UK Animation Producer Jan Rogowski Passes Away, Aged 41
Red Star, the UK animation studio behind forthcoming Terry Pratchett movie The Amazing Maurice, is saddened to announce that co-founder Jan Rogowski passed away suddenly on Wednesday 6th April.
JAKKS Pacific Announces JurassicWorld RealFX Baby Blue for 2022
JAKKS Pacific, Incorporated, leading toy and consumer products manufacturer, announced a partnership with European-based toy innovation company Wow! Stuff to distribute Jurassic World toys timed to the upcoming theatrical release of Jurassic World Dominion in June 2022, including a new brand, RealFX.
9 Story Distribution Secures Multiple International Sales for ‘Donkey Hodie’
9 Story Distribution International is pleased to announce that it has secured multiple sales for Donkey Hodie (78 x 11’), the popular preschool series produced by Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures. New Donkey Hodie sales for licenses include TVO (Canada), Canal Panda (Spain), and Ejunior (UAE). The series launched in May of 2021 in the US on PBS KIDS and was recently greenlit for a second season. 9 Story Distribution International holds global distribution rights excluding the US and worldwide merchandising rights excluding the US and Canada for the series.
Robosen Robotics and Hasbro Debut Auto-Converting Trailer and Roller Set for Optimus Prime
Following last year’s launch of the Flagship Transformers Optimus Prime Auto-Converting Programmable Advanced Robot, Robosen Robotics (Shenzhen) Company Ltd, a leading innovator in the field of robotics, in collaboration with Hasbro, announced the Transformers Optimus Prime Auto-Converting Trailer with Roller – Collector’s Edition for the Flagship Optimus Prime, the most advanced and programmable Transformers robot ever created. This new companion piece is modeled after the original G1 design, and measures an impressive 3 feet in length. The Trailer and autonomous Roller expands the users’ arsenal to defend against the Decepticons and create the ultimate, auto-converting, Optimus Prime experience ever to launch.
BBC Studios Secures Global Partnership with Hasbro for Co-branded Bluey Products
BBC Studios has sealed a worldwide partnership with Hasbro for co-branded classic games and Play-Doh inspired by Ludo Studio’s Emmy Award-winning animated sensation Bluey, which airs on Disney Junior, Disney Channel and Disney+.
FIBA Appoints IMG as FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Global Master Licensee
FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, has appointed IMG, a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, as global master licensee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, taking place 25 August – 10 September 2023 in Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines. This is the first time in the history of the competition that multiple countries will host the global tournament, which will feature 32 national teams.
Funko Partners With ASPCA in Support of National Pet Day
In support of National Pet Day, Funko, Incorporated (“Funko,” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: FNKO), a leading pop culture lifestyle brand, announced a partnership with the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) as part of its philanthropic initiative, Pops! With Purpose. The partnership brings fan-favorite movie pets to Pop! form to raise vital funds for the ASPCA, the longest-standing animal welfare organization in North America.
Dr. Seuss Enterprises Elevates Shannon Spisak to VP of Marketing and Communications
Dr. Seuss Enterprises, a leading global children’s entertainment company, has announced the promotion of Shannon Spisak to her new role as Vice President of Marketing and Communications. Spisak, who previously held the role of Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, will spearhead all marketing-related activities for the company. Additionally, Dr. Seuss Enterprises is expanding their management team with the new appointments of Vienna Downes, Jimeka Broussard, and Raquel Ojalvo into positions within retail and licensing, on the heels of an immense year of growth for the company.
Toy Foundation Welcomes Four New Members to its Board of Trustees
The Toy Foundation welcomes four new members to its Board of Trustees to help further its philanthropic mission to serve and support children locally and around the world. The Board is comprised of 20 accomplished industry professionals and continues to be led by Chair Andrew Weiner.