and providing a fun place to visit where life-long memories are created as fans experience what they love about the iconic show in a new way.”

“Since 1980, Sesame Place has been a key part of the Sesame Workshop extended family and mission of helping kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder,” says Steve Youngwood, Sesame Workshop CEO. “We are thrilled to partner with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment to introduce the West Coast’s only standalone theme park based entirely on the award-winning educational programme, Sesame Street. Sesame Place San Diego will offer kids and families an immersive opportunity to play and learn with their favorite furry friends, and continue enriching their experiences with Sesame Street.”

 

Skincare and yoga gear among Sesame Street’s latest direct-to-consumer collabs

Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, is teaming up with a raft of direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands to let fans show their love for their favourite Sesame Street Muppets in new and fashion-forward ways.

“The pandemic has changed the way consumers shop, accelerating e-commerce growth to new heights,” says Gabriela Arenas, Vice President, Global Licensing, Sesame Workshop. “With the DTC model taking centre stage and shifting even more retail activity online, we’ve pivoted our licensing strategy to meet this new consumer demand. As we continue building long-term relationships with our fans, we’re thrilled to collaborate with these trend-setting lifestyle brands and take an innovative multigeneration approach to propel our characters forward.”

Sesame Street’s latest DTC collaborations are as follows:

  • Hedley & Bennett has launched a Sesame Street-inspired collection of their chef-tested premium kitchen gear this month. Featuring Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Elmo, and Bert and Ernie, the aprons are handcrafted and super functional for any cooking adventure.
  • Nugget, makers of the original play couch and leaders in the play couch category, has teamed up with Sesame Street to create the Elmo Nugget. This is a one-of-a-kind, mixed-fabric Nugget featuring a soft patterned cushion in microsuede, a thick sturdy base in Elmo’s signature red, and two triangle pillows each with Elmo eyes and nose—all for endless mix-and-match fun.
  • Sesame Street and NYC-based Staple joined forces on a new streetwear collaboration. Mixing Staple’s iconic pigeon and colorful graphics with favorite Sesame Street characters, the collection includes adult shirts, hoodies, hats, outerwear, a rug and plush.
  • Skincare brand Starface has launched a limited-edition collection inspired by Sesame Street characters. Starface products including Hydro-Star pimple protectors and Lift Off Pore Strips have been redesigned to feature Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and Oscar the Grouch.
  • Yoga accessory brand Yune Yoga is offering a new collection featuring Sesame Street’s Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, and The Count. Available now, the light-but-dense Trekk travel is made from eco-friendly PER, and features a soft, ridged surface and a firmer, stickier bottom for grip on any surface.

Earlier this year, Sesame Workshop announced a team-up with Hanna Andersson for an exclusive capsule collection of Sesame Street organic cotton pyjamas, as well as the launch of its sixth collection with Bombas – now including baby socks sized 0-6 months and 6-12 months, alongside adult and kids’ styles – and a collaboration with Designs by Chad & Jake for personalised gifts for infant and toddlers featuring Sesame Street characters.

 

Elmo, Cookie Monster join the Tonies line-up as Sesame Street partners with kids’ audio platform

Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Addy Caddaby, a popular trio from the iconic preschool series, Sesame Street, will be making their way onto the children’s audio storytelling platform, Tonies thanks to a new partnership spanning the US, UK, Germany and more.

Tonies is a screen-free audio entertainment system developed for young children, combining a soft, shockproof speaker cube that plays the audio content stores on a library of Tonies figurines when placed on top of the device. Since launch, Tonies has built up a solid library of audio content through licensing partnerships with some of the biggest names in the preschool space.

Joining the line-up, the Elmo Tonie is dedicated to all things music, teaching kids about different instruments, how to stretch their imaginations, and using music to exercise and to wind down, while the Cookie Monster Tonie is all about healthy habits, from eating and cooking, to exercise and mindfulness.

“Sesame Workshop’s mission is to help kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder, and what better way to do that than by providing them with the tools to discover new worlds all on their own,” said Gabriela Arenas, VP, global licensing, Sesame Workshop.

“With more songs to be sung and more wonders to be explored, tonies takes kids on an audio adventure with their favorite Sesame Street friends.”

Christoph Frehsee, Tonies USA president, added: “Working with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, is an absolute dream come true for all of us at Tonies. There isn’t a single person in the world that hasn’t been enchanted by the friendly residents of Sesame Street. We are ecstatic to bring the voices and sounds of this iconic brand to life through the Toniebox.”

