Licensing News

Learning Resources holds Numberblocks immersive event in Norfolk

King’s Lynn is home to leading educational toys company Learning Resources which holds a global master toy licence for Numberblocks. An event in the town centre was organised in collaboration with Toymaster member, Youngsters World, an independent retail store, and attracted fans from across the county.

“It was the first ever Numberblocks immersive event and brought the characters and early years maths concepts from the award-winning hit CBeebies TV series to life in a fun way for young fans. Children received their free branded Numberblocks pencil and map from us and went on a journey around the high street district to find Numberblocks One to Five, working their way to Youngsters World where they received a free badge and got to meet Numberblock One,” said Chris Beardmore, UK sales manager.

He added: “We were delighted to learn that families both from our town and further afield in the county joined in and queued for a photo opportunity with One. The success of the event shows the broad appeal of the series to its audience base of young children and the opportunities for trade customers to come up with fun, innovative ways to attract shoppers to their stores to grow sales.”

Paul Sanderson, of Youngsters World, said: “We were extremely pleased with the event as the shop was packed out with children and parents who were also queuing down the street waiting to meet Numberblock One. We weren’t quite expecting people to have travelled so far to meet the character, which is a great indication of the brand awareness of Numberblocks.”

Moonbug announces new look and name for its 24/7 linear channel

Moonbug Entertainment, a subsidiary of Candle Media, has a refreshed new look for the company’s 24/7 linear channel, Moonbug Kids, and a new name – now simply Moonbug – in line with its wider corporate rebrand. The new Moonbug channel identity aims to convey the same energy and fun as its colourful shows and characters.

While streaming and content on-demand continue to gain popularity, linear channels are still relevant. In 2022, Moonbug saw a big expansion of its linear channel, reaching 75+ countries across the globe. Moonbug has provided dedicated feeds to leading partners across EMEA and APAC including O2, Multichoice/DStv, OSN, Turktelekom/Tivibu, Cignal, Astro, Turkcell/TV+, Telekom Malaysia/Unify TV and Telekom Indonesia/Indihome.

“We want to give every family the opportunity to enjoy our shows on their preferred and go-to platforms, whether it is on the go or at home on an ad-free linear channel,” said Moonbug’s managing director EMEA and APAC, Nicolas Eglau. “Especially with a pre-school audience, linear channels can be a huge help for young families trying to establish healthy routines. Whether it is bedtime, mealtimes or ‘brush your teeth moments’, our programming finds suitable content to mirror families’ daily life.”

Dilek Doyran, Moonbug director, Distribution & Content Partnerships EMEA, added: “Linear TV remains extremely relevant across many territories, where viewers favour ad-free content and a curated experience. It is also particularly relevant in markets where streaming penetration is not as extended and there is a big demand for linear services.”

The company says the rebrand further moves everything under a cohesive Moonbug umbrella, elevating its brand positioning and encouraging industry and consumer recognition as the company behind some of the most beloved shows in kids’ entertainment.

Gabby’s Dollhouse launches Gabby on the Go!

DreamWorks Animation has shared details of its new touring fan experience, Gabby on the Go! based on its popular animated television series Gabby’s Dollhouse, which will travel to nine different locations across the UK and France until July.

Gabby on the Go! gives fans the opportunity to jump inside Gabby’s fantastical, animated world for an adventure full of free activities, and to collect stamps in their Cat Passport as they go by exploring zones that recreate many of the rooms featured in the show. these include Gabby’s Bedroom, Cakey’s Kitchen, SS Mercat, Kitty Fairy’s Garden and DJ Catnip’s Music Bus. The experience was launched with a celebrity photocall attended by Rachel Riley and James & Ola Jordon, to mark the start of the tour.

Smyths Toys is the exclusive retail partner for the UK leg of the tour and will offer families the chance to meet Gabby instore and receive a free Gabby’s Dollhouse magazine, created especially for the experience.

The tour began last month and following the UK dates, Gabby on the Go! will head over the channel into France to give fans in the region the opportunity to enjoy this very special live experience.

