Including eOne securing a deal with Merlin Entertainments for new Peppa Pig attractions.
The Source rounds up more news from the licensing industry across the globe from the week.
eOne has secured a global partnership with Merlin Entertainments to develop and operate location-based entertainment attractions based on Peppa Pig. The deal covers all territories excluding the UK, while Merlin will have exclusive rights for all location-based entertainment formats with the exception of China, which will be licensed to Merlin on a non-exclusive basis. The company is expecting to open in-park areas in two Resort Theme Parks in 2018, while the first standalone attraction will open in 2019.
The Copyrights Group and MackMedia have announced the arrival of Paddington this Christmas at Europa-Park, the largest seasonal theme park in the world. A special VR ride will be featured in the England themed area of the park – which is located in Germany – plus a dedicated Paddington shop. Spring 2018 will see the launch of the first Paddington ice show.
Rainbow has secured a deal with Santoro to act as its licensing representative for the Gorjuss brand across Italy, France and Turkey.
Spanish brand Ioguis was named the ninth winner of the annual License This competition at last week’s Brand Licensing Europe. The children’s brand features five illustrated friends who live in the woods and meet a yoga master who teaches them the philosophy of yoga through games, postures and wisdom. The story has been designed to invite children to learn how to handle their emotions and habits and to encourage them to practice yoga.
20th Century Fox and Locksmith Animation have revealed their inaugural project together, Ron’s Gone Wrong. Due for release in November 2020, the film tells the story on a walking, talking, digitally connected bot that sweeps the world becoming every kid’s new best friend. But when an 11 year old boy ends up with one that doesn’t work, his attempts to teach it become a heartwarming exploration of what real friendship means in a world of algorithms and social media.
J&M Brands has been named as the new licensing agent for the emoji brand in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
Endemol Shine Group has appointed LMCA Oasis Lifestyle Asia (LOLA) as the licensing agent for Mr Bean in mainland China.
Rainbow hosted a special cocktail party at MIP Junior earlier this week to mark the launch of its new preschool animation project, 44 Cats. The comedy show is the first Rainbow production jointly developed with Bardel Entertainment, the Canadian animation studio it acquired in 2015.
Licensing Expo has been selected to participate in the US Department of Commerce’s International Buyer Program – IBP Select – for the second consecutive year.
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