Award-winning independent animation studio ZAG has partnered with Burger King on a global QSR promotion that features collectible premiums from the pop culture hit Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir with purchase of a King Jr. Meal. The announcement was made by Julian Zag, EVP, Global Operations and Head of Consumer Products, ZAG.
Magikbee and WildBrain have signed an agreement to license Seasons 9, 10, and 11 of Mattel’s classic Polly Pocket series for Magikbee’s kids’ streaming platform, KidsBeeTV. KidsBeeTV is a global brand with customers in more than 200 countries. In that sense, Polly Pocket is a key IP in the kids’ streaming app catalog, appealing to a large fan base around the world and resonating with both kids and their parents. The classic animated series, which originally premiered in 2010, is based on Mattel’s original micro-scale doll brand that first launched in 1989 and is well-known and much-loved. The classic Polly Pocket episodes are now available on KidsBeeTV.
Cra-Z-Art, a prime manufacturer in the U.S.A and leader in trendy toy, activity, art and school supply products, has teamed up with The Toy Foundation to aid children and families that have been directly impacted by the war in Ukraine.
ASTRA has announced it will host a trade show cruise and play date Feb. 20-24, 2023. Move over Love Boat, ‘cause here comes the ASTRA Toy Boat! Details will be shared soon including itinerary and pricing. The Association is excited to share this first-of-its-kind opportunity with the specialty toy industry and hopes families will come aboard to amplify the fun and reinforce the community aspect of ASTRA.
Since its soft launch by Waboba in 2012, the Moon Ball has become a world best-selling ball, making that milestone with now over 10 million sold. “While it’s always been a popular activity toy, its popularity has zoomed with the onset of social media,” noted Jordan Sullivan, Waboba’s Director of Fun, “and there have been over one million views on TikTok, YouTube and more, all showing the wild tricks we didn’t even think were possible. To our surprise and delight, A-Rod used it in a baseball video showing people how to be a future Gold Glover, and Pink used one during her pandemic quarantine to play with her kids, so you might say we’re influencing the influencers.”
Sesame Workshop has launched the next phase of its ongoing Coming Together initiative: a “Word of the Day” video series that harnesses the power of language to nurture children’s positive and healthy senses of self. Produced in partnership with WarnerMedia Kids & Family and inspired by the iconic Sesame Street segment, the short-form series features the Sesame Street Muppets and celebrity friends learning about words like “Belonging,” “Fairness,” and “Proud.”
ToyFest concluded its 9th show in Las Vegas at the new Expo at World Market Center and its 60th Toy Trade Show since its inception in 1961. Toy & Gift Stores from across the US attended the Las Vegas Show including stores from 39 states, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Guam, Mexico, and the UK. “ToyFest 2022 was bustling with buyers from all over the country, jam packed with lots of amazing new toys, and the convention hall was filled with energy and excitement. It was so great to be back with all our friends in the industry. Retailers, manufacturers, and sales reps came together in Las Vegas for the first time since 2020 and it was an incredible success!” said Sandy Lepire, ToyFest President.
WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences (WMGBE) is reminding the world that Tweety is no ordinary canary by launching an 80th anniversary celebration on a global scale. As one of Looney Tunes most beloved characters, Tweety is known for being unflappable and unapologetically authentic. WMGBE has commissioned a diverse group of artists worldwide to design 80 original murals reflecting Tweety’s rich history and dynamic personality. Warner Bros.’ “80 Years of Tweety” campaign will kick off in Austin at SXSW 2022 on March 11, where the first group of murals will officially debut. The anniversary honors will continue throughout the year across the Studio with new Tweety content from HBOMax, WarnerMedia Kids & Family, along with new themed experiences and collections from Warner Bros. Consumer Products. The celebration will culminate on Tweety’s birthday on November 21, 2022.
Cloudco Entertainment, owner of the venerable-but-irreverent Madballs brand, and The Topps Company, owner of the renowned-yet-over-the-top Garbage Pail Kids brand (“GPK”), have released much-anticipated limited-edition collaborations that fans of these iconic 80s brands have been eagerly waiting for. By playfully pitting the two “heavyweights of gross” against one another, licensees such as Chalk Line, Dynamite Entertainment, and Premium DNA have brought these brands back to life for the ultimate face-off.