Including licensee line-up for The Next Step and LIMA’s Mind Mix event.
The licensing programme for hit tween series The Next Step is expanding in the UK, with Boat Rocker Brands and Brands with Influence confirming four new licensees. Sainsbury’s has commissioned a new clothing collection for spring/summer, created by TVM Fashion Lab and including dance and leisurewear; Igloo Books will produce novels, annuals and speciality books; Signature Publishing will release a special Girls Love The Next Step magazine based on the series; and Danilo will develop calendars using show and talent imagery.
LIMA is to host a new event in Berlin in May called Mind Mix. The two-day event is being pitched as a ‘non-selling idea exchange’ for senior licensing, advertising, retail and marketing professionals. The agenda will include topics such as managing a rights portfolio, acting against counterfeit products, keeping your licensees happy, plus licensing in territories including Russia, Asia and Latin America. The event takes place on May 11-12.
Warner Bros. Consumer Products has renewed its deal with retail marketing company TCC. Tom & Jerry, Looney Tunes and Scooby-Doo are among the properties which will front retail campaigns across the EMEA region. Promotional support will cover instant rewards programmes, redemption rewards schemes, digital consumer games and ‘spend and get’ offers across retail.
Orla Kiely has created a limited edition apron for Sport Relief, which is available from HomeSense and TK Maxx stores. The designer also gave Sooty and Sweep a bit of a makeover, with the duo wearing the aprons in a special promotional video with Michelle Heaton. The apron is presented to the winner of each episode of The Great Sport Relief Bake Off. It can be purchased for £12.99, with at least £5.25 going to Sport Relief.
Hoho Rights has signed up Top That Publishing to develop and publish a new series of novelty books expanding the Toddler Time franchise.
The Billboard music brand has appointed IMG as its new licensing representative for products in Asia. IMG will be looking at expanding the brand in apparel, accessories, bags and backpacks, headphone and tablet accessories, electronics and audio programs and skateboards among others. The deal is part of a larger push by Billboard to grow its international presence.
Redan Publishing has launched preschool character Boj’s debut standalone Fun to Learn Bag-O-Fun magazine in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. The pack includes a story and activity magazine, colouring book, card activity and a Boj figurine, with creator Pesky Productions airing a special unboxing video to celebrate the launch.
Zodiak Media and Banijay have completed their merger, uniting their complementary catalogues and production units. The new Banijay Group – with revenues of around $1 billion – now has operations in 17 territories producing entertainment, drama, factual, reality entertainment, docudrama, children’s and animation programming.
The finalists have been announced for the 2016 British Animation Awards, which is due to take place on March 10 at London’s BFI Southbank. The Clangers, Hey Duggee and Lily’s Driftwood Bay have all been nominated in the Best Preschool category, while Stick Man and Shaun the Sheep: The Movie are included in Best Long Form. Other licensed properties in contention include Amazing World of Gumball, Scream Street and Rastamouse (Best Children’s Series), while Sainsbury’s Mog the Cat Christmas campaign has been nominated for Best Animation in a Commercial.
Season four of Shopkins has been released to retailers, including the new Petkins collectables. The series introduces new themes such as garden, party, pet shop and accessories. More than 200 million Shopkins characters have been sold to date. The licensing programme is being handled by Bulldog Licensing.
The first Puffin Rock picture book is getting ready to hit retail shelves. Hello Little Egg will hatch on World Book Day (Thursday March 3) and will be followed by a second title later this year. The preschool animation series has been co-created by Cartoon Saloon, Dog Ears and Penguin Books.
