Rainbow to Represent ‘The Smurfs’ in Italy

Historic licensing company of The Smurfs, IMPS / Lafig has chosen Rainbow Group to manage the licensing plan that will accompany the new series of The Smurfs on the Italian territory.

"We are thrilled and it's a pleasure to work for a timeless brand like The Smurfs, already beloved by the Italian audience and undoubtedly synonymous with cutting-edge values,” says Matteo Olivetti, sales director, global consumer product, Rainbow Group. “We are already in the process of finalizing several agreements with top-level partners for CP development in the classic categories but stepping outside the box and experimenting is one of our strengths, and we look forward to launching new collaborations.”

Rainbow has already inked deals with many consumer product (CP) partners for the development of the countless possibilities offered by the brand, a success that is supported by more than four generations of fans and always very popular.

“The love story between The Smurfs and the Italian audience is a long and passionate one and we are so happy to now have such a strong and dynamic agency as Rainbow on board,” says Véronique Culliford, president and founder, IMPS / LAFIG and daughter of Smurfs creator, Peyo.

“We are very excited to work together making the blue color of the rainbow shine with a broad range of amazing Smurf products.”

The new season of the property recently made its world premiere on Ouftivi in French-speaking Belgium on Sunday 18th April 2021, and will debut on Nickelodeon channels globally this fall. The series will also air on Italian free-to-air Rai Yoyo in spring 2022 with 52 episodes of 11 minutes and target audience 5-10 years. Following, the series will also land on TVOD, and AVOD platforms in the first half of 2022, to be distributed on SVOD services, including Netflix in early 2023. The series is set to launch on French television channel TF1 on May 8th.

In additional Smurfy news, The Smurfs has teamed up with Rovio for an exclusive The Smurfs tournament on Angry Birds Friends. In the game, players have to to free the Smurfs from Gargamel. The Smurfs x Rovio will be available to play until Sunday 2nd May 2021.

Following, the series will also land on TVOD, and AVOD platforms in the first half of 2022, to be distributed on SVOD in early 2023.

For over 60 years a great formula of friendship, tolerance and respect for the environment, The Smurfs never cease to excite thanks to their edutainment-rich and always compelling stories.

In addition to the content partnership, ViacomCBS Consumer Products (VCP) will manage consumer products licensing for The Smurfs property across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Malaysia. VCP will seek new merchandising and promotional partners in select categories and territories for The Smurfs classic brand, in addition to a new product line for the new animated series The Smurfs, spanning categories including toys, stationery, apparel and accessories, home, consumer packaged goods and more, to launch at retail in 2022.

From Animation Magazine:

New CG ‘Smurfs’ Series Begins Global Adventure

Presented in development at the 2018 Annecy International Animation Film Market (MIFA), The Smurfs, a new animated series produced by Dupuis Edition et Audiovisuel with Peyo Productions, for TF1 in France, heralds the revival of the famous little blue creatures on television. The series has been licensed globally by Nickelodeon, with a U.S. premiere slated for this year followed by international rollout.

Peyo’s beloved characters, created 1958, first made the transition from comics to the screen in 1959. The Smurfs began their animated adventures on TV, with Dupuis and then American studio Hanna-Barbera (Tom & Jerry, Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, Wacky Races) and then the big screen, always with the same success. However, they have not been adapted for television since the late 1980s.

With Peyo Productions and Dupuis Edition et Audiovisuel, these small but scrappy stars will be back on the small screen starting May 9 in France on TFOU, in a brand new, totally updated 3D animated series: 52 original 11-minute stories directed by William Renaud (Calimero, A Kind of Magic…), featuring colorful characters (and not just because they’re nearly all blue) — including a whole team of daring and inventive girl Smurfs alongside Smurfette — and punchy dialogue. A joyful mixture for both girls and boys from six to 10 years old, which will also allow older children to enjoy rediscovering the essence of the comics.

“For Dupuis Édition et Audiovisuel, which was involved in the first animated adventures of the Smurfs back in the 1960s, it is extremely exciting to revisit this universe in this ambitious new series, alongside Peyo Productions and in collaboration with TF1,” said Caroline Duvochel, producer of the series. “This is a key project for our studio, in which all the teams have been particularly involved. We are very proud to be able to contribute to bringing today’s children these new 3D images showing the marvellous adventures of these characters, full of kindness, mischief and sparkle, things we need so much of in this day and age.”

