The Bugg Report Magazine — Edition 43

FRANCHISES

WHERE ARE PARAMOUNT

FROM THE EDITOR

MERCHANDISE DRIVES REVENUE!

Welcome to the 2023 Toy, Hobby & Licensing Fair and to Edition 43 of The Bugg Report Magazine. We hope that you enjoy this edition as we return to our printed format and once again highlight all the great brands that feature throughout the Australian Licensing Industry.

I was browsing Twitter recently and noticed a post which linked to an article which talked about media franchises and their total revenue (USD) since their year of inception. Most of the franchises I know well, some I didn't recognise and some which are surprising in terms of their ranking on the list. I don't know how accurate the list is (it makes reference to Wikipedia) or whether the data has been audited (I assume most is based on publicly available data), however as a general guide I think it's an interesting read.

• Pokémon — $92.121 billion

• Hello Kitty — $80.026 billion

• Winnie the Pooh — $75.034 billion

• Mickey Mouse & Friends — $70.587 billion

• Star Wars — $65.631 billion

• Anpanman — $60.285 billion

• Disney Princess — $45.187 billion

The thing that stands out most to me is that for a majority of these franchises (the top 7 specifically), it is the sales of merchandise that drive the majority of revenue. It is also interesting to note the variety in franchise types throughout the list which include video games, vinyl coin purse design, books, animated shorts, films, manga, costumes, novels, comic books, anime, dolls and comic strips. Despite the popularity of so many franchises, it is certainly merchandise that drives the revenue and something that obviously coincides heavily with licensing.

More recently we have seen new IPs develop on new (and existing) platforms such as digital gaming, movies, television and digital media. As time goes by it will be interesting to see which franchises move up this list and which ones take over existing positions. As we have also seen in recent times, there have been a lot of reboots and remakes which will surely have an impact on existing franchises such as Toy Story and Jurassic Park, for example.

I hear from time to time that people perceive that there may not be many new franchises being created, or that everything seems to be a reboot. Some people suggest that a lot of films are just remakes of the originals, but given it is the merchandise that is the revenue driver, it seems to make sense from a business perspective. If a franchise already has a huge following, why not leverage that following to drive revenue? So long as you do not alienate the existing fans and the content is fresh and respects the original, it seems like a good strategy.

It seems less important where the IP originates from but more so that it has a strong following of fans and via that following of fans, merchandise can be sold (if done well). Driving a long-term and sustainable revenue channel for a respective IP requires managing the original content, developing new content, and then being strategic and consistent with merchandise and other revenue drivers to offer new perspectives for fans (depending on the franchise). If we look at the list and see Pokémon is clearly at the top, it becomes clear that this is due to the variety of revenue streams the IP offers including the key drivers which are merchandise, video games and trading cards.

Thanks for reading The Bugg Report!

Managing Director — Tony Bugg tony@buggsolutions.com.au

Editor & Designer — Matthew Bugg matt@buggsolutions.com.au

Published by Bugg Marketing Solutions info@buggsolutions.com.au

PO BOX 491, Berwick VIC 3806

Source: www.titlemax.com/discovery-center/money-finance/the-25-highest-grossing-media-franchises-of-all-time/

UNLEASHING THE POWER OF OUR CONTENT

A BIG YEAR FOR PARAMOUNT

With eagerly anticipated releases for new movies and series for some of our hottest brands and properties, 2023 will be a busy year for Paramount Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). Reaching more than 15 million Australians every month, Paramount ANZ continues to build on the local power of Network 10 that spans linear channels 10, 10 Bold, 10 Peach and 10 Shake, as well as 10 Play, our Broadcast Video On Demand (BVOD) platform.

In 2022, 10 Play had its biggest year yet, up 8% year-on-year with more than 6.3 million registered users, boasting enormous growth in live streaming up 21%, plus the service introduced 16 new free ad-supported streaming (FAST) channels delivering curated content for super fans. There are single show FAST channels as well as genre or multi-show channels such as Little Kids featuring PAW Patrol and Dora The Explorer

Network 10 also secured more of the top 15 entertainment shows in 2022 than any other commercial network in the key demographics of under 50s, 25 to 54s and 16 to 39s, showing the incredible connection we have with target consumer markets.

There’s also an exciting slate of new content on Paramount+ that since launching in August 2021, has quickly become Australia’s fastest growing streaming service.

This year Paramount+ welcomes the second season of hit series Yellowjackets, new original series Grease: Rise Of The Pink Ladies and 1923 — a Yellowstone origin story series, to name just a few of the new shows that join 20,000 hours of unique stories, iconic stars and mountain of entertainment available on

the streaming service.And in a coup for the Australian film and television industry, NCIS: Sydney will be filming the iconic global franchise Down Under in 2023.

It’s set to be a standout year for Paramount in 2023 as we celebrate some epic milestones for key brands and franchises, including a big screen release of the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie in September and a second movie release for one of the hottest pre-school properties around with PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie also in September.

PAW Patrol will also celebrate its 10th anniversary and two iconic brands are turning 45 including Grease and Garfield, plus everyone’s favourite sea sponge SpongeBob SquarePants turns 25 in 2024!

Thanks to the breadth and depth of our global content across all platforms for audiences of all ages, we have the ability and passion to create consumer products opportunities that immerse fans into the worlds of their favourite shows, films, and characters, and build meaningful experiences with our brands.

PAW PATROL

Pre-schoolers around the globe have been ‘on a roll’ with PAW Patrol for the last decade as the heroic pups have continued to capture the hearts of kids, parents, licensees, retailers and key partners around the world.

The overall theme of PAW Patrol’s 10th anniversary is ‘One big celebration’ and that’s exactly what we intend to do. Being one of only a handful of pre-school franchises that have managed this incredible milestone, we’re immensely proud of PAW Patrol’s success to date and we’ll continue to build momentum with a full calendar of exciting activity to celebrate. From the franchise’s biggest year of content yet, to huge social media campaigns, retail partnerships and more, we’re ready to put our adorable rescue pups on centre stage this year.

It’s been a true collaboration with Spin Master, the creators of PAW Patrol, Nickelodeon and Paramount resulting in the success of building a global preschool phenomenon. Together, we’ve strategically managed PAW Patrol’s growth across all aspects of the franchise including fresh content, relevant themes, creative assets and innovative marketing, as well as a proactive licensing program and collaborative planning at retail.

PRESCHOOL POWERHOUSES

PAW Patrol remains the #1 pre-school franchise globally and Down Under, PAW Patrol continues to dominate retail as the #1 pre-school toy property, bolstered by the support of over 40 Australian and New Zealand licensees.

PAW Patrol has a solid fan base with a staggering 90% awareness with Australian children aged two to five (Kidz Global, 2022). It regularly notches up three million monthly YouTube views, is the #1 pay TV kids show with an enormous 48.9% share in kids under five, and coupled with episodes on Nick Jr. and 10 Shake, reached more than two million Australians last year.

In 2023, we’ll see further growth opportunities as the brand enters its second decade and evergreen status. It will be a huge year for the hit pre-school property which includes a second feature film PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, all-new episodes with more action-packed rescue missions, plus the first-ever spinoff series, Rubble & Crew, centring on fan-favourite pup Rubble. We’re also diving into the year with a new content theme, Aqua Pups, which will premiere with four special episodes around Easter and welcomes Skye’s cousin and new pup, Coral, as well as ‘merpups’.

This commitment to fresh content for PAW Patrol combined with a coordinated and considered growth strategy, proactive marketing, and an exciting calendar of activity hitting key beats throughout the year, will ensure the franchise remains top dog in the eyes of kids and parents as we roll out ‘One big celebration’ for the 10th anniversary.

PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE IN CINEMAS SEPTEMBER 2023

A major moment for the franchise in 2021 that further deepened the engagement and connection with fans, was the launch of PAW Patrol: The Movie, a Spin Master Entertainment production in association with Nickelodeon Movies and Paramount Pictures.

The first theatrical release for the franchise, PAW Patrol: The Movie debuted at #1 across 25 markets and took over $145 million USD worldwide at the box office ($205 million AUD).

The pups are set to continue their adventures on the big screen, with a second movie looking to make another mighty impact at the box office.

PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie will see a magical meteor crash land in Adventure City giving the pups superpowers, transforming them into ‘The Mighty Pups’. It’s an action-packed superhero film with animation, characters and a storyline more powerful and enticing than ever before. This sequel is a female-led story centred on the brave and beloved girl pup, Skye. Bringing Skye to the forefront will help fuel the growth of our girls’ consumer products business.

The first PAW Patrol movie was the biggest Nickelodeon synergy campaign in our studio’s history, and we plan to top that for the sequel. Breakthrough creative will be everywhere, including exclusive content, broadcast integrations, and a media campaign that will be mightier than ever!

From a retail perspective, we have some huge movie campaigns launching later this year so watch this space for PAW Patrol to takeover the September school holidays!

Paramount, Nickelodeon and Spin Master are also gearing up for the release of the first ever spin-off series Rubble & Crew, an extension of the core PAW Patrol show focussing on fan-favourite Rubble, with new content scheduled for Australia in late 2023. The new series will focus on a construction theme that is set to engage our younger fans.

LEADER OF THE PACK

The retail strategy in 2023 for PAW Patrol will not only include celebrations around the 10th anniversary and movie sequel, but also maximise seasonal and retail event opportunities, closing gaps and keeping things fresh in market.

When it comes to Australia, PAW Patrol continues to dominate with strong growth across all categories in both boys and girls, including toys, apparel, accessories, publishing, homeware and back to school.

And we continue to expand our collaborations with new and innovative partners with the likes of Oodie (sleepwear), Play Pouch (play mats), SMD (consumer electronics), Toy Monster (tablet holder) and Cool Pods (cooler Bags) — all of which have been instrumental in fuelling further awareness, growth and closing retail gaps.

It's no surprise with its evergreen status that PAW Patrol is also seeing a huge appetite for CPG. Recently, we launched a new cheese snack selection with PRIMO, a range of healthier sausages and meatballs for kids with Flinders + Co and kids’ gummies with BH Fine Foods. Look out for more exciting and new partnerships as we gear up for the movie release in 2023.

This year will also see a big focus on seasonal, stationery, health and beauty with expansion planned right across key retailers. Expect to see bold statements in-stores as we take our pups to new heights.

Collaborating with our incredible partners has helped build the success of PAW Patrol over the last decade. And there’s still so much more to come in 2023 as we build on this momentum with a year-long celebration of ‘pup culture’ that will continue the currency and cement the longevity of this much-loved brand.

MULTIGENERATIONAL ICONS

GARFIELD

The global awareness and popularity of Garfield continues to unlock fresh opportunities and propel this loveable, funny and unapologetic cat to new heights and popularity.

This year, the most iconic cat in the business is celebrating its 45th anniversary. His unique ‘cattitude’ and ‘stress-less’ lifestyle has made him a beloved character for fans of all ages. Paramount is planning a huge celebration to kick off anniversary celebrations including a social media campaign, exciting new global fashion collaborations, and new limited-edition collectibles and products.

The cheeky and irreverent humour of Garfield, combined with his cute and cuddly nature makes him the purr-fect IP to deliver carefree, comfortable and body positive fashion style that spans genders and generations.

In Australia, Garfield’s appeal has hugely resonated in categories across apparel, sleep, accessories and seasonal, with the successful launch of multiple retail programs across diverse demographics. In 2023, we will continue to grow our footprint into new categories like stationery, gifting and CPG to help fans around the world embrace their favourite feline.

Beyond 2023, is an all-new adventure for Garfield with all new content, same beloved cat — it’s time to settle into the couch beside our ginger feline friend and immerse yourself in the world of Garfield

SPONGEBOB BRINGS FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.

“Smart enough for adults, weird enough for kids: SpongeBob is TV perfection” — The Guardian.

SpongeBob SquarePants is synonymous with eternal optimism and wide-eyed innocence and that’s why this beloved franchise translates into diverse and fun products across the globe for all age-groups, including the young and young at heart.

In 2023, we’re ramping up our activity as we prepare for the 25th anniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants next year in 2024. As part of our year-long celebration, we’ll be rolling out a slate of fresh content, including a series of feature-length films, new TV seasons and so much more!

Locally, SpongeBob SquarePants is a fan-favourite animated show available to watch on demand on 10 Play, continues to air weekly on Nickelodeon and 10 Shake, and is of course an anchor franchise on Paramount+. On the ground, expect to see scaled marketing and PR activations as we hit key beats and pulse points throughout the year, giving fans the ultimate Bikini Bottom experience.

We’ll also be celebrating SpongeBob SquarePants’ anniversary across multi-tiered retail partnerships and campaigns, aligned to key moments in the consumer products calendar with a focus on the ‘whole family’.

With over 250 style guides, from core branding to seasonal opportunities, there’s something to appeal to every fan as we focus on expanding our product offering in-store across apparel, accessories, home, health and beauty.

And fans just can’t get enough of everyone’s favourite sea sponge.

A SEA CHANGE TO TACKLE OCEAN PLASTIC POLLUTION

Ocean conservation and education has always been at the heart of SpongeBob SquarePants. In our bid to reduce ocean plastic pollution, we recently launched SpongeBob SquarePants: Operation Sea Change

This multi-year global initiative will help turn the tide by funding global clean-up work, promoting sustainable products and educating millions of fans on how they can help protect the undersea home of all creatures — whether they’re a silly sea star or an optimistic yellow sponge.

In Australia, we’ll continue to align with ocean conservation efforts with our Junior Citizens of the Reef program. Initially launched on World Oceans Day in 2019, the program promotes reef and ocean awareness to kids around the world through a series of marketing and influencer activity. Kids are encouraged to pledge their support by becoming a ‘junior citizen’ and taught simple everyday actions they can do to help protect the reef.

Aligning with our goal to make a difference, we’ll make a commocean in the retail space with new products that feature reduced singleuse plastic and partnerships, across multiple categories including plush, secondary toys, fashion and accessories.

There’ll be a wumbo of marketing, activations and brand partnerships and it starts with a splash, but we need your help to turn the tide!

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES.

TOTAL TURTLE MAY-HEM.

For nearly 40 years, kids have been captivated by the butt-kicking, pizza-loving top-secret superdudes known as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Their signature blend of high-stakes action, humour and brotherhood keeps consumers coming back for life — making it a truly multi-generational franchise with fans of all ages.

In 2023, the Turtles are heading to the big screen to debut a brandnew animated feature film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and introduce this franchise to yet another generation.

Produced by Nickelodeon Animation and Point Grey Pictures’ Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the man who brought us Superbad is a superfan of the Ninja Turtles and he has a black belt in telling coming of age stories in ways that resonate across generations.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES:

MUTANT MAYHEM IN CINEMAS SEPTEMBER 2023.

Fans are already excited. Through a massive global theatrical marketing campaign, partnerships and promotions, this fearless foursome is back and better than ever!

We’re taking this lean, green, mean franchise to incredible new heights at retail. Playmates return as our master toy partner with an extensive range targeting adult collectors and kids aged 6+. Additionally, the ANZ licensing program for the movie will consist of best-in-class partners in over a dozen categories.

And fans of our heroes in a half shell can look forward to an actionpacked year full of surprises in 2024, as we celebrate 40 years of this iconic franchise. Cue some major global fashion collaborations, brand partnerships and activations. It’s going to be a total turtle takeover in 2024 as we boost our retail presence across every age, every aisle, everywhere.

STAR TREK UNIVERSE AND PRODIGY

Star TrekTM now has a dedicated home in Australia on Paramount+ with all the iconic original content in one place for fans as well as five brand new series. Star TrekTM is an extremely well-established title with Australian audiences aged 13 to 64 and the show consistently features in the top 10 shows on Paramount+. Each new series will be supported by heavyweight marketing ensuring existing fans and new audiences are ready to board the starship Enterprise and travel into space, the final frontier on Paramount+.

But Star TrekTM is not just for adults and in 2022, we launched our first ever kids’ spin-off show, Star Trek: ProdigyTM which provides the perfect entry point into the Star TrekTM universe. Season 2 of Star Trek: ProdigyTM will be coming to Paramount+ and Nickelodeon offering new consumer products opportunities for youth target markets.

We can’t wait to expand the global powerhouse brand of Star TrekTM into all ages and leverage exciting new consumer products opportunities with our partners.

