Licensing Magazine September 2024

DEAR READER

Welcome to this new and enriched issue of Licensing Magazine. Our publication always aims to be at the forefront of the industry’s main topics. In this edition, we take you into the vibrant world of gaming and explore projects that connect this industry to licensing.

The autumn season is particularly intense for LM, starting with BLE where we have the privilege of moderating a panel for the first time, focused on the peculiarities of the European market. Following that, we will be present at major events scheduled worldwide until December. We highlight also our inaugural presence at the China Licensing Expo with a booth and the debut of the Chinese version of the magazine!

The network of panels organized and moderated by LM has also significantly expanded. In the coming months alone, we will have the pleasure of discussing the hottest topics with industry leaders not only in London but also in Warsaw (Poland) at Young Horizons, in Frankfurt (Germany) during the Buchmesse, in Abidjan (Ivory Coast) at Brands Licensing Africa, and concluding in Shanghai (China) at the China Children’s Book Fair

As always, we invite you to read this packed issue, share our content, and visit us at the many events where we will be present with the magazine and our booth!

Happy reading and see you soon!

Cristina Angelucci

PUBLISHER

BM Srl

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Cristina Angelucci

EDITOR

Rossella Arena

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Francesca Wolfler

SPECIAL THANKS TO Alessandra Maccaferri, Andrea De Amicis, Nepal Campagna, Robert Hutchins, Beatrice Revello, Sara Wang, Kévin Giraud, Ömer Müftüoğlu, The Insights Family Team, Adam Woodgate

PUBLISHING, ADVERTISING AND ADMINISTRATION

BM Srl - Via Po, 14 - 10123 Torino, Italy Ph. +39 011 1921 1996 - info@brands-media.com

PRINTING

Casma Tipolito - Via B. Provaglia nn. 3/B-3/C-3/D 40138 Bologna - Italy

SANRIO

2024: a year long party for Sanrio!

THE POKÉMON COMPANY INTERNATIONAL

Another recordbreaking year for Pokémon universe

NELVANA

Nostalgia meets innovation: the evolution of Nelvana’s iconic franchises

WILDBRAIN

How to keep a Classic Franchise Fresh

The power of Peanuts

Get on board “FAST” with WildBrain

KONAMI CROSS MEDIA

New global partners for Yu-Gi-Oh!

MINECRAFT

The upcoming major novelties for Minecraft

XBOX GAMING CONSUMER PRODUCTS

YODO1 GAMES

How to find the right IP partner in the gaming world

MIRACULOUS CORP

Miraculous Corp! Expanding the Miraculous Universe and celebrating 10 Years in 2025

MAGIC LIGHT PICTURES

Magic Light Pictures shines light on ambitious growth plans

STUDIO 100 INTERNATIONAL

What’s new for Studio 100 International Brands

MERCIS

Age-less, play more

RAINBOW

Rainbow celebrates a Colourful 2024

MOONBUG

A year of new expansions for Moonbug Entertainment

BANIJAY KIDS & FAMILY

Successes and next plans

MOVIMENTI PRODUCTION

It’s time for Miniheroes

OUTFIT7

Talking Tom & Friends: Revolutionising digital entertainment

JUVENTUS FOOTBALL CLUB

Team Jay. From Football to Kids Entertainment

PEYO COMPANY

Peyo Company honours the legacy of the Smurfs’ creator, ahead of the new Smurfs Movie release

CHUPA CHUPS

A constantly evolving Brand

EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY

Creativity, innovation, storytelling. Kodak

CICABOOM

Cicaboom unveils diverse toy novelties, from the Manga universe to The Smurfs

NELLY JELLY

Nelly Jelly Show inspires kids to navigate life challenges through fun adventures

THE SMILEY® COMPANY House of Smiley®

ALL3MEDIA INTERNATIONAL

Taking iconic TV brands from screen to page with All3Media International

TWEEN TEAM

Nebulous Stars, a mindful brand for children

CARLSEN VERLAG

The Little WE. A sweet character that stands for great values

A new business approach

MAURIZIO DISTEFANO

LICENSING

New Additions: Maurizio Distefano Licensing enriches Portfolio with Fresh Opportunities

TOY ASSOCIATION

Greg Ahearn shares his vision for driving growth and innovation in the toy industry

JAZWARES

Exciting new partnerships and product launches for Squishmallows

EXHIBITOR PREVIEW

Celebrating 25 years of Brand Licensing Europe with a preview of exhibitor highlights

RETAIL

Connecting Retailers and Brands. The journey and future of the BLE Retail Mentoring Programme

ANDERSEN PRESS

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant: 35 years of joy and adventure

POC

People, Purpose, and Products at Brand Licensing Europe 2024

THE INSIGHTS FAMILY

NextGen Insights, the newest member of The Insights Family

CLE

China Licensing Expo 2024: Unlocking the future of brand partnerships

TENCENT VIDEO

From China to the world: Tencent Video’s animation expansion

TENCENT GAMES

Tencent Games, a global leader in game development and sustainable practices

TRENDS

APAC’s kids Licensing Explosion Spanning Toys, Food, and Western IPs

PUBLISHING

Children’s publishing trends in Asia

MIPJUNIOR

Explore new kids series premiering at MipJunior 2024

CARTOON FORUM

Engaging wide audiences with compelling animated stories

BCBF DELEGATION

Cartoon Forum 2024, the partnership with the Bologna Children’s Book Fair

CMC

AI, Animation and Global Collaboration in Children’s Media

Animation turns to live action: Cats Eyes and Totally Spies!

BRANDS LICENSING

AFRICA

It’s time for licensing in Africa

10:10 GAMES

Funko Fusion, The First Game Inspired by the Funko Universe

BOBBYPILLS

Dead Cells: Immortalis.The Tv Series

OUTRIGHT GAMES

The new wave of licensed videogames

FRANKFURTER BUCHMESSE

Frankfurter Buchmesse 2024 Trade Highlights

ITALIAN BRANDS

Recent collaborations boost Italy’s global presence

Cross-platform audience measurement becomes essential for IPs and franchise development

ARABIC REGION

Licensing Industry in the MENA: Opportunities and Continued Growth

WHAT’S NEXT

The next events to follow!

SANRIO

2024: a year long party for Sanrio!

Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary, two new characters joining Mr.Men Little Miss’ family and several brands becoming more popular than ever… Sanrio has many reasons to celebrate

As Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary celebrations approach their grand finale, the company is busier than ever, with the upcoming events leading to the character’s birthday on November 1st,

to make 2024 a truly unforgettable year. Over the past few months, Sanrio has launched a series of collaborations and immersive initiatives across Europe, inviting fans of all ages to join in the

festivities.

The Cute exhibition which took place at Somerset House in London from January to April 2024, was the first major activation for the company and has become the Gallery’s most successful exhibition to date, with more than 122,000 visitors. The exhibition featured a dedicated plushie space, immersive disco and display of Hello Kitty products throughout the decades, including rare and unique items.    Completing the experience, the Cute Coffee Shop by Artbox café became a huge point of interest with queues reaching up to 3 hours at its busiest point.

Last spring, Espoo, Finland, became a focal point of Hello Kitty’s 50thanniversary when the Museo Leikki, a museum of play, inaugurated a special pop-up exhibition titled “Ystävänä Hello Kitty” (Your Friend, Hello Kitty). This exhibition offered a nostalgic journey through Hello Kitty’s 50-year history, featuring nearly 300 items collected from Finnish enthusiasts. The exhibition provided a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the cultural significance of Hello Kitty, a character that has transcended generations. The pop up corner will be open until October 2024 and during this time customers will also be able to join a break in the Hello Kitty themed café, As summer rolled in, the celebration continued in Paris, where Galeries Lafayette dedicated a special corner to Hello Kitty in their Boulevard Haussmann flagship store. This exclusive 5 - week pop up space delighted fans with the character integrated within iconic Parisian spots such as the metro station, a Morris

Hello Kitty herself made an appareance at the Galeries Lafayette this summer

Somerset House’s Cute Exhibition featured Hello Kitty branded area

column and a newspaper kiosk. On top of purchasing Hello Kitty products from prestigious brands such as Flotte, Le Bijou Parisien, Marie Martens and

Balzac Paris, to make this experience even more special, Hello Kitty herself made an appearance with customers and fans gathering around her for a once in a lifetime photo opportunity. Not to be outdone, Milan embraced Hello Kitty with open arms as she took center stage at Rinascente’s flagship store in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. For 2 weeks, eight of the store windows were transformed into a tribute to Hello Kitty, showcasing her iconic bow, her love for apples, her Japanese roots and the kawaii aesthetic. The elaborate window displays drew crowds of tourists and fans who eagerly queued to take photos before exploring the store interior, where they were treated to a special corner featuring unique customizable products and a branded

The entrance of the Hello Kitty’s pop-up corner at Museo Leikki, in Finland

Hello Kitty Café at Rinascente, Milan

H&M integrated Hello Kitty in a collection for kids and adults

Hello Kitty and Friends & Fashion: a perfect match

café with a dedicated Hello Kitty-themed menu.

The celebration then moved to Cologne, Germany, in late August, where Sanrio partnered with the SuperCandy PopUp Museum to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Until February 2025, visitors to the museum will be greeted with vibrant and immersive Hello Kittythemed photo sets designed specifically for taking photos and selfies. These initiatives reflect Sanrio’s ongoing

These branded tshirts by Bershka featured a QR code that allowed customers to use an exclusive filters for their selfies

Lazy Oaf is one of the several brands who have already acknowledged My Melody’s relevance among consumers

commitment to experimenting with new and engaging ways for consumers to experience its brands. The company continues to create safe, iconic, and inclusive spaces where fans can connect with one another and immerse themselves in the world of Hello Kitty. Sanrio’s plans for Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary don’t stop there. The company is hard at work on new announcements and surprises that promise to make this milestone celebration truly unforgettable.

Sanrio’s characters have found their way into a wide range of categories and industries, from makeup to toys, publishing to food. However, it is in the fashion industry where Hello Kitty and her fellow friends are currently experiencing a surge in popularity. The simplicity of their designs, coupled with their strong ties to the kawaii aesthetic and Japanese culture, makes them a perfect fit for fashion collections and major global retailers are appreciating it more than ever!

Hello Kitty is doubtlessly the main driver but brands are expanding the portfolio of their licenses to other Sanrio characters. The dynamic between My Melody, known for her cheerful, honest, and warm-hearted personality and Kuromi, a mischievous tomboy who loves causing trouble, is getting more and more attention and the two frenemies are protagonists of an increasing number of fashion collections including Adidas,Lazy Oaf, Primark, Bershka, Uniqlo, H&M, Forever 21 and many others.

Earlier this year, Primark released a massive Hello Kitty-themed collection featuring more than 100 SKUs which was supported with a big digital and influencer campaign and the opening of 5 temporary cafés in select stores in England. Now the partnership continues, and the retailer has recently launched a big back to school drop featuring hello kitty together with Kuromi and other Sanrio characters.

Many other retailers have joined the party: Bershka, which is constantly growing her Kuromi range with more than 70 SKUs, released its own Hello

To celebrate the Hello Kitty’s anniversary collection, Primark launched a massive campaign in March

Pool & Bear’s Hello Kitty’s 50th Anniversary

Kitty collection, featuring t-shirts, jackets, denim, and accessories that added an extra dose of cuteness to their stores. To celebrate the launch, Bershka also developed an exclusive digital campaign for the anniversary, supporting the collaboration with PR activations, influencer campaign, an Instagram filter available only purchasing one of the iconic t-shirts, and a promotional video with Hello Kitty as a special guest star.

In May, Pull & Bear introduced a limited-edition capsule collection to commemorate Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary. The range included tops, bandanas, shirts, and mini skirts, all designed to capture the essence of Hello Kitty’s charm.

These collections are just the latest in a long line of fashion collaborations that have featured Sanrio’s characters, including also historical partners such as Zara and H&M, that have increased their range of products to target a wider audience thanks to Hello Kitty’s ability to transcend age group and appeal to kids and young adults.

For these brands, Hello Kitty and her

universe serve as a rich source of inspiration. They allow retailers to offer products that resonate with Gen Z, a generation that is particularly drawn to the Y2K aesthetic—the nostalgic style of the early 2000s. Sanrio’s characters, with their timeless appeal, provide a perfect blend of nostalgia and modernity, making them a natural fit for contemporary fashion collections.

Zara’s Hello Kitty and Friends collection

The Mr. Men Little Miss family has just gotten bigger

Hello Kitty’s enduring popularity as a lifestyle icon is just one of the many reasons Sanrio has to celebrate, one of them being the growing success of the “Mr. Men Little Miss” brand. Created by

Roger Hargreaves in 1971, these beloved characters have delighted young readers for over 50 years. In June of this year, the family welcomed two new members: Mr. Fib and Little Miss Surprise.

Mr. Fib is a character who tells tall tales to impress others, but his fibs grow increasingly outlandish, eventually leading to a situation where his friends become upset with him. Little Miss Surprise, on the other hand, is a character who thrives on surprises, never knowing what each day will bring. Her unpredictable nature adds an element of excitement to her adventures. The introduction of these new characters continues the tradition of the Mr. Men Little Miss series, which has a strong following in the UK and France. However, its popularity is constantly increasing in other countries, including Greece and China.

The growing appeal of Mr. Men Little Miss is reflected in recent collaborations that have introduced these characters to new audiences. Also big fashion groups are more aware of the potential of this brand. Zara, for example, launched this summer a new kids collection.

Earlier, in May, the iconic French brand Petit Bateau launched a new collection featuring Mr. Men and Little Miss characters. The collection included jumpers, t-shirts, and pajamas for the whole family, all adorned with the Roger Hargreaves’ characters. In July, Chinti & Parker presented a nostalgia-filled collection that brought the beloved characters to life through luxury knitwear. This collection celebrated individuality and playfulness, two

Adidas’ Hello Kitty and Friends collection

Uniqulo’s collection featuring Kuromi and My Melody

qualities that have endeared the Mr. Men Little Miss series to generations of fans. This summer, the characters were also the stars of an exhibition at Helm Gallery in Brighton (UK), called Mr. Men Little Miss Reimaged. Until July, the gallery displayed original works, prints and merchandise reimagining the famous characters through the lenses of five contemporary artists: Will Blood, Rory McQueen Euan Roberts, Pablo Dalas, Alex May Hughes.

A sneak pick of 2025!

As 2024 draws to a close, the company is already looking ahead to 2025, a year that promises to be just as eventful. Next year will mark two more important anniversaries: My Melody’s 50th and Kuromi’s 20th anniversary These two characters have already become standout successes in the licensing world and their popularity is evident in the growing list of celebrities who have expressed their affection for these

Chinti’s collection celebrated Mr Men Little Miss and the brand’s heritage in Britain

brands on social media. After Dua Lipa, Jang Won Young from the Korean band Blackpink and Kim Kardashian, in August, Cristina Aguilera posted a photo on Instagram taken during an afternoon tea in Tokyo, featuring My Melody and Kuromi.

Sanrio is preparing to celebrate these anniversaries, planning a series of events, partnerships, collaborations and new content that will create excitement both online and offline. These initiatives will reflect Sanrio’s ongoing commitment to innovation and creativity, ensuring that the brand remains as relevant and beloved as ever.

Petit Bateau’s Mr Men Little Miss collection

Christina Aguilera poses with standout successes Kuromi and My Melody

THE POKÉMON COMPANY INTERNATIONAL

Another recordbreaking year for Pokémon universe

Iconic evergreen brand Pokémon is enjoying yet another sensational year as it continues to ride high at the vanguard of entertainment.

With a dynamic programme of activity across Europe ongoing across autumn/ winter, the spectacular success of the world’s largest single property looks set to continue apace.

The innovation and creativity at the heart of this global phenomenon keeps it fresh and relevant, thrilling its existing fans and winning ever more new ones across all demographics worldwide. And there are many more treats in store for them with further exciting new releases, collaborations, promotions and events on the horizon to keep Pokémon centre stage.

Pokémon’s superb range of toys offers something for everyone across diverse lines and price points. Jazwares’ award-winning toy line continues to flourish, and this year has added a host of new characters to its range of

plush, articulated figures and adorable Squishmallows. And just launched in key European territories including Italy (distributed by Reitoys), the UK

and Germany is the innovative Battle Spinners game, where trainers can spin, launch and battle with their chosen Pokémon character spinner. The Arena Set comes with Pikachu and Mew Battle Spinners, with more characters sold separately.

More exciting new games for Pokémon fans to play include Ravensburger’s Labyrinth Glow in the Dark board game, featuring a magic board and mysterious

Pokémon that can only be seen in the dark; and Mattel are offering fun beyond words with the brand-new Scrabble Pokémon 2-in-1 Game, an exciting spin on the iconic word game that combines the classic board gameplay with the adventurous spirit of Pokémon battles. Mattel are also adding new characters to their Mega Pokémon range across their Adventure Builder and mechanised Motion lines, and Funko too have launched more than 20 new characters in their fabulous line of Pop! collectibles. In addition, The Wand Company’s popular range of Die-Cast Poké Ball Replicas is also expanding, adding five Mini Poké Ball Replicas across 2024 plus a fabulous new fullsize offering, the Beast Ball Replica, in

October.

The hugely popular Pokémon Trading Card Game continues to be a bestseller, helped by dynamic new expansions.

Launching in September, Scarlet & Violet—Stellar Crown enables players to immerse themselves in the Terastal phenomenon with the introduction of Stellar Tera Pokémon ex to the Pokémon TCG; and later in the year Scarlet & Violet—Surging Sparks features powerful Dragon-type Pokémon.

And there will soon be a fun new way to enjoy the Pokémon TCG with the launch of the free-to-start Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket app for iOS and Android devices.

Pokéween celebrations for this year’s spooky season have just launched, with a new collection of eerie-sistable Halloween products from Pokémon Center including apparel, home décor, tableware and accessories.

A busy year for promotions included a Europe-wide campaign with Actimel that saw 23 different Pokémon colourfully adorning bottles of its yoghurt drinks. The promotion is still active in the Nordics & Baltics, CEE, Germany, the UK and Ireland and Italy.

Also in Italy, where the brand has seen a remarkable 68 per cent growth year-onyear and the second strongest growth among top 15 properties*, Pokémon continues its successful partnership with Estathe, the popular decaf ice tea, part of the Ferrero group.

Another Italian renewal sees Pokémon continuing its successful partnership with leading Italian streetwear brand Dolly Noire. An exciting new collection of apparel and accessories, including shirts, jumpers and socks, is set to launch in 2025. Also next year, a new Mango collection is set for the AW season.

Pokémon continues to be a fashion icon and further collaborations include a new partnership with British lifestyle fashion brand Skinny Dip, launched in August with a special store takeover. Their largest ever collection as part of a collaboration, it features almost 200 pieces across tech, apparel and accessories.

Pokémon’s DTR partnership with C&A continues to excel. A summer instore and digital marketing campaign included 700 window displays and POS across Europe, with 50,000 free Pokémon sun visors given-away in Germany alone.

Also in Germany, Deichmann ran an instore and digital marketing campaign across the summer holidays to support Pokémon’s European footwear partner Leomil, which included free TCG fun packs with purchases across 1,400 stores and a sweepstake prize. And anticipation is already ramping up for the worldwide release next year of an ambitious new entry to the Pokémon video game series, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, exclusive to Nintendo Switch. With more vibrant activity planned throughout 2025, providing ever more exciting and innovative opportunities for fans to interact with the brand, Pokémon is set to continue riding high at the cutting edge of popular culture.

*(source: Circana Retail Tracking)

Above and bottom right: 2024 Estathe products

Nostalgia meets innovation: the evolution of Nelvana’s iconic franchises

By Rossella Arena

With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Nelvana has produced beloved franchises such as Max & Ruby, Babar, and Franklin. In an inspiring conversation with Mellany Welsh, Vice President and Head of Nelvana and Kids Can Press we explore the continued success of nostalgic properties, the latest trends in retail, Nelvana’s growth and expansion plans and much more.

Could you share with us any updates and successes surrounding your nostalgic properties?

Nelvana has built an impressive portfolio of brands, having produced iconic franchises over the past 50 years, and representing some of the biggest licenses in Canada. From our very own Max & Ruby and Babar to the evergreen

and always popular Sesame Street and the re-launch of Barney, we continue to see growth and multi-generational excitement surrounding our beloved nostalgic licensing properties.

Max & Ruby remains popular, particularly on TikTok, leading to innovative collaborations in novelty food and apparel aimed at Millennial and Gen Z consumers. Babar has also seen success, with new collections launching quarterly across apparel, seasonal, and halo collaborations. Sesame Street is exploring new markets like food and wellness, leveraging its strong brand recognition.

This Fall, we are excited about the return of iconic purple dinosaur Barney The animated series Barney’s World, co-produced with Mattel Television, will launch on Treehouse and StackTV in Canada, and on Max and Cartoon Network in the U.S. this October. The buzz around the new series has led to successful collaborations with top Mellany Welsh

brands like Peace Collective and Mala The Brand, generating anticipation at retail.

What are the most recent IPs that are winning over the public?

Barney is definitely top of mind after our recent launch event with Peace Collective. Both Peace Collective and Mala The Brand’s social posts received strong engagement. We are excited to build on the franchise’s momentum to attract new partners for retail.

Another property making waves is Bluey, capturing the joyful simplicity of family life, and resonating with both kids and parents. We’re proud to have Bluey as part of Nelvana’s agency portfolio in Canada and are actively driving new retail placements for licensees across all key categories.

The Care Bears franchise continues to innovate, with fresh themes and designs, and we look forward to new products launching in 2025.

Babar x Cotton On Body Sleep Collection

Nelvana of course has many other brands in our portfolio, and we are excited to continue to share news and updates with you in the future.

What are the latest news in your highly valued product partnerships?

We’ve established significant partnerships for Babar. In July 2024, the Australian brand Cotton On launched a women’s loungewear and sleepwear collection featuring vintage Babar artwork, alongside a refreshed line with Rowing Blazers. This holiday season, fans can look forward to high-quality, special-edition glass ornaments from Rauch Brands and a new wellness inspired street-wear from Peace Collective.

You are devoting more and more commitment to retail field. What are your innovations in this area, and what do you see as the main trends?

At Nelvana, the retail sector is a top priority, and we’re committed to innovating in this space by collaborating with our retail partners on creative “retailtainment” strategies. One area of ongoing exploration is enhancing our instore merchandising displays.

Backed by our impressive agency portfolio of consumer brands including Bluey, Care Bears, Beyblade, and Sesame Street, we’re always seeking fresh and engaging ways to stand out to consumers in an increasingly dynamic retail landscape. This includes utilizing out-of-aisle fixtures, eye-catching signage, and strategic placements in cross-category shops to maximize visibility and impact.

Additionally, we understand that many consumers begin their shopping journey online, so we’re continuously focused on translating the retail experience into the digital realm. This approach ensures a seamless and engaging customer experience, both in-store and online.

What strategies are you developing to engage a teenage audience?

A recent focus has been securing collaborations with popular food categories and creating experiences for our trending brands to help engage the teenage demographic. Our strategies include eye-catching packaging and social media promotions.

We recently partnered with Canada’s Wonderland and Hasbro to introduce a Beyblade X integrated experience to park visitors. Wonderland was the first stop on the Canada-wide Beyblade X

tour, where teens had the chance to test their skills and try out the newly launched toys firsthand. For some of the other brands in our portfolio, we’ve also partnered in trending food categories such as our recent licensing agreement with Bubblegum Kids and we’re making strides into the healthy “school-safe” snacks market as well.

In which countries are you currently present and which ones would you like to expand to?

Our merchandising team primarily operates in Canada, the U.S., and France at a retail level, however given the global industry, we are always looking for new ways to bring our brands into new markets where audiences are already engaging with our series. We mainly do this through social media. Our strength lies in being at the forefront of emerging trends, and direct-to-consumer websites that make our content and merchandise accessible to fans worldwide.

Barney x Mala Collaboration: Limited Edition

Babar x Cotton On Body Sleep Collection

Care Bears x Ardene Collection

Sesame Street x Cakeworthy Collection

WILDBRAIN

How to keep a Classic Franchise Fresh

LM interviewed Tim Erickson, EVP Peanuts Worldwide and WildBrain Brands, to learn more about next plans around the Peanuts franchise and more.

How do you ensure your iconic evergreen franchises are kept relevant across generations?

There’s a common thread across the distinctive DNA of our franchises, like Peanuts, Strawberry Shortcake and Teletubbies, as self-expression, compassion and inclusivity. Classic brands are ripe for reinvention and these themes are as relevant now as ever, which is why our franchises can successfully tap into contemporary pop culture. Fans who grew up with our brands are also now becoming parents, so it’s about connecting with today’s ‘modern family’, bringing our iconic franchises to life in innovative and fresh ways driving fandom.

Can you tell us about your plans for Peanuts?

Peanuts is heading into its 75th anniversary year and we’re excited to celebrate with fans globally. The celebration will feature new content, immersive exhibits, exciting collaborations and retail statements worldwide. This will be the largest Peanuts celebration that we’ve ever

done, and we’re excited to kick things off with partners this fall.

What do you see as the opportunities in today’s marketplace?

It’s all about meeting the fans where they are, whether it’s on social media or YouTube, in stores or through cross

Tim Erickson

pollination with other relevant brands or creators. It’s about leaning into the core of the brands, bringing them into consumer spaces and their lives.

Location-Based Entertainment continues to be a key opportunity and we’re seeing huge appetite for family experiences, particularly in China and APAC where we’re launching immersive experiences for Peanuts, In the Night Garden and Teletubbies over the next few years.

Can you tell us about your background in developing evergreen brands, in particular with Peanuts?

I’ve been fortunate to work with many amazing brands over my career. Three years ago, I joined the incredible team at Peanuts Worldwide, and in partnership with Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates, we strive to deliver the highest quality and most authentic experiences for Peanuts fans globally. Delivering against this promise is the most important part of what we do, ensuring that existing fans continue to engage daily as well as introducing Snoopy and the Peanuts gang to a new generation. We always start with what makes Peanuts and Charles Schulz’s legacy as relevant today as it’s ever been, quality storytelling.

WILDBRAIN

The power of Peanuts

Created by Charles M. Schulz

in 1950, Peanuts has become a global cultural icon, adored by generations of fans.

Apparel is a cornerstone of Peanuts’ licensing power, but as the brand ramps up to its 75th anniversary in 2025, Peanuts Worldwide and WildBrain CPLG are elevating its massive appeal through partnerships across lifestyle categories in UK and Europe. “2025 will be huge for Snoopy and the gang,” said Tara Botwick, Senior Director, International Licensing, EMEA at Peanuts Worldwide “We’re focused on growing Peanuts as a lifestyle brand, and momentum is building with standout products from accessories and stationery to puzzles and loyalty programmes.”

Playful pop-ups

Famed designer Anya Hindmarch’s Peanuts-themed back-to-school popup in London sees shoppers entering through a bespoke school-bus storefront to find Charlie Brown’s classroom and a limited edition Snoopy and Woodstock capsule collection, including pencil cases, laptop sleeves, rulers, totes and more. Magpie’s Peanuts gifting items are also available at Hindmarch’s popup, plus independent UK stores and the Peanuts Merci pop-up in France. In Iberia, Grupo Erik is extending its Peanuts back-to-school range with agendas, planners, patches and

magnets.

Heavenly homewares

Zara Home delight Peanuts fans with a new pizza and cooking collection launching globally in October. In Germany, Butlers has released a range including beach bags, towels, water bottles and more, while Mr Maria’s first Peanuts product is a timeless Snoopy dimmable night light available across Europe.

Striking accessories

Eastpak’s second collection this summer is inspired by themes in the Peanuts’ comic strip. Available worldwide, the collection includes a Snoopy’s DogHouse backpack. French jeweller, Titlee, is releasing a monthly Snoopy pin, as well as a range of Peanuts earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

Premium plush

Steiff has launched a high-end 75th anniversary collectable plush featuring Charlie Brown and Snoopy, plus a limited-edition Snoopy Beagle Scout. Aurora World will also unveil a highquality Peanuts plush collection.

International Bon Ton Toys’ eco plush will launch globally at high-end retailers such as El Corte Inglés in Spain, Breuninger in Germany and F.A.O Schwarz in the US.

Perfect puzzles

Ravensburger has relaunched its 500 & 1000-piece Peanuts sets and will roll out new sets in 2025. Italian licensee Clementoni has launched adult and kids’ sets, including a 1000-piece ‘impossible’ puzzle, while Bluebrixx has launched multiple building block sets, ranging from 78 pieces to 1,621 pieces.

Petcare loyalty

In Italy, TCC Global has recently launched a Peanuts loyalty programme through Coop.

Snoopy x Steiff

Snoopy night light by Mr Maria

WILDBRAIN

Get on board “FAST” with WildBrain

Lara Ilie, Vice President of AVOD and FAST at WildBrain, explains to our readers what FAST is about.

FAST (free ad-supported television) serves up a 24-7 stream of linear content on connected TVs and apps. With almost 150 channels globally, WildBrain is the largest player in the kids’ FAST space. Since launching its FAST strategy, WildBrain has driven growth on its channels to 7.5 billion minutes watched in 2023, up from 502 million in 2019.

It’s all about fans engaging with brands they love. At WildBrain, we saw the potential in FAST early as a complement to our omni-platform strategies that help brands reach audiences everywhere they’re watching. For parents, singleIP FAST channels offer kid-safe viewing with a curated stream of trusted content. For IP owners, FAST provides fans with 24-7 access to entire

Lara Ilie

franchises, deepening their engagement with the overall brand. Since FAST channels are largely watched on connected TVs, they also allow brand owners to reach families co-viewing together.

There is significant opportunity in FAST for well-known brands with large content libraries. We have expanded our partnership with Samsung TV Plus to launch new FAST channels in key markets for our own Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake and Caillou, as well as iconic third-party brands. We’ve also recently been selected by The Pokémon Company International as the official partner to launch the brand’s only single-IP FAST channel.

Thanks to our global network, we have the expertise to help brands grow audiences. We see FAST as another “spoke” in our wheel of audience engagement, taking a holistic approach that combines expert knowledge of audiences and programming with operational know-how to launch channels and deliver impressive results for brands.

Our team possesses a deep understanding of the FAST business model, having developed direct relationships with key platforms such as Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels, The Roku Channel, Tubi and Pluto TV, using the three biggest integrators, Wurl, Xumo and Amagi. We know how to launch and program channels for brands looking to leverage FAST and non-YouTube AVOD as part of a franchise strategy, and our Media Solutions team provides digital advertising strategies to reach family audiences. Now is the time to partner with an experienced team like WildBrain to target a presence on these platforms in 2025.

KONAMI CROSS MEDIA

New global partners for Yu-Gi-Oh!

Continuing the global celebration of Yu-Gi-Oh! card game’s 25th Anniversary, Konami Cross Media NY, Inc.’s Vice President of Licensing and Marketing Jennifer Coleman, who oversees the franchise’s licensing program, has confirmed a number of new licensing agreements for the popular global brand.

New merchandising agreements have been signed with HYP Hats, Kawada Co. Ltd., First Kid General Trading, Monogram International and FuRyu Corporation.

Partnering with HYP Hats, also known as Hypnotic Hats, Ltd., the licensing partnership brings a fresh and inspiring line of Yu-Gi-Oh! inspired socks and sock-based gift sets, appealing to all ages and available at retail in time for this year’s holiday gift giving.

Konami Cross Media NY also secured an innovative licensing deal with Kawada Co. Ltd., the Japanese company founded in 1952, which will be introducing a line of Yu-Gi-Oh! nanoblock® kits; incredible small, detailed interlocking blocks that make it possible for fans of all ages to build a wide range of palm-sized Yu-Gi-

Oh! characters. “The incredible detail and unlimited creative possibilities using nanoblocks provides multiple experiences for Yu-Gi-Oh! fans of all ages,” added Jennifer Coleman. “The Yu-Gi-Oh! nanoblocks are fun to use to build characters, fun to display and fun to collect, providing enjoyment, enrichment and excitement for everyone.”

Focusing on the Middle East and North African markets, Konami Cross Media NY has announced a licensing agreement with First Kid General Trading, introducing a full line of Yu-GiOh! back-to-school products, including: school bags, school accessories, stationery, arts & crafts and electronics. FuRyu Corporation has been tapped to develop a series of collectible statues based on both the Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel

Monsters and Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL series. This new line of collectible characters expands the brand’s expansive collectible product lines.

