Including the first ever Peaky Blinders virtual reality drama game being prepped for spring 2020 arrival.
The Source rounds up more news from the licensing industry across the globe from the week.
Mr Men Little Miss has teamed up with fashion brand Lazy Oaf for a unisex range of apparel and accessories. The 17-piece collection will include a statement cardigan with iconic scenes from the classic books, a Mr Happy jumpsuit and a range of Mr Lazy tees. It will launch on August 22 in retailers such as Urban Outfitters and ASOS, as well as Lazy Oaf stores and online.
The first ever Peaky Blinders virtual reality drama game will launch in 2020, with Maze Theory partnering with Endemol Shine Group. New cutting edge technology means that players will be able to interact and collude with characters in real time, with successful players earning their cap and being part of the Peaky Blinders. Maze Theory was awarded funding from the Government’s Audience of the Future Programme to develop the game, which will be available across all VR platforms from spring 2020 and be localised for key territories across the globe.
Tony Hicks has been appointed as Sambro‘s new ceo. Based at the licensee’s UK HQ in Bury, Tony brings significant toy industry experience from his time at Vivid Toy Group – where he led the business turnaround and subsequent sale to Goliath – as well as at LeapFrog, where he developed the group’s international business in existing core markets, while also developing opportunities in a number of new markets.
Andersen Press has consolidated its licensing plans for Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, appointing Metrostar as lead agent across all categories for the brand, which is celebrating 30 years this year. Penguin Ventures had been acting on behalf of the brand, however following recent changes to book sales arrangements between Andersen Press and PRH, it was agreed it was no longer practical for Ventures to continue its representation of Elmer for licensing and CP. Metrostar has previously successfully launched Elmer in apparel in the UK.
JoyPixels and its agent Born Licensing are celebrating the launch of a variety of advertising campaigns featuring its emojis. The campaigns have covered a broad range of categories including telecommunications (2degrees and EE), FMCG, financial services, reproductive health, child safety (Police of Scotland and Stop It Now! charity) and retail (Morrisons).
Jazwares has revealed its new Angry Birds toy line will hit shelves in July. The collection features splat balls, catablind collectable figures, plush, a figure pack, a game pack and a Pig City Build n Launch play-set.
Aurora World has partnered with WHSmith to bring a refreshed and expanded line of YooHoo plush based on characters from Netflix series, YooHoo to the Rescue, to its stores. Specially designed clip strips containing YooHoo keychains, plus 14 5-inch plush characters are being supported with CDUs and advertising in-store throughout May. Select stores will also feature five giant 60cm YooHoos.
Sony Pictures Consumer Products has unveiled a multi-category licensing programme in support of season two of Cobra Kai. Select products will arrive exclusively at Spencer’s retail locations across the US and Canada, while Teespring will also be launching an online shop. Licensees on board include Silver Screen Bottling Company, Party City, Funko, NECA, Bioworld Merchandising, Active Brand Commerce and Fifth Sun.
House of Disaster has launched a new range of Frida Kahlo fashion accessories following a deal with Art Ask Agency.
Hasbro has launched its new Overwatch figures in the US and Canada. The range includes Ultimates Series 6-inch figures and dual pack assortments, plus a 6-inch Reinhardt figure.
Genius Brands International’s preschool series, Rainbow Rangers, is to launch across Latin America on Nick Jr. and its Noggin mobile streaming app.
The popular Downton Abbey: The Exhibition is on to its next stop, moving to Boston from June 15. Following previous stops in New York City and South Florida, the immersive experience will open in The Castle at Park Plaza in Boston.
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