aNb Media, Author at aNb Media, Inc.

Spin Master Reinvigorates Toy Innovation Appointing David Voss as Executive Vice President, Global Toy Design & Development

Spin Master Corporation, a leading global children’s entertainment company, announced the appointment of David Voss as Executive Vice President, Global Toy Design & Development. The newly created role builds on Spin Master’s commitment to creating disruptive play experiences and highlights plans to reinvigorate toy innovation and elevate design for continued growth within the industry. Voss will oversee the co-creation of a best-in-class product development vision and manufacturing strategy, while overseeing all inventor relations, advanced concepts, design, engineering, visual branding and packaging, reporting to Global President & CEO, Max Rangel.

The Ultimate Psychoanalyzing Party Game, ‘Think Like a Shrink’, Launches on Amazon

Put your psychoanalyzing skills to the test with the newly launched Think Like a Shrink, available for purchase today on Amazon. Brought to you by the innovative card game company Two Docs in a Box, Think Like a Shrink is the brainchild of two best friends – a psychologist, Dr. David Stone and a psychiatrist, Dr. Matt Keene – who have combined their impressive psychology backgrounds and years of friendship to create the ultimate party game.

Mattel Films, Paramount Pictures, and Temple Hill Entertainment to Develop American Girl Feature Film with Lindsey Anderson Beer

Mattel, Inc, Paramount Pictures, and Temple Hill Entertainment has announced plans to develop a live-action feature film based on the American Girl doll line. American Girl will be distributed by Paramount Pictures and produced by Mattel Films, Paramount Pictures, and Temple Hill Entertainment (Twilight, The Maze Runner, The Fault in Our Stars). Lindsey Anderson Beer (Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, Sierra Burgess is a Loser) is attached to write the screenplay and produce.

WildBrain’s Strawberry Shortcake Continues Holiday Celebrations

WildBrain, a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, is serving up a host of new products and experiences for fans of its beloved Strawberry Shortcake brand this holiday, with licensees lining up for new launches into 2024. The holiday activations and events align with the release of WildBrain’s brand-new CG-animated Netflix special, Strawberry Shortcake’s Perfect Holiday, which features Strawberry Shortcake and friends preparing for the “Winterswirl” holiday celebration. Additionally, to extend the fun into the new year, brand-new Strawberry Shortcake original micro-form content (60 x 15s) is set to premiere on the official Strawberry Shortcake YouTube channel from January 15, giving playful glimpses into the small and sweet moments between Strawberry’s big adventures.

Penguin Ventures Appoints Jess Houston for UK Hardlines Business

Penguin Ventures, the licensing and consumer products team within Penguin Random House Children’s UK, has appointed Jess Houston as Senior Category Manager, UK Hardlines. Houston, who is joining Penguin Ventures from Aardman Animations, will report to Commercial Director, David Sprei and will be responsible for growing the UK Hardlines business across the Penguin Ventures’ portfolio of iconic literary children’s brands, including The World of Peter Rabbit; The World of Eric Carle; The World of The Snowman; Flower Fairies and Fun with Spot.

Licensing News

University Games’ Legend of Zelda Hanayama Puzzles

Legend has it that University Games would be the company to challenge one of the most devout legions of fans with a new and different brain teaser. The company announced the nationwide availability of a set of uniquely designed cast metal Hanayama The Legend of Zelda puzzles. Craig Hendrickson, SVP Product Development at University Games, said, “The Legend of Zelda is one of the most successful franchises to ever emerge from the video game world. University Game is proud to partner with Hanayama for a trio of new Zelda challenges.”

The Kidscreen Hot50 Results for 2023 Are In

Industry votes for the 2023 Kidscreen Hot50 ranking have been cast and tallied. Kidscreen is thrilled to announce the top 50 kids entertainment companies of 2023 in broadcasting, production, distribution, licensing and digital media.

Entertainment News

APC Kids Gets Festive with New Sales for TeamTO’s Angelo, Wake Up It’s Christmas!

APC Kids, part of leading co-production and distribution group APC Studios, has secured key international sales for TeamTO’s Christmas Special Angelo, Wake Up It’s Christmas! New deals for the 1 x 60’ 3D animated special, produced by TeamTO in partnership with Canal+, France Télévisions and RTL Super, include: SX3 (TV3, Catalonia, Spain); Radio Canada (Canada); ERR (Estonia); Ceska TV (Czech Republic); RTP (Portugal); MTVA (Hungary), and RTBF (Belgium).

Licensing News

McFarlane Toys Signs Multi-Brand Licensing Agreement with Hasbro

McFarlane Toys has announced an exciting, multi-brand licensing agreement with leading toy and game company Hasbro, adding Transformers, Power Rangers, G.I. Joe and Dungeons & Dragons to their Page Punchers line-up. Kicking off with Transformers and G.I. JOE products, each Page Puncher will include a full comic book and two articulated figures. “Page Punchers is an exciting program for us because it gets comic books into people’s hands, along with a fun toy product, who might not otherwise shop at comic stores. Parents enjoy them because they encourage reading and collectors like them because they provide unique and interesting character stories. With articulated figures, plus a full comic book in each Page Punchers item, we offer incredible value with this brand,” said Todd McFarlane, founder and CEO of McFarlane Toys.