With the growth in popularity of the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand, Konami Cross Media, NY Inc. has signed the Zavvigroup Ltd. as its new e-commerce partner. The agreement provides a greater global reach for fans looking to purchase Yu-Gi-Oh! collectibles and merchandise in the U.S., the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Zavvigroup Ltd, a global leader

in the pop culture e-commerce business, will create an e-commerce site that will be a unique shopping opportunity for Yu-Gi-Oh! fans by featuring carefully sourced and designed Yu-Gi-Oh! products that will appeal to the loyal and dedicated fan base. The Yu-Gi-Oh! merchandise will be carefully curated with Konami Cross Media NY’s creative team and Zavvigroup Ltd. design specialists, with a special emphasis on incorporating the current trends in e-commerce shopping and marketing.

Jennifer Coleman said, “We welcome the Zavvigroup Ltd. to the Yu-Gi-Oh! family. This new agreement will allow us to fulfill bespoke Yu-Gi-Oh! POD products to fans in the U.S., Europe, UK, Australia and New Zealand, providing us with a broader reach. As the e-commerce business continues to evolve, we are committed to upgrading our site to provide the best online shopping experience for our fan

Wrapping up this round of new YuGi-Oh! licensing agreements, Komani Cross Media has inked an agreement with Monogram International, who introduced a new line of collectible Yu-Gi-Oh! foam figures at the recent 2024 edition of San Diego Comic Con. A leading impulse and collectible company established in 1971 in the U.S., Monogram International carries an innovative line of world-famous licenses that have captured the hearts and imaginations of enthusiasts across the globe. Monogram’s portfolio collection includes many of the top IPs in pop culture from movie studios to Anime series, TV and Movies, Gaming, and much more.

base. With Zavvigroup Ltd. now on board, they will be able to help us to achieve this goal.”

POD is an acronym for “printon-demand,” a business model in which products are manufactured when an order is received. This model is often used in e-commerce to produce custom or personalized products when a customer places an order, and third-party print-on-demand service prints, packs and ships the product directly to the buyer.

“It’s time to become the greatest duelist in the world and fans can achieve this with our wide range of Yu-Gi-Oh! merchandise,” added Joe Anderton, the CCO of Zavvigroup Ltd. “If fans are on the hunt for products based on the rarest cards or special collectibles, our lineup of Yu-Gi-Oh! products will help in that hunt!”

The new Yu-Gi-Oh! e-commerce site, powered by Zavvigroup Ltd., has a soft launch in midSeptember and will be fully up and running in time for Christmas holiday shopping.

Zavvigroup ltd., The new e-commerce global partner

The upcoming major novelties for Minecraft

Mojang Studios’, creator of Minecraft, returns to Brand Licensing Europe, led by Federico San Martin, Senior Director of Minecraft Consumer Products, to connect with International and global partners to discuss licensing opportunities to further expand the franchise through a strategic global consumer products business.

The focus of the consumer products business for Minecraft has been on category expansion, solidifying retail relationships and growing the international business in key territories, through agent partnerships with Retail Monster, their US retail agent, CAA (Europe, LATAM, Japan) and Merchantwise (Australia and New Zealand). As Federico San Martin says: “Over the past three years, we have more than doubled the Minecraft consumer products business around the globe, expanding from the U.S. into key territories worldwide, as well as delivering the Minecraft experience into new categories of products and experiences”.

Minecraft is currently celebrating its 15th Anniversary, featuring global initiatives and product releases. Moreover,

Minecraft is about to embark on many major new milestones. From the inaugural theatrical release to locationbased entertainment experiences, category expansions, and a brand-new animated series, they are committed to expanding reach and captivating audiences in innovative ways.

Shape Your World Campaign

The 15-Year Anniversary celebration featured a “Shape Your World” campaign: an array of product launches; and retail activations worldwide. Going into more detail, the “Shape Your World” brand campaign resulted in over 300M views of new-to-franchise audiences and existing fans. As part of the campaign, artists from across the globe shared how Minecraft inspires them to #ShapeYourWorld. The work has been overwhelmingly well-received by new

and existing fans.

Products Collaborations…

There are several recent collaborations. LEGO launched a global campaign this year that celebrates Minecraft’s 15th Anniversary by partnering with 50+ creators to showcase their core Minecraft memories, mining a unique LEGO Minecraft block and building with LEGO Minecraft bricks.

The Minecraft x Higround collaboration is a celebration of self-expression that embodies the creative spirit making fans an artist in and beyond the game. Higround launched in May in the US

Federico San Martin

with six unique Minecraft branded Keyboard SKUs, five mousepads, two sets of keycaps, a jelly bag, and a T-shirt.

A limited-edition Minecraft x LUSH collection launched globally in LUSH stores in August with multiple fresh, handmade products inspired by Minecraft adventures. The partnership inspired both Minecraft players and LUSH fans to craft a moment of calm, bringing serenity in game with the LUSH Bath Bombs add-on.

Kellogg’s® launched a Creeper Crunch Cinnamon-flavored cereal with Marshmallows earlier this year where consumers can collect up to three free character creator items with each purchase. In addition to the 15th anniversary partnership, Minecraft and Kellogg’s supports the Arbor Day Foundation®, which aims to craft a more sustainable future for all.

In June, Woobles launched Minecraft crochet kits, available in the U.S. exclusively on woobles.com. This collaboration is a must-have for any game-lovin’ Woobler! The Woobles introduces Minecraft to their line up with The Creeper, Pig, and the Warden.

General Mills Fruit Snacks launched Minecraft Fruit Flavored Snacks in the U.S. this past June, featuring tasty treats shaped like your favorite Minecraft characters.

Minecraft recently collaborated with Beats by Dre on a special-edition Solo 4 headphone celebrating the game’s 15th anniversary, currently available on apple.com, ee.co.uk, target.com and selected Apple Store locations in the U.S. and U.K. This exclusive partnership embodies the intersection of music and creativity, which continues to be integral to both brands.

… And Retail Partnerships

In the U.S. Minecraft was awarded a Walmart Entertainment Council 3-Star program to celebrate the 15th Anniversary, and together launched a year-long partnership that includes ten activations throughout Walmart stores.

Minecraft partnered with Amazon to launch an On-Package Branding Campaign. Beginning in June, selected Amazon shipper boxes/polybags were “wrapped” with Minecraft 15th Anniversary branding to surprise and delight customers. The boxes include a QR code driving recipients to the

Beats by Dre x Minecraft

Amazon Minecraft store!

Internationally, Minecraft has had over 30 retail activations to support the 15th Anniversary. Hamleys in the U.K. featured an elevated Minecraft presence for six weeks, which included vinyl covers in the elevator, and top window displays on Regent Street, which included LEGO, Mattel, Nobel Collection among others. Last April and May, Coppel and Suburbia launched campaigns in key stores across Mexico for Children’s Day activation with cross category products Activations which included window displays and window take overs. Parco in Japan featured Minecraft pop-ups in the Shibuya store in April for four weeks including partners such as Granup and LEGO.

In May, EB Games/Zing ran in-store and online activations that included homepage take overs, across Australia and New Zealand. Always in Australia, in April and May, The Warehouse in Australia initiated instore and online activations, which included cross category pallets featuring partners such as Caprice.

New International Partnerships

Minecraft continues its expansion across the globe. Recently, PMI was signed as a global novelty toy partner with products launching later this year.

The Consumer Electronics category will expand in Europe through a partnership with OTL, who is developing headphones, speakers and other

electronics. Minecraft continues to expand the Health and Beauty category in Europe through their partners Air-Val and H&A.Other notable new partners in Europe include Toytopic for Plush at Primark; Millmead as Minecraft’s first optical partner in Europe; Pyramid for Wall Art products.

Minecraft continues to expand Consumer Products offerings in Latin America. In Mexico, Grupo Ruz released a new line of plush, followed by releases from Cartoonia (apparel and accessories), and Mays Zona Libre (bags and stationery) in time for back to school in Latin America. In Peru, Arval will debut apparel and accessories in the back half of this year.

In Japan, Minecraft products will hit retail, including Takarajima (publishing and novelty), as Bandai and Granup will be releasing Bath products.

LUSH x Minecraft

Justice x Minecraft at Walmart

2025 Event of the Year: The Minecraft Movie

Next year will bring the big screen release of its first-ever live-action adaptation A Minecraft Movie on April 4th, from Mojang Studios, in collaboration with Legendary Pictures, Warner Bros. and Vertigo Entertainment.

Directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre), the movie features an all-star cast, including Jason Momoa (Aquaman, Dune), Jack Black (Kung Fu Panda, The Mandalorian, Super Mario Bros. Movie), Emma Myers (Wednesday), Danielle Brooks (Peacemaker, Orange Is the New Black), Sebastian Eugene Hansen (Lisey’s Story), with Jennifer Coolidge (White Lotus), and Kate McKinnon (Barbie).

Through compelling storytelling and world-building, A Minecraft Movie will deepen the lore of Minecraft and explore aspects of the universe that may not be fully realized in the game alone. The Minecraft community can expect stunning visuals that capture the iconic blocky aesthetic of Minecraft while also expanding upon it to create a visually rich and immersive world. The film serves as a significant expansion of the Minecraft franchise into the realm of film and entertainment media.

Mojang is working in conjunction with Warner Bros to deliver an exciting and comprehensive global licensing and promotional program to launch with the release of the film. The consumer products will complement and enhance the upcoming theatrical release of A

Minecraft Movie

Their global product lineup will be available at major retailers across the world, for fans to access and enjoy exclusive merchandise. Minecraft will have robust representation across a wide variety of product categories, including some exciting collaborations. From collectibles and apparel to toys and home décor, the product range is designed to captivate both adult and kid demographics. Whether a lifelong fan or a new enthusiast, the diverse offerings are tailored to enhance the viewing experience and create storytelling moments.

Retailers worldwide will be able to showcase the extensive product assortment in early 2025, ensuring that fans across the globe have access

to products that celebrates this major release. San Martin commented: “As we get closer to this major Minecraft milestone that is A Minecraft Movie, we are thrilled with the partners we are securing to support the release! The film marks another major avenue of growth for Minecraft as we continuously look for ways to expand our community and continue building an evergreen multigenerational franchise.”

A new animated series on Netflix

Amidst Minecraft’s 15th anniversary celebration that started earlier this May, more exciting news continues to be announced!! Minecraft has joined forces with Netflix to produce an all-new CGI-animated series set in Minecraft’s blocky universe. The series, currently in development at WildBrain, will tell an original story with new characters

To discover and build new incredible partnerships and learn more about their next licensing plans, please contact MinecraftCP@microsoft.com or meet them at CAA booth #A251 at BLE (Minecraft Agent)

and reflect the world of Minecraft in a new light. Produced by Mojang Studios and Netflix, the series will premiere exclusively on Netflix.

Branded Location Based Entertainment

The first immersive location-based experience from Minecraft, Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, launches in Dallas, Texas on October 19th with plans to expand across the U.S. and globally, including Europe.

Minecraft Experience is an immersive, interactive adventure that uses largescale projections, physical sets, music, sound, and lighting effects to bring the game world to life. A regular ticket provides access to 11 unique spaces in the experience. Guests travel through multiple Minecraft biomes using their orb to chop down trees, collect and move resources, fight mobs, and more – all through physical gestures!

To learn more, readers can visit the website https://www. minecraftexperience.com/ “We have been planning for quite some time to expand the Minecraft franchise into location-based entertainment that will offer multi-generational fun in an immersive world.” commented San Martin

Higround x Minecraft

Xbox at BLE

The Xbox Gaming Consumer Products (XGCP) team will be at BLE with a line-up that includes multiple game franchises that have surpassed $1B in revenue from powerhouse gaming studios Activision, Blizzard, King, Bethesda, Xbox Game Studios, Xbox, and more—a portfolio of IP that reaches an unprecedented diverse and global audience! In 2023, XGCP has seen over 2,000 products released in more than 73 countries.

John Friend, Head of Xbox Gaming Consumer Products, ABK | Bethesda | Xbox | Xbox Game Studios, says, “Our goal has always been to fuel our community’s fandom—moving people from interested to fan, and from fan to evangelist, and giving them best-in-class products at a global scale to celebrate the worlds and characters they love with their communities and loved ones. We have the privilege to represent a dynamic slate of games and studios that offers something for everyone. And we thrive in finding ways to develop and celebrate our franchises outside of the games and fuel fan love via premium products and experiences brought to life.”

XBOX GAMING CONSUMER PRODUCTS

John Friend

Halo Infinite

Friend not only oversees the consumer products programs for the gaming franchises, but also licensing for the Xbox brand itself. Since its launch in 2001, the powerful Xbox console and platform has continued to evolve, with the goal of reaching as many players as possible around the world. Xbox supports a robust community of players through its online services and social features, making it easier to connect, share, and play together.

BAPE for Xbox

Xbox began licensing its brand in 2018, and since then has seen a series of high profile and sought after consumer products. One of the biggest success stories was the Xbox Series X Replica “Mini Fridge” from Ukonic. What started out as an internet meme quickly became the fastest selling

product for the XGCP team, with hundreds of thousands of units sold globally and inspiring an entire line of replica fridges from Ukonic.

Last year, Mattel launched the MEGA Xbox 360 Collector Building Set that celebrates the legacy of the Xbox 360. With a fully buildable, light-up console and controller, the console opens to reveal a disc drive (and other Easter eggs). The Halo 3-themed disc activates the motherboard. This year, the brand has expanded into luxury fashion, teaming up with A BATHING APE®︎ for a global collection that includes t-shirts, zip hoodie, shorts, a cap, and a ROAD STA sneaker.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6Launching October 25, 2024! Activision’s  Call of Duty  franchise, known for its award-winning, actionpacked gameplay, is gearing up for its next blockbuster release,  Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, this installment immerses players in the turbulent early 1990s, during the end of the Cold War. In conjunction with the game’s release, a Black Ops 6-themed apparel and accessories line will debut at ASDA from Fashion UK Youtooz is launching a limited-edition collectible vinyl figure line, featuring iconic characters and themes from the franchise, alongside a 9-inch Monkey Bomb and Teddy plush and pins. Additionally, KontrolFreek is offering a line of thumbsticks, while Corsair, the official peripherals partner, will roll out a premium product lineup, including a desk mat, mouse, PC tower, controllers, Elgato Stream Deck, and Wave Mic, all timed to the game’s release.

Call of Duty Zombies x YouTooz

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred –Coming On October 8!

Blizzard Entertainment is building on the Diablo IV universe with the release of its first expansion! Set in the iconic dark fantasy world of Sanctuary, the game continues the battle against the Prime Evil, Mephisto, building on the franchise’s long-standing legacy. Since its launch in 1996, the Diablo series has consistently garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. The June 2023 launch of  Diablo IV generated over $666 million in revenue within the first five days and recorded 276 million hours of gameplay in the first week. The consumer products range from Nemesis Now includes the Lilith Goblet,

World

of Warcraft, The War Within

Inarius Tankard, and Heaven and Hell’s Gate bookend. This fall, McFarlane Toys is set to release Waves 2 and 3 of their Diablo action figure line featuring both classic and iconic characters; Youtooz will unveil new vinyl figures; and Difuzed will launch a line of apparel across specialty channels as part of the Vessel of Hatred  expansion.

Launched on August 26, the tenth expansion of World of Warcraft marks the beginning of the most ambitious storyline in the game’s nearly 20year history! Developed by Blizzard Entertainment, World of Warcraft (WoW) has cemented its legacy as one of the most successful and influential MMORPGs ever, earning multiple accolades including two Guinness World Records.

An exciting new product range includes from McFarlane Toys, a 16-figure collectible series; Funko Pop is unveiling brand-new vinyl figures; Difuzed will launch mass-market apparel showcasing high-density prints and striking 3D minimalist designs this fall across EMEA; Displate offers metal art posters; and Abysse expands the selection with keychains, drinkware, and mouse mats. In August, Steel Series launched a family of product that highlights not only The War Within launch but also celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the game with headset, mouse, mousepad and keycap.

Diablo IV Vessel of Hatred

World of Warcraft Steel Series Mouse

Diablo IV Inarius Mug

McFarlane Toys x Diablo IV

World of Warcraft: The War Within

Fallout TV Series Ignites Excitement!

The Fallout series, originally developed by Interplay Productions, first launched in 1997 as a top-down, turn-based RPG set in a retro-futuristic, post-apocalyptic world of the mid-22nd century. Bethesda Game Studios (BGS) revitalized the franchise with  Fallout 3  in 2008, introducing first and third-person perspectives. In 2015, BGS returned to the Wasteland to release Fallout 4 which won multiple Game of the Year awards including the 2016 DICE Award and the BAFTA, breaking sales records worldwide. 2018’s Fallout 76 brought the series to the online multiplayer space and recently eclipsed 20 million players. The April 2024 premiere of the Emmy Award-winning Fallout  Amazon Original Series garnered positive reviews, reigniting fan interest in the franchise.

This October, new merchandise tied to the  Fallout  TV series is poised to thrill fans and collectors. Among the

most anticipated items is The Wand Co.’s wearable Pip-Boy replica, already a best-seller and available for preorder, with shipping expected in November. Created using the TV show geometry and made in a mix of die-cast metal and injection molded ABS, the Pip-Boy has a functioning TFT LCD screen showing in-universe animations and is also a working timepiece with an in-universe alarm clock function. Additionally, McFarlane Toys is launching a line of detailed 6-inch scale posed figures with accessories including an environmental base, collectible art card and backdrop. Modiphius Entertainment expands its offerings with the summer 2024 releases of  Fallout Miniatures: Hollywood Heroes. And Bioworld has been creating mass market apparel for the global market since 2018 and the partnership is ongoing.

Coming in 2025 - DOOM: The Dark Ages!

DOOM: The Dark Ages, also from Bethesda Game Studios, heralds the return of the unstoppable DOOM Slayer in this single-player, dark fantasy action FPS from the legendary id Software. The original DOOM, released in 1993, was an enormous success, turning a profit for id Software within a single day. DOOM: The Dark Ages  will put players behind the visor of the mighty Slayer as they battle demonic hordes in grounded, hard-hitting combat inside an epic, cinematic tale of gods, kings and demons. The franchise has been praised for its pioneering gameplay, graphics, and level design, and has spawned numerous sequels, novels, comic books, board games, and film adaptations. To celebrate the release, fans can expect a line of DOOM: The Dark Ages products including collectibles, gaming accessories, and apparel collaborations.

McFarlane Toys x Fallout

DOOM: The Dark Ages

The iconic gaming and media franchise Halo will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026!

Since Halo launched in 2001, the franchise has grossed more than $6 billion, expanding into novels, graphic novels, comic books, animated films and feature films.

Merchandise sales have exceeded $1.8 billion. Originally developed and created by  Bungie, Halo is managed and developed by  343 Industries.

Launching this fall, products include Halo: Flashpoint, a tactical miniatures

tabletop game for 2-players from Mantic Games; and the Halo Plasma Blaster from Gel Blaster features integrated WiFi and infrared technology for an immersive experience. Dark Horse Comics’ The Making of Halo The Series: Hope, Heroism, Humanity publishes in October; TOMY’S 15-inch Halo Master Chief plush from Club Mocchi-Mocchi is a must for any player; and new items are coming from Youtooz in August. A fashion collaboration with Culture Kings this summer launched four nostalgic tees featuring art from Halo 2, Halo 3 and Halo Reach, and is Culture Kings’ most successful licensed launch, beating out their Star Wars release.

Gears of War: E-Day Coming Soon

Gears of War is a critically acclaimed series of third-person shooter  games. The franchise has been supplemented by spin-off video game titles, a DC comic book series, seven novels, a board game adaptation and various merchandise. The original trilogy focuses on the conflict between humanity and the subterranean reptilian humanoid known as the Locust Horde. Gears of

War: E-Day is set during the pivotal Emergence Day, fourteen years before Gears of War, where war heroes Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago return home to face the rise of the Locust Horde. The franchise is developed and managed by  The Coalition and owned and published by  Xbox Game Studios.

Fable – Coming in 2025

A new beginning for the legendary Fable franchise—an action RPG set in the whimsical, humor-infused fantasy world of Albion—will soon unfold. Originally launched in 2004, Fable was praised for ambitious design and engaging storytelling, while Fable II, released in 2008, was applauded for improving gameplay mechanics and depth. The series’ reputation is built on its engaging worlds, character customization, and humor, making it a significant influence in the RPG genre. Fable is developed by  Playground Games and published by  Xbox Game Studios. XGCP plans to develop a line of products designed to delight longstanding fans of the franchise, as well as fans who are experiencing Fable for the first time.

Halo Blaster by Gel Blaster

Halo x Culture Kings

Gears of War: E-Day

How

to find the

right IP partner in the gaming world

By Cristina Angelucci

Gaming is becoming an increasingly crucial asset for the licensing industry, and our task is to help professionals better understand how it works and who the key players are. With this focus, LM interviewed three executives from Yodo1 Games: Vivien Zhang (VZ), Head of IP Licensing; Sun Ke (SK), Head of Strategic Deals; and Ismael Jorge Soler (IJ), IP Licensing Business Development Lead. The discussion aimed to explore the evolution of IP game collaborations and how to build a meaningful dialogue between licensing and gaming.

How was Yodo1 Licensing unit created at Yodo1 Games?

VZ. When Yodo1 Games was established in 2011, we initially focused on publishing casual games globally. In 2017, we were the regional publishers for a Transformers game called Transformers: Earth Wars. Based on the success of this game, our partnership with Hasbro grew and this was the start of Yodo1’s digital IP licensing business. Over the years, the two companies have worked together to bring to a number of major brands in digital games, including Transformers, My Little Pony, Dungeons & Dragons, and more. It has now been six years since we officially launched the Yodo1 licensing

“Licensors are increasingly interested in gaming because their audience is already there, whether for TV or movie-related content. Brands want to promote themselves more in gaming to reach the audience they previously accessed only through other media channels. This shift not only helps brands and IPs reach a larger audience but also offers more creative and immersive experiences for players, as they can interact directly with the IPs”.

- Ismael Jorge Soler, IP Licensing Business Development Lead -

YODO1 GAMES

Ismael Jorge

business and we have more than 25 digital licensing projects under our belt, having partnered with more than 15 top global brands, ranging from major Hollywood IPs to popular anime IPs.

How has the landscape of IPs development into games evolved over the past few years?

VZ. The landscape of IP licensing in mobile games has become more dynamic and collaborative, driven by market demand and developers’ strategies. Nearly 50% of the top 200 games in the US market have integrated licensed IPs, while in China and Japan, the fi gures have risen to more than 60%. From a developer’s perspective, strong IPs are essential for long-term growth and from IP licensors’ point of view, we can clearly see that the trend of IP integration is an interesting avenue. Gaming is one of the touchpoints in a more complex strategy where multiple branded categories can be linked together.

Which are the challenges in IP licensing for

games, both on the game developer and licensor sides?

SK. From the developers’ perspective, the main challenge lies in the ability to scout and select an IP suitable for their product. For new companies, an important matter is the ability to communicate with IP holders in business terms, including the capability to integrate specific requirements. It is crucial for developers to learn all the characteristics and background of

“It’s not just the game that can leverage the power of a well-known IP; it’s possible to create a mutually beneficial promotion process. For example, game players can showcase elements of the IP collaboration on their websites and social media. Conversely, the IP owner can promote the game collaboration to their fans on their official website. Social media channels, such as YouTube and Facebook, are very common platforms for this process”.

- Sun Ke, Head of Strategic Deals -

the IP to develop an appropriate game that remains loyal to the IP’s identity. Another key aspect is the efficiency of the collaboration process, particularly in relation to content production standards and IP supervision within established guidelines. Additionally, we facilitate dialogue between IP holders and developers to address specific needs.

IJ. From a licensor’s perspective, the primary concern is always to verify that the developer’s team has the capacity to understand the IP’s identity and protect it. Additionally, the licensor needs to verify how the developer

Sun Ke

safeguards the IP at different stages of development. It is essential to arrange the content supervision schedule and coordinate the game launch timing to maintain oversight and alignment. We assist both parties throughout the entire IP collaboration process. We help developers find the right IP that best fits their games and facilitate the business terms and communication process between developers and IP holders, including financial, tax, legal, and insurance topics, among others. We communicate IP holders’ concerns to developers to prevent potential issues that might arise later, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the supervision process. This is crucial for the studio, and having a partner like Yodo1 helps them achieve a more successful approval rate as we have worked with multiple different IPs on many projects. Our project management team serves as the first filter before sending assets to the licensor.

“From

a developer’s perspective, strong IPs are essential for longterm growth and from IP licensors’ point of view, we can clearly see that the trend of IP integration is an interesting avenue. Gaming is one of the touchpoints in a more complex strategy where multiple branded categories can be linked together”.

enhance their presence in gaming to connect with audiences they previously reached only through traditional media. By integrating into games, they can offer creative and immersive experiences that allow players to interact directly with their IPs.

Many developers have not yet ventured into producing licensed games, and we have the expertise to help them enter this world. Simultaneously, if a licensor wants to explore gaming, we understand what studios are looking for. We comprehend their language and processes, and we can use our

- Vivien Zhang, Head of IP Licensing,

Yodo1 Games -

Licensors are showing growing interest in gaming because their target audiences are already engaged in this space, whether through TV or movierelated content. Brands are eager to

ABOUT YODO1 GAMES

In 2011, Yodo1 was founded to help indie studios and solo developers simplify the long, complex process of scaling mobile games and make it easier to unlock new strategic global markets.

Today, Yodo1 facilitates mobile game growth in three key areas: monetization, publishing, and creating in-game experiences with the world’s biggest entertainment IPs.

From this experience, the company established a dedicated Licensing division called Yodo1 Licensing. Its aim is to bridge the gap between Chinese game developers and the rest of the world by solidifying IP collaborations through live events, and it has now expanded worldwide. It works simultaneously with hundreds of premium brands and developers globally. Yodo1 also owns an all-in-one platform powered by its gaming expertise, which simplifies project processes, increases efficiency, reduces hassles, and maximizes collaboration outcomes. It’s a one-stop platform for successful 360-degree IP collaborations.

Vivien Zhang

Yodo1 assisted 37G in this collaboration

experience to help licensors navigate the gaming industry, as it’s part of Yodo1’s expertise. We know which key metrics and statistics they should consider when selecting a studio, especially if they’re promoting a new movie or product. Our experience can guide them in translating their IP into successful gaming experiences. We can analyze games because we understand both gaming and licensing. We have comprehensive data and metrics from collaborations across the entire game market to match IPs with games throughout the process, from scouting to selection, from proposal to monetization analytics and approval.

VZ. We are experts in the game industry with many years of experience, and we have launched successful IP games. Our all-in-one IP licensing business helps licensors and developers throughout the entire process. Moreover, by working with Yodo1, they can expand their business on a global scale.

How is your team structured to support partners in their gaming journey?

SK. The Licensing team primarily consists of business and operations personnel. For each collaboration, we

assign corresponding team members, with the business team responsible for communication between developers and IP holders.

Throughout the entire process, the Operations Team supports both parties in terms of IP knowledge, supervision process communication, and data analytics, addressing commercial needs.

An IP collaboration process, from initial steps to the first event launch, typically takes six to ten months. As mentioned earlier, we provide value at all stages of the collaboration.

Can you share with us some of your success stories?

IJ. One of our most successful collaborations was Top War x Transformers, where the game set a Day 1 revenue record, achieved a 50% increase in revenue in China, and engaged more than 35 million players. Another collaboration we enjoyed was with Attack on Titan, as we understand how crucial it is to adapt Japanese IPs for the global gaming market. This project was special because we had been working with an indie studio called Pablo Leban LLC for three years, not only on licensing but also on user acquisition and monetization. We were

able to help them unlock a huge IP such as Attack on Titan. The collaboration led to a 160% increase in game revenue, a 110% boost in downloads, and a 70% increase in new users.

VZ. I would also like to highlight our partnership with Tencent, one of the biggest gaming companies in China, and we have already collaborated with them for several years across multiple successful projects.

Are there any future plans you can tell us more?

VZ. Yodo1 Licensing is developing a solution that will revolutionize datadriven decision-making, bringing a new level of ease and efficiency to IP licensing and collaboration tracking. This data can indicate if a brand’s popularity is high in the market, which is crucial when studying the performance of IP collaborations. It also helps us better understand the return on investment through ROI calculations. This tool will be launched in the coming months. Stay tuned.

How do you evaluate the return on investment (ROI) for game collaborations?

SK. We consider two key aspects. First, on the marketing side, a successful IP collaboration can generate positive word-of-mouth within the player community, enhancing the game’s brand reputation. This increased awareness can help reduce user acquisition costs and attract more high-quality players. Second, on the revenue side, the awareness of the

IP is generally a crucial element. Once integrated into the game, it can significantly boost revenue, as players are often willing to spend more money on content they love.

IJ. For return on investment, there are several factors to consider. As Sun Ke briefly mentioned, knowing the motivation and goals behind a collaboration is key to setting realistic expectations. A company might want to create a game for increased engagement or a special event, where ROI in the short term may not be the top priority. Therefore, regardless of your motivation, making an accurate forecast is crucial to analyzing your ROI.

Another important consideration is being aware of what works best and what doesn’t. Gathering information from your past live ops and A/B tests is another key point to adjust for IP collaborations and come up with a more accurate forecast.

Lastly, constant review and study of in-app purchases in your game and understanding what motivates customers to play and spend are essential. In these cases, brands can significantly impact results.

What role does market research play in developing a successful in-game collaboration strategy?

IJ. Market research is crucial for developing successful IP collaborations. You need to analyze the demographics and data from the IP and compare it to the existing data you already have from your players. What are the top geographic regions for the IP? What’s the target audience? Will new content be released soon? These types of questions need to be addressed to conduct successful market research. The biggest or most famous IP isn’t always the one that will work best in your game.

How in-game collaborations are used to enhance player engagement and retention?

VZ. Based on our experience, we can confidently say that IP collaborations contribute to the growth of games in various aspects. In terms of engagement and retention, data on a game’s performance is key. An IP, with its characters and story, can be used as a special feature in a game to create more engagement. It’s also possible to determine if the players of a game are fans of that specific IP. An example

is the collaboration between Mini World and the My Little Pony franchise, which garnered 10 million views and 100.000 comments on My Little Pony in online communities shortly after the integration launched. This was a huge success for the developers, who were impressed by these figures. For this kind of collaboration, we can enhance interaction through social media from both the game and brand perspectives. We can invite followers to join the collaboration and try the game, targeting IP fans who may not know about it but could enjoy playing.

In which ways can in-game collaborations be leveraged to drive cross promotional opportunities?

SK. A well-known IP can enhance not just the game itself but also create a mutually beneficial promotional strategy. For instance, game players can feature elements of the IP collaboration on their websites and social media profiles. In return, the IP owner can promote the game collaboration to their fans through their official website. Common platforms for such promotion include social media channels like YouTube and Facebook.

How do you balance the creativity side with the business objectives when you develop your collaborations?

IJ. When working on a game, creativity is just as important as the business side. When teaming up with a wellknown IP, there are usually some limitations due to brand guidelines and the game itself. It’s crucial to thoroughly understand the IP—its values and style—before diving in. Once you have that understanding, it provides a solid foundation to build upon, balancing your creative ideas with business goals. The main challenge is figuring out how to use the IP, along with your game mechanics, to keep players engaged. Throughout this process, maintaining close communication with the IP owner is essential, especially when adding new tools or storylines to established characters.

“We are experts in the game industry with many years of experience, and we have launched successful IP games.

Our all-in-one IP licensing business helps licensors and developers throughout the entire process”.

-

Vivien Zhang, Head of IP Licensing, Yodo1 Games -

MIRACULOUS CORP

Miraculous Corp! Expanding the Miraculous Universe and celebrating 10 Years in 2025

There’s a lot celebrate in the Miraculous universe with the first global Miraculous Day celebration on September 28 this year and the brand’s 10th anniversary in 2025!

