SUPER RTL in Germany Acquires Rights to 'SpongeBob', 'The Loud House' and 'Blaze'; To Serve As Licensing Agency for 'SpongeBob' and 'Blaze' in DACH Region

Update (18/5) - Official ViacomCBS Consumer Products press release:

VIACOMCBS CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND SUPER RTL EXPAND LICENSING DEAL IN GERMANY, SWITZERLAND AND AUSTRIA

SUPER RTL to become new licensing agent for SpongeBob SquarePants, Blaze and the Monster Machines and The Loud House in the region

Berlin, 18 May, 2021: SUPER RTL and ViacomCBS Consumer Products announce the expansion of their licensing agreement to include Nickelodeon’s iconic kids’ properties SpongeBob SquarePants, Blaze and the Monster Machines and The Loud House in the GSA region.

Built on a long term partnership that spans licensing and content, this newly expanded agreement sees SUPER RTL add globally loved properties SpongeBob SquarePants, Blaze and the Monster Machines and The Loud House to the portfolio of properties it licenses on behalf of ViacomCBS Consumer Products, which currently includes kids’ favorite PAW Patrol.

"The cooperation between SUPER RTL, Nickelodeon and ViacomCBS Consumer Products has already made 'PAW Patrol' the most successful preschool property in our market. This expansion is once again creating new opportunities for the entire market. With the support of our industry and retail partners, the full potential of the three franchises will be unleashed in our markets," said Hendrik Rinsche, Head of Merchandising & Licensing at SUPER RTL.

"We are very excited to strengthen our partnership with SUPER RTL and our licensing business in the region. Combining SUPER RTL’s expertise and scale with our iconic brands, this broader partnership will enable us to explore new business areas to truly maximise the value of our brands,” said Felix Ruoff, VP Consumer Products Northern & Eastern Europe, ViacomCBS Consumer Products.

As part of the new agreement, the animated formats SpongeBob SquarePants, Blaze and the Monster Machines and The Loud House will also be added to SUPER RTL's future TV lineup in the market. Nickelodeon will remain the home station for SpongeBob and Patrick's adventures in Bikini Bottom and exclusive free-TV premieres of all three formats will continue to be broadcast on Nickelodeon in the region.

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About ViacomCBS Consumer Products

ViacomCBS Consumer Products (VCP) oversees all licensing and merchandising for ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, VCP’s portfolio includes a diverse slate of brands and content from BET, CBS (including CBS Television Studios and CBS Television Distribution), Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and Showtime. With properties spanning animation, live-action, preschool, youth and adult, VCP is committed to creating the highest quality product for some of the world’s most beloved, iconic franchises. Additionally, VCP oversees the direct-to-consumer online business for CBS’ programming merchandise, as well as standalone SpongeBob and MTV branded ecommerce websites.

About SUPER RTL

SUPER RTL is the leading content provider for kids in Germany. TOGGO and Toggolino are the two umbrella brands of the Cologne based media company each unifying TV-station, events and licensing business – also providing a large digital portfolio to children and families such as apps, websites and audio. SUPER RTL prime time targets a mainly adult audience with a modern and diverse TV program including TV shows, feature films as well as animation highlights.

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SpongeBob Schwammkopf Vorschau | Ab 31. Mai 2021 (Super RTL)

SpongeBob zurück auf Super RTL!

Vom 27.05.2021

Gleich: SpongeBob Schwammkopf (Super RTL)

SpongeBob Schwammkopf Vorschau Full-HD | Juni 2021 (Super RTL)

Original post:

Germany - SUPER RTL has announced that they are expanding on their successful partnership with Nickelodeon by acquiring the rights to three hit Nickelodeon shows: SpongeBob SquarePants, The Loud House and Blaze and the Monster Machines.

SpongeBob is no stranger to SUPER RTL, with the German free-to-air (FTA) network airing the series between 2002 and 2009 - and exclusively on the network between 2002-2005, until Nickelodeon Germany relaunched. Following an absence of 12 years, SUPER RTL has acquired 52 episodes of Nickelodeon's iconic animated series, and will start to air them weekdays at 2:05pm from Monday 31st May 2021.

Start dates for The Loud House and Blaze and the Monster Machines will be announced in the coming weeks. All three series will join Nickelodeon's beloved CG-animated series PAW Patrol on the network. Under the deal, Nickelodeon will remain the exclusive home of free-TV premieres of the three series in the country.

Additionally, SUPER RTL Licensing will also act as the new licensing agency for SpongeBob SquarePants and Blaze and the Monster Machines in the DACH (Deutschland, Austria & Switzerland) region.

"The popular animated series with cult status are a valuable addition to our content and licensing portfolio. Together with Nickelodeon and our partners from industry and trade, we will thus sustainably strengthen the brands SpongeBob SquarePants and Blaze and the Monster Machines and further expand them with extensive activities," said Thorsten Braun, SUPER RTL Chief Content and Revenue Officer.

"Building on the successful cooperation on PAW Patrol, we are thus jointly fuelling success on all platforms and business with our licensing partners in the consumer products segment. With our free-TV premieres, Nick will remain the German home of SpongeBob, Blaze and the Louds on linear TV," said Susanne Schildknecht, Vice President Brands Central Europe at ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI).

Official SUPER RTL press release:

SUPER RTL und Nickelodeon erweitern ihre Content-Partnerschaft mit hochkarätigen Animationsserien

Köln/Berlin (ots)

"SpongeBob Schwammkopf" ab Montag, 31. Mai, montags bis freitags um 14:05 Uhr bei SUPER RTL

Mit "SpongeBob Schwammkopf", "Willkommen bei den Louds" und "Blaze und die Monster-Maschinen" erweitern drei hochwertige Animationsserien von Nickelodeon das Programm von SUPER RTL. Der legendäre gelbe Schwamm mit dem sonnigen Gemüt ist allseits beliebt und zählt auch 22 Jahre nach seiner deutschen Erstausstrahlung zu den bekanntesten Formaten der Kinderunterhaltung. Fans können den quirligen Unterwasserbewohner bereits in insgesamt zwölf Staffeln, drei Fernsehfilmen und drei Kinofilmen erleben. Und es geht noch weiter, eine 13. Staffel ist bereits bestätigt. Auch für SUPER RTL ist er kein unbekanntes Gesicht. "SpongeBob" war von 2002 bis 2009 ein fester Bestandteil des TV-Programms. Nach zwölf Jahren Abwesenheit erweist der Kultstar SUPER RTL erneut die Ehre. Zusammen mit seinem besten Freund Patrick, dem Seestern, erlebt der gut gelaunte und liebenswerte Pazifik-Bewohner allerlei skurrile Abenteuer aus dem Alltag.

