Horst Brandstätter Group has set itself ambitious corporate sustainability goals. By 2027, the group of companies aims to be climate-neutral and avoiding emissions. The enterprise is already involved in off-shore parks and going to invest around 50 million euros in climate protection in the coming years. By 2030, business models are to be as circular as possible, i.e. part of closed material cycles.
WildBrain, a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, and Jay Ward Productions, Inc., have signed an agreement across distribution, production and licensing for the entire portfolio of classic Ward-owned IP that includes such legendary properties as George of the Jungle, Mr. Peabody & Sherman, Dudley Do-Right, Rocky & Bullwinkle, Super Chicken and more. Under the agreement, WildBrain will add 788 episodes of Jay Ward Productions’ classic animation to its distribution library, and the two companies will create brand-new content based on the Ward portfolio.
Award-winning STEAM brand, Osmo from BYJU’S, announces Kar-Han Tan’s appointment as Head of Computer Vision and Machine Learning, effective immediately. With three decades leading teams in robotics and AI research and development, Tan will further the development of a world-class computer vision and AI platform that aids in the creation of new products, games, and devices incorporating gains made in deep learning technology. In addition, he will lead a growing global team to research, develop, and optimize new algorithms for computer vision and AI-enabled features such as object detection, object recognition, hand tracking, pattern matching, and hand-drawing analysis, among others, all in an effort to create the best learning tools and outcomes.
Holiday Hill Enterprises, the company behind Spookley the Square Pumpkin and Holiday Hill Farm, has announced its plans to debut new holiday-themed content on Disney Junior and DisneyNOW throughout 2022. Starting this month, fans can celebrate the season of friendship and love with Spookley, Lyla the Love Bug and their Holiday Hill Farm friends.
Cyber Group Studios, a leading producer and distributor of animated series for children and families worldwide, best known for its award-winning preschool show Gigantosaurus, has partnered with YouTube to launch Giganto Club. Cyber Group Studios’ first fully digital-native and 100% real-time animation series will be available globally on YouTube Kids and on all devices starting on Thursday, February 3rd. The series will be available in English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish.
Throughout February, DC and Warner Bros. Consumer Products will honor the artistic expression and contributions of Black comic creators, artists and characters by unveiling an incredible collection of new comics, books and merch for Black History Month. The company will also launch initiatives to support and develop Black creators and inspire a new generation of comic book professionals. In addition, Milestone Compendium One allows DC fans to explore the anthology of Black Super Heroes in a 1,300 page book available now.
Mattel announced that the Rulers of the Sun, with its multicultural Black, Latino and Asian characters, will be joining the Masters of the Universe Origins line in 2022. The first hero to join He-Man is Sun-Man, one of the pioneering Black action figures, available for preorder today and arriving on shelves around the globe this Spring. As the 40th anniversary of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe kicks off in 2022, Sun-Man and the Rulers of the Sun bring He-Man new, powerful partners in his battle against evil.
Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s entertainment company behind the well-loved, Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, and Peg + Cat as well as the newest hits, Donkey Hodie and Alma’s Way, has named Aleya Crable Jennings Director of Corporate Sponsorships and Individual Giving. Jennings, who reports to company President and CEO Paul Siefken, will direct corporate and individual fundraising efforts to help Fred Rogers Productions continue to realize its education and social missions.
Leading global entertainment, talent and sports company UTA has been appointed as the North American licensing and publishing agency for YouTube Originals series Super Sema. The program marks the world’s first children’s animated series focused on an African kid superhero. UTA will work alongside global master toy licensee Just Play, and will focus on retail initiatives and key partners in publishing, apparel, home and accessories.