ZAG appoints Carlotta Caracciolo as Consumer Products VP for MEA

Animation studio ZAG has appointed former MGA Entertainment and Warner Bros executive Carlotta Caracciolo as its first VP, Middle East and Africa, to oversee the company’s consumer products strategy in the region.  The appointment was announced today by Julian Zag, SVP Global Operations and Head of Consumer Products, to whom Caracciolo reports.

In her new role at ZAG, Caracciolo, who will be based in Dubai, will focus on building a consumer products programme for the Middle East and Africa for properties in the ZAG Heroez portfolio, with an initial focus on Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir and the company’s newest series, Ghostforce.

Miraculous has broad reach across the Middle East, with the series available on Disney Channel and MBC, whose MBC3 channel for kids is the most popular and biggest in the region. Combined, Miraculous reaches kids in Arabic across Algeria, Bahrain, Chad, Cyprus, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, West Bank and Gaza, Qatar, Saudi, Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Aran Emirates and Yemen. In Turkey, the series is available on Disney Channel. South and Sub-Saharan Africa is covered by Disney; with MBC reaching Northern Africa.

“The Middle East and Africa have become a top priority for ZAG, and the Disney/MBC combination is a perfect duo for us to reach children and families across the region,” says Julian Zag. “Miraculous is garnering strong ratings, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where the series ranked in the number-one slot on MBC following its launch in 2018, and has remained among the top programmes ever since. Carlotta will lead our market expansion in the region and drive the development of licensing partners for our portfolio of brands.”

Caracciolo served for the past three years as Head of Sales and Licensing, Middle East and Africa, at MGA Entertainment, where she was instrumental in launching the licensing and toy programme for L.O.L. Surprise! across the region. Prior, she was a Category Manager at the licensing agency Shooting Stars, where she managed and developed the softlines accounts for clients including Warner Bros and NBC Universal for the GCC region, following her earlier role with Warner Bros as a category manager based in Italy. She started her entertainment career with Warner Bros in Italy in 2011 as marketing and retail assistant.

Caracciolo says: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with ZAG, and I look forward to growing the licensing and toy footprint in MEA Region, bringing new and exciting collaborations  across multiple categories for consumers to experience the brand.”

ZAG signs global licensing deal with PMI for Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir

Animation studio ZAG has signed a global licensing agreement with Tel Aviv-based PMI for a line of collectibles, impulse, stationery and school supplies for the global hit series Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir. 

The new merchandise is scheduled to hit shelves in summer 2022. The announcement was made today by Julian Zag, EVP, Global Operations and Head of Consumer Products, ZAG.

The multiple award-winning Miraculous has attracted a massive fan base across the  globe. Miraculous fandom spans more than 120 markets worldwide with four seasons of the series now on air that regularly attract number-one ratings (and a fifth in production), mobile games, the first branded game on the Roblox platform with over 300 million gameplays, a new console game in the works, and the upcoming US$100M+ animated feature.

PMI has mapped out a line of toy products befitting the Miraculous superheroes, including Ladybug and Cat Noir, who will be the main focus of PMI’s extensive line of stampers, toppers, coin purses, key chains, plush backpacks and pencil cases, as well as Matchify card games and other stationery and school supplies.

“We are delighted to finalise our agreement with PMI, a market leader with a unique distribution advantage, reaching multiple points of sale from newsstands and kiosks, to mass market retailers,” commented Julian Zag.

“With season four of the series now available across the globe, and our US$100M+ animated feature coming out this year,  they are the ideal partner to work together with ZAG to bring this extensive line of products to our fans across the globe who are clamoring for more ways to engage with the brand.”

ZAG Games signs deal for first official Miraculous Ladybug console game

 

 

Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir live experiences come to Spain

Kids and family entertainment company Planeta Junior and award-winning global entertainment studio ZAG have signed a deal with Madhouse to create immersive experiences based on the globally successful animated series MiraculousTM – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir. The series was created by ZAG and co-produced with ON kids & family (Mediawan).