Ab Montag, 31. Mai, zeigt SUPER RTL insgesamt 51 Episoden des international erfolgreichen Formats, immer montags bis freitags ab 14:05 Uhr.

SUPER RTL und Nickelodeon bauen mit diesem Coup ihre Zusammenarbeit weiter aus, die bereits mit "PAW Patrol", der Nummer 1 unter den Preschool-Formaten, erfolgreich startete. Teil der Content-Partnerschaft sind ebenfalls die beliebten Zeichentrickformate "Willkommen bei den Louds" und "Blaze und die Monster-Maschinen", die in Zukunft bei SUPER RTL in das TV-Programm aufgenommen werden. Free-TV-Premieren aller drei Serien zeigt exklusiv weiterhin Nick, der Kindersender von ViacomCBS Networks International.

In diesem Zuge wird SUPER RTL Licensing auch als neue Lizenzagentur von "SpongeBob Schwammkopf" und "Blaze und die Monster-Maschinen" in der DACH-Region agieren. "Die populären Animationsserien mit Kultstatus sind eine wertvolle Ergänzung unseres Content- und Lizenzportfolios. Gemeinsam mit Nickelodeon und unseren Partnern aus Industrie und Handel werden wir so die Marken 'SpongeBob Schwammkopf' sowie 'Blaze und die Monster-Maschinen' nachhaltig stärken und mit umfangreichen Aktivitäten weiter ausbauen", so Thorsten Braun, SUPER RTL Chief Content und Revenue Officer.

"Aufbauend auf der erfolgreichen Zusammenarbeit bei PAW Patrol befeuern wir so gemeinsam den Erfolg auf allen Plattformen und das Geschäft mit unseren Lizenzpartnern im Bereich Consumer Products. Mit unseren Free-TV-Premieren bleibt Nick dabei die deutsche Heimat von SpongeBob, Blaze und den Louds im linearen Fernsehen", so Susanne Schildknecht, Vice President Brands Central Europe bei ViacomCBS Networks International.

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From DWDL.de:

Ausverkauf bei Nickelodeon: "SpongeBob" auch wieder bei Super RTL

    

ViacomCBS macht Super RTL in Deutschland zur Lizenzagentur für "SpongeBob Schwammkopf" und einer weiteren Nickelodeon-Serie, die künftig auch beim Kölner Sender laufen. So wie ViacomCBS zuvor schon "Paw Patrol" abgegeben hatte.

Von einem Coup spricht Super RTL in seiner Pressemitteilung: Der Kölner Familiensender, der vorbehaltlich der Zustimmung des Kartellamts künftig zu 100 Prozent der Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland gehört, übernimmt kurzfristig mehrere Nickelodeon-Serien in sein Programm und wurde von ViacomCBS Networks International darüber hinaus mit der Vermarktung zweier Formate beauftragt, darunter die bekannteste Nickelodeon-Produktion "SpongeBob Schwammkopf". Es ist tatsächlich eine bemerkenswerte Entscheidung des US-amerikanischen Medienkonzerns, der einem Ausverkauf des eigenen Kindersenders Nick gleich kommt. "Willkommen bei den Louds", "Blaze und die Monster-Maschinen“ und eben "SpongeBob Schwammkopf" sind künftig bei Super RTL zu sehen. "SpongeBob" war dort bereits von 2002 bis 2009 zu sehen, wanderte danach exklusiv zurück zu Nickelodeon. Ab dem 31. Mai ist der gelbe Schwamm werktags um 14.05 Uhr zurück. 

Die Free-TV-Premieren aller drei Serien laufen zwar weiterhin bei Nick, doch die Reichweite des eigenen Kindersenders im deutschen Markt ist ViacomCBS offenkundig selbst zu gering. Zuletzt holte Nick bei den 3- bis 13-Jährigen nur 5,2 Prozent Marktanteil, weit abgeschlagen hinter dem Disney Channel (11,1 Prozent), dem Ki.Ka (17,3 Prozent) und Super RTL, das inklusive dem Timeshift-Kanal Toggo Plus im April 2021 auf 21,9 Prozent Marktanteil kam. Bei einem Sender mit vierfacher Reichweite erhofft man sich bei ViacomCBS auch mehr Effekte für das im Kinder-Segment lukrative Lizenz- bzw. Merchandise-Geschäft: Neben der Ausstrahlung der Serien übernimmt Super RTL Licensing als neue Lizenz-Agentur auch die Vermarktung von "SpongeBob Schwammkopf" und "Blaze und die Monster-Maschinen" in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz. Ein Modell, das Super RTL und ViacomCBS bereits bei "Paw Patrol" umgesetzt haben.

"Die populären Animationsserien mit Kultstatus sind eine wertvolle Ergänzung unseres Content- und Lizenzportfolios. Gemeinsam mit Nickelodeon und unseren Partnern aus Industrie und Handel werden wir so die Marken 'SpongeBob Schwammkopf' sowie 'Blaze und die Monster-Maschinen' nachhaltig stärken und mit umfangreichen Aktivitäten weiter ausbauen", erklärt Thorsten Braun, Programmchef und Chief Revenue Officer bei Super RTL. "Aufbauend auf der erfolgreichen Zusammenarbeit bei 'Paw Patrol' befeuern wir so gemeinsam den Erfolg auf allen Plattformen und das Geschäft mit unseren Lizenzpartnern im Bereich Consumer Products", sagt Susanne Schildknecht, Vice President Brands Central Europe bei ViacomCBS Networks International. Als Ausverkauf der eigenen Marken betrachtet sie den ausgebauten Deal mit Wettbewerber Super RTL nicht: "Mit unseren Free-TV-Premieren bleibt Nick dabei die deutsche Heimat von SpongeBob, Blaze und den Louds im linearen Fernsehen."

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From fernsehserien.de:

Für mehr „SpongeBob“ im deutschen Fernsehen: Super RTL und Nickelodeon erweitern Partnerschaft

Dauerbrenner künftig auf beiden Sendern zu sehen

„SpongeBob Schwammkopf“ zählt zu den Dauerbrennern im deutschen Fernsehen, der pro Tag auf mehreren Kanälen sein Unwesen treibt. Und demnächst kommt noch ein weiterer Sender dazu: Dank einer intensivierten Zusammenarbeit kommt die Nickelodeon-Serie demnächst auch zurück zu Super RTL – dort, wo der Bewohner aus Bikini Bottom vor 19 Jahren in Deutschland seine TV-Premiere hatte.