“There’s nothing else out there in the pre-school space quite like Gabby’s Dollhouse, and it’s really special to watch the reaction of fans as they step into Gabby’s world through this incredible interactive tour,” said Paul Bufton, vice president EMEA, Universal Products and Experiences. “The series comes to life so naturally through play, so we’re delighted that Gabby on the Go! will give children the opportunity to touch, feel and interact with their favourite elements and characters to extend their love of the brand beyond the TV show. Consumer marketing activations are central to our global brand strategy for Gabby’s Dollhouse and we can’t wait for more kids across the UK and France to enjoy this unforgettable experience.”

Gabby’s Dollhouse is now streaming on Netflix with a toy line available at Smyths Toys and other major retailers.

Just like the real Thing – Wow! Stuff unveils Wednesday range

Wow! Stuff has announced that MGM’s globally successful Wednesday brand will join its autumn portfolio, with the positively ghastly Thing leading the line-up. “We are delighted to be introducing a range of hugely innovative gifts and toys to market that reflect our passion for bringing great brands to life,” said MD, Dawn Lavalette.

Following the debut of season 1, Wednesday spent six weeks in the No.1 spot for most hours viewed of all English language TV series globally. The series accrued more than 1.2b hours viewed within its first 28 days on Netflix and has already been renewed for season 2.

Dawn commented: “MGM’s Wednesday is a hugely exciting property that has taken the world by storm since the release of the Netflix series in 2022, not to mention the continued popularity for The Addams Family brand.

Wednesday will get the Real FX treatment from Wow! Stuff’s multiple award-winning brand of toys that ‘Look Real, Feel Real and Sound Real’. Wow! Stuff has worked with MGM on the development of a Real FX Thing – a lifelike dismembered hand that crawls around on its own volition. The Real FX Thing will let fans create scenes just like in the series, utilising the green screen technology, Chromakey, pioneered by Wow! Stuff in the toy industry.

Dawn added, “Seeing Thing in action will make you disbelieve your own eyes – it looks, feels and acts just like the real Thing on our screens, and we know it’s going to be an instant hit with fans.”

Wednesday will also work its supernatural charm on Wow! Stuff’s unique connectable collectibles, Nano Pods. Dance Wednesday – inspired by the TikTok dance craze which has gone viral amassing billions of views – will be the must-have from the Nano Pods line-up, which will feature 12 fan-favourite characters to collect, with a superrare metallic Wednesday to chase down.

A CDU of ‘Blacker Than Black’ Wednesday putty, an illuminating Mood Light Window and heat-reveal and 3D mugs will also join the Wow! Stuff innovation collection.

To find out more about Wow! Stuff’s new Wednesday range, contact emma.prendaglia@wowstuff.com for UK or dawn.lavalette@wowstuff.com for EMEA.

The Lumistella Company expands its North Pole universe

Home to the original Santa-approved Christmas elf, The Elf on the Shelf, The Lumistella Company is anticipating an exciting future full of new stories, products and characters. Founder and co-CEO Chanda Bell commented: “2023 is the beginning of a whole new era of storytelling from The Lumistella Company. We are pulling back the curtain on the mystery and magic of the North Pole to reveal the narrative of the fantastical world beyond The Elf on the Shelf brand.”

The company is rolling out a broad portfolio of The Elf on the Shelf, Elf Pets and Elf Mates products, along with products featuring Santa’s most trusted magical arctic fox friend, Noorah. This beloved character uses her extraordinary gifts to assist Santa as he flies around the world undetected each Christmas Eve. One of Santa’s newest pals also makes a debut this season – the clever and fluffy Bogies are ready for adventures outside the North Pole.

With 75+ global licensees across key categories, The Lumistella Company is positioned for even further expansion in 2024 and 2025, in celebration of its 20th anniversary. Families can tune in as the songs of Santa’s North Pole become available for streaming through a global music distribution deal with Magic Star.

