Including Moose Toys teaming with WildBrain Spark and WildBrain CPLG on its biggest boys’ launch to date.
Source rounds up more news from the licensing industry across the globe from the week.
Moose Toys is getting ready to deliver a one-two-three knockout punch this summer with the launch of Akedo – Ultimate Arcade Warriors, a brand which combines realistic battling action figures at a micro-collectable scale. Akedo marks the toy maker’s biggest boys’ launch to date and will be backed by a full scale marketing campaign. The campaign began with the release of a trailer for a new animated series, produced in partnership with WildBrain Spark. In addition, WildBrain CPLG will be managing the licensing programme. On top of this, a branded programming video – The Akedo Super Ultimate Ultimate Tournament – will be airing on Nickeloden’s YouTube channel.
Milo, the new preschool series from Planeta Junior – which enjoyed its UK premiere on Channel 5’s Milkshake in May – is already celebrating high ratings. Within one month of launch on 10 May in the 8am weekday slot, Milo has achieved strong ratings on the block, with the expectation that it will now go from strength to strength. The series is also available on My5, the on-demand platform. Milo is already a successful children’s book character with over 30 titles published and sold in more than 20 territories worldwide. Planeta Junior holds and manages the series’ worldwide CP rights and is working with Lisle Licensing in the UK.
Gutsy Animations, the studio behind the Moominvalley 3D animation, has secured €5 million investment from Rovio Entertainment. Additionally, Rovio has secured exclusive rights from Moomin Characters and Rights & Brands to develop and publish Moomin IP-based games for any platform and exclusive rights for all mobile platforms. Rovio’s first Moomin game is already being developed and is expected to reach soft launch later in 2021.
Edutainment Licensing has been appointed as the worldwide exclusive licensing agent for new preschool publishing brand, Eat Dirt. The story books and poems from Stacy Moore feature quirky illustrations to encourage the love of veggies, gardening and healthy habits in 2-5 year olds.
ARTiSTORY is continuing its expansion, opening up two new international offices. Based on the East Coast, a new US office is well placed to serve the company’s newest IP clients in the North American market, while a Singapore office will lead development for the Southeast Asia and Oceania markets. Anna Stein has joined as country manager and business development director of North America and will work closely with co-founders, Yizan He and Natasha Dyson. In addition, Alicia Chen will take on the same role for the Singapore office.
Exploding Kittens – the hit tabletop game creator – is launching its first licensed game, Exploding Minions, in collaboration with Illumination and Universal Brand Development. Aimed at 7+, the family-friendly spin-off of the core Russian Roulette-style game includes new card types and illustrations of the characters as imagined by The Oatmeal. Participants take turns drawing cards while trying to evade the ‘exploding Minions’.
Jazwares is expanding the world of Squishmallows with the launch of a new animated YouTube series called Squishville. The original content – produced by Moonbug Entertainment – will begin with the first episode on 26 June, with new episodes released every Saturday through to October 2021. The news follows on the heels of the retail debut of Squishville collectable plush and soft play-sets and accessories.
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