Licensing World 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

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 all

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.”