DreamWorks Signs Hasbro for B.O.O. and Trolls
Hasbro, Inc., and DreamWorks Animation have entered into an agreement to create toys and games inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations and Trolls properties. Through this deal, Hasbro will unveil franchise-inspired product lines across major toy categories, with theatrical releases supporting B.O.O. and Trolls arriving in theaters in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations’ top agent Jackson Moss is voiced by Seth Rogen. His wacky partner, Watts is voiced by Melissa McCarthy.
DreamWorks Animation also recently announced the acquisition of the Trolls franchise.
Fox Theme Park in Malaysia
Resorts World Genting, the world’s largest destination resort operator, announced a licensing partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products to develop the first international Twentieth Century Fox theme park in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Opening in 2016, the new theme park at Resorts World Genting will fully immerse visitors in an entertainment experience featuring some of Fox’s most recognized brands including Ice Age, Rio, Alien, and Night at the Museum. Highlights from the park include:
• More than 25 acres of land, featuring more than 25 rides and attractions from media-based rides, thrill rides, dark rides, to children’s rides, and water rides.
• The Dream Parade, featuring a one-of-a-kind, animatronics parade based on all characters and titles represented at the theme park.
• Retail merchandise and themed food and beverage outlets.
Original SoupMan Soups Now in Walmart
Soupman, Inc., the parent company of The Original SoupMan, announced that beginning this month the company’s line of soups will be available at nearly 500 Walmart stores. (The Original SoupMan was made famous by an episode of Seinfeld.)
The brand’s soups, which are already sold in more than 4,000 supermarkets nationwide, include the classic soups that made the company famous: Lobster Bisque, Chicken Noodle, Lentil, and Tomato Bisque. The soups are sold in Tetra Pak cartons, which the company says is a packaging technology that locks in flavor and freshness.
HEAD Sport Partners with Planet Sox
HEAD Sport GmbH announced a new multi-year licensing agreement with PS Brands/Planet Sox for the company to produce HEAD sport, tennis, and performance socks for the North American market. The HEAD sock collection is expected to be available by February 2014 at various sporting goods stores and specialty retail chains in the U.S. and Canada.
Cinedigm Acquires The Hive Home Entertainment Rights
Cinedigm acquired the exclusive North American home video, VOD, and digital rights to Disney Junior’s The Hive, a CGI animated franchise for preschoolers airing in more than 150 global markets. The deal involves all 26 x half hour episodes.
The series is represented for licensing in the U.S. by The Joester Loria Group. Current licensees include Bakery Crafts (baking décor); Ceaco (puzzles); and LeapFrog (apps, console, and educational toys). International licensees secured by Space include Avanquest (iOS mobile apps); Jupiter Toys (wooden toys and furniture); Mookie Toys (plush, wheeled toys); Ravensburger (puzzles); 360 Wall (wall stickers); EMI Publishing (music); Blues Clothing; and Aykroyds.