Marketing World

Libertas Brands and Blue Zoo announce content deal for Fugglers

Libertas Brands, which holds exclusive rights globally for the Fuggler brand, known for its quirky and mischievous characters, has announced a five year content partnership with renowned IP producer and digital studio Blue Zoo. This strategic partnership marks an exciting chapter for the Fuggler brand as it expands its presence into the world of entertainment.

Libertas Brands has joined forces with Blue Zoo to bring the humorous world of Fugglers to life through captivating digital content. This collaboration aims to engage audiences of all ages, capturing the essence of Fugglers' distinctive charm and personality in a dynamic and entertaining format.

This strategic partnership tasks Blue Zoo with growing the Fuggler brand online, on-screen and in-game, across the various digital platforms. In building a social and immersive content environment, Blue Zoo aims to build long-term value in the characters, moving them from a collectible plush toy range to an international multi-format sensation.

"We are delighted to partner with Blue Zoo for this exciting partnership," said Mark Kingston, CEO & co-founder at Libertas Brands. "Fuggler has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, selling over 8m pieces of plush in the last three years, and is on track to surpass this number in just 2024 alone. This strategic collaboration with Blue Zoo will allow us to extend the Fuggler experience beyond the realm of toys. We believe this jointly funded partnership will create immersive and entertaining content that resonates with our existing fans, while also introducing the crazy world of the Fugglers to new fans worldwide."

"Investing in Fugglers is a unique and thrilling opportunity," said Oli Hyatt, director at Blue Zoo. "The whimsical and eccentric nature of Fugglers characters provides endless possibilities for storytelling and comedy. We look forward to bringing these charming creatures to life in a way that will captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. It's going to be fun making something just a little bit naughty."

As part of the agreement, Blue Zoo will produce and digitally exploit multiple strands of content across relevant digital platforms, including 90* 3-minute series of themed comedy shorts and a series of parodies, songs, 'Fuggnatomies' and live-action, which premiered on the Fugglers YouTube channel in February. A new stream of Fuggler humour will be available across social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, and fans will be treated to brand new Fuggler items in the Roblox marketplace with games and much more to follow.

The content will potentially include a feature-length and series-length production, and Libertas Brands and Blue Zoo are actively seeking broadcast partners for this.

Playmobil’s toddler portfolio highlights eco credentials

At the beginning of 2024, Playmobil converted the production of all items in its toddler portfolio from traditional, fossil-based to plant-based materials. The toddler line is undergoing rebranding, receiving a new name and transitioning to sustainable packaging; Playmobil 1.2.3 is now Playmobil Junior and the play sets under the new brand are made from plastics that are up to 90% plant based.

This makes Playmobil the first major toy manufacturer worldwide to offer a complete product segment using plant-based materials.

The new plant-based plastics consist of residues from food and paper production, which can be recycled according to the mass balance approach used in the circular economy in accordance with the ISCC 208 standard. At least 90% of the packaging is now made from recycled cardboard and paper, and this change is accompanied by refreshed packaging design. The first play sets are available now, and the entire product range is planned to be converted by the middle of the year.

Playmobil Junior sets support development from one to four years old with a variety of features and play options. The products can be used in a wide variety of settings, from playrooms to gardens and playgrounds, and the Aqua line can also be enjoyed in the bathtub and pool. All Disney licensed play sets will also be produced using the new sustainable materials.

Playmobil’s CEO, Bahri Kurter, said: “After successfully establishing several classic product lines to now use recycled and bio-based plastics, converting the production of our toddler line is another important step on our ambitious sustainability agenda.”

The brand relaunch is supported by a large-scale media campaign, driving awareness of the toys that bring fun to children whilst helping to save the planet.

Hot Wheels Let's Race debuts on Netflix

Mattel Television Studios’ all-new animated children’s series, Hot Wheels Let's Race, debuted on Netflix globally on 4th March. The official trailer for Hot Wheels Let’s Race features the show’s theme song performed by award-winning musician, singersongwriter Patrick Stump. A composer for film and television, as well as the lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist of multiplatinum selling, Grammy-nominated rock band Fall Out Boy, Patrick composed, recorded and produced the theme song for Hot Wheels Let’s Race in addition to leading the composition of the score, underscore and music cues for all episodes.

Hot Wheels Let’s Race is an action-packed comedy series for kids, and follows the newest generation of racers: Coop, Spark, Mac, Brights, Axle and Sidecar as they attend a racing camp. Through mind-blowing races, extreme stunt contests and thrill-seeking challenges, Hot Wheels Let’s Race is a show that kids and the whole family can enjoy.

“Between the show’s characters, propulsive cars and pulse-pounding music, we want to make audiences feel like they’re literally gripping the wheel for an unforgettable ride with Hot Wheels Let’s Race,” said Rob David, vice president of Content Creative at Mattel Television Studios and executive producer of Hot Wheels Let’s Race. “Patrick is a one-of-a-kind musical talent, and generous collaborator. We are so lucky to have him as part of the Let’s Race family.”

“I spent a lot of my childhood in my grandad's garage handing him tools while he worked on cars and I daydreamed about music,” said Patrick Stump. “Hot Wheels was my way of connecting to his love of cars. That’s why I was so excited to get the opportunity to work on Hot Wheels Let’s Race with Mattel Television Studios. The word I’m always using to describe my music for this series is ‘pulse’. There’s a tempo and a rhythm that permeates the series as soon as the tires hit that iconic orange track. It’s a real joy to get to be a part of that and I can’t wait for another generation of kids to see Hot Wheels Let’s Race on Netflix this year.”