With the first-ever The Elf on the Shelf & Friends Challenge, in partnership with Medal Dash, fans can compete in a virtual run from their local communities and receive The Elf on the Shelf-branded race packets. Other partnerships include a global publishing deal with HarperCollins Publishers, as reported in the Toy World May issue, encompassing more than a dozen titles over the next five years, including a cookbook. Founder and co-CEO Christa Pitts added: “A wholly formed universe of storytelling is set to emerge in the coming years. We are thrilled to continue our work of creating joyful family moments and telling the stories of Santa's North Pole.”

Disguise to bring out MGA branded dress up

Disguise has announced a new multi-year contract with MGA Entertainment to design, manufacture and distribute costumes and dress up accessories across the globe for MGA’s hottest brands.

The agreement includes the L.O.L. Surprise!, Rainbow High, Little Tikes and Bratz brands. Disguise’s exceptional attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality will serve to elevate these brands to the next level in costumes and dress-up. Its innovative designs have been created to appeal to kids and collectors alike, providing them with the opportunity to dress up as their favourite characters from some of MGA’s globally popular brands.

Tara Cortner, president and general manager of Disguise, commented: “We have prior experience collaborating with MGA and are well aware of the immense popularity of its brands at retail, as well as the fervour for dressing up as these characters. We have exciting and innovative ideas for these lines, and you can look forward to seeing them in stores and online all over the world later this year.”

“We are pleased to be extending our relationship with Disguise,” added Mindy Puente-Escalera, senior vice president, Global Licensing, MGA Entertainment. “It’s important to us that our brands continue to have many touchpoints allowing us to engage with our fans, and we believe these new products will be fan favourites from the start.”

The Disguise range of costumes and accessories for MGA Entertainment brands will be available later in 2023.

Build Your Own Wallace & Gromit Rocket scoops award

Build Your Own is celebrating an award win at the recent Gift of the Year awards after its new ecofriendly, Build Your Own Wallace & Gromit Rocket scooped the award for best Branded Gift.

Hampshire-based Build Your Own is delighted to have won this highly respected award, which recognises the best new, exciting and innovative products in the industry each year.

The team is very excited about the partnership with Aardman and bringing its first licensed product to market. They said there was a clear synergy between Build Your Own and Aardman from the beginning, and they had fantastic ideas for the kits from day one of the partnership.

The Build Your Own Rocket is from the iconic Wallace & Gromit film, A Grand Day Out. A cracking 40cms high once built, it has a clever pull-tab rocket door opening mechanism to enter the world of Wallace & Gromit. It includes Wallace and Gromit figures, the much-loved ‘cooker’ from the animation and many more internal furnishings.

Made using 100% sustainable cardboard and paper, Build Your Own’s Wallace & Gromit Rocket is not only fun and engaging to play with, but also eco-friendly.

Build Your Own was created by Paper Engine – a UK-based team of brilliant paper engineers with decades of experience engineering pop-up books, direct mail pieces, packaging and more. The company ethos is ‘Less plastic, paper fantastic!’ and the team is incredibly passionate about being environmentally responsible in all that they do and respecting the planet. The full range of kits is made using high-quality sustainable cardboard, with minimal plastics, with eco-friendly packaging that is 100% recyclable.

Commercial director Jason McKenzie commented: “We’d like to give a big thanks to everyone at The Giftware Association, the judges and the award sponsors. We’re so proud of everything that the team at Build Your Own has achieved. It has been a pleasure working and partnering with the team at Aardman – an incredible, talented bunch of people.”

Dino Ranch Season 2 premieres on Tiny Pop

Season 2 of Dino Ranch will premiere on UK Free TV, exclusively on Tiny Pop. The series began on International Dinosaur Day, Thursday, 1st June.

From Boat Rocker, Dino Ranch follows the action-packed adventures of the Cassidy family as they tackle life in a fantastical, “pre-westoric” setting where dinosaurs still roam. As the young ranchers learn the ropes, they discover the thrill of ranch life whilst navigating the great outdoors through unpredictable challenges. Season 2 brings new adventures for the young ranchers, as they take to the skies with new flying dinos in the tentpole event, Dino-Soar.

Season 2 continues the thrill-a-minute animated series that is packed with comedy and adventure, and introduces kids to problem-solving, the foundations of forging life-long friendships, strengthening family and community bonds, and taking care of animals.