Obituary | Licensing International’s Bill Burke, 55

The long time licensing industry executive and SVP Marketing and Communications for Licensing International, Bill Burke, passed away suddenly at his home on August 9th, at the age of 55.

Prior to joining Licensing International, Bill was SVP Marketing for CBS Consumer Products, where he led Global Marketing (including Retail), International Licensing, and Licensing Operations for iconic brands like Star Trek. Before that, he held senior positions with HIT Entertainment, Sesame Workshop and Foot Locker.

“Bill was already a beloved and admired person within the industry when he joined the Licensing International team in February,” said Maura Regan, president of Licensing International.

“In his brief period with us, and for those who hadn’t the pleasure of working with him previously, he quickly became a friend, creative spark and trusted sounding board for everyone on staff. It’s a measure of the man that he particularly enjoyed mentoring our interns, making sure that they got as much out of us as we got out of them.

“We will miss him personally and professionally.”

Bill is survived by his wife Patty, daughter Erin and son Ryan. Visitation and funeral arrangements are to be announced shortly.

Sesame Workshop grows licensing plans across China, Japan, and Germany with new agencies

Sesame Workshop has been an a global escapade this past month, having signed a trio of international licensing agencies with the purpose of strengthening the nonprofit’s licensing programmes across the overseas markets.

The educational organisation behind the iconic Sesame Street brand has been expanding its presence in the European and eastern markets, having tapped the likes of Medialink Group for Greater China, Sony Creative Products for Japan, and Studio 100 Media for Germany and the German speaking market.

Its partnership with Medialink Group will see the outfit act as its licensing agent for Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau, managing the brand licensing of Sesame Street’s consumer products, while is will also build retail relationships and work with local licensees to create promotional activations in the respective territories.

Today, Sesame Street in available on Tencent, BesTV, SiTV, Mampod and Ukids in Greater China, and generates $1.4 billion in worldwide retail sales of licensed products.

“Sesame Street is everywhere kids are,” said Alvin Fu, vice president and general manager of Greater China for Sesame Workshop. “We achieve this by making our innovative video content available through TV and on-demand platforms and working with partners like Medialink to invite kids and fans of all ages to engage with our beloved characters through Sesame Street-branded consumer products and merchandise and interactive experiences.”

“We are delighted to represent Sesame Street in Greater China. It is immensely meaningful for us to work with such a strong and trusted pre-school brand that shares a similar mission to ours. It is our great pleasure to work with Sesame Street,” said Ms Noletta Chiu, managing director of Medialink Animation International Limited and Medialink Cultural & Creative (Guangzhou) Limited.

Meanwhile, Sony Creative Products has been secured as Sesame Street’s licensing agent for the Japanese market, building on the brand’s more than 50 year history and expanding on its portfolio of 150 countries in which it is present, a network through which it generates $1.4 billion in worldwide retail sales of licensed products.

Sesame Street was first broadcast in Japan in 1971. Maximising the awareness of Sesame Street’s core values, Sony Creative Products will eye new brand activations and retail events, as well as pursue further business opportunities. SCP will manage licensing and retail activities for a wide range of demographics, from preschoolers to their caregivers, generation Z, and adults.

Finally, the company has strengthened its European presence with the appointment of Studio 100 Media as its German licensing agency. The firm will manage consumer products for Sesame Workshop’s flagship German brand Sesamstrasse as it celebrates the broadcast of its 50th season in 2023.

Studio 100 will manage special brand activations and retail events.

Stefan Kastenmüller, Sesame Workshop’s general manager for Europe, said: “I am incredibly excited about this strategic partnership with Studio 100 and the opportunity to strengthen the brand in Germany. In addition to overseeing licensing activity, Studio 100 will develop new ways for families to enjoy and deepen their connection with their favorite characters. Fans can expect to see more in themed entertainment, live shows, apps, and new content.”

Studio 100’s managing director, Martin Krieger said: “We are very happy to represent Sesame Workshop in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Many of us grew up with Sesamstrasse and having it now in our portfolio is amazing.

“It’s a perfect fit as we have similar brand values. I believe that our expertise will sustainably contribute in strengthening and expanding Sesamstrasse’s popularity and success story. We look forward to further developing licensing opportunities in important and new categories.”

Sesame Street enters the mindfulness market with Headspace podcast and Penguin Random House books

Headspace, a global leader in meditation and mindfulness, and Sesame Workshop, have launched a new podcast project that uses meditation and mindfulness techniques to help children relax during their bedtime routines.

