Heading into its 14th year of celebrating excellence in children’s television and digital entertainment, Kidscreen Awards 2023 is officially open for entries. New this year is a Best Podcast Award, which is open to series, both scripted and unscripted. Podcast entries will be evaluated by a select group of industry execs based on quality of writing, directing, sound production, music and voice and talent.
World of EPI (Entertainment, Publishing and Inspiration), a leading multicultural doll and toy manufacturer, announces a new master licensing partnership with Rock The Bells, the global lifestyle platform elevating Hip-Hop culture from its roots to modern day. Founded in 2018 by LL Cool J, Rock The Bells focuses on content, experiences, and commerce that honor the timeless elements of Hip-Hop (MC’s, DJ’s, breakdancers, graffiti artists, etc.) that drive mainstream culture today.
Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s media organization behind multiple well-loved, Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series, has named Gabrielle Howard to the newly created position of Creative Development Manager. In her new role, Howard will manage the company’s growing portfolio of IP in development. She will report to Ellen Doherty, Chief Creative Officer.
Bluey, the Emmy Award-winning sensation that has won over families worldwide, will make its Season Three debut on August 10th on Disney+ in the U.S. and around the world. Created and written by Joe Brumm and produced by the multiple Emmy Award-winning Ludo Studio for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and BBC Studios, the new season of the breakout hit series will be split into two parts. The first features 25 seven-minute stories that will bring even more hilariously relatable everyday moments of family life to audiences everywhere. These episodes will also arrive on Disney Channel and Disney Junior later this year in territories around the world. The second half of Season Three will be available on these same platforms at a later date.
Wild Republic, an international toy company committed to the development of high quality plush and toys that nurture our children and encourage a love of nature, is pleased to announce the grand opening of a brand new, immersive showroom in Las Vegas at the World Market Center. The new showroom was designed to emulate an art gallery versus a toy shop, connecting people, the planet, and animals through immersive experiences. The new Wild Republic Showroom will officially open its doors on July 23, 2022, in conjunction with the Last Vegas Market.
Sesame Workshop is building on Coming Together, an ongoing initiative to nurture children’s positive and healthy race, ethnic, and cultural identities and sense of belonging, with a new four-episode series called Tamir on the Street. Available exclusively on Sesame Street’s YouTube channel, the series stars Sesame Street character eight-year-old Tamir as he creates his very own YouTube-style show where he learns more about the friends and neighbors in his community by asking big questions.
Addison Rae, one of the most popular stars on social media with over 100 million followers, is announcing her first toy line in a partnership with Bonkers Toys brokered by IMG. The next iconic fashion doll line has arrived! The collection will be available to pre-order from Walmart.com this week and will be released in Walmart stores, Amazon, and other US retailers, as well as Smyth’s in the UK and Kmart in Australia next month.
The newest game from Funko Games, Disney A Goofy Movie Game is now available on Amazon. Powerline is back on his summer tour and ready to rock your world! It’s a race to L.A. as you make unforgettable memories along the way. Fans and families can pre-order and plan their road trip now.