Global News

LMI TO LICENSE THE LITTLE PRINCE

The Little Prince and LMI have joined forces to expand the licensing programme into the UK & Eire. The Little Prince was born in 1943 in New York City and has since continued his incredible journey across generations. With more than 200 million books sold globally in 500 languages, the original publication has extended to a cinematic movie, a 3D animated Netflix series, a game with more than 100 million downloads, a theme park attraction, multiple global exhibitions, standalone stores, and a stage show musical. A new pre-school TV series of 52 x 11 minutes is in development. The series set for a 2023 release is lead by BAFTA & NFT nominated writer Simon Nicholson whose acclaims include PJ Masks, Paw Patrol, Bob the Builder and Thomas and Friends to name but a few. Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the 1st Edition in 2023, LMI is seeking new partnerships to develop a successful consumer products programme for the original classic illustrations which are now available for licensing, as well as additional publishing projects including colouring books and activity books. On a different note, 2023 is the 400th anniversary year of the publication of the First Folio of Shakespeare’s plays, one of the most important books ever published and a highlight of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s collection. This treasured volume is the first edition of Shakespeare’s collected plays, published as Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories & Tragedies in 1623, seven years after Shakespeare’s death. It includes eighteen of Shakespeare’s plays printed for the first time and the engraved portrait of the author that has since become the iconic image of Shakespeare recognised around the world.

AMAZON COMPLETE MGM DEAL

Amazon’s US $8.45bn acquisition of MGM has been completed, both companies have confirmed. MGM, which is nearly 100 years old, is behind legendary movies such as Rocky and James Bond, brings to the deal 4,000 film titles, 17,000 TV episodes, 180 Academy Awards and 100 Emmy Awards. Content only post-1986 will count towards the deal. Mike Hopkins, senior VP of Prime Video and Amazon Studios, commented: “MGM has a nearly century-long legacy of producing exceptional entertainment, and we share their commitment to delivering a broad slate of original films and television shows to a global audience.” Amazon stated they would be welcoming all current MGM employees, indicating there would be no lay-offs. MGM’s TV catalogue includes The Handmaid’s Tale, Fargo and Vikings. In its vast film library, hits including Legally Blonde, Silence of the Lambs and Thelma & Louise. The mega-deal significantly expands Amazon’s roster of IP as it continues to grow into digital streaming. The deal was finally given the greenlight by the European Commission recently.

LMCA APPOINT CEO

New York Headquartered LMCA has announced a shift in its top management as the agency experiences rapid growth and expands further internationally. The LMCA Board has announced the promotion of Ciarán Coyle, formerly President & COO of the agency, to the CEO role. He will also become a Principal of the firm and join the LMCA Board. Coyle will oversee all aspects of the operations of the business, globally. Allan Feldman, Founder and formerly CEO, will become Executive Chairman, working closely with Coyle on the agency strategy and key partnerships. “Ciarán has brought a sharp business focus and discipline to LMCA over this past year and established an incredibly strong foundation for the agency’s continued international growth as a leader in strategic brand extension licensing. The decision of the LMCA Board to elevate Ciarán to the position of CEO reflects the confidence we have in his ability to realize LMCA’s full potential and add significant value to our clients,” commented Allan Feldman, LMCA Founder and Executive Chairman. Coyle added, “I’ve greatly enjoyed working with our super clients, partners, and the wonderful LMCA team over the past year and am very excited for what lies ahead. I’m truly honored by this opportunity to take on the CEO responsibilities and look forward to working with all our LMCA stakeholders to deliver continued success!”

SEGA Europe Limited. and UK lifestyle brand, HYPE, have announced an all-new line of licensed clothing and accessories celebrating SEGA’s Sonic the Hedgehog. Featuring designs inspired by the high-octane speedster himself, the HYPE. x Sonic the Hedgehog capsule collection includes a line of adults and children’s apparel and accessories. The 30-piece adults and childrenswear range celebrates the globally-recognised traditional Sonic the Hedgehog colour palette, with a monochrome theme and neon accents, fusing HYPE.’s signature contemporary silhouette shapes with Sonic’s Japanese-inspired roots to create everyday statement looks. The line features Sonic the Hedgehog characters including Sonic, Super Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, Shadow and Amy entwined in HYPE’s iconic tie-dye, gradient fade, galaxy and graffiti-spray-inspired prints. With a diverse range of clothing items including hoodies, joggers, t-shirts and leggings, as well as a uniquely designed bowling shirt featuring a soon-to-be-iconic print in a monochrome theme with a contrasting collar.

Additionally, fans of the Blue Blur can level up their on-the-go gear with the HYPE x Sonic accessories, transporting their essentials in a standout backpack matching the apparels’ core prints and designs. Two pencil cases boast enlarged graphics and character placements. The collection launched exclusively at HYPE’s Carnaby Street London store, via justHYPE.com and selected retailers worldwide on the 31st of March 2022.

