Including eOne securing a partnership between VisitEngland and Peppa Pig.
Source rounds up more news from the licensing industry across the globe from the week.
eOne has secured a new partnership with national tourism agency, VisitEngland, which will see Peppa Pig become part of a promotional campaign aiming to get more families with young children to take short breaks in England. Launching this week, the campaign drives visitors to a specially created Peppa Pig online hub on VisitEngland’s website. The microsite features 25 experiences for preschoolers and their families, all inspired by Peppa’s adventures in the show. The campaign is also being promoted through a national radio competition, as well as digital advertising from mid-February.
GB eye is expanding its European presence with the opening of its first overseas office – in Antwerp, Belgium – and the launch of new giftware product ranges. The licensee has been busy showcasing latest ranges for brands and companies including Pokémon, Dragon Ball, PlayStation, Bravado, Fortnite and Warner Bros. at Nuremberg toy fair this week.
Magic Light Pictures has teamed with Merlin Entertainments to bring a new 3D interactive Zog trail to Warwick Castle. Due to launch at the historic venue at Easter, the trail brings to life the colourful world of Zog, with a host of activities which mirror Zog’s own lessons at dragon school.
WildBrain CPLG is welcoming back Rebecca Morris to the newly created role of client services director. Rebecca previously held the role of director of product development and brand assurance at the agency for three years, before stepping away from the industry. In her new position, she will lead a team with includes Gaby Dior (senior client services manager), May Chiem (client services executive) and Ellie-Rose Cousins (client services executive). In addition, Sophie Bloomfield has been promoted to head of creative services from her previous role as design manager.
BBC Studios has appointed France TV Distribution to manage the licensing programme for Hey Duggee in the region. The deal marks the first time that merchandise for Hé, Oua-Oua – as he’s known in France – will be available to consumers in the territory. It will begin rolling out this year.
ZAG and Playmates Toys have confirmed a long-term global alliance. ZAG has teamed up with Playmates to develop, manufacture and distribute toy lines for its portfolio of brands including Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir.
eOne has confirmed that a fifth series of preschool show PJ Masks is in production and slated for delivery in 2021.
Health and beauty specialist Mad Beauty has signed distribution agreements with Diverse Marketing and Total Business Fulfilment to support its expansion in the US. The companies will provide back office services, warehousing and distribution/logistics support. Established for 20+ years in the UK and Europe, Mad Beauty recently had its Disney licence extended to include the US, Canada, Brazil and Mexico, increasing its global reach dramatically.
Hasbro has appointed WildBrain CPLG as its new sub-representative in the Nordics, expanding the agency’s rights to include The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
Spin Master has secured three new international licensing agents as it looks to further build on its licensing activity. WildBrain CPLG (EMEA), Tycoon (Latin America) and Haven (Australia and New Zealand) are all on board to represent Spin Master’s core portfolio of brands including Hatchimals, Bakugan and Etch a Sketch among others.
Happy Ink has confirmed a development, production and distribution agreement with AMGI Animation Studios for its Hamsta World brand. A new original animated series will see the cheeky Hamstas make the move to video streaming services worldwide. Colin Brady – who is the former lead animator, animation director, supervising animator and co-director for Pixar and Industrial Light & Magic among others – will head up the animation team for the project. Colin’s credits include the likes of Toy Story and A Bug’s Life.
Flossy and Jim has embarked on a new partnership with AR app Bookful to bring the Horace & Co storybooks to its mobile library. The titles will be available for download via the app and will include Horace the Disgusted Hamster, Custard the Wibbly-Wobbly Dinosaur and Where are you Mr Blue?
Aurora World has appointed a new licensing agent in Southeast Asia for its YooHoo brand. From 2020, for a three-year period, Singapore-based Retro Development will manage licensing across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei.
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