aNb Media, Author at aNb Media, Inc.

Mattel and Hasbro Enter into Licensing Agreements to Launch Monopoly: Barbie Edition, Transformers Hot Wheels, and Transformers UNO

Hasbro, Inc and Mattel, Inc have announced that they have entered into multi-year licensing agreements to create co-branded toys and games from some of their most popular brands. Hasbro will create Barbie branded Monopoly games launching in fall 2023. Mattel will produce Transformers branded UNO games, slated for release later this year, and Transformers branded Hot Wheels vehicles, set to debut in early 2024.

Wonderfold Launches New Animalini Collection in Collaboration with Tokidoki

Luxury stroller wagon brand WonderFold has announced the release of their new collection in collaboration with Japanese-inspired lifestyle brand, tokidoki. To accompany their current Animalini 2.0 Parent Consoles, WonderFold now offers a full collection of tokidoki prints. With the adorable cartoon art from tokidoki’s JuJuBe Animalini collection, the new tokidoki pattern adds a trendy, brightly colored design option to WonderFold’s lineup of stroller wagons and accessories.

Nickelodeon to Air Gabby’s Dollhouse, Marking Linear Debut for Hit Preschool Series from Dreamworks Animation

Nickelodeon will welcome preschoolers into the magical world of Gabby’s Dollhouse, marking the linear debut for the hit mixed-media series from DreamWorks Animation, beginning Monday, May 1, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) on the Nick Jr. channel. The hybrid live-action and animated series follows the super fun adventures of Gabby, as she unboxes a brand-new surprise in every episode before jumping into a fantastical world full of adorable cat characters that live inside her magical dollhouse. Following the premiere, new episodes from the first season will continue to roll out Monday through Thursday for three consecutive weeks on the Nick Jr. channel.

Benebone Launches Recycling Program with TerraCycle for Chew Toys

Benebone, a premium brand of durable dog toys, has partnered with international recycling leader TerraCycle to enable consumers to recycle their companions’ well-loved nylon dog chew toys through the Benebone Free Recycling Program. As an added incentive, for every shipment of Benebone dog chews sent to TerraCycle, collectors earn points that can be donated to a non-profit, school, or charitable organization of their choice. “There’s no doubt that dogs love their Benebones, and we’re proud to offer dog owners this option when it’s time to retire their pup’s toy,” says Benebone Chief Growth Officer Nate Harceg. “Now our beloved Benebones can have new life with this sustainable recycling program.”

Writers' Neighborhood Fred Rogers Productions

Fred Rogers Productions Launches Writers’ Neighborhood

Fred Rogers Productions, the iconic children’s media organization behind multiple Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series, has formed the Writers’ Neighborhood, a five-year initiative focused on identifying and supporting new and emerging writers from underrepresented racial groups as they build careers in children’s media. The eight-week program aims to help hone the skills and broaden the experience of talented creatives who better represent the increasingly diverse audience for the company’s own hit series, like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Alma’s Way, and Donkey Hodie, as well as that of the broader children’s media industry. In the wake of its successful pilot in fall 2022, Fred Rogers Productions will accept applications for the program’s second cohort from May 1 to May 15.

Moxie and Co Named Exclusive Agency on Behalf of A Smyth, Co

Global brand management and licensing agency Moxie & Co is now serving as exclusive licensing representative on behalf of A Smyth, Co, it was announced by company President, Arlene Scanlan. Moxie & Co is a brand licensing and promotion agency and is proud to introduce licensees to the humor of Amy Smyth.

Mattel Creations Virtual Collectibles Platform Launches Peer-to-Peer Marketplace

Mattel, Inc has announced a forthcoming update to the Mattel Creations Virtual Collectibles Platform. On April 27, the platform will introduce its own peer-to-peer marketplace, allowing owners of Mattel virtual collectibles to display, trade, and sell their assets. To coincide with the update, Series 5 of the Hot Wheels NFT Garage will launch at the same time.

Licensing News

Atari Announces Acquisition of More than 100 PC and Console Titles from the 80s and 90s

Atari — one of the world’s most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers — has announced the acquisition of more than 100 PC and console titles from the 1980s and 1990s. The PC and console collection acquired by Atari includes notable games from the Bubsy, Hardball, Demolition Racer series, as well as the 1942: Pacific Air War, F-117A, and F-14 air combat series. Atari will seek to expand digital and physical distribution of the classic titles, create new games based on the IP, and explore brand and merchandising collaborations.

SME News and Louies Awards Recognize The London Studio and its Partner

Art licensing and design company The London Studio has announced that it has received a UK business award and that two US publishers the company represents are finalists for seven Louie awards – the prestigious awards given by the International Greeting Card Awards Competition. The London Studio was nominated for – and won – leading provider of Cards & Gifts at the SME News seventh annual UK Enterprise Awards in which the magazine for the UK’s small and medium-sized businesses honors the hardest-working companies in the UK.