Tag Archives: Tv And Film

Planeta Junior extends licensing reach for The Smurfs across Spain, Portugal and Central and Eastern Europe

Posted on by

Planeta Junior has secured an agreement with the global license holder IMPS to coordinate The Smurfs’ brand licensing programme across Spain, Portugal, and Central and Eastern Europe.

The deal acts as an extension to Planeta Junior already established remit as The Smurfs’ agent across Iberia. Thanks to the success that the company has seen across the territory, IMPS has decided to renew the agreement with the added regions.

Planeta Junior will manage the licensing program in all categories, except publishing, in all aspects of The Smurfs IP including: the classic brand, (which targets millennial audiences,) and the animated feature films and series, (causing a storm among younger audiences). The new The Smurfs CGI series will hit TV screens in 2022.

“We are happy to extend our collaboration with such a strong and passionate partner as Planeta Junior. They have been very successful increasing the value of The Smurfs in the Iberian market with a broad range of great products that embody the joyful spirit of The Smurfs,” said Véronique Culliford, president and founder of IMPS / LAFIG and daughter of Peyo.

“With the new TV series coming, we want to collaborate with the best partners and Planeta Junior is definitely one of those.”

Ignacia Segura, managing director of Planeta Junior, added: “The Smurfs are some of the most iconic and best loved characters ever created. We are proud to renew this property’s management in Spain and Portugal and to add CEE countries to the agreement. Adults and children will love the amazing products we are developing, which will take The Smurfs into unexplored territories.”

This historic brand is based on the characters and uninverse Belgian cartoonist Peyo created in 1958. The brand has been made contemporary thanks to recent film projects in CGI animation and live action, as well as the latest TV CGI series for five to ten year olds, which will receive its world premiere in 2022.

This new series will feature all the elements that made The Smurfs iconic: comedy, adventure, action, pace and quick-fire dialogue.

Boat Rocker Studios secures raft of global broadcasters for Dino Ranch

Posted on by

Boat Rocker Studios has secured a raft of global sales for the animated pre-school series, Dino Ranch following its successful premier on Disney Junior in the US and CBC in Canada at the start of the year.

Later this year, the animated show will land on Disney Latin America, SRC in Canada, and major broadcasters across Europe.

“Dino Ranch has a unique ability to resonate with audiences through engaging storytelling and first-class animation,” said Jon Rutherford, president, Boat Rocker Studios, Kids & Family and Rights. “We’re thrilled that the show will be available to viewers in more markets around the world, so they can saddle up and ride along with the Cassidy family.”

In Germany, Dino Ranch has been acquired by leading free-to-air channel SUPER RTL, and it will also air on their time-shift kids’ channel TOGGO Plus.

Leading free-to-air kids’ channel Gulli has acquired the series in France, where it will also be available on their Pay TV channels TiJi and Gulli Africa, with plans to additionally air it during the morning kids’ programming on general channel M6.

In Scandinavia, Dino Ranch has been acquired by national public service broadcasters NRK (Norway) and YLE (Finland), and DR (Denmark).

Dino Ranch is a 52 x 11’ 3D animation created by Matt Fernandes of Industrial Brothers and produced by Industrial Brothers and Boat Rocker Studios. It follows the action-packed adventures of the Cassidy family as they tackle life in a fantastical, “pre-westoric” setting where dinosaurs still roam. As the young ranchers learn the ropes, they discover the thrill of ranch life whilst navigating the great outdoors through unpredictable challenges.

Boat Rocker Studios is managing the global content distribution and consumer products program for the franchise.

Nickelodeon and Paramount+ offer sneak peek at Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years

Posted on by

Nickelodeon and Paramount+ have released a sneak peek of the new Paramount+ Original series, Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years, the first SpongeBob SquarePants spin-off.

The CG animated prequel follows a ten year old SpongeBob SquarePants and his friends as they spend their summer building underwater campfires, catching wild jellyfish, and swimming in Lake Yuckymuck. Produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio, the series is landing on Paramount+ soon.

Following the season’s run on the ViacomCBS subscription VOD service, it will air on Nickelodeon later this year.

The sneak peek was first offered during a special halftime presentation of the NFL Wild Card Game on Nickelodeon.

Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years features Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy) and Mr. Lawrence (Plankton) reprising their iconic roles. Carlos Alazraqui (The Casagrandes) and Kate Higgins (Blaze and the Monster Machines) join as new characters Nobby and Narlene, narwhal siblings who live in the woods surrounding the camp.