Schon ab dem 31. Mai wird „SpongeBob Schwammkopf“ montags bis freitags um 14:05 Uhr wieder bei Super RTL zu sehen sein. Darüber hinaus gesellen sich auch noch zwei weitere Nickelodeon-Animationsserien, „Willkommen bei den Louds“ und „Blaze und die Monster-Maschinen“, ins Portfolio. Die eigentlichen Konkurrenzsender Super RTL und Nickelodeon bauen somit ihre Zusammenarbeit weiter aus. Schon seit einiger Zeit ist „Paw Patrol“ aus dem Hause Nickelodeon, eine der aktuell beliebtesten Vorschulserien, parallel auf beiden Sendern zu sehen.

„SpongeBob“ kehrt somit dorthin zurück, wo er in Deutschland seine Anfänge hatte. Denn von 2002 bis 2005 war Super RTL die exklusive Heimat der Nickelodeon-Produktion. Dies hängt damit zusammen, dass während dieser Zeit der Kanal Nickelodeon nicht mehr bzw. noch nicht wieder in Deutschland existierte. Erst im September 2005 wurde die Marke hierzulande reaktiviert und der Sender zum zweiten Mal nach einer Existenz zwischen 1995 und 1998 gestartet.

Von 2005 bis 2009 war „SpongeBob“ dann parallel auf Nickelodeon und Super RTL zu sehen, bevor die Serie in Deutschland exklusiv zu Nickelodeon wechselte. Inzwischen läuft sie jedoch auch auf den ViacomCBS-Schwestersendern Comedy Central und MTV rauf und runter. Dadurch wurde „SpongeBob“ zur mit Abstand am meisten gezeigten Sendung des vergangenen Jahres. Satte 6179 Mal war die Serie 2020 zu sehen (fernsehserien.de berichtete).

Mit der nun bevorstehenden zusätzlichen Ausstrahlung bei Super RTL dürfte dies noch getoppt werden. Dabei gilt zu beachten: Super RTL wird insgesamt 51 Episoden aus den späteren Staffeln der insgesamt mehr als 260 Folgen umfassenden Serie zeigen. Free-TV-Premieren werden weiterhin bei Nickelodeon stattfinden – dies gilt auch für „Willkommen bei den Louds“ und „Blaze und die Monster-Maschinen“. Super RTL Licensing wird zudem neue Lizenzagentur der drei Serien in der DACH-Region und übernimmt fortan die Vermarktung.

Die populären Animationsserien mit Kultstatus sind eine wertvolle Ergänzung unseres Content- und Lizenzportfolios. Gemeinsam mit Nickelodeon und unseren Partnern aus Industrie und Handel werden wir so die Marken ‚SpongeBob Schwammkopf‘ sowie ‚Blaze und die Monster-Maschinen‘ nachhaltig stärken und mit umfangreichen Aktivitäten weiter ausbauen, so Thorsten Braun, Super RTL Chief Content und Revenue Officer.

Susanne Schildknecht, Vice President Brands Central Europe bei ViacomCBS Networks International: Aufbauend auf der erfolgreichen Zusammenarbeit bei PAW Patrol befeuern wir so gemeinsam den Erfolg auf allen Plattformen und das Geschäft mit unseren Lizenzpartnern im Bereich Consumer Products. Mit unseren Free-TV-Premieren bleibt Nick dabei die deutsche Heimat von SpongeBob, Blaze und den Louds im linearen Fernsehen.

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Mehr Nick: 'Little Questions' Garner Big Answers in Nickelodeon Germany and Mit Vergnügen's New Podcast Season!

Originally published: Wednesday, May 05, 2021.

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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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Festival of Licensing Unveils ViacomCBS-Sponsored Community and Wellbeing Programme

Festival of Licensing Unveils Community and Wellbeing Program

ViacomCBS Consumer Products will officially sponsor a community and wellbeing program at Festival of Licensing.

Festival of Licensing, the month-long virtual gathering celebrating the global licensing industry from Oct. 6-29, has unveiled its Community and Wellbeing program, sponsored by ViacomCBS Consumer Products.

The online program will feature the following complementary elements:

1. Exclusive wellbeing sessions brought to you by ViacomCBS Consumer Products that will include:

• Family Friendly Dance & Yoga:  Drawing from Nick Jr. exercise videos, festival goers will be encouraged to take a break from the serious stuff to have fun and exercise with their kids;
• Retro Workout Class:  Neon? Check. Headbands? Check. You’re ready for the Festival of Licensing retro workout. Featuring MTV products in a high-energy workout class with a soundtrack that raises heartrates and celebrates the classic MTV of the ‘80s and ‘90s, the Festival retro workout will also showcase the ‘MTV Move’ pro-social initiative; and
• Self-Care:  A self-care expert from the ViacomCBS Wellness studio will share easy tips on nutrition, sleep and exercise, as well as showcase some funny moments from iconic characters practicing the same habits. The self-care session will end with a guided meditation and a welcome chance to unwind.

2. Business Mentoring and Advice Clinics:

• Festival goers can take advantage of in-region business mentoring and advice clinics offering legal, financial and career advice. Speed networking sessions will also be available to those looking for new job opportunities.

3. Global charity fundraiser in support of The Light Fund, Magic Wheelchair and Licensing International Small Business Global Grants Fund:

• A huge charity fundraiser involving the global licensing industry and beyond will launch very shortly.

“We’re delighted to be working alongside ViacomCBS to bring valuable – and much needed – community and wellbeing content to Festival of Licensing attendees from all over the world,” says Anna Knight, vice president, Global Licensing Group, Informa Markets. “Surviving through COVID has been incredibly challenging for many – whether financially, physically or emotionally – and it’s important that Festival both acknowledges this and provides meaningful support where we can.”

Festival of Licensing runs online Oct. 6-29. Brands interested in exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities should visit FestivalOfLicensing.com, where free visitor registration is also open.

Get moving with Festival of Licensing’s Community and Wellbeing sponsor @ViacomCBS!

With Nick Jr. family friendly exercise, a retro MTV workout, and Bikini Bottom yoga, there’s a little something for everyone. #ViacomCBS#FestivalofLicensing #sponsored pic.twitter.com/0dwtnMCGrO

— Brand Licensing Europe 2020 (@bleurope) September 29, 2020

From License Global:

Industry Leaders Highlight their Vision for Licensing's Future

Executives from across manufacturing, retail and brands are set to spotlight the future of consumer product licensing.

Licensing Leadership Summit is the culmination of the month-long Festival of Licensing virtual event, and offers global brand licensing decision makers insight and thought leadership panels that will help shape their strategic direction for 2021.

The two-day conference, taking place Oct. 28-29, is packed with industry-led thought leadership and online conversations about the opportunities ahead. It will virtually unite the whole licensing industry to form connections, share knowledge and secure licensing deals, and is brought to you by the organizers of Licensing Expo and Brand Licensing Europe.

