Skydance Animation names Spin Master as its master toy licensee

Skydance Animation has announced a multi-year agreement with Spin Master, under which the global children’s entertainment company will become the studio’s master toy licensee.

The first feature property included under the agreement is Apple Original Film Spellbound, directed by Vicky Jenson, which will debut globally on Apple TV+. Spin Master will bring characters from the show to life with products including fashion dolls, mini-dolls and vehicles. The agreement also gives Spin Master the rights to develop toy lines for other upcoming Skydance animated features.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with a company like Spin Master that is as committed to quality and attention to detail as we are,” says Luis Fernández, Head of Consumer Products, Skydance. “As we ramp up production on our slate of animated features, we could not imagine a better partner to bring our visually stunning and epic animated worlds to life.”

“Spin Master strives to work with the best partners on long term-licenses and we are honoured to align with Skydance, to infuse our marquee innovation on the fantastical worlds and enchanting characters they create,” adds Chris Beardall, Spin Master’s President of Toys and Chief Commercial Officer. “We know that children around the world are going to fall in love with the magic of Spellbound and we can’t wait to deliver that magic to the playroom through an innovative and imaginative toy line.”

Spellbound is a new animated musical that follows a young girl who sets out to break the spell that has divided her kingdom in two. It is written by Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin and Linda Woolverton and features an original score by Academy Award-winner Alan Menken, and lyrics by Glenn Slater. Chris Montan serves as executive music producer.

Launched in 2017, Skydance Animation aims to use the power of animation to create original stories for global audiences of all ages, set in fantastic new worlds with unforgettable characters. The studio’s inaugural Apple Original short film, Blush, had its world premiere as part of the Tribeca Festival’s animated shorts programme and is now streaming globally on Apple TV+.

Later this year, Skydance Animation and Apple Original Films will also premiere their first animated feature, Luck, debuting on Apple TV+ on August 5, 2022.

Spin Master renews deal with Warner Bros for DC-inspired toy lines

Spin Master announced today that it has renewed its global licensing agreement with Warner Bros Consumer Products (WBCP) and DC for the iconic Batman franchise and other DC Super Heroes.

Spin Master first joined forces with WBCP in 2018 as the toy licensee for DC in the action figure, playset, roleplay and vehicle categories for the period of 2019-2022. The company has now extended the relationship for a four-year term, beginning in 2023 through to 2026.

“It’s been an honour to work with Warner Bros Consumer Products on this heroic and innovative line of action figures, vehicles and playsets, bringing the adventures and stories of Batman, DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains into fans’ homes around the world,” says Chris Beardall, Spin Master’s President, Toys, and Chief Commercial Officer. “The timing of this renewal is perfect as we head into a blockbuster year for DC, with its incredible slate of feature films hitting the big screen in 2022 coinciding with custom toy collections for each. Our innovative approach to toy design combined with our meticulous attention to detail has helped to achieve record-setting sales for Spin Master’s DC toy line.”

“DC is one of the most iconic brands in the world, and we’re excited to continue our partnership with Spin Master to bring the characters and stories to life through inspired toy collections,” adds Sam Bushy, Senior Vice President and General Manager North America and head of e-commerce for WBCP.

Warner Bros Pictures’ The Batman opens in cinemas on March 4, 2022, and Spin Master’s The Batman toy line-up is available at major toy retailers now.

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Spin Master seals content licensing deals for its preschool series Mighty Express

Spin Master has announced content licensing deals for its CG animated preschool series Mighty Express. Continuing to expand the franchise’s global footprint, Mighty Express is laying new tracks with broadcast networks POP UK (United Kingdom), SUPER RTL (Germany), TVP (Poland) and Tele-Quebec (Canada).

Featuring action-packed missions starring cool trains and their kid best friends, the Mighty Express series aims to take a contemporary approach to the timeless genre of trains. The licensing deal includes 60 11-minute episodes in addition to 26 3-minute shorts for over 700 minutes of Mighty content.

“From promoting teamwork and friendship to celebrating accomplishments, Mighty Express appeals to a global audience through engaging characters and exciting storylines,” says Jennifer Dodge, Spin Master’s President of Entertainment. “At Spin Master Entertainment, we are committed to developing evergreen global properties that capture the hearts and minds of children around the world and broadcast partners like these help deliver our stories to preschoolers globally.”

The Mighty Express franchise is part of the company’s commitment to a multiplatform content strategy boasting discoverability for both kids and their parents. The franchise ecosystem includes a YouTube destination that has amassed over 165 million views amounting to 4.5 million watch time hours and counting.