The first episode will launch on June 13, 2021 with 11 subsequent episodes launching every Sunday through August 29.

Developed by a team of early childhood and meditation experts at Sesame Workshop and Headspace, Goodnight, World! looks to help children practice transitioning from their active days to naptime or bedtime. Each episode includes: a wind-down story narrated by a rotating cast of Sesame Street friends; a “sleep journey” led by one of Headspace’s sleepcast readers, and a soothing soundscape of music and relaxing sounds that evoke places like Big Bird’s nest and Abby Cadabby’s fairy garden.

“Maintaining healthy routines helps young children understand their world and feel secure – especially this year, when we’ve all experienced so much upheaval and disruption,” said Gabriela Arenas, Sesame Workshop’s vice president of licensing, North America.

“Even beyond bedtime and naptime, mindfulness is a powerful tool to help kids calm their bodies and regulate their emotions, skills that set them up for success in school and in life. We’re thrilled to work with Headspace to make the practice accessible to families everywhere.”

Episodes of Goodnight, World! are structured to follow families through a typical bedtime routine. In the opening stories, Sesame Street characters model the same feelings of reluctance that many kids experience before bedtime – and tap into the same mindfulness strategies described later in the episodes.

Guided “sleep journey” meditations use techniques like belly breathing, visualizations, and affirming self talk to help kids independently manage the transition from waking time to bedtime.

“Teaching kids the fundamentals of mindfulness and meditation that they can use not only at nap and bedtime, but any time of day, is critical in helping them grow and is at the core of our mission to improve the health and happiness of the world. That’s why we’re so excited to expand our resources for families through our partnerships with Sesame Workshop and Random House Books for Young Readers,” said Morgan Selzer, VP Content at Headspace.

Headspace and Sesame Workshop are also working with Random House Children’s Books to adapt their successful Sesame Street Monster Meditation series of animated shorts into a six-volume series of board books for children aged two to five years old.

The books will include the same characters, themes, and plotlines as the popular videos, which have been viewed more than 30 million times to date. The series launches with Sesame Street Monster Meditation: Being Patient with Cookie Monster on June 29, 2021, and continues with Sesame Street Monster Meditation: Getting Ready for Bed with Elmo on September 28, 2021.

More books are planned for 2022.

“Sesame Workshop and Headspace have created something truly exceptional with their Sesame Street Monster Meditation video series,” said Sonali Fry, VP and director of classic brands and preschool publishing, Random House Children’s Books.

“Through entertaining stories that feature fan-favorite Sesame Street characters, they provide young children with valuable mindfulness techniques. We are excited to continue their mission through our new collection of board book adaptations, which will introduce emergent readers to a variety of helpful meditation exercises for every occasion.”

Sesame Street becomes first brand to launch on Blank Slate platform as artists recreate iconic characters

Sesame Street has become the first brand to launch as part of a new platform curated by Champion Athleticwear and Foot Locker that taps notable creators to bring exclusive collaborations to life.

Called Blank Slate, the platform will make its debut with the launch of a limited edition collection of styles based on Sesame Street’s iconic characters, brought to life by the artists Jason Freeny and Naturel.

This week, the Jason Freeny collaboration debuts with adult t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, and pants featuring Cookie Monster, The Count, Bert, Ernie, Big Bird, and Elmo. Freeny, a New York-based sculptor, is known for his anatomical character dissections.

Meanwhile, the first Blank Slate drop with adult Sesame Street t-shirts and hoodies was released in December and designed by contemporary artist Naturel, a Maryland native who draws inspiration from pop art, cubism, and surrealism.

“Sesame Street is a multi-generational brand, and we are always looking for new and unique ways to create inspired products for our adult fans,” said Kerri Estreich, senior director, licensing, Sesame Workshop. “We love the stylization that Jason Freeny and Naturel bring to the table. They offer fun, dynamic, yet very different models for how the Sesame Street characters can be creatively interpreted while remaining true to our brand essence.”

Matt Waterman, general manager, Champion North America, added: “We are excited about the launch of the Sesame Street Jason Freeny Collection. Champion is the perfect canvas to bring together iconic partnerships like Sesame Street and artists in a creative way. Freeny’s creative designs for this collection are fun and unique to appeal to Champion and Sesame Street fans.”

The Jason Freeny program is Champion’s third release with Sesame Street to date.