Miraculous RIVA ZAG
News
ZAG and RIVA KIDS to Launch Miraculous Fashion Range Across the Middle East

Global independent animation ZAG has signed with Kuwait based family-owned clothing and accessory company RIVA Fashion for an exciting line of girls’ fashions for the globally successful brand Miraculous. The announcement was conveyed by Carlotta Caracciolo, ZAG’s Vice President of Licensing & Retail for the Middle East, Turkey, Greece, Africa & India. Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir is now in its fifth season, scoring top ratings in more than 120 countries around the globe and Miraculous: Ladybug and Cat Noir, The Movie, launched theatrically in Europe this summer topping the box office in France and Germany; and launched on Netflix on July 28. Retail sales for the brand are over $US1 billion with 300 million products sold.

Hasbro Girl Innovators of Play
Events News
Hasbro Announces Girl Innovators of Play

Hasbro, Inc (NASDAQ: HAS), a leading toy and game company, announced Hasbro Girl Innovators of Play at the Girls Leading Change event. In partnership with Girl Up, a girl-centered leadership development initiative of the United Nations Foundation, the program will launch in early 2024 and build on the recent Hasbro Women Innovators of Play, a Challenge that calls for the next great women-led mass-market toy or game. Girl Innovators of Play will include a robust STEM-based bootcamp and invitation to girls between the ages of 13-24 to submit a social impact project idea focused on a cause they are passionate about and receive up to $1,000 in funding to transform that vision into reality.

Spin Master Melissa and Doug
News
Spin Master to Acquire Melissa & Doug for $950 million

Spin Master Corporation, a leading children’s entertainment company, today announced it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire U.S.-based Melissa & Doug, a well-recognized and trusted brand in early childhood play, for $950 million in cash. The acquisition will bolster Spin Master’s position as a leader in the children’s entertainment industry and will bring complementary capabilities in early childhood toys by adding Melissa & Doug’s high-quality offerings of open-ended, creative, and developmental wooden toys. With a mission to ignite imagination and a sense of wonder in children, Melissa & Doug has developed into a beloved brand of high-quality, sustainable, and learning-enriched play that is sought after and trusted by parents and children alike. The addition of Melissa & Doug will strengthen Spin Master’s offering by adding complementary early childhood products and further diversify its portfolio across new channels and formats.

Stevie Nicks Barbie
Licensing News
Stevie Nicks Unveils Her Barbie Doll at Madison Square Garden Concert

Stevie Nicks joins the ranks of other musicians including Gloria Estevan, David Bowie, Elvis Presley, Elton John – and most recently, Tina Turner – as the latest musician honoree in the Barbie Signature Series. As the lead singer of Fleetwood Mac and a critically acclaimed, chart-topping solo act, Stevie Nicks has been a major influence and source of inspiration and adoration for artists and audiences around the world, especially to women in the rock and roll industry. Known for her captivating stage presence and signature style, she has left an indelible imprint on the worldwide music industry.  

Hasbro Transformers Irregular Choice
Licensing News
Hasbro and Irregular Choice Tease Out New Pieces from the Stunning Transformers Collection

Hasbro, a leading toy and game company, and Irregular Choice, a UK-based footwear brand, have come together to release a colorful and nostalgia-filled Transformers -inspired collection that will transport fans back to where it all began in 1984. Ahead of Transformers ’ 40th anniversary in 2024, this epic 27-piece selection of unisex shoes, bags & accessories feature fan-favorite Autobots and Decepticons –Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Starscream & Soundwave. Think light up bags & boots with removable jet wings! The limited-edition collection will be available for purchase December 1, 2023 at www.irregularchoice.com.

Octonauts Above and Beyond
News
New Seasons of Octonauts: Above & Beyond Lift Off on CBeebies

Sony Pictures Television – Kids (SPT – Kids), announces that the BBC has acquired the UK rights to the latest season of Octonauts spin-off series, Octonauts: Above & Beyond. The deal will see the new 52 x 11’ episodes available on CBeebies and BBC iplayer from 16th October 2023 bringing new adventures for the beloved Octonauts as they continue to explore dynamic landscapes, experience new climates, rescue animals and protect the land they live on.

Millie Magnificent
Entertainment News
Nelvana Secures Distribution Deals for Highly Anticipated Preschool Series Millie Magnificent

Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, a world-leading international producer, distributor and licensor of children’s animated and live action content, announces two new distribution partners for its new 3D animated original series Millie Magnificent (52×11) to Canal+ in France and Treehouse in Canada. With deliveries starting early 2024, the endearing preschool series will be prominently featured by Nelvana at MIPCOM this fall.  Kids Can Press, Corus Entertainment’s award-winning, internationally acclaimed children’s book publisher, has further expanded the Most Magnificent franchise with the new book The Most Magnificent Maker’s A to Z and the Make That Most Magnificent Thing board game, produced in collaboration with Fat Brain Toys, both launching this fall.

Slumberkins
News
Moosh-Moosh Kicks off the Holidays with Spooktacular Offerings

Before you buy the Halloween candy, get the slippers! Moosh-Moosh, makers of soft plushy toys and accessories, has an entire collection of not-too-spooky themed Slipperz, nine Halloween Pillows, six cuddly Starlight Buddies, and nine Plushies. The spooktacular assortment, available now at moosh-moosh.com, lets kids (and grownups) know the unofficial start of autumn has arrived. As its online warehouse is being stocked with friendly vampire slippers, witch-y sleep pillows and a Starlight Buddy devil with candy-corn horns, parents and grandparents may be asking, what’s a moosh-moosh? Sean Price, Executive VP, Chief Marketing Officer of parent brand MMG Brands has the answer. “Moosh-Moosh is your ultimate cuddly companion designed to bring joy and comfort wherever they go, serving as a cozy pillow pal, a bedtime buddy, or simply a delightful plush friend to share your day with. From plush slippers to cuddle buddies, we have something soft and friendly for everyone.”

Universal Horror Freddy Fazbear
Licensing News
Universal Products & Experiences Brings on the Nightmares to Capitalize Upon Horror Portfolio

Universal Products and Experiences (UP&E) is proud to share details of an ambitious 365 licensing strategy for its deep and dark portfolio of Horror properties. Spanning more than 90 years of cinema history, Universal’s vault features classic Universal Monsters including Dracula, Frankenstein and The Mummy, along with nostalgic horror icons like Chucky and Michael Myers. These genre defining characters sit alongside new IP from the next generation of Universal’s horror storytellers, like Jason Blum’s Blumhouse with recent popular films The Black Phone, M3GAN, and the upcoming The Exorcist: Believer and Five Nights at Freddy’s, along with Joran Peele’s Monkeypaw and his unique take on horror with Get Out, Us and NOPE.