Including a second series for Clangers and China success for Octonauts.
Coolabi has confirmed a second series of preschool hit Clangers is in production and will air later on this year on CBeebies. The new 26 episodes will again be narrated by Michael Palin and will bring the total number to 78.
Silvergate Media has revealed that its Octonauts preschool series has achieved record on demand views and toy sales in China. Since launching on-air in Mainland China, Octonauts has notched up over 4.1 billion views on China’s most popular online TV channels. In the last five months, online views have increased by more than one billion. In addition, 2016 saw Octonauts toy sales increase by 350%. On top of this, Silvergate has formed a partnership with Mattel China, which manages the Octonauts CP and retail programme in China in partnership with local licensees.
The first Gruffalo ride is to launch at Chessington World of Adventures in March, following a deal between Magic Light Pictures and Merlin Entertainments. The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure will open on March 18. The partnership with Merlin is part of ten-year licence – this includes four new themed Gruffalo hotel rooms in the Chessington Safari Hotel, a brand gift shop with over 60 bespoke lines and a food outlet.
Discovery Consumer Products has secured a retail partnership with US department store Macy’s for a special Say Yes to the Prom collection. The brand is a spin-off from the popular Say Yes to the Dress programme. Macy’s 200 stores will be the exclusive retail home for the new Say Yes to the Prom dress and jewellery lines. It will be featured in a shop-in-a-shop concept and will consist of two dozen gowns and a full line of jewellery from early February.
WME IMG has revealed a partnership which is set to benefit UNICEF. The company will lead the co-creation and distribution of content to elevate UNICEF’s causes. Through its network across entertainment, sports and fashion, the company will look to partner UNICEF with key influencers, directors and producers and global brands to create consumer-facing cause marketing campaigns and initiatives.
Cartoon Network is aiming to introduce Ben 10 to a new generation of fans with a new mobile game, Ben 10: Up to Speed. The app includes a selection of five alien forms and 60 levels, with new ones being added regularly to coincide with Ben’s adventures in the TV series.
GameCo is to develop three new casino games for its video gaming gambling machines based on Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
Zodiak Kids has confirmed a number of sales for the second series of The Ranch, the adventure show focusing on four teens and their horses and the rescue home they build in the French countryside. The series has been picked up by broadcasters in Canada, Russia, Central Europe, the Baltics and for all French speaking territories.
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