Including BBC Studios securing a global broadcast deal and master toy for preschool brand, Bluey.
The Source rounds up more news from the licensing industry across the globe from the week.
A global broadcast deal has been struck by BBC Studios and Disney Junior for new preschool property Bluey, while a master toy licensee is also on board. The show is due to launch on a global stage, with the first two series premiering internationally on Disney Junior from autumn 2019, plus streaming service Disney+, in all territories outside Australia, New Zealand and Greater China (including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan). Moose Toys has also signed up as the global master toy partner for all territories excluding Asia. Launching first in Australia for Christmas 2019, the first range of toys will be released in the US and other regions from autumn/winter 2020.
Boat Rocker Studios has extended its successful partnership with The Next Step and dance studio, Pineapple Studios. The two-year deal sees a collaboration for co-branded merchandise across a wide range of categories including apparel, bags, stationery and dance accessories like towels and water bottles. The products will launch from autumn/winter 2019 and will initially be available from Pineapple’s store in London’s Covent Garden and its online shop, as well as Pineapple stockists across the UK and online, before expanding to additional mass retail outlets.
My Little Pony Live, a new musical production from Hasbro, is due to launch in early 2020 in the US. Produced by Mills Entertainment, the touring production will be inspired by the brand’s signature themes of friendship and magic. It will launch in March 2020 with full tour dates and details being revealed by August 2019.
Discovery has officially launched Discovery Game Studios which will serve as a hub for the creation, licensing and distribution of games for PC, console and mobile platforms. Titles will be inspired by Discovery’s extensive list of TV series from networks including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and TLC among others.
Home and giftware licensee GB eye is expanding its operation with a new office move, consolidating its business into one site. The new 40,000 square foot HQ will bring together the company’s manufacturing and pick and pack facilities into one, fit for purpose location. GB eye currently prints 40% of its products in-house, with the new premises enabling it to expand the print on demand service into new formats. There will also be a new showroom, while the new HQ will also house the senior management team.
Alpha Group has been appointed as the global master toy partner for Chuggington by Herschend Entertainment Studios (which acquired the property from Ludorum in December 2018). The preschool brand is marking its tenth anniversary in 2020, with HES investing heavily to develop it as a ‘true evergreen franchise’.
Beanstalk is to extend designer Jason Wu into home, fashion accessories, children’s apparel, men’s apparel and collaborations having been appointed as his exclusive brand licensing agency.
King Features Syndicate is to represent Icelandic character driven brand, Tulipop in the US and Canada.
Epic Story Media has come on board as the global licensing agent (excluding the UK and Asia) for Bear Grylls Young Adventurer.
IMG has been appointed as the exclusive global licensing representative for Bundesliga International. The multi-year deal with the league will see IMG develop a programme encompassing a wide range of product for all demographics and ages.
Pocket.watch has revealed the launch of a comprehensive licensing programme based on Ryan’s Mystery Playdate, the Nickelodeon show recently picked up for a second season. Initial partners include the likes of Just Play (master toy), Franco Manufacturing (bedding and home), Accessory Innovations (accessories) and Mattel (games) among others.
Cartoon Network is expanding the storytelling for We Bare Bears with a new TV movie and spin-off series.
Licensing Works has secured a deal with DIC 2 to represent art and design brand Nina and Other Little Things in the US and Canada.
Anime brand, Crunchyroll has renewed its partnership with Bioworld Merchandising as it aims to ‘super serve’ the anime community with lifestyle gear. The two companies will collaborate on a diverse slate of anime IP including Dr Stone, Black Clover and Bananya among others.
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