Since its launch July 17, 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has reigned as the number-one animated series on TV for the last 18 years, 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 into more than 30 languages, and averaging more than 100 million total viewers every month.

Cornwall’s Beer Buddies details launch of Original Stormtrooper bottle opener range

Posted on by

Cornwall’s own Beer Buddies – the designer and distributor of character wall-mounted bottle openers – is preparing to launch its fourth licensed product taking the form of the Original Stormtrooper from the first ever Star Wars film.

The launch arrives as the latest addition to Beer Buddies’ ICON range, a collection that to date features the likes of Motorhead, Iron Maiden, and Judge Dredd Beer Buddies bottle openers.

The range was set to launch earlier this year, but suffered delays owing to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The company has now confirmed that its Original Stormtrooper line will launch on December 4th.

Based in Helston in Cornwall, Beer Buddies has become synonymous with the men’s gifting sector, and has been met with a surge in demand for product over the course of the year.

“We’ve been inundated with Star Wars fans wanting to know the release date,” said Richard House of Beer Buddies. “They don’t have long to wait now, December 4th is the day.”

 Like all Beer Buddies ranges,  the artwork for the packaging has been executed by the Falmouth designer and illustrator Elly Jahnz of Foxcub Studios.

“The packaging itself is very important to us for ecological reasons, we use virtually all cardboard and keep polystyrene and plastic to a minimum so its easily recyclable,” said House. “Once again, Elly from Foxclub Studios has done a brilliant job.”

The Stormtrooper project has taken a year to get this point as the company has had to work with extended production deadlines and transport delays due to the Covid restrictions.

“We think the wait has been worth it,” House concluded.

Shaquille O’Neal to star in and executive produce Genius Brands animated series, Shaq’s Garage

Posted on by

NBA legend, Shaquille O’Neal has partnered with Genius Brands International to executive produce a new animated comedy series for kids called Shaq’s Garage. The series will star Shaq as it follows the secret adventures of hi extraordinary collection of cars, trucks and automobiles.

O’Neal joins a team of executive producers on the show, made up of Genius Brands, PRP and ABG Entertainment. Through the partnership, O’Neal also becomes a shareholder in Genius Brands.

Shaq’s Garage will depict the adventures of O’Neal’s collection of vehicles, all of which have unique attributes, intellects, and skills ranging from musical stylings, Shaq Fu, and their mastery of the ultra-secret language of Shaqanese and the Shaqtionary.

Whether in Sheijing on a secret mission or visiting an ancient shrine in the lost city of Shaqmandu, each story will be as special as the vehicles and Shaquille himself.

“We challenged ourselves to come up with the most exciting storylines and vehicle designs inspired by Toy Story, Tony Stark, and 007!, that could only be imagined by ‘Big Diesel,’ himself,” stated Genius Brands Chairman & CEO Andy Heyward. “The lead vehicle is named Big Diesel and will be voiced by Shaq.”

O’Neal said: “Ever since I was a kid I have been fascinated by cars. I’m so excited to bring this series to life with Genius Brands. We plan to showcase the most amazing, tricked out assortment of vehicles that can only be found in my garage.

“They will all have larger than life personalities, larger than life missions and of course, larger than life sound systems. One of our cars is a vehicle missing a wheel, but she is as strong, fast, and smart as any other vehicle. This will be a kid’s show which will highlight inclusivity for all.”

Heyward continued: “Through comedy and adventure, we will showcase strong and diverse characters as positive role models with purposeful storytelling. This is going to be a special show that touches every button–music, adventure, humor, and positive prideful messaging for kids.

“I have known and admired Shaq for many years and am thrilled that we can come together to make this important show for all kids around the world, and Shaq will become a part of the Genius Brands family.”

Shaq’s Garage is slated to premiere in early 2022 on the new free digital Kartoon Channel!, which launched on June 15, 2020, and is available in over 100 Million U.S. television households across multiple AVOD and OTT platforms. Kartoon Channel! is a COPPA-compliant free children’s programming service focused on positive entertainment.

