Create A Castle co-founders Kevin and Laurie Lane, swam with the Shark Tank sharks, pitching their innovative sand-and-snow castle-building toy line and came away with a new partner in billionaire entrepreneur Kendra Scott who outbid fellow shark Daymond John with a $350,000 offer for 20% of the business.
Universal and Amblin Entertainment are going interstellar to honor 40 years of one of the most beloved films of all time, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Throughout the year, generations of fans around the world will be treated to all-new merchandise across a variety of categories, a re-release of the film in IMAX, retail exclusives, anniversary celebrations and more. “E.T. is a classic film that has been a longstanding part of the cultural zeitgeist,” said Melissa Rodriguez, vice president of franchise strategy for Universal Brand Development. “From treasured lines like ‘be good’ and ‘phone home,’ to the iconography of red hoodie sweatshirts and BMX bikes, the film has stayed present in our collective hearts and minds for 40 years. We’re looking forward to celebrating this classic story of friendship and adventure alongside many generations of fans, while also bringing new viewers into the fold through new products and offerings.”
WildBrain, a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, will be presenting its beloved brands—Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake, Chip and Potato, and In the Night Garden—at Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) in London from September 20-22, as the properties continue to expand around the world with all-new original content, distribution deals and consumer products partnerships. Visit WildBrain’s dedicated licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG, during BLE at Stand B161.
VP Racing Fuels, Incorporated, a global leader in performance fuels, lubricants, and additives, has announced that they have entered into a license agreement with Kustom Yard Limited, a UK-based licensee, and distributor of automotive lifestyle products, for an apparel, accessories and gift and novelty program for the European market.
A magical crystal ball, a giant pyramid climbing tower, and the most diverse assortment of dolls ever are among the 122 innovative finalists for the 2022 September’s Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards. A long-treasured event, The Toy Foundation’s (TTF) TOTY Awards celebrate the creativity of the toy and play community and recognize the industry’s collective philanthropy for the benefit of children in need.
Global gaming phenomenon Cuphead is celebrating a year of massive success, from debut of the acclaimed series The Cuphead Show! in February, to the June 30 release of the highly-anticipated video game expansion Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course — which has already reached at platinum status. With new international agents and a range of consumer products launches in the market, the brand continues to be a fan favorite with a continually growing social presence. Studio MDHR’s eight-time platinum-selling video game, Cuphead, has been a global sensation since its 2017 release.
Chick-Fil-A is partnering with Diane Alber to include five bestselling titles from her Scribble book series for the 2022 Kids meal book promotion. Alber is a prolific picture book author and illustrator whose titles regularly top Amazon’s best-selling lists. Her slate of over 50 children’s books address social-emotional learning topics and are on track to sell three million units in 2022.
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) has announced that registration is open for its annual WiT Empowerment Day event, to be held on Monday, September 19, 2022 at Dallas Market Center, in partnership with The Toy Association’s Preview & Holiday Market.
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT), a global nonprofit organization and the industry’s preeminent voice for the advancement of women, has announced the election of nine members to its Board of Directors.