Including Keith Chapman turning his attention to the world of early preschool with new Netflix series, BUDDI.
Source rounds up more news from the licensing industry across the globe from the week.
The creator of PAW Patrol, Bob the Builder and Fifi and the Flowertots, Keith Chapman has turned his attention to the world of early preschool for the first time, collaborating on Netflix’s new animated show, BUDDI. Launching on March 20, BUDDI is set in a beautifully designed, sensory world of imagination and exploration. It features five friends – or ‘Buddis’ – called Iso, Cini, Vihi, Puna and Kelta, all of whom are distinctively bright and colourful in their own way. Raydar Media is managing all rights to BUDDI in collaboration with Unanico, Keith Chapman, GCI Film, FroG-Land Productions, Shanghai Motion Magic and Spider Eye Studios, with the company’s md – Alison Rayson – believing the show’s visual style, coupled with it being non-verbal and early preschool, sets it apart from other series. A consumer products programme is being managed by Valerie Fry and is in the early stages of development.
Sony Pictures is collaborating with Hunter Originals on a limited edition collection of footwear and accessories in celebration of Peter Rabbit 2. The range features styles for both women and children and is due to hit retail from March 17.
Bandai UK’s Dragon Ball drive has begun in force in line with this month’s new programming schedule of the anime series on Pop. The company launched its new collection of Dragon Ball Super action and collectable figures in January and is gearing up for the Q2 period. An immersive experiential Dragon Ball zone has been created for fans of the show and will be touring retail parks across the country for four weeks throughout March. Activities will include PlayStation booths to play the game, Japanese billiards and a spinning Dragon Ball ‘Wheel of Fortune’ to win on the spot prizes.
Paris Fashion Week was infused with a bit of silver screen glamour when the Italian luxury label Off White debuted its new Blue Velvet-inspired fashion line, a collaboration with MGM Studios. The range includes stylish tees and slacks which feature imagery from the cult classic film. It will debut at retail in August.
Jetpack Distribution and Beano Studios have announced more major deals for Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed. DreamWorks – NBCUniversal International Network’s 24-hour channel dedicated to kids and family entertainment – has acquired the rights to seasons one and two; South African free to air channel, e.tv, has also acquired season one; Super RTL will air season two; Ireland’s RTE has also bought the second season; while Lagardere’s Canal J will air season one in France.
WildBrain CPLG has made a pair of new hires for its Greece office. Alice Marinou joins the team as commercial manager following an 18-year tenure at The Walt Disney Company. She most recently held the role of senior licensing and retail manager for fashion for 11 years. Meanwhile, Despina Chrisidou joins as senior retail and sales manager, having held the country manager role at Mattel Consumer Products.
Award winning animation studio ZAG has signed multiple deals to bring the first two seasons of 3D CGI animation/live action TV series Power Players to more kids around the world. The company has secured a non-exclusive global SVOD deal with Netflix, plus broadcast deals with Channel 9 in Australia, family/kids’ channel PlusPlus in Ukraine, Karusel in Russia and Teletoon in Canada.
Want to read more news like this? Simply sign up to our daily digest by clicking here. You can also follow @LicensingSource on Twitter and @licensing_source on Instagram.
