Red Planet Group
Licensing News
Red Planet Group Strengthens Partnership with Bonkers Toys, Unveiling Ambitious 2024 Plans for LankyBox and Aphmau Brands

 Red Planet Group, a leading Canadian distributor of toys, games, and outdoor goods, is pleased to announce the extension of its distribution partnership with Bonkers Toys. This strategic collaboration continues to position Red Planet Group as the exclusive distributor for their’ hit brands, LankyBox and Aphmau, within Canada. LankyBox and Aphmau, distinguished YouTube creators commanding devoted followings, have achieved immense popularity for their captivating content and now groundbreaking products in collaboration with Bonkers Toys. Red Planet Group’s partnership reinforces the availability of these smash hits across major retailers in Canada and on Amazon.ca, guaranteeing that Canadian consumers have seamless access to these remarkable and highly coveted products. 

Owl & Dragon Readyland
News
Amazon and Readyland Launch Immersive Reading Experience with ‘Owl & Dragon, A Magical Adventure’

Just in time for Toy Fair, a book that’s more fun than a toy! Amazon, a leader in AI voice technology, and Readyland, the toy development team responsible for generating over $2 billion in retail sales, expand their groundbreaking collaboration with the launch of Owl & Dragon, A Magical Adventure, the latest in their library of Alexa interactive books. The already successful collaboration now offers the first-ever interactive book based on Amazon’s Echo Dot Kids characters, Owl and Dragon, where readers can actually talk with the characters, play games and join their exciting adventures. Owl & Dragon, A Magical Adventure will be available for pre-order on Amazon starting today, with books shipping next month.

eeBoo Piece and Love Oppenheim awards 2023
News
eeBoo Announces Product Line Expansions in Spring 2024

eeBoo and its adult lifestyle brand, Piece & Love, announced their Spring 2024 product launches, including five new category additions to their portfolio. The new categories include puzzles (for both children and adults), art supplies, and exquisite, foil-stamped miniature journals, all perfectly reflecting the company’s long-term mission “to create beautiful, sustainable products to be enjoyed and shared across generations.” Products will be available for purchase on eeBoo.com and select retailers nationwide January 2024.

Unicorn Academy Spin Master
Licensing News
Spin Master Expands Licensing Agreements to Deliver the Magic of Unicorn Academy to Fans

Spin Master, a leading global children’s entertainment company, announces a second flurry of North American licensing agreements for its fantasy adventure franchise Unicorn Academy, premiering in November on Netflix. Audiences will be transported to a magical world as they follow Sophia on her journey from ordinary to extraordinary – as she discovers her unexpected destiny as a unicorn rider, with a 72-minute movie premiere event and episodic content streaming globally.

The Dr Lisa Company Logo
News
Award-Winning Toy Company World of EPI Reveals New Name – The Dr. Lisa Company

Dr. Lisa Williams, a pioneer and leader in manufacturing authentic multicultural dolls and a 2023 Toy of the Year Finalist for Champion of Diversity and Inclusion, announced the rebranding and structure of her company from World of EPI to The Dr. Lisa Company. The new name reflects the company’s strategic approach in continuing its mission with multicultural representation of dolls and accessories while expanding into baby and juvenile, animation, publishing, licensing, and more. “When I founded World of EPI 20 years ago my mission was to inspire children to see their beauty, brilliance, and power reflected back to them and to foster imagination during positive play,” Williams said. “Representation matters, and through this expansion, we are heightening our role in a multitude of areas where I know we can continue to make a difference. “And on a more personal level, our hope is that The Dr. Lisa Company inspires current and future entrepreneurs, as well as others to truly follow their dreams.”

Angry Birds 5-Minute Crafts
Licensing News
5-Minute Crafts and Angry Birds Announce In-Game Collaboration and Global #AngryCraftsChallenge

Two globally recognized brands, 5-Minute Crafts and Angry Birds, are excited to announce a partnership that promises a unique experience for fans of both universes. Rovio Entertainment has integrated 5-Minute Crafts branded levels within Angry Birds Friends for a week-long special in-game event from September 25th to October 2nd. Millions of fans can dive into 5-Minute Crafts’ DIY charm within actual game levels and will encounter in-game prompts, guiding them to watch inspiring videos on YouTube. But the excitement extends beyond the virtual landscape. TheSoul and Rovio are initiating the #AngryCraftsChallenge, which encourages fans to create real-life Angry Birds levels using household items. As showcased in TheSoul’s kickoff video on YouTube Shorts, the challenge paves the way for fans to imagine, create, and share their unique game levels.

Shashibo Nickelodeon
Licensing News
Fun in Motion Toys Licenses Nickelodeon Properties for Hit Shashibo Toys

Fun In Motion Toys, maker of the award-winning interactive toy sensation Shashibo, is thrilled to announce a new licensing partnership with Paramount Consumer Products to make products showcasing hit Nickelodeon franchises. The collaboration will introduce three exciting new series’ of Shashibo, featuring beloved characters from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Peppa Pig Katy Perry
Entertainment News
Katy Perry Jumps Into the World of Global Phenomenon Peppa Pig for a 3-Part Special Celebrating 20th Anniversary

Hasbro has announced that global megastar, Katy Perry, will join the beloved Peppa Pig franchise as a guest voice star in an episode from the all-new, 3-part Peppa Pig Wedding Party Special that is set to premiere in Spring 2024. To celebrate the iconic animated character’s 20th anniversary next year, the episodes will have little ones and their families jumping into fun, imaginative and oinktastic adventures that real-life wedding parties bring to loved ones everywhere. All casting and filming for the Peppa Pig Wedding Party Special were contracted and completed before the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes and are compliant with SAG-AFTRA rules and conditions.

Kartoon Studios Brian Parisi
News You're Hired
Kartoon Studios Names Brian Parisi New CFO

Following major developments over the past year, including brand and digital platform launches, a name change and transition to the NYSE (TOON), Kartoon Studios (the “Company” or “Kartoon Studios”) announced the appointment of finance veteran Brian Parisi as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. Andy Heyward, Chairman and CEO of Kartoon Studios stated, “It is my privilege to welcome Brian to our high-caliber executive team. At this pivotal moment in Kartoon Studios’ evolution, Brian’s specialized skillset in financial management, coupled with his rich experience in the entertainment industry, could not be more timely or relevant.”