Classic toy maker Wham-O strikes partnership with Critical Content for live action TV series

Posted on by

The independent classic toys maker, Wham-O has partnered with the indie production studio, Critical Content, to develop and create TV content built around the firm’s portfolio of toy brands, including the likes of Frisbee Disc, Hula Hoop, and Slip ‘N’ Slide. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

The exclusive agreement now grants Critical Content access to globally recognised IP and the option to create live action TV content. Kicking off the partnership, Slip ‘N’ Slide is to be at the front and centre of a new project tentatively titled Slip ‘N’ Slide Island, the working titles of a competition series centered on the childhood pastime.

Participants will go head to head as they attempt to body-glide their way to glory through a series of obstacles all designed in the spirit of Wham-O’s outdoor game. Match ups will take place in supersized chutes, jumps, and tunnels with winners of each installment getting a cash prize and a chance to compete in a grand finale event against the best of the best.

Slip ‘N Slide has a long history with consumers and has become somewhat of a summer staple since its introduction at the New York Toy Fair in February 1961. Sales of the product – now in its 60th year – have jumped over 180 per cent as many public pools, camps and water parks were forced to close because of the global pandemic.

Todd Richards, president of Wham-O, said: “Wham-O products have always brought out the best in kids and adults alike and this collaboration with Critical Content is indicative of our desire to elevate these nostalgic brands to the next level. We couldn’t be more pleased to partner with Tom, Jenny and their teams to bring Slip ‘N Slide to viewers around the globe in a meaningful way and look forward to creating epic content that celebrates our broader portfolio in the months ahead.”

Tom Forman, Critical Content’s CEO, and Jenny Daly, president, Critical Content Studios, added: “Wham-O is synonymous with good times and fun for the whole family and Slip ‘N Slide is one of the most enduring products in their portfolio for good reason. We all have fond memories of our first encounter with a Frisbee disc, a Hula Hoop and a Slip ‘N Slide and have passed that legacy onto our children, and our children’s children.

“We can’t think of a more uplifting and entertaining inspiration for TV content – all of these brands are immediately recognizable to consumers around the globe and have brought smiles to millions over the years. As we all try to embrace a more optimistic view of the world, we feel privileged to bring the re-imagining of these brands to market for a whole new generation of fans.”

A new anime Godzilla series is landing on Netflix in 2021

Posted on by

Godzilla is stomping its way back onto Netflix next year with the launch of a new original anime series titles Godzilla Singular Point. The series is currently in development by the studio bones, the name behind My Hero Academia, and Orange, the popular Japanese animation studio.

Developed under a licensing agreement with Toho, known worldwide for its Godzilla films and manager of the licensing rights to the Godzilla brand, the new anime series will premiere in 2021 with a new cast and original story. It lands following the success of Godzilla anime films, Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters, Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle and Godzilla: The Planet Eater and taps into the growing global appeal of the anime entertainment scene.

Anime studio bones, in partnership with studio Orange, (Beastars, Land of the Lustrous) will produce the series combining hand-drawn and CG animation styles.

In addition to director Atsushi Takahashi, the creative team includes Kan Sawada, composer for countless Doraemon films and series such as Yowamushi Pedal, Japanese science-fiction novelistToh Enjoe making his TV debut as editor and writer for the series, Kazue Kato creator of Blue Exorcist and the hit comic currently serialized in Jump Square will serve as the character designer, and animator Eiji Yamamori from Studio Ghibli films including Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and The Wind Rises will do the Kaiju design.

A new anime Godzilla series is landing on Netflix in 2021

Posted on by

Godzilla is stomping its way back onto Netflix next year with the launch of a new original anime series titles Godzilla Singular Point. The series is currently in development by the studio bones, the name behind My Hero Academia, and Orange, the popular Japanese animation studio.

Developed under a licensing agreement with Toho, known worldwide for its Godzilla films and manager of the licensing rights to the Godzilla brand, the new anime series will premiere in 2021 with a new cast and original story. It lands following the success of Godzilla anime films, Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters, Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle and Godzilla: The Planet Eater and taps into the growing global appeal of the anime entertainment scene.

Anime studio bones, in partnership with studio Orange, (Beastars, Land of the Lustrous) will produce the series combining hand-drawn and CG animation styles.

In addition to director Atsushi Takahashi, the creative team includes Kan Sawada, composer for countless Doraemon films and series such as Yowamushi Pedal, Japanese science-fiction novelistToh Enjoe making his TV debut as editor and writer for the series, Kazue Kato creator of Blue Exorcist and the hit comic currently serialized in Jump Square will serve as the character designer, and animator Eiji Yamamori from Studio Ghibli films including Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and The Wind Rises will do the Kaiju design.