Madhouse is the leading integrated leisure activity and entertainment management company behind MadLab, the chain of pioneering retail entertainment centres. Miraculous experiences premiered at the MadLab Oviedo in November, featuring three immersive activities: Parkour Tech, VR Escape Room and VR Labyrinth. MadLab Zaragoza also offers visitors an immersive Miraculous experience.

Parkour Tech is designed for 5–12 year-olds. This new concept allows fans of Miraculous to test their psychomotor skills and complete team missions against the clock. Each group wears an RFID bracelet with a built-in LED reader to practise their teamwork and skills.

The VR Escape Room is an interactive experience for the whole family. This 50 m2 space allows 2-4 people to become Marinnette’s classmates. They have to solve a series of tests in under five minutes to help their favourite superheroes.

Finally, the entertaining Virtual Reality Labyrinth individual experience gives fans of all ages  seven minutes to explore the Eiffel Tower and help stop Akuma, the supervillain from the popular show, from attacking the city.

“MadLab Oviedo allows the whole family to travel to Ladybug and Cat Noir’s Paris and enter the series, becoming a character that helps their superheroes. Joining forces with sector leader Madhouse guarantees our success,” says Antonella Ceraso, Consumer Products Director at Planeta Junior.

“Reaching an agreement with Planeta Junior and ZAG is part of our global strategy to offer new experiences based on entertainment’s most iconic brands and characters. This is just the first of several launches we aim to work on together,” adds Raluca Gavrilovici, Sales Business Manager at Madhouse.

 

Spread Group signs worldwide license with ZAG for Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir collection

Award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG has signed a global licensing agreement with Spread Group. Under the new agreement, Spread Group will provide a print-on-demand collection for the globally successful animated series Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, created by ZAG and co-produced with ON kids & family (Mediawan). Kids and young adults’ apparel and accessories for Miraculous will be available via Spread Group’s Marketplace in time for the holiday season.

A worldwide print-on-demand offering means brands can demonstrate their sustainability credentials to customers. At Spread Group, nothing is printed before it is ordered, so there is no overproduction. The Miraculous designs will be published online, ready to be printed on to t-shirts, hoodies and lunchboxes, plus accessories like bags and mugs.

Helena Perheentupa, VP, Licensing, Central, Eastern, Northern Europe and Russia at ZAG, says: “Print-on-demand is a great new opportunity for our passionate fans to engage with Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir. This global partnership marries Spread Group’s e-commerce expertise with the enthusiasm of our fans, who can now choose from a range of styles and accessories to suit them. We’re delighted with this new initiative and look forward to its great success.”

Sven Burscher, Head of Licensing at Spread Group, adds: “We’re excited to be the strategic e-commerce partners for ZAG, especially after the IP has just won three Licensing International Awards in Germany. Our partnership shows how print-on-demand can add a sustainable element to licensing. Miraculous fans can now choose from pre-designed products that are only printed once an order is placed. Fans can also change the product and the colour to suit their own style, from a range of kids’ clothing and accessories.”

This is Spread Group’s first licensing deal since Sven Burscher’s appointment in October.

Spread Group becomes a strategic e-commerce partner for ZAG in time for the worldwide premiere of the US$100M+ Miraculous animated feature to premiere in 2022.

 

 

ZAG appoints former Zinkia exec Marie Doolan as Vice President of TV content

Award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG continues to build its executive leadership team, appointing former Zinkia executive Maria Doolan, who drove the global growth for the hit Pocoyo brand, to the newly created position of VP, TV Content. She reports to Jeremy Zag, Founder and CEO, and Julian Zag, EVP, Global Operations and Head of Global Consumer Products.

In this new role, Doolan will be responsible for ZAG’s global strategy of content distribution across all platforms including television, home entertainment and digital media, for select properties in the ZAG Heroez portfolio — an umbrella brand franchise that brings together the superheroes from ZAG’s animated properties. Her first priority will be focused on the company’s newest IP, Ghostforce, which was recently acquired by Disney Channels U.S. and debuted in October 2021 on Disney XD. Doolan will also work in partnership with ON kids & family (Mediawan) for the aspirational brand phenom Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, as well as all future ZAG properties.