The Miraculous franchise is poised for growth with a new joint-venture between Mediawan and ZAG creating the new Miraculous Corp that unites all facets of the brand. Former CoComelon executive Andy Yeatman is the CEO of Miraculous Corp USA and Global Operations. Under his leadership, the company will significantly expand the brand’s global presence with new TV movies, spin-off series, games, digital content, and the blockbuster sequel, Miraculous: The Movie 2. This global phenomenon has become one of the world’s top brands, boasting a powerful presence on platforms like Disney Channel, Disney+, Globo, TF1, and Netflix, where it reigns as the #1 non-preschool animated kids’

series. A fourth special will premiere in Fall 2024, and Season Six, which will start to be delivered this year, promises more action as our heroes face off against a formidable new villain. Julian Jacob, COO and Board Member of Miraculous Corp, leads the company’s consumer products division which includes licensing and merchandising, promotions, gaming, location-based experiences, and more! Miraculous now has 400+ licensing partners with 740+ million products sold, and retail sales of US$1.5+ billion. In the digital world, the brand has 40+ billion views on YouTube, 250+ million downloads of the official app; and 725+ million plays on Roblox.

Julian Jacob

Endless fun with toys and video games!

Holiday 2024 launches include Playmates Toys’  Miraculous Ladybug Paris Heroez Playset, a four-foottall centerpiece for children’s big adventures; and the  Miraculous Hero Switch Ladybug Fashion Doll  with an in-store “Try Me” button. Playmobil offers fans exciting playsets to create their own hero stories; and  Wyncor’s new Miraball featuring Miraculous  is a collectible toy with two “Little and Legendary” surprises. GameMill

Entertainment will release  Miraculous: Paris Under Siege  for consoles and PC in October, while Nex is developing  Miraculous Ladybug: Paris Dash, an endless runner game using AI motion tracking for full-body immersion.

Happy Meals at Your Favorite QSRs. QSR promotions offering fresh, nutritious meals in a family-friendly atmosphere continue to attract fans globally. This summer, Herfy turned mealtimes into magical adventures with the  Miraculous™ Chibi  Kids Happy Meal program across 300 Middle Eastern locations, featuring an AI experience.

In September, Italian chain La Piadineria introduced a kids’ menu with  Miraculous Ladybug  premiums in over 400 restaurants, serving freshly made traditional Italian flatbread.  Miraculous has also previously partnered with McDonald’s and Burger King, and two new QSRs launch in France and Brazil this fall.

A Wave of New Products and Events!

Partners across the globe shine with new product launches coming up. In publishing, partners include Kodansha, Insight Editions, Panini, Hachette, Blue Ocean, Ravensburger, Ciela Norma Pon Pon Edizoni, Play Press, and Albatros Media Ferrero and Dolfin S.p.A. offer new chocolate and confectionary; San Carlo provides potato chips, Kandiz delivers frozen ready meals and confectionary toys; iCim launches milkshakes in Turkey; and Sidi Ali

launches bottled water in Morocco. New home goods include reusable and sustainable party items from Procos across the U.S. and EMEA; party goods from pan-European partner AMSCAN; home goods and tableware from Stor; lunch boxes, water bottles, and mugs/ plates from Geda Labels, and bedding and fleeces from Klaus Herdin

Multiple events are organized regularly across the globe. Visitors to the Gardens of Versailles can enjoy a  Miraculous-themed event with activity books to explore and learn while having fun! Spacetoon Events has signed a new agreement to continue to bring more family entertainment experiences through events, live shows and meet and greets in the Middle East; and in Italy, Leolandia presents a mini live acrobatic show, while Soluna offers events and experiences at shopping centers and tourist facilities.

Miraculous™ Event from Spacetoon Events

La Piadineria, Miraculous™ QSR Promotion

GameMill Entertainment: Miraculous™: Paris Under Siege

Wyncor, Miraculous™ Miraball

MAGIC LIGHT PICTURES

Magic Light Pictures shines light on ambitious growth plans

Magic Light Pictures, BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated brand-building and production company, continues to enjoy success in both the UK and continental Europe with stunning IPs like Pip and Posy and The Gruffalo.

Magic Light Pictures heads to BLE with its fast-growing pre-school brand, Pip and Posy, and its globally beloved and enduring property, The Gruffalo, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. European in origin, born from a BritishGerman collaboration between writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, The Gruffalo continues to captivate readers and viewers around the world with the books printed in 107 languages.

In the UK, Magic Light Pictures commemorated the brand’s 25th year with anniversary-themed products across various retailers and licensees. Special events around the country included celebrations at Chessington World of Adventures, The Gruffalo and Friends Clubhouse in Blackpool, and The Gruffalo’s 25th Anniversary Maize Maze, a large-scale attraction featuring what is

believed to be the largest image of The Gruffalo ever created.

This summer, The Gruffalo also celebrated the Paris Olympics by

partnering with Team GB for a special collaboration, brokered by ThePoint.1888, featuring a Team GBlicensed aisle-end range at ASDA, where

the brand continues to thrive.

In Europe, The Gruffalo’s reach continues to expand. Simba Toys has been appointed as the new plush toy partner for Europe, with licensing agents now established in Germany (Active Merchandising), Italy (Mondo TV), and Benelux (License Connection). The brand is also looking to grow its presence in Central and Eastern Europe.

Fittingly, Germany, birthplace of Axel Scheffler, is a thriving market for The Gruffalo. Its new European toy partner, Simba, will be launching plush in Germany this Autumn, with a roll-out to other European territories planned in due course. Across the country, the brand

has enjoyed success with live events, Gruffalo trails, cinema screenings and a sponsored run. There are big plans in the pipeline for next year including a trail at a leading holiday destination.

In Australia, where Merchantwise represents the brand, The Gruffalo shows growth in the live events sector, and new apparel is set to launch at Peter Alexander stores.

One of the most-watched preschool shows on Milkshake! and on Sky Kids, Pip and Posy continues to resonate with its young audience. Following the success of the first two series, a new educational spin-off exclusively for Sky Kids, Pip and Posy: Let’s Learn, has further engaged preschoolers.

Expanding beyond the screen, Pip and Posy now boasts a delightful range of plush toys and figurines, launched in collaboration with master toy partner Bandai, who hold the rights for the UK and Eire, with the option to extend across Europe. A Pip and Posy pop-up event at Bandai Namco Cross Store Camden, London, offered fans the chance to meet the characters, enjoy readings by a Milkshake! presenter, and explore a variety of merchandise. Additional Pip and Posy licensees in the UK include Blues Group, Aykroyds, TDP, Ravensburger, Amscan, and Tonies. The Magic Light Pictures’ dedicated licensing team is actively expanding the brand into categories like soft lines, home textiles, accessories, footwear, greetings cards, and role play. Pip and Posy’s partnership with

Milkshake! and Parkdean Resorts continues to delight young holidaymakers. Last spring, the brand’s second cinema experience,  Pip and Posy and Friends, was shown at selected cinemas across the UK.

Nosy Crow, Pip and Posy’s publishing partner, is launching new TV tie-in titles throughout the year. In October, Pip and Posy will visit high-traffic shopping centres. Additionally, Tonies will release two new characters, featuring Pip and Posy stories narrated by TV star Giovanna Fletcher.

With strong support from broadcasters and growing YouTube presence, Pip and Posy continues to thrive. Magic Light Pictures is excited to explore new opportunities at BLE to further expand the brand into new categories both in the UK and on the continent.

As Q4 approaches, other Magic Light Pictures’ highlights in the UK include a Room on the Broom-themed trail at London’s Kew Gardens, a new bedding range at major grocers, and a fresh selection of wooden toys at Jojo Maman Bebe. Seasonal gifting promotions will feature popular titles like Room on the Broom, Stick Man, and The Gruffalo. Additionally, a new adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s  Tiddler, narrated by Hannah Waddingham, will air on BBC One this Christmas. Inspired by the success and longevity of the 25-year-old Gruffalo, Magic Light Pictures is now looking towards 2025, and the 15th anniversary of its beloved Donaldson/Scheffler character Zog

Pip and Posy pop-up event at Bandai Namco Cross Store Camden, London

STUDIO 100 INTERNATIONAL

What’s new for Studio 100 International Brands

The Brands in Studio 100 International’s Portfolio are Steadily Increasing in Popularity

Vegesaurs

Addressed to children aged 3-6 years, Vegesaurs season 3 launched on ABC Kids in Australia in June 2024. In the UK, the release is planned for September on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer. Already airing in more than 70 territories, Vegesaurs will soon arrive on Ceska Televize (Czech Republic), ORF (Austria), TG4 (Ireland), JY Animation (China), and RTP (Portugal). English-speaking territories are well covered, including all three seasons, with broadcasts on ABC (Australia), BBC (UK), TVO Kids, Knowledge Network, and Radio Canada (Canada).

Since its launch, the TV series has collected over 33 million views on BBC iPlayer and more than 30 million plays on ABC iview. Moreover, it is listed among the top 10 shows on CBeebies and the top 20 on the YLE broadcaster. In the UK, there is strong marketing support from BBC/CBeebies through

social media, web, YouTube, games, and apps.

The international YouTube channel, equipped with a multilanguage tool, boasts more than 3 million video views and 40,000 hours of total watch time. Additionally, social media activities have reached over 2 million impressions.

Among the licensing partners on board for this IP, we can mention L-Founders (retail loyalty), Macmillan (master publisher), Globetrade (toys, plush), Immediate Media (magazine), iLove Snacks (food & beverages), and Sony Music (audio stories). Notably, the loyalty campaign with LIDL won the Bologna Licensing Award 2024 for “Best Promotion/Loyalty Campaign.” On the publishing side, Vegesaurs is published in UK by the number one children’s publisher Macmillan Children’s Books. Moreover, vegetarian snack products by iLove Snacks were launched at Tesco,

Sainsbury’s, and ASDA earlier this year.

The Vegesaurs Immersive Experience, launching in Australia in December 2024, is planned to expand globally to the UK, France, USA, MENA, and other European countries. It is also planned to take place in Studio 100 Theme Parks across Europe.

Heroes of Childhood

Studio 100 International is bringing back its classic characters through a new platform. The umbrella brand Heroes of Childhood offers an outstanding collection of selected characters, such as Maya the Bee, Heidi, Vic the Viking, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, and Sindbad the Sailor, with a cult factor— perfect for anyone who loves retro and nostalgia!

Picture Books by Macmillan

Studio 100 International conducted a market study*, whose findings confirm the marketing strategy, and the ongoing popularity and emotional significance of the childhood heroes united under this umbrella brand. The study shows that 98% of adults aged 25-45 know at least one hero from the Heroes of Childhood lineup, and nearly 88% of participants show interest in products featuring them.

On April 1st, the Studio 100 – Heroes of Childhood YouTube channel was launched, dedicated to whisking teens and young adults away on a nostalgic and fun adventure. In addition to clips from the original series, new and entertaining content is uploaded each week.

Studio 100 International is also introducing a trendy Heroes of Childhood fashion collection featuring cool and cheeky designs. This fashion line is available on online platforms such as Zalando, About You, OTTO, Limango, and Amazon Fashion, as well as in its own online shop.

Heidi was selected to become part of the Heritage Project with UNESCO, Memory of the World. In 2018, the Heidiseum was founded with the aim of putting Heidi, as an important part of Swiss cultural heritage, on a new cultural footing with various cultural projects

and exhibitions. Its archive maintains numerous original documents. For this reason, UNESCO has recognized the exceptional value of these documentary testimonies by including them in the international “Memory of the World” register in 2023.

Current international licensees of Heidi are Playmobil, Zapf Creation, and Ravensburger for toys and games; Herding, PureSigns, Lamprecht, Knorr Toys, and Stoff & Liebe for home and living; Sony Music and Tonies for home entertainment. Apparel is well covered with Bloomery, Bavarian Caps, Spreadshirt, Mask World, and Bergmensch (nominated as License Product of the Year 2023 by Licensing International in Germany). Publishing is developed with Hachette, Blue Ocean Entertainment, Pro Book, and Ravensburger. Finally, promotion is another key category with MyPostcard, TCC, and Heidi Hotel Falkensee.

On the content side, Studio 100 International is currently producing the CGI adventure Heidi – Rescue of the Lynx, which will come to theatres internationally in July 2025. Production partners are 3Doubles Producciones and Hotel Hungaria Animation, in association with Studio Isar Animation. Scripts are by renowned writer Rob Sprackling (Gnomeo & Juliet, The Queen’s Corgi). In 2025, Heidi’s alpine life will land on game consoles (PS4, Nintendo, and more).

*The study was conducted by Studio 100 International via Survey Monkey in Germany, based on a survey of 500 adults aged 25-45

Heidi

Heroes Of Childhood Fashion Line

The Heidi collection from Bavarian Caps

Age-less, play more

While we all know that play is crucial for a child’s development, it is important to remember that it remains beneficial for all ages. As George Bernard Shaw says, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”

Play is the foundation for our overall health and well-being, stimulating the imagination and improving our ability to solve problems in creative ways.

Play, fun, imagination, and stimulating creativity have all been part of Miffy’s world since 1955, and it is fascinating to see how more and more (young) adults are embracing their inner child by diving back into the world of play (Kidult Trend). It is a nostalgic journey, underlining the importance of a strong heritage with simple and clear values.

Miffy is all about “the belief that childhood doesn’t have to end” (Nylon Magazine) and the “power of positivity” (Tommy Hilfiger). Connecting to the world around us is essential, and no one is too small, so we like to work on this without any age restrictions.

In the run-up to Miffy’s anniversary year, we will see a host of initiatives focusing on the heritage that the graphic designer and illustrator Dick Bruna left behind. With art exhibitions in the United Kingdom, Japan, and France, the emphasis will lie not only on Miffy but also on other original work related to his pocketbook covers and iconically illustrated poster designs.

Simultaneously, in South Korea, a more media- and interactive-driven exhibition will be a further testimony to Dick Bruna’s inherently timeless concepts and relevance today by offering discerning fun-, art-, and Miffy lovers an even more immersive experience.

Mercis Media has teamed with Studiocanal and Superprod Animation to produce a CGI series adaptation of

To learn more contact info@mercis.nl or visit www.miffy.com and www.instagram.com/miffy_ official

“Each book first begins with a little idea”

- Dick Bruna -

the children’s animation classic Miffy The series is scheduled to be launched on Canal+ in 2025, followed by a global rollout.

Mercis Publishing’s award-winning books Miffy X Rembrandt and Miffy x Vermeer, in combination with carefully curated merchandise, have shown that art and Miffy can be both educational and playful from the earliest age possible.

Also, the release of Dick Bruna in the illustrators series by Thames and Hudson was described by The New York Times as “A fascinating introduction to the art and techniques of the illustrator who, in Miffy, created one of the most recognizable characters in the world.”

All of 2025 is not just about celebrating 70 years of brand heritage but also about staying true to one’s own authenticity, paying tribute to the creator, and having fun while doing so.

RAINBOW

Rainbow celebrates a Colourful 2024

With a brand-new animated series, fresh reboots of beloved classics and a glittering anniversary celebration taking place, 2024 is looking full of colour and sparkle for Rainbow.

Their very first show,  Winx Club, which debuted in Italy in 2004, has grown into a global sensation. Set in a magical world of friendship and bravery, it follows the thrilling adventures of a group of fairy friends. A new CGI reboot is set to air globally on RAI and Netflix in 2025 and Playmates Toys and Giochi Preziosi have already signed on as master toy partners.

The reboot adds to  Winx Club’s impressive portfolio, which includes eight animated seasons, three movies, four TV films, two  World of Winx  series (with Netflix), and the two-season liveaction spin-off  Fate – The Winx Saga, a top-ranked show in 55 countries on Netflix. The franchise has also seen over 20 billion YouTube views and 35+ billion

TikTok views. Original fans have been reengaged through digital campaigns and events like ComicCon, while the reboot is set to captivate a new generation of young viewers, making it perfect for dual licensing campaigns.

Winx Club’s fashion-forward appeal makes it a hit in the fashion industry, with a new toy line from Playmates Toys and Giochi Preziosi featuring fashion dolls, accessories, role-play toys, and playsets. Rainbow is preparing for the reboot with a new website, an active TikTok profile, a dedicated podcast, and a full slate of 20th-anniversary events, which culminated in a glittering celebration in Rimini in August, attended by thousands of loyal fans from over 30 different countries.

Winx Club 20th Celebration Party in Rimini

Mermaid Magic

Cosplayers reunion for Winx Club 20th Celebration Party, Rimini

Special launch events are planned for the rebooted series in select cities next year and, with an infinite supply of fresh twists and secrets, the  Winx Club reboot is poised to captivate audiences for another 20 years to come.

Meanwhile, Rainbow’s new series  Mermaid Magic  made a huge splash when it debuted on Netflix in August, supported by extensive licensing, marketing, and digital campaigns.

Already a global sensation, Mermaid Magic has become the most viewed show in more than 50 countries, including Britain, France and Germany, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, Mexico and Brazil, as well as Singapore, South Africa and Turkey!

Set in the mesmerizing underwater world of Mertropia, it combines magic, mystery, humor, with modern themes like environmental conservation. The show follows the bold Princess Merlinda

and her friends Sasha and Nerissa as they battle the evil pirate Barbarossa, who seeks to drain the ocean’s magic. Another exciting reboot,  Gormiti –The New Era, brings back the popular

franchise as a live-action series mixed with cutting-edge CGI. Produced with Giochi Preziosi, the reboot targets kids and preteens and is set for a global release this autumn, premiering on Rai. The series follows four friends from Earth, chosen as guardians of the fantasy realm of Gorm, who must harness elemental powers to defeat an evil lord. The world premiere at the Giffoni Film Festival in July was a big hit, with the venue fully “Gormized” to immerse the audience in the fantasy world.

Rainbow is also working with Consorzio Frasassi on the  Gormiti – The New Era Game, aimed at raising environmental awareness in Italian schools through interactive learning with the show’s themes. With even more exciting projects in the pipeline, Rainbow’s future looks bright and full of colourful, magical adventures.

Gormiti – The New Era

Mermaid Magic

Gormiti – The New Era

A year of new expansions for Moonbug Entertainment

New app games, expansion in Asia, and new deals are some of the pillars of Moonbug’s brand development.

A new App Game for children In August Moonbug launched CoComelon - Kids Learn & Play, a new mobile learning app from the CoComelon universe. Based on the CoComelon world kids love, the app offers a safe, interactive experience where kids can play and learn alongside their favorite characters and songs they love. With an expert-designed early childhood curriculum for kids aged 2-5, CoComelon - Kids Learn & Play is filled with fun and creative activities that support children’s social and emotional development – all set to their favorite nursery rhymes!

Interactive apps can enrich cognitive development especially in the early foundational years. And learning alongside familiar characters children

have bonds with - like JJ - can help improve outcomes. In the app, kids join JJ in an infinite playspace of games and experiences to learn shapes, colors, sounds, letters, numbers, daily routines, and more. There are no right or wrong answers, just activities that help children develop fine motor skills, exercise thinking skills, grow their vocabulary, and encourage curiosity in a way that’s easy for them to navigate, understand, and remember.

CoComelon - Kids Learn & Play is a preschool kids subscription app offering a wealth of activities. Many of them are free, and subscribing gives an unlimited access to everything the app has to offer, including regular updates with new mini-games and activities themed around popular CoComelon songs.

Moonbug is a member of kidSAFE, and the learning app is built responsibly with no ads or bloatware, ensuring a safe environment for independent play. CoComelon - Kids Learn & Play is available on phones and tablets for Apple and Android devices, on the App Store and Google Play Store.

Focus on Asia

LM has already written an in-depth article about Moonbug’s expansion in Asia in the Summer issue. Recently, more news has emerged regarding

the CoComelon brand and Moonbug’s development in Asia. In particular, Moonbug Entertainment has teamed up with local educational institutions in Hong Kong to bring their popular IPs, including CoComelon, into classrooms across Asia. This partnership represents a significant move in their mission to blend learning with play, offering innovative educational content that engages and educates. Still in this region, CoComelon won the Hong Kong Parent-Child Favorite Lifestyle Brand Award 2024, a highly reputable achievement in the area.

Moonbug can help uk parents when trying to conquer toddler routines

Moonbug Entertainment revealed in June a study that found a third (34%) of British parents struggle to follow a routine with their children. Moonbug surveyed 1,000 parents of young children across the country and found that despite the struggle to follow routine, almost all (95%) find it important that their children have one.

Parents who struggle to get little ones to brush their teeth, eat their vegetables or get ready for bed are not alone. The research found that bedtime (26%), brushing teeth (19%), and mealtime (15%) topped the list of activities parents struggle the most with, whereas 22% of parents said they found bathtime the easiest.

It turns out, having a routine can help the whole family. Almost half of parents (48%) say that having a routine helps their children feel secure, with 40% reporting that it helps their little ones cooperate with each stage. It’s well known that parenting is a delicate balancing act, with 32% of mums and dads saying that having a routine for their children helps them to get work done around the home.

However, despite the majority of parents recognising the benefits of following a routine with their families, almost half (48%) of parents feel that there isn’t enough advice on how parents and children can build routines together.

When it comes to establishing a stress-free routine, sometimes parents just need a helping hand. Fortunately, the imaginative world of CoComelon and its beloved characters are there to help. From bitesize episodes of CoComelon, to engaging bath and bedtime books, toys and the CoComelon Story Time podcast, CoComelon has something for every parent to build into their child’s routine, at moments that work best for them.

For the upcoming season, Moonbug will be present for the first time with its own booth at the China Licensing Expo, one of the leading Asian licensing shows, to further expand in this region. This follows the success of their first appearance as exhibitors at the Hong Kong Licensing Show last April.

New Collaborations and Partnerships

CoComelon teamed up with popular U.S. kids’ magazine Highlights to launch the first-of-its-kind Highlights CoComelon mini magazine. Each issue is filled with

song-based adventures for children ages 1-4 that reflect toddlers’ and preschoolers’ routines, experiences and interests. The go-anywhere print format is full of beloved CoComelon friends like JJ, Cody, Nina, CeCe and more and is designed to enhance a family’s CoComelon video experience.

CoComelon Playdate, a family entertainment experience, will open at the Mall of America, North America’s largest shopping and entertainment destination in Bloomington, Minnesota. Designed to captivate young hearts and minds, CoComelon Playdate will

Visit Moonbug booth A131 at BLE

Contact them at licensing@moonbug.com or visit the website www.moonbug.com

blend the charm of a children’s museum with the excitement of a kids’ play zone. Children and parents alike will experience an adventure through JJ’s Treehouse, the Melon Patch Academy, the Fire Station, Kwame’s Bakery, Old MacDonald’s Farm, the iconic yellow school bus, and much more, all within a safe and engaging indoor environment.

Also, Blippi is having a special yearlong celebration as he celebrates its 10th anniversary with new consumer products partnerships, exciting new content and guest appearances, as well as new live shows and meet & greets. Fans of the brand can celebrate special Blippi moments this year including a new footwear collaboration with Reebok, recently launched around the world. NASA, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Spin Master Entertainment, tonies® Simple Modern, bums and roses, Sesame Street and others top a list of partnerships and collaborations celebrating Blippi’s 10year milestone.

Millions of fans enjoyed Blippi’s recent special 10th anniversary show on YouTube, featuring larger-than-life stunt episodes featuring Blippi’s Biggest Ballpit Ever and Blippi’s Candy Escape Challenge. Later this year, Blippi will get into the spooky season spirit with a 60-minute Halloween special. And a new Blippi vehicle-themed series called Go Go Blippi Show will delight young automotive fans. This series features several world-class brands, including Monster Jam®, which hosted Blippi and Meekah at their World Finals® event at Sofi Stadium.

Finally, Morphle, the next big, adorable sensation from Moonbug. Moonbug and Disney Branded Television recently launched Morphle and the Magic Pets, a new animated series on Disney Junior and Disney+ based on the YouTube hit My Magic Pet Morphle

Last month, Moonbug debuted a colorful and fun-filled toy line inspired by the series at 1,800 U.S. Walmart stores featuring four new products where children can discover, interact with, and bring their favorite Morphle characters to life. At the same time, a brand-new batch of episodes launched on Disney+ around the world.

Successes and next plans

By Roubina Tchoboian, Head of Global Licensing, Banijay Kids & Family

Part of content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, Banijay Kids & Family is a global leader in the children’s entertainment industry. After a year in the role as Head of Global Licensing at Banijay Kids & Family, Roubina Tchoboian reflects on the latest brand licensing successes for the company and discusses key brands and priorities as she heads into BLE.

It’s that time of year again, BLE is here! I love this moment, as it’s a great opportunity to meet with our existing partners and discuss our plans for the year ahead, plus I’m always eager to connect with potential clients to unveil our latest portfolio and discuss fresh new ways to broaden our brand licensing programmes.

As Banijay Kids & Family’s Head of Global Licensing, I’m tasked with growing the international licensing of our brands and diversifying their commercial activity. It’s been just over a year since I have been with the company, and it’s wonderful to reflect on what we have achieved in the last 12 months.

With well-known titles in our portfolio such as Totally Spies!, Topo Gigio and Mr Bean, we have enormous global

BANIJAY KIDS & FAMILY

ph. Paolo Bramati

Roubina Tchoboian

Miniheroes of the Forest Top image: Totally Spies!

fanbases to cater to and huge interest from retailers and licensees for products and experiences based on these brands.

The current momentum for Totally Spies! is strong, with the new season seven rolling out internationally following an 11-year hiatus, plus we have already confirmed season 8 and the development of a live-action reboot produced by Banijay Kids & Family, Amazon MGM studios and Gloria Sanchez Productions.

Earlier this year we confirmed our representation of the Mr Bean brand. With a new animated series in production by Banijay Kids & Family’s Tiger Aspect Kids & Family, and evergrowing online audiences reaching 230 million followers across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, it’s a phenomenal IP with impressive global recognition.

And Topo Gigio is a beloved heritage brand, that has enormous crossgenerational appeal around the world, cultivating a broad fanbase.

To-date I’ve been building on the existing licensing activity for these iconic brands, securing cross territory/global deals, such as a Steiff collectable Mr Bean Bear with Danbury Mint for the US, Germany, and the UK. In addition, we’ve established a global network of licensing agents to represent the brands in their respective markets, through which we’ve secured some fantastic deals such as the Totally Spies! x Skinnydip London collab for tech accessories, apparel, beauty, gifting, travel and homeware, and with Posh Paws International for Mr Bean, which will produce plush for retail and the amusement and leisure sectors, plus a range of novelty key chains and mugs.

These established titles form a key part of our offering at BLE this year, but in

addition, Banijay Kids & Family is home to a number of top production labels which means we have a healthy pipeline of new shows coming through, and we bring two of these to BLE for the first time...

Miniheroes of the Forest is an adorable 3D preschool animation from Banijay Kids & Family’s Movimenti Production (the producers of Topo Gigio), MoBo and Zodiak Kids & Family France. It has been confirmed for broadcast in Italy and France with Rai Kids and France Télévisions. Based on the books of the same name, by French publisher Auzou, the series follows the playtime adventures of four woodland creatures, Gabin the bunny, Gaston the bear, Jade the fox and Juliette the owl. Through imaginative play, using their ‘secret powers’, they discover excitement and adventures in the woods. I think there

is huge consumer product potential for this brand.

We also have Super Happy Magic Forest, from Tiger Aspect Kids & Family, the producers of Mr Bean, with Movimenti Production and Monello Productions (all part of Banijay Kids & Family). Based on the books by Matty Long, this is a comedic, adventure series which stars five forest heroes, Hoofius the faun, Blossom the unicorn, Herbert the gnome, Twinkle the fairy and Trevor the mushroom. With a mutual love of questing they have a raucous time as they battle various villains and forces of evil, all whilst ensuring plenty of time for picnics and frolicking! This is such an exciting new series, which has been commissioned by BBC in the UK, Rai in Italy, ZDF in Germany and Canal+ in France, with ABC also picking up the series for Australia. The wide-reaching commitment we have from broadcasters, ensures a significant international audience, which is incredibly important, as we begin discussions around potential brand licensing extensions.

With our range of premium brands, from well-known, classic and heritage IPs, to up-and-coming new properties, what excites me most about going into this year’s BLE is we have something for everyone. Having laid considerable groundwork, our brand licensing programmes are in great shape, and we have a lot to look forward to.

Super Happy Magic Forest

Topo Gigio

MOVIMENTI

PRODUCTION

It’s time for Miniheroes

By Cristina Angelucci

LM exclusively interviewed Cristiana Buzzelli, COO at Movimenti Production, about their licensing plans.

The licensing industry - like the animation and publishing industries - is a very close-knit community, and it is always nice to be able to talk to someone who knows these worlds in depth, like Cristiana Buzzelli.

Can you give us an overview of Movimenti’s projects and its role as an international content factory?

Movimenti Production celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. It is a production studio that started as

a service but quickly evolved into a producer role. Movimenti has always distinguished itself in various European co-production contexts. The limelight came with Topo Gigio, starting with the first season, which was a great success in Italy and abroad. More recently, we produced two series by Zerocalcare for Netflix, which, having started in the Italian market, also had great resonance abroad. This project has allowed us to focus on animation for an adult target audience and on several projects that we will talk about in the coming months.

Regarding children’s animation, we have international projects such as Miniheroes of the Forest. For a slightly older target audience, we can also mention the comedy investigation series Spooky Wolf, aired on Rai Gulp and RaiPlay. Last but not least, there is also a focus on the teen target with a live-

Cristiana Buzzelli

action offer, such as Trust & Dare, which aired on Rai Gulp and RaiPlay with very satisfactory ratings, so much so that Rai immediately confirmed the second season, currently in production.

To this, I add the DogHead Animation studio in Florence, which hosts more than 450 professional talents working both for all Movimenti’s productions and for third-party partners. Above all, I mention the projects realized for Warner Bros., such as Merry Little Batman, and Banijay Kids & Family, like the new season of Mr. Bean and Totally Spies!

Movimenti has been part of the Banijay group for some time. What has changed?

Being part of the large Banijay family has certainly given us an even more international positioning and allows us to work in synergy with the other companies in the group on projects of common interest, which start immediately with a solid foundation and a greater chance of success.

Of course, we also have more visibility because we are within a group that is among the top in the world in many sectors of the entertainment industry. In addition, Banijay is also among the leading players in kids & family distribution, thanks to the presence of Zodiak in the group.

How licensing is an important asset for you?

The licensing business at Movimenti Production is in the early stages, and we are positioning ourselves in the market. We started with Topo Gigio, which already has a number of partners, and we would like to develop licensing for Miniheroes of the Forest as well.

Recently, we have been looking closely at this asset, and here too, we are building synergies with Banijay, which has its own very extensive licensing structure.

Let’s talk about the licensing development of Miniheroes of the Forest.

It is a 52-episode CGI-animated TV series and comes from the world of publishing. In fact, it was born as a French property published by Auzou and is present in many other countries around the world, including Italy with Gribaudo. Therefore, this IP already has an important audience base of children. In particular, the books are already well known in France and Italy, which allowed us to embrace the project and have Rai Kids and France Télévision, the two commissioning broadcasters of the series, on board. Since many companies work in several territories, it is important to be so strong in these two markets right away.

The production setup, besides us and MoBo, which is still part of the Movimenti Production family, also includes Zodiak Kids & Family France. The series is scheduled to be launched by early 2025, and we are now concentrating on promotional actions and finalizing the first agreements.

Which categories are you focusing on for the launch?

Last July, we organized a preview at the Giffoni Film Festival, which is an important stage to dialogue directly with the target audience, which received the series very well. In addition, at the level of music content, we are defining a partnership with a global music label. We expect to develop the first licenses from the end of 2025.

Publishing is the natural continuation of the series because the original work starts from here. We are thinking of a plan in which the TV content is taken over, including not only books but also magazines and activity books. Then we would like to work a lot on the essence of the IP that has at its centre mini-heroes whose powers correspond to the natural qualities that the four protagonists have and that are enhanced in the course of the series. From here, we think about developments in gaming, at any level. In addition, there is the element of collectability thanks to the presence of many characters, including secondary ones, and especially the transformation from forest animals to mini-heroes characters, which appeals to different licensing categories such as carnival costumes, role-play, etc.

Finally, we are working with Banijay for a partner on toys, while other categories will be defined later, such as apparel, back to school, and so on.

A big success of Miniheroes of the Forest preview at Giffoni Film Festival 2024

OUTFIT7

Talking Tom & Friends: Revolutionising digital entertainment

In an era where digital entertainment increasingly shapes our experiences, Outfit7’s Talking Tom & Friends exemplifies how a brand can transcend traditional media boundaries.

