Licensing World 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.