TOMY International and NBCUniversal Announce New Collaboration with Crowd-Funded Back to the Future Time Machine Diecast Replica

TOMY has announced a limited-edition diecast model of the original Time Machine that captured hearts and minds from the original Back to the Future movie. The Time Machine replica will be available for pre-order starting July 11th and through August 11th, 2023. The Model is authentically replicated in 1:10 scale measuring 17.40 x 7.80 x 5.48” with diecast metal parts. The interior and exterior LED lights are functional and movie-accurate, with a detailed interior and smoking rear fins. This is the first Time Machine car to be offered at this scale in diecast.

Kartoon Studios Announces Kartoon Films

Kartoon Studios (NYSE:TOON) announced a package of original full-length animated feature films for children based on existing Kartoon Studios properties, which will leverage AI technology to animate more content, in less time and reduce expenses, while staying true to the Company’s core focus on human creativity and positive content. The new films will debut exclusively across the Kartoon Channel! U.S. streaming platforms in 2024, as well as being distributed to broadcasters and streamers globally.

New Broadcasters for Fourth Series of Animated Hit Series ‘The Deep’

A Stark Production and WildBrain, together with Infinite Studios, have confirmed new international broadcast partners for its global animated hit series The Deep. As the exclusive global distributor for the series, WildBrain has secured new deals with Rockbot (US) for season one; Club Illico (Canada) for seasons one and two; RTE (Ireland) for seasons three and four; NRK (Norway) for seasons one, two and four; and France Télévisions for season four.

Millimages’ Pirata & Capitano to Mascot Summer Exhibition at the Paris Aquarium

Millimages, one of the most innovative IP developers and oldest independent animation studios in Europe, is proud to announce the participation of Pirata & Capitano at the Paris Aquarium’s summer exhibition, Journey to the Heart of Maritime Routes. Hosted in partnership with the Musée National de la Marine and Éditions Larousse the exhibit will take place from July 10th to October 14th. Journey to the Heart of Maritime Routes invites the public to follow some of the greatest maritime adventures that have forged the world’s waterways, to discover marine life below the surface, and to learn about the extraordinary impact oceans have had throughout history. With Pirata the intrepid little pirate as mascot and guide, visitors will enjoy a variety of ways to learn while having fun such as: a family tour charted in a Pirata & Capitano illustrated map, educational workshops for children, and an activity booklet that can be downloaded by QR code to prolong the fun at home.

The Joester Loria Group and Penguin Ventures Team Up on the World of Eric Carle

The Joester Loria Group, the worldwide licensing agency for the World of Eric Carle, has appointed Penguin Ventures, the licensing and consumer products team at Penguin Random House Children’s UK, as its local sub-agent in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Eire. Penguin Ventures will manage the World of Eric Carle including Carle’s timeless publishing classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, with immediate effect. “We are excited to work with Penguin Ventures to extend the World of Eric Carle licensing, building on the success delivered by Rocket in experiential, consumables, apparel, toys and more,” said Jackie DeMaio, Senior Licensing Director at JLG. “Penguin Ventures brings terrific experience in managing classic literary properties and will ensure an even closer alignment with Penguin Random House Children’s UK on initiatives including new titles and marketing campaigns. We would like to thank Rocket for 11 years of exceptional brand stewardship and welcome Penguin Ventures to the World of Eric Carle.”

WiT and Gen Con Join Forces

Women in Toys (WiT) is joining forces with Gen Con, the premier tabletop gaming convention on an exciting new partnership! The two groups will be collaborating on initiatives year-round, beginning with a WiT x Gen Con Women’s Gaming Network Open House in Indianapolis on August 3, 2023. Open to female industry professionals, the event takes place during Gen Con at the Westin Governor’s Suite, from 5:30-7:30pm. For more information and to register, visit the event page on the WiT website.

Licensing Expo Wraps with Record-High Retail Attendance and Nearly 12,000 Attendees

Licensing Expo, the premier global event for licensing, IP, collaborations and brand extension, organized by Informa Markets Global Licensing Group and sponsored by industry association Licensing International, successfully concluded June 15 with nearly 12,000 unique attendees, a 13% increase on 2022’s total attendance and returning to numbers close to 2019’s pre-pandemic edition. The annual event also recorded the highest quality attendance to date, with 60% of visitors being C-suite or Director level executives alongside a record-high retail attendance, coming in at +47% vs 2019. Over 1,150 retailers attended including buyers from Walmart, Forever21, PacSun, Tilly’s, Toys ‘R’ Us, Ross, Rue 21, Hot Topic, Inditex, Dollar General, Bershka, Burger King, Hallmark, Macy’s, Amazon, Kohl’s, Target, Fanatics, TJX Companies Inc., Home Depot, Lush, Coach, Primark, and Pottery Barn.

Surprise Powerz Receives LOVE Grant from Litzky Public Relations.

The LOVE, Litzky Grant supports entrepreneurs and small businesses that improve the lives of kids and families. The 2023 recipient is Surprise Powerz, a company that sparks curiosity through its educational and diverse line of talking STEM dolls. Surprise Powerz was chosen as this year’s LOVE, Litzky recipient for its focus on improving the imbalance of STEM toys for girls, and inspiring young girls to take on the world with confidence! The LOVE grant will provide Surprise Powerz with a PR campaign strategy throughout the back-to-school season and $25,000 in professional fees to execute it. To learn more about The Surprise Powerz doll collection, visit SurprisePowerz.com and follow @SurprisePowerz on Instagram. 

Furby Is Back! Hasbro Announces The Toy’s Iconic Return With A Fresh New Look

The wait is over… the furb-nomenon that took over the world has returned. Hasbro, Inc, a global leader in play, announced that the next era of the cute, cool, and weird Furby interactive toys hits shelves just in time for summer. A new generation of kids can discover their own curious little creature and kindred spirit, that’s sure to be their next BFF. With a history of disrupting pop culture and the toy aisle, Furby reminds kids that they can be their hilarious, wacky, perfectly imperfect selves, because that is what makes them – and the world – a little more special. Furby is available now in two new colors, Purple and Coral, on Amazon and will be at all major retailers starting July 15.