With its innovative approach to mobile gaming and content creation, Outfit7’s Talking Tom & Friends has emerged as a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its blend of engaging gameplay, dynamic characters, and immersive storytelling. As the brand continues to evolve, it is poised to make an even greater impact with the launch of its highly anticipated new series, Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super

The continued evolution of Talking Tom & Friends

Talking Tom & Friends began its journey with the release of the original Talking Tom Cat game in 2010. This simple yet

revolutionary concept, allowing users to interact with a virtual pet that mimics their voice, quickly turned into a global sensation. What started as a novelty has since grown into a multi-faceted entertainment empire, boasting over 20 games and an astounding 24 billion downloads.

The brand’s YouTube channel, with over 109 million subscribers and more than 12 billion views, underscores its immense popularity and influence.

Talking Tom & Friends has succeeded not only through impressive numbers but also by fostering deep, emotional connections with its audience. The brand’s success is rooted in its ability

to create interactive experiences that resonate with players, enabling them to craft their own stories and express their creativity.

As a testament to the Talking Tom & Friends immense popularity and impact, the brand has recently been honored in the Guinness World Records

Special Gamer’s Edition 2025 book

The book highlights several impressive milestones, including the record titles for the most popular virtual pet app and the most-viewed app trailer. In addition to these records, Talking Tom also received more pokes in one year than ever before, and he managed to eat an extraordinary number of chilies! The brand’s 10th birthday celebration was

a huge success, marking history with the largest digital party ever, bringing millions of fans together.

The upcoming series Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super Outfit7’s commitment to innovation is further showcased in the upcoming series Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super, which marks a significant development in the brand’s narrative. This new series will introduce fans to an exciting chapter in the Talking Tom & Friends universe, comprising 52 episodes, each running for 11 minutes. Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super promises to deliver action-packed adventures and new dimensions of storytelling.

Developed in collaboration with Epic Story Media, the series will feature Talking Tom and his friends as they discover their superpowers and embark on heroic missions. This expansion

into the superhero genre will not only introduce fresh narratives and character developments but also offer fans an opportunity to engage with their favorite protagonists in new and thrilling ways. The series is designed to captivate both new viewers and long-time fans, providing a combination of humor, action, and heartwarming moments that have become hallmarks of the Talking Tom & Friends brand.

ABOUT OUTFI7

Outfit7 is a dynamic force in mobile gaming, reaching a global audience of billions with its award-winning games. Powered by creativity and industryleading expertise, the company’s talented international team of over 400 people pushes the boundaries of the possible every day. Outfit7’s 20+ games have now been downloaded worldwide over 24 billion times and up to 470 million fans play with them every month. Its portfolio also includes numerous chart-topping animated series, theme parks, and a robust licensing program. For more information please visit www.outfit7.com.

Strategic partnerships for global expansion

Outfit7’s commitment to expanding the Talking Tom & Friends universe aims to bridge the gap between digital and realworld experiences. These collaborations offer fans new ways to engage with Talking Tom & Friends. The partnership with Spider International and Spider Global will manage international distribution and retail collaborations, ensuring that fans across the globe will have access to toys and other products developed based on the upcoming animated series. Meanwhile, Spider Global will focus on creating highquality products that embody the fun and excitement of the series.

The alliance with Hangzhou Zhangmeng Software Co., Ltd. and Re-Play marks an exciting foray into the arcade gaming sector. Zhangmeng will produce and distribute Talking Tom & Friends-themed arcade machines worldwide, while Re-Play will develop a new arcade game based on Talking Tom Gold Run. These partnerships are set to introduce the digital adventures of Talking Tom & Friends into interactive, physical settings, providing fans with new ways to experience the brand. The move into Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) reflects Outfit7’s strategy to offer immersive experiences that complement its digital offerings.

In India and Brazil, two of the top 5 markets for Talking Tom & Friends, Outfit7’s collaboration with Prism Licensing and Vertical Licensing aims to enhance the brand’s presence through local partnerships. These agencies will work to integrate Talking

Tom & Friends into various physical products, further bridging the digital and physical worlds. Similarly, the partnership with Two Daughters Entertainment in the United Kingdom and Eire will focus on expanding the brand’s reach through diverse merchandise, from toys to apparel. These efforts will ensure that Talking Tom & Friends become accessible to fans in new regions, offering them a richer and more integrated brand experience.

The journey of Talking Tom & Friends from a mobile game to a global entertainment brand is a testament to Outfit7’s innovative spirit and dedication to fan engagement. The upcoming Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly

Super series, combined with strategic partnerships and new product offerings, represents the next exciting chapter in the brand’s evolution.

As Outfit7 continues to explore new frontiers and expand its universe, it remains focused on delivering joy and inspiration to its global audience. With each new development, whether it’s a groundbreaking series, interactive arcade experience, or innovative merchandise, Talking Tom & Friends reaffirms its position as a leader in the entertainment industry. By bridging the gap between digital and physical experiences, Outfit7 ensures that fans can continue to connect with their favorite characters in meaningful and exciting ways.

Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super

JUVENTUS FOOTBALL CLUB

Team Jay. From Football to Kids Entertainment

Juventus, one of the most internationally renowned clubs with one of the largest fanbases worldwide, has embarked on a new path to consolidate its popularity among younger audiences.

We’re talking about a TV series, Team Jay, launched in 2019 and now in its second season, which promises to become the next licensing success in Italy and internationally. At BLE, Team Jay will be one of the main highlights of the market and the Turin football club. In this article, we try to discover more details with Daniele Lunazzi, Head of Product Marketing at Juventus Football Club

Why did a football company think about expanding into the animation field?

The main objective was to diversify and reach the kids target in an innovative and certainly original way for us and

for a sports brand like Juventus. The strength of the Team Jay project is supported by a series of data that emerged in the market, demonstrating how children and young people today want to feel like protagonists of their choices and not have them imposed by others. Young people want to discover independently what is “cool” and corresponds to their tastes, rather than having adults point it out to them. Consider that in the USA alone, 1.2 trillion dollars in annual purchases are generated by 50 million children under 11 years of age. Moreover, still in the United States, 73% of parents say they buy what their children tell them to purchase. In Europe too, the trend is similar, with 82% of adults stating they

Daniele Lunazzi

are influenced by young people in their purchases.

What we have highlighted is that there is no longer a need to teach or educate children in a didactic way. Today, the key to dialogue with this target is to help them develop and acquire empathy, also thanks to storytelling and animation, to build a bond that can last over time. We aim to capture the attention of Generation Alpha and Z, which together make up 41% of the world’s population and will generate 20% of global turnover by 2030. With this audiovisual project, we intend to establish a lasting relationship with this target.

When did you start developing this project?

We launched the first season in 2019. We planned to continue immediately with subsequent series, but Covid forced us to take a brief pause. This year we launched new episodes on the official YouTube channel in May, and by December we will release more new episodes of the second season.

Can you remind us of some data about the launch of the first series?

The results obtained with the first series immediately encouraged us to continue this adventure. I’ll mention a few. In June 2019, a month after launching on YouTube, we aired on NickJr. and landed on the digital terrestrial channel Super! in February 2020. In the same year, we participated in the Slime Fest organized at Mirabilandia, one of the main amusement parks in Italy; while in September 2019 we organized a big event at the Allianz Stadium.

Speaking of television results, the first season of Team Jay on Nick Jr. achieved an overall 2.6% share for the 4-14 year old target audience and an

average monthly reach of 77K children and 215K individuals (+13% vs. the channel average), establishing Team Jay as the 3rd most-watched property on Nick Jr.

On the YouTube front, the numbers were significant. We had a peak of 14 million views in a single month – a rare organic figure for YouTube channels targeting children, reaching a total of about 361 million views and over 1.6 million subscribers, making the Team Jay channel one of the largest kid-targeted

fanbases of any sports club.

Do you also plan to expand to other platforms and television channels beyond YouTube with the 2nd season? Certainly. First of all, we are launching the episodes of the second season on YouTube, and then our goal is to find other partners to release the series on streaming platforms and television channels. I can already confirm that the serie will be globally available on Amazon Prime, while other television partners on board include Rakuten, Sling, and Pop TV. Actually, we are in negotiations for a free TV partner in Italy.

What is this TV series about and how does it reflect the values of sports and your club?

The TV series is about adventure and being together. It obviously talks about sports and friendship. It’s a series with strong storytelling and completely new characters designed for this project, with one of its main protagonists being Jay, a cartoon transposition of Juventus’ legendary mascot. In the TV series, Jay is joined by other friends, Matteo, Cami, Duke, and Wushu, who together take us into a colorful world full of action. In each episode, there’s a challenge that often involves the “evils” - Meena, Mildew, Petunia, and Hannibal - and

our team always finds the best way to overcome obstacles and adversities, discovering the magic of teamwork.

Each character in the series has its peculiarities and a well-defined profile, and together they create a unique team that children can easily identify with. It’s a special team that manages to convey the values of friendship and teamwork that overlap with individual choices. With the mascot Jay as the protagonist, we also aim to consolidate the overall brand awareness of the parent brand, Juventus, and in some way bring young fans back to the club’s values.

What promotional actions have you recently carried out to promote Team Jay?

Last July, we had a dedicated stand at the Giffoni Film Festival. In the space dedicated to Team Jay and its

6 to 11, with activity books to allow young participants to express their dreams. At the end, five special dreams were chosen from those expressed by the children during the Festival days, which will be represented in some special episodes of the TV series, with a preview at Artissima in November this year. Beyond the workshops, this space was also an opportunity to interact with the young audience and broadcast episodes of the TV series already available on YouTube.

In our promotional plan, we also involved another major b-to-c event, which is Lucca Comics & Games. For the occasion, we organized a contest last July on the Juventus web platform, where children were invited to send photos and videos. The winner will become a real character in the Team Jay world and will appear in a special

world, organized in collaboration with Artissima, specifically the Artissima Junior division, we highlighted the added values of the TV series. We also organized workshops for children aged

episode of the series that will be broadcast for the first time at the end of October in Lucca during the event. Part of the prize for the young winner also includes a day of filming in Turin, the birthplace of Juventus, where the lucky fan will be dressed to be then transposed into an animated character. Furthermore, at Lucca Comics & Games, which is one of the most important comics events in Europe and the main pop event in Italy, the Team Jay world will be present with its own stand and there will be activities and workshops with children and families, including a “live talk” with Jay himself!

Can you give us a preview of the licensing strategy you plan to develop for Team Jay, in Italy and abroad?

The TV series targets kids with the idea of expanding licensing development to a bridge target starting from 4 years and up. The IP already starts with excellent and solid foundations, being able to count on Juventus’ worldwide brand

awareness.

We will certainly focus on central categories for the target audience such as toys, apparel, games, and publishing. We look forward to sharing the news about this IP soon announcing the partners who will share this project with us.

Although the Italian market is central for us, the IP also speaks to foreign markets and intends to be global. YouTube channels will be localized, and we are already prepared for the English-speaking market. Let’s not forget that Juventus boasts one of the most extensive fan bases in the world. For this reason, we anticipate the same territorial expansion for Team Jay. To this end, we have organized a network of international agents who will oversee the development of the IP in individual territories.

What will be the next steps for Team Jay’s development?

The initial success of the Team Jay channel demonstrates that the brand is strong and loved by YouTube users and has enormous growth potential, which will also allow the Juventus world to benefit from it, creating various points of mutual business opportunities.

The YouTube channel shows significant organic traffic, as mentioned above. It should be considered that over 99% of YouTube channels targeting kids fail to reach this level. Therefore, Team Jay has already built the foundation to transform into a phenomenon for the international market.

ABOUT TEAM JAY

The TV series is about the adventures of Jay, a proud, mythical, and funny zebra with a pattern of black, white, and gold who is also the official team mascot of the best Football team in the world - Juventus F.C.. Together with Jay, you can find Matteo, the kid who always finds a solution to problems, Cami, an excellent soccer player, Duke the hilarious hamster, and a loveably feisty red squirrel named Wushu. Together, they form a special team and will learn the values of friendship and teamwork to overcome the odds! Team Jay is a show for children that invites them to learn the value of teamwork and friendship the same values of Juventus F.C. itself! Join Team Jay and learn while having fun!

Broadcast Partners and Platforms: Youtube Channel, Rakuten, Amazon Prime, Sling and Pop TV

Peyo Company honours the legacy of the Smurfs’ creator , ahead of the new Smurfs Movie release

IMPS, the global license holder for The Smurfs, has now officially rebranded as Peyo Company. This rebranding aims to honor the legacy of Pierre Culliford (Peyo), the creator of The Smurfs and other cherished characters, ahead of the big winter theatrical release of the new Smurfs movie.

IMPS, The Smurfs’ global license holder, announced this summer the launch of a new animation production program and a strategic plan to expand The Smurfs franchise while reviving other original works from creator and storyteller Pierre Culliford (Peyo). Alongside the world-famous Smurfs, early Peyo characters will be revitalized through

modern animation and new stories inspired by the original Johan & Peewit and Benny Breakiron comic books. This restructuring coincides perfectly with the introduction of the new name and brand identity, Peyo Company

Before The Smurfs became a worldwide hit, Peyo had already established an

entire fantasy world with fascinating titles, such as Johan & Peewit and Benny Breakiron. Few people know that Peyo first introduced the Smurfs as supporting characters in a Johan & Peewit story called The Smurfs & the Magic Flute (original French title, La Flute à Six Schtroumpfs) in 1958. The enthusiastic response from readers of the weekly comics magazine led Peyo to develop a spin-off fully dedicated to the adventures of these beloved blue characters, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey for one of the world’s most iconic properties.

To promote and perpetuate the legacy of Peyo, his daughter Véronique Culliford founded IMPS in 1984. Under her guidance, The Smurfs has grown into a licensing powerhouse and a global phenomenon, reaching an incredible 95% worldwide brand awareness. Today, as a tribute to Peyo, Véronique and IMPS have created Peyo Company to regroup all of Peyo’s fascinating universes under one single new banner, ensuring that Johan &

Peewit and Benny Breakiron receive the recognition they deserve.

Peyo Company aims to continue Peyo’s storytelling legacy by creating new narratives inspired by his original works, infused with modern elements to resonate with new generations. This initiative begins with the development of two new TV series, The Tales of Johan & Peewit, and Benny Breakiron. Peyo Company is currently

looking for talents to bring these exciting projects to life.

Meanwhile, The Smurfs continue to thrive, with Season 2 of the animated Tv series streaming on Netflix and Season 3 premiering on Nickelodeon and TF1,

Giochi Preziosi, Master Toy of The Smurfs

Giochi Preziosi has recently been appointed as the European Master Toy for the Smurfs, launching a new line of toys that captures the charm of the blue characters.

The Smurfs Suprise Bling Bags offer a delightful collection of 12 iconic characters, each mesuring 5.5 cm. The set includes favorites like Farmer Smurf and Handy Smurf, making them perfect for both display and play. With the Smurfs Magic Houses, children can explore six colorful houses, each hostinh a 5.5 cm Smurf figure. When opened, these houses release a burst of confetti, adding a whimsical element to playtime. The innovative rechargeable mechanism ensures endless fun,

transforming each house into a unique adventure.

The Funny Smurf Figures stand at 7.5 cm and feature interactive movements activated by pressing their tails. These collectible figures replicate beloved characters from the animated series, showcasing a variety of expressions. Available characters include Papa Smurf, Brainy Smurf, and Hefty.

For those looking for something soft and cuddly, the 20 cm Plush Smurfs are crafted from soft fabric and are available with characters like Brainy Smurf, and Smurfette. These plush toys are suitable for all ages, bringing comfort and joy. Lastly, the Smurfs Mini Playsets represent a safe play experience for children aged 3 and up. One standout is Papa Smurf’s Workshop, which contains an opening suitcase and book, along with a 5.5 cm Smurf figure. These playsets are ideal for sparking creativity and complementing existing collections, such as the Smurf Chef Kitchen, which comes with a bread cloche and an opening door for added fun.

while Season 4 is in pre-development. Additionally, a new Paramount movie is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release in February 2025. Paramount and the filmmakers are collaborating closely with Peyo Company to help carry out the vision of the legendary artist and creator of The Smurfs, and to celebrate the charm of Peyo’s world and the beauty of his artwork, while translating that look for today’s audiences. The big smurfy blue wave is on its way!

Smurfs Magic Houses

Smurfs Surprise Bling Bags

CHUPA CHUPS

A constantly evolving Brand

A continuously evolving brand that, from the candy world, manages to expand into a multitude of collaborations, all sharing the expression of a fun, colorful, and carefree lifestyle.

In every partnership, Perfetti Van Melle succeeds in highlighting Chupa Chups’ colors and essence, creating iconic products with original and unique designs. Here we highlight some of their most recent collaborations.

A unique collaboration with Fendi

At the FENDI Women’s Autumn/Winter 2024-2025 runway, a unique piece made its viral debut, capturing hearts with its charming design. That is the FENDI x Chupa Chups®︎ lollipop holder

Available in the form of a charm or as a necklace, the lollipop holder can be adjusted through the leather strap to ensure it is never out of reach. This ‘sweet’ accessory is made in soft leather and is adorned with the signature FF logo in metal. A magnetic closure enables a smart opening and closing, while hiding the lollipop inside. This lollipop holder evokes a sense of delightful playfulness that characterises both FENDI and Chupa Chups®. Available in an extensive palette ranging

from soft hues to vibrant pop tones, the FENDI x Chupa Chups® lollipop holder is the perfect accessory to add a cheerful twist to any look. Warm beige and dove grey complement aquamarine and deep red shades, while dark teal and plum hues follow the palette of the collection. Adding exclusivity to this collector’s

Fendi x Chupa Chups

Ugly Duck for Chupa Chups

item, this accessory comes with five co-branded and limited-edition Chupa Chups® x FENDI lollipops. Their Choco Vanilla flavour is a sweet reminiscence of childhood taste, while also recalling the tones of the timeless FENDI Pequin striped logo-non-logo. Wrapped in a distinctive FF logo cover, the special lollipops combine the iconic FENDI pattern with the renowned Chupa Chups® lollipop logo.

A delightful fusion of flavor & design with The Ugly Duck

The partnership between Perfetti Van Melle Licensing and The Ugly Duck (TUD) merges the playful essence of Chupa Chups with the innovative flair of TUD. This collaboration celebrates the fusion of nostalgia and contemporary design, bringing forth collectibles that evoke the joyous memories of childhood.

The Ugly Duck collectable character stands at the intersection of art and interior design, offering a unique blend of whimsy and creativity. Each encounter with these collectibles, limited to just 350 units each, transports us back to a time when simple pleasures brought immense delight.

In this collaboration, the iconic Chupa Chups wrapper meets the imaginative world of TUD, resulting in limited edition masterpieces that captivate the senses. Each figurine, adorned with the signature strawberry notes of Eggstraw and the delightful berry tartness of Duckberry,

is certified with an embedded NFC chip, ensuring authenticity and enhancing the collector’s experience.

More than just the creation of products, this collaboration represents a convergence of brand philosophies aimed at inspiring and captivating audiences worldwide.

A sweet travel collection with American Tourister

The collaboration with American Tourister has brought together two iconic brands to infuse our travels with a burst of joy and excitement. Inspired by Chupa Chups’ “Live the Flavor” attitude, this collection embodies the bold street influences and urban vibes of American Tourister. Each piece features playful designs where iconic flavors meet kaleidoscopic colors, resulting in trendy, functional and high-quality travel accessories. From backpacks and cabin, medium & large spinners to weekender bags, a wide range of accessories is offered to redefine sweet traveling experiences.

Pablo Erroz, a collector’s edition

Another original collaboration has been developed with the Spanish fashion designer, Pablo Erroz, introducing a collection of truly distinctive garments and fashion accessories. For Pablo Erroz, this collaboration is an exploration of nostalgia, positivity, and artistic expression. Drawing inspiration from Chupa Chups’ rich heritage, Erroz

skillfully weaves together various legacy logos – from Dalí’s retro design to the brand’s contemporary pop icon –creating a collection that pays homage to the past while embracing the future. The collector’s edition features an array of handcrafted pieces, each meticulously constructed using organic leather and artisanal techniques, reflecting Erroz’s commitment to sustainability and quality craftsmanship. Pablo aims to explore contradictions and introduce elements of surprise into his clothing and accessory designs. From the runway at Madrid Fashion Week to the closets of fashion enthusiasts worldwide, the Chupa Chups x Pablo Erroz collection makes a bold statement. This collaboration represents a fusion of fashion, art, and culture, inviting admirers of the brand to experience its essence in a fresh and innovative light.

Chupa Chups x Pablo Erroz

Chupa Chups x Pablo Erroz

EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY

Creativity, innovation, storytelling. Kodak

The Kodak brand, synonymous with innovation and creativity, continues to evolve in the 21st century. Leveraging our rich history, we are expanding into new markets and diverse product categories through strategic licensing partnerships.

To learn more, LM interviewed Clara Fort, VP Global Brand Licensing at Eastman Kodak Company

Which are the main novelties you have recently announced?

Recently, we unveiled some exciting new products that underscore Kodak’s commitment to innovation, creativity, and sustainability. We signed two agreements in the lighting sector, introduced a range of quality Kodak Home Paints in collaboration with GDB, and a new partnership with Solutions Energie led to the launch of Kodak Solar Panels, available in both fixed and portable options. These panels offer high efficiency and reliability, making green energy accessible to a wider audience.

Additionally, we ventured into the collectibles market through a collaboration with Zuru Toys. This partnership resulted in five miniature replicas of iconic Kodak products, featured in Zuru’s Mini Brands Retro series.

Which are the most relevant categories in your actual licensing rollout strategy? Our brand awareness, rich history, and the warm, global connection that people feel towards Kodak, along with our association with quality products, give us a significant advantage in forming licensing partnerships. Kodak’s licensing strategy focuses on aligning with categories that resonate with our brand DNA, with a strong emphasis on partnerships in the consumer electronics sector. Whether it’s in the realm of photography, where Kodak has been a household name for over a century, or in new and emerging categories like solar power, lighting, and smart home products, Kodak continues to elevate every partnership to new

Clara Fort

heights.

Apparel and accessories are crucial components of our licensing strategy, enabling us to connect with younger, tech-savvy, fashion-conscious consumers, particularly within the Gen Z demographic. This approach has been demonstrated through our successful collaborations with major fashion retailers like H&M, Stradivarius, to fashion brands such as Brava, and Kulte, which also help us expand our geographical reach.

Our 2024 Kodak Consumer Brand Study showed that 60% of 18–34-year-olds intend to purchase Kodak products within the next six months. Additionally, 85% of consumers aged 18-24 and 94% of those aged 25-34 are familiar with

the Kodak brand, indicating a strong presence among younger audiences. This study highlights our brand’s ability to bridge generations with its timeless appeal. Recent collaborations with brands like Barbie and BT21 further illustrate Kodak’s versatility and appeal across a wide range of consumer segments.

How do you integrate Kodak lifestyle into Everyday Life?

Kodak has always been about creativity, expression, and storytelling. Our continued expansion into lifestyle products enables consumers to integrate Kodak into their daily lives. Whether it’s painting their homes with Kodak Paint, wearing Kodak-branded clothing and eyewear—supported by partnerships with best-in-class companies like Essilor Luxottica— or traveling with Kodak luggage, consumers now have more ways to express their creativity with products that carry the Kodak name.

Europe, Africa and Asia are the key regions we focus on in this issue. How is the Kodak brand developing in these market areas?

While the U.S. remains a key market, our licensing strategy is increasingly

focused on expanding across Europe, Africa, and Asia, leveraging the breadth of the Kodak brand and tapping into significant growth opportunities.

In China, we recently signed two partnerships in the lighting category, and our Korean apparel partner, Modern Works, successfully launched Kodak in the Chinese market. In Africa, our paint products have seen success, and we are now aiming to expand into the consumer electronics category.

A testament to our brand’s success in Asia, I was recently invited to speak at the Asian Licensing Conference in Hong Kong, highlighting our growing influence in the region.

Which are the actions of Kodak in LBE and Gaming?

Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) and gaming are two prominent trends in licensing that we are exploring. Given Kodak’s rich history with imaging, LBE experiences — particularly

To discover more visit www.kodak.com/go/consumer or email at kodakbrandlicensing@ kodak.com

those involving instant printing and photography — are a natural fit for our brand. In the gaming sector, we are seeking partnerships to extend Kodak’s brand into gaming accessories. Our relevance across multiple categories makes us an attractive partner for gaming companies looking to create immersive experiences.

Which are next plans Kodak brand expansion?

Kodak’s licensing strategy remains focused on innovation, creativity, and global expansion. By partnering with leading brands and entering new product categories, we preserve Kodak’s rich heritage while paving the way for future growth. Our success is reflected in the 14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past five years for Kodak-branded products. In 2023, we were honoured to win the Best Brand – Corporate award, and we were also nominated as a finalist in the 2024 Licensing International Excellence Awards in two categories: Best Brand –Corporate and Best Product – Apparel, Footwear, or Accessories for Corporate Brands.

With a strong presence in key markets and a commitment to supporting creative expression, Kodak is wellpositioned to remain a beloved brand for generations to come.

CICABOOM

Cicaboom unveils diverse toy novelties, from the Manga universe to The Smurfs

Cicaboom, the well-known brand of stretchable elastic toys, is launching a series of exciting new products, particularly related to the acquisition of beloved manga licenses such as Naruto and One Piece, alongside classic brands like The Smurfs.

Cicaboom, an international company specializing in the design, production, and marketing of toys, editorial products, and entertainment for children, has developed several successful

brands over the years, including Elastikorps, Puniz, and Boomez. The company is introducing major innovations in collaboration with top manga brands One Piece and Naruto,

Above and Top image: One Piece Elastikorps Maxy collection

Elastikorps Fighter Maxy Luffy Gear 5 at

as well as the world-famous blue characters, The Smurfs.

Cicaboom is revolutionizing its Elastikorps and Puniz lines with One Piece

After developing various lines of animal hero fighters and a collection under Mattel’s Master of the Universe brand, Cicaboom has enriched the Elastikorps line by acquiring the hottest license of the moment: One Piece, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024.

Created by Eiichirō Oda, One Piece is currently considered the bestselling manga in the world, with over

500 million copies sold globally and 108 volumes published since 1997, translated into more than 30 languages. The series has been adapted into a highly successful anime, airing since 1999, which has reached 1,100 episodes and debuted on Netflix in 2023. One Piece is a global phenomenon, with 14 films, TV specials, and merchandising, including video games and collaborations with international brands like Gucci, McDonald’s, and Seiko. On May 5, celebrations began across Europe, thanks to Toei Animation Europe, for the 25th birthday of the protagonist Monkey D. Luffy, the famous Straw Hat Pirate. In Milan, from May 5 to 19, a One Piece Pop-Up store was opened in Corso Como, where the Elastikorps Fighter Maxy Luffy Gear 5 was showcased for the first time worldwide.

Luffy, the main protagonist of the manga, is known for his elastic powers and has various forms, the five Gears. The Gears of Luffy have become a surprising toy thanks to the Elastikorps brand: in the popular Maxy format, it already featured in viral videos on TikTok and YouTube, amassing millions of views. In one of the most famous clips, an influencer attempts to stretch a Maxy alongside his girlfriend, who measures 1.50 m in length. The video sparked great curiosity, demonstrating how far Elastikorps can stretch without ever being destroyed: they always return to their original shape, just like the beloved pirate Luffy.

The One Piece Maxy Elastikorps are already available online and in top toy stores in two variants: the super trendy Gear 5 (Sun God Nika) and the powerful Gear 4 (Snakeman). Two more transformations of Luffy, Bounman and the beloved Tankman, will be previewed

at the Lucca Comics and Games fair. The four characters stand 23 cm tall and weigh 2 kg: they are filled with natural sand, can stand upright, and are enriched with accessories (jacket, belt, etc.). The four One Piece Elastikorps will

be launched in 2025 in the Gear Power version with a smaller format of 15 cm.

The Elastikorps range includes squishy characters from the successful new Heropop line, which stand out for their large round heads and small bodies. They have also been well-received as stress relievers by a broad audience. Besides being fun to manipulate, they are enjoyable to throw or squish on

One Piece Elastikorps Heropop line

The

the Milan One Piece Pop-Up store

the ground, and it’s amusing to see how the large head takes on funny expressions. Each package comes with a branded target to hit, allowing players to challenge their friends. Following the classic Elastikorps characters like Gold Tiger, Dark Panther, and Panda, collections branded with Spiderman and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been released in both normal and Maxy sizes, achieving incredible success! In Q1 2025, the highly anticipated Heropop One Piece collection will launch, featuring four normal-sized characters (10 cm), including Luffy, Zoro, Chopper, and G5, the latter also available in Maxy

format (16 cm)

The colorful Puniz characters have captured the audience since their market debut, thanks to their extremely detailed design and irresistible squishy softness. They can be pressed and squished, always returning to their original shape with a surprising Slow Rising effect! Kids can also enjoy a simple and engaging game with the Puniz, called Squishy Battle, where participants flip and squish different characters on the ground, with the slowest to rise and stay upright winning! This game is very popular among children because it is immediate and stimulates curiosity about which character will prevail. Currently, Puniz from the Marvel, Naruto, Ninja Turtles collections, and recently introduced One Piece characters are available.

The Puniz come in two sizes of 7 and 10.5 cm to meet the needs of adults and collectors while entertaining children. Thanks to the popularity of One Piece, Cicaboom has launched giant sizes of the Puniz, further expanding the product range and transforming them into soft design objects. The One Piece collection includes 12 soft Puniz representing the most beloved characters. These Puniz will be available in Maxy size (10.5 cm) and in new Mega (20 cm) and Jumbo (35 cm) sizes. These two sizes represent an exciting novelty in material selection. The giant Puniz, as large as pillows, have a super soft inner core and are velvety to the touch. They appeal to various age groups and target audiences, from the nerd fan wanting trendy decor for their room to children (big and small!) wanting to hug them. Cicaboom’s Puniz are not just toys but true adventure companions that combine fun, design, and originality, making them a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts of all ages.

In this page: Puniz toy lines

The Smurfs, new members of the Cicaboom family Cicaboom has recently expanded its offerings with the introduction of two new Elastikorps collections, Maxy and Nano, dedicated to the historical brand The Smurfs. The Elastikorps Maxy collection of The Smurfs includes four of the most beloved characters from the TV series: Baby Smurf, Hefty Smurf, Papa Smurf, and the villainous Azrael. These stretchable figures can be extended up to three times their original shape! The Maxy characters are 26 cm tall and weigh only 0.5 kg, allowing them to float due to the lightweight sand filling, making them suitable for younger children. Each character is packaged in a maxi box, ready to be gifted. The Smurfs Elastikorps Nano line consists of 12 stretchable figures that can be extended up to three times their original shape! Standing 7 cm tall, these characters are perfect for collecting and trading with friends. Each is packaged in a flowpack, ready to be gifted on any occasion.

Both lines are designed to offer Smurfs fans the opportunity to own and play with their favorite characters in a completely new and fun way. Thanks to their extreme stretchability and unique features, Cicaboom’s Smurfs are set to become a cult favorite.

Cicaboom at Lucca Comics & Games with the new Naruto Boomez Brawl game and more! Cicaboom will participate in Lucca Comics & Games from October 30

to November 3, 2024, an important occasion for the launch of the new Naruto Boomez Brawl Game, a result of the evolution of collectible figures. Uniquely designed by Cicaboom, the Boomez are 3D collectible miniatures. Through the use of character cards, Cicaboom enriches collectability with simple and engaging gameplay. After the great success of the four waves of Marvel superheroes, each introducing new characters, the series is expanding into the manga world with the Naruto and One Piece brands. The first manga license released was Naruto, with active

distribution in Europe.

The Boomez line is reaching incredible evolution with board games that maximize the potential of this extraordinary product. Each board game, suitable for ages 6 and up, is sold in a Standard version, which includes two characters, and a Deluxe version, which features four miniatures. Each Boomez will have unique characteristics, abilities, and class groups, allowing for infinite strategies, both 1vs1 and in teams.

The Naruto Boomez Brawl Game Deluxe includes a game board, obstacles, 40 support cards, dice, and four iconic characters: Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and a Kyubi Gold created specifically for this limited edition board game.

Additionally, there are 14 passport cards with specific abilities for each ninja. In this mode, players control a group of four ninjas, battling in an arena with obstacles and bonuses. The other miniatures in the collection are available individually in Blind Flowpacks and Blisters.

