Media News – what’s happening on the box and beyond

Ready to Dream

November 9. That’s the date that the annual DreamToys list will be officially unveiled, according to the Toy Retailers Association.

The event will follow the format used in recent years, which, the DreeamToys committee believes, allows it to react to the changing news environment.

The curtain will be raised on the list just after midnight on that date, with press previewing the toys on the list and gaining access to assorted spokespeople and suppliers at a specially embargoed event held the day before, Tuesday November 8, at Fora Space in London’s Spitalfields.

The new chair of the Dream Toys selection committee Paul Reader said: “Following the success and positive feedback from media and suppliers, the DreamToys committee has committed to continue the format of the past two years. The media landscape has changed drastically in recent years. This format allows us to stay nimble and react to the needs of the news agenda, and by providing information both physically and digitally to ensure the best possible coverage that will benefit the entire industry.” Baby Annabell has teamed up with top family podcast Motherkind for the latest instalment in its annual Ask The Experts campaign.

The nurturing doll brand is working with the podcast host Zoe Blaskey to launch a series called Toddler Milestone Moments, which will highlight the importance of doll play for toddlers and give advice on milestone topics. The series, the third issue of the Ask The Experts initiative, will cover items such as back to nursery fears, healthy eating habits, the arrival of siblings, and healthy eating and sleep routines. Blaskey will work with psychologists and nutritionists, with the first episode launching on September 5.

Kasia Leskow, head of UK marketing at Zapf Creation, said: “With more and more parents turning to podcasts for advice and support than ever before, this felt like the perfect time to team up with one of the leading parenting platforms in the podcast space, for the third year of our Ask the Experts campaign. This will, in turn, generate compelling tips and advice around key toddler moments and support that all-important message of how doll play supports younger children’s development.”

The podcast activity will be supported by a partnership with Mother and Baby magazine, social media and PR aimed at building awareness of the brand.

A Star is born

Toynamics’ arts and craft brand Nebulous Stars is launching its own magazine in the UK.

The quarterly publication, entitled Nebulous Stars, is a ‘creative and positive’ title aimed at seven- to 10-year-olds and aims to offer a fun and educational mix, with games, sticker sheets and loads of projects to get involved with. It also features a positive take on personal development.

The UK is the latest territory to publish the title, which is now available in nine different languages across 16 countries including Belgium, Bosnia, Canada, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, and Italy.

David Allan, MD at Toynamics UK & Ireland, said: “This is an exciting development for our arts and crafts brand Nebulous Stars in the UK market, and follows on the success of the magazine in Canada, France and Germany.’’

Pet-ty things make TV debut

The Petronix Defenders are a quartet of seemingly ordinary schoolkids who jet around the world saving wild animals in danger.

The show made its debut on the Tiny Pop channel at the start of September.

The series is being supported by ‘full digital and social media content’, with a toy launch due from the Alpha Group in 2023 and a UK consumer products programme managed by Brand-Ward.

Brain makes waves

Canadian kids and family broadcast network Wildbrain Television has given the go-ahead to three new series, all of which will roll out on its own native networks in Canada from September and well into 2023.

Wildbrain also holds global distribution rights for the trip of series. They include Life With Luca, a live-action spin-off from the series Life With Derek; Slugterra: Ascension, a new take on a classic property, as well as Summer Memories, with new episodes due in 2023.

Deirdre Brennan, Wildbrain COO, stated: “We’re proud to further support Canadian independent producers with these original commissions. These shows have universal appeal, and we look forward to sharing them with kids and families worldwide.”

Moley spawns Daughters

The creators of Moley have launched a new production company - Two Daughters Entertainment Ltd - with the aim of becoming a UK powerhouse.

The launch comes as preschool property Moley expands its global reach after Jetpack Distribution inked deals that take the series into China and Poland.

Moley started life as a bedtime story told by entrepreneur James Reatchlous, and the company is named after the offspring he related the stories to.

It now airs in more than 140 countries, including across Europe via Warner’s Boomerang channel. The creator said he hopes the new company will rival the likes of Shaun the Sheep and Bob the Builder as a homegrown creative force to be reckoned with.

The company is working on three separate series it will bring to screens within the next five years.