“Maria has an extensive brand-management background, spearheading efforts across programme distribution and consumer products, and is an expert at driving strategy, building brands and adding value,” says Jeremy Zag. “In her new TV Content role, she will work closely with our consumer products executives to craft strategies for TV placement with best-in-class partners around the globe to build strong platforms from where we can launch new TV shows under  the ZAG Heroez universe.”

“I am thrilled with the opportunity to work with Jeremy, Julian and the global team at ZAG to further drive brand growth worldwide,” adds Doolan. “This new role will allow me to utilise one of my key strengths, which is to transfer big ideas into viable business plans on a global scale, and I am excited to begin diving in on building a global strategy for the content rollout of Ghostforce.

Doolan has over 20 years’ experience managing, marketing and selling TV and retail products and properties, spending 17 years with Zinkia Entertainment. During her tenure with the company, she served in several roles, most recently as Global Head of International TV Distribution & Co-Productions, developing partnerships with multinational players. Prior, she served as Executive Producer of the Early Learning Collaborative, securing a US Ready to Learn (RTL) grant with a local non-profit partner, becoming the first non-US brand to get an RTL grant. Twenty-three educational apps covering English-language learning and math for 3–5 year olds were developed. The grant managed a US$34 million development and marketing budget and supervised the project launch with complementary school marketing materials produced for nationwide US distribution.

In her earliest and most long-lasting role as Managing Director of Brand & Business Development, Doolan was responsible for financing, marketing and managing Pocoyo worldwide, defining the brand and product strategy and market positioning, and  developing key L&M partnerships.

Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir passes $1bn in retail sales ahead of new movie

ZAG’s Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir has surpassed $1bn in worldwide retail sales, a major new milestone for both the property and the team behind it who has this week detailed a new roster of US licensees for the brand.

The news arrives in the lead up to the release of the $100m theatrical feature film based on the Miraculous IP, and follows the roll out of Season Four of the animated series created by ZAG and co-produced with ON kids and family.

“Since launching the Miraculous™ – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir brand at retail, Miraculous branded merchandise from over 300 licensing partners is currently available at major retailers and online in virtually every territory around the world across multiple categories,” commented Jeremy Zag, Founder and CEO, ZAG.

“We are grateful for the support of our content partners, licensees and retailers around the globe, and of course our millions of fans who have embraced the adventures of our heroes, Ladybug and Cat Noir. We have more exciting escapades yet to come and I can’t wait to share the news of an upcoming series that is sure to be embraced by our Miraculous fans.”

With continued demand for the Miraculous brand in the North American market, ZAG has signed over 50 new licensees in the past 12 months. Newly signed publishing agreements include Little Bee (Activity Formats) and Bendon (Color and Activity).  For fashion and accessories, new partners include HER (hair accessories and jewelry), Jacmel (jewelry), Accutime (watches and clocks), Jerry Leigh of California (girls’ apparel), SG Companies (seasonal footwear), and Heys International (luggage).

For activities, partners include TCG (puzzle and games), Horizon (craft & activity), Lil’ Anglers (fishing gear), What Kids Want (outdoor and seasonal), and Toy Factory (amusement plush). Food and beverage partners include Crunch Pak (healthy snacking), Good to Grow (beverages), Ferrara (fruit snacks), Zak! Designs (hydration, food storage, tabletop), and Kernels (popcorn, Canada).

Additional partners include ASO (wound care and first aid); and SmileMakers (stickers for medical field). In Canada, Danawares is on board for accessories. The new deals come on the heels of the recently signed global deals with Swatch’s Flik Flak and Epopia, who join long-standing partners Ferrero and PEZ.

In spring 2021, ZAG introduced a new Miraculous toy line from ZAG Lab and Playmates in the US on the e-commerce platforms of Walmart, Target and Kohls, selling-out within just a few hours. This autumn, brick and mortar stores will be carrying the toy line.