“We are delighted to welcome the Smurfs to TFOU for new adventures, each one funnier than the last. This comedy/adventure series has its rightful place in our schedule as the world of these friendly little blue creatures and their very special language fits perfectly with TFOU’s mischievous yet caring tone,” said Yann Labasque, director of youth programming at TF1. “By giving the series consistent and powerful exposure on all its platforms, the TF1 group acts as a unique and strong sounding board for the franchise, whose licence is already managed by TF1 Licences.”

Véronique Culliford, founder and president of Peyo Productions and IMPS (distribution) and Peyo’s daughter, added that she was “very happy to be able to continue my father’s work once again by co-producing a new Smurfs TV series.” She added, “And this, almost 40 years after the world-famous original series. You will discover Smurfs in ‘3D’ effect, like in the last film Smurfs: The Lost Village [Sony Pictures Animation], with a lot of humor and lots of adventures full of twists and turns. This co-production has the best actors on the market and will enchant both young and old for decades to come!”

Distributed internationally by IMPS, the series made its world premiere on RTS in Switzerland and RTBF and VRT in Belgium in mid-April, and is now preparing to move into France and Germany before meeting the rest of the world.

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More Nick: 'The Smurfs': First Look at New CG-Animated Series Set to Air on Nickelodeon!

Original source: License Global; Additional source: Licensing International.

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Peppa Pig Scoops Up Two Honours at Licensing Awards 2020

Nick News Mini: Peppa Pig scooped up two awards at The Licensing Awards 2020! At the prestigious awards ceremony, held virtually due to the on-going COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, Peppa Pig was named "Best Preschool Licensed Property (Age Group 0-5)" (sponsored by Character World) in the "Property" category of the awards, with Ladybird's Peppa Pig Range picking up the "Best Licensed Written, Listening or Learning Range" award (sponsored by CAA-GBG) in the "Product" portion of the ceremony. A full list of 2020 Licensing Awards winners can be found on licensingsource.net. A huge congratulations to everyone who works on Peppa Pig, Entertainment One (eOne), Hasbro and Labybird!

More Nick: Hasbro Partners with Regatta for Peppa Pig Outdoor Clothing and Accessories!

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Rockpool Licensing to Represent Jam Media’s 'Becca’s Bunch' in the UK & Ireland

Jam Media has announced the appointment of Rockpool Licensing to represent the company’s key preschool brand Becca's Bunch in the UK and Ireland.

Rockpool will look to uncover licensing opportunities for the show and build up the property's licensing programme in key categories such as apparel, bedding, homewares, stationery and greetings & gifting verticals. The agency aims to capitalise on the recent success the IP has had with current partners such as Jakks Pacific and Egmont.

Proving a consistent ratings winner on Nick Jr. channels globally since first broadcast last summer, Jam has confirmed the show is set to launch on Channel 5's Milkshake! programming strand in the U.K. during the fourth quarter of 2019. Jakks Pacific is already on board as master toy partner, with product set to hit the shelves in autumn/winter 2019. Master publishers Egmont (worldwide excluding North America) and Candlewick Press (North America) have titles in development to launch spring 2020.

The preschool show follows the adventures of a little bobble hat-wearing bird named Becca and her friends in Wagtail Woods. Their exploits encourage children to think big, be adventurous and never give up.

Vickie O’Malley, Managing Director (MD) of Rockpool, said: “I fell in love with Becca and her quirky group of friends as soon as I saw them. With great series awareness already, I’m delighted to be working in the brand in this next phase of its development and am looking forward to securing new licensing partners who can share in Becca’s quest to have the ‘best day ever’.”

“Vickie’s fantastic credentials and enthusiasm for the show meant that Rockpool was an easy choice to appoint as representative for Becca in the UK,” added John Reynolds, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Jam Media. “It’s an exciting time for the show, and I am sure we can achieve great things together.”

In Wagtail Woods a little bird called Becca and her bunch of friends are always ready for action! Becca has a innate curiosity and a wonderful way of looking at things. She sees adventure in every situation and as a result often bites off more than she can chew, landing herself and the bunch - Russell, Sylvia and Pedro - in some sticky situations. Thinking on her feet, Becca will urge a generation of kids never to give up, aim high and have big ideas, because once they do every day will be an adventure!