MIXMUPS ON MILKSHAKE

Channel 5’s children’s strand, Milkshake! has announced that it will be the broadcast home of MixMups, its first animated pre-school series to feature disabled lead characters and be made by a team with live experience of disability. Developed and produced with support from the UK Government funded Young Audiences Content Fund (YACF), which is managed by the BFI and in collaboration with Raydar Media, the ground-breaking 52 x 10-minute stop-motion animated series for three to five-year olds, shines a light on different pre-school play styles and the joy of mixing up objects and ideas to create stories.

HOME AND PARTYWARE FOR CATALINA ESTRADA

This is Iris’ Catalina Estrada Collection is heading to Australia, with an exclusive home and partyware range. The deal - which was brokered by Sarah Lawrence and her long-term colleagues at Wild Pumpkin - will see leading teaware and homeware specialist Ashdene launch their first collection in Spring 22. The range titled ‘Butterfly Heliconia’ celebrates Catalina’s love of nature through her distinctive prints. The collection includes teasets, drink bottles, journals, gift bags and wrap. Alongside the launch of this range, partners Amscan will also launch their first range of Catalina Partyware. This range is set around Catalina’s most well-known prints with this bold collection brightening up any BBQ or garden party. The range offers 30 lines from plates, bowls and cups through to table runners, paper straws and bunting. Commenting, Sarah Lawrence said, “We have worked with Lim and her colleagues at WP Brands for many years. We’ve always supported each other and the artists we represent. We feel very passionate about the work we do, ensuring that time is always invested in the development of any range, from understanding the needs of our clients, supporting our all important artists and designers through to delivering a final range that we are all proud of.” “Catalina Estrada is such an inspiring artist, and it was a great honour to have the opportunity to work with Sarah and This is Iris on developing a local program for our market. The products speak for themselves – they are perfect examples of how we can obtain artistic exquisiteness amongst everyday items!” added Vanessa Ulmer, Marketing Manager, WP Brands. “ We’re thrilled with the new licensing opportunities that have come through to us for the UK. Catalina has inspired many a designer over the years and we’ve always felt so passionate about her work as well he amazing charities she has supported throughout her career. We know how proud she was to be asked to work with Disney on the recent Encanto movie which has brought her work to the attention of so many within our industry.” This is Iris are currently in talks with a number of UK partners and retailers direct with several new lines already heading into production later this year.

Marvel has announced the exclusive launch of its first ever Marvel & The Prince’s Trust collection, created in collaboration with the youth charity and taking inspiration from The Avengers. Disney worked with aspiring designers aged 18-30 to create a collection that is part of a three-year mentoring partnership which aims to help young people break into the world of fashion and product design. The programme, which launched in spring 2021, consists of a series of workshops, hosted by Disney, culminating in the aspiring designers creating two Marvel-inspired product ranges. The first, which spotlights Marvel’s The Avengers, features products with design influences from American street culture and sports after exploring current trends in the market, taking into consideration the themes of inclusivity as well as being inspired by the teamwork of Marvel’s superheroes. The collection will be available to purchase from The Disney Store and online at shopDisney in the UK and across Europe. This gender-neutral collection features a range of products and includes clothing, apparel, accessories and stationery, as well as a themed backpack. Throughout the programme participants worked with Disney designers, marketers and retail teams, with the support of The Prince’s Trust, to learn about the product design industry, with the designers involved at critical stages in their products design. This not-for-profit initiative with The Prince’s Trust is part of Disney’s global social purpose commitment which sees Disney working to provide inspiration and opportunity to help young people reach their potential.

Mike Stagg, Senior VP, Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing EMEA said: “We are so impressed and proud of the designs produced by these young people. It has been truly inspiring to see the products come to life from their initial sketches. We know how hard the fashion and design industries can be to break into, and our partnership with The Prince’s Trust offers such an invaluable experience which we look forward to continuing.”

MILO WINS AWARD

Milo, the preschool TV series produced by Fourth Wall in association with DeAPlaneta Entertainment has won the 2022 Best Children’s series at the British Animation Awards. Since launching in the UK on Channel 5’s Milkshake! Milo has enjoyed high ratings and is also available on the broadcaster´s on-demand platform My5. Milo, which already has more than 4 million views on its official YouTube channel, will soon be expanding on to new YT channels in other countries. The series is also broadcast in Poland, Italy, Australia and Hungary. The show continues to expand across the globe and will launch in and China shortly. Next spring, Milo will also land in Latin America, Finland, Spain, Poland and the Czech Republic.