During the event, at the TOEI, Cosmic Group, and Manicomix stands (Carducci Pavilion), the new Maxy Elastikorps characters from One Piece will also be previewed, with two more transformations of Luffy, Bounman and the beloved Tankman, set to be released in January 2025. At Cosmic Group stand, the Marvel and Naruto Boomez collections, and the Naruto Boomez Brawl Game will also be available. At the Manicomix stand, in addition to the Naruto board game, various collections of Maxy Elastikorps, Marvel and Ninja Turtles Heropop, branded Puniz and Boomez, will be available.

NELLY JELLY

Nelly Jelly Show inspires kids to navigate life challenges through fun adventures

From a series of picture books, Nelly Jelly has grown into the top-selling IP for children, encompassing an animated series, blockbuster film, extensive merchandise, live events, and interactive digital experiences.

Picture a six-year-old with a boundless imagination, navigating life’s twists and turns with a hopeful smile. Alongside her, the quirky monsters Jim and Jam infuse each episode with humor and warmth. Since 2010, Nelly Jelly has captured the hearts of Lithuanian children, turning everyday moments into magical adventures.

The IP is now collaborating with a British animation studio “3Megos” to produce an international series, having already launched a trailer that offers a quick glimpse into the world of an intelligent, determined little girl.

“Children love color, simplicity, and things that make them laugh. And with Nelly Jelly, that’s exactly what you get,” said the Nelly Jelly show’s head writers Laura Beaumont and Paul Larson. “We loved exploring Nelly Jelly’s relationship with

the two monsters. Her acceptance of their crazy ideas and the sweet, caring nature of these big monsters towards her were particularly appealing. We liked that these funny characters burst into the real world to help solve real children’s problems, adding a unique and entertaining twist.”

When Nelly Jelly faces challenges like tidying her room, being afraid of the dark, or planning special events, she doesn’t back down. Instead, she shows children how to tackle these everyday hurdles with creativity and courage.

The writers highlight the show’s blend of reality and fantasy as its standout feature. By combining relatable situations with imaginative elements, Nelly Jelly creates a captivating world

Laura Beaumont and Paul Larson, the head writers of NELLY JELLY series

Mark Vale, creative producer and cofounder of animation studio 3Megos

that both entertains and inspires children.

“Over the years we have worked on many shows but the ones that have had a similar energy and humor to Nelly Jelly, are The Magic Roundabout, Pop Paper City, Tickerty Tock, Mush Mush and the Mushables, Dennis and Gnasher and Poppy Cat. We feel that Nelly Jelly slots beautifully into this list and we expect it to have great international success,” they said.

Nelly Jelly IP engages Gen Alpha and Gen Beta

Today’s screen-savvy children expect content that mirrors their reality. Nelly Jelly IP stays relevant in the market by ensuring the animation series aligns with Gen Alpha and Gen Beta’s values.

According to Mark Vale, what makes Nelly Jelly unique among preschoolers is her enchanting world and her bond with her whimsical friends. The monster characters bring a mix of chaos, slapstick humor, and overly eager advice, frequently resulting in funny scenarios where Nelly Jelly discovers her own solutions to challenges.

Nelly Jelly also addresses important social themes, such as diversity and gender equality. The series reflects the preschoolers’ values by breaking gender stereotypes: it features a fluffy pink male monster who is analytical

Simona Krasauskienė, CEO of NJ World

The Nelly Jelly smartwatch, which launched in August with young users in mind, has a SIM card and supports 4G connectivity. It has real-time GPS tracking, an SOS button, and a simple interface allowing children to make and receive video calls and messages from pre-approved contacts.

and loves books, and a green female monster who is strong and protective.

Nelly Jelly’s native success paves the way for global reach

Building on its success in Lithuania, where Nelly Jelly has become a cultural phenomenon, the IP has sold over 2 million merchandise items and 2.3 million picture books in a market of just 2.6 million people. With top titles achieving print runs of 30,000 copies — well above the local average — the IP has fostered a strong connection with preschoolers and their parents.

The rich legacy and deep connection with children position the IP to inspire a global audience. With its strong market knowledge and established history, Nelly Jelly provides a character that fosters

for children

Children can also embellish the watch with fun accessories that are designed to spark imagination and enhance the fun. The most important feature for parents is the app that tracks a child’s exact location and sets up geofences to alert a parent if they leave

emotional intelligence and decisionmaking skills in children worldwide.

To learn more:

To schedule a meeting: simona@nellyjellyworld.com

“We have faith in what we’re doing – we know we’re creating something special and unique that has a place in the market. The brand’s impressive track record gives Nelly Jelly an established history of success, which is crucial for broadcasters,” Mark Vale said. ”We’re thrilled with how the characters look in both stills and animation. They not only make us smile but also stand out as truly unique.” designated areas.

In addition to the smartwatch, Nelly Jelly offers a range of backto-school items, including wireless headphones, an educational game, and stationery with kids’ beloved characters.

The functionality of all Nelly Jelly devices and games matches the needs of tech-savvy modern children.

Nelly Jelly Introduces an innovative smartwatch

THE SMILEY® COMPANY

House of Smiley®

House of Smiley®, the new global initiative for Unforgettable Events

The world of fashion, music, and lifestyle has just been electrified by a new global initiative, the House of Smiley. Born from the iconic Smiley brand, this groundbreaking project has set its sights on spreading joy and positivity through a series of unforgettable events across the globe.

The Launch at Coachella Against the backdrop of Coachella Festival, the House of Smiley transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity, where influencers, artists, and brand partners came together to celebrate in style. The House of Smiley was more than just a physical space; it was an experience. Attendees were immersed in a whirlwind of activities designed to invigorate the body, mind, and soul.

This debut was not only a celebration of

the Smiley brand but also a showcase of its diverse fashion and lifestyle consumer brands. A social media campaign captured the essence of the event, broadcasting it to millions of followers worldwide. The response was overwhelming, with social media platforms lighting up with hashtags and stories that kept the spirit of the event alive long after the festival days.

The Journey continued to Ibiza As the initiative gained momentum, the next destination on its global tour was Ibiza. Here, the House of Smiley immersed itself in the island’s cultural and musical heritage, creating collaborations with local and international influencers, musicians, and artists delivered unforgettable events that were uniquely Smiley.

The journey continues, building a Community of

Optimism

The House of Smiley aims to do more than just entertain. It is a platform for fostering creativity and well-being, encouraging attendees to express themselves freely and connect with others who share their positive outlook on life. The House of Smiley seeks to inspire everyone it touches, leaving a trail of smiles and good vibes in its wake. Each new destination will offer a unique experience, tailored to the local culture and infused with the universal message of positivity that Smiley has championed for decades. By collaborating with local communities, influencers, and creatives, the House of Smiley aims to make a meaningful impact wherever it goes, leaving a lasting legacy.

One of the core objectives of the House of Smiley is to build a global community of optimism. In a world that can often feel divided, the House of Smiley offers a refreshing counter-narrative. It’s not just about selling products; it’s about selling a lifestyle, rooted in positivity, inclusivity, and creativity.

Collaborating for a Brighter Future

This initiative thrives on the partnerships it has cultivated with some of the world’s most influential brands and personalities. Smiley’s brand partners who participated in the House of Smiley

events at Coachella and Ibiza include: AERIE, AGR, American Eagle, Any Old Iron, Biancoperla, Billabong, Butrich, Dock & Bay, Don’t Call Me Jennyfer, Dr. Martens, Eastpak, FILA, GAP, H&M, Happy Soda, Jules, KKLUE, L’envie, Lennis, Lineasette, Loiter, Loqi, Maaji, Maison De Vacances, Maison Deux, Market, Moschino, Mr. Maria, New Era, Peace Collective, Peter Alexander, Postery, Pull & Bear, Samii Ryan, Smiffys UK, Smiley Wines, Suck UK, Sunnylife, The Forecast Agency, Tommy

Hilfiger, Triya, Urban Decay, Weat, Zara. These collaborations are creative partnerships that allow Smiley to push the boundaries of what’s possible. By working together, Smiley and its partners create experiences that are not only memorable but also meaningful, through exclusive product lines, interactive installations, or unique event activations.

Looking ahead: What’s next for House of Smiley?

The global initiative is set to make stops in some of the world’s most exciting and culturally rich destinations, each offering its own unique twist on the House of Smiley experience, poised to become a global phenomenon.

In each new location, Smiley will continue to collaborate with local influencers, artists, and creatives, ensuring that every event is infused with the flavour and spirit of the place it calls home. This approach not only creates more authentic and impactful experiences but also helps to build stronger connections between Smiley and its global audience.

Spread Joy with House of Smiley

For those interested in collaborating with the House of Smiley, the opportunities are endless. Whether it is a brand looking to align with Smiley’s message of positivity, an influencer with a passion for spreading joy, or simply someone who believes in the power of a smile, there’s a place for everybody in the House of Smiley community. By focusing on positivity, creativity, and local communities, Smiley is not only creating memorable experiences but also making a lasting impact.

ALL3MEDIA INTERNATIONAL

Taking iconic TV brands from screen to page with All3Media International

Home to many iconic TV brands, independent distributor All3Media International is building an impressive slate of offscreen licensing opportunities for its diverse portfolio which includes global hits such as Race Across the World, All Creatures Great and Small and The Traitors.

Amongst these opportunities, publishing partnerships have become a key part of All3Media International’s licensing focus, with fan favourites from beloved dramas, iconic gameshows and celebrated entertainment series making the leap from screen to page. Packed with epic adventures, intrepid

contestants and stunning locations, Race Across the World has proved a smash-hit on-screen, with four series plus a second celebrity version just launched in the UK on BBC. Following All3Media International’s deal with Quarto Publishing, fans will soon be able to embark on their own extraordinary

expeditions in The Official Race Across the World Puzzle Book, out in October 2024. Jason Easy, All3Media International’s VP Commercial Licensing, commented, “Anyone watching the TV series can’t help but wonder how they would fare on their own globe-trotting race – and now they can find out. Mirroring the races featured in all four series, this action-packed, challenge filled quiz book tasks readers to traverse continents and navigate obstacles using only their wits and travel knowledge.”

Popular drama All Creatures Great & Small – inspired by James Herriot’s iconic collection of stories –has recently further extended its off-screen reach with Michael O’Mara Books. The Official photographic companion Celebrating All Creatures Great & Small: For the Love of the Yorkshire Dales launches this month, featuring spectacular

photography plus exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories. This follows the publication of The World of All Creatures Great & Small, which also offers a unique insight into this hugely successful show and pays homage to its impressive heritage. “It’s great to continue to work with the team at Michael O’Mara on building the success of All Creatures Great & Small beyond the screen,” Easy commented. “Both books take fans right inside the cosy comforts and heartwarming nostalgia of Skeldale House and the Yorkshire dales, expanding a world that has brought joy for over fifty years.”

Octopus Publishing’s interactive novel Could you Survive Midsomer? transforms Midsomer Murders into a immersive experience. Readers step into the shoes of Midsomer CID’s newest recruit and, after a man is found dead on the eve of Midsomer’s first Villages in Bloom competition, must choose their own path as they try to solve the case and – most tricky of all – stay alive… Easy commented, “Midsomer Murders has

captivated global audiences for over two decades and Octopus’ book takes an entertaining approach to this evergreen drama brand. Now amateur sleuths all over the world can channel their inner DI Barnaby as they try to get to the bottom of this jeopardy-filled mystery.”

All3Media International has also teamed up with Penguin Random House on two unmissable puzzle-based publications based on proven TV brands. Published my Michael Joseph, the definitive wordplay game Lingo continues to draw in fans around the world, and now they can put their own puzzling skills to the test with the official Lingo Puzzle Book. Easy commented, “Featuring over 500 brainbending puzzles, the book is a brilliant extension to this much-loved game show brand, giving readers the opportunity to find out if they really know their Lingo.” From Penguin Random House imprint, Century, The Traitors: The Interactive Game Book is the official tie-in to the BAFTA-winning BBC reality game show. Just like the contestants in the TV show, readers must put their sleuthing

skills to the ultimate test as they try to figure out if their fellow players are a Faithful or a Traitor. Every decision they make determines their route in the book – unless they take a wrong turn and are murdered by the Traitors... “This interactive book shows that this game of treachery and deceit is just as addictive and entertaining off-screen as it is onscreen,” Easy commented.” Finally, with its BAFTA-nominated original UK series, lifestyle show Sort Your Life Out has been busy decluttering homes around the world. All the show’s life-changing tips and tricks are available in Ebury Publishing’s official companion book, empowering readers with the tools to transform their own homes. “Sort Your Life Out offers the perfect vehicle to tap into the global popularity of home renovation, organization, upcycling and recycling,” Easy commented. “As the series continues to grow in the UK and internationally, the potential for offscreen licensing continues to go from strength to strength.” Easy concluded, “Our partnerships with leading publishers to develop innovative and exciting books have allowed fans greater access to the beloved worlds, games and ideas of their favorite brands, and we can’t wait to develop and discover more publishing partnerships at BLE and in the coming months.”

“Anyone watching the TV series can’t help but wonder how they would fare on their own globe-trotting race –and now they can find out. Mirroring the races featured in all four series, this action-packed, challenge filled quiz book tasks readers to traverse continents and navigate obstacles using only their wits and travel knowledge.”

- Jason Easy, VP Commercial Licensing, All3Media International -

All3Media International will be on Stand D201 at BLE

TWEEN TEAM

Nebulous Stars, a mindful brand for children

Nebulous Stars, a brand centered on creativity and mindfulness, extends an invitation to like-minded organizations through a global licensing program launch.

A brand with a purpose

From the beginning, Nebulous Stars has been more than just a toy brand: it has been a gateway to creativity, self-discovery, and mindful living. With a presence in over 80 countries, Nebulous Stars stands apart in the field by integrating these values into every facet of its enchanting universe. Its focus on inner well-being, a core element of the brand since day one, enriches the experiences it offers and creates a deep, lasting impact on both children and parents.

The vision of Nebulous Stars’ founders, Geneviève Lecompte and Kevin Richer, was to create a brand that would promote “beautiful family values” through creativity, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. The principles

of mindfulness were a natural and essential part of this vision from the start. The brand’s rich storytelling offers a versatile platform that is deployed across various media, making Nebulous Stars a truly inspiring choice for children. With a diverse product range that includes over 150 items, from activity books and creative sets to dolls, plush toys, and school supplies, Nebulous Stars continues to engage young minds with its vibrant and magical designs. While the brand’s aesthetic draws children into its world, the deeper messages of self-awareness, friendship, and personal growth really resonate with parents, creating a bond that goes beyond mere play.

An immersive one-stop-shop approach

The brand’s success is also due to its unique retail strategy. By presenting all products together in visually stunning displays, Nebulous Stars creates a “wow effect” that captivates shoppers. This approach has helped the brand rapidly occupy significant retail shelf space, with its range of price points and product categories guaranteeing a constant presence all year round. Nebulous Stars is now expanding instore through the establishment of shop-in-shop outlets in all continents, including its latest addition at Hong Kong’s Book Castle in Ocean Terminal mall, further strengthening the brand’s footprint in key markets.

Mindful adventures

The concept of mindfulness has always been central to Nebulous Stars and is seamlessly woven into its products and

narratives. The series of Nebulous Stars novels, which have sold over 150,000 copies in Canada and France, exemplify this approach. In these stories, young heroines embark on magical adventures in a nebula at the edge of the universe. As they navigate everyday challenges that real girls can relate to, they engage in practices that build self-awareness. This thoughtful approach is integral to the brand’s identity.

The two collections of Nebulous Stars novels maintain the brand’s focus on this theme. One collection, comprising nine books and aimed at readers aged 8 to 10, focuses on the Stars’ young female characters. The other, designed for readers aged 6 to 8 and comprising four books, centers around animoulous, the magical pets belonging to the Nebulous Stars characters.

Each novel is beautifully illustrated and carefully crafted to guide young minds on a journey of self-discovery through storytelling.

Additionally, the Nebulous Stars magazine has consistently offered a unique blend of creative activities, original stories, games, and personal development advice. Mindful practices have always been part of the magazine offering: children are empowered and encouraged to integrate these practices into their daily lives to develop inner peace, resilience, and positivity. This commitment to emotional well-being sets Nebulous Stars apart in a crowded market.

Tween Team ventures into animation with Nebulous Stars As the Nebulous Stars universe

continues to expand, Tween Team has embarked on an enthralling new project to animate the beloved Stars characters. Now in production and set to debut in 2025, the animated series aims to encapsulate the brand’s core value of inner personal development through engaging mini-adventures imbued with a positive narrative twist.

Transforming customers into fans

More than just a collection of products, Nebulous Stars has long been cultivating a loyal fan base through its thoughtful approach. Many children who discover Nebulous Stars become devoted fans, drawn not only to the products but to the characters and the brand’s underlying values. With the recent expansion into Back to School and Apparel categories, Nebulous Stars now accompanies its young fans though the key moments in their lives and has become a true lifestyle brand.

Leveraging mindfulness within a licensing program Nebulous Stars’ long-standing commitment to mindful living is the cornerstone of its recent licensing program. The program aims to expand the brand’s portfolio and presence through collaborations with media

partners, publishers, and manufacturers who share Nebulous Stars’ vision of “reaching for the stars with a positive mind.”

Through its new licensing program and ongoing expansion, the brand is poised to reach even greater heights, guiding children around the world on a journey of creativity, inner peace, and selfdiscovery.

CARLSEN VERLAG

The Little WE. A sweet character that stands for great values

The Little WE is more than just a character in a children’s book - it is the embodiment of one of the most essential aspects of our human coexistence: the sense of WE.

This feeling of togetherness is the foundation for strong relationships and can be found in various parts of our lives, such as in families, friendships, workplaces, sports teams, or even in society as a whole. Wherever people meet with care, respect, and kindness, The Little WE comes to life.

The beloved book series, published by

German Carlsen Verlag, features this little green creature, which personifies the sense of WE and captures the hearts of both children and adults alike. The Little WE symbolizes the feeling of belonging, appearing in places where people care for each other. It grows stronger when we treat one another with kindness, compassion, and

understanding. It lives in our hearts, making sure that no one must feel alone, providing a sense of security and warmth.

The Little WE is delicate - it shrinks when conflicts, bad moods, or misunderstandings take over. In those moments, it may seem as though the WE has disappeared entirely. That’s when we must work together to find it again. It needs love, kindness, and maybe a little comfort to return to its full strength.

The Little WE has incredible powers. It helps children become braver, allowing them to overcome major obstacles. Moreover, the WE connects people across differences and divides, creating bonds between them regardless of background or perspective.

The Little WE also has a fun side. It

enjoys simple pleasures like flowers, music, and dancing. Yet it needs care and attention to thrive. The key ingredients for helping the WE grow are love, active listening, and the willingness to forgive.

With its charming illustrations and

clear messages, The Little WE provides children with a simple, yet powerful, way to understand the importance of empathy, encouragement, and unity. Its stories resonate with readers of all ages, reminding us all of the importance of taking care of each other.

Ultimately, The Little WE shares a universal message of love, solidarity, and the power of community. It reminds us that we are always stronger when we stand together, and that by nurturing our WE, we can overcome anything life throws our way.

A talk with Angela Schaaf de Lavado, Senior Rights Manager Merchandising at Carlsen Verlag

How did the idea for The Little WE come about?

The author and illustrator Daniela Kunkel developed the idea during her own work as an educator. She wanted to convey to children, in a way that was easy for them to understand, how important

community is. The little green creature is a visual representation of this feeling that we often experience when we feel part of a team or family and helps children understand how to maintain and strengthen relationships.

This simple yet profound concept is certainly one of the reasons why the little WE has become an indispensable part of many German-speaking kindergartens and primary schools. Many teachers use the books to explain to children the importance of cohesion and how to solve conflicts. It is a wonderful way to teach values such as empathy, respect, and team spirit at an early age.

How many titles have been released? Have they been sold abroad? Carlsen Verlag has now published 10 titles with the little WE, and more are to come. It is one of our most successful series. Translations have been sold to 12 countries.

Is there any merchandise available for The Little WE?

We are still at a very early stage, but I am really looking forward to the adorable plush figure that will be released next Spring by Heinrich Bauer Spielwaren, who is our exclusive distributor for the plush items in the Germanspeaking market.

What makes The Little WE so popular with children and adults alike?

It is probably the simplicity of the message that makes The Little WE so accessible. Children recognize themselves and their own feelings in the stories. The concept that the WE grows when you are friendly and shrinks when you argue is easy to understand.

What do you think is the most important message conveyed by The Little WE?

I think the most important message is that together we are stronger, and The Little WE reminds us how valuable our connections with others are.

Angela Schaaf de Lavado

CARAVANSERAI

A new business approach

By Guillem Rey, Managing Director at Caravanserai

I think we have been writing about licensing for more than 30 years, and when people ask us about licensing, the first thing we think about is evolution. Licensing is a “machinery” that never stays quiet, that keeps moving.

It still surprises us how unexpected properties can succeed while forecasted hits hit the ground with no results. This is the magic of licensing. This is why medium and small agencies can face and succeed versus the big ones, because there is no logic to success. Probably the most important change in recent years has been the e-commerce because they have allowed consumers to decide what they want to buy, no matter what the retailers may have decided in advance. The consumer is the one who makes our activity unpredictable on one side, but so exciting on the other. It is challenging to determine what he would love to buy or not.

Social media is the second key element because the impact of the so-called influencers can be more relevant than any TV programming. People who really

can influence are truly impacting results because their followers can be massive. Well managed, nowadays social media platforms are the most powerful tools to impact consumers quickly and efficiently.

The global market is probably the third element to consider. In the past, you could easily succeed in one territory while having no results in any another area. Today this is not so obvious anymore because global companies do not differentiate between selling in the US, EU, or Asia at the same time. Last but not least, we have to accept that having 200 episodes, airing on a TV station, on prime time, is no longer a guarantee of success. It may happen that on a Platform, you can watch your program anytime you want, and it is being repeated 10 times a day, and this is the one that consumers have chosen.

To learn more about our vision and business approach, visit the website https://caravanserai.eu/

Although challenging, these key facts can have some positive consequences for the industry, as the success is not in the hands of very few players anymore, as it is in the hands of the consumer.

It happens you see surprising news presenting a top company that has developed a new range of products based on an evergreen property, and you say, “Wow! This is an amazing idea!” This is where you can find Caravanserai, joining forces between great classic brands that have always been around and great companies that want to do something different.

Great Brands with Innovative Partners.

This is our aim. If one brand has been in the market for 60, 70, or 80 years

and still succeeds, this is because the property is not a spot business but an eternal opportunity for smart companies.

Below are some examples of what we have developed so far.

- With more than 20 Iberian licensees, The Little Prince celebrated its 80th anniversary last year, and the character is more top-of-mind than ever. Not only thanks to its appearances in the last Olympic games in Paris or the multiple events and activities around the world but also thanks to the largest home collection available worldwide created by ZaraHome or the upcoming pajama collection by Women’secret, to name a couple of the most recent deals.

- Popeye is 90 years old and, apart from continuing to be a fashion and sports icon available in the main

retail stores worldwide, like Tendam or Inditex, we’ve just been able to join forces with Benfica, the most important Portuguese soccer club and one of the top 10 teams in the world, to support them to win the Champions League!

- Miffy will celebrate 75 years in 2025, and we have several new and exciting licensees on board to share like Safta, FundasBCN, Bershka, Andres Gallardo, and of course Women’secret after more than 15

years of nonstop collaboration.

Caravanserai also works with classic properties like Peter Rabbit with some new partners to be announced soon; or the evergreen Swedish character Pippi Longstocking; the Lithuanian bestseller book Nelly Jelly; the French icons Sophie la girafe and Moulin Rouge; last but not least, one of the top 150 licensors with a universal lifestyle brand and hundreds of licensees, Emoji, the iconic brand

New Additions: Maurizio Distefano Licensing enriches its Portfolio with Fresh Opportunities

Maurizio Distefano Licensing never ceases to bring in novelties and opportunities for its licensees and Licensors.

As of today, the renowned licensing agency has welcomed into its portfolio four new properties that can meet all target ages that licensees are

seeking for in their projects: Care Bears, Bratz, LOL Surprise!, Rainbow High, Yummiland and Little Tikes. These additions not only enhance the

agency’s diverse offerings but also provide fresh and exciting possibilities for creative collaborations and market expansion. Through its commitment

MAURIZIO DISTEFANO LICENSING

to excellence and innovation, Maurizio Distefano Licensing continues to solidify its position as a leader in the industry, catering to a broad spectrum of interests and demographics.

Care Bears, owned by Cloudco Entertainment, is among the latest acquisitions of the agency. Since their introduction in 1982 through consumer products, greeting cards, and later animated television shows and feature films, the Care Bears have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. This enduring popularity continues as the lovable, huggable bears from Care-A-Lot inspire sharing, caring, and togetherness across generations.

The Care Bears brand has seen success across various platforms and product categories. Currently, the brand boasts retail placement with key licensees such as MC2 St Barth and J Brand International, featuring fashion collections at OVS stores across Italy. Additionally, International Games Trade offers a range of Care Bears figurine collectibles. These partnerships mirror the success seen with other European fashion giants like Benetton, Zara, Pull & Bear, and H&M. With the launch of plush toys by Simba coming to Italy in Q1 2025, Cloudco Entertainment aims to expand partnerships and attract a wider audience, capturing the nostalgic appeal of parents and drawing new fans through innovative play.

Care Bears first appeared on television in 1983 and 1984, followed by a longrunning animated TV series and a leap to the big screen with The Care Bears Movie trilogy. Care Bears & Cousins, a Netflix original CGI- animated series,

launched in fall 2015. In 2019, the brand introduced a new look and mission in Care Bears: Unlock the Magic, a 48-episode, 2D animated series currently airing in Italy on Cartoon Network, Boomerang, and Amazon Prime Video.

Moving onto the other recent acquisitions that embrace a wider target range such as young-teenagers, are the properties owned by MGA Entertainment, founded in 1979. It has built a reputation for creating top consumer brands across a variety of product categories, continually providing innovative play patterns that appeal to girls and boys of all ages and has a diversified portfolio of award-winning brands such as L.O.L. Surprise!, Bratz, Rainbow High, Yummiland and Little Tikes. MGA’s mission is to inspire imagination and creativity with innovative toys, entertainment, and experiences that turn play into limitless possibilities.

Bratz, the girls with a passion for fashion, debuted in 2001 as a collection of fashion dolls that reached great success with licensed collections in multiple categories as well as the expansion into entertainment including TV and web series, a live-action movie and video games. Today the Bratz brand has grown into a highly followed lifestyle brand across categories with more than five million followers across social media platforms and holding the No. 1 spot as the most followed toy brand on Tik Tok.

L.O.L. Surprise!, the original unboxing toy, launched in 2016 and had immediate success. The brand has always been about outrageous fun and layers and layers of surprise, all contained in mystery capsules. L.O.L. Surprise! TV series and movies have been produced and shown on Netflix, YouTube, Kidoodle, Boing, Cartoonito and other streaming platforms, with the latest movie “L.O.L. Surprise! The

Skate Dance Movie” premiering in early October 2024.

Rainbow High is all about colourful, creative confidence and featured a wide selection of fashion dolls complemented with an audio-visual franchise of in-universe-branded animated TV series on YouTube, Netflix, and Frisbee. Rainbow High was the No. 1 fashion doll globally in 2023 and is trending in the same direction for 2024.

Yummiland, the newest of MGA’s franchises, where six brave Yummis protect their incredible, edible city with their lip gloss superpowers. Each Yummi has its own special power, but when lip gloss flavors combine, their powers amplify in unexpected ways. The doll line was launched in 2024 along with an animated series on YouTube.

For more than 55 years, Little Tikes has been creating toys that parents and grandparents trust and kids love and features the iconic Cozy Coupe ride-on car. Little Tikes gives preschool children space to grow and imagine and every day is an adventure with lots to discover. Cozy Coupe is also the protagonist of an animated TV series dedicated to the little ones broadcast on Cartoonito and available on YouTube.

Each of these brands has its own unique strengths and strong consumer awareness. Through engaging storylines, amazing style guides and a deep understanding of their target audiences, MGA Entertainment captures the imaginations of children and young adults worldwide.

In addition to these latest entries, the Entertainment category of the agency’s portfolio continues to boast the best animated series in the market today:

starting from Bluey, Bing and Masha and The Bear who this year ranked top 3 on Rai Yoyo; moving to ALVINNN!!! And the Chipmunks who is now #1 on Nickelodeon and CoComelon, who keeps its first position as #1 YouTube Kids channel in the world.

Shifting focus to the adult-targeted brands within the agency’s portfolio, Il Milanese Imbruttito continues to gain increasing appreciation from licensees,

and its influence is steadily growing across the market. The licensees on board are: Cromo, Pon Pon Edizioni, La Casa de Las Carcasas and De Fonseca Last year, Cromo launched its irreverent greeting cards, which were a resounding success. Due to the very positive reception from the market, Cromo has decided to expand its product line to include mugs and tags, which will be launching soon. Pon Pon Edizioni is also gearing up to introduce a new product range, featuring a calendar, an answer book, a sticker pack, and a notebook. Additionally, La Casa de Las Carcasas recently launched its collection of mobile phone covers and accessories in July. Looking ahead, De Fonseca, a leading Italian brand in slippers and lightweight outdoor and beach footwear, in Fall Winter 25 will unveil products adorned with Il Milanese Imbruttito’s signature catchphrases and distinctive style.

A major highlight for summer 2024 is the partnership between CANTA TU and Alpitour. This collaboration has

brought CANTA TU branded events to over best 20 Mediterranean resorts managed by Alpitour World. CANTA TU, a popular Giochi Preziosi brand, is a high-quality audio-video system designed for easy transport, ideal for both outdoor and indoor parties. Known for its karaoke format, it promises to add fun to the resorts’ entertainment offerings. Alpitour, a cornerstone of Alpitour World, provides a wide range of vacation destinations and family-friendly packages. This summer, CANTA TU will enhance the entertainment experience at select Alpitour resorts. A digital campaign will support the initiative, promoting the branded events across official partner platforms.

Among the successful licensing projects that Maurizio Distefano Licensing managed this year a prominent one is about the collaboration between Costa Cruises and Acamar Films bringing Bing aside of families now also at sea, not only at home, with all its spontaneity along the most beautiful itineraries in the Mediterranean with Costa ships, thus enriching the holiday experience

offer for families with something unique and special.

This initiative stems from the need to make the Costa experience of the youngest guests on board unforgettable, full of initiatives and surprises accompanying children and parents on an unprecedented holiday. The first feedback from children and their parents were enthusiastic, appreciating the opportunity to interact with one of the

most cherished characters in children’s television.

Thanks also to the agency Maurizio Distefano Licensing that managed the agreement of such unprecedented partnership between Costa and Acamar Films, starting this coming summer on board Costa Toscana and Costa Smeralda , the flagships of the Costa fleet, the young guests on a cruise with their families will meet Bing, the protagonist of the stories of the famous animated series. Meet and greets, costume characters parades, Bing themed parties, dance activities organized on a weekly basis, and many other fun and musical activities that will cheer the holidays of the youngest children and their families. Through this partnership Costa ships not only offer entertainment to its guests but will make them experience unforgettable moments that will remain in the hearts of families even after disembarking.

The music category counts new artists and bands every year, the agency now represents more than 200 of them giving licensees a chance to explore numerous genres and musical idols for their projects and for halo brands in particular. To mention only a few there are: AC/DC, Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Oasis, Pink Floyd, Kiss.

In summary, the recent additions to Maurizio Distefano Licensing’s portfolio highlight the agency’s ongoing efforts to offer a variety of options for its partners. With these new properties, the agency continues to provide valuable opportunities for both licensees and licensors.

TOY ASSOCIATION

Greg Ahearn shares his vision for driving growth and innovation in the toy industry

In an involving interview with Licensing Magazine, Greg Ahearn, the newly appointed President of the Toy Association, discussed his goals for the organisation and the toy industry as a whole

You were appointed President of the Toy Association in June 2024. How have your first few months been? It has been an exciting few months! Returning to the toy industry, where I began my career more than 25 years ago, has felt like coming home. I am thrilled to be in this role and to have the opportunity to work with so many creative, inspiring people across the toy community.

Since I’ve taken this role, I have been focused on engaging with companies, retailers, and partners throughout the industry, especially emerging and mid-sized manufacturers, to get

firsthand input on how to invest The Toy Association’s time and resources in the most effective way possible. These conversations have been invaluable in helping to guide planning for the remainder of this year and for 2025. In August, we made an exciting announcement that People of Play and its assets would be merging into The Toy Association. From the beloved Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG) and The Toy & Game Innovation Excellence Awards (The TAGIEs), to the Bloom Report, Young Inventor Challenge, and more, People of Play’s assets will join The Toy Association’s portfolio of world-

Greg Ahearn

class events and offerings including Toy Fair New York, LA Fall Preview, and The Toy Foundation’s Toy of the Year Awards. Exciting news for all, presenting even more opportunities for growth and success for our members and the wider toy community!