From her quirky dress sense to her hobbies, Becca is a bird like no other and chirps to her own tune. Her can-do attitude allows her big ideas to take flight on the most fantastical adventures with her three best friends. Becca’s infectious enthusiasm encourages her besties, aka The Wild Bunch, to seek out adventure in Wagtail Woods and boldly go where no bird, worm, squirrel and fox have gone before. The Wild Bunch haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on Becca’s list! With unique ideas, heart and positive thinking, the gang always manage to overcome any challenge they encounter in Wagtail Woods.

Becca's Bunch (52 x 11') is produced by Dublin-based creative production, distribution and licensing company JAM Media. Nickelodeon acquired the exclusive broadcast rights to the series in the US and Pay TV rights for the rest of the world in October 2016. Becca's Bunch made its debut on Nick Jr. UK & Ireland on Monday 2nd July 2018, and will roll out the series onto Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. channels around the world in the coming months. The show has also been picked up by ABC KIDS in Australia, France Télévisions in France and CBC in Canada.

Follow Becca’s Bunch on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

JAM Media, with operations in both Ireland and the United Kingdom, is one of the leading creators and producers of multi-award winning animated and live action content for the children’s and pre-school audience. The company pride themselves on delivering high quality, innovative, story-driven brands across multiple platforms based around engaging characters with humour at its heart. Shows include Becca's Bunch, PICME, Roy, The Slimefoots, Jessy and Nessy and Zig & Zag. The company was founded in 2002 by animator friends John Rice, Alan Shannon and Mark Cumberton. Visit http://www.jammedia.com to find out more about the company.

Rockpool Licensing was established in 2014 by Vickie O’Malley, former MD of CPLG UK. Clients include the Jim Henson Company and its iconic brands including Labyrinth and Fraggle Rock, Tough Mudder, the hit TV show Super Wings, and Brambly Hedge, the classic British literary property.

More Nick: JAM Media Taps JAKKS Pacific as Master Toy Partner for 'Becca’s Bunch'!

Sources: Toy World Magazine, License Global, TV KIDS, Preschool News, Elite Collectors Network, Licensing Source.

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Nickelodeon USA to Premiere 'Power Rangers Beast Morphers' "Later this Spring"; Hasbro Partnering with Paramount for New 'Power Rangers' Movie

Hasbro today (Friday, February 8, 2019) confirmed during their Q4 2018 financial results investors call that Nickelodeon USA is set to premiere Power Rangers Beast Morphers, the latest season of the iconic Power Rangers franchise, "later this Spring"! Additionally, the global play and entertainment company, which acquired the Power Rangers franchise from Saban last year, revealed that they'll be releasing their Power Rangers Beast Morphers consumer product line during the second quarter of 2019, and that they're currently in talks with Paramount to make a second Power Rangers movie!

On the Power Rangers Beast Morphers TV series:

"In terms of Power Rangers, we are incredibly excited. We have our new series that will launch later this Spring called Beast Morphers, for Power Rangers. The product line is extensive. It has now been shown around the world at multiple toy fairs and retailers are very excited. Our consumer products teams are really stepping up behind that excitement, so this is a new original series. It's produced by the same team that produced Power Rangers before albeit with new energy and a connection between our teams and the original core Saban team, that's really just tremendous. We're incredibly excited. It will launch in North America in Q2 and then launches in the rest of the world throughout the remainder of the year. So it's a rollout, obviously English-speaking territories before it goes to translated territories, in terms of language."

"We have a great partnership with Nickelodeon and we have a commitment from them. Great new leadership at Nickelodeon with Ryan Robbins and the team, and Bob Bakish has been incredibly supportive of our efforts there and also our efforts at Paramount parenthetically where we would produce the movie alongside our relationship with Transformers and other films. So they have a great team there and we feel very strong with our opportunity to work with them and build this brand together."

On the movie plans and beyond:

The 2020 plans and beyond are even more robust because we get it for a full year and then we do intend to add a movie to the mix in the next few years and so. Again, we will build this brand. This brand had been far bigger in the past than what it was at present and we feel like there is a lot of opportunity. It reminds me of a lot of the early days of some of our Hasbro brands where we looked at how big they have been in their history and asked ourselves how big could we make this in the future. We believe in the power and potential of Power Rangers.

Hasbro originally announced plans for the new Power Rangers movie during an investors call in August 2018.