Other products hitting retail shelves in the U.S. this year include leveled readers and chapter books from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (LBYR), a division of the Hachette Book Group, costumes and accessories for wholesale retailers from InSpirit Designs, bedding from Jay Franco; underwear from Handcraft Manufacturing; and Bentex Apparel Group for sportswear, tees and sleepwear.

Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir is available in over 120 territories across the globe.

Miraculous ‘shows all signs of a hit’ on Roblox as gameplay exceeds 100 million

ZAG Games’ video game title, Miraculous RP: Quests of Ladybug and Cat Noir is showing ‘all signs of an international hit’ having surpassed 100 million visits in seven weeks, and 88 per cent player approval rating, and more than one million daily active users within its first week on the Roblox platform.

Released on May 4th this year, Miraculous RP: Quests of Ladybug and Cat Noir is a role play game based on the animated series Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, and the first game based on a TV series to be developed on the Roblox platform.

Already a global animation hit, the game appears to have translated its success to the gaming sphere. Within its first week of beta-testing, the game had secured a rolling seven-day average of 1.2 million users, representing almost three per cent of Roblox platform’s global daily active user base.

Due to the high number of plays within a short timeframe, Roblox’s indexes started including the game in the “Popular” category within 48 hours and the “Up and Coming” category within 72 hours. The game has since been the subject of a number of positive reviews from influencers and players across platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Twitch, Discord, and TikTok.

“Fans of the famous Ladybug and Cat Noir characters were highly engaged during the development of the game’s play tests, providing feedback on ideas, design concepts and more,” said Elinor Schops, VP of ZAG Games and Interactive Experiences.

“When the fans discovered the beta release, they quickly started playing and we are thrilled that our first game on Roblox has been so widely and quickly embraced.”

In Miraculous RP: Quests of Ladybug & Cat Noir, players are transported to Miraculous Paris. There they can role play characters from the show, recreate their favorite moments, hang out with friends, explore the city, play mini-games, defeat villains, and even create their own Miraculous superhero.

“Never did we anticipate such viral success during our Beta testing mode. We are humbled by how the game has been received by the community on Roblox and how players are using their voices to promote it across many platforms,” said Anat Shperling, CEO of Toya, the female-led, Tel-Aviv based studio and partner or ZAG Games on the project.

“This resonance represents tremendous validation for Toya’s mission and approach to creating on the platform – with inclusivity and a commitment to developing strong and diverse characters that serve as role models for girls, boys, and young adults to play with.”

The launch of the Roblox game coincides with the debut of ZAG’s second big-budget animated movie, Miraculous World – Shanghai – Lady Dragon. Fans are also awaiting the launch of the theatrical feature, Ladybug & Cat Noir: Awakening(US$100M+ budget), which is planned for release worldwide in fall 2021 or first quarter of 2022.

Miraculous has grown its digital reach by 178 per cent over the course of the last year, and now attracts over 15 million subscribers across its nine official YouTube channels, currently available in eight languages. With a total 22 billion views, fans have collectively viewed more than 300 million hours of content.

ZAG grows its global team ahead of the launch of Miraculous movie and Ghostforce TV series

ZAG is growing its global licensing operations this year in the build up to the release of the Miraculous movie and the launch of its action-comedy series, Ghostforce, with the appointment of Hyde Schram as its first vice president of global promotions, and Betsabe Luna as its retail and licensing director for Mexico and Central America.

A ViacomCBS and Walt Disney Company alumn, Schram will report directly to Julian Zag, executive vice president, global operations, while Luna will report to the recently appointed VP consumer products, Latin America, Angela Cortez.

Based in the US, Schram will helm the strategic planning, development and execution of partnerships for global and regional promotions and sponsorships for ZAG’s portfolio of brands. She will be tasked with expanding current partnerships and leveraging key initiatives to create synergistic opportunities across partner promotional campaigns.

