Including Universal Brand Development launching a cross-category CP programme for DreamWorks Animation’s Spirit Untamed.
Source rounds up more news from the licensing industry across the globe from the week.
Universal Brand Development has launched a cross-category consumer products programme inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s Spirit Untamed. Mattel is a cornerstone of the programme, expanding the adventure into the toy aisle with a range of horses, character dolls and play-sets. Playmobil is a returning franchise partner with play-sets supporting key movie moments, alongside Just Play with basic plush. Outright Games, alongside Universal Games and Digital Platforms, is launching DreamWorks Spirit Lucky’s Big Adventure, which will be distributed by Bandai in EMEA.
Ahead of its 50-year anniversary, the Smiley lifestyle brand has secured a partnership with Concept One Accessories for a range of products including headwear, cold weather accessories, wallets, handbags and more. The collection will be available across five territories. “This partnership is a great opportunity for us and we are very excited to start working with Concept One,” commented Alex Ruiz, senior partnership manager USA at Smiley.
Wow Stuff has seen its sales ranking for Wow Pods on Amazon in the UK continue on its impressive upwards trajectory. Following the brand’s first TV ad campaign, Wow Pods’ sales have risen ten-fold putting the series one Marvel licensed models in the top 50 best sellers across all of Amazon’s toys and games. It has also achieved the ‘Most Wished For’ and ‘Most Gifted’ positions. Wow Pods hit the number 41 position in Amazon’s official 100 best sellers on 19 July across the toys and games category from an offering of over two million products. The brand also secured the number one best seller in two key categories: Kids Play Action Figures and Bobblehead Figures.
Acamar Films is gearing up for the launch of Bing Time, a new interactive Amazon Alexa Skill. Developed in partnership with voice design agency, Voxly Digital, Bing Time brings together new scriptwriting, high production values and technical innovation to deliver exclusive audio stories and play-along games, in addition to a selection of Bing music and songs. The Skill responds to the rhythm of a child’s day – encouraging movement and active play during the morning and afternoon, while offering calmer bedtime stories and sleepy music in the early evening.
Peanuts Worldwide has named Tim Erickson as evp of brand for the company. Tim – who most recently held the role of coo at media company, GoldieBlox – has worked for a number of big name companies including 20th Century Fox, DreamWorks, Disney and LEGO.
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