2017’s Saban’s Power Rangers movie follows five ordinary teens who must become something extraordinary when they learn that their small town of Angel Grove – and the world- is on the verge of being obliterated by an alien threat. Chosen by destiny, our heroes quickly discover they are the only ones who can save the planet. But to do so, they will have to overcome their real-life issues and before it’s too late, band together as the Power Rangers. The film brought in $142 million worldwide and starred Dacre Montgomery, Naomi Scott, RJ Cyler, Ludi Lin and Becky G as the five Rangers, with Elizabeth Banks as Rita Repulsa, Bryan Cranston as the voice of Zordon, and Bill Hader as the voice of Alpha 5.

Hasbro is best known for working with Paramount to produce all of the recent Transformers movies, including Bumblebee, which released in December 2018. Hasbro has also granted Paramount Pictures major motion picture releases to franchises such as My Little Pony and G.I. Joe in recent years. The new Power Rangers movie also could also be released under the Nickelodeon Movies label, as both Nickelodeon and Paramount are owned by Viacom, and Nickelodeon airs the Power Rangers series.

No further information was revealed, so at the moment we don't know when the movie could be releasing (likely no sooner than 2021) and at this time, is not publicly confirmed whether or not the movie will be a sequel to Lionsgate’s feature film released in 2017, or a reboot the movie franchise entirely. Hasbro could choose to find success by rebooting the movie franchise entirely – with a new cast, new suit designs, new Zords, and more. Although, the further we get from the 2017 movie the harder and less practical it becomes to get that cast back together.

Fans will have to stay tuned to find out exactly what Hasbro has planned for Power Rangers on the big screen in conjunction with their plans for Power Rangers Beast Morphers – the 26th season of Power Rangers premiering on Nickelodeon in 2019.

Hasbro recently acquired the Power Rangers property in full from Saban Brands for $522 million in early May 2018.

The Power Rangers are going full on “beast mode” with its 26th season of Power Rangers Beast Morphers, which releases on Nickelodeon in 2019. Featuring an all-new cast of heroes and villains, Power Rangers Beast Morphers will expand the Power Rangers universe with tactical leather suits, ‘Beast Bot’ sidekicks and elevated battle footage.

Set in the future, a secret agency combines a newly discovered substance called “Morph-X” with animal DNA to create the Power Rangers Beast Morphers team. The Rangers must fight off an evil sentient computer virus named Evox which is bent on taking over the source of all Ranger power, the Morphin Grid itself. Only one fighting force can come together and stop Evox once and for all: the three new Beast Morpher Power Rangers and their Beast Bot sidekicks! Featuring never-before-seen leather suits and an all-new beast-themed arsenal (including dynamic new Zords), fans should get ready for a season full of secret ops and morphinominal fun!



Power Rangers Beast Morphers will star Rorrie Travis as Devon / Red Ranger, Jacqueline Scislowski as Zoey / Yellow Ranger, Jasmeet Baduwalia as Ravi / Blue Ranger, Abraham Rodriguez as Nate, Colby Strong as Blaze, Cosme Flores as Ben, Kristina Ho as Betty, Liana Ramirez as Roxy.

For the first time ever, each of the Power Rangers will have their own sidekick in Power Rangers Beast Morphers! The Beast Bots are the lovable sidekicks that will aid the Rangers in the quest to defeat Earth’s evildoers.

- The Red Ranger’s Beast Bot will be a Cheetah named Cruise.
- The Blue Ranger’s Beast Bot will be a Gorilla named Smash.
- The Yellow Ranger’s Beast Bot will be a Jackrabbit named Jax.

Power Rangers Beast Morphers will use footage from the 2012 Super Sentai series Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters (the 36th season overall).

Connect with Power Rangers: powerrangers.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

More Nick: nWay Announces 'Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid'; Feature Rangers Vs. Villains Team Combat Across Multiple Gaming Platforms!

Originally published: Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 12:10am GMT.

Sources: Cosmic Book News, Power Rangers NOW, Comic Book.

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Mattel's 'Thomas & Friends' Pulls Into Canada for Exclusive Licensing & Broadcast Partnership with Corus Entertainment

Official Corus Entertainment Inc. press release:

October 1, 2018

MATTEL’S THOMAS & FRIENDS™ PULLS INTO CANADA FOR EXCLUSIVE LICENSING & BROADCAST PARTNERSHIP WITH CORUS ENTERTAINMENT

Nelvana Named Canadian Licensing Agent for the Iconic Preschool Property with Content Launching Exclusively on Corus Entertainment’s Treehouse Network

TORONTO, CANADA – Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana announced today its Canadian licensing and broadcasting partnership with renowned toy and entertainment company Mattel for its iconic Thomas & Friends property.