Each day of the program will include insightful keynotes on the retail and licensing trends shaping the market. Following each keynote, attendees will have the opportunity to tune into an array of sessions covering a wide range of topics, issues and strategic opportunities facing the world of brand licensing such as TikTok, eSports, and gaming to evergreens like museum licensing, as well as hear from industry thought leaders including NPD, MoMA, NFLPA, Sesame Workshop, Hallmark, Trend Bible, Fashion Snoops, Redbubble, Legendary Entertaiment, Funko, Zynga, Nickelodeon, BBC, CPLG Wildbrain, Kantar, FlowHaven and many more.

All sessions will be available on-demand throughout both live event days and for four weeks after the conference ends. We’ve provided a snapshot of the agenda below and you can view the complete program here.

Different by Design: MoMA’s Modern Approach to Museum Licensing

Speaker: Robin Sayetta, Head of Business Development, Retail, The Museum of Modern Art

The Athlete Influencer Difference

Speakers: Terése Whitehead, Senior Manager of Sponsorship and Operations, NFL Player's Association, Inc.; Isaac Rochell, American Football Player

What Do Licensees Want?

Speakers: Connie Chang, Director of Licensing, C-Life Group; Tonya Kirby, Director of Licensing, Retro Brands; and Rick Lowe, Managing Director, Brands In

Moderator: James Dohnert, Content Editor, License Global

How Games Ate the Licensing World 

Speakers: Chris Petrovic, Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Strategy, M&A and Business Development, Zynga, Inc., and Shaan Akbar, Digital Media Executive and Consultant

How to Combat the Explosion of Print On-Demand Whack-A-Mole on Social Media

Speakers: Rachel Aronson, Head of Business Development, CounterFind, and Jamie Gerson, Head of Strategic Partnerships, CounterFind

Thinking Beyond Revenue: A Holistic Licensing Approach in the Post-Normal

Speakers: Kalle Törmä, FlowHaven, and Anita Castellar, Chief Executive Officer, FanGirl Consulting and Brand Management

Digital Talent: The Future

Speaker: Sid Kaufman, Licensing Agent, UTA

Moderator: Amanda Cioletti, Event and Content Director, Global Licensing Group, Informa Markets

Product as Solutions

Speakers: Lilly Berelovich, President and Chief Creative Officer, Fashion Snoops; Jenna Guarascio, Director of Content Strategy, Fashion Snoops; and Carrera Kurnik, Culture Editor and Consumer Strategist, Fashion Snoops   

Something Old, Something New: How to Plan for Changing Consumer Behaviors 

Speakers: James Foti, Worldpanel Division, Consumer Insight Director, Entertainment, Kantar, and Glen Tooke, Worldpanel Division, Consumer Insight Director, Fashion, Kantar

Licensing and the Toy Industry: A Changing Landscape                                           

Speaker: Juli Lennet, Vice President and Industry Advisor, U.S. Toys, The NPD Group

I Want it Now!: Using the Fan to Expand Distribution

Speaker: Lauren Winarski, Senior Manager, Brand and Licensing, Funko

Knowledge is Power: Throw Away Your Crystal Ball

Speakers: Frank Masterson, formerly of Hallmark, and Tony Scott, Senior Promotions Manager, Edgewell Personal Care

Moderator: Marty Malysz, President, Dependable Rights

New Directions at Retail

Speaker: Robin Lewis, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Robin Report

Moderator: Maura Regan, President, Licensing International

Finding Opportunity in the Overwhelm: Key Trends in Consumerism 

Speakers: Maxwell Luthy, Evangelist at Large, TrendWatching

How the World’s Best Brands use Trends to Succeed

Speaker: Joanna Feeley, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Trend Bible

COVID-19: What Happens Next?

Speaker: Bibi Wardak, Content Editor, License Global

YouTube and You: Insights to Drive Retail and Consumer Product Strategies

Speakers: Steve Manners, Vice President, Business Development, WildBrain CPLG and WildBrain Spark, and Jon Gisby, Managing Director, WildBrain Spark

Esports: The Hottest New Licensing Category in Latin America

Speakers: Maca Rotter, President and Chief Executive Officer, La Panaderia, and Habacuc Guzmán, Co-Founder and Director, Arena Esports GG

Forging a Sustainable Future      

Speakers: Mart Drake-Knight, Owner, Teemill; Rikesh Desai, Licensing Director, Merchandise and Gaming, BBC Studios; Anita Manju, Senior Licensing Manager, Softlines, BBC Studios; and Helena Stopher, Founder, Products of Change

Moderator: Ben Roberts, Content Editor, EMEA, License Global

Orchestrating Speed-to-Market: How to Make Everything Hum in Concert

Speaker: Gabriela Arenas, Vice President, Licensing, North America, Sesame Workshop

Moderator: Amanda Cioletti, Event and Content Director, Licensing, Informa Markets

The Importance of Licensing to Brand Owners in these Turbulent Times

Speaker: Michael Stone, Co-Founder and Chairman, Beanstalk

UGC Marketplaces and Brand Licensing

Speakers: Christina Lima, Vice President, Global Franchise Management and Creative Services, ITV Studios; Eric Morse, Senior Vice President, Content Partnerships, Redbubble; and James Ngo, Executive Vice President, Franchise Management, Legendary Entertainment

From Screen to Shelves

Speakers: Nina Hahn, Senior Vice President, Nickelodeon; Veronica Hart, Executive Vice President, Franchise Planning, ViacomCBS; Mark Kingston, Senior Vice President, International Licensing, ViacomCBS Consumer Products

Moderator: Rachel Sandler, Vice President, Communications, Consumer Products, ViacomCBS

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More Nick: Nickelodeon Upfront 2020 Roundup!

Originally published: Sunday, September 6, 2020 at 21:32 BST.

Additional source: Toy World Magazine; Update H/T: Special thanks to @RegularTweetsUK!

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Robinson Home, ViacomCBS Enter Licensing Agreement for Nickelodeon-Branded Chip Clips

Robinson Home Products has inked a licensing agreement with ViacomCBS for the Nickelodeon properties SpongeBob SquarePants, JoJo Siwa and Paw Patrol!

According to the company, the license allows for the company’s Chip Clip products to feature the Nickelodeon characters on a range of new clips in a variety of set options. The new line of bag clips will be widely available in department and specialty stores, mass retailers, supermarkets and gift shops.

“We are excited about this new partnership and believe it is a perfect match for both companies,” said Ross Patterson, president, Robinson Home Products. “The Nickelodeon characters bring excitement and freshness to our fine product line and offer exciting new purchasing options for our customers, especially those who have young families. We believe the children will delight in being able to see their Nickelodeon favorites on the Chip Clips they use every day.”