ADULTS & SUPERFANS

YELLOWSTONE

Yellowstone is a Paramount series that has stampeded its way into one of the top global entertainment favourites. Unless you’ve been sleeping under a cowboy hat, you will have no doubt heard of the global smash hit series Yellowstone. In the US, it’s our fastest growing CP franchise and is also one of the most in-demand series in Australia since the Season 4 release!

Following its success, the franchise has expanded with spin-off origin stories 1883 and 1923 that has continued to secure new fans and deepen the audience engagement with this captivating retelling of America’s Western expansion. Both titles have consistently been in the top 10 most streamed shows since their release on Paramount+.

Our consumer products program translates the appeal of Yellowstone’s rugged western aesthetic into a lifestyle brand for its growing legion of fans. Locally in Australia, there is high affinity and product interest for Yellowstone. In 2023, we’re planning to launch a raft of partnerships that bring Yellowstone to life across multiple retail channels.

PARAMOUNT PICTURES

With over 100 years of iconic movie making, Paramount Pictures has produced some of the most popular and beloved films of all time.

Top Gun: Maverick earned over $1.4 billion USD at the box office globally and locally soared close to $93 million AUD making it the highest grossing movie of 2022 in Australia. It has also just passed Titanic to become the highest grossing film domestically in the studio’s history. To fuel the franchise and take it to new heights, we’ll be focusing on activations at key seasonal moments such as Father’s Day and Christmas gifting.

This year Grease is the word as we celebrate its 45th anniversary. Expect to see beauty inspired takeovers and scaled global influencer campaigns as well as gifting partnerships. And in April 2023, Paramount+ will be launching a brand-new original series called Grease: Rise Of The Pink Ladies. This series takes place before the original movie and follows four outcasts who dare to have fun on their own terms, sparking a moral dilemma that will change Rydell High forever.

With a library of thousands of titles at Paramount Pictures, including current favourites like Mission Impossible and classics such as Mean Girls and The Godfather, to name just a few. Our nostalgia business is booming with iconic content from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s so reach out to us and find your next retail opportunity.

EMILY IN PARIS

From the moment it debuted, Emily has taken not only Paris, but the world by storm. Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, this romantic comedy has become a global smash hit on Netflix and a fashionable brand. Season 3 of Emily In Paris launched December 2022 and quickly became the most popular show on Netflix in Australia and was the #2 Netflix TV show (English) globally.

Season 3 was up 60% in viewership compared to the prior season. And it doesn’t stop there… season 4 has been greenlit!

We know Emily is a viral sensation and an instant fashion icon. When the season first launched, her wardrobe and accessories drove massive online search traffic making an Emily In Paris consumer products program a sure bet.

Globally we've already launched several successful programs with high-profile brand and retail partners including global collaborations with Starbucks, My Beachy Side and Malone Souliers, to name just a few with more in the pipeline.

It’s going to be another big year in 2023 with retail activations, influencer partnerships and new product launches confirmed. So, let’s raise a toast to more glam and talk with us about an Emily In Paris consumer products opportunity!

©2023 &TM Spin Master Ltd. TM & ©2023 Par. Pics. © 2023 Viacom. SpongeBob SquarePants created by Stephen Hillenburg. TM & © 2023 Showtime © 2023 Spike Cable Networks Inc. TM & © 2021 CBS Studios Inc. STAR TREK and related marks are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All

TWO ICONIC AUSSIE STANDING TH E TEST OF

Firstly, we celebrate Sekem Apparel’s 100th year of operations, a very rare achievement in today’s changing environment.

Secondly, Sekem embarks on our third year as Official Apparel Partner of the Fremantle Dockers, a great partnership between two iconic WA organisations. We proudly maintain distribution of our extensive range of AFL merchandise nationally, ensuring affordable supporter wear is available to all fans. Our iconic Bar Scarf for example, is surely a must have for every AFL supporter.

We continue to reinvest in the sport through our AFL license and a multitude of State level sponsorships.

Burley Sekem has thrived following our merger with Kookaburra Sport Group, creating an organisation with complimentary skill sets and consistent revenue across both seasons.

With three Australian brands under one roof, each with successful 100-year histories, the future looks bright for Burley Sekem and the Kookaburra Sport Group.

Manufacturing in the Australian sporting arena for 100 years.

As Australia’s leading distributor of Licensed Apparel and Accessories, Burley Sekem is excited to commence 2023 witha raft of sensational opportunities in the works.

AUSSIE BRANDS OF TIME

Part of the Kookaburra Sport Group.

@kookaburrasport

The oldest Australian owned football brandEstablished 1907 John Sheedy - East Fremantle Captain 1949 with a Burley and wearing a Sekem guernsey.

FANATICS AIMS TO MAKE A SPLASH IN ANZ LICENSING INDUSTRY WITH APPOINTMENT OF EX-WARNER BROS. EXECUTIVE

Fanatics, a global digital sports platform and leader in licensed sports merchandise, has appointed Thomas Rodger as Licensing Director, APAC, as part of its ongoing expansion into Australia and New Zealand.

Reporting into Younes Layati, Fanatics’ Senior Director of Licensing, Thomas will be responsible for establishing and growing the Fanatics licensing business across Australia and New Zealand, as well as across the broader APAC region, working with Fanatics partners such as the Australian Football League (AFL), ICC, Paris SaintGermain, MLB and UEFA.

Bringing over 15 years’ experience across retail, licensing and marketing, including 11 years at Warner Bros, Thomas’ appointment is Fanatics’ latest move in growing its presence across the Australia and New Zealand licensing market. The announcement of Thomas comes just weeks after the AFL and Fanatics announced a comprehensive 10-year retail and merchandising deal that will significantly improve the shopping experience for AFL fans around the world with the largest assortment of officially licensed AFL merchandise ever made available.

Fanatics has recently made other key hires across the region, such as former Essendon Football Club GM Tyler Emsden and embarked upon long-term partnerships with organisations such as the ICC, and rebel, Australia’s leading retailer of sporting equipment, apparel and footwear. Through its partnership with Fanatics, rebel can offer Australian sports fans more than 100,000 officially licensed products from many of the largest sporting organisations in the world.

Fanatics partners with more than 900 of the world’s top teams, leagues and sporting organisations, including the ICC, UEFA, Manchester United, Chelsea, Paris SaintGermain, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, NFL, NBA, MLB, The International Olympic Committee and Formula One.

Over the past decade Fanatics has established a reputation as a global leader in licensed sports merchandise and has expanded on its established success in commerce to include a leading collectibles and trading cards business, a sports betting and iGaming division and part-ownership in global retail giant Lids, which has already opened stores in Australia in partnership with the NBA.

Commenting on his appointment, Thomas Rodger said: “I am extremely excited to be part of the Fanatics team as we continue to grow across the Australian and New Zealand market. In particular, it is a privilege to work with institutions such as the AFL, which has entrusted Fanatics to develop its licensed merchandise and retail business."

“Our ambition is to serve the fans wherever they are. We will work with best-in-class licensees and retailers to represent our partners, delivering an elevated brand presence. We’ve got exciting plans locally and will use our expertise and experience with some of the biggest names in world sport to ensure we provide a compelling experience for sports fans in Australia and New Zealand.”

Matthew Primack, Senior Vice-President for Business Affairs and Development at Fanatics, also commented:

“We are thrilled to have Thomas join our growing team across Australia and New Zealand. We are determined to grow and innovate rapidly within the licensing space across the region, and Thomas’ extensive knowledge of licensing and retail, as well as established industry reputation, makes him the perfect fit to take us further towards achieving these ambitions.”

Fanatics is the ultimate one-stop sports fan destination that ignites and harnesses the passion of fans and maximises the presence and reach for preeminent sports partners globally.

CASE STUDY

Rebel Sport

In 2021 rebel, Australia’s leading retailer of sporting equipment, apparel and footwear teamed up with Fanatics, a global leader in licensed sports merchandise, signing a 10-year deal to provide sports fans across Australia with access to the most comprehensive range of licensed sports merchandise available anywhere in the country.

Australian sports fans are renowned for their passion and loyalty to their favourite teams but often lack the availability of products for the teams they love. Fanatics and rebel’s partnership solves that problem — offering Australian fans over 100,000 officially licensed products from some of the biggest sports leagues in the world, such as NFL, NBA, MLB and Formula 1, as well as major European Football Clubs.