Nelvana becomes the exclusive Canadian licensing agent for Thomas & Friends across multiple merchandise categories excluding toys, which are manufactured and marketed by master toy licensee Mattel. Treehouse, the country’s #1 preschool channel*, becomes the new hub for the long-running Thomas & Friends series, which will be available across the network’s traditional and non-linear platforms, including Treehouse on Demand, Treehouse Classic, and the TreehouseGO App.

“Thomas & Friends is one of the most iconic preschool brands of all time and we’re delighted to partner with Mattel and welcome it into the Corus family,” said Pam Westman, Head of Nelvana Enterprises. “With Thomas & Friends, we are on the right track to engaging preschoolers on our network and delivering the world’s favourite tank engine on multiple platforms across Canada.”

The deal starts with the broadcast of Thomas & Friends: The Adventure Begins movie on Treehouse on October 5 at 5:20 p.m. ET. Season 22 of the iconic show hits the network Saturday, October 13, airing weekends at 12:15 p.m. ET. Best of Thomas & Friends episodes will start rolling out on the channel starting Monday, October 15, airing weekdays at 11:50 a.m. ET and 7:55 p.m. ET.

“We could not pick a better broadcast and licensing partner for Thomas in Canada,” said Tara George, Country Manager, Mattel Canada. “The strength of Treehouse and Nelvana Enterprises in the Canadian preschool market is second-to-none.”

Created over 70 years ago, Thomas the Tank Engine™ quickly grew to become the award-winning #1 preschool train brand franchise it is today, selling 1 engine every second. The brand is enjoyed by families in more than 160 territories and 55 languages across multiple touchpoints and formats, including: 500+ original TV shows; 12 feature-length films; apps; toys; consumer products; publishing; live attractions and much more. Thomas & Friends will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2020.

Visit Treehousetv.com and the TreehouseGO App for schedules, full episodes, games, behind-the-scenes content and more.

Source:
*Numeris PPM Data, BY17-18 (Aug 28/17 – Aug 26/18), confirmed data, M-Su 2a-2a, K2-11, K2-5, AMA(000, CDN SPEC DIG ENG – Kids SPEC only, Total Canada

About Nelvana
Nelvana is Canada’s premier animation company and a world-leading producer and distributor of children’s content. Nelvana has delighted audiences around the globe for more than 40 years with a vast library of more than 4,000 episodes from original, award-winning series like Babar and Franklin. Nelvana’s content is distributed in more than 160 countries worldwide and broadcasts across Corus Entertainment’s suite of leading kids networks. Nelvana Enterprises, the global licensing and merchandising arm of Nelvana, manages the organization’s portfolio of in-house and third-party brands with offices in Toronto and Paris. Nelvana Studio, with offices in Toronto and Montreal, employs more than 300 Canadian artists working with local and international producers to create premium children’s content for a global stage.  For more information, visit www.nelvana.com.

About Corus Entertainment Inc.
Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX: CJR.B) is a leading media and content company that creates and delivers high quality brands and content across platforms for audiences around the world. The company’s portfolio of multimedia offerings encompasses 44 specialty television services, 39 radio stations, 15 conventional television stations, a global content business, digital assets, live events, children’s book publishing, animation software, technology and media services. Corus’ roster of premium brands includes Global Television, W Network, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network Canada, HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, HISTORY®, Showcase, National Geographic Channel, Q107, CKNW, Fresh Radio, Disney Channel Canada, YTV and Nickelodeon Canada. Visit Corus at www.corusent.com.

About MattelMattel is a leading global children’s entertainment company that specializes in design and production of quality toys and consumer products. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic franchises, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, American Girl®, Fisher-Price®, Thomas & Friends® and MEGA®, as well as other popular brands that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 40 locations and sell products in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and technology companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in exploring the wonder of childhood and empowering kids to reach their full potential. Visit us online at www.mattel.com.

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Earlier this year, Thomas & Friends moved from its longtime US broadcaster PBS KIDS to Nick Jr., with Nickelodeon becoming the property’s US licensing agent.

More YTV: YTV Canada Premieres 'Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'!

Additional source: Kidscreen.

