aNb Media, Author at aNb Media, Inc.

WildBrain and Mattel Greenlight Fireman Sam Season 16 and Polly Pocket Season 6

WildBrain, a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, and Mattel, Inc, owner of one of the strongest portfolios of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world, announce new-season greenlights for beloved kids’ shows Fireman Sam and Polly Pocket, based on the popular Mattel brands. WildBrain has also secured a multitude of new international distribution deals for previous seasons of both shows, in addition to new deals for beloved Mattel titles Bob the Builder and Little People. The new greenlights and distribution deals are part of a multi-year co-development, production, distribution and licensing agreement between Mattel and WildBrain.

Xilam Animation Adds New Licensing Agents for Hit Preschool Property ‘Oggy Oggy’

Academy Award-nominated French animation studio Xilam Animation has appointed new licensing agents for Oggy Oggy – the hit preschool spin-off to its iconic Oggy and the Cockroaches franchise. The new licensing partners appointed are Bavaria Licensing for Germany and DeAPlaneta Entertainment for France, Spain, Portugal and CEE. These latest agents join existing partner Licensing Matters, which represents the brand in the UK market. The agents will each assemble local merchandise programs for Oggy Oggy targeting kids and families across apparel, gifting, back-to-school and home categories. An Oggy Oggy master toy range from Simba Dickie Group launched in stores across France, Germany and Italy for Christmas 2022, and will be extending into further European markets and adding a new plush this year.

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Wild Republic Pledges to Support Rainforest Conservation and Education and Demonstrates Commitment at Toy Fair

Wild Republic was established more than forty years ago to support its founder, G.B. Pillai and his wife, Kamala Pillai’s love for children and wildlife, a promise the company has successfully delivered on for four decades. Its diverse and creatively-designed product line of toys and stuffed animals fosters curiosity about wildlife and educates children about the wonders of nature. Today, this mission still holds true for the company, which just unveiled its new Rainforest plush line in support of rainforest conservation along with hundreds of new plush and playsets at Toy Fair in New York City.

Toy Fair Transforms NYC’s Javits Center into Massive Playground

Toy Fair 2023 (aka the North American International Toy Fair) opened its doors at the Javits Center in New York City, bringing together thousands of global play professionals to scout the hottest toys, games, and youth entertainment products of the holiday season and beyond from more than 1,000 exhibiting toy companies. Produced by The Toy Association, the sold-out show is a massive celebration of play and provides unparalleled access to the lucrative $40 billion U.S. toy marketplace and key markets around the globe. Taking place Saturday, September 30 through Tuesday, October 3, the largest toy show in the Western Hemisphere has been reimagined for 2023 to feature more exciting experiences and insights than ever before, while maintaining its legacy as the place to spot the latest innovations in play. Toy Fair continues to be a vital marketplace, and the proof is in the numbers – in 2020, the show hosted 890 exhibitors, and that number has grown to 1,021 for 2023.

The Best in the Toy Industry Takes Center Stage at the 2023 Toy of the Year Awards

wards, philanthropy, and entertainment on the eve of Toy Fair in New York City. Barbie, LEGO, Squishmallows, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were among the top winners of the evening, along with standout wins for Blue Marble, Thames & Kosmos, WowWee, and others that were honored with a prestigious award before Grammy Award winner Wyclef Jean took the stage. Hosted by and in support of The Toy Foundation (TTF), the TOTY Awards are an opportunity for the toy industry to unite behind their Foundation’s work delivering the extraordinary benefits of play to children in need. Collectively, approximately $800,000 was raised to support TTF’s programs benefitting the mission partners that participated in the celebration — Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Metro World Child, and University of Maryland — as well as hundreds of additional national and international nonprofits. The TOTY Awards’ Presenting Sponsors — Amazon, Mattel, Inc., and Spin Master — all joined TTF on stage to highlight the importance and impact of the mission partners’ work.

MAGNA-TILES Downhill Duo Set Wins Preschool Toy of the Year at 2023 Toy of the Year Awards

MAGNA-TILES, has rolled into victory, winning Preschool Toy of the Year for their Downhill Duo magnetic building set at the Toy Foundation’s 2023 Toy of the Year Awards. The winners of the 2023 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards were unveiled by The Toy Foundation at the Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards on Friday, September 29th at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. The product category winners were determined by votes from Toy Association members, toy retailers, media and consumers. The awards celebration kicked off Toy Fair week, taking place from Saturday, September 30 through October 3, 2023, in which MAGNA-TILES will showcase their award-winning portfolio of magnetic construction toys.

Toy Association Unveils New Holiday Shopping Insights & Trends at Toy Fair 2023

Kids won’t be the only ones unwrapping toys this holiday season! 89% of parents say they will also buy toys for the grown-ups in their lives, according to new consumer research and play trends unveiled by The Toy Association at Toy Fair in New York City. The findings announced are based on extensive, year-round meetings with toy companies of all sizes and a survey conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of The Toy Association that gauged 1,000 U.S. parents’ views on toys, play, and holiday shopping habits and budgets.

Doll of the Year Finalist, the Fresh Beats Dolls Set for Animated Short Series

Rocking to the rhythm of authenticity and diversity, The Fresh Beats Dolls, Doll of the Year Finalist at the 2023 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards, will come to life in an animated short series from EPI, the toy and publishing division of The Dr. Lisa Company, founder Dr. Lisa Williams, and Carl Reed’s animation studio Composition Media. “From being honored as a Doll of the Year Finalist with the biggest names in the toy industry, showcasing our diverse line at Toy Fair, and preparing for our first animated series, this is a monumental week for EPI,” said Dr. Lisa Williams, The Dr. Lisa Company, CEO and Founder. “We’ve been working to expand into content behind the scenes for some time,” Williams continued. “Carl’s extensive experience and mission to highlight minority and underrepresented communities perfectly align with our vision – to ensure Black and Brown children see themselves reflected in toys and entertainment, to embrace their beauty and build their self-esteem.”

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Steiff Announces Retirement of Jim Pitocco, President of Steiff North America

Steiff has announced the retirement of Jim Pitocco as President of Steiff North America, effective December 31st, 2023. Pitocco will continue his long association with Steiff by transitioning to the Steiff North America board, where he will support the ongoing development of the organization on an as needed basis. “During the last two decades, there have been many successes, challenges, and changes at Steiff North America,” said Pitocco. “The repositioning of Steiff from a collectible brand to a plush-based business in the North American market creates the strongest foundation for future success.”