The long-term deal marked Fanatics’ first significant partnership with an Australian retailer, with the business becoming the exclusive supplier of all ‘non-Australian’ licensed team merchandise on the rebel website, drastically improving rebel’s in-store licensed product availability. The partnership has expanded Fanatics portfolio of retail partnerships around the world to better service fans and expand the licensed sports merchandise market.

Speaking on the partnership at the time of announcement, rebel’s Managing Director, Gary Williams, said the partnership further strengthened rebel’s ability to bring the best global brands direct to Australia’s sporting enthusiasts.

“Australians love their sport. Teaming up with powerhouse sports fan brand, Fanatics, is a terrific win for rebel customers who are loyal and passionate fans of sporting teams both here in Australia and across the globe” he said.

Through the partnership, the expanded product assortment is available directly via rebel’s national store network and online via www.rebelsport.com.au, with Fanatics’ fulfilling and shipping customer orders directly via its existing international warehouse and logistics.

Jasnor Australia

JASNOR IS A LEADING DISTRIBUTOR AND MANUFACTURER OF POPULAR LICENSED TOYS AND GIFTS

Jasnor is a leading distributor and manufacturer of popular licensed toys and gifts, offering an extensive line-up of highly sought after brands across multiple product categories which include pre-school toys, gifts for baby, infant feeding, plush and seasonal collections. Their distribution and manufacturing portfolio includes iconic brands and characters including Pusheen, Play School, Disney Baby, The Wiggles, Beatrix Potter, The World of Eric Carle, The Gruffalo, Paddington Bear, and Sesame Street to name a few.

In partnership with BBC Studios, in 2023 Jasnor is thrilled to launch a wonderful collection of wooden toys and games in Australia, featuring Bluey, her Heeler family, and crew of playful friends. The exciting new range includes 17 wooden items covering role play, indoor play and outdoor play categories — sure to surprise and delight pre-schoolers and fans of the show. Retailers can select from an array of food playsets; traditional family favourite games such as Dominoes, Skittles and Charades; and also promote outdoor sports play with a Skipping Rope, Crazy Golf game and even a Cricket set in the launch collection. Stores can bring some Bluey fun to their shelves ‘for real life’ with these great gift ideas, covering multiple price points and gifting occasions. Featuring familiar character art and fun references to favourite Bluey episodes, the vibrant range is suitable for ages 3+, and the collection comes presented in easily recognisable Bluey-branded packaging.

Hardie Grant Children's Publishing, with half a million copies sold worldwide. Partnering with exclusive Australian retailers, Claris has come to life in selected stores in February 2023 and will be shared with the wider market at the Melbourne Toy Fair.

The launch collection includes premium plush in two sizes, a range of stationery essentials, accessories including a backpack and book bag, and feeding items including a gold cutlery set, 3 piece dinner set, drink bottle and lunch box, all featuring beautiful illustrations of the charming character.

Already famous for beloved book characters, in 2023 Jasnor is excited to partner with acclaimed author and illustrator, Megan Hess, to welcome another famous character — in the form of a pint- sized Parisian mouse - into their stable of iconic brands and characters. Claris, the beloved fashion-designer mouse, has featured in five best-selling children’s books, published by

However, this is just the beginning for the global merchandise campaign for Claris the Mouse, with Jasnor’s Claris plush, stationery and feeding items on the shelves of FAO Schwarz in New York City in February to coincide with New York Fashion Week! With Megan Hess herself attending an exclusive book signing event on 11th February, Jasnor’s Claris merchandise shone on the shelves of the iconic toy store, with a dedicated swing shop and two street-facing windows allocated for the event. The brand also has a permanent branded display fixture on the mezzanine level of the toy store to ensure the little mouse continues to capture the hearts of fashion-obsessed fans.

Be sure to visit Jasnor at the Australian Toy, Hobby and Licensing Fair in March to see their comprehensive collection of iconic brands and characters as they celebrate their 35th Anniversary in 2023!

Wide Eyes News from the Tube

THE RISE OF THE SVODS IS SLOWING DOWN TO A CRAWL AND THE FTA DINOSAURS ARE FIGHTING BACK

In 2019, Wide Eyes wrote that “SVOD will be the new norm in viewing content either at home or outside the home and will lead to everyone having their own personalised suite of movies, TV shows and games able to be viewed on demand whenever wherever.”

And this is pretty much what has happened, except that it now seems there may be too many SVOD channels on offer and with a tightening economy combined with rising interest rates and prices spiralling upwards, a shakeout of the SVOD business may well be on the cards.

It’s staggering how many SVOD choices there now are in Australia — Netflix, Stan, Disney+, Binge, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV Plus, Acorn, Britbox, Foxtel Now (ex-Presto) and Paramount Plus — with each and every one of them hell bent on having their own exclusive programs and not sharing content with any other channels or platforms.

One of the most common complaints now heard at work in answer to the question “Did you see such and such a program last night” is” Oh, I don’t get that show because it’s on … (name any one of the SVODs you don’t get).”

In a recent survey more than half of TV viewers in Australia say they find it hard to know what shows are on which SVOD services and 44 per cent say they often have a hard time finding something they want to watch at all.

So now that we miss so many of the most talked about “must see” programs because they are not on the SVOD services that we do subscribe to and we often can’t find anything we actually want to watch, it kind of starts making sense not to subscribe to any service at all, especially as the free to airs are now offering extensive channels of content for free on their ad supported secondary channels, their ad supported catch up services and their free ad supported subscription (FAST) TV channels.

And this is what is already happening in the United States and in the UK, where the SVODs numbers have stalled or are in decline and the free to airs are having a renaissance across their combined suites of free channels.

It seems that everything old is new again, just with a lot more channels and a lot more ads, and did I say a lot more ads like the promoting of the Australian rugby league over and over and over again and promoting it in the middle of summer.

Really? Not again. Please not again!

Maybe I will keep my SVOD services for just a little bit longer rather than watching all these confounded ads.

So we are at a tipping point — will the SVODs give away the golden goose by not aggregating their channels and continuing to go it alone in an ever fragmenting market or can the free-to-airs take their chance at regaining the goose by offering quality free to air programming on multiple channels without overdosing on the number of ads they are able to broadcast.

My guess is that the free-to-airs will not be able to help themselves and will continue to gorge on the big fat advertising goose while the SVODs will get smart, learn the lessons coming out of the US and the UK, and work together by offering an aggregated service or services to become a genuine Pay TV competitor to Foxtel.

WIDE EYES NEWS FROM THE TUBE

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FOXY

ANTI-SOCIAL

HUNGRY

ADVENTUROUS

MISCHIEVOUS

POSITIVE

TICKLISH GIGGLY

CUTE

Andrew Bromell, Vice President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products ANZ

As I move into my fifteenth year with Warner Bros., 2023 will be one of the biggest highlights in my career celebrating the Company’s 100th anniversary. This is an anniversary for all our fans and truly, a once in a lifetime opportunity.

With our official anniversary on April 4, we are showcasing our legacy storytelling across consumer touchpoints with special programming and content, exclusive products and home entertainment releases, omni-channel social media campaigns, live events and screenings, and fan-focused activations around the world. I’m excited to be sharing this milestone with our dedicated partners.

To add to a massive year of celebrations, we’re also marking SUPERMAN’S 85TH ANNIVERSARY! That’s right, it has been 85 years since the release of the very first SUPERMAN comic called Action Comics #1 in 1938. As we reflect on our hero in the early days, we’re also looking ahead to the next generation of Movies and TV with the epic new DC slate revealed recently. DC’s Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters is anticipated to take our favourite super heroes in unexpected new directions, and establishing a DC Universe that reflects the world of today.

The Wizarding World continues to grow and what better way to kick off 2023 than with the highly anticipated game release, Hogwarts Legacy. For the first time, fans can open the school doors and experience Hogwarts in the 1800s. This open-world adventure video game takes us into the Harry Potter cinematic universe and brings the Wizarding World to life in a whole new way.

