Including Brand Licensing Europe opening applications for this year’s Retail Mentoring Programme.
Source rounds up more news from the licensing industry across the globe from the week.
Brand Licensing Europe has opened applications for this year’s Retail Mentoring Programme. 2020 marks the tenth year of the programme – which has seen over 300 industry professionals take part since its launch in 2011, with a record breaking 80 participants in 2019, an increase of 48% over 2018. Full details on the programme can be found by clicking here.
The Pokémon Company International has revealed that Pokémon sales figures soared at retail in the UK and Germany throughout 2019 for both the Pokemon Trading Card Game and toys from Wicked Cool Toys. According to figures from NPD, total UK toy sales for Pokémon in 2019 were up 24.1%, while Germany recorded a 100.6% increase in sales. In strategic card games, meanwhile, Pokémon continues to be the category market leader with the number one slot in both the UK and Germany. UK sales were up 30.8% and in Germany the increase was an impressive 98.8%.
Rockpool Licensing has revealed that animation company Lupus Films has optioned the rights from the author’s estate to adapt the classic countryside stories Brambly Hedge for screen. Lupus is initially developing the property as a Christmas special, with further episodes to follow shortly after.
WildBrain CPLG has brokered a deal with creator and influencer Alessandro Enriquez to launch designer capsule collections with some of the biggest names in Italian fashion to celebrate Line Friends. The collection is the latest instalment in Alessandro’s annual Fashion Comics project for Pitti Bimbo and debuted at the event’s 90th edition in Florence last month. The project saw designers including Diadora, Pinko Up and 2Star among others launch new Line Friends capsule collections.
Betty Boop is marking her 90th birthday in 2020, with the character celebrating the occasion with a special collaboration with Betsey Johnson. The fashion designer has teamed with King Features to debut limited edition t-shirts promoting women’s heart health. The exclusive designs feature hand-drawn illustrations of Betty in Betsey’s signature style which encourage fans to be mindful of their heart wellness.
eOne and Astley Baker Davies have revealed a new voice artist has been cast in the role of Peppa Pig. Amelie Bea Smith – who is nine – will make her debut as the title character in new episodes which are launching this month in the UK, US, Australia and international territories which air episodes in English. She takes over the role from Harley Bird, now 18, who has been the voice of Peppa from the age of five.
Hasbro has confirmed a multi-year agreement with Maxx Group. The deal includes licences such as My Little Pony, Power Rangers, Transformers, Nerf, Mr Potato Head and Monopoly among others. Maxx – via its toy brand, YuMe Toys – will act as Hasbro’s plush toy sourcing partner, while it will also assist in filling white space opportunities for feature toys, advent calendars, collectables, stationery items and other licensed products.
One of the world’s most renowned and influential TV chefs is due to become top of the menu for NetEnt later this year. The company is set to launch Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen into its licensed slots portfolio, with the deal having been brokered by Global Merchandising Services.
Rainbow Designs has strengthened its sales team, welcoming Nicola Dale as regional sales manager for the Midlands. Nicola brings with her five years’ experience in the gift sector, having previously worked at MPW Gifting and Sophie Allport.
Pantomimus Media has revealed a trio of new deals for its YA fantasy brand, The Red Harlequin. An audiobook publishing deal has been signed with Dreamscape Media; a graphic novel publishing deal has been inked with Broken Icon Comics; and Omnifilm Entertainment has secured a TV development partnership.
Rights & Brands – the worldwide agent on behalf of Swedish artists Carl and Karin Larsson – has launched a creative furniture collaboration with Design House Stockholm.
Viz Media Europe – recently majority acquired by Crunchyroll – has promoted Waell Oueslati to the role of director of acquisitions and licensing, reporting to head of Crunchyroll EMEA, John Easum.
Entertainment and mobile games company, Scopely has revealed its newest game experience, Scrabble Go, in collaboration with Hasbro in the US and Mattel internationally. The game aims to bring the brand, board and dictionaries to life in a free to play experience.
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