Spin Master champions new League of Legends Collection

Leading global children’s entertainment company Spin Master has launched the first of its collection as the global master toy licensee for Riot Games’ League of Legends, the most-played PC game in the world.

A mainstay in the multiplayer online battle arena, League of Legends is a team-based strategy game in which two teams of five powerful champions face off to conquer the other’s base. Players choose from over 150 champions to make epic plays and take down towers as they battle their way to victory.

“We are honoured to debut the first of our League of Legends collection, delivering to fans their favourite champions in action figure form and bringing the excitement of the renowned game to the toy aisle,” says Chris Beardall, Spin Master’s President of Toys and Chief Commercial Officer. “Our assortment of core and collector figures deliver innovation, meticulous attention to detail and enhanced collectability for the massive international League of Legends fan base both on and offline – and this is just the beginning.”

“Our mission is to make it better to be a player,” says Ashley Maidy, Head of Global Consumer Products at Riot Games. “This involves extending the joy of our League of Legends IP into the real world through a variety of products including toys and collectibles. We are excited for players to see more of the Spin Master collection in the coming months.”

The Fall 2021 League of Legends Collection includes 6” Collector Figures, 4” Core Figures 5-pack, and 4” Core Figures. To mark the launch, Spin Master teamed up with two renowned toy photographers, Mitchel Wu and Jax Navarro, to create dynamic imagery to honour the champions and highlight the authenticity of the figures.

Spin Master is best known for award-winning brands PAW Patrol, Bakugan, Kinetic Sand, Air Hogs, Hatchimals, Rubik’s Cube and GUND, and is the toy licensee for other popular properties. Spin Master Entertainment creates and produces compelling multiplatform content, stories and endearing characters through its in-house studio and partnerships with outside creators, including the preschool success PAW Patrol and nine other original shows along with multiple short-form series, which are distributed in more than 190 countries. The Company has an established digital games presence anchored by the Toca Boca and Sago Mini brands. With close to 2,000 employees in 28 offices globally, Spin Master distributes products in more than 100 countries.

Founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill, Riot Games is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. In 2009, Riot released its debut title, League of Legends, to worldwide acclaim. League has gone on to be the most-played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports. Riot continues to evolve the game while delivering new experiences to players with Teamfight Tactics, Legends of Runeterra, VALORANT, League of Legends: Wild Rift, and multiple work-in-progress titles, while exploring the world of Runeterra through multimedia projects across music, comic books, TV, and more.

 

 

Spin Master’s Bakugan becomes first franchise to air full-length episode in Roblox metaverse

Spin Master’s popular Bakugan franchise will be the first ever to premiere a full-length series episode on the global online platform, Roblox, when it makes its debut to the Roblox universe this September 8th.

Bakugan is a global battling franchise that boasts an anime adventure series and digital content, as well as an innovative toy line, card game, and video game. Premiering on September 8th this year, episode 317 from season three, Bakugan: Geogan Rising will debut within the Bakugan hub on the Roblox platform.

It will aim to create a unique viewing experience for Bakugan fans, while attracting a host of new ones to the brand.

“Roblox has become a new way for people to come together through shared experiences and premiering the first full-length series episode on Roblox demonstrates our commitment to our evolving digital-focused approach – helping us reach kids and teens wherever they are,” said Laura Henderson, Spin Master’s EVP, Marketing.

“We can’t wait to introduce another dimension of Bakugan storytelling within Roblox and deepen our fans’ connection to the Bakugan franchise with this immersive new virtual experience.”

Christina Wootton, vice president of brand partnerships at Roblox, added: “Roblox offers entertainment franchises a completely new way to engage with fans online in immersive 3D virtual experiences that make up the metaverse. By merging our collective audiences, we are able to offer the Roblox community as well as Bakugan fans new and unique ways to connect and experience entertainment together within the Roblox metaverse.”

Bakugan: Geogan Rising is season three of the series. Part one of Geogan Rising currently airs on Netflix. Episode 317 is part of part two, which will debut on Roblox on September 8th and on Netflix on September 15th.

Spin Master’s Bakugan becomes first franchise to air full-length episode in Roblox metaverse

Spin Master’s popular Bakugan franchise will be the first ever to premiere a full-length series episode on the global online platform, Roblox, when it makes its debut to the Roblox universe this September 8th.

Bakugan is a global battling franchise that boasts an anime adventure series and digital content, as well as an innovative toy line, card game, and video game. Premiering on September 8th this year, episode 317 from season three, Bakugan: Geogan Rising will debut within the Bakugan hub on the Roblox platform.

It will aim to create a unique viewing experience for Bakugan fans, while attracting a host of new ones to the brand.