And we’re not slowing down in 2024! Our core franchises continue to shine as we lean into some huge celebrations; POWERPUFF GIRLS is celebrating their 25th anniversary and FRIENDS hits 30! The infamous Caped Crusader – BATMAN - celebrates 85 years young and prepare to “Journey Over The Rainbow” by celebrating the WIZARD OF OZ 85th anniversary. It’s great timing also with a world-first Wizard of Oz precinct including two new family-friendly rides coming to Warner Bros. Movie World in 2024. Featuring a suspended coaster, a boomerang racer and immersive theming, the Wizard of Oz precinct will be designed to thrill the entire family. Experience thematic elements including projection mapping, stunning sculptures and facades as you travel along the yellow brick road – we’re very excited for this new attraction for fans to experience in 2024.

Theatrically in 2024, we can leverage the fan favourite the LORD OF THE RINGS franchise with LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM slated for April 2024, and THE JOKER core franchise by drafting off the exciting JOKER:FOLIE A DEUX movie slated for October 2024. Other 2024 movies will be announced in due course.

This is truly an exciting and pivotal time for us as Warner Bros. and Discovery come together with two legacy teams. We are now able to offer the world’s most differentiated and complete portfolio of content, brands, franchises across television, film, streaming and gaming. We look forward to working with our partners and exploring new opportunities for mutual benefit, whilst delivering our fans engaging and innovative products and experiences they will enjoy. As an ocean swimmer, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Shark Week should be fun – right ?

WARNER BROS. CONSUMER PRODUCTS KEY DATES 2023

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF WARNER BROS.

Andrew Hendy, CEO, Headstart

Our WB100 Mashups toy range has been so much fun to develop! We’ve loved the opportunity to be so creative and innovative with some of our favourite iconic characters such as BATMAN, BUGS BUNNY and HARRY POTTER. The level of detail on our 7” figure range is outstanding, and we can’t wait to share the range with fans young and old. The Limited Edition plush collection is adorable – our Tweety Bird / Slytherin Mashup is a personal favourite!

Our WB Ooshies collection is the cherry on top – the Ooshies stylisation works perfectly with the WB100 look.

Warner Bros. is an incredibly important partner to Headstart and we really value the close and longstanding relationship we have with the WB team, both locally and abroad. Their energy feeds our own and their unwavering support makes them a delight to work with .

In addition to the fantastic WB100 product launching this year, we’re particularly excited about some of the ‘new news’ in DC Ooshies – our 12” BATMAN is very cool!

Kiro Stojanoski, Managing Director, Zak

The word that describes my dealings with Warner Bros. is Collaboration...I have dealt with WB for almost 30 years. We have always worked together to get the best outcomes for our retail partners and the consumer. The Brands are evergreen and have strong consumer recognition. From the height of Looney Tunes in the 90’s to growth of DC and the additions of The Wizarding World. Most recently our Harry Potter Health and Beauty Ranges and our Adult collectable ceramics have allowed our team to use their imagination and innovation to create elevated ranges of product. WB has given us the freedom to take our products to another level. This has been the biggest change over the years. When I first started many products were the same, but with different art. Now most of what we do is bespoke by retailer by program, so the consumer gets to see something new every season. Coming into the 100th anniversary it has been great to work on Looney Tunes in a bigger way again. Creating the elevated ranges that will appeal to the long-time fans has been fun and we look forward to the great response when the product hits retail.

At Spin Master, we’ve had the great experience of partnering with the team at WB on not just one, but several top tier entertainment properties. Starting with BATMAN and the DC Universe, we’ve seen tremendous success in growing revenue in the Action Figures space YoY since we’ve taken over the license, and continuing with Wizarding World and engaging with a fanbase that is so passionate about all things Harry Potter, it makes working on the brand exciting! Partnering with a top tier entertainment company in Warner Bros. has opened doors, driven revenue and allowed us to delight consumers and surprise the market with our innovation and passion for the brands. Having the power of WB behind you as a company when you’re creating and selling toys, creates a wonderful scenario where you’re providing joy and excitement to kids (and kids at heart) with what you produce, and that elevates a toy manufacturer to a special place.

We’re so pleased to be celebrating with Warner Bros. for their 100th anniversary. For years, LEGO® play has helped Wizarding World and LEGO® fans feel even closer to the magic, helping them play out endless memorable moments across two decades of LEGO® Harry Potter™.

In 2023, The LEGO® Group and Warner Bros. Consumer Products have revealed a new range of enchanting playsets for fans of the Wizarding World. Featuring well-known characters, creatures and locations familiar to every would-be Hogwarts student in waiting, the new LEGO® sets help young builders create adventures of their own. Harry Potter fans can also show their house pride with the new LEGO® brick-built house banners! The banner also opens to reveal an enchanting recreation of the common room with authentic details every fan will love. Packed to the brim with delight and mystery, these captivating playsets will help bring the Wizarding World to life in a way that only LEGO® play can do.

Geoff Oliver, Marketing Director – AUS/NZ , Spinmaster

Alessa Muller, Associate Brand Manager, LEGO Australia/NZ

Alice Daynes, Product Manager, Mattel

In addition to celebrating Warner’s milestone…2023 brings a whole new level of excitement between the WBCP and Mattel Teams, with amazing innovation coming to the Preschool aisle, across both Imaginext line and the launch of Batwheels. This year in the DC Super Friends Imaginext line we are introducing a popular play pattern of Colour Change. Kids can watch Batman and the Joker dunking each other in the water tank with our Colour Changers Joker Funhouse. And the fun doesn’t stop there, in 2023 we’re introducing our largest Batcave playset, The DC Super Friends Ultimate HQ, inspiring play with both Batman and Superman teaming up to stop the villains of Gotham City.

The new exciting launch of Batwheels will bring new characters to life and allows us to COMBINE two top preschool themes, superheroes & vehicles, with the action & excitement of race & chase play. From being able to collect your favourite vehicles in the show in diecast form, to being able to control the lead Batwheels character’s motions yourself in our Bam R/C Batmobile. With an abundance of newness coming across the WB and Mattel Range, the crime fighting excitement never stops

When I think of Warner Bros. I can’t help but picture myself as a child visiting Movie World for the first time and using my pocket money on a Tweety Bird keyring. Fast forward through the years and here I am a grown woman in charge of the Warner Bros. product range for costumes and accessories within our territory – a really “Yabba Dabba Do!” moment! To say the least, it has been the most incredible journey over the past 9 years at Rubies Deerfield and one for which I am so grateful. It is so exciting when I see our product out in market – be it a child dressed up as BATMAN in the supermarket, to a Harry Potter in a Book Week parade, to a Harley Quinn standing at your door in celebration of Halloween.

Our product has evolved throughout the years, always with the end consumer in mind. Our partnership with the Warner Bros. Australia team is built on friendship and encouragement to keep pushing to be the best that we can be in the costume market.

Rebecca Sullivan, General Manager, Rubies Deerfield

Danielle Lowe, Business Manager, Caprice Australia

Caprice Australia are proud to continue our partnership with Warner Bros. through their 100th year. Our long-standing relationship has borne some amazing retail activations and results. We’ve bought Harry Potter to life delivering best-in-class ranges from baby to adult, collections that celebrate the humour of Friends, and we’re experiencing very positive consumer sentiment toward the nostalgic Looney Tunes and Warner Bros. animation ranges. The scope of Warner Bros. properties allows us to create bespoke “moments” our retail partners can own, and we look forward to bringing to life more for 2023 and beyond.

We’re so excited to be celebrating Warner Bros. 100th Anniversary. BlackMilk Clothing has had a long history of collaborating with WB on some of their most beloved and exciting IPs, including Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, The Matrix, DC Comics and more.

BlackMilk is particularly well known for two things: their unique approach to licensed clothing, and their annual Halloween collections. These collections are among the most anticipated by the brand’s legion of fans, who love being able to buy spooktacular gear that takes Halloween beyond costume territory and is wearable all year round. Most recently, the 2022 “Ghouls’ Rule” collection allowed customers to channel their inner “Ghost with the Most” with a blazer and matching cuffed pants inspired by the titular character’s iconic outfit in Beetlejuice, visit the Land of the Dead with artwork and characters from Corpse Bride, and return to the horrors of Crystal Camp Lake with Friday the 13th gear, such as a hockey-inspired Jason Voorhees Goalie top. It’s clear that BlackMilk customers love being able to bring their favourite Warner Bros. horror characters to life – again and again!

