Including Disney launching The Lion King ‘Protect the Pride’ conservation campaign.
The Source rounds up more news from the licensing industry across the globe from the week.
To celebrate the release of The Lion King across Europe, Disney has launched a conservation campaign in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund and local conservation partners to raise awareness of the crisis facing lions and other wildlife across Africa. The Lion King ‘Protect the Pride’ campaign focuses on protecting and revitalising lion populations and the habitats they need to thrive. Disney Stores across Europe will be launching special edition Simba and Nala plush lions at shopDisney and in selected stores. Each special edition will represent one of the 40,000 lions Disney and the Lion Recovery Fund are working to ensure a future for in the wild. For each one that is sold, Disney will donate $5 to the Wildlife Conservation Network in support of the Lion Recovery Fund and its local partners.
The emoji company has secured its latest brand collaboration with IMPS and the Smurfs. Individual capsule collections will launch across apparel, accessories, footwear, electronics, drinkware, fan merchandise, home goods and stationery among other categories from spring 2020.
Simon’s Cat is continuing its international growth, with Endemol Shine Group making further licensing agent appointments. Plus Licens will represent the brand in the Nordics and CEE, while Click Licensing Asia has been appointed for south east Asia. The duo join existing agents including License Connection (Benelux), Block 12 (China), Enpop (South Korea) and Lizenzwerft (GAS).
The Point.1888 has appointed ex-Saatchi & Saatchi account lead, Martin McLaughlin as its new commercial manager. Martin will be focusing on the growth of the company’s FMCG and publishing clients.
The team behind everyone’s favourite summer drink – PIMM’S – has partnered with Duerr’s, the oldest family-owned English jam maker, to launch a special edition Strawberry, Tangerine & Mint flavoured preserve. The deal was brokered by Beanstalk. The product launches this month in Waitrose and Asda stores and contains 4% PIMM’S.
New live action series, Malory Towers, has been given the green light by CBBC, DHX Media and King Bert Productions have confirmed. Based on the classic book series by Enid Blyton, the show will follow 12 year old Darrell Rivers as she leaves home for the first time to attend an all-girls boarding school. The series is expected to premiere on CBBC and on DHX Television’s Family Channel in 2020.
Meanwhile, DHX Media has promoted Stephanie Betts to the role of evp content. She will be responsible for development and production of the company’s slate of original animated content, reporting to president Josh Scherba. In addition, Todd Brian has joined the company in the newly created role of director of development.
Nelvana has secured a licensing partnership with independent game studio, Monomi Park, for its award winning game, Slime Rancher. The deal will see Nelvana expand the brand into key categories including toys, publishing, apparel and accessories.
Aurora World has successfully launched the Yoohoo: Nationwide Live show in China. The show began in May in Qingdao, east China and follows the story of YooHoo and his friends as they go on an adventure to look for the Sparkling Tree to protect the Earth from threats to the environment. More than 30 further performances are planned this year across Shandong, as well as in major Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.
Children’s apparel and accessories designer Amy Coe is expanding her home goods and interior design services with the launch of Amy Coe Home, The Brand Liaison has confirmed.
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