Internally, The Toy Association team is hard at work on providing the highest level of service to our members. Our advocacy and regulatory efforts in the U.S. and around the world continue

to be a cornerstone of our work to protect, promote, and advance the business of play. And our premiere events—including our flagship Toy Fair in New York City—continue to evolve so that we can best meet the needs of all stakeholders (from toy brands to buyers and everyone in between) and help them connect, build relationships, and grow their businesses.

There are many more opportunities coming down the pipeline and I’m just excited to dig into all aspects.

Could you tell us briefly about your background in the Toy sector?

I got my start in the toy industry more than 25 years ago and held roles at both large and small toy manufacturers, from Mattel and Hasbro to OddzOn and LeapFrog. I also spent over 12 years working on the retail side at Toys “R” Us.

What are the goals of the LA Fall Preview? Can you name some of the companies that have signed up?

When The Toy Association first announced our plans to have a presence

in Los Angeles in September, our goal was to provide more companies with a space to do business in the heart of LA’s “toy district” during what’s proven to be a critical preview time of year for our industry. The Toy Association’s inaugural

LA Fall Preview (September 9-13, 2024) is officially sold out, with 78 top toy companies of all sizes and categories under one roof, including Hasbro, LEGO, Thames & Kosmos, Crazy Aaron’s, Horizon Group USA, and more.  Now, our team is continuing to help ensure 2250 East Imperial Highway is a crucial stop for buyers and decision-makers on their fall preview circuit.

What will be the main toy trends in 2025?

It remains to be seen what will be trending in 2025 – you’ll have to visit Toy Fair (March 1-4, 2025) to find out!

But I can say that currently, we are seeing trends involving sustainability, as well as diversity and inclusion, toys appealing to adults, anime-themed toys, and toys that nurture the mental, emotional, and cognitive development of all children. You can see our previously announced 2024 toy trends at www.toyassociation.org/trends. Our team will unveil the top trends of 2025 next March during Toy Fair’s Toy Trend Briefing, open to all visitors at the show.

What innovations is the Toy Association planning for next year?

The much anticipated 119th Toy Fair, taking place in New York City from March 1-4, 2025, is on the horizon, and buzz is starting to build for the largest toy show in the Western Hemisphere. For the first time ever, both Mattel and Hasbro will be exhibiting at the fair, joining nearly 600 exhibitors (and counting!) representing businesses of all sizes, from brand-new companies to veteran brands, delivering one of the most comprehensive, and incredibly efficient, shows of the year.

JAZWARES

Exciting new partnerships and product launches for Squishmallows

By Rossella Arena

Jazwares is thrilled to announce several amazing new collaborations and products for their hit brand Squishmallows. LM interviewed Nikki Gie, Senior Licensing Director International, Jazwares, to know more.

What news will you be announcing at BLE? Could you provide us with details on what fans can expect?

Building on the success we have seen in the footwear category with PUMA, we are thrilled to announce our new global partnership with Gen Z fan favourite Crocs launching this month. We will be bringing out 3 unique Squishmallows designs, as well as the obligatory Jibbets accessories for both kids and adults.

We also recently announced our partnership with innovative Oral care brand Ordo whom have developed a range of Squishmallows toothbrushes. The response has been incredible and

we have no doubt of the partnership’s success. Following our wildly popular Panini Sticker launch last year we are also excited to share that the 2nd collection is also set to launch at retail this fall.

Squishmallows is currently one of your most popular brands. What are your plans to build on this success in the future?

We continue to build momentum with Squishmallows with our commitment to innovative, fan-first marketing and exciting product extensions. Launched earlier this year, Squish-a-longs, is a prime example of product extensions done right with a highly collectible

line of 1-inch scale Mini-Squish that capitalizes on the micro toy trends we are seeing with kids. We experienced a fantastic launch and are seeing positive momentum for the line with retailers and consumers with this completely new way to experience original Squishmallows.

In consumer products we will continue to work with best-in-class partners to deliver a wide range of captivating products with broad universal appeal such as stationary and homewares. We also have some exciting new launches in the FMCG space coming in 2025. In the UK we have a firm licensee base so the focus will be driving the brand at retail with multiple categories including lifestyle and apparel. And let’s not forget

Nikki GIe Jazwares

that 2027 marks the 10th anniversary of Squishmallows, so we are actively working on an exciting celebratory portfolio of global partnerships that will appeal to our core Gen Z audience and multigenerational fans furthering Squishmallows as a premiere lifestyle brand.

What strategies are you planning to continue engaging fans from different target groups?

Squishmallows has a strong multigenerational appeal and has captured the gravitational pull of Gen Z who are actively engaging with the brand on social media and fan-centric events such as our European Squish Tour which kicked off this past May in collaboration with Smyths Toys Superstores. The tour began in the UK with a vibrant mobile truck setup coupled with product giveaways, Squishmallows character appearances, and photo opportunities that fans could share across their social media channels. The tour also had stops in Germany and France with scores

of fans attending in support of their favourite plush brand.

New product extensions such as Squisha-longs also serve as key pillars in our engagement strategy by offering consumers authentic new ways to collect and experience Squishmallows while connecting back to our iconic characters and vibrant designs. Additionally, our consumer products program plays a starring role in our expansion efforts as seen with key US collaborations including Tony Moly cosmetics at Ulta, and Pop Sockets, which we are aiming to replicate with our local European partners to further engage our Gen Z audience. Our ongoing collaboration with global fashion brand H&M has also been wildly popular with girls and tweens where we have launched three popular collections

of Squishmallows inspired apparel and accessories to much fanfare.

Could you tell us about any recent licensing deals/agreements in Europe and how you intend to organize expansion in this area?

Europe continues to be a key growth territory for Jazwares and we will be leaning into markets where Squishmallows are leading the way in plush including the Nordics, Germany, Poland, and the UK. We have already extended rights of some existing partners and will work with local partners in key strategic categories to further build out the programme.

EXHIBITOR PREVIEW

Celebrating 25 years of Brand Licensing Europe with a preview of exhibitor highlights

BLE celebrates its 25th anniversary, taking place from 24-26 September 2024 at ExCeL, London. The number of exhibitors is over 250, with more than 50 new entries.

Penguin Ventures, the Consumer Products & Experiences team at Penguin Random House Children’s UK, showcases their iconic literary brands at BLE 2024. Spring 2024 has placed Peter Rabbit as the ultimate Easter Bunny, driving significant growth for The World of Peter Rabbit™ across all markets.

Last year, Penguin Ventures added The World of Eric Carle™ to their UK portfolio, creating opportunities for licensees to bring Carle’s artwork to life. The world of the Snowman™ continues to enchant families with magical experiences, from afternoon

teas to live shows, becoming a staple of festive traditions. A new Flower Fairies™ exhibition launches at Watts Gallery this autumn, while loveable puppy Spot is starring in a touring theatrical show for pre-schoolers, reaching family audiences across the UK. Tom Fletcher’s Who’s in your book? series is set to expand its engaging program in 2025 and beyond.

Penguin Ventures anticipates meeting both new and existing partners to explore opportunities in products, experiences and digital landscapes. We invite you to visit Penguin Ventures at stand C164 at BLE.

Penguin Ventures, The World of Peter Rabbit

Bibi’s World (booth C160), a leading children’s brand in Macedonia and South Eastern Europe, has gained immense popularity for its high-quality educational content and entertainment. With over 100 million YouTube views and bestselling products, the brand has expanded across the Balkans through strategic partnerships, with companies

tales and educational books, each featuring beloved characters designed to engage young readers.

The merchandise department offers a wide range of products (stuffed toys, board games and educational tools) that bring the characters of Bibi’s World to life, allowing children to continue their adventures with Bibi and her friends

such as Talent Show in Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Laguna in Serbia, and DexyCo in Serbia and Montenegro.

The unique and vivid art style captures children’s imagination, making our stories even more captivating and memorable. The animated series are available to global audiences in English on Amazon Prime. Bibi’s World has published over 150 editions of fairy

beyond the screen and pages of the books.

Plans for the future include continuing to work on the global expansion of Bibi’s world.

The Giordano Family is a prominent name in the art licensing industry and greeting card industry. Joseph Giordano began his career as a staff illustrator at Norcross Greeting Card

Greg & Company, LLC.

Company, before founding Giordano Studios in 1980. His successful imagery from Norcross became integral to his design portfolio. In 2002, his son Greg established Greg & Company, LLC. (stand AD14), continuing the family legacy. As Managing Director, Greg licenses designs for over 85 manufacturers, with greeting cards being a key focus. His diverse artwork,

Licensing Magazine hosts the panel “Doing Licensing in Europe” at BLE

This year, Brand Licensing Europe has prepared a comprehensive three-day agenda of conferences. Among these, the panel titled Doing Licensing in Europe: The Distinct Characteristics of the Industry on the European Mainland, is organized by Licensing Magazine and moderated by Editor-in-Chief Cristina Angelucci. This session is scheduled for September 25, from 3:00 to 3:30 pm

Joining Cristina on this engaging panel are three esteemed industry experts: Fabienne Gilles, Chief Commercial Officer of Consumer Products and Family Entertainment at Peyo Company; David Pérez Balaguer, Founder of Mad House; Christopher Becker, Director of Licensing & Partnerships at Tonies. The panel aims to provide a comparative analysis of the licensing industry, focusing on the unique features, characteristics, and growth prospects from the perspective of European companies. Attendees can anticipate an open dialogue among leading European brands, licensees, and retailers who have established themselves on the international stage.

featuring themes like animals, vehicles, and seasonal motifs, has made him successful in creating cards for various occasions, such as weddings and holidays. Currently, Greg’s designs appear on over 150 greeting card products. Greg has collaborated with numerous greeting card companies,

including Leanin’ Tree, which has licensed his artwork for over 20 years. His designs have also been adapted for other products like puzzles and calendars. Popular collections such as Pups & Trucks and Heartland America exemplify his versatility across categories.With the growth of

Greg & Company, the potential for his greeting card artwork to translate into other licensing opportunities remains promising.

Animaj  (stand C224), the nextgeneration media company that acquired the iconic Spanish brand  Pocoyo  in June 2023, has announced new licensing deals across key markets, including Bandai, CYP, Kimberly Clark, and Toymark.

“We are excited about the new licensing partnerships that will bring Pocoyo into

Interview with James Follows, Managing Director at Octagon Studio

Why did you decide to attend BLE for the first time and what news will you be announcing at the event?

We decided to attend BLE for the first time because it’s a premier event for connecting with key players in the licensing industry. As a company focused on innovative Augmented Reality (AR) educational products, we see BLE as the perfect platform to introduce our 4D+ series—covering

dinosaurs, animals, oceans, and space—to a broader audience. We’ll be showcasing our AR-enhanced flashcards, puzzles, and even clothing, all of which offer interactive educational experiences that bring learning to life. We’re also excited to explore licensing opportunities, particularly with partners interested in localizing production for different markets.

What is your view of the current

licensing market and who is your ideal partner company in this field?

The licensing market is evolving rapidly, with a growing emphasis on products that combine entertainment with education. We believe AR products are uniquely positioned to meet this demand. Our ideal partner is a company that shares our vision for innovation in education, has a strong market presence, and is eager to collaborate on bringing cuttingedge AR experiences to children and families globally.

Greg & Company, LLC.

new markets and categories. These deals reflect the growing demand and love for Pocoyo worldwide.”  says Antoine Erligmann, Animaj’s SVP Global Content Distribution & Consumer Products. Season 5  of Pocoyo has launched, with the first batch of episodes available now. The second half, set to release in early Q2 2025, will feature new characters and storylines, including the introduction of Bea, Pocoyo’s adorable yet chaotic little sister. This season

marks a new chapter for Pocoyo as he grows into his role as a big brother, and for the first time, speaks in the series. Stephen Fry  returns as the narrator for Season 5, reprising his beloved role from the show’s early years.

With  AI-driven production, Animaj is ensuring a steady stream of high-quality content for traditional broadcasters, streaming platforms, and YouTube.

Dependable Solutions, recognized as

the Most Impactful Service Provider of 2024 at the Licensing Excellence Awards, is a global leader in licensing and royalty management software. Serving licensors, licensees, and licensing agencies, their notable clients include  McCormick, a company with a 130-year legacy in flavor. McCormick’s licensing team faced operational hurdles that affected their performance, but by adopting Dependable Solutions’ secure, cloud-hosted platform, they unlocked a

Interview with Laura Decaluwe, Product Manager at Clavis Publishing

Why has Clavis Publishing decided to exhibit at BLE?

Clavis Publishing, one of the leading children’s book publishers in Belgium, the Netherlands, and the USA, is excited to exhibit at BLE for the first time, to connect

with new partners. With over 40 years of experience and a trusted reputation in over 62 language markets, Clavis is known for its high-quality coeditions and sales of book rights. Children are at the heart of everything we do.

What will be your main focus at the event?

We’ll focus on two of our adorable superstars: Little White Fish and Little Mouse. Both of them have already been beloved characters for many years, and we’re confident that they’ll conquer even more hearts in the years to come. Attendees are encouraged to visit our booth E182 to learn more.

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in the licensing sector, and how is Clavis Publishing addressing them?

The biggest challenge will always be to select the right partnerships, with manufacturers that believe as strongly as we do in the importance of putting the children at the center of everything we create. By focusing on this core value and partnering with like-minded companies, Clavis Publishing aims to mitigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the licensing sector in the coming months and into 2025.

more efficient way of working with their international teams and partners.

Ana Murphy, Brand Licensing Manager  at  McCormick, expressed her appreciation for the support from the Dependable Solutions’ team. She shared, “Our largest win from this project has been having all the contracts and amendments in one location, helping us keep track of expirations and work on amendments more efficiently.” Murphy also highlighted the platform’s impact of data visibility, saying, “We can see the full range of products per licensee, allowing us to make better business decisions. For instance, we recently spotted new SKUs in a licensee’s royalty report, fixed the error, and processed royalties within the hour.”

Marty Malysz, President of Dependable Solutions, attributes their success to Dependable Solutions’ highly-skilled team and focus on client support. He commented, “Our passionate dedication to the success of our clients sets us apart as a truly impactful partner.” Those interested can visit  booth E250  at BLE to learn more about transitioning to a centralized licensing and royalty management system.

Art licensing and design company

The London Studio showcases its expanding portfolio at BLE, highlighting

its successful in-house brands and collaborations with diverse artists. The London Studio’s presence is rapidly

growing, particularly in greeting cards and gifts, with partnerships across leading international retailers and

Kitty Cocktails line by The London Studio

RHS unveils new style guide and partnerships at BLE 2024

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) showcases its growing licensing program and launches an exciting new style guide at Brand Licensing Europe 2024 (stand C273). The new style guide, titled RHS Flora and Her Friends, adapts the society’s design assets to meet the diverse needs of its expanding partner base. The RHS licensing campaign supports the charity’s vision of making gardening a way of life accessible to everyone. Recent partnerships include licensing the Wildlife and Birdcare Nature Recovery Project for wooden habitat homes, Willsow for plantable calendars and Christmas crackers, and Crane Garden Buildings for a unique range of leisure buildings. The new style guide features botanical artwork from 19th-century plant watercolourist Caroline Maria Applebee, Japanese works, and additional drawings of birds, insects, flowers, and foliage. The imagery has been reworked to provide instant designs for licensees or a selection of nearly 500 images for creating unique patterns. The RHS also reveil a collection of light-hearted and humorous artwork, underscoring its commitment to constantly enhancing its service to partners.

publishers. Notable recent successes include Dreamadelic, a brand inspired by the art and culture of the 1960s and 1970s, which has secured a licensing deal with Oxfam for a 2025 calendar and debut designer bags at New York Fashion Week with Olympia Le Tan. Another popular brand, The Happiness Club, focuses on wellbeing and has received large orders from retailers like Sainsbury’s and Asda. Its sister line, Note to Self, features positive affirmations and has sold over 50,000 calendars this year. The brand has also collaborated with US motivational speaker Hal Elrod. Additionally, whimsical brands like What Cats Do When We Aren’t Looking and Kitty Cocktails explore humorous takes on feline life. The London Studio is also fostering new talent through its Artists Collective division, which has garnered multiple nominations at the Henries and Louies awards. Founder Soula Zavacopoulos emphasizes the meticulous development of their brands, leading to significant licensing partnerships. The London Studio looks forward to discussing future opportunities at BLE, located at stand D200

Connecting Retailers and Brands. The journey and future of the BLE Retail Mentoring Programme

By Rossella Arena

Laura Freedman-Dagg, Head of Retail at Informa Markets’ Global Licensing Group, details the evolution and objectives of the BLE Retail Mentoring Programme, and other initiatives for retailers.

The BLE Retail Mentoring Programme was launched in 2012. What are its objectives today and how might it evolve in the future?

The BLE Retail Mentoring Programme was initially launched in 2012 and then formalised in 2016 with CPD (Continuous Professional Development) accreditation and increased industry partnership.

Since then, it has grown to serve around 100 retail professionals each year and the objectives today are geared toward equipping retailers with the knowledge and network they need to maximise the benefits of brand licensing for their business.

Each year, the programme evolves in line with the market. For example, as we see new categories emerge and/ or grow those categories will become represented more in the programme. Applications for 2025 open at BLE and there is a drop-in session with me at 3 pm on Tuesday 24 September in the Retail Lounge.

What other initiatives is the BLE

planning for retailers? This year you have created the Event Planner, a tool that can also be very useful for them to connect with exhibitors...

The Event Planner tool includes the meetings booking system we’ve been using for BLE for several years, but it’s much more than that. Retailers can search the brands and exhibitors at the show and add conference sessions and networking to their online itinerary. We know retailers find it useful because we saw a huge uptick at Licensing Expo this year and expect to see the same for BLE.

At the show, retailers have exclusive access to the Retail Lounge in partnership with Care Bears, who are hosting a Happy Hour at 4 pm on Wednesday 25 September. There is even an arcade machine, and retailers can win a Care Bear to take home with them.

Can you name some of the retailers who will be attending the 2024 event and what their expectations are? We have such a diverse group attending so their expectations vary

but all retailers come to BLE looking for connections with brands, which will drive their commercial objectives forward.

Many attend already knowing who they want to talk to, and others come to be inspired and to establish new partnerships. I’m excited to share that we have excellent retail registrations so far with groups from Inditex, H&M, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Boots, Ackermans, Koton, TJX, El Corte Inglés, Forbidden Planet, John Lewis, LC WAİKİKİ, Primark, Lulu Group International, Gymshark, Mercadona, Next, Miniso, Pepco, The Works and so many more. The show is more international than ever with attendees expected from more than 40 countries

Laura Freedman

ANDERSEN PRESS

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant: 35 years of joy and adventure

This year Andersen Press is proudly celebrating the 35th Anniversary of David McKee’s beloved character, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant. First introduced to readers in 1989, Elmer has become a staple of children’s literature around the world, embodying enduring themes of inclusivity and friendship.

Since his debut, Andersen Press has published 30 original titles written and illustrated by David McKee, plus a selection of novelty books. To date, over 10 million Elmer books have been sold worldwide across 60 languages.

To celebrate Elmer’s 35th anniversary this year, Andersen Press has engaged in a number of new product releases and activations, hoping to reach as many people as possible with his message of inclusivity and happiness.

New products for 2024 include Elmer and the Patchwork Story, a new World Book Day £1 book, developed with McKee before his death in 2022. This book emphasizes the joy of bringing friends together through the power of a good story – matching both Elmer’s values and that of World Book Day. It

achieved remarkable success, selling more than 110,000 copies in the World Book Day sales window, being the second best-selling book from this years’ cohort.

This Spring, Elmer’s Big Art Parade Blackpool take-over the streets of the seaside resort in partnership with Wild in Art, with 30 Elmer sculptures designed by world-class artists on display in a free art trail around the town. The sculptures were then auctioned off in June in aid of Brian House Children’s Hospice raising over £143,000 on the night. Since 2019, these initiatives have collectively raised more than £1.5 million for various hospice charities in the UK and internationally.

Throughout the summer, Andersen Press has celebrated with Elmer meet-

Ollie and Gareth Locke promoting Elmer and the Patchwork Story, for World Book Day 2024

and-greets at Gulliver’s Land Theme Park and Resort in Milton Keynes; a major activation with storytimes, character appearances and retail at Gloworm Festival in Nottingham; and the opening of a special play space in The Story Museum’s Small Worlds area for early years children in Oxford.

Additionally, new clothing ranges featuring Elmer have been launched at Jojo Maman Bebe, Matalan and Tu at Sainsbury’s, with more releases to come in 2025 across a range of retailers and supermarkets.

This autumn the celebrations continue with a new Elmer Book and Toy Gift Set available in the UK, a special Elmer Autumn Adventure trail at Chessington World of Adventures, and the premiere of a brand-new stage show, The Elmer Adventure. Produced by Tall Stories (The Gruffalo’s Child, Room on the Broom), this theatrical extravaganza will bring the amazing patchwork elephant to life through songs, storytelling and puppetry. This October the show will head to The Lowry in Salford and to London as part of the Southbank Centre’s London Literature Festival before embarking on a nationwide tour from April to August 2025.

Directed by Tall Stories’ Artistic Director and co-founder Toby Mitchell, The Elmer Adventure follows three adventurers who have loved the story of Elmer since they were childhood friends – and who still celebrate Elmer Day annually. Having heard reports of a real-life patchwork elephant in the jungle, they set off on a quest to find

him… When they encounter the real-life theatre audience, who also seem to be looking for Elmer, one of the adventurers becomes suspicious. But, everyone comes to the conclusion that it’s better to work together whilst telling three Elmer stories around the campfire!

Looking ahead, Andersen Press is already working on 2025 plans: alongside the Tall Stories UK theatre tour they will have be launching new products and activations throughout the year. They will release Elmer and the White Bear, the first of two stories written by David McKee before his death,

based on his sketches and illustrated by Marysia Milewski. The manuscript and early sketches for the book, plus a further title to come in future, were found by his children amongst David’s effects after his death in 2022. David had early discussions on both with his editor at Andersen Press; these notes and manuscript were found alongside rough thumbnail illustrations for the books, but no colour artwork had been started.

To honor David’s legacy, Marysia Milewski, David’s long-term friend and colleague, a fellow artist and gallery owner from Vence in France, has been commissioned to complete the book using David’s original sketches. David’s children provided her with the materials he used to create Elmer, ensuring that the artwork remains true to David’s distinctive style.

Elmer and the White Bear introduces a mysterious white bear who arrives in the jungle, having floated there on a melting iceberg. Elmer and his friend Wilbur devise a plan to help the bear find his way home, raising questions about the environmental challenges that led to his predicament. This gentle narrative aims to introduce young readers to the impact of climate change.

To learn more, contact Paul Black at PBlack@ penguinrandomhouse.co.uk

Elmer Pride T-Shirt from Truffle Shuffle raising money for Just Like Us

The Elmer Adventure from Tall Stories, premiering Autumn 2024

People, Purpose, and Products at Brand Licensing Europe 2024

by Robert Hutchins, POC Editor

Products of Change has once again partnered with Informa Markets to deliver a roster of sustainability education and content to Brand Licensing Europe.

It was the twilight of summer when Brand Licensing Europe lifted the lid on the roster of purpose-led content visitors to the London licensing trade show could expect from this year’s big event, championing once again diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.

Building on its long-standing partnership with Informa Markets (the organisers behind Brand Licensing Europe), Products of Change returns to take the lead on delivering a roster of educational, informative, and inspirational content developed to drive the sustainable transformation of the $340bn global brand and licensing industry.

For the past three years, since the introduction of BLE’s Day of Purpose (a themed day centred on purpose-led

content and educational opportunities, now established as the final day of the three-day show), Products of Change has been a strategic partner of choice for meeting the industry’s strengthening embrace of sustainable development.

This year promises to be no different. Except, it will be. Because just as much as the licensing industry’s creative output evolves with each year that passes, so too does its relationship with sustainability and what it means to be a sustainable brand. Which is why the step change in the curated content delivered by the POC team when London ExCeL’s doors open to BLE 2024 will be all the more noticeable.

A value added, the new partnership with The Light Fund Leading the line-up and a special linkup with The Light Fund – the licensing industry’s charity organisation – turns the Products of Change booth (A265) into BLE’s very own thrift store this September. The team plays host to special ‘resale’ event featuring donated products, samples, and unsold inventory from across the breadth of the industry - all to be sold in a bid to raise money for the Light Fund’s charitable efforts.

Anna Halford, Associate Principal Council, The Walt Disney Company

David Boyne, Managing Director at Bravado

Items are available to purchase from the Products of Change booth throughout the three-day show, not only to contribute to the industry’s fundraising but to showcase the value products and materials retain when kept out of the waste stream and within the value stream.

The Light Fund resale accepts product donations of any description all apart from perishables.

A showcase of innovation

Of course, Products of Change isn’t at BLE simply to play shop keep but once again transforms its booth (A265) into a showcase of some of the boldest and most innovative brands and manufacturing partners from across the business. This year, the Products of Change team makes a showcase out of the Licensing Awards Best Sustainable Product or Initiative category finalists –including Mattel EMEA, Paramount UK,

Aardman, LUSH, Forest Green Rovers, the Natural History Museum, the RSPB, and Fabacus with Nobody’s Child – in demonstration of brand licensing’s ability to remain innovative and creative while being mindful of its environmental impact and placing more sustainable product in the hands of the consumer.

Michelle Papayannakos, Sustainability Director, Paramount

The team is also on hand to talk show visitors through the latest projects being worked on across the Products of Change community, including its ongoing working partnership with Southpole and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol to develop an industry standard framework for measuring, tracking, and reducing scope 3 emissions.

Join the community

To learn more about the work of Products of Change or to join the growing not-for-profit membership community, please visit www.productsofchange.com

The future in focus

Much of this work is also discussed when Products of Change takes to the stage on Wednesday, 25th September to bring the industry together with an exclusive panel session featuring industry stalwarts Jeremy Orriss, director of licensing at Difuzed; David Boyne, managing director at Bravado; and Michelle Papayannakos, head of sustainability at Paramount UK as each shares the strides they have been taking to map a sustainable pathway to emissions reduction and sustainable development, both across their product output and within their operational activities.

Informative and inspirational, the panel session (held on the main stage at 16.00 until 16.45) offers a taster of what the industry can expect from this year’s Products of Change Conference – Sustainability in Brands, Licensing, Products, and Retail when the event returns to the Royal Geographical Society in London for the third year running this November 6th

To book your tickets to the Products of Change Conference and to be a part of the future of the brand and licensing industry, simply head to www.productsofchange.com/poc-sustainability-conference

Jakob Max Hamann, Senior Manager of Business Development and Sustainability Governance, The LEGO Group

Jeremy Orriss, Director of Licensing, Difuzed

UK

NextGen Insights, the newest member of The Insights Family

Nick Richardson, the founder of The Insights Family, a global leader in kids, parents and family market intelligence, announced the launch of NextGen Insights.

You are about to unveil an important innovation on the occasion of your participation in the BLE… We launched Kids Insights in the UK in 2017 and now operate in 22 countries, focusing on trends relating to children aged 3-18 and parents of children 1-16. Over this period, we’ve noticed significant generational shifts and big growth in the kidult market; furthermore, changing legislation is impacting clients’ ability to understand older demographics. To address this, we are introducing NextGen Insights, covering individuals aged 19-30

At Brand Licensing Europe we release a free report, which focuses on fandom,

across the lives of 3 to 30 year olds. The report explores the cross-generational appeal of characters, the potential for adult fandom, shifts in viewing habits across seven age groups and two generations, and gaming interests among adults.

What fields do you consider to explore?

The methodology will be very similar to Kids Insights, ensuring a comprehensive look at various aspects of young adults’ lives. The survey will cover Gaming, Hobbies, Music, Sports, TV, Film… Additionally, new categories will be introduced to expand the scope of the research.

Approximately 70% of the categories will be consistent with the Kids Insights survey, allowing clients to track data continuity into this new age group.

What world regions are you planning to cover first?

We began data collection in February in

the US and UK. Following a successful two-month trial, we expanded into France, Germany, Italy and Spain in April.

These markets were chosen due to high subscription rates and client interest. We plan to extend our reach to additional countries, aiming to introduce our NextGen product across all 22 countries we operate in, based on client and market demand in the near future.

Why licensing professionals should choose this new service?

Over the past seven years, we’ve gathered valuable feedback from clients and partners about the return on investment we’ve facilitated. Our service enables licensors to gain insights into property performance, identify opportunities, benchmark against competitors, and build strong commercial cases for partners. Licensees use our service to select properties, inform product development, and secure retail shelf space, while retailers leverage our insights for effective range planning and product shortlisting.

Finally, the licensing market is particularly robust among the 19 to 30 age group, who typically have high disposable incomes before major life changes like marriage and parenthood.

To learn more about NextGen Insights, download the latest report or book a meeting with The Insights Family at BLE (Stand D218) by visiting go.theinsightsfamily.com/ ble2024.

China Licensing Expo 2024: Unlocking the future of brand partnerships

by Rossella Arena

The next edition of China Licensing Expo (CLE), Asia’s largest licensing trade show, will take place in Shanghai from 16-18 October 2024. This highly anticipated event promises to showcase the most innovative and exciting developments in the world of brand licensing. Let’s explore some of the key exhibitors and their groundbreaking contributions.

Medialink Group Limited, a leading IP management company in media content distribution and brand licensing, recently celebrated its 30th anniversary with events in Hong Kong and Japan. Founded by Ms. Lovinia Chiu in 1994, Medialink initially focused on program distribution and evolved into brand licensing across Asia. The Group was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in May 2019 and

announced a five-year development plan with seven key strategies, achieving significant goals in content distribution and brand licensing. Looking ahead, Medialink aims to enhance its content resources, expanding the Ani-One®︎ animation channel and launching YouTube channels in new regions such as Indonesia and India. The Group will increase the availability of Chinese animation content and pursue global

The Pinkfong Company’s first flagship store in Hong Kong

China Licensing Expo’s highlights

China Licensing Expo (CLE), organized by the China Toy & Juvenile Products Association (CTJPA), is Asia’s largest licensing trade show, featuring over 2,500 properties from around the world and more than 420 exhibitors from 20 key licensing industries, across 50,000 sqm of exhibition space.

The event gathers leading licensors and licensing agents, including major companies and brands like Disney, Universal, Hasbro, Mattel, BANDAI, Pokémon, One Piece, Hello Kitty, Ubisoft, The Palace Museum, National Museum of China, Ultraman, and much more, as well as international pavilions from Europe, Korea, Japan and Chinese Taipei. IP categories cover a wide range from cartoons and movies, to videogames and art.

CLE hosts several themed exhibition zones such as the Art and Museum Zone and the Game and Sports Zone. It attracts around 85,000 visitors from various sectors, as diverse as toys, apparel, publishing and consumer electronics, and provides a platform for networking and business partnerships through seminars and workshops, such as the 18th China Licensing Summit and the CLE Cultural and Creative Cooperation Forum.

consumers are emphasizing sustainable development and emotional value. The company is expanding its museum licensing efforts and beyond, aligning with societal trends. In May 2024, Alfilo’s Realm of Extremes collaboration with Narwhal Ocean Research Center and Erdos 1980 won Best Sustainability Initiative at the Licensing International Excellence Awards, the first Chinese local IP to do so. Alfilo partnered with Duoyunxuan for the East Meets West project, the fifth local cultural IP signed since 2023, aiming to create a national trend IP with elevated aesthetic and

licensing opportunities in gaming. By leveraging existing strengths and exploring new ventures, Medialink seeks to deliver substantial returns to shareholders and investors.

The Pinkfong Company, known for the Baby Shark phenomenon, opens its first flagship store in Hong Kong on September 14, 2024. Located on the 8th floor of Times Square in Causeway Bay, the store spans over 1,300 square feet and features more than 600 Pinkfong and Baby Shark-branded products, including toys, apparel, and books. The store also offers a 300 sq ft “Baby Shark Playzone” for children aged 1-6, offering activities like painting and music play. Visitors can enjoy selfie zones with Baby Shark figures and seasonal decorations, along with limited edition merchandise that will rotate seasonally. Gemma Joo, Chief Business Officer, expressed excitement about creating an engaging environment for fans.