James Lillis, Founder, BlackMilk Clothing

THE AUSTRALIAN TOY ASSOCIATION

BY ALICE SANDERSON — EXECUTIVE MANAGER www.austoy.com.au

Australian Toy Association

WELCOME TO THE 2023 AUSTRALIAN TOY HOBBY AND LICENSING FAIR!

It’s so good to be back to physical events and this years’ sold-out Fair is surely not going to disappoint.

We have over 160 exhibitors ready and waiting to show the industry’s buyers what is hot and new for the coming 12 months. You will see loads of toys, educational products, magic items and much much more.

Over the four days we will be holding many events and presentations, starting off with the Industry night of nights at Crown Palladium. The Gala Dinner will be held on Sunday 5th March and celebrates the products, licenses and people that make this industry thrive. Sponsored this year by Showtime Attractions, the night will kick off at 7pm so get your best frock ready for a night of networking and dancing.

New awards have been added to this years’ list including the Environmental and Sustainability award which recognises manufacturers working towards a circular economy. Also, for the first time in over two years, we will be inducting another industry stalwart into the prestigious Hall of Fame. Chosen from a long list of deserved recipients and chosen by a subcommittee of previous Hall of Fame inductees, this award is the most prestigious acknowledgement for outstanding dedication to our industry here in Australia.

The Fair will also see a host of presentations being made at the ATA Learning Hub. There will be topics by Mumpower, The NPD Group, Equilibrium/ASGA and The Retail Doctor as well as a special presentation from Fred Gaffney and Grahame Grassby on the history of Australia’s very own B1&B2. So make sure you head on up to N41 and check out these informative sessions.

For information on dates and times, you can view a complete agenda in the online portal and the Fair Directory onsite.

One event I am personally excited about is the Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment event which will be held on Tuesday afternoon from 3.30pm. Sponsored by LEGO Australia, this event will see some amazing ladies in this industry tell their own unique stories including what drives them and the hurdles they have overcome to achieve where they are now.

We have over 160 exhibitors ready and waiting to show the industry’s buyers what is hot and new for the coming 12 months. You will see loads of toys, educational products, magic items and much much more.

Alice Sanderson

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have made this 2023 event such a huge success including our official media partners The Bugg Report and The Toy Universe as well as our sponsors and supporters BBC Studios, Hasbro Pacific, Just Kidding, LEGO Australia, Moonbug Entertainment, Mumpower, Showtime Attractions, The Retail Doctor, The Walt Disney Company, Total Licensing, Tradeshow Training, Melbourne Convention Bureau, Visit Melbourne, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Women in Toys Licensing and Entertainment. And of course, to our exhibitors who have done an amazing job showcasing their products to the industry.

On behalf of the Australian Toy Association Board and Staff, I hope you all have a fantastic Toy Fair that proves successful for you and your business.

Brand new preschool series from ABC Kids

BEEP AND MORT + REEF SCHOOL

dethame.wendy@abc.net.au

HEART-WARMING SERIES ABOUT EMPATHY, COMMUNITY, AND FRIENDSHIP

Since launching on ABC Kids late 2022 families have fallen in love with this charming and otherworldly preschool series, Beep and Mort, which tells the story of two best friends from different worlds, solving their daily dilemmas and unexpected challenges through invention, play and adventure.

ABC Children’s Early Childhood Education Producer, Laura Stone says, “Children’s voices bring many of the loveable personalities to life, while themes explored in each episode encourage social and emotional wellbeing, a strong sense of belonging and learning through inquiry-based play and teamwork.”

Based on Windmill Theatre Company's award-winning theatre show, Beep, this new series explores the ways the organic and the technological can work together and, at its heart, is a series about empathy, community, and the enduring value of friendship. Windmill Pictures producer, Kaye Weeks says, “It’s very kind content. We really wanted to put something out into the world at this time that’s about kindness.”

Head of ABC Children's Content, Libbie Doherty believes the series will “gently ignite” the minds and “warm the hearts” of the broadcaster’s preschool audience.

Beep and Mort comprises 20 x 11’ episodes broadcast on ABC Kids, available on ABC iview and ABC KIDS iview. ABC Licensing looks forward to working with licensees to bring this series to life in the homes of children around the country.

EVERY DAY IS AN UNDERWATER PRESCHOOL ADVENTURE ON A STUNNING CORAL REEF

Every day is an underwater adventure at Reef School, where the little ‘Reefies’ and their teacher Mr Flip discover the extraordinary wonders of an imaginary Australian coral reef and the remarkable world around it.

Reef School is an ABC Original production, created and developed by the award-winning ABC Children’s Department. Narrated by Emma Watkins, and with a voice cast featuring Tony Armstrong (as Mr Flip), Courtney Act (as Ms Flouncy) and the late Uncle Jack Charles, this underwater adventure taps into the natural wonder and curiosity of childhood.

Combining astounding real life underwater footage with charming and funny character voices, Reef School engages pre-schoolers using stories, songs, excursions, and games to navigate an imaginary Australian Coral Reef.

Each episode guides the pre-schoolers through stages of emotional and social development with curiosity, care, and a whole lot of laughs. From navigating the first day of school to the power of the imagination, Reef School has captivated the hearts and minds of preschoolers across Australia since it’s broadcast launch in November 2022.

Reef School comprises 20 x 11’ episodes broadcast on ABC Kids, available on ABC iview and ABC KIDS iview. ABC Licensing looks forward to working with licensees to bring this underwater world into the worlds of preschoolers across Australia.

For more information and licensing opportunities please contact Wendy de Thame at ABC Commercial dethame.wendy@abc.net.au

SMIFFYS IS A LEADING FANCY DRESS & PARTY MANUFACTURER WITH OVER 125 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY

The brand has been in the business of fancy dress since 1894 and has over 2,000 stockists worldwide. Offering over 8,000 products, Smiffys have a wide range of costumes & accessories for all seasons with a focus on outstanding quality, innovative design & value for money. Their license portfolio features over 90 properties, including popular toy & entertainment brands. Smiffys costume range is the perfect addition to any toy retailers product offering.

Smiffys shares their top picks and new children’s licensed products for 2023.

In 2022 we brought top global toy brand L.O.L. Surprise!TM to the costume market with Spice Devil costume for Halloween. This year we are excited to see the launch of the core collection of costumes featuring iconic L.O.L. Surprise!™ dolls such as Diva, Queen Bee & Countess Kitty. These deluxe character costumes feature sequin embellishments, metallic fabrics and doll motifs, bringing the L.O.L. Surprise!™ brand to life.

The Julia Donaldson collection from Smiffys continues to soar in popularity, as the charming stories appeal to parents and children alike. The range includes iconic characters such as Zog, Stick Man & The Highway Rat. Everyone’s favourite ‘The Gruffalo’ is brought to life with a deluxe, embroidered plush costume and tableware range — perfect for throwing the ultimate Gruffalo party or picnic. Ideal for Book Week & Halloween seasons, the collection also includes Room on the Broom witch costume. Look out for new additions to the range in 2023 with Princess Pearl, The Mouse & The Gruffalo’s Child costumes launching later this year.

Classic entertainment brands remain in demand all year round for us at Smiffys, and we expect 2023 to be no different. Top Gun continues to soar into 2023 after the release of smash hit movie Maverick, and the Smiffys range offers costumes for all ages.

The classic Where’s Wally range is popular for Book Week and beyond as it makes the perfect group costume for all the family. Other family favourites Grease & Shrek are always a hit for our customers, bringing legendary brands into the costume market.

Our Smiffys team here in the Australian office in NSW are here to help with all your enquiries on our exciting new ranges and best-selling lines. To find out more & view the full collection, contact us at sales@smiffystrade.com.au or visit smiffystrade.com.au

THERE’S LOTS IN STORE FOR 2023!

www.ugames.com.au

T here's Lots in Store for 2023!

U. GAMES AUSTRALIA WELCOMES NEW GAMES, PUZZLES, TOYS, CURRENT TREND LICENSES AND ASSORTED OTHER PRODUCTS TO ENTICE CUSTOMERS

It’s a winning strategy with Forbidden Games!