“Roblox has become a new way for people to come together through shared experiences and premiering the first full-length series episode on Roblox demonstrates our commitment to our evolving digital-focused approach – helping us reach kids and teens wherever they are,” said Laura Henderson, Spin Master’s EVP, Marketing.

“We can’t wait to introduce another dimension of Bakugan storytelling within Roblox and deepen our fans’ connection to the Bakugan franchise with this immersive new virtual experience.”

Christina Wootton, vice president of brand partnerships at Roblox, added: “Roblox offers entertainment franchises a completely new way to engage with fans online in immersive 3D virtual experiences that make up the metaverse. By merging our collective audiences, we are able to offer the Roblox community as well as Bakugan fans new and unique ways to connect and experience entertainment together within the Roblox metaverse.”

Bakugan: Geogan Rising is season three of the series. Part one of Geogan Rising currently airs on Netflix. Episode 317 is part of part two, which will debut on Roblox on September 8th and on Netflix on September 15th.

PAW Patrol, Bakugan, and a strong preschool line up drive ‘exceptional’ Q2 performance for Spin Master

Another global toy company and another ‘exceptional second quarter performance’ rings in this week, as Spin Master joins the ranks of those experiencing Q2 2021 revenue surges.

Total revenue for the Canada-based toy maker increased 39 per cent this past quarter to hit $390.8 million, up from the $281.1 million it posted in the same period last year, with gross product sales growing 27.2 per cent, driven by higher sales in preschool and girls and boys.

Broken down market by market, gross product sales across Europe grew 23.7 per cent on last year, 23.7 per cent in North America, and 58.2 per cent in its Rest of World market.

“Our strong financial performance this quarter reflects our success in creating exceptional play experiences for children and their families across toys, entertainment, and digital games,” said Max Rangel, Spin Master’s global president and chief executive officer.

“By leveraging this strength of each creative centre, we are differentiating Spin Master in the children’s entertainment space. We are well positioned for the second half with an amazing toy line up, growth in our digital games franchise, and the highly anticipated release of PAW Patrol: The Movie, our first foray into feature films.

“Looking to the future, we are focused on adapting to the changing dynamics of play through innovation, customer driven decision making, partnerships and relentless drive to reimagine where imagination can take us, all while delivering profitable growth for our shareholders.”

Driven primarily by preschool and girls and boys sectors, Spin Master’s gross product sales increased by $70.3 million to hit $352.9 million for Q2 2021. Preschool and Girls grew by 60 per cent thanks to increased sales of PAW Patrol, as well as Gabby’s Dollhouse and Present Pets.

Activities, Games and Puzzles, and Plush decreased by $1.8 million. The decline was driven primarily by the Games and Puzzles portfolio, offset in part by sales of Rubik’s, Influencer, GUND, and Orbeez.

Gross product sales in Boys increased by $23.6 million driven by sales of Bakugan, Tech Deck, and Monster Jam RC. This was partially offset by declines in DreamWorks Dragons.

The outdoor product sector decreased by $1.1million.

In first half of the year terms, total revenue at Spin Master has increased 39.1 per cent on the six months ended June 30th, 2020. Gross product sales have increased by $129.2 million to hit $653.7 million.

Mark Segal, Spin Master’s chief financial officer, said: “We delivered very strong financials and operating performance this quarter.

“Our revenue trajectory continued to strengthen, driven by accelerating momentum in our Digital Games and Entertainment creative centres, which drove margin expansion and we are raising our total revenue outlook for the year.

“We remain committed to our financial framework for value creation, underpinned by our formula for innovation and global growth across toys, entertainment, and digital games.”

Spin Master considering global roll-out of Future of Play Scholarship ‘based on interest’

Spin Master will be considering the expansion of its new Future of Play Scholarship Programme across its 28 global offices, based on the level of interest expressed within the individual markets.

Last week, the global entertainment powerhouse and toy maker detailed the launch of a programme to support the education and career advancement of individuals from under-represented communities across the toys, entertainment, and digital games sectors.

Through its Future of Play Scholarship, the firm has committed to investing up to $100,000 a year in financial aid, as well as mentorship and on the job experience for individuals from under-represented communities, including BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA+, and indigent students seeking post-secondary education with toy design, creative production, digital gaming, and app development.

The launch of the programme follows findings across all three sectors – toys, animation, and gaming – that suggest vast under-representation for many communities, including the matter that black inventors file for patents at one third the rate of white inventors. Similar patent disparities have been uncovered for women, who in 2019 accounted for just 22 per cent of US patents. Research also found that families in the top one per cent of income are ten times more likely to produce patent holders than families in the lower half.

