Including Cartoon Network Zone to open in Dubai on August 15 and My First Thomas range.
The Cartoon Network Zone in IMG Worlds of Adventure in Dubai will open on Monday August 15. Attractions will include Ben 10 5D: Hero Time, The Powerpuff Girls: Mojo Jojo’s Robot Rampage, The Ride of Ooo with Finn and Jake, plus The Amazing Ride of Gumball. There will also be a line-up of branded restaurants and retail locations, including the world’s largest Ben 10 retail store.
Preschool brand Thomas & Friends has joined with Rainbow Designs for the launch of a new baby and infant range. The initial collection will launch in the summer and will include My First Thomas & Friends Tummy Time Activity Playmate, Comfort Blanket, Chime Ball, Activity Cube and a cuddly My First Thomas (which makes ‘chuffing’ and ‘peep peep’ sounds and says ‘I’m the number one blue engine’). The activity toy also features multiple textures, a peek-a-boo mirror and Thomas-shaped teether.
DHX Media has unveiled Wildbrain, a new multi-platform kids network. Its aim is to connect content owners with advertisers on platforms such as YouTube, Dailymotion and others. Wildbrain offers videos for two to 10 year olds and generates approximately four billion minutes of watch time monthly.
King Digital Entertainment has appointed a further two licensing agents to represent the Candy Crush brand. J&M Brands will look after the property across the Benelux region, while Paris Arabesques will manage the programme in North Africa.
Hodder Children’s Books has signed up Bottersnikes & Gumbles. The company will publish a series of young fiction and sticker and activity books. Lisle International is handling the licensing programme for the CGI children’s comedy series in the UK.
Silvergate Media has confirmed that Octonauts Live will head to the US later this year. Following successful live shows in the UK and Australia, Octonauts Live will premiere in the US on September 23. Kicking off in San Diego, it will visit more than 60 cities including LA, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and Dallas.
Paul Lamond has launched a new limited edition Subbuteo ahead of the Champions League final. The UEFA Champions League edition follows the recent introduction of licensed sets for Barcelona, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Knockout Licensing has added to the licensing programme for Outlander, appointing Andover Fabrics to create a line of fabrics for quilting and sewing. The collection will be available in the US from October.
Parragon has launched its newly redesigned company website for the UK, US and Australian markets. The site will feature the latest titles published by Parragon across its children’s, lifestyle and licensed publishing and gifting divisions.
Genius Brands has secured a number of new licensing partners for music and fashion-led brand, SpacePOP. Taste Beauty, Bare Tree Media, Canal Toys and Yowie Group are the latest to sign up. They join existing licensees Jaya Apparel, H.E.R Accessories, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Imprint.
Hugo Games has inked an exclusive deal with American football quarterback, Cam Newton. The deal was brokered by WME IMG.