The company said there are 17 new Nickelodeon Chip Clip items that will feature the SpongeBob SquarePants, JoJo Siwa and Paw Patrol characters.

The clips all have magnetic backing for convenience and retail in a suggested price range of $4.99 to $9.99.

More Nick: Nickelodeon Upfront 2020 Roundup!

Originally published: Wednesday, September 23, 2020.

Original source: HomeWorld Business.

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Sambro Teams Up with ViacomCBS Consumer Products and Pinkfong to Produce an Exciting Range of Baby Shark Products

SAMBRO TEAMS UP WITH VIACOMCBS CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND PINKFONG TO PRODUCE AN EXCITING RANGE OF BABY SHARK PRODUCTS

Manchester UK - Sambro International Ltd has announced a partnership with ViacomCBS Consumer Products and Pinkfong to produce an exciting range of children’s Arts & Craft, Novelty and Outdoor products for the iconic Baby Shark brand. The range which will include painting sets, doughs and inflatable play products will hit the shelves in the Spring of 2021.

Tony Hicks, Sambro CEO, commented “we are delighted to be continuing our long running partnership with ViacomCBS Consumer Products and are excited to be diving into the exciting world of Baby Shark”.

“In 2021 Baby Shark dives from YouTube onto Nick Jr. with, Baby Shark’s Big Show; a new animated series featuring an array of new characters, a humorous script and songs that are just as catchy as the original. We are thrilled to be working with Sambro and Pinkfong to expand the world of Baby Shark and create innovative new products that will be hitting homes, gardens, swimming pools and the great outdoors early next year’ commented Venetia Davie, Vice President Consumer Products UK.

In addition to Nickelodeon and SmartStudy’s partnership to produce Baby Shark’s Big Show!, ViacomCBS Consumer Products (VCP) is managing consumer products licensing worldwide, excluding China, Korea and Southeast Asia, for the Baby Shark property.

More Nick: Nickelodeon Dives In With All-New 'Baby Shark' Animated Preschool Series 'Baby Shark’s Big Show!'!

H/T: Licensing.biz.

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ViacomCBS Consumer Products LatAm Appoints Mon Entertainment as Licensing Agent for Colombia and Ecuador

ViacomCBS Networks Consumer Products Latin America (Latinoamérica) has appointed Mon Entertainment as its licensing agent for Colombia and Ecuador. Under the agreement, Mon will build and manage the ViacomCBS portfolio of brands, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Garfield, PAW Patrol, Blue’s Clues and You!, Baby Shark, Bala, MTV and South Park. It will also promote and expand VCN's existing licensing and merchandising business in these markets.

From Contenidos.News:

VIACOMCBS ELIGE A MON ENTERTAINMENT COMO REPRESENTANTE DE LICENCIAS EN COLOMBIA Y ECUADOR

La alianza incluye a las reconocidas marcas 'Bob Esponja Pantalones Cuadrados', 'Paw Patrol', '¡Pistas de Blue y Tú!', 'Garfield', 'Baby Shark', 'Bala', 'MTV' y 'South Park', entre otros.

ViacomCBS Consumer Products Latinoamérica anunció a Mon Entertainment como su representante de licencias para Colombia y Ecuador.

Según los términos del acuerdo, Mon Entertainment será responsable de construir y administrar la cartera de marcas y propiedades de Viacom Media Networks, la cual incluye a 'Bob Esponja Pantalones Cuadrados', 'Paw Patrol', '¡Pistas de Blue y Tú!', 'Garfield', 'Baby Shark', 'Bala', 'MTV' y 'South Park', entre otros.

Además, Mon Entertainment también se encargará de promover y expandir aún más el negocio de licencias y comercialización existente de Viacom Media Networks en estos mercados.

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From TV LATINA:

ViacomCBS Consumer Products anuncia nuevo representante de ventas

ViacomCBS Consumer Products Latinoamérica anuncia a Mon Entertainment, Inc. como su representante de licencias para Colombia y Ecuador.

Según los términos de dicho acuerdo, Mon Entertainment, Inc. será responsable de construir y administrar la cartera de marcas y propiedades de VMN, la cual incluye a Bob Esponja Pantalones Cuadrados, Paw Patrol, ¡Pistas de Blue y Tú!, Garfield, Baby Shark, Bala, MTV, South Park, entre otros.

Además, Mon Entertainment también se encargará de promover y expandir aún más el negocio de licencias y comercialización existente de VMN en estos mercados.

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From ttvnews:

ViacomCBS tiene nuevo representante de licencias en Colombia y Ecuador

ViacomCBS Consumer Products Latinoamérica cerró un acuerdo con Mon Entertainment, Inc. para convertirlo en su representante de licencias para Colombia y Ecuador.

ViacomCBS Consumer Products Latinoamérica anunció a Mon Entertainment, Inc. como su representante de licencias para Colombia y Ecuador.


Según los términos del acuerdo, Mon Entertainment, Inc. será responsable de construir y administrar la cartera de marcas y propiedades de VMN, la cual incluye a Bob Esponja pantalones cuadrados, Paw Patrol, ¡Pistas de Blue y Tú!, Garfield, Baby Shark, Bala, MTV y South Park, entre otros.

Además, Mon Entertainment también se encargará de promover y expandir aún más el negocio de licencias y comercialización existente de VMN en estos mercados.

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From The Daily Television LLC:

ViacomCBS Consumer Products tiene nueva representación en Colombia y Ecuador

ViacomCBS Consumer Products Latin America hizo oficial en las últimas horas una nueva representación de licencias en Colombia y Ecuador. Se trata de Mon Entertainment, Inc., responsable a partir de ahora de construir y administrar la cartera de marcas y propiedades de VMN, que incluye a Bob Esponja Pantalones Cuadrados, Paw Patrol, ¡Pistas de Blue y Tú!, Garfield, Baby Shark, Bala, MTV, South Park, entre otros.

La empresa designada también se encargará de promover y expandir aún más el negocio de licencias y comercialización existente de VMN en estos mercados.

El área de Consumer Products de ViacomCBS (VCP) supervisa todas las licencias y la comercialización de ViacomCBS Inc. Sus propiedades abarcan animación, acción en vivo, preescolar, jóvenes y adultos.

Impulsado por marcas de consumo icónicas, la cartera de VCP incluye una importante variedad de brands y contenido de BET, CBS (incluidos CBS Television Studios y CBS Television Distribution), Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures y Showtime.

Además, VCP supervisa el negocio en línea directo al consumidor para los productos de programación de CBS y Showtime, así como los sitios web de comercio electrónico de marca independiente para Star Trek, SpongeBob, South Park y MTV.