According to master licensee Alfilo, in the post-pandemic era, brands and

cultural significance. Alfilo is leading the creation of a digital, cultural, and artistic composite space, with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’s first immersive exhibition in China inaugurated at MU Art Space in Shanghai, featuring a café and retail store to establish emotional connections with brands and consumers.

LEVVV is a platform that merges retail, licensing, and art, operating under China’s Frontier International Holding Limited. With over 10 years in the retail industry, its headquarters in Guangzhou oversees multiple stores across Mainland China. LEVVV features a diverse array of artists and designers, boasting over 100,000 loyal fans and a dedicated IP design team. Most of its intellectual properties is developed in-house, emphasizing uniqueness and storytelling, with V-Joy being a standout character known for its distinctive design. In collaboration with the hotel Hyatt Regency Guangzhou Zengcheng, LEVVV has created three themed guest rooms and suites, that blend trendy art

LEVVV art installation

First immersive exhibition in China inaugurated at MU Art Space by Alfilo brands

with modern hospitality, enhancing the guest experience. The hotel reflects Lingnan’s cultural heritage while offering a stylish space for dining and leisure. Additionally, LEVVV hosts eco-friendly workshops, including a DIY soap-making class using repurposed coffee grounds, promoting creativity and sustainability in a fun, engaging environment.

Hwa Hwa Studio’s The Legends of MeoShín’Ké is a treasure trove of untouched stories from ancient Asian mythology, featuring ghosts, monsters, and bizarre creatures. Its unique approach brings their lives, backgrounds, powers, weapons, and relationships to a young audience, allowing them to discover profound new characters and stories they can call their own. Following a publishing deal with Andrews McMeel Publishing in the US, Hwa Hwa of Busan Korea and Canada’s Run with us productions are set to launch an exciting new The Legends of MeoShín’Ké YouTube Channel in English and Korean. Based on Lima Kim’s bestselling books on Asian mythology, The Legends of MeoShín’Ké is a 360-degree IP with a cross-platform mixture of animated mini-episodes, encyclopedic books, consumer collectibles, games, graphic novels, and comics designed to bring these mythological characters and stories to a worldwide audience across multiple genres.The series features a young girl, Jimin, who moves to Korea from the West with her Korean mom after her grandmother’s death. Jimin discovers she has been chosen to

Visit Licensing Magazine’s booth at CLE 2024

China is increasingly becoming a key market, and Licensing Magazine is focusing special attention on this region. The magazine has established a special partnership with the China Licensing Expo (CLE). For the first time Licensing Magazine will have a stand (E1H01)at the event, and will launch its first Chinese edition.

keep the human world and the world of monsters and ghosts safe and in natural balance, following in her grandmother’s footsteps.The MeoShín’Ké team has also been signed by JTMG Licensing in the US for consumer product representation and has fielded interest in their best-selling graphic novels published by Mirae-N in Seoul, Korea.

Bigglz revolutionises fan engagement with AI-powered virtual pets

The Korean company Bigglz has adopted an innovative strategy to engage fans through its app services, often dubbed the “Tamagotchi of the Chat GPT era”. Bigglz’s app has more than 100,000 monthly users and allows fans to care for virtual pets, having received $1.26 million in funding from Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

In April, Bigglz launched the Hiing app, which provides mental health care through character conversations, recording over 2.3 million interactions. The company has developed Vector DB and proprietary RAG technologies, planning to release them as enterprise solutions. Currently, Bigglz is negotiating with over ten domestic and international companies and aims to launch its Total AX solution by the end of 2024, automating global fan interactions.

In November 2024, Bigglz plans to introduce interactive dolls based on its IPs, Petpal Five and Pogny, having signed a licensing agreement with Third Round and entering the sample production phase.

Hiing app by Bigglz

The Legends of MeoShín’Ké

TENCENT VIDEO

From China to the world: Tencent Video’s animation expansion

Leading Chinese online video streaming platform Tencent Video has built up a strong slate of teen and YA animation productions, and is now seeking global partners.

Tencent Video is the leading online video streaming platform in China. With an extensive content library of drama series, films, variety, shows, animation, sports, documentaries, news and many

and successful web novels and video games. Stand-out titles currently in production include: Honor of Kings (13x20’), a 3D adventure/fantasy series based on the world’s most played MOBA game; Lord of Mysteries: The Clown (13x35’), a 2D adventure/fantasy series adapted from the hugely-popular webnovel series set in Victorian London; Ling Long Mountain (12x15’), a 2D adventure/fantasy series; Apocalypse of all Races (26x15’), a science fiction series adapted from the urban webnovel; The Loud Inn (16x5’) a stop motion comedy series about two sisters

more, Tencent Video provides the best entertainment experience to audiences across different platforms and devices. Tencent Video produces high-quality animation originals with enduring and engaging appeal: it partners with leading studios in China and has recently expanded its global presence by signing a number of high-profile co-production deals with prominent animation studios around the world to create extraordinary shows with universal appeal.

The significant portfolio includes both original titles and properties which have been developed from well-known

who take over a mysterious inn; and Taisu Project (4x20’), a 2D animated anthology film series featuring four interlinked science-fiction stories about war and life by acclaimed directors Shinichiro Watanabe, Shuuhei Morita, Li Wei and Weng Ming.

Tencent Video is making a longterm commitment to animation, which it sees as a genre with huge opportunity for potential and growth. The content is currently available on Tencent’s Cartoon Channel, which has made Tencent Video the number one platform for teen and YA animation in China with 200m+ viewers.

Qing Fan, Producer and Content

Partnerships of Animation at Tencent Video says: “Our existing content has resonated strongly with the Chinese audience and we feel the time is right to introduce them to international audience. The animation industry, both in China and internationally, offers a wealth of talent and creative potential. We’re excited to bring captivating stories with breathtaking visuals that will captivate audiences at home and abroad.”

TENCENT GAMES

Tencent Games, a global leader in game development and sustainable practices

By Rossella Arena

Tencent Games has become a leading global platform for game development and publishing, with over 170 games available worldwide and a strong commitment to sustainability.

Tencent Games, launched in 2003, has evolved into a leading global platform for game development, publishing and operation, and is recognized as the operator of the largest online game community in China. Currently, Tencent Games offers more than 170 in-house developed and licensed games across 200 countries and regions. The company actively collaborates with

international game publishers, such as SEA and Netmarble.

At Gamescom 2024, Tencent Games received the prestigious Sustainability Award. Indeed, Tencent’s global philosophy of “Tech for Good” compels all Tencent business units to address environmental and social challenges, aligning with the UN’s 17 sustainable

development goals.

Brent Irvin, Corporate Vice President of Tencent shared at the stage, “Tencent Games encompasses many aspects — from our in-house and global studios to our global publishing arm — but one common thread is our commitment to sustainable operations. We extend our gratitude to our studios, partners, and the gaming community, whose support drives positive change in our video game business.”

Meanwhile, Tencent Games and its online gaming solution teams also showcased industry-leading anticheating solutions, including Anti-Cheat Expert (ACE), WeTest and Cloud-enabled Platform. These technologies empower R&D and game developers to build next-generation gaming products with enhanced efficiency, affordability, and innovation.

Among other news, Arena Breakout: Infinite by Morefun Studios is set to fully release by the end of 2024, featuring new functionalities, starting with the first-ever FPS AI companion capable of understanding and executing players’ vocal commands – F.A.C.U.L AI. This innovation aims to enhance combat experiences and facilitate diverse team combat strategies.

Additionally, Level Infinite - the international game publishing brand launched by Tencent Games made significant game announcements. Age of Empires Mobile features largescale siege battles with hundreds of players and single-player adventures. Co-developed by TiMi Studio Group and World’s Edge, it launches on October 17 for iOS and Android. Dune: Awakening, an open-world survival MMO, is scheduled for release in early 2025, with a console version to follow at a later date.

TRENDS

APAC’s kids Licensing Explosion Spanning Toys, Food, and Western IPs

By The Insights Family Team

Over the past 12 months, the APAC region has witnessed a surge in exciting licensing partnerships as popular Western characters expand their reach.

Notable developments include BBC Studios Asia’s new licensing deal with Medialink Animation International, which will expand Bluey merchandise across Southeast Asia, entering the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia for the first time. Another relevant example is Banijay Kids & Family, the creators behind Mr Bean, appointing IMG as the licensing agent for Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia in early August 2024.

Appetite for licensed products among kids aged 6-12 has been on an uptrend throughout the region, with toys

leading the charge. Toys related to kids’ favourite video games have seen the highest yearly growth (+12%, now 34%), followed by those linked to their favourite films (+7%, now 36%) and TV shows (+5%, now 40%).

China has been the driving force behind much of this growth, with an astonishing +42% increase in demand for toys related to BiliBili platform (now 41%). Following closely are video game-related toys, with a +36% increase (now 46%), and film-related toys at +33% (now 51%). The hunger for licensed products

in the APAC region extends beyond traditional categories such as toys and merchandise to include more niche items, such as food. Video gamerelated foods have seen a +16% surge in demand (now 14%), followed by TV show-related food at +13% (now 19%) and YouTuber-related food at +11% (now 12%), with Australia and China leading this growth.

Food producers like Kraft Heinz recognise the potential to boost sales by licensing popular brands, IPs, or franchises to connect with their fan base. This strategy has been effectively demonstrated through partnerships such as SpongeBob SquarePants with Kraft Mac & Cheese and Thomas the Tank Engine with Heinz Beans The trend highlighted above extends to other age groups across APAC. Video game-related food has seen a +15% increase in demand among younger kids (ages 3-5) (now at 14%), and a +12% increase among teenagers (now at 14%).

With these trends in mind, it’s crucial to focus on the fastest-growing IPs to craft effective licensing strategies. A plethora of Western characters have grown in popularity across the APAC region among 6-to-12-year-olds, such as Mickey Mouse (+15%, now 9.7%), Barbie (+12%, now 9.6%), and Minions (+13%, now 8.6%). However, local favourites still hold strong in certain markets –particularly Chhota Bheem in India (57%) and Doraemon in Japan (26%).

Date range: 01/05/2023 - 31/07/2023 vs 01/05/2024 - 31/07/2024.

Sample size: 7,273 kids aged 3-5, 16,875 aged 6-12, and 14,526 aged 13-18 (total: 38,674 across the APAC region: Australia, China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan and the Philippines).

PUBLISHING

Children’s publishing trends in Asia

LM had a talk with Sara Wang, Founder and CEO of Sidee Cultural Communication, based in China.

Which are the main children’s publishing trends in China?

From a macro perspective, in a fiercely competitive market environment, brands have become one of the important factors for consumers when choosing children’s books. Publishing institutions, writers, and book series with good reputations and brand influence are more likely to gain consumers’ trust and recognition.

Exploring potential original IPs and promoting them through various media forms, such as adapting them into animations, movies, and games, can enhance brand influence and the added value of books.

From a micro perspective, the prevalence of live streaming sales has significantly impacted the industry’s development at the current stage. In terms of content, interdisciplinary children’s books are receiving attention. For example, children’s books that combine popular science knowledge with subject learning can meet parents’ needs for comprehensive knowledge

learning for their children.

Additionally, the demand for mental health and growth resources is increasing. Nowadays, parents are paying more attention to their children’s

mental health. Children’s books on related topics have great market potential, such as books that help children cope with stress, cultivate good personality traits, and develop emotional management abilities.

In this page: some images about the magic of CCBF

Furthermore, the popularity of traditional cultural themes continues. Children’s books featuring mythological legends, historical stories, traditional skills, and other related themes will continue to receive attention and will constantly innovate in content expression and presentation forms.

Reading activities and offline experiential marketing are popular. Publishing institutions and bookstores will hold more reading promotion events, writer meetings, and parentchild reading activities to provide children with rich reading experiences and enhance their interest and participation in reading. Meanwhile, through experiential marketing, parents and children can better understand the content and value of books, promoting book sales.

Which is the evolution of the publishing industry in China?

Firstly, the market size and pattern have entered a period of adjustment following rapid growth. Our rapid growth period began around 2007, with the children’s book market continuing to grow at an average annual rate of over 10% for more than a decade, becoming the largest subcategory of China’s retail book market. This is mainly due to the country’s measures to promote nationwide reading and build a bookloving society, as well as the stimulation of the demographic dividend after the relaxation of the two-child policy, and the increasing importance placed on children’s reading by society, schools, and families. Many children’s book

publishing houses’ businesses have been constantly expanding, and the variety of children’s books on the market has become increasingly diverse.

Original books have seen significant development. In the past, imported children’s books accounted for a large share in the Chinese children’s publishing market, but in recent years, original children’s books have developed rapidly. More and more domestic children’s writers, illustrators, and reading promoters are receiving attention, and high-quality original books are constantly emerging. They are not only recognized in the domestic market but are also beginning to enter the international market. Original children’s books have greatly improved in terms of content quality and presentation format,

About Sara Wang

Sara is the Founder and CEO of Sidee Cultural Communication in China. She has been committed to copyright trade and publishing cultural exchanges between Greater China and Italy, and vice versa. Additionally, she has served as a juror for events such as the Chen Bochui Children’s Literature Creation Competition and the China Original Power Animation Competition.

To contact Sara, write to nnculture@qq.com

gradually forming a children’s publishing style with Chinese characteristics.

Currently, online channels dominate. The popularity of the Internet has made online sales channels the main avenue for children’s book sales. E-commerce platforms, official publishing websites, and online reading platforms provide consumers with convenient ways to purchase books. Online channels have the advantages of rich variety, transparent prices, and convenient purchasing, which can meet the diverse needs of consumers. According to statistics, the proportion of online retail sales in the children’s book market generally exceeds 80%.

Additionally, new channels are emerging. In addition to the traditional online and offline ones, emerging tools such as short video e-commerce and live streaming e-commerce are also gradually gaining traction. Publishing institutions and bookstores promote and sell books through short video platforms and live streaming platforms, utilizing

the influence and interactivity of hosts to attract more readers’ attention and purchases. These emerging channels have, to some extent, changed the traditional book sales model, bringing new opportunities and challenges to the children’s publishing market.

Which is the balance between local and international titles in the Chinese children’s book industry?

Writers and illustrators hail from various countries, but exceptional works transcend borders. Both Chinese children’s book professionals and

About China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF)

China is a major publisher of children’s books, maintaining friendly publishing relationships with over 100 countries worldwide and making significant progress towards becoming a leading force in children’s book publishing. This prominence is reflected in the China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF), the premier trade fair dedicated to children’s books and content in the Asia Pacific region.

The 11th edition of CCBF will take place from November 1517, 2024, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre (SWEECC). The event is approved by the Shanghai Press & Publication Administration and organized by Shanghai Xinhua Distribution Group Co., Ltd., China Education Publishing & Media Group Ltd., and China Universal Press & Publication Co., Ltd. It is co-organized by Ronbo BolognaFiere Shanghai Ltd. and powered by BolognaFiere S.p.A.

Event History and Significance

Launched in 2013, CCBF has rapidly become a crucial event in the

global publishing industry. Over its decade-long development, the fair has lived up to its motto, “Embracing the Future,” by serving as both a leading copyright hub for children’s books and a premium platform offering marketing solutions and crossover opportunities for various industries. Since 2018, CCBF has fostered close cooperation with the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF), organized by BolognaFiere.

Key Statistics

The 2023 edition of CCBF boasted impressive figures:

- 25,000 sqm exhibition area

- Over 45,000 visitors

- More than 480 exhibitors

- Over 200 events

Benefits of Attending

Attending CCBF offers numerous advantages for children’s publishing and content professionals:

- Access to one of the world’s most dynamic book markets

- Discovery of new talents in China and the Asia Pacific region

- Insights into the latest industry trends and hotspots

- Expansion of business horizons for children’s content

overseas creators strive to provide the finest content for young readers, nurturing the growth of children from diverse cultural backgrounds worldwide. The exchange and dialogue between children’s book authors and illustrators from different nations have been

- Empowerment of the children’s book publishing industry

For more information about this essential event for children’s content and publishing professionals, we invite you to visit www.ccbookfair.com. Companies and professionals outside China can contact ccbf@bolognafiere.it for inquiries.

ongoing. Exhibition platforms like the Bologna Children’s Book Fair deserve special recognition for facilitating these interactions, offering more opportunities for industry professionals to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Which is the focus of your agency?

We are a cultural exchange and communication company based in Beijing, dedicated to publishing, copyright trade, and editorial cultural exchange between Greater China and Italy.

Every year, we bring many excellent Italian books, illustrations, exhibitions, and other publishing-related copyright resources to China, giving Chinese readers more opportunities to experience outstanding Italian books and creativity. We also continuously promote the dissemination of Chinese original published content to Italy and other overseas markets.

Since 2015, we have collaborated with the Bologna Children’s Book Fair to bring the Bologna Illustration Exhibition to China, resulting in more Chinese illustrators joining the selection process for the prestigious Bologna Illustration Exhibition.

Always linked to BCBF, we creatively launched a new project titled Chinese Excellence in 2023. It is jointly organized by the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, China South Publishing and Media Group, and Sidee Cultural Communication. At BCBF 2024, we had a very successful exhibition featuring the works of 3 award-winning masters and 12 shortlisted artists. This marked

a wonderful debut for the Chinese illustrator community at the Children’s Book Fair and in the international market.

Finally, to enhance communication and cooperation between the publishing industries of China and Italy, Pierdomenico Baccalario, Lorenzo

Rulfo, Davide Morosinotto, and I jointly founded the Chinese Italian Editorial and Cultural Association to promote indepth cooperation and exchanges in the publishing field between China and Italy.

Licensing Magazine and its team will attend CCBF, hosting panels and events to support and provide training on the development of ancillary rights beyond books. Additionally, CCBF will be the second event where LM will distribute the Chinese version of its publication. Stay tuned!

MIPJUNIOR

Explore new kids series premiering at MipJunior 2024

by Rossella Arena

MipJunior, the premier market for children’s content, takes place from 18-20 October 2024, at the JW Marriott in Cannes, with participation from about 400 companies. This event brings together influential buyers, producers and distributors for two days of networking, pitching and showcasing new TV series.

Mediawan presents the world premiere of The 3 Musketeers (52x11’, CGI) at the Grand Theatre of the JW Mariott in Cannes, during MipJunior. Aimed at children aged 6 to 10, the series is produced by Mediawan’s corporate group companies Method Animation and Palomar Animation, collaborating with France Télévisions, ZDF, ZDF Studios, and Rai Ragazzi

D’Artagnan, Athos, Porthos and Aramis are four young, free, exuberant, courageous and loyal girls who stand up to anyone who dares to defy the young King Louis XIII or endanger the Kingdom of France. Bound by eternal friendship, these intrepid Musketeers triumph over their most treacherous adversaries as they intone their motto, One for all, and all for one! The series is adapted from Alexandre Dumas’ masterpiece, with has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been translated in more than 50 languages.

Piggy Builders (52x11’, CG animation), a preschool series by Xilam Animation, follows Cornelia, Cesar and Charlie, a trio of charismatic and curly-tailed piggy siblings who live in Fine Forest. When

these little piggies don’t function as a team, their projects often go hilariously awry. However, when they collaborate, they discover that the impossible becomes possible! Piggy Builders is an invitation to think creatively. Thanks to their overflowing imaginations and strong personalities, the three heroes are complementary; they will solve all the problems of their friends and forest dwellers. The series also emphasizes team spirit, kindness, and respect for the others.

“I believe this is going to be the funniest TV series ever, thanks to our talented team’s creativity and skill.”

- Marta Alonso, Executive Producer, Teidees -

Marc du Pontavice, Founder and CEO at Xilam Animation, stated: “As we continue expanding our offering of CG content, Piggy Builders makes the perfect addition to our slate of proprietary content as it brings so many endearing characters and humorous stories of teamwork, while also highlighting the importance of family. Piggy Builders received a fantastic response at Cartoon Forum, and we’re honoured to have such strong national broadcast partners in France Télévisions, BBC and ZDF on board for this adventure, which is testament to the series universal appeal.” The delivery date of the series is set for the Q3 of 2025.

Emmy Award-winning French animation company Dandelooo has partnered with

Piggy Builders

Top Image: The Three Musketeers

Barcelona-based Teidees for the sitcom

Under The Sofa (52 x 7’). This deal grants Dandelooo exclusive worldwide distribution rights to the 2D animated series aimed at both kids and family. Currently in production, the first two episodes will be ready for this year’s MipJunior, with the full series available by May 2025.

Under The Sofa follows a group of lost

objects, such as Diver, a scuba  diver figure; Dusty the fluffball; Selfie, a polaroid photo; Chip, a cookie with a bit missing; Top, a cotton bud; Queen Penny; and Beaver, get a second chance as they live in hiding under a sofa. This unique blend of sitcom and adventure showcases imperfect characters striving for harmony, in a family’s quest for perfection.

DoReMi Dalimi, a heartwarming musical series for preschoolers

Award winning kids and family distributor GoldBee introduces at MipJunior 2024 Sunwoo & Company’s heartwarming musical series DoReMi Dalimi, that follows the bright everyday adventures

of 5-year-old girl. With 79 original songs getting kids moving, and a new season underway, the successful upper-preschool IP began airing across Asia with amazing audience results. The number of views recently exploded on its YouTube channel, growing from 100M to a whopping 300M views in less than 9 months. Produced by Seoul-based Sunwoo & Company in collaboration with KBS and Tooniverse, the series is directed by BJ Lee, showrunner of the Netflix Original series Treehouse Detectives, and produced by Steve Cho, International Emmy Award nominee for his work on Cloud Bread

Two seasons are already available with a total of 39x11’ episodes, and a third season comprised of an additional 13x11’ is in production, delivering Q1 2025. DoReMi Dalimi successfully launched on platforms including Netflix, JTBC, JeiTV, Anione,

Emmanuèle Pétry, Producer & Head of International at Dandelooo, expressed excitement about the project, stating “Under the Sofa is fantastically strong and incredibly funny and viewers are going to love it!”

Marta Alonso, Executive Producer, Teidees added, “I believe this is going to be the funniest TV series ever, thanks to our talented team’s creativity and skill.”

Bravo Kids, Animax and Champ in Korea, YoYo TV in Taiwan, KION in Russia, RTV in Indonesia, iQiyi and Tencent in China. A vast licensing program was rolled out in Asia, along with a strong online presence via social media, dedicated websites, online malls, games and magazines.

Christophe Goldberger, Managing Director, GoldBee: “We are delighted to bring Dalimi to new audiences. Music is a powerful way of engaging kids. The catchy songs have universal appeal, enhancing the authentic storytelling. Sunwoo & Company is known for its outstanding productions, and this is certainly no exception.”

GoldBee holds exclusive distribution rights for North America and Europe.

Under The Sofa

Engaging wide audiences with compelling animated stories

by Rossella Arena

Cartoon Forum 2024 takes place from September 16 to 19 in Toulouse, France, showcasing an impressive lineup of 75 animated TV series and specials. This year’s selection highlights a diverse range of projects, reflecting the creativity and innovation within the European animation industry. Here are some projects that show great potential to engage a wide audience.

Taitikis – Guardians of the Oceans (4-8, 3D, 52x11’), produced by Method Animation and created by Romuald (PJ Masks), is set on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Four surfer kids dive into their slightly futuristic Polynesian world, motivated by their passion for the ocean to rescue and help distressed and endangered sea creatures. The Grand Tiki, King of the Oceans, awakens from his 1000-year slumber and grants the children aquatic powers, transforming them into the Taïtikis, protectors of the oceans, capable of breathing under water and swimming like fish. This series aims to immerse children aged four to eight in adventures that combine marine ecology with playful fantasy.

Andarta Pictures announces its new animated series, an adaptation of the literary project 5 Worlds (2D, 8x26’), for which it has acquired the rights. This science fiction saga for kids and tweens is based on five graphic novels written by Mark and Alexis Siegel and illustrated by Boya Sun, Xanthe Bouma and Matt Rockefeller. 5 Worlds is a best-selling series, with over 500,000 copies sold

and translations into seven languages (English, French, Thai, Spanish, Italian, Romanian, Hebrew and Russian).

Published by Gallimard in France and Penguin Random House in the United States, the adaption of this FrancoAmerican IP aims to foster international collaboration and will actively involve the fan community from the earliest stages of development. Andarta Pictures is also partnering closely with the saga’s creators, Mark Siegel and Alexis Siegel

A Lamb’s Stew is a 30-minute modern tale for a family audience, and the first original Special developed by La Cabane and Thuristar. Directed, art-directed, and scripted by Joeri Christiaen, who collaborated with Claire Paoletti (cowriter of Shoom’s Odyssey, Annecy Cristal in 2020 and Annie Award winner in 2021) as writing consultant during its initial development phase, the special received support from the MEDIA Creative Europe Programme in 2024. The film follows Billie, a young lamb determined to prove that sheep can be just as brave as other animals. She sets out to lure a wolf into a trap, only to discover that he isn’t the monster she

imagined. Through the heroine’s journey, the film questions how preconceived ideas shape our worldviews, inviting audiences to embrace individuality, and to not judge a sheep by its wool, or a wolf by its fur.

The Broos (Les Groos, 15-30, 2D, 12 x 4’ + 12 x 1,30’), produced by Bobby Prod, presents small slices of ordinary life, showcasing the evolving friendship between two young guys in the intimacy of everyday moments, whether on their couch, in the metro, in the car, or at a

CARTOON FORUM

A Lamb’s Stew

party. Initially a comic strip in 2017, it turned into a mini-animated series on social media, with adventures extending across platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Director David Mirailles stated: «With the

support of Bobby Prod, I plan to expand the distribution of these short videos on ARTE platforms - our partner - with 12 one-minute animations for its social media and 12 four-minute episodes for webcast. The latter will allow a deeper

This year Cartoon Forum hosts a Spotlight on Italy, to foster networking opportunities with this vibrant country. Italy currently boasts more than 80 animation companies, with the public broadcaster RAI as the main source of funding for Italian producers. There are 5 Italian projects in the official Cartoon Forum selection. Guglielmo the Inventor (2D, 26x13’, Children 6-9) by POPcult, and co-produced by Animalps Productions (France) & Krutart (Czech Republic), is based on the true story of Guglielmo Marconi; Matita HB (2D, 26x11’, Family), by IBRIDO Studio, in which a 10-yearold girl rewrites in her diary; MindTOONness (2D, 10x25’, Children 5-7) by Vismanimation, a series of TV specials designed to ignite kids’ imagination and promote healthy development.; Mission:Delta (2D, 26x10’, Children 6-9), about a group of young astronauts from the prestigious WASA Space Academy who embark on a challenging mission, from Eagle Original Content, co-produced by MAD Entertainment (Italy); NO PETS! (2D, 26x11’, Children 5-7), by Nuvole e Strisce, which aims to offer the young public an unusual view on small fauna.

exploration of the friendship between Seb and Adam through a serial format.» Les Groos, with a lot of light-hearted humour, talks about how change, growth, and self-discovery happen through this friendship with each other.

Spotlight on Italy

BCBF DELEGATION

Cartoon Forum 2024, the partnership with the Bologna Children’s Book Fair

For the first time, Cartoon Forum offers a networking afternoon after the pitching sessions. Thanks to a partnership with the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, this is a great occasion to engage not only with animation professionals, new buyers, and financial partners, but also with an Italian publishing delegation.

For the first time, Cartoon Forum offers a networking afternoon following the pitching sessions, with one-to-one meetings scheduled for Thursday, September 19, from 3:40 PM to 5:40 PM. This is a fantastic occasion to meet animation professionals, new buyers, and financial partners.

Thanks to a partnership with the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, which features over 1,500 exhibitors from around 100 countries. animation producers can explore business opportunities by meeting both Italian and international publishers. Also, the publishing industry has a significant opportunity to network with the animation world. This initiative aims to highlight the importance of books and animation in creating content for

children, teens, and young adults. Each meeting will last up to 20 minutes, providing a focused environment for discussions.

The Italian delegation at Cartoon Forum includes Elena Pasoli, director of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, along with notable representatives such as Michela Bennici, Foreign Rights Manager, Just Right Agency; Paola Corsini, Dramatic Rights Specialist, Editrice Il Castoro; Emanuele di Giorgi, Managing Director, Tunué; Enrico Racca, Editorial Director, Mondadori Libri Ragazzi; Federico Riboldazzi, CEO/ Co-Founder, Minibombo; Gaia Stock, Editorial Director, Edizioni EL; Francesco Zamboni, Foreign Rights Editor, Carthusia Edizioni.

«Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF), together with Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids, has always welcomed producers and professionals from the audiovisual industry looking for innovative stories and characters. To give this business sector even more prominence, since the last edition we have introduced the TV/Film Rights Centre, a dedicated space that has already facilitated over 350 business meetings in its first edition. It was therefore natural to decide to collaborate with the Cartoon Forum for the 2024 edition of our Grand Tour, which takes us around the world every year to support and enrich our international network. Thanks to the support of the ITA Agency and MAECI, we will be in Toulouse with a delegation of Italian publishers: the Cartoon Forum is an ideal partner to continue to encourage the meeting between the publishing and audiovisual worlds, opening new creative and commercial perspectives.»

Elena Pasoli, BCBF Director

Elena Pasoli

AI, Animation and Global Collaboration in Children’s Media

by Rossella Arena

The Children’s Media Conference (CMC) 2024 featured engaging sessions covering the latest trends in kids’ media. Panels explored children’s interactions with AI, the art of creating standout animated projects, and strategies for international content collaboration.

At the last Children’s Media Conference (CMC), held in July 2024 in Sheffield, UK, experts shared insights on balancing local and global appeal while prioritizing children’s well-being in the digital age.

In the panel AI and Kids: Talk to the Bot, Dr. Mhairi Aitken from the Alan Turing Institute highlighted how preschoolers utilize smart toys and older children interact with generative AI on platforms

Panelists from the “AI and Kids: Talk to the Bot” conference Top image: “Animation Assemble” session

like Snapchat and TikTok. In the UK, 59% of 7-17 year-olds have used generative AI recently, indicating its role in shaping friendships. She noted that children are often excluded from AI development, which typically reflects adult perspectives. To counter this, the Scottish AI Alliance and the Children’s Parliament have involved children aged 7-11 in discussions about AI, aiming to empower them in shaping related policies.

Caroline Allams, Co-founder of Natterhub, expressed concerns about chatbots mimicking human empathy, which could confuse young users about reality, and emphasized the need for parental guidance and updated educational resources to help children navigate technology safely.

Claire Hoang from ITV Studios differentiated between generative and traditional AI, introducing the concept

of ‘provenance’—essential for ensuring authenticity in AI-generated content. She mentioned that major camera and editing tools will soon include provenance labels.

Japhet Asher of Polarity Reversal discussed the challenge of balancing the allure of AI with the need for transparency, cautioning against the loneliness that increased AI use may foster in children. He acknowledged both the benefits and risks of AI, such as misinformation and intellectual property concerns. Lastly, Adam Ingle from LEGO introduced the RITEC initiative, cofounded with Unicef, aimed at ensuring children’s well-being in digital design. The research indicates that digital games can positively impact children’s development, but he warned of the potential risks associated with AI, urging immediate action to prioritize children’s safety.

Tim Searle led this year’s Animation Assemble, with the goal of identifying standout projects. Julian Bashford from Visionality Media shared insights on his creation, BooSnoo!, featuring a little red ball. Inspired by his experiences raising autistic children, he aimed to provide calming entertainment, with a sound design particularly mesmerizing. Emma Kennedy from Aardman Animation described her studio as sizable yet selective in projects, likening ideas to icebergs—visible concepts with deeper layers beneath. Author Laura Henry-Allain recounted the journey of creating JoJo and Gran Gran, inspired by her childhood with her grandmother. She initially self-published the book before pitching it to CBeebies. Despite an initial rejection, it was later commissioned, resonating with Black and Brown families who appreciated its representation. Adam Shaw of

Blue Zoo underlined the importance of timing and partnerships in project success. He reminisced about a piratethemed project for Nickelodeon that helped them progress in the industry. Ian France from Sky Kids seeks distinctive animation, showcasing works on platforms like iPlayer and Nickelodeon. He praised shows like Ready Eddie Go! and BooSnoo! for their unique appeal. Laura highlighted the educational aspect of children’s programming, noting humor’s role in engagement. Adam agreed, citing their successful Blocks brand, where humor is integral. Laura’s upcoming project features a positive Black father figure, while Adam is developing a new version of Paddington. Ian mentioned Sky’s adaptation of The Brilliant World of Tom Gates, transforming the original black-and-white illustrations into a vibrant world.

