Including GP Flair readying the launch of toy line for Voltron Defender of the Universe.
The Source rounds up more news from the licensing industry across the globe from the week.
GP Flair is readying itself for the launch of the master toy line for DreamWorks’ Voltron Defender of the Universe. The pre-sell period begins on March 3, with full on shelf presence scheduled from March 17. The launch also unleashes a high impact marketing drive including a TV campaign, digital pre-roll and a four-week cinema ad drive during key film releases. Additional activity with kids’ press, plus targeted social media campaigns and in-store activity is also planned. The toy line includes standalone action figures, Legendary Lion figures, deluxe figures and role-play items.
Hasbro has been named as the master global toy licensee for STX Entertainment’s UglyDolls franchise. Originally created in 2001 as a plush line, the UglyDolls brand will move onto the big screen in 2019, with a planned animated feature film release via STXfilms. There are also additional projects in the works across STX’s multiple divisions.
SEGA of America and Paramount Pictures are to co-produce a Sonic the Hedgehog feature film. The movie will launch first in the US on November 15, 2019 before rolling out to international markets. It will showcase both live action and CG animation elements, and will also mark the first time that Sonic has been adapted for the big screen.
New preschool property The World of Dinosaur Roar has expanded into new territories and new languages. The first titles in the Macmillan Children’s Books published series are now available in France (published by Larousse) and Norway (from Gyldendal). Editorial Bruno will publish versions in Catalan and Castillian for the Spanish market, while Salani will launch books in the Italian market and Sinisukk will produce Estonian versions. The books are also published by Pan Macmillan in Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Zak Storm, the latest series from Miraculous creator ZAG, has been achieving above Clan’s average ratings, becoming the Spanish channel’s second most watched action series in January. The licensing programme is also continuing to build – lead by Bandai as worldwide master toy, a further 15 deals are in place in Spain and Portugal, brokered by Planeta Junior.
The Smiley Company has announced another successful loyalty promotional campaign at Carrefour stores throughout France. The deal was brokered by Cartamundi, which created engaging content as part of a cross category promotion with Unilever. Carrefour customers who purchase a minimum of three cross category products from the Unilever range can register their receipt at a bespoke microsite. They then get the chance to spin a special Smiley slot machine for a chance to win prizes.
Rocket Licensing is further building the licensing programme around The Very Hungry Caterpillar as the 50th anniversary approaches in 2019. A raft of new product will be launching including melamine, cutlery and a baking kit from Portmeirion; a gardening range and stationery and art supplies from Robert Frederick; a board game from Paul Lamond; and creative activity publishing from Alligator among others.
emoji has partnered with Scribe to launch notebooks in Mexico, Central America and Colombia.
Moorcroft has welcomed three new additions to its RHS Rose Bouquet pottery collection – a vase, clock and jug.
Zodiak Kids has sold series two of its preschool alien adventure series Floogals ahead of its launch in the US later this year on Universal Kids. The animation has been pre-sold to WeKids in China, ABC Australia and DeAgostini in Italy.
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