Dino Ranch Season 2 is also available on-demand on the Pop Player.

Tiny Pop is available on Freeview 207, Sky 615, Virgin 737 and Freesat 605, while the Pop Player is available on Freeview Play, YouView, Freesat, Apple TV and on mobile.

Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie to launch on Netflix

Miraculous Ladybug makes her feature film debut in the enchanting animated musical tale Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie, a superhero blockbuster for the whole family which will launch on Netflix on July 28th and in select countries theatrically.

In addition to the US release on July 28th, SND will release the movie in France on July 5th and Studio Canal will release it on July 6th in Germany. Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie will also be released theatrically in China, Belgium, Switzerland, Poland and the Eastern Europe region, Russia, Greece, Turkey and Israël.

Based on the Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir animated series that airs in over 120 countries around the globe and now in its fifth season, the movie follows ordinary teenager Marinette whose life in Paris goes superhuman when she becomes Ladybug. The movie takes fans on a journey of discovery, the intriguing origin story of how two normal teens – Marinette DuPain-Cheng and Adrien Agreste – embarked upon their superhero destinies. The movie is filled with action, comedy, music and magic.

Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie is directed by Jeremy Zag from an original screenplay by Jeremy Zag and Bettina López Mendoza based on a story written by Jeremy Zag. Aton Soumache, Jeremy Zag and Daisy Shang serve as producers. Executive producers are Emmanuel Jacomet, Michael Gracey (Director, The Greatest Showman, P!nk: All I know So Far; executive producer on Rocketman), Tyler Thompson, Alexis Vonarb, Jean-Bernard Marinot, Cynthia Zouari, Thierry Pasquet, and Ben Li. Harvey Mason Jr. (Dreamgirls, Sing!, Pitch Perfect) serves as executive music producer.

Cristina Vee Valenzuela reprises her role from the Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir series as the voice of Ladybug, with Bryce Papenbrook as the voice of Cat Noir and Keith Silverstein as Gabriel Agreste, aka Hawk Moth.

TfL appoints IMG to grow global licensing programme

Transport for London (TfL) has announced a multi-year deal with international licensing agency IMG to expand its brand engagement and licensing programme both within the UK and across the world.

The new multi-year agreement will see IMG manage and build on TfL’s existing licensing programme, which has seen major collaborations with brands in recent years such as Arsenal, Kurt Geiger and Uniqlo.

Working together, the two companies will look to extend TfL’s internationally recognised brand across new markets, with a special focus on engaging children and supporting wellness and active travel products. These will include apparel and accessories, home, gift and stationery, publishing, food and beverage, toy and games, and experiential experiences.

London’s transport network has a rich history, with the city having the world’s oldest underground railway which opened in 1863. Over the last two centuries, the transport network has become synonymous with the city itself, representing it on the world stage and the distinctive London Underground roundel and Tube map, Routemaster bus, as well as its moquette (fabric designs) used on its Tubes, buses, and trains all being instantly recognisable.

The partnership will help brands access these assets, as well as iconography for rail and river services, buses, active travel modes such as walking and cycling, as well as the Elizabeth line. This new addition to London’s public transport network opened in May 2022 and, already, its iconic purple colour theme is seeing brands eager to collaborate with TfL on a wide range of products.

Brands will also have access to TfL’s extensive poster archive dating back to the early 20th century, which contains posters advertising travel to sporting events, tourist attractions and the much-loved art deco styles of the 1920s.

Ellen Sankey, Brand Licensing manager at TfL said: “We are delighted to be partnering with IMG to grow our brand licensing work. Every penny made by TfL is reinvested back into the transport network, and working with such a recognised leader in this field will help us reach new markets and engage with new audiences, such as licensed products for children.”

Magic Light joins forces with BBC for Tabby McTat animation

This Christmas, the BBC will air animated adventure Tabby McTat, from BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated producers Magic Light Pictures. The animation is a story, set on the streets of London, about the friendship between a musical cat and a talented busker called Fred.

The film is adapted from the hugely successful picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, and marks the 11th animated special of their work produced by Magic Light Pictures for the BBC. This is a special year for Julia and Axel, as 2023 marks the 30th year of their creative partnership.