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Hasbro Announces Plans for 'Power Rangers' Movie Sequel

Hasbro’s licensing plans for the iconic Power Rangers brand will resemble the playbook used for Transformers and My Little Pony, featuring a “very robust” line of products “coming from a number of different partners,” Brian Goldner, Chairman and CEO of Hasbro told analysts, reports Insider Licensing.

Hasbro acquired Power Rangers and other brands from Saban Brands for $522 million earlier this year. Goldner termed 2019 a “transition year” for Power Rangers as Hasbro introduces new products in March and April. The existing inventory of Power Rangers products is expected to be sold through retail by mid-2019 and new entertainment content and licensed products will arrive the following year, he said.

Many of Saban’s licensees also have developed My Little Pony and Transformers products, so Power Rangers’ shift to new ownership will be “relatively seamless,” Goldner said. Hasbro also has hired “key personnel” from Saban responsible for the Power Rangers brand, with Saban CEO Haim Saban serving as a creative consultant, he said.

Power Rangers’ will generate an operating profit similar to Hasbro’s other franchise brands and has a “significant opportunity for growth given where the brand had been most recently,” Goldner added. Hasbro will work with a film studio to develop a new Power Rangers movie as a follow-up to the 2017 release. In addition to Power Rangers, Hasbro also acquired Saban properties including My Pet Monster, Luna Petunia, Popples and Julius Jr.

The post-credits scene of PR2017 shows a green jacket while a teacher calls out the name of Tommy Oliver, one of the most famous characters from the Power Rangers franchise. If the film does happen, the cast are hoping they hire a female actor to play the Green Ranger to balance out the team.

Meanwhile Paramount and Hasbro’s All Spark Pictures have postponed release of a new Transformers 6 film until after 2019, due largely to the release of the Bumblebee film late this year, which pushed out plans for home entertainment. Transformers 6 had been scheduled for release on June 21, 2019. Bumblebee, directed by Travis Knight, stars Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Rachel Crow, and Pamela Adlon. It will be released on December 21st.

While the film side of the series is currently in a state of dusting itself off, the wider franchise is doing quite well in its 25th year.

An anniversary episode called "Dimensions in Danger" will air at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Tuesday, August 28 on Nickelodeon USA, the date that Mighty Morphin Power Rangers first premiered on the Fox Kids Network. The special, which will form part of the franchise's current "Super Ninja Steel" TV series, will see the Super Ninja Steel Rangers team up with Legendary Rangers in an epic battle to save the world.

In addition to the TV series, the comics are running a well-received event called "Shattered Grid" that features dozens of Rangers, there's an online streamed RPG series called HyperForce and a board game that was just announced.

More Nick: Saban Brands Announces Power Rangers’ 26th Season, 'Power Rangers Beast Morphers'!

Original source: Digital Spy; Additional source: Bleeding Cool.

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Xilam Secures New Licensing Agents For Flagship Brand "Oggy & The Cockroaches"

Original Entertainment One Press Release via The Fan Carpet:

Award-Winning French Animation Production Company Xilam secures new agents for OGGY & THE COCKROACHES

Xilam, the award-winning French animation production company, has appointed two new licensing agents to represent its flagship global children’s brand Oggy & the Cockroaches across multiple key territories. Brand Focus will lead the licensing programme in the UK, while 20tooLicensing will manage all licensing in the Middle East.

The two agents will represent Oggy & the Cockroaches across all consumer products categories and brand promotion.

Brand Focus and 20tooLicensing join Xilam’s global roster of licensing agents for Oggy & the Cockroaches including: Discovery Kids (Italy), IMC Licensing (Latin America), Active Merchandising (Germany); brand4rent (Russia), Empire Licensing (South-East Asia) and Dream Theatre (India).

Marie-Laure Marchand, Senior Vice President of Global Licensing at Xilam said “We are thrilled to be working with Brand Focus and 20tooLicensing, enabling us to expand Oggy & the Cockroaches in these key markets. The international growth of the brand is a major strategic priority as we launch the show’s new 78 x seven-minute episodes this month.”

The sixth and seventh seasons of Oggy & the Cockroaches are slated to premiere in 2017/2018.

In the UK, Oggy & the Cockroaches has been sold to Nickelodeon and Netflix, and in the Middle East broadcasters include: Cartoon Network Middle East, ejunior, Gulli Bil Arabi, Netflix, Amazon and Iciflix.

