Once Upon a Time the Objects
Entertainment News
APC Kids and Jetpack Appointed as Distributors of ‘Once Upon a Time…The Objects’ by Co-producers Procidis and Samka

After 7 edu-tainment shows broadcast in countless countries for more than 40 years, Maestro returns to tell children about Everyday Objects, that surround them in their daily lives: episodes are full of anecdotes, high-key historical characters and humor! Once Upon a Time…the Objects (78 x 7’) blends a wealth of precise scientific information with the characteristically humorous tone that insured the long-standing reputation and success of the original series. More than 200 million books have been sold as well as 120 million DVDs worldwide; as of today, more than 40 licensees are developing consumer products in numerous territories.

Malory Towers Christmas Special Wildbrain
Entertainment News
Hit Series ‘Malory Towers’ From WildBrain and King Bert Gets Festive with Christmas Special

Christmas at the boarding school is confirmed, as WildBrain and King Bert Productions’ smash-hit family drama, Malory Towers, is set to return to CBBC and BBC iPlayer for a two-part Christmas special this December. Malory Towers will also open its doors to a new set of pupils in season 4, as new cast members join the beloved family drama. Adapted from the iconic novels by Enid Blyton, Malory Towers has been a huge hit with kids and families, who have been captivated by the adventures of a group of friends attending a boarding school in Cornwall, where they have learned to navigate their formative years with the help of their schoolmates.

Bluey Thanksgiving Macy's
News
First-Ever Bluey Balloon to Make her Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Debut

BBC Studios and Macy’s, announced that Bluey, the star of the hit series Bluey will soar above the streets of New York City as a new giant character balloon in the 96th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Emmy-winning series, streaming on Disney+ and airing on Disney Junior and Disney Channel, is beloved by kids and parents alike. The Bluey balloon will make its debut with 3.5 million spectators and 50 million viewers nationwide on Thursday, November 24, in the world-famous Parade.

Epic Storyworlds Freeground Kathmandu
Gaming News
Epic Storyworlds Launches Dedicated Roblox Game Development Studio ‘Freeground’

Independent kids content creation company Epic Storyworlds – founded by seasoned children’s entertainment executives Steve Couture and Ken Faier and a sister company to Faier’s Epic Story Media – is launching Freeground, an online experience studio focused on fan engagement through Roblox experiences. Freeground’s first collaboration with the global entertainment development company Falcon’s Beyond will feature an entertainment destination including a theme park and games based on its Katmandu intellectual property (“IP”).

Fanimation Fans Candyrific
News
CandyRific Relaunches Fanimation Fans as IC Chip Supply Bounces Back

CandyRific is relaunching its award-winning Fanimation Fans. The fan favorites will be rolling out beginning in the third quarter of 2022 and into 2023. Because of the Integrated Circuit (IC) chip shortages over the past many months, it had been a challenge to the entire platform. Now the supply is coming back, and CandyRific is excited to reintroduce its popular Fanimation Fans. “CandyRific uses advanced technology for Fanimation Fans that allows you to have an animated LED show right in your hand,” said Clark Taylor, CandyRific’s Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “These cool candy novelty fans change due to the light turning on and off as they spin.”

Miko Square Off
News
Miko Expands Consumer Robotics Portfolio With Square Off Acquisition

It’s a match made in consumer robotics heaven: Miko, a global leader in AI robots for kids, has acquired a majority stake in Square Off, a startup known for AI-driven automated board games. Miko has acquired 70 percent of Square Off, giving complete exit to existing investors. With the acquisition, Miko will expand its product line beyond the AI robot companions that put it on the map. Miko’s eponymous kids robots use AI to deliver playful learning experiences for children ages 5 and older.

Masters of the Universe Cryptoys
News
Mattel and Cryptoys to Drop Official Masters of the Universe Digital Toy Collection on November 9

By the Power of Grayskull…I Have the Power! Cryptoys, the revolutionary new NFT platform that combines toys, gaming and entertainment, and Mattel, Incorporated announced they will release the first drop of their highly anticipated Masters of the Universe series on Wednesday, November 9. The collection of limited-edition digital action figures will feature 12 fan favorite characters, with the first release including He-Man/Prince Adam, Evil-Lyn, Battle Cat/Cringer and Tri-Klops.

Xilam Zig & Sharko
Entertainment News
Xilam Animation Makes Waves with Zig & Sharko Season Four Sales

Academy Award-nominated French animation studio Xilam Animation has secured its first wave of deals for the upcoming fourth season of its iconic non-dialogue slapstick comedy series Zig & Sharko (78 x 7’), as the company prepares to debut the first episode to buyers at MIPCOM. Launching in September 2023, season four has been acquired by longstanding partner Gulli (France), which has also renewed its partnership across the previous three seasons. Additionally, Xilam has sold the new installment to existing partners VRT-Ketnet (Belgium), Discovery (Italy), DeA (Italy), Nickelodeon (India) and Nova TV (Israel).

Licensing Expo 2023 Registration
Licensing News
Licensing Expo 2023 Reveals New June Date & Fashion Theme

Licensing Expo, organized by Informa Markets and sponsored by Licensing International, will take place on June 13-15, 2023, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The licensed consumer product and brand extension tradeshow, which saw enormous success in attendance and exhibition in 2022, was originally due to take place on May 23-25, 2023, but will now return three weeks later to accommodate event venue renovations. The new show dates will ensure smooth experiences for attendees and exhibitors at Licensing Expo.