Elsewhere, 2015 research in the animation space found that 60 per cent of animation students are women, yet men make up almost 80 per cent of animators in the workforce, according to Women in Animation data. Representation is even lower for women of colour working in animation, who are in less production roles than their white counterparts.

“At Spin Master, we create toys that inspire, characters that entertain and story lines that empower children around the world to be positive members in their communities,” Tammy SMitham, Spin Master’s VP of global communications and corporate citizenship, told Licensing.biz.

“We want to ensure that our teams creating these toys, games, and series are representative of the diverse communities in which we live and work and that children experience in their daily lives.”

With 28 offices around the world, Spin Master has stated that it will consider expanding the Scholarship programme outside of the US and across its global market based on the interest expressed by each.

“The industry is already having conversations and taking steps to increase diverse representation,” continued Smitham. “What needs to be considered is that not only are the toys, series, and experiences we create more inclusive, but that the people behind the scenes, creating, innovating, and telling the stories are diverse and representative of the kids and families they entertain.”

While the company has highlighted a commitment of $100,000 to the programme, as well as the offer of internships at Spin Master with the potential for full-time employment upon the completion of studies, the toy maker is also keen to see word of the initiative spread among networks, with an eye on awarding more scholarships that originally planned, should the firm receive more applications that expected.

“We want to be a contributor to the movement to increase diverse representation within our industry and within our company,” said Smitham. “At Spin Master we believe that diversity of thought can fuel new ideas and further innovations which will only benefit the children and families we entertain.

“We hope that our Future of Play Scholarship helps to increase representation in the industry as a whole, while also helping students who may have thought they couldn’t pursue their career dreams in the children’s entertainment industry because of lack of opportunity or funding.

“By increasing diverse representation, we can ultimately deliver even more inspiration to the children who we engage with every day.”

PAW Patrol: The Movie first trailer drops as ViacomCBS cites ‘major milestone for iconic property’

The first trailer for the hotly anticipated PAW Patrol: The Movie has landed, offering a first glimpse at ‘the biggest adventure yet’ for the cast of pups as the film readies to open in cinemas on August 20th this year.

Featuring an original song from Maroon 5’s front man, Adam Levine and an all-star cast including Ian Armitage, Marsai Martin, Yara Shahidi, Kim Kardashian West, and Jimmy Kimmel, the film will follow a big screen adventure as the PAW Patrol pups take on their biggest rival, Humdinger.

An official synopsis of the film reads: “The PAW Patrol is on a roll! When their biggest rival, Humdinger, becomes Mayor of nearby Adventure City and starts wreaking havoc, Ryder and everyone’s favorite heroic pups kick into high gear to face the challenge head on.

“While one pup must face his past in Adventure City, the team finds help from a new ally, the savvy dachshund Liberty. Together, armed with exciting new gadgets and gear, the PAW Patrol fights to save the citizens of Adventure City!”

Brian Robbins, president, kids and family entertainment, ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks, said: “Expanding PAW Patrol into the world of theatricals is a major milestone for this iconic property, and we can’t wait for kids and families everywhere to experience it together.

“We are incredibly excited to work with Spin Master Entertainment and our sister division Paramount Pictures on this latest title from the Nickelodeon Movies slate.”

Maroon 5’s Adam Levine lends voice talent to PAW Patrol: The Movie with original song ‘Good Mood’

The American singer, songwriter and lead vocalist from Maroon 5, Adam Levine is the latest name to lend his voice to the upcoming animated feature film, PAW Patrol: The Movie, by performing the film’s title track.

Called ‘Good Mood’, the new song was written by Shellback, Savan Kotecha, Oscar Görres and Adam Levine, and produced by Shellback from MXM Productions and Oscar Görres for Wolf Cousins Productions. The track features Levine’s characteristic falsetto on top of an upbeat and light-hearted track.

Scheduled to be unleashed in theatres on August 20, 2021, PAW Patrol: The Movie is based on the award-winning preschool series produced by Spin Master Entertainment and broadcast by Nickelodeon. The movie features an all-star voice cast includingKim Kardashian WestDax ShepardJimmy KimmelTyler Perry, Yara Shahidi, Randall ParkIain Armitage, Marsai Martin, and Will Brisbin, along with existing members of the current PAW Patrol series.

The PAW Patrol feature film is directed by animation veteran Cal Brunker (Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature; Escape From Planet Earth). Jennifer Dodge, Spin Master Entertainment’s President, is producing the film and Ronnen Harary, Spin Master’s Chair and Co-Founder, Adam Beder, Spin Master’s Executive Vice President Strategic Partnership & Franchise Development and Peter Schlessel are executive producers.

The PAW Patrol movie is the first of several feature films in the works by Spin Master Entertainment.