Including DHX Brands unveiling 10 year anniversary plans for In the Night Garden.
DHX Brands is due to celebrate ten years of the In the Night Garden property in 2017 with a host of initiatives and events. The campaign will have the theme of ‘Ten years of Magical Journeys’ and kicks off in the New Year with the launch of a standalone magazine from Redan. Abbey Home Entertainment will also release a special tenth anniversary edition DVD. In June, the first ‘Family Gardening Show’ from the RHS will open at Wisley in Surrey, featuring an ITNG zone. Activities and games will include Upsy Daisy yoga, flower pot decorating, sensory story time and music making classes, as well as visits from special guests. The RHS will also put together an ITNG augmented reality trail. At Alton Towers, themed bedrooms at the CBeebies Land Hotel will open in the summer, while, in the live events space, the touring show will return for its eighth consecutive year. In addition, the In the Night Garden Baby range will launch, which DHX is supporting by attending the Manchester Baby and Toddler Show in March. Social media support will also run throughout the year, with parents being encouraged to share special moments and memories of their own ‘magical journey’.
Disney has teamed up with YOOX for the launch of its first online fashion and lifestyle store. It will host the latest designer collaborations inspired by Disney, Disney-Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel across apparel, accessories, footwear and interiors.
Jessica Symons – the former head of children’s for Channel 5 – has launched her own independent children’s production company. Ivy House Productions already has several programmes in development for preschool and tween audiences, covering live action, puppet shows, animation and a sports show.
Licensing Expo has begun attendee registration for the 2017 show. UBM has also unveiled Licensing Week taking place from May 22-25 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The aim is to bring together new and returning educational and networking events surrounding the expo.
IMG Worlds has launched its latest project, IMG Worlds of Legends. Nine zones are spread over two million square feet with brands included from Nickelodeon, Ubisoft, Saban, Pokémon, Mattel and Cartoon Network. There will also be an animé zone and IMG Worlds’ proprietary brands, Legends of Arabia and Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure, will also be featured.
Knockout Licensing has confirmed that Poldark products will soon be available from Rizzoli International Publications and PBS Distribution in the US. Items will include calendars and gifts such as t-shirts, mugs and tote bags.
eOne’s PJ Masks has been signed up by Italian free to air broadcaster Rai Yoyo. The company is now readying the launch of licensed merchandise in the territory, appointing ETS Italy to manage the CP programme. Giochi Preziosi will distribute Just Play’s master toy line, while La Coccinella is on board for publishing and Gedis has signed for sticker albums.
Dabel Brothers Publishing is to launch a new graphic novel series featuring Mr Bean in 2017.
Mattel Creations has secured its first Latin American distribution deal with Televisa for WellieWishers from American Girl.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for 20-year licensing veteran Lauren Whitehead, who has recently been hit by illness and is in need of a liver transplant. The funds raised will pay for the medical and recovery costs of the transplant if she is able to get to the top of the list. Lauren has worked for a number of companies including Jakks Pacific, MGA, Spin Master and Paramount Studios.
National Geographic has appointed Rosa Zeegers to the role of evp consumer products and experiences. She will oversee the company’s global licensing, merchandising, travel, location-based entertainment and live businesses.
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