Including new Star Wars Tsum Tsum range and more Angry Birds partners.
The Disney Store has unveiled a new line of Star Wars Tsum Tsum characters. The collection features characters from A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, and will come in three sizes. The range launches in-store and online in the UK, Europe, US and Japan from February 16.
Coolabi has added to the licensee line-up for The Clangers. Corsair, Apples to Pears and Demon Music Group will develop products in categories including toiletries, crafting and music.
Bulldog Licensing has confirmed four new partners for Angry Birds. Poetic Gem (adult apparel), Smith & Brooks (kids clothing), Sambro (bags, stationery, pocket money items) and Ravensburger (jigsaw puzzles) have all joined the line-up.
Mattel and Hit Entertainment have confirmed that the latest feature length Thomas & Friends special – Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure – will debut in 5,000 cinemas across China from February 20. This will mark the first time that a Mattel-owned brand has seen a theatrical release in China, and will be the first non-native children’s movie of the Chinese New Year to be released in cinemas.
Tree Fu Tom is set to take centre stage in an exclusive 60-date tour at Haven holiday parks. The partnership – secured by FremantleMedia Kids & Family – will see the SGA Productions 30-minute show run from May to August. There will also be a host of other Tree Fu Tom themed activities including workshops, costume competitions and photo opportunities.
Wow Stuff has appointed Frank Adler to oversee its US operation. Frank brings over 25 years of toy industry experience to the company, and has most recently served as president of Uncle Milton Industries.
Rainbow Designs has expanded its Paddington Bear toy collection with the addition of two talking plush toys. My Name is Paddington and Talk to Me Paddington will launch in autumn/winter this year. Anthony Temple, md of Rainbow Designs, said: “Children love toys with elements of interactivity and these Paddington products which have talking features offer a winning combination.”
Studio 100 has revealed further growth for Maya the Bee in the UK and Ireland, striking a deal with Irish public broadcaster TG4, as well as a new magazine partnership with Redan.
Canadian kids specialist Bejuba Entertainment has acquired the global distribution rights for preschool series, Deer Little Forest. The company will now be in charge of both TV sales and co-production opportunities worldwide (excluding the UK). The deal was struck by Koko Rose Media.
Zodiak Kids has made further sales for the new children’s animation Floogals. The series is already rating highly on Sprout in the US, and has now also been sold to YLE (Finland), Canal Panda (Portugal) and MBC (Middle East). The company has also appointed Brand Activation Consulting as the CP agent for the Zodiak Kids Studios’ show in the US.
Meanwhile, Zodiak Kids Studios has also inked a deal to develop and produce original kids property, Airside Andy. The preschool series follows a team of ground-based airport vehicles and their enthusiastic leader Andy. An Airside Andy MMO game has just been launched by the Airside Andy company.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has licensed independent publisher Michael O’Mara Books to produce a range of branded publications, including a colouring book, postcard book, a notebook and a diary.
Series seven of Rainbow’s Winx Club will start screening in Russia from this month, thanks to a new deal with Karusel. Meanwhile, a new Winx Club doll from Witty Toys was a big hit at Nuremberg Toy Fair. The Tynix Fairy doll is from the seventh series.
Awesome Media & Entertainment has appointed media veteran Peter Sussman as board director. The company is also expanding its slate of projects with a move into prime-time drama, as well as its kids and family projects.
Winduna Enterprises has secured a co-production deal with Discovery Kids Latin America for its new animated children’s series, Winnie & Wilbur.
Jetpack Distribution has secured a commissioning deal with French broadcasters M6 and Canal Plus for The Sisters, a new 2D animation aimed at six to ten year olds.
Season two of Care Bears & Cousins will premiere on Netflix on February 5. Brand owner AG Entertainment is planning major pushes on all social media platforms to support the launch.