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From Grupo Isos:

ViacomCBS Consumer Products Latinoamérica anuncia nuevo representantes para Colombia y Ecuador

Mon Entertainment, Inc., nuevo representante de licencias para Colombia y Ecuador, se encargará de construir y administrar la cartera de marcas de la compañía en estos mercados

ViacomCBS Consumer Products Latinoamérica anuncia a Mon Entertainment, Inc. como su representante de licencias para Colombia y Ecuador.

Según los términos del acuerdo, Mon Entertainment, Inc. será responsable de construir y administrar la cartera de marcas y propiedades de VMN, la cual incluye a Bob Esponja Pantalones Cuadrados, Paw Patrol, ¡Pistas de Blue y Tú!, Garfield, Baby Shark, Bala, MTV, South Park, entre otros. Además, Mon Entertainment también se encargará de promover y expandir aún más el negocio de licencias y comercialización existente de VMN en estos mercados.

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From Tecnogus:

ViacomCBS Consumer Products Latinoamérica anuncia nuevo representante de licencias para Colombia y Ecuador

ViacomCBS Consumer Products Latinoamérica anuncia a Mon Entertainment, Inc. como su representante de licencias para Colombia y Ecuador.

Según los términos de dicho acuerdo, Mon Entertainment, Inc. será responsable de construir y administrar la cartera de marcas y propiedades de VMN, la cual incluye a Bob Esponja Pantalones Cuadrados, Paw Patrol, ¡Pistas de Blue y Tú!, Garfield, Baby Shark, Bala, MTV, South Park, entre otros. Además, Mon Entertainment también se encargará de promover y expandir aún más el negocio de licencias y comercialización existente de VMN en estos mercados.

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More Nick: Viacom International Studios Americas to Produce 'Planeta Marcia', a New Out-Of-This World Scripted Series for Nickelodeon!

Original source: Kidscreen.

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ICYMI | Nickelodeon News Round-Up | Licensing Expo 2019 Special | Week 23

A selection of the biggest Nickelodeon News stories announced this week, including news from Licensing Expo 2019 in Las Vegas!

-- Nickelodeon Greenlights ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ CG-Animated Prequel Series ‘Kamp Koral’

-- Nickelodeon Greenlights 'The Crystal Maze', An All-New Version of the Hit UK Game Show

-- Nickelodeon Renews Four Hit Series from Its Powerhouse Preschool Portfolio: 'PAW Patrol', 'Bubble Guppies', 'Abby Hatcher' and 'Butterbean's Café'

-- Nickelodeon Announces First Licensing Partners for 'Blue’s Clues & You!'

-- Nickelodeon Expands Partnership with pocket.watch; to Manage International Consumer Products Licensing for Ryan’s World and Ryan’s Mystery Playdate

-- Nickelodeon’s 'The Loud House' Season 4 Premiere 'Friended! With the Casagrandes' Reaches 2.8 Million Total Viewers

-- Pinkfong's Baby Shark Joins the Nickelodeon Family

-- Nickelodeon Announces 'Kids' Choice Sports 2019' Host, Nominees

-- THQ Nordic Announces 'SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated' Video Game | Pre E3 News

-- Madame Tussauds Delhi Unveils Motu Patlu Waxwork Figures

-- All That Theme Song | First Look at Revival's Opening Titles | Nickelodeon

-- Nickelodeon Australia Launches 'SpongeBob: Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef', a New Pro-Social Initiative to Help Protect the Great Barrier Reef

-- Preview: First Look at ‘Rocko’s Modern Afterlife #3’ from BOOM! Studios | Sneak Peek

-- Chance the Rapper Unveils Tribute to 'All That' Theme Song

-- San Diego Trolley Receives Sponge-Tastic Makeover to Celebrate SpongeBob SquarePants' 20th Anniversary

-- Camp Nick | Hang Out with Your Favorite Stars All Summer Long | Trailer | Nickelodeon USA

-- Funrise Announces Best-In-Class Partners For 'Rainbow Butterfly Unicorn Kitty'

-- Nickelodeon Cancels 'I Am Frankie'

-- Nickelodeon Reportedly Cancels Cousins For Life

More Nick: Nickelodeon Embarks on New Direction with its Biggest, Most Wide-Ranging Content Slate Ever!

Originally published: Monday, June 10, 2019 at 12:09am BST.

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JoJo Siwa and 'Peppa Pig' Receive Nominations in 2019 International Licensing Awards; SLIMEFEST UK Shortlisted in British Media Awards 2019

The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) has announced the exciting news that Nickelodeon star JoJo Siwa and the hit preschool series Peppa Pig, which airs on Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. channels around the world, including on Nick Jr. UK & Ireland and Nick Jr. USA, both received two nominations each in the 2019 International Licensing Awards!

Whittled down from 622 submissions from 19 countries, 154 nominees have been recognised in categories spanning licensing, retail, promotions and consumer products. For the first time, submissions and judging for the awards were held online. LIMA members will vote for the winners, and the awards will be handed out at a Tuesday, June 4 ceremony during Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Below is a list of the nominations for the 2019 International Licensing Awards, featuring the awards JoJo Siwa, Nickelodeon and Peppa Pig have been nominated for. A full list nominees that made the ballot of LIMA's International Licensing Awards 2019 can be found online at licensing.org. Congratulations and good luck to JoJo Siwa, Nickelodeon, Entertainment One (eOne) and to everyone nominated in the 2019 International Licensing Awards!

Best Brand – Entertainment / Character – Live Action

PROPERTY - OWNER / AGENT

JoJo Siwa - Nickelodeon
Harry Potter - Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Jurassic World - Universal Brand Development
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood - The Fred Rogers Company / Brand Central
Shark Week 30th Anniversary - Discovery Inc.
Yedaz Bollywood Madness - Shemaroo Entertainment

Best Retailer – Entertainment / Character

RETAILER - PROPERTY

Primark - JoJo Siwa
Galéries Lafayette - Wizarding World
Guess EU - Miraculous
Riachuelo - Stranger Things
Spirit Halloween - Fortnite
Target - Minecraft
Walmart - Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom #JWUnleashed
Walmart - Ryan’s World / pocket.watch

Best Brand – Entertainment / Character – Animated

PROPERTY - OWNER / AGENT

Peppa Pig - Entertainment One
Boonie Bears - Fantawild Animation
L.O.L. Surprise! - MGA Entertainment
Miraculous - ZAG Inc.
PJ Masks - Entertainment One
Rick and Morty - Cartoon Network
The Grinch - Universal Brand Development
The Gruffalo - Magic Light Pictures