The film stars Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey) as Fred, Sope Dìrísú (Gangs of London) as Tabby, Cariad Lloyd (Peep Show) as Prunella, Joanna Scanlan (The Thick of It) as Pat, Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who) as the narrator, and Susan Wokoma (Enola Holmes) as Sock. Animation services are provided by Red Star Studio.

The film follows Fred and Tabby McTat, who enjoy a contented life singing on the streets of London to delighted audiences. One day when chasing a thief, Fred falls, breaks his leg and is whisked away in an ambulance, leaving his bemused cat alone on the city streets.

Author Julia Donaldson commented: “I used to love busking with my husband Malcolm when we were living in Bristol, and also in Paris. We also both love cats; this story is really close to my heart and combines two of my passions: singing and cats.”

Producer, Barney Goodland added: “Julia and Axel’s book is a beautiful, heart-warming story that we’re delighted to be adapting for BBC viewers this Christmas. The friendship between Fred and Tabby is a truly special one and the film explores how their relationship changes unexpectedly as their lives move forward, and ultimately, how they learn to embrace that change.”

Holy smoke, it’s a Lego Batcave!

The Lego Group has announced its latest addition to the Lego Batman Collection – the Lego Batman Returns Batcave Shadow Box. An official collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products and DC, this highly detailed set combines beautiful display pieces with iconic iconography perfect for ultimate Batman fans.

Based on the Warner Bros. Pictures’ Batman Returns, the set is incredibly detailed and features the full Batcave, inside a display box with a cut-out in the shape of the iconic Batman emblem. At the heart of the set is the Caped Crusader’s Batmobile and, just like Batman’s Batcave, the set features clever functions and gadgets including the ability to move furniture, change images on the big screen, open a vault and open a door and several light bricks.

In addition, the set comes with brand new minifigures of Catwoman and The Penguin, as well as various minifigures including Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth and Max Shreck With 3981 pieces, the new Lego Batman Shadow Box set is available for Lego VIPs from 5th June, and to all from 8th June.

Acamar engages Retail Monster for UK opportunities

Acamar Films, the independent creative studio that produces popular pre-school animation Bing, has enlisted the expertise of Retail Monster in the UK to accelerate Bing’s consumer products programme at retail, and drive new licensing partnerships for the award-winning property.

Retail Monster will act as an extension of the Acamar Films UK licensing sales team, complementing sales efforts, attending key trade shows and identifying new retail channels for Bing. Next year, Acamar Films will celebrate the tenth anniversary of the UK premiere of Bing, and 2024 will see new partnerships, products and content launches planned, to build on Bing’s existing success in the market.

“Bing is a timeless pre-school property which still delights young audiences now, as much as it did ten years ago,” said Katie Rollings, chief Licensing officer at Acamar Films. “We are so proud of the work that we do with our best-in-class licensing partners and by tapping into Retail Monster’s retail activation expertise, we will be able to create truly special initiatives that will give Bing a broader and deeper retail presence.”

Vicki Ingram, senior Brand and Retail manager at Retail Monster, added: “We are very excited to be partnering with Acamar Films. Bing is a much-loved brand and the way in which the series reflects everyday, relatable experiences for pre-schoolers means that we will have lots of opportunity to create campaigns that not only drive sales but are also meaningful to families.”

In the UK, Bing is a top-performing pre-school show. One of the most requested CBeebies shows on BBC iPlayer, the series also commands impressive viewership on YouTube. In licensing, new hero toy Talking Rainybow Bing has been launched this spring with a supporting multi-channel campaign driving strong sales at retail.

Warner Bros. unveils extensive collection of The Flash merchandise

Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP) and DC have unveiled a massive global merchandise collection inspired by Warner Bros. Pictures’ highly anticipated The Flash movie.

All-new products across numerous categories give fans around the world a taste of the epic story that will unfold when the film releases in North America on June 16th and internationally beginning June 14th. Including toys and collectibles from global partners like Mattel, Funko, Spin Master and McFarlane Toys, costumes by Rubies and new footwear from Puma, the collection offers something for fans of all ages in every timeline. Warner Bros. Discovery’s DC Shop will also debut a host of exclusives for fans.

