Including HarperCollin’s Children’s Books marking a decade of David Walliams publishing.
The Source rounds up more news from the licensing industry across the globe from the week.
HarperCollins Children’s Books is marking a decade of publishing from David Walliams with a week of high profile activity across retail, schools and the press. ‘Walliams Week’ – which runs until July 1 – has seen 25,000 activity packs distributed to UK primary schools via educational press partner Teach Primary. Meanwhile, retailers including Waterstones and WH Smith have been hosting a series of events across the UK. Outside of publishing, The World of David Walliams brand continues to grow with CPLG handling the licensing programme. After a successful launch of select merchandise in time for this year’s World Book Day, plans are already in place for World Book Day 2019 to expand on the activity and products available. David’s global sales now exceed 25 million copies, with books published in 53 languages.
A new pop-up Paddington shop has opened on Portbello Road in London. Open until September, the shop will feature a range of products from collectables and gifts, to books, souvenirs and toys.
ITV Studios Global Entertainment has appointed Hengxin Shambala Kids Cultural Industry Development as master toy partner in China, with Bandai acting as UK distributor for its upcoming Robozuna property. Further announcements for other markets are due to follow, with Robozuna due to launch this autumn.
Rovio Entertainment has revealed its multi-year content roadmap for partners, led by the September 2019 release of The Angry Birds Movie 2. Part of this will see the company teaming up with Perfetti Van Melle and developing a range of Angry Birds-branded Chupa Chups products, with six million units set to be distributed across global markets.
Xilam Animation has secured a €22.33 million capital increase through the selling of shares to private investors. The funds will be allocated to a significant post-2019/2020 company expansion, which will see Xilam build on its current success as well as enabling new acquisition and co-production opportunities to be explored.
Silver Screen Bottling Company is to launch a Star Trek-branded spirits line. The first spirit – James T. Kirk Straight Bourbon Whiskey – celebrates his ‘bold spirit of adventure’ according to the company, which secured the licence with CBS Consumer Products.
Endemol Shine North America has teamed with winemaker Lot18.com to launch a Masterchef collection of wine. The collection includes 2017 California Pinot Grigio, 2017 Monterey County Syrah Rosé and 2016 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon.
King Features Syndicate has teamed with trendy Japanese streetwear brand A Bathing Ape for a new Popeye collection. Launching this month, the collection includes everyone’s favourite sailor man and his girlfriend Olive Oyl, on graphics that are integrated with Bape’s signature Ape Head and College Logo motifs, or with Baby Milo.
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