Schram will work closely alongside Kirk Bloomgarden, ZAG’s SVP of Global Licensing, and his rapidly growing team of licensing and retail executives.

Meanwhile, Luna will be based in Mexico City, overseeing retail across Mexico and Central America territories.  She will work in partnership with local agents to develop and implement a retail strategy that will increase market share visibility and shelf space for the company’s brands and establish cross-campaigns with all partners in the region.

In Mexico, the new toy line from Playmates and ZAG Labs, distributed by Bandai Mexico, launched in fall 2020.  In 2021, product sales have increased 266 per cent compared with 2020 numbers.

“Hyde and Betsabe are joining ZAG at a significant time of growth at the company,” said Zag. “Both of these executives bring a wealth of industry experience and skills that will be invaluable as we prepare for the upcoming release of our theatrical US$100MM movie, Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir ‘The Awakening’ premiering starting holiday 2021, season four of the series just starting to roll out around the world, and the upcoming launch of Ghostforce.”

During her eight-year tenure at ViacomCBS, serving most recently as Vice President of Worldwide Promotions, Sponsorships and Licensing, Schram secured multi-million-dollar promotional programs and built relationships with global brands such as Ferrero, Burger King, Kellogg’s, Danone, Zaini Confections, CPW, and Unilever.

She joined ViacomCBS following a career at The Walt Disney Company, where she served as Executive Director of Global Promotions and Sponsorships, securing promotional opportunities with Fortune 500 companies for  Disney, Pixar and Touchstone theatrical/DVD releases and premiere events.  Schram currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Generation Genius Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to inspiring kids in STEM.

Prior to joining ZAG, Luna spent five years with MTV Networks, Viacom. In her most recent role with the company, she served as Franchise Manager for Mexico and Latin America, Consumer Products, responsible for the planning, development, and execution of all marketing strategies related to VIACOM franchises.

She also served a four-year term with the company as the Retail Manager for Mexico, responsible for establishing a strategy to increase Nickelodeon consumer products footprint at point of sale. Prior, Luna worked for Spin Master Mexico as Brand Manager Categories: Boys and Girls.

ZAG Games extends CrazyLabs partnership for new Miraculous mobile game and appoints new creative director

ZAG Games has extended its partnership with the game developer and publisher, Crazy Labs, to create a second mobile game for its hit Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir franchise.

The new Miraculous Ladybug Puzzle RPG will be the second project to move forward at ZAG Games since the division was established in October 2020, led by the industry expert Elinor Schops, who currently serves as vice president. The first project is an adventure quest game for the Roblox platform, scheduled for release this May.

Slated to coincide with the holiday 2021 premiere of the Miraculous theatrical movie this year, the Miraculous Ladybug Puzzle RPG is a new take on bubble shooter puzzle games, combining RPG elements that feature challenging fighting levels designed for a new generation of players.

The game will see users form their own superhero team starring the show’s characters as they face different villains in each level and fight them by solving bubble shooter puzzles. Aiming, shooting and popping bubbles will charge the heroes’ special skills and powers. Winning levels will allow the heroes to level up, evolve, and unlock new heroes.

“We are delighted that our first official game has been so widely embraced by our fans, and we’re happy to be partnering once again with CrazyLabs for our second official game,” said Julian Zag.

“Since Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir launched across streaming platforms, we have seen extraordinary demand for Miraculous content, consumer products and games from older audiences. This new game is being designed and will be marketed to Gen Z as the primary audience, while also making sure that the gameplay and onboarding are accessible for everyone to enjoy.”

Schops added: “This older fan base is a group which has been giving Ladybug such love over the past few years. You’ll be amazed by the extent these teen fans go to show their appreciation to the brand and we felt they deserve a game that will be designed for them as a primary demo.”

The first Miraculous Ladybug & Cat Noir mobile game launched three years ago and is an all-ages casual runner, available in iOS, Google Play, Amazon, and Amazon Kids+.  According to App Annie, the game is ranked in the Top 10 globally on both Google Play and iOS for downloads versus other runner games.