“DC’s The Flash starring in his first-ever feature film calls for a robust collection that celebrates a once-in-a-lifetime event: The Flash, Batman and Supergirl appearing in the same live-action film,” said Pam Lifford, president, Warner Bros. Discovery Global Brands and Experiences. “Alongside renowned partners from around the world, we’ve developed a crosscategory line that commemorates this Multiverse-breaking adventure.”

WBDGCP’s The Flash collection is as expansive as the DC Multiverse, featuring unique products in every major market around the world. Highlights in Toys & Collectibles include: Mattel’s Supergirl Barbie Doll; Spin Master’s The Flash Speed Force Runner, Flash Hero Set and limited edition 1989 Batmobile RC; Just Play’s The Flash Small Plush Bundle featuring the Scarlet Speedster, Batman and Supergirl 7” soft toys; McFarlane Toys’ Batmobile, Batwing and Batcycle vehicles, Batman, Supergirl, The Flash and more 7” scale figures, and statues from DC Direct and DC Multiverse; and Funko’s The Flash, Wonder Woman, General Zod, Barry Allen, Young Barry Allen, Supergirl, Iris West and Batman Pop! vinyls.

Further consumer products will also be launched in Kids Fashion & Accessories; Fashion, Footwear & Accessories; Jewellery; Home Goods; Artwork; Kitchenware and Publishing.

An international The Flash licensing programme across Europe, the Middle East and Africa will also offer a wide range of pan-regional and local deals across alley categories.

Toikido signs Piñata Smashlings deals with IMG and Redan

Global entertainment and toy company Toikido has announced it has appointed IMG as its exclusive licensing representative in key territories including Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Under the new agreement, IMG will help develop a diverse portfolio of products and experiences for Toikido’s first-ever in-house IP, Piñata Smashlings.

Launching this June with a Roblox video game, the highly anticipated Piñata Smashlings features hundreds of characters called Smashlings and Piñatas. The game will be followed by the launch of an animated children’s television series, as well as a product line including toys, collectibles and apparel, making it the first Roblox gaming IP to debut physical retail products in the same launch window as the initial game. Toikido has also collaborated with several major content creators across TikTok, YouTube and Twitch to further expand and activate the Piñataverse.

Darran Garnham, founder and CEO of Toikido, stated: “The Toikido team is chuffed to have such a strong and experienced licensing partner on board for the launch of Piñata Smashlings. IMG’s reputation speaks for itself and has been built on its consistent performance, expertise and international reach. Most importantly though, the team shares the same passion for the Piñata Smashlings’ IP as we do and we’re confident that by working together, children and adults across the world will be able to experience the magic, wonder and fun of the Piñataverse.”

Adam Steel, senior director of Licensing, IMG, added: “We are delighted to welcome Darran and the whole Toikido family to IMG. With a Roblox video game, an animated series and a range of consumer products already locked in before its official launch, Piñata Smashlings is on track to become the next blockbuster gaming and children’s brand. We look forward to combining Toikido’s unparalleled industry expertise with our specialist knowledge of the entertainment and gaming landscape across our global network to bring the Piñataverse to fans around the world.”

Toikido has also signed a deal with Redan Publishing for children’s magazines. Piñata Smashlings will regularly feature in a selection of Redan’s multi-character titles to help build brand awareness, support the game release on Roblox, and aid promotion of the toy lines from PMI when they launch later in the year. Content in the compilation magazines will also serve to seed the launch of a smashing standalone magazine containing everything Smashlings, due to hit shelves in spring 2024.

Julie Jones, MD at Redan, commented: “We’re absolutely delighted to be chosen as the magazine partner for Piñata Smashlings. When we were first presented with this up-and-coming IP, we could see huge potential and immediately fell in love with the artwork, back story and general vibrancy of the property. The enthusiasm and positivity of the team at Toikido is infectious and we are thrilled to be working with it to develop a magazine strategy that aims to propel Piñata Smashlings to the top of the children’s magazine category.”