In 2022 University Games acquired Forbidden Games and entered the exploding strategy games category. Forbidden Games brings a bevy of award-winning games including Raccoon Tycoon and Mosaic: A Story of Civilization

The portfolio includes elegant tabletop strategy games with a vintage approach to art. Game play has just the right amount of “next step” complexity to engage both casual players and committed gamers. Raccoon Tycoon is considered by Dice Tower to be one of the top 100 board games of all time and Mosaic is following a similar path, joining numerous prestigious Top 10 lists.

We’re very Hape (pronounced hah-pay) to introduce you to our 2023 range!

Hape guides children in their early years so they can lead a more healthy and enriched life. Founded with the intention of not only providing toys that allow children to be excited about play, but also to help every parent learn to communicate with their children and be involved in their learning.

From infant to toddler toys, bath and sand toys, music and food items and STEAM activities, Hape has something for every stage of learning in the early years. Multi-awardwinning and designed with sustainability in mind, these high quality toys are a must have. In 2023 Hape makes sustainability accessible, child-friendly and fun with the new Green Planet Explorers sets — teaching children how to care about the environment through play.

We’re dead serious about our Murder Mystery Party games & puzzles.

In 2023 we are investing further in the Murder Mystery Party portfolio. The past few years has seen a significant surge in interest of detective and investigative games. Our mystery range offers both single-player and multi-player experiences with a selection of over 25 products to choose from.

New for 2023 is The Night Hunter. The game includes over 100 unique components and players are immersed in true crime forensics not seen in other games. The companion website features audio and video evidence where players listen to witness testimonies, check the accuracy of answers, and receive chilling messages from The Night Hunter himself!

We work hard, and we play hard — new Hard Quiz and local product developments.

U. Games Australia supports local and we are offering products that are made for Australians, bringing play to local trends and themes. In 2023 you will see the new Hard Quiz: Fast Game, a portable, compact version of the toprating TV quiz show. Following the success of the larger format board game this latest edition will excite existing customers and create new fans.

Also joining the range is First XI Cricket, developed by young inventor Ollie Hely and popularised by TV show The Project Even Australian Cricket Captain Pat Cummins congratulated Ollie on the game!

And don’t forget our high-quality wooden games range Roo Games, with titles like Koala Walla Bing Bang, and comprehensive science kits from Australian Geographic

There’s more in store than ever before. Request

According to Downsey

THE UK TOY FAIR, THE SPRING GIFT FAIR AND TOP DRAWER

The first few weeks of the New Year in the UK have been dominated by tradeshows — we have had the UK Toy Fair, the Spring Gift Fair and Top Drawer. Many people from the licensing community would also have attended the Nuremberg Toy Fair. Having been to all three of the UK shows I feel quite optimistic on behalf of licensing and the role it is playing in the toy and gift categories.

An overall observation from all three shows is that licensing is being used in creative ways, in new product areas and a wider pool of companies are using licensing to bolster their product portfolios. That said the UK Licensing market is still highly competitive and at times it is easy to conclude that supply is outstripping demand.

Top Drawer is a gift orientated show that focusses more on independent, specialist and heritage style retailers. Products that are presented by exhibitors tend to be higher ticket price ones. Traditionally it was a licensing light show with very few examples of licensing on show. That seems to be changing with more licensed products available. There also seems to be a shift in exhibitors with some companies attending Top Drawer who didn’t previously do so. This is arguably because they are looking for new retail outlets for their products as it has become more challenging in the mass retail market.

It was interesting to see arts and crafts products to the fore at the show — a legacy of Lockdown when we spent more time making things to while away time. This has fired up more interest in craft related products. PlayPress are a good example of a company that are tapping into this trend with their papercraft construction kits. They feature licenses such as The Gruffalo and Shaun the Sheep. In their case licensing has helped put them on the retail radar.

It was also interesting to see how some brands are working with licensees to create special editions or designs for classic characters. One good example of this was a range of Miffy soft toys from Bon Ton Toys which are finished in patterned fabrics and corduroy. This range exists in parallel with traditional plush but gives gift retailers a fresh way of tapping into the Miffy market.

I anticipate more brand owners developing parallel programmes using design to deliver different product options for different parts of the market. It is also good to see companies taking an innovative approach to product development. Licensee Music Box Cards has used classic characters like The Snowman to develop musical greetings cards that also feature really imaginative paper engineering. A good example of how a traditional format like greetings cards can be enhanced.

The UK Toy Fair was not unexpectedly peppered with licensing ranges and this wasn’t just Peppa Pig. The show confirmed that certain trends were carrying on quite strongly and also helped shine a light on some emerging trends. One key feature of the show is the growing strength of fan driven franchises.

Companies like Funko are experts at developing collectible products for fans such as their iconic Pop! vinyl figures whilst exhibitors like Abysse were showcasing products like figurines featuring anime and manga characters. New TV platforms and events like Comic Con have helped shine a light on the fan market and this light has attracted in more mainstream licensees. Hopefully companies are undertaking some research into the market to appreciate what fans want. There is a danger that this market could become saturated.

Another company that caught my eye in this context was Playmobil who have licenses such as Asterix and Naruto which they have blended into their core product range. This is a good example of a classic toy brand embracing new opportunities but not losing its own identity.

Tradeshows can certainly help with this as they underpin the value of licensing whilst trade association lead initiatives like the Gift of the Year and Toy Fair Hero programme really help put licensed (and other) products in the limelight.

According to Downsey

Ian Downes Start Licensing Ltd

There was also a strong showing for arts and crafts products at the Toy Fair. It was good to see a licensee I work with Paper Engine receiving great feedback on their range of Wallace & Gromit card construction kits which include items like Wallace’s rocket.

Wallace & Gromit’s rocket was selected as a Toy Fair Hero product by the organisers. This resulted in great publicity including an appearance on national TV. The Toy Fair Hero initiative is a really good one from the show organisers and shows how a tradeshow can be a springboard for an industry.

The UK Giftware Association cleverly chose to use the Spring Fair as the location for the live judging for the Gift of the Year awards. There had been some judging beforehand to arrive at a group of finalists across a collection of categories that reflect the gift industry. I was fortunate enough to be a judge and found it to be a very rewarding experience.

At a general level it was encouraging to see the high standard of entries and the quality of products being developed. One awards category is for Branded Gift which is dominated by licensed products — the finalists for this were announced recently and featured brands include Wallace & Gromit, Peter Rabbit, Disney and the V & A. Interestingly Colin the Caterpillar and Percy Pig characters created by retailer M & S also feature.

The retailer has worked with The Bottled Baking Company to create baking kits in a bottle featuring these characters. M & S had recognised the unique appeal of The Bottled Baking Company and engaged with them to create these products for their stores. Licensed products featured in other categories and licensing is clearly playing a strong role in the gift sector. Reviewing a selection of the finalists also gives a good insight into the changing shape of the licensing landscape with rights emerging from a diverse range of sources including music, heritage, design and art.

It's easy to think of licensing as character licensing, but there is a lot more going on in the market these days. This shift in the source of rights has also opened up licensing to different companies and retailers and this is a good development for the wider industry, as we need to broaden the pool of participants and finds ways of widening the appeal of licensing.

Tradeshows can certainly help with this as they underpin the value of licensing whilst trade association lead initiatives like the Gift of the Year and Toy Fair Hero programme really help put licensed (and other) products in the limelight. Hopefully the recent tradeshows have encouraged retailers to buy into licensing and licensed ranges not least as they bring an audience with them and readymade momentum.

THE 'HIGH PRIESTESS OF PRINTED PAPER' SIGNATURE DESIGN ARCHIVE

F lorence Broadhurst

THE ‘HIGH PRIESTESS OF PRINTED PAPER’ BEING BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE BY SIGNATURE DESIGN ARCHIVE

Risk-taker par excellence, style maven extraordinaire, Florence Broadhurst’s most exhilarating legacy is a design archive making waves around the world today. Born in 1899 in a remote rural corner of Australia’s Queensland, the light went out on Florence Broadhurst designs in 1977 when she was tragically murdered in her studio. But this is where her legend begins. In between, she lived a series of vivid, fantastic lives.

Charismatically fearless from the word go, Florence Broadhurst (pictured top — Photograph courtesy of Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales) spent the roaring Twenties singing across the Far East’s colonial reaches and ran The Broadhurst Academy, a school of performing arts in Shanghai from 1926–27. In London in the 1930’s she became “Madame Pellier” a French couturier proud to dress the rich and famous. She moved back to Australia in 1959 as an aristocratic English lady; an entrepreneur, society figurehead and landscape painter.