In addition, season 5 (78 x 7’) is airing internationally on a number of leading broadcasters in key territories including Gulli in France which launched the brand new season this month. Additional broadcasters include Cartoon Network in Latin America, Asia and Africa, Disney Channel in Germany and K2 and Frisbee in Italy, among many others.

Since first airing in 1998, the series and its star Oggy the fat, blue cat has reached 160 countries and an estimated 600 million households.

About Xilam
Xilam is one of Europe’s leading animation companies, producing and distributing original children’s and family entertainment content in both 2D and CGI formats across TV, film and digital media platforms. Founded in 1995 by Marc du Pontavice, the award-winning Paris-based company owns a catalogue of more than 2,000 animated episodes and 3 feature films including strong brands such as Oggy & the Cockroaches, Zig & Sharko, The Daltons, Rolling with the Ronks and its first pre-school property, Paprika.

Broadcast in over 160 countries on all the major global children’s TV networks, these series are also breaking records on all the major digital platforms, including YouTube with over 250 million views per month, ranking Xilam as one of the top global content providers in animation.

Xilam employs more than 400 people, including 300 artists, who are based across its four studios located in Paris, Lyon, Angoulême and Hô-Chi-Minh Ville in Vietnam.

About Brand Focus
BrandFocus Consulting's strength is based on Michele Pearce’s 27 years of international work experience including TV series production, festival organization and Brand Licensing across EMEA. Extensive contacts and product development experience in key categories of toys, publishing and digital enables me to deliver a complete licensing package for clients and licensees.

About 20tooLicensing
20too Licensing is the leading licensing agency for the Middle East and North Africa representing some of the strongest entertainment companies in the region such as Xilam Animation, Hasbro , Sony Pictures, Moose, Entertainment One, Discovery Channel, Hallmark, Rovio, IMPS and more. The company manages the development of hugely popular brands such as Transformers, Shopkins, PJ Masks, My Little Pony, Smurfs, Animal Planet and have recently signed the global phenomenon that is Oggy & The Cockroaches. The team’s experience ranges from managing pre-school to boys action, girls fashion, vintage and adult IPs and brings consumer products, live events, home entertainment and even governmentally backed activities and/or QSR promotions alive. The head office is located in Dubai and the company has two more offices located in Morocco and Lebanon servicing North Africa and the Levant area respectively.

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Additional source: Licensing.biz.

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Mondo Secures U.S. & Canada L&M Agent For "Heidi, Bienvenida a Casa"

Surge Licensing is on board to help expand the teen series throughout North America!

Mondo TV Iberoamerica has appointed Surge Licensing to represent licensing and merchandising for the hit live-action teen series Heidi, Bienvenida a Casa in the U.S. and Canada.

Under the terms of the agreement, Surge will now support the series in both territories through a variety of licensing and merchandising opportunities.

The partnership with Surge also represents the consolidation of the strong network of agents that will represent the property's expansion to the North American market, according to Mondo TV.

Inspired by the classic 1880 novel Heidi by Johanna Spyri, which tells the tale of a young girl full of charm who leaves her mountain home for the city, the series reinterprets the classic children's story, combining comedy, humor and music with modern day twists. The 60×45-minute series was written by Marcela Citterio and is co-produced with Alianzas Producciones. Heidi, Bienvenida a Casa launched on Nickelodeon Latinoamérica and Nickelodeon Brasil on Monday 13th March 2017, and will debut in the rest of the world between the end of this year and the beginning of 2018.

Maria Bonaria Fois, the General Manager (GM) of Mondo TV Iberoamerica, said, “We are very pleased and proud at the same time to have reached this agreement with such an important partner in the Heidi, Bienvenida a Casa licensing program. We believe that Surge, with its great expertise in the field, is the ideal partner to grow the brand’s potential and expand this franchise. We may get great results in the near future from the exploitation of this brand.”

Elan Freedman, the Vice President (VP) of Surge Licensing, commented, “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Mondo TV and to bring such an iconic character to North American retail shelves. As a brand that transcends multiple generations, Heidi, Bienvenida a Casa is ripe to play a part in children AND their families’ lives.”

Heidi, Bienvenida a Casa stars young Argentine actress Chiara Francia (Patito feo, Consentidos, Chica vampiro), the daughter of the shows producer Javier Francia, Mercedes Lambre (Violetta), Florencia Benítez (Violetta, Sueña conmigo), Victorio D’Alessandro (Casi ángeles), and Minerva Casero (Esperanza mía), as well as many more outstanding actors and actresses.