FORMULA ONE FLAG

As the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship approaches the official F1 online memorabilia platform, operated under license by The Memento Group, is inviting fans of the world’s most popular motorsport to Own The Chequered Flag. This allows fans to be part of each Grand Prix race by giving them the chance to have their name printed on the chequered flag waved at the finishing line of the race of their choice. This is expected to be a bumper season for Formula One, with new driver line-ups, striking car liveries, and new rules and regulations. Plus, 2022 will bring a new venue to the calendar; the Miami International Autodrome in Florida, where the new Miami Grand Prix will take place on 8th May. Each Own The Chequered Flag product features a photograph, captured by an official F1 photographer, of the flag being waved as the race winner crosses the line. This image is then framed alongside the personalised flag square. Barry Gough, Founder and CEO, of The Memento Group and former Formula One race team mechanic said, “We are delighted to offer this incredible opportunity. This authentic experience allows Formula One fans to put their unique mark on a race of their choice and own a special moment with sports memorabilia holding both sentimental and personal value that can be treasured for a lifetime.”

SESAME ST NAMES JUST PLAY

Sesame Workshop has named Just Play as its multi-territory master toy licensee for North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Under this multi-year partnership, Just Play will manufacture and market an expansive array of products featuring beloved Sesame Street characters including Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Abby Cadabby. The company will also support Sesame Workshop’s mission to help kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder.

Starting in 2023, Just Play will take the helm and usher in a new era of engaging and educational products that will roll-out throughout the year and beyond. Key preschool play patterns and categories including plush, figures, playsets, vehicles, role play/dress up, bath, and learning toys will define the new product portfolio. Just Play will contribute to Sesame Workshop’s social impact efforts by providing funding for vital initiatives that bring critical early learning and support across a broad variety of challenges to children around the world. These initiatives are fundamental to both organizations’ efforts to help families everywhere thrive. “We’re thrilled to partner with Just Play and strengthen the Sesame Street brand globally,” said Ed Wells, EVP and Head of Global Media and Education, Sesame Workshop. “Just Play creates fantastic, best-in-class products that delight the whole family. This, coupled with its exceptional retailer and distribution network, and impressive mix of items across multiple categories, make them a natural partner.”

SONY SIGN DEAL WITH MERLIN

Merlin Entertainments, who own Legoland, Madame Tussauds and Sea Life, recently announced that it has entered into a multi-territory exclusivity agreement with Sony Pictures Entertainment, to develop and operate attractions, rides, lands, retail outlets and themed hotel rooms based on the studio’s Jumanji film franchise across Merlin’s Resort Theme Parks and Waterparks in Europe and North America. The first Jumanji experience to be launched will be the world’s first Jumanji ride, which will open in April this year at Merlin’s Gardaland Resort in Italy, with a second activation already in development at a different theme park for a 2023 launch. The Gardaland attraction will be called “Jumanji – the Adventure” which will open in April 2022 and will be complemented by the simultaneous launch of fully themed Jumanji hotel bedrooms. The deal supports Merlin’s broader global strategy to engage and work with leading IP and brands across its global estate, with existing successful partnerships including LEGO, Marvel, Peppa Pig, and CBeebies. The collaboration further builds on Merlin’s successful relationship with Sony Pictures Entertainment, which has already seen the previous roll out of two “in-attraction” themed experiences including the Ghostbusters 5D ride at Heide Park in Germany and the Ghostbusters experience at Madame Tussauds New York.

ZAG PARTNERS BURGER KING

ZAG has partnered with Burger King on a global QSR promotion that features collectible premiums from the pop culture hit Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir with purchase of a King Jr. Meal. The announcement was made recently by Julian Zag, EVP, Global Operations and Head of Consumer Products, ZAG. Zag’s global promotion with Burger King first launched internationally across Europe, Latin America, MENA, and Pacific Asia, on Jan 17, and in France on Jan 24. The U.S. is scheduled to launch on March 24, 2022, in approximately 7,200 participating Burger King restaurants. The promotion features six branded premium items featuring characters from Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, including two Ladybug and Cat Noir eye masks, two character light-ups featuring Tikki and Phlagg, and two keepsake boxes, featuring Marinette and Adrian. Guests of Burger King will receive one premium item in each King Jr. Meal purchased while supplies last. Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir will be featured on packaging, POP, and digital/TV ads. “Our exclusive and first QSR program with Burger King restaurants worldwide offers a tremendous opportunity for ZAG to further the global awareness for Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, and gives our young fans around the globe another chance to engage with the brand as we head into a year of major growth with new products debuting at retail, a new season of the series in production, and the debut of our US$100+ million animated feature,” stated Julian Zag. ZAG is currently in production on season five of the series. Miraculous has attracted over 29 billion views on YouTube (authorized and user-generated content); and 200 million downloads of the official app. Over 200 million products have been sold during the past four years and retail sales have surpassed US$1b worldwide to date. Miraculous is the winner of 25 awards, including the 2018 Teen Choice Award for Animated Series.