With every incarnation Florence became somebody new — new hair colour, new accent, new history... even, on occasion, a new name. At the age of 60 she did it again, launching in Sydney her defining venture — an internationally-successful, luxury, hand-print wallpaper business.

She announced she would “colour Australia” and in so doing she re-drew the world. Everywhere she had been, and everything she had seen, found voice in a whirlwind of creativity. Years ahead of her time, Florence Broadhurst created hundreds of beautiful hand screen printed wallpapers and textiles. These were unique and luxurious patterns with rich and vibrant colours, perfectly reflecting Florence’s flamboyant personality and style. Her archive grew to over 530 images ranging from tapestries to geometrics, florals, psychedelic and delightfully eccentric chinoiserie. Yet however dynamic and diverse her designs became, her personality was more compelling still.

After her untimely death in 1977 and the decline in popularity of wallpaper in the 1980’s, Florence Broadhurst prints had all but disappeared.

Today, however, they are experiencing a resurgence in popularity thanks to the passion of Signature Design Archive, and she is stepping back on to the international stage with designs that transcend fashion — work so boldly glamorous and versatile it speaks to innovators in every field.

Licensed across a range of product categories including wallpaper, homewares, limited edition art, soft furnishings, Manchester, toiletries, gifts, stationery, luggage, apparel and accessories, key collaborations include Kate Spade NY, Qantas, Black Sheep Cycling (pictured below) and David Jones department stores.

To Deborah Lloyd, creative director of global luxury brand Kate Spade, the Florence Broadhurst archive is quite simply “ground-breaking and sensational” — “one of the most creative things that has come out of Australia.”

Gail Mitchell, CEO of Signature Design Archive says “Behind each image is the woman herself, an endlessly restless spirit. Her eye was exquisite, her appeal fascinating, and her approach at times very naughty indeed. A revolutionary in design and business in her own lifetime and beyond, Florence is a role model for women whose inimitable work continues to inspire the world today. She is a life, an enigma, a legend and a legacy, but the story is not over yet.”

For more information on the Florence Broadhurst licensing program, please contact Gail Mitchell gail.mitchell@signaturedesignarchive.com

Collectable Lanterns

Infinity Lighting

Animated Toys

Creator TM and © 2023 Sesame Workshop.

gifts Designed

KUNG FU PORK CHOPPERS

ALL-NEW ANIMATED SERIES

Kung Fu Pork Choppers

GET READY TO GO HOG WILD WITH THE ALL-NEW ANIMATED SERIES GUARANTEED TO BRING HOME THE LICENSING BACON - KUNG FU PORK CHOPPERS!

Based on characters derived from the Chinese hit series GG BOND, the 104 x 11-minute series introduces the team of interstellar super-swines of the Universal Hero League that includes Glorious P.I.G., Pigcasso, Hampton, Hamgelina and LaPuerca aka the KUNG FU PORK CHOPPERS, who battle fun and funny foes for the all-powerful “Splaxis” — the one slime to rule them all!

“This is a very PIG deal”, says Al Kahn, Founder and CEO of Crane Kahn and the mastermind behind the mega licensing phenomena of POKEMON, YU-GI-OH!, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES and CABBAGE PATCH KIDS. “We completely redid the series to build a show and a universal brand with global appeal aimed at boys 4-8. The mix of martial arts and out-of-the-world gimmicks and gadgets mirror a proven play pattern to create a world that kids will relish and have lucky licensees laughing all the way to the piggy bank”.

KUNG FU PORK CHOPPERS is building an extensive licensing and merchandising programme that is guaranteed to break licensees’ piggy banks with it's outrageous and lovable cast of zany characters, with all rights being handled by Centa IP.

Gail Mitchell, CEO at Centa IP said “KUNG FU PORK CHOPPERS is filled with characters from the heroic to the diabolic, familiar to alien, brilliant to bungling, and everything in between. Everyone we show this to just gets it! This is the ultimate comedy adventure and we’re sure kids will love it!”

Global kids and family content distributor, Jetpack Distribution, has acquired the rights for two seasons of the CGI animated comedy-action-adventure series (104 x 11-minute episodes). Targeting four-to-eight-year olds, they will go hog wild over the fantastic antics and side-splitting humour of our super fine and super swine superheroes. Jetpack began presenting the property at the recent Kidscreen conference and has already had keen interest in the series from TV partners around the globe.

The first three seasons of Kung Fu Pork Choppers, the allnew version of the series produced by China-based Winsing in collab-boar-ation with CraneKahn LLC, is currently airing on more than 100 channels in China, including CCTV and Kaku, where it’s the number one kids show and an audience with a total of 700 million views across all online platforms that have kids squealing with delight! Winsing Animation Group, the Chinese commissioning platform, has committed to at least 300 episodes, which will see multiple seasons of the hit series produced.

Written by the same creative team that wrote both POKEMON and TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, with its broad-based humour and fun storylines, KUNG FU PORK CHOPPERS proves it is not just the underdog that wins the day, but the underpig can triumph above all odds to win the day... and save the universe too. With their arsenal of amazing devices and vehicles they take on the wackiest alien invaders ever. So, get ready to strap on your Splaximal Fight Pack because it’s time to get “piggy with it” and Kung the Fu!

Centa IP are currently in negotiations for global licenses including master toy and publishing.

MIFFY

MIFFY’S GLOBAL EXPLORATIONS

Miffy's Global Explorations

Miffy’s creator Dick Bruna was born on the 23rd of August in 1927 ‘Year of the Rabbit’ which in hindsight was a curious coincidence. From humble begins dating back to 1955 his book based bunny Miffy has evolved into the icon we know today.

Friendship, curiosity, uncomplicated fun and focus on essence are the cornerstones of Miffy’s world and continue to resonate with people from all ages and walks of life.

“Colour your World with Miffy” not only refers to the colour palette used in Miffy’s original books but is a much more inclusive call to embrace the colour of our world in a broader sense.

Miffy’s world is about the uniqueness of each and every individual and leaving room for the imagination. The element of surprise and differences are embraced without compromising on quality whilst still making it accessible to all.

Australia and New Zealand have embraced Dick Bruna’s work since the 70’s and continue to support the program through long-term Media, Publishing and Licensing partnerships.

The first major Miffy exhibition recently visited, with some delay due to covid, Brisbane’s QUT Art Museum and Melbourne’s Bunjil Place Gallery. It evolved around concepts that Bruna and other artists have grappled with over the ages, including colour, line and form. Bringing these ideas to audiences and to instil a love of art, as Bruna did over his lifetime, was done in collaboration with seven contemporary Australian artists.

Both long-term partners The Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Children’s publisher Hardy Grant continue to broadcast the television series and re-issue new book formats in combination with Dick Bruna’s original square book titles respectively.

Categories like plush, gifting and lifestyle are firmly established through collaborations with Jasnor and Rhino Rhino with extensions into other categories like gifting and flowers with Interflora Australia.

The recent partnership with Erstwilder has seen the creation of a collection of wearable art for anyone with a leaning towards nostalgia, adventure, and the innocence of their youth which nicely compliments the Miffy X Sarsparilly collection. This retro style collection is an expression and call to “Wear Your True Colours” which aligns with Miffy’s overarching colour your world theme.

DTR partnerships are an indispensable part of our efforts to share Miffy with as many people as possible and our collaborations with Peter Alexander and Cotton On over the last few years have seen multiple launches of wellcoordinated male, female, baby, toddler, kids and adult Miffy collections. Not only do these collections perform well in their home territories but they also resonate well in Asia and Southern-Africa.

Cotton On will be launching another capsule collection available in multiple territories and supported by a dedicated social media campaign from March 2023.

Our global brand collaborations with Tommy Hilfiger and Mulberry are also leaving a big footprint through their physical and online stores where the Miffy limited edition collections have been made available.

For information Australian and New Zealand Miffy licensing program please contact Vincent.Jones@centaip.com

AFL FANS LOVE ‘EM!

AFL HAS HUGE APPEAL

Over 7.7 million Australians support an AFL club and 7.75 million watched a match on TV in the past year. (Roy Morgan research 15 Sept 2020)

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