Best Experiential or Location Based Initiative

PROPERTY - OWNER / AGENT

Peppa Pig - Merlin Entertainments / Entertainment One
Camp Master Chef - Campus Cerdanya / Endemol Shine North America
Hello Kitty Fun Run 2018 - Sanrio / Total Running / Tycoon Enterprises
Hello Kitty Grand Café - Sanrio
Jurassic World VR Expedition - Universal Brand Development / Dave & Buster / The Virtual Reality Co.
Sesame Street Pop Up 50 - Sesame Workshop
The British Museum “A Journey through Time” - Alfilo Brands
The Trolls Funhouse - The Sudden Impact! Entertainment Co. / Dreamworks / Dreamworld Australia
Warner Bros. Classic “Get Animated Invasion” - Warner Bros. Consumer Products

In additional awards news, Nickelodeon UK & Ireland's SLIMEFEST 2018 has been shortlisted for the "Event of the Year" award in the eighth British Media Awards! Congrats Nickelodeon! Visit nick.co.uk/slime for info about this years SLIMEFEST!:

NICKELODEON SLIMEFEST

NICKELODEON UK

Nickelodeon SLIMEFEST is a fun-packed family event that combines chart-topping musical acts with the opportunity for the audience to get drenched in disgusting green slime. The 2018 edition was hosted by dance act Diversity and saw nine acts performing across 3 days (October 20-22 at The Arena, Blackpool Pleasure). There were also guest appearances from Nick onscreen talent including JoJo Siwa and Kira Kosarin.

Tickets were sold out within six weeks, with 12,000 kids and families in attendance. The event is also an important corporate hospitality opportunity. This year, 400 clients and stakeholders were in attendance, ranging from sponsors and consumer product partners to talent families and network affiliates (eg Sky and BT).

Putting together a live performance music event is challenging enough in itself. But the operational complexity of staging the event goes to a whole new level when you add slimings into the mix. Mechanisms need to be designed to ensure a variety of slime executions, with optimal coverage for the kids in attendance.

While SLIMEFEST is valuable as an event in its own right, it is essential from a brand-building perspective that the content is accessible to Nick fans across all media platforms. So in addition to the 12,000 people who attended in 2018, there was a TV show which reached 237.7k viewers. SLIMEFEST 2018 also achieved social media reach of almost 12 million via its in-house activities and designated social influencers.

In the months leading up to the event, Nickelodeon’s in-house marketing team put together a 360 marketing campaign that encompassed TV, digital, print, outdoor and social media. As for the event’s PR strategy, celebrity guests and the press were invited to maximise engagement over the weekend. This resulted in 100 million opportunities to see, and £600K AVE (Advertising Value Equivalent) representing 11:1 return on investment.

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More Nick: Nickelodeon Embarks on New Direction with its Biggest, Most Wide-Ranging Content Slate Ever!

H/T: Licensing Source, Kidscreen.

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Nickelodeon Takes Home Two Merit Awards for PAW Patrol and Shimmer & Shine at the 2018 Asian Licensing Awards

Official Nickelodeon Asia Press Release:

NICKELODEON TAKES HOME TWO MERIT AWARDS FOR PAW PATROL AND SHIMMER & SHINE AT THE 2018 ASIAN LICENSING AWARDS

AWARD WINS FOR “BEST PROPERTY” AND “BEST YOUNG PROPERTY IN ASIA”

Photo caption: Viacom/Nickelodeon Consumer Products team in Asia

HONG KONG, 9 JANUARY 2019 – Nickelodeon today announced its respective merit wins “Best Property” award for PAW Patrol and “Best Young Property in Asia” award for Shimmer & Shine at the recently concluded Asian Licensing Awards, held in Hong Kong last night, in conjunction with the Hong Kong International Licensing Show this week.

Already in its fifth season globally, PAW Patrol, produced by Spin Master Entertainment, shined in the Year of the Dog across Asia Pacific last year, supported by many PAW Patrol retail promotions, mall shows and events with licensee partners, including its second PAW Patrol live show, which toured across China, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. Shimmer & Shine debuted many new categories at retail and brand new mall events across Southeast Asia in 2018.

PAW Patrol

“We are honored to be the only one to take home two merit wins for international IPs this year. Not only do the wins demonstrate how we are on fire with our pre-school properties, but we really appreciate the recognition by the licensing industry in Asia. PAW Patrol is evidently our largest pre-school hit and truly there isn’t a hotter property in the world right now. We are committed to building both PAW Patrol and Shimmer & Shine franchises with the tremendous on-going support from our licensee and retail partners,” said Claire O’Connor, Vice President, Viacom/Nickelodeon Consumer Products, Asia Pacific.

Shimmer and Shine

Since the inauguration of the Asian Licensing Awards in 2012, Nickelodeon has taken home wins annually. Organized by the Asian Licensing Association, the Asian Licensing Awards recognizes the outstanding achievements of licensed properties, licensing companies, licensing agents, advertising and promotional firms for their development, launch and promotion of licensed properties and trademarks throughout Asia for the preceding year. The Asian Licensing Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and creativity across the licensing spectrum.

About Spin Master

Spin Master (TSX:TOY; www.spinmaster.com) is a leading global children's entertainment company that creates, designs, manufactures, licenses and markets a diversified portfolio of innovative toys, games, products and entertainment properties. Spin Master is best known for award-winning brands including Zoomer®, Bakugan®, Meccano®, and 2017 Toys of the Year, Hatchimals®, Air Hogs® and PAW Patrol®. Since 2005, Spin Master has received 92 TIA Toy of The Year (TOTY) nominations with 21 wins across a variety of product categories, including 13 TOTY nominations for Innovative Toy of the Year, more than any of its competitors. To date, Spin Master has produced six television series, including 2007 success Bakugan Battle Brawlers and current hit PAW Patrol, which is broadcast in over 160 countries and territories globally. Spin Master employs over 1,500 people globally with offices in Canada, United States, Mexico, France, Italy, United Kingdom, Slovakia, Poland, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.

About Nickelodeon International

Nickelodeon, now in its 39th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon is one of the most globally recognized and widely distributed multimedia entertainment brands for kids and family, with 1.2 billion cumulative subscriptions in more than 500 million households across 170+ countries and territories, via more than 100+ locally programmed channels and branded blocks. Outside of the United States, Nickelodeon is part of Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc.

About Viacom International Media Networks

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), is comprised of many of the world’s most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, MTV LIVE HD, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, Paramount Channel, and more. Viacom brands reach more than 3.8 billion cumulative subscribers in 180+ countries and territories via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties, in 40 languages. Keep up with VIMN news by visiting the VIMN PR Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/VIMN_PR. For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com, blog.viacom.com and the Viacom Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/Viacom.

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More Nick: Nickelodeon Launches Academic Animation Program in China!

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Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products Promotes Marianne James to Expanded Role

Marianne expands her leadership remit to include the UK and Ireland, Nordics, Central and Eastern Europe and Russia (UKNEE) cluster

Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products (VNCP) has promoted Marianne James to an expanded role that will see her leading the consumer products business across Viacom’s UK & Ireland, Nordics, Central and Eastern Europe and Russia (UKNEE) cluster.

