Including The Very Hungry Caterpillar retail plans and latest TRAP raids.
Rocket Licensing has confirmed a number of retail initiatives for The Very Hungry Caterpillar for the rest of 2016. Spring/summer has already seen the launch of sun hats from VMC Accessories and a unisex baby romper from Paul Dennicci. The coming months will see this activity grow, as Paul Dennicci expands its range to include unisex and boys sleep suits, baby hoodies, pram suits and baby mittens in a number of designs – available in Boots, M&Co and online. Later on in the year, this will be bolstered with sleeping bags and a baby sleep suit and hat. Meanwhile, Dreamtex will launch alphabet and number duvet sets in Morrisons, Asda, Shop Ditrect, Tesco, Argos and Debenhams in Q3. Alligator Products also joins the licensee roster with a range of travel items, while Poetic Brands will launch adult pyjamas and briefs in Q4. On top of the retail activity, a new live show is also being planned for later in 2016.
TRAP – the collective of rights holders and publishers working with some of the biggest names in music, film, TV, art and sport – carried out a series of enforcements in London’s Camden Town in June, working with Surelock and Trading Standards. Four retail outlets were raided and numerous artist merchandise seized, with two transit vans being filled.
Posh Paws has become the latest plush partner for Universal, signing a two-year deal for the Minions and Despicable Me franchises. The company will deliver a limited range from the back catalogue of Minions Movie and Despicable Me characters for this autumn/winter, with a bigger emphasis placed on specific development for Despicable Me 3. The deal includes the rights to supply plush across Europe, Middle East and Asia, with the company already having a host of distributors across these regions already on board.
Beanstalk has signed a global licensing partnership with the Estate of Humphrey Bogart. The iconic actor is the inaugural client of the agency’s newest service, Icon Representation, which handles the personality rights of legendary icons for use in advertising, promotions and long-term brand associations.
Zodiak Kids Studios has secured a co-production deal with Discovery Kids Latin America for new property, Lilybuds. As well as a television series, Lilybuds will also have a strong digital presence.
American Greetings Entertainment has revealed a host of new app launches and digital partnerships for the Care Bears property. From Ruckus Learning and Ruckus Media Group, Care Bears Bearied Treasure is a mobile storybook adventure based on the Welcome to Care-A-Lot entertainment series. Meanwhile, Miniclip has also expanded its relationship with the brand and there is a new app from PlayDate Digital called Care Bears Care Karts. The brand has also partnered with subscription-based app FarFaria and Tipitap, which will launch Care Bears Rainbow Slides in August.
Comedian, musician and actor Bill Bailey is to join the cast of Milkshake show, Winnie and Wilbur. Bill will voice Wilbur the cat, joining comedian Katy Brand who was announced as the voice of Winnie last November.
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