In the session Commissioners

Conversation – International, Suzanne Kelly from RTE highlighted that while some of their commissions are designed to be very local and may not have broad appeal, they still produce

around 30 shows annually, with 60% being live-action and all animations as co-productions. She expressed interest in acquiring dramas, with two slated for this year and three for next, along with a book show and puppet content. Ai Shibata from NHK aims to collaborate with a foreign broadcaster to create unique content for children, primarily in live action, while also welcoming puppet projects that help kids express their emotions. Vicky Schroderus from YLE described Finland’s unique market, characterized by three languages and a distinct cultural sensibility. She presented True/False, a 10-part drama addressing financial inequality from a child’s perspective, which gained over a million views shortly after release, despite Finland’s small population. YLE targets children aged 0-12, utilizing a mix of acquisitions, pre-buys, and co-productions. Katie Wilson from WildBrain discussed the company’s structure, which includes four Canadian channels and a focus on comedy for ages 6-11, along with tween content. The panel emphasized the need to balance local and international content, citing Louise Lives Large as a successful example of an Irish show with global appeal. The discussion concluded with a desire for more joyful content, particularly in preschool programming.

“Commissioners Conversation – International” session

“Animation Assemble” session

“Animation Assemble” session

Animation turns to live action: Cats Eyes and Totally Spies!

By Kévin Giraud

Animated IPs Cat’s Eye and Totally Spies to hit new audiences with Live-Action Series

Bad guys and police inspectors, beware! This fall, TF1, Amazon Prime Video, and French production company Big Band Story are bringing back Tsukasa Hojo’s female trio Cat’s Eye to the TV screen for the first time in a live-action series. Meanwhile, Banijay Kids&Family - partnering with Amazon MGM Studios and Gloria Sanchez Productionsannounced in June a brand-new liveaction adaptation of the Totally Spies! franchise. On both fronts, turning to liveaction brings new challenges but also opens new perspectives for growth and reaching new audiences, a key element in keeping these IPs top-of-mind.

Announced in 2023 for the 40th anniversary of the franchise, the Cat’s Eye live-action series, created by Michel Catz and directed by Alexandre Laurent

(Women at War), will shed new light on the Chamade Sisters’ origin story while reuniting French and international fans with the beloved characters. “We’re all from the Cat’s Eye’s generation”, says producer Mehdi Sabbar “Michel is an expert on Hojo’s oeuvre, but it took no less than five years of exchange with Hojo’s team before the project could be confirmed. It’s a matter of building trust with the artist and the original owner of the IP, but also adapting the material and fitting it to modern audiences without altering the spirit of Hojo’s story.

more than seven years ago.”

“Cat’s Eye is a story with action, emotion and fun,” adds Michel Catz “We wanted to retain those elements but in the meantime dive deeper into the characters’ backgrounds and their motivations for becoming thieves in this Parisian setting. Our goal is to remain truthful to the fans who love the show, but also captivate young girls and boys alike and create a new generation of Cat’s Eye fans.”

Totally Spies! x Skinnydip Glitter Shock iPhone Case

Modern espionage meets empowered tech-savvy spies in the brand-new season 7 of Totally Spies!

Captivating new generations is the leitmotif for every producer, when it concerns longstanding IPs. And going to live-action with the Totally Spies! franchise is definitely a good way to achieve this goal, according to Benoit Di Sabatino, CEO at Banijay Kids and Family

“The live-action adaptation of Totally Spies! will bring a fresh and dynamic dimension to the franchise. This transition allows us to explore more grown-up, multifaceted themes and narratives, aligning with the interests of a young adult audience. The tone of the series will naturally develop to reflect this shift, incorporating deeper character development and more sophisticated storylines while maintaining the core elements of adventure and espionage, and the show’s positive messages about friendship and teamwork that fans love. Not only revitalizing the franchise, this approach broadens its appeal, ensuring Totally Spies! remains relevant and engaging for both new and long-time fans. Young-adult series are highly sought after by streaming platforms, so Totally Spies! is the perfect fit for Prime Video. Additionally, the series’ main characters are women, catering to the streamers’ demand for live-action content with a strong ‘girl power’ theme. In taking this step, we also strengthen our capacity and expand on the opportunities to deliver a broader range of merchandise for fans new and old around the world.”

After being modernized into techsavvy, skillful gamers in season 7 of the animated series to match current trends and technological advancements, Samantha, Clover, and Alex will now become new empowering teenage

icons, opening fresh opportunities for Banijay’s commercial teams.

For Roubina Tchoboian, Head of Global Licensing at Banijay Kids & Family, navigating these international markets is hardly a new challenge. “Today, the brand resonates hugely on a global scale, and we are able to cater to a dual audience: its main target of six-to nine-year-olds, and a secondary audience of Millennial and Gen-Z fans. By focusing on retro-themed merchandise and experiences, we can maintain the strong existing fanbase while introducing the show to a new generation of kids. We just launched our collaboration with Skinnydip London and you can expect to continue seeing

Totally Spies! in this realm with more tech, apparel, accessories, beauty and gifting, with the help of our new agent CWA in North America. Another category worth exploring is experiences and live events. We’ve received some interest in this area, and, since the brand’s essence is rooted in spy adventures, there are many opportunities to create engaging experiences.”

Cat’s Eye is set to air in November on TF1, and globally on Prime Video in the following months. Fans will have to wait a little longer for the Totally Spies! adaptation, set to release in 2025. An 8th season of the show has also been confirmed, set to air also in 2025.

Romain, Constance Labbé and Camille Lou as the Chamade sisters in the new iteration of Cat’s Eye

Paris is the setting for the adaptation of Hojo’s classic Cat’s Eye

Fancy gadgets inspire consumer products of Totally Spies! franchise

Claire

BRANDS LICENSING AFRICA

It’s time for licensing in Africa

The countdown for the first-ever licensing event in Africa has begun. Only a few weeks remain before Brands Licensing Africa 2024, which will take place on October 23 and 24 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The first BLA 2024 Show Forum took place on August 28, bringing together around a hundred business leaders and international experts to underline the importance of focusing on brand evolution in Africa.

The heart of Brands Licensing Africa will be the Brands Africa Program, devoted to the promotion and recognition of African brands. It is organized by La Maison de l’Afrique - an organization which brings together 11 chambers of commerce and industry, including the Paris Chamber of Commerce and those of ten African countries - and hosted in Côte d’Ivoire, which enjoys political stability and a dynamic economy. The goal of the event is an in-depth analysis to understand this giant market that

extends from Senegal to Djibouti and from Egypt to South Africa, and it is in full expansion.

BLA 2024 sees the involvement of the Chambers of Commerce of Frenchspeaking African countries as well as the involvement of the English-speaking West African Chambers (FEWACCI), true facilitators of business in Africa.

BLA 2024 consists of two parts:

• BLA Business, for meetings, networking, and business deals

• BLA Academy, the conference section at BLA, led by around fifteen experts from the United States, Europe, and Africa, headed by Maura Regan, President of Licensing International. Well-known personalities from the

For any further information and to learn how to register, please visit the website www. brandslicensingafrica.com

licensing and branding industry will be present, such as Laurent Taieb (Licensing International France), Cristina Angelucci (Licensing Magazine), Sharon Weismann (Power Station Studios), Daniel Avener (Magic Hat Brand Management), Philippe Guinaudeau (Brandtrends), Anne-Marie Pecoraro (UGGC Lawyers), and Oluwafèmi Kidjo (Dokunvi), among others. There will be 13 training sessions over two days.

BLA is the first event to create exposure for African brands and for international brands in this region Initially planned for 25 exhibitors, due to high demand, this edition will involve up to 50 exhibitors. The five topics of the exhibition area - Food & Beverage, Entertainment, Fashion, Cosmetics, and Retail - will attract licensing agents, brands, entrepreneurs, potential licensees, manufacturers, and retailers from Africa and abroad.

Licensing Magazine works hard to be at the forefront of the industry and is excited to be a Media Partner of BLA. We will be present in person, moderating panels, distributing our magazine, and making a live reportage of what will happen at the event.

10:10 GAMES

Funko Fusion, The First Game Inspired by the Funko Universe

By Cristina Angelucci

10:10 Games, in collaboration with Funko, Inc., has made its debut in the licensing world with the Funko Fusion video game, released this September. At Gamescom, LM had a talk with Arthur Parsons, Head of Publishing and Co-Founder at 10:10 Games, a UK video game developer, to learn more about their debut title.

How did you conceive the concept behind Funko Fusion?

When we set up 10:10 Games, we wanted to do something new and exciting, so we worked on a partnership with Funko, which hadn’t done any video games before, but they were keen to enter that space. So, we have become their exclusive partner for console and PC gaming.

A big part of the job was figuring out which intellectual properties we were going to use for the first game. We ended up striking a deal with NBCUniversal because they have a good mix of IPs in one place. As we were developing the game, we also decided to add a few more IPs into it, such as

properties from Mattel, Scott Games, and Skybound. In the end, there are many licenses involved.

What is the target audience and added value of Funko Fusion?

Funko is very popular with people of every demographic as consumers buy Pops to celebrate the things they love. The idea with the game was to give them a digital version of their favourite Pops. It’s a very Funko-stylized game in terms of characters, packaging, and all the things that make Funko great. The game is about collecting Funko, besides living adventures with the characters developed in the game.

What happens in the game?

We want to entertain and almost retell a story based on each of the different franchises. The player can select characters from the shelves where Funko are reproduced in their boxes, as collected in real life. Those not yet collected appear as holograms. The player clicks on one of the available Funko characters on the shelf and instantly goes into the level where they can run around as that character. Everything is Funko-stylized. In each character’s level, there are easter eggs and little things to find.

Has Funko developed special packaging for its Pop! figures for the game?

Yes. Part of the deal with Funko is the production of a range of Funko Fusion Funko Pop! figures, a special line based on selected in-game characters available for fans from September at Funko.com and select global retailers. There’s also a crossover activity, as inside each packaging, there is a digital card that can be redeemed for a hidden outfit or character in the game. This encourages people to buy the Pops and then be able to unlock hidden content in the game.

What is the core target audience?

It’s quite complex. Our core target audience is gamers between 15 and 45 years old. Most people who buy Funko Pops are between 25 and 45. So we’ve aimed the game at that range, including also secondary targets slightly younger and older.

BOBBYPILLS

Dead Cells: Immortalis. The Tv Series

By Beatrice Revello

The much-anticipated animated TV series “Dead Cells: Immortalis”, based on the hit 2018 video game Dead Cells, premiered in June at MIFA in Annecy. The series is produced by Bobbypills and adapted from the original game created by the French studio Motion Twin.

“There was a prophecy: the Chosen One, the flame-faced man, would one day slay the king and end the curse!” But is he really the chosen one? You can find it out in the exciting world of Dead Cells: Immortalis, the animated series inspired by the acclaimed video game Dead Cells.

Dead Cells: Immortalis brings the challenging and atmospheric world of Dead Cells to life through animation. Fans of the game can now experience the story and characters in a new medium, while new viewers are introduced to the grim, challenging world of the game.

This series has finally made its debut on the French on-demand streaming platform Animation Digital Network (ADN). Since its establishment in 2021, ADN has been dedicated to expanding its catalog with a diverse

array of European animated content. As of now, the platform boasts an impressive collection of 2.300 episodes, encompassing films, short films, and various European TV series.

Co-produced by ADN and Bobbypills, the Dead Cells: Immortalis series was animated by Bobbypills, who also created all the in-game cinematics for the video game. This creates continuity with the video game, even though the animations have a different graphic style while respecting Bobbypills’ distinctive ironic touch.

The production company is known for its wild and absurd narratives characterized by sharp and incisive humor. This approach allows for better

audience engagement with the content, offering a coherent and entertaining experience that fully reflects the unique essence of Bobbypills’ stories.

The release of the TV series marks a significant milestone for both the game and its fans, as it brings to life the vibrant universe of Dead Cells in a new format. The series, directed by Gaspard Sumeire, consists of 10 episodes, each lasting approximately 7 minutes, allowing for quick yet engaging storytelling that captures the essence of the original game. The creators have worked diligently to ensure that the animated adaptation retains the spirit of the game while introducing fresh elements that appeal to both existing fans and new viewers alike.

ABOUT DEAD CELLS

Dead Cells is an action/ adventure platformer game belonging to the rogue-like and metroidvania genres. The game sold 730,000 copies within a year of its early access release and reaching 10 million copies by 2023.

OUTRIGHT GAMES

The new wave of licensed videogames

By Cristina Angelucci

LM attended Gamescom last August and we had a talk with Nick Ricks, Head of Games & Licensing at Outright Games, to learn more about their editorial policies and licensing scouting for their kids&family targeted games.

Which is your main target?

We make games exclusively for young audiences and families. We have passion in making entertaining licensed games for kids. Our games run on Roblox, PC and Console.

How do you select IPs to adapt into gaming?

We feel incredibly privileged to be working with amazing IPS as Transformers, Ninja Turtles, and Barbie. There’s so much love and care and attention that’s poured into them. We really feel like a weight of responsibility in the way we introduce them to children. There is not just the fact how we capture that authenticity, but also how we deliver that content in a way that is accessible and fun for the most important people in the world, who are obviously the little consumers that do all this stuff for.

How long does a brand have to be longlive to adapt it to a successful game?

We have existing partnerships with Mattel or Paramount which produce continuously new materials around their franchises. It’s extremely important for a game to have characters to connect with kids. Their playstyle is based upon imagination. So, they want to be as their heroes or whoever. That means games need to have that kind of strong affinity with those characters so they can fulfil that imaginary universe they want to be having. So, if there’s a strong IP, well established, with a widespread awareness, and with a good underpinning, that could be of our interest.

Does research help you to make your scouting?

We conduct a lot of research and so we’re able to try to keep our fingers

on the pulse of what’s new and what’s upcoming. And so last year we were particularly delighted to release Bluey, that is going pretty well. There’s an old adage that says if kids are buying lunch boxes with something on them, that’s where you want your brand to be. If there’s something that’s so iconic for a kid to express themselves publicly when they’re at school, this is their lunchbox. That’s why we have research into other consumer product strategies.

How gaming has become important within the content development of an IP?

Gaming is crucial for children, as they want a consistent user universe. Whether or not they’re watching something on tv or streaming content on a tablet, reading a comic book, seeing a movie or playing a video game, there are all these channels in which they’re

Nick Ricks

consuming their favourite content. And so that’s why a word that we always reinforce is authenticity. Because if something is out of sync - e.g. a comic book with a different visual style - then suddenly, they’ll see that it’s quite jarring. What we need to do is to ensure that, to make an accessible, authentic experience for kids, the overall content needs to be within the whole stream of that IP is producing. Games are perhaps one of the bigger areas in which kids are consuming IP content now.

Which is the role of “new” parents, today?

They were used to play videogames before becoming parents. There’s a whole generation growing up with kids

who are used to play together with their parents. Playing together is obviously an important part of what families do. In the same way, they go to cinema or watch tv shows.

Which are the next plans you are working on?

At Gamescom we have showcased our recent releases games. We have some more announcements coming up very soon. I would love to point out that we want to support our licensing partners. We’re always trying to create new and exciting ways to engage with kids. We make circa ten games a year cross platform PC and console. They’re always authentic, enjoyable and accessible. So, we’re just going to continue to do that.

THE LATEST LICENSED GAMES BY OUTRIGHT GAMES

• Barbie Project Friendship™: Barbie’s first-ever video game for PC and all consoles! Join Malibu Barbie and Brooklyn Barbie on a friendship-filled journey as they renovate the Malibu Waves Community Center. Enjoy solo adventures and co-op mini-games in this delightful experience.

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed: Dive into an original storydriven 3D brawler/platformer set after the events of the hit film “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.” Team up with Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo to face new mutant threats in NYC!

• TRANSFORMERS: Galactic Trials: The first-ever console racing game in the TRANSFORMERS universe, featuring hybrid gameplay of racing and robot combat with 11 playable AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS.

• Monster High: Skulltimate Secrets: A 3D platformer where you’ll explore a massive campus as a customizable new student, solving platform puzzles and teaming up with the Boo Crew.

• Nick Jr. Party Adventure: A whirlwind puzzle adventure bringing together beloved preschool characters from across the Nick Jr. universe. Join fan favorites like Dora the Explorer, Blue from Blue’s Clues, Blaze from Blaze and the Monster Machines, and the pups from PAW Patrol as they navigate 72 levels across 6 show-themed worlds.

• Matchbox™ Driving Adventures: An exciting racing game featuring authentic Matchbox™ vehicles, multiple game modes, and customizable cars.

FRANKFURTER BUCHMESSE

Frankfurter Buchmesse 2024 Trade Highlights

by Andrea De Amicis

At the 76th Frankfurter Buchmesse (16-20 October 2024) decisionmakers and experts from the global publishing industry will engage in discussion on current trends. Trade visitors can look forward to a rich program of events and initiatives, including conferences and networking areas.

From stories to screen Producers from the TV and film sectors have long attended the Buchmesse to discover new stories and characters. In response, the event features a Bookto-Screen Day on Friday, October 18, aimed at fostering connections between publishing and film professionals. Activities include a site tour for international production executives, networking opportunities, and a masterclass with Delphine Clot and Maÿlis Vauterin from the Paris-based

agency Matriochkas. An exclusive matchmaking event will also be held with the Berlin Film Festival, facilitating one-on-one meetings between international producers and selected publishing houses.

Games Business Centre

Recognizing the growing intersection between publishing and gaming, the Bologna Children’s Book Fair and Frankfurter Buchmesse launch a joint Games Business Centre. This

initiative aims to create new business opportunities and events focusing on cross-media rights and the role of games in content development for various audiences. Exhibitors at this new center will benefit from a 20% discount and enhanced advertising and networking opportunities at both fairs.

The ARTS+

THE ARTS+ area connects the publishing world with other creative industries such as licensing, games and film. This year introduces THE ARTS+ Lounge, a meeting space for producers and publishing professionals to network. Additionally, the revival of THE ARTS+ stage showcases trends and innovations in publishing, with a weekend focus on comics, manga and anime.

Kids Conference

The Frankfurt Kids Conference, inspired by Cornelia Funke, takes place on October 16, focusing on the theme Paving the Way for the Future: Responsibility in Children’s Book Publishing. This event aims to highlight the significant impact of children’s literature on young readers and the industry’s role in fostering openmindedness.

Italy Guest of Honour

Italy is this year’s Guest of Honour, with the motto Roots in the future

The country presents a vibrant literary and cultural program, welcoming a wide range of authors, including many emerging voices. More than 150 new publications have already been translated into German from Italian as part of our Guest of Honour programme.

Licensing Magazine at Frankfurter Buchmesse

Licensing Magazine and its team are present at the Frankfurter Buchmesse as a Media Partner, hosting a series of panels devoted to licensing, book adaptations, and gaming, taking place on Wednesday, October 16th, in THE ARTS+ area. Stay tuned!

ITALIAN BRANDS

Recent collaborations boost Italy’s global presence

by Alessandra Maccaferri

Italian companies are increasingly forming successful partnerships with foreign brands, enhancing their global presence. Here are some of the latest intriguing collaborations.

L’Artigiano collaborates with FIAT for Vintage 500 Gelateria Expansion

L’Artigiano, known for its authentic Italian gelato, has partnered with FIAT, the iconic Italian automaker, to expand its presence in the United States. This collaboration, facilitated by FIAT’s licensing representative IMG, builds on successful launches at The Shops of Columbus Circle and Fort Lee Park. The latest L’Artigiano Fiat 500 Gelateria—a vintage Fiat 500 reimagined as a gelato cart—has debuted at 52nd & Broadway in Manhattan, alongside Angelina Bakery, famous for its Bomboloni and Italian coffee. Eleven additional locations are planned for New York by next year, offering a variety of gelato flavors made in Italy, including

Sicilian Pistachio and the new Caramel Affogato. Additionally, FIAT has launched the all-electric 2024 Fiat 500e, which boasts a range of up to 149 miles, making it an ideal vehicle for visiting L’Artigiano locations in New York.

Luxury meets innovation: The Bruce Wayne Townhouse and Pininfarina Exhibition

A luxury townhouse inspired by fictional Gotham City billionaire Bruce Wayne opened its doors in June 2024 in New York, as a part of the exclusive Wayne Enterprises experience, staged by Warner Bros. Consumer Products. The Automobili Pininfarina Battista hyper GT led a world-class exhibition of highly-

curated luxury and tech products inside. Automobili Pininfarina has created two exclusive versions of the B95 hyper Barchetta and Battista hyper GT, named ‘Gotham’ and ‘Dark Knight’, each featuring unique and previously unseen specifications. All four cars are powered by a high-capacity 120kWh lithium-ion battery and four motors to generate 1,900hp. That’s enough to propel each pure-electric model from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in less than two seconds –faster than a current Formula 1 car. Each has been meticulously curated by the Automobili Pininfarina engineering and design teams in Cambiano, Italy, and includes all-new Wayne Enterprises-inspired design features and tech. For example, navigation instructions are voiced by the Wayne family butler Alfred Pennyworth, while the infotainment system displays a customised welcome sequence with the Wayne Enterprises logo.

Milestone and Feld Motor Sports collaborated for Monster Jam™ Showdown release

Milestone, a leading global racing game developer and publisher based in Milan, has partnered with Feld Motor Sports, Inc.™, the worldwide leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment, to announce at the end of August 2024 the release of Monster Jam™ Showdown for all major gaming platforms. Developed with Unreal Engine 5, it features 66 official Monster Jam™ trucks and more than 140 paint outs to unlock and apply. The pillar of the single-player experience will be the Showdown Tour, a non-linear campaign where fans will enjoy official Monster Jam competitions such as Freestyle and head-to-head Racing, as well as original game modes combining speed and skills. To immediately convey the feeling and excitement of mastering 1,500 horsepower mechanical machines, the game features comprehensive and customizable driving aids, allowing everyone to perform massive maneuvers and dynamic stunts. Importantly, the locations of the Showdown Tour are wild and out of the ordinary. Besides competing in stadiums inspired by real-life venues, fans will have the opportunity to drive their favorite Monster Jam trucks in three original environments inspired by the wilderness of Death Valley, Colorado, and Alaska. Monster Jam™ Showdown is now available for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch™, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.

Bing takes to the sea with Costa Cruises

An exclusive partnership between Costa Cruises and Acamar Films, has kicked off from this summer to bring the hit property Bing to Costa Cruises’ ships.

Thanks to the Maurizio Distefano Licensing agency that managed the agreement, since June on the Costa Toscana and Costa Smeralda cruise ships, the youngest guests have met Bing, the protagonist of the stories of the famous animated series by Acamar Films, the most watched on Rai Play for Italy, but also among the three most downloaded, for 10 consecutive years, on BBC iPlayer and available in more than 130 countries worldwide.

Each week, the two ships hosted events aimed at all families, such as Meet & Greets with Bing’s costume character, where children could hug their favourite cartoon character, theme parades and parties, and many other fun and musical activities.

The collaboration between Costa Cruises and Acamar Films was born from the need to make the experience on board unforgettable for the youngest guests, full of initiatives and surprises that can accompany children and parents on unprecedented ‘“The arrival of Bing on board our ships will allow us to enrich the holiday experience we offer families with something unique and special. Bing is extremely popular among children, so we are confident that our young guests will love participating in the entertainment activities that we have organized for them on Costa Toscana and Costa Smeralda. Through this partnership, we not only offer entertainment, but we make them experience unforgettable moments that will remain in the hearts of families even after their departure” affirmed Paolo Reggiani, Entertainment Director of Costa Cruises.

CROSS-PLATFORM ANALYTICS

Cross-platform audience measurement becomes essential for IPs and franchise development

by Adam Woodgate, Media and Insight Expert

Sometimes out of necessity, and other times through choice, audiences consume loved IPs and franchises across platforms. However, IP industry measurement lags behind the way audiences now consume entertainment.

It’s nearly six years since Bluey debuted on ABC in Australia. Since then three series have been produced and the number of episodes stands at 154. Whilst BBC Studios holds global distribution and merchandising rights and the series is broadcast on its’ preschool CBeebies channel. The corporation’s streaming service iPlayer only has a limited number of episodes to stream - the lion’s share is to be found on Disney+.

Sometimes out of necessity, as in the case of Bluey, and other times through choice, audiences consume loved IPs and franchises across platforms. However, measurement lags behind the way audiences now consume entertainment. Industry measurement is still based on methods of distribution as opposed to measuring the originating IP, and it’s still based around homes. Audiences, especially young audiences are indifferent about distribution.

Sometimes they would know that “it’s an app”, “I’m watching YouTube”, or “I’m playing Minecraft”, but for TV-like content, more often than not, it would be down to mum or dad to identify where the content originated. Young audiences just want to consume the piece of content they want at that moment, the platform is not that important. About a dozen years ago, whilst at what was BBC Worldwide, myself and colleagues would get asked, “What is the total brand reach for…” The truth is as researchers it was hard to give an accurate answer. Using the many sources of data to hand, but we worked out a ballpark figure, but couldn’t establish how many ‘unique’ people were consuming a particular brand. Of course, we could have commissioned research to dive deep into an audience for the IP in question. It would be based on claimed behaviour as opposed to the passive measuring of actual

consumption.

BARB is the body that measures what people in the UK watch has been recording time spent with Broadcasters’ Video on Demand (BVOD) on PCs, tablets and smartphones since 2015. A visit to the Total Identified Viewing Summary available for all to see on its website, reveals time spent with broadcasters, Subscription and Advertising funded Video on Demand (AVOD and SVOD) along with total video sharing and the time spent per screen. The Total Identified Viewing Summary (ages 4+) published by BARB shows viewing on all four screens for the period April to July 2024. The table shows that Netflix and other streaming services have established themselves within the viewing ecosystem, but in terms of time spent (the coloured columns) broadcasters continue to dominate viewing in UK homes. (It should be noted that BARB does not measure viewing

undertaken outside of residential households).

Under-15s form a generation that has never known a world without touchscreen, mobile, interactive ondemand entertainment, therefore it won’t surprise you that when asked what activities they enjoy that two - ‘watching YouTube’ and ‘playing games’ - rank almost as high as going out with parents and spending time with friends.

BARB captures viewing to video sharing services, such as TikTok, Twitch and YouTube. It also records what it refers to as ‘unidentified viewing’, which includes gaming along with watching DVDs, viewing BARB-monitored channel content more than 28 days after broadcast, and so forth. As yet it cannot drill-down to the actual YouTube video watched or determine which video game is being played. Mobile screens vying for audiences’ attention outside the home, without industry measurement brand owners are losing out on additional reach and time spent being attributed to their IPs.

If there is no measurement of audience engagement at IP-level across all platforms, how can a content maker or media organisation ascertain the audience value of its IP portfolio?

BARB has delivers catch-up viewing that happens up to four weeks after the original broadcast. These estimates are commonly referred to as the ‘consolidated ratings’. The chart shows the 28-day consolidated viewing for Bluey on CBeebies by month, showing the date in each calendar month of the top-performing episode. However, Bluey isn’t just consumed as animation. In addition to broadcast TV, BVOD and SVOD services, there are DVDs, an official website, a video game for consoles, Bluey: Let’s Play app, an official YouTube channel and a TikTok channel. There are measures for each distribution method - the YouTube channel has 7.95m subscribers,

the TikTok channel has 4m and on Facebook it has 2.6m followers. The problem for brand owners is they have so many metrics, but can’t tell whether an individual is consuming its IP on one or many platforms.

When the music industry wanted to get a sense of how many plays of their records were getting on the radio, they started ‘tagging’ songs. According to Gracenote, as of 2022, over 200 million songs have been released. I’m not saying all these songs are tagged, but I’m sure a large proportion are. It means that regardless of distribution, record

companies know the number of plays a particular song accrues each week. It feels strange that thirty years after the tagging of songs began, when it comes to TV and video, brand owners still cannot ascertain the reach and time spent with an IP, which has implications across the business.

Decisions to commission a new IP or move forward with a new series of an existing IP are never taken lightly - and right now it’s a difficult environment raising money to fund new content.

In late 2024 it seems strange that IP owners are relying on audience estimates sourced from metrics associated with the platforms they distribute their content on, being unable to ascertain a unique audience or determine how much duplication of audience there is across platforms. In times where money for IP development is harder to come-by, surely the industry needs to prioritise third-party measurement of IP to deliver provide cross-platform data both in and out of home.

ARABIC REGION

Licensing Industry in the MENA: Opportunities and Continued Growth

By Ömer Müftüoğlu, Founder MEA Licensing

The licensing industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is experiencing significant transformation and sustained growth, positioning the region as a key market for both global and local companies.

According to the annual study by Licensing International, licensing revenues in the region grew by 7.5% in 2023 compared to the previous year. This growth rate surpasses the global average and ranks second only to North Asia, cementing MENA’s status as an emerging powerhouse in the licensing sector.

Market Strength in the Middle East and North Africa

The MENA region boasts unique economic and demographic advantages that make it an attractive market. With a combined population of approximately 500 million individuals, the region represents a significant portion of the global market. Although licensing expenditures currently remain modest at 0.25%, the market is expected to grow as awareness of brand value increases across sectors such as entertainment, fashion, food, and sports.

Leading Licensing Markets: UAE, KSA, and Egypt

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) leads the region in terms of licensing

revenues. This reflects the UAE’s prominent role as a major commercial hub, offering a business-friendly environment that supports the growth of global and local brands.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) ranks second, driven by rapid growth in its entertainment and sports sectors, particularly through the initiatives of Vision 2030. The country is positioning itself as one of the largest licensing markets in the region, with expectations for continued expansion in the coming years.

Egypt, with a population exceeding 116 million, ranks third. Its vast licensing market is supported by ongoing development in the entertainment and industrial sectors, as well as a rich cultural landscape that attracts global brands seeking new opportunities.

Challenges and Opportunities

While growth is promising, challenges persist, including the need for stronger regulatory frameworks to combat counterfeit products. Additionally, cultural differences can pose hurdles for international companies entering

About MEA Licensing

MEA Licensing is the first Arabic-language platform focused on the licensing industry. The platform offers a wide range of content and is designed to support companies and individuals by providing valuable insights and updates essential for the Arabic region.

As the MENA region continues to grow as a promising licensing market, MEA Licensing is a pivotal source of news and insights in the sector.

You can contact MEA Licensing at hi@mealicensing.com or visit www.mealicensing.com.

the market. However, businesses that adapt to these challenges and tailor their strategies to align with the cultural norms of the Arabic-speaking world can capitalize on opportunities. The rise of digital transformation and e-commerce is expected to further boost the licensing market, allowing companies to expand more efficiently.

Ömer Müftüoğlu

Keep up-to-date with industry news from all over the world

Licensing Magazine is one of the only trade publications that:

- Reaches over 110 countries,

- Has over 80,000 monthly readers on its digital and print magazines, weekly newsletters, social media pages and allnews website,

- Offers transmedia coverage on the licensing, digital, entertainment, animation, fashion and publishing industries,

- Presents “outside the box” insights

on the hottest trends and themes,

- Is a fully integrated media platform, with a magazine (print and digital format), all-news website, social media pages, and weekly newsletter accessible to its readers around the world 24/7,

- Is the Media Partner of over 30 leading B2B licensing, entertainment, fashion, toy and animation trade events in Europe, USA , Asia, Middle East and Africa.

Events coming up next!

... And where you can find us!

London, UK

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Gwangju, S. Korea

Warsaw, Poland

Shanghai, China

Frankfurt, Germany

Cannes, France

Cannes, France

Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Follow us and subscribe to our weekly newsletters, LM e-news, to keep updated on the latest industry news and about all the events we follow!

www.brandlicensing.eu/en/

https://www.prime-expo.com/ www.acefair.or.kr/ industry.younghorizons.pl/ en.chinalicensingexpo.com/ www.buchmesse.de/en www.mipjunior.com www.mipcom.com/ brandslicensingafrica.com/ www.ccbookfair.com/en www.cartoon-media.eu/business/ www.content-tokyo.jp/hub/en-gb.html www.asiatvforum.com/

In January 2025, Nuremberg Toy Fair is the event where we launch our next issue! Write to info@brands-media.com to learn more about our 2025 Editorial Calendar and Events Tour!