Marianne previously led Consumer Products and Commercial Partnerships for the UK, and will continue her commercial partnerships role for Nickelodeon UK in addition to her new cluster responsibilities.

The new role is effective immediately with James reporting in to Alison Bakunowich, Senior Vice President (SVP), Nickelodeon, UK, Northern and Eastern Europe, and Mark Kingston, SVP, International, VNCP.

“Marianne has done an incredible job growing the UK consumer products business over the past five years,” said Mark. “As we focus on expanding consumer products in strategic European markets, including Russia and Poland, Marianne will bring her experience, strategic thinking and creativity to these businesses.”

Marianne will continue to oversee UK commercial opportunities for events like Slimefest

In her newly expanded role, Marianne will oversee retail sales and product category teams, retail marketing and commercial growth strategies for consumer products across the UKNEE cluster. UKNEE is a strategic growth area for Viacom’s consumer products business. Additionally, in her UK Commercial Partnerships role, Marianne will steer brand and commercial partnerships and sponsorships for Nickelodeon UK, including the successful PAW Patrol Live tour and Slimefest.

Marianne joined Viacom in 2011 as director of retail sales and marketing for Europe and Pan-European licensing.

Jeannine Lafebre, Senior Director, VNCP Benelux, Nordics, Central and Eastern Europe and Petia Toncheva, Licensing Director, Russia and CIS, will continue to directly lead their respective markets with a reporting line into James.

More Nick: Pam Kaufman Says Licensing 'Best Industry in the World' | BLE 2018!

Original sources: LTW.MEDIA, Licensing Source; Additional sources: Licensing.biz, Kidscreen.

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Viacom Italia To Accelerate Licensing Business With The Help Of Nickelodeon Properties [Updated]

The collaboration with Viacom Italia's marketing department, led by Lorenzo Incantalupo, has resulted in the long-term agreement between SpongeBob and Juventus, which has been extended to at least 2020. Among the new products in 2019 will be merchandise featuring Nickelodeon talent JoJo Siwa.

Viacom Italia is set to accelerate its licensing business. For the media company, led by Andrea Castellari, licensing is a strategic area of business, and is supported by some of the biggest properties in the kids' field, including SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and the future looks bright for Viacom Italia's licensing business, thanks to new important partnership agreements, such as Viacom Italia's collaboration with Juventus F.C., which has led to the creation of the first-ever SpongeBob x Juventus fashion capsule collection. Thanks to the success of the collaboration, the partnership has been extended to at least mid-2020.

Speaking yesterday at Viacom Italia's annual Nickelodeon Licensing Meeting, Nadia Caron, the Senior Director of Licensing at Viacom Italia, Greece and Turkey, and Lorenzo Incantalupo, the Senior Marketing Director at Viacom Italia, presented the results of Viacom Italia's licensing division over the past year, and unveiled the new products featuring the group's properties that fans can look forward to over the next 12 months, underlining that over 90% of licensing activities are focused on the kids demp: in particular on the preschool area served by Nick Jr. and on the school aged demo served by Nickelodeon.

The rest of Viacom Italia's licensing activity is primary aimed at a young adult and 'fashion' age group, which is linked to a historical brands such as MTV. The 'life cycle' of licensing development is as follows: after broadcasting for six months on pay TV, the content passes to the free to air (FTA) channels, such as Cartoonito and Super! for another six months, in order to maximize brand awareness. Approximately one year after the on-air launch of a property, consumer products dedicated to the characters of the series are produced and ready to be distributed to stores to be sold to fans. Nickelodeon's licensing now covers all areas and product categories, hard and soft lines.

Lorenzo Incantalupo (foto uff stampa Viacom)

"Among our objectives for 2019, we will focus on the retail world, with the construction of live experience moments, and on loyalty programs, trying to bring our storytelling model into loyalty," Incantalupo pointed out.

With regard to the results achieved over the last year by Viacom's Licensing department, the first Global Master Toy agreement with Hasbro for the Top Wing preschool property, which will see the launch Top Wing toys globally in 2019, the Vivid Master Toy agreement with the Nella the Princess Knight preschool property and the agreement for multi-property activities in Conad have been significant developments.

Also of note was the agreement with Nestlé for the production of the first MTV branded KitKat Easter Eggs (Easter 2018), with a competition linked to the upcoming MTV EMA's in Bilbao, and the launch of the Spring/Summer 2018 collection with Arena for swimwear and accessories with the Shimmer & Shine and Ninja Turtles properties.

"Our properties have truly unique characteristics and values that allow us to be distinctive on the market," commented Caron. "Thanks to the constant collaboration with the various Viacom departments, we are always able to offer our partners, retailers or licensees integrated communication and product development projects that make a difference".

The collaboration with the Marketing department has given rise to an agreement between SpongeBob and Juventus that will last until mid 2020. After the competition on the Nickelodeon website to win a special day at the Juventus Stadium in Turin, the collaboration led to the launch of the first capsule collection of sweatshirts and T-shirts SpongeBob and Juventus on sale from last May in the Juventus Store throughout Italy. The next phase will lead to the creation of a wider and more articulated consumer product plan, which will also be international in scope.

Nadia Caron (foto uff stampa Viacom)

Among the other synergy projects with the marketing area and the others of Viacom, scheduled for next autumn and continued into development in 2019, there are certainly Acquario di Genova and JoJo Siwa.

The Acquario di Genova has been in partnership for years with Nickelodeon and SpongeBob, which this year has been enriched with the themed SpongeBob room and the operation 'One night at the Acquario with SpongeBob' which will continue from back to school until late spring 2019 with further news and the involvement of partners for licensing and marketing activities.

JoJo Siwa is a very successful international talent of Nickelodeon, a 'muser' of millions of followers on social issues, who is starting to get well known, and for which she has an important brand development program, which sees all of Viacom's departments involved to to launch new cross-category products.

"Nickelodeon's collaborations with prestigious partners such as Juventus and Acquario di Genova provide a great added value for our brand that allow us to work with SpongeBob, our pop icon in 360° projects," concluded Incantalupo. "With competitions such as 'Una notte all'Acquario con SpongeBob' and '#MaigettarelaSpugna' with Juventus, we have taken a step further allowing different families and fans to live truly exclusive experiences. It is always crucial for us to be able to tell our fans about ourselves in new and unexpected ways, creating value for the consumer and our partners. Viacom's strategy for all its brands is, in fact, to work to create innovative and contemporary experiences by establishing strategic relationships with the most important market partners".

Additional sources: DeepL Translator, Google Translate.