Ahead of the series premiere in March 2017, Heidi, Bienvenida a Casa was renewed for two additional seasons, tentatively titled Heidi, bienvenida to show and Heidi, bienvendia a la fama.

Sources: TVKIDS, License! Global.

More Nick: Mondo TV Inks Latin American Licensing Deals for "Heidi, Bienvenida A Casa"!

Saban Brands On The Success Of Power Rangers

With a new TV series airing on Nickelodeon in the US and POP in the UK as well as a box office smash with the Power Rangers Movie, Saban Brands' Tim Juckes recently talked Licensing.biz through the success of Power Rangers for 2017 and beyond.

Why is 2017 set to be a big year for Power Rangers?

2017 continues to be a monumental year for an iconic brand, Power Rangers. To start, the series is currently in its 24th season with Power Rangers Ninja Steel airing on Nickelodeon in the US and POP within the UK, which includes a global rollout throughout the year.

Additionally, the feature film with Lionsgate, Saban’s Power Rangers, premiered around the world in theaters in March 2017. With the film’s release, the franchise continues to launch Power Rangers experiences as well as products across a diverse range of categories with notable firsts such as a girls’ sportswear program, a highly viewed Twitch a marathon of every episode in Power Rangers history and a chart-topping mobile game, Power Rangers: Legacy Wars.

Nostalgia is high for the pop culture phenomenon with fans including celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian, Gigi Hadid, Hailey Baldwin, JJ Watt and many more buzzing about their favorite Rangers.

What excitement and demand have you seen surrounding the new Power Rangers movie?

Since the TV show’s premiere in 1993, there has been an ongoing, large appetite for all things Power Rangers. This year, Saban Brands strategically worked on opportunities to further expand the franchise’s product offerings, experiences and audience segments with the continued, growing demand for the global, pop culture phenomenon.

To name a few examples of ongoing demands, we saw the Power Rangers mobile game, Power Rangers: Legacy Wars debut at number one on the iOS Free App Chart to incredible retail space with partners around the globe such as Selfridges.

What will this be bringing to the licensing space this year and beyond?

In every segment of the Power Rangers business, we look to always represent and reflect the brand’s core DNA of teamwork and inclusivity.

The Rangers are normal teens who morph into superheroes and these teens are extremely relatable to people of all ages around the world. This continues to be an important reason the Power Rangers and its licensing programs resonate with so many around the world.

We will continue to evolve with new seasons of the show as well timely consumer products programs, partnerships and activations that speak to core and new fans while maintaining what people know and love about the Power Rangers. We also have our sights set on celebrating with our dedicated fan base as we approach the franchise’s 25th anniversary in 2018.

What ambitions do you have for the Power Rangers brand this year and beyond?

The fact that the Power Rangers is currently in its 24th season and is one of the longest running kids action series in TV history is one example of how the franchise has truly stood the test of time with its huge, global fan base. At Saban Brands, we always look forward to introducing new experiences for ongoing and new fans of the franchise and we will continue to do so as we approach the Power Rangers’ 25th anniversary in 2018. We’ll showcase new partnerships and content as well as digital offerings and many more exciting opportunities for fans to engage with their favorite Rangers!

What partners have you already got on board and who did you work with around the Power Rangers movie?

In addition, master toy licensee, Bandai, the Power Rangers’ consumer products program continues to be a top selling kids action figure brand but also delivers a diverse range of categories including toys, apparel, costumes, collectibles and gaming amongst many others with more than 150 licensees globally spanning a wide audience from kids to adults. We also have best-in-class retail programs currently at all the majors including Walmart, Target and TRU.

We’ve seen great retail partnerships in the UK such as with Smyths Toys, Next, The Entertainer and Tesco as well as Selfridges where our epic Power Rangers window takeover could not be missed. Igniting nostalgia for retro-styled apparel, we have best-selling retro tees at new retailers such as Zara, with more to come.

The Power Rangers brand recently activated elevated, global collaborations in beauty and fashion and more including GlamGlow, KITH, Build-A-Bear, Dannijo, and Bobby Abley which allowed us to secure Power Rangers in unexpected, new retail partnerships such as Selfridges, Collette and Bergdorf Goodman, to name a few.

More Power Rangers: BOOM! Studios and Saban Brands Announce New Ongoing "Power Rangers" Comic Series, "Go Go Power Rangers"!

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