“We’re excited to see the phenomenal success of the official mobile game Miraculous Ladybug & Cat Noir and are happy to extend our fruitful cooperation with ZAG Games,” said  Sagi Schliesser, CEO and founder of CrazyLabs.

“The new Miraculous Ladybug Puzzle RPG is the result of an ongoing relationship and a deep understanding of the beloved brand. We look forward to offering life-long fans of Marinette and Adrien a whole new gaming experience, tailored per their gaming preferences.”

Meanwhile, the news of the new mobile game coincides with the appointment of Eran Holzman as Creative Director at ZAG Games, who will be working closely with CrazyLabs on the development of the game.

Holzman joins ZAG from Matific where he served as Senior Game Designer and Producer developing games to make math learning enjoyable for children, overseeing all aspects of the game’s features, rules, story, mechanics and goals.  Prior, he was Product Manager and Game Designer at Jelly Button Games, where he was responsible for innovating and driving the implementation of features and functions to make games more fun, profitable and viral.

Previous roles include Game Producer and Project Manager at Scientific Games Interactive, and Senior Game Producer and Project Manager at TabTale (now CrazyLabs).

“Eran is passionate about creating memorable experiences through fun interactive and engaging products that enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy, and with his extensive expertise across game design and production, we are delighted that he is joining our ever-growing ZAG team,” said Schops.

Miraculous lands slate of new consumer products partners and Disney Channel US broadcast

ZAG is seeing demand for Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir continuing to grow across the US as the studio details its latest raft of licensing partners, as well as a new broadcast deal with Disney Channel US for seasons four and five of the series.

Newly signed partners for the hit IP include Crayola who has joined for branded colour and activity books, Fast Forward for kids backpacks and lunch bags, Kids Designs for youth electronics such as headphones and microphones, Komar Kids for sleepwear, and Peachtree Playthings for crafts and activities.

This roster is joined by further US partners including Galerie for seasonal and everyday chocolate and confectionery, Inkology for stationary and activity products, Trends International for posters and stickers, and Card.com for branded debit and credit cards.

Additional partners for online retail sales are Mighty Mojo Toys for party goods and supplies and All About Vibe for sublimated pillows.

Meanwhile, Disney Channel US has confirmed that it will pick up the latest two seasons, joining Disney Channels in multiple territories around the world as previously announced.  The US broadcaster will be debuting season four in summer 2021.  

Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir is also available globally on Netflix (excluding Asia and Brazil), with Netflix US streaming seasons one through three. According to Parrot Analytics, Miraculous is the number one in demand show for kids on Netflix in the US for the period January 1 to February 28.

“We’re thankful to all of our partners, including our trusted broadcasters and streamers who make Miraculous easily accessible to our passionate fans, and our consumer products licensees and retailers who provide multiple ways for fans to engage with the brand,” said Jeremy Zag, founder, ZAG.

“The new Miraculous toy line from Playmates Toys and ZAG Labs that launched on March 21 sold out within hours at Target.com, Walmart.com, and Kohls.com, and we have many new initiatives in the works that we’ll be announcing in the coming weeks and months and cannot wait to be able to share the news.”

 The new agreements coincide with the March 21 Miraculous toy launch from Playmates Toys and ZAG Labs at Walmart.com, Target.com, Kohls.com, with Amazon.com launching on April 15.

Other products hitting retail shelves this year include leveled readers and chapter books from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (LBYR), a division of the Hachette Book Group; costumes and accessories for wholesale retailers fromInSpirit Designs,a division of lifestyle retailer Spencer Spirit Holdings that owns and operates Spencer’s and Spirit Halloween (Miraculous is the company’s number one girls costume at their owned and operated retail locations); bedding and décor from Jay Franco; underwear from Handcraft Manufacturing; and Bentex Apparel Group for sportswear, tees and sleepwear.

Also coming up in 2021 is the theatrical $100M+ movie, Miraculous Ladybug And Cat Noir ‘The Awakening,’ which begins to roll out holiday 2021 and spring 2022.