Award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG, creators of the globally popular animated series Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, is expanding its executive roster in Brazil with the appointment of its first retail and trade marketing director, former Warner Bros., Viacom, and Mattel executive, Thienne Manzoni Ribeiro. The announcement was made today by Jeremy Zag, Founder and CEO, ZAG.
Incredible Group has signed a Canadian distribution deal with leading gaming-sector toy manufacturer, PMI, for its Piñata Smashlings line. Looking to break through the Canadian market with its new brand, PMI engages Incredible Group to lead the charge on retail distribution and mass-market awareness. Piñata Smashlings is entertainment company Toikido’s first internally developed IP and is home to hundreds of playful characters called, “Smashlings” – cheeky little creatures and playful Piñatas – who love to have fun and are always on the lookout for the Rainbow Whale who drops new Rainbow pods.
Chronicle Books, one of the world’s most admired publishers and distributors of illustrated books, gifts, and games for all ages, has selected The Moss-Tucker Group (MTG) as their Agency of Record, representing recently acquired brands Petit Collage and Ridley’s Games. Both Ridley’s Games, makers of original, trend‐led games for all ages including bestsellers Avocado Smash and Selfish, and Petit Collage, creators of sustainable, design-led toys for young children, will be featured in various promotional initiatives, social media campaigns and influencer partnerships throughout the year under MTG’s representation.
They are back! Playmobil is celebrating the comeback of its classic Playmobil Color series after a 45-year hiatus with five new sets released in collaboration with creativity powerhouse, Crayola. The sets include basic white figures and a variety of accessories that can be customized and easily washed off.
Hasbro, Inc, a global branded entertainment leader, announced it has awarded a worldwide licensing agreement to leading global children’s entertainment company Spin Master, for its classic Barrel of Monkeys game. Spin Master will innovate on the game to deliver new play experiences and introduce original formats while expanding retailer distribution leveraging its global footprint. Originally created by Lakeside Toys in 1965, the fun and silly pick-up game for children ages 3+ challenges dexterity. Named one of the top 100 greatest toys by TIME Magazine, the simple gameplay of Barrel of Monkeys paired with the cheeky brand promise – “more fun than a barrel of monkeys”- stands the test of time with millions of games sold in close to 50 years.
Inc has announced its sixth annual Female Founders list, honoring a bold group of 200 women whose innovations and ideas are shaping the world into a better place. Slumberkins co-founders and co-CEOs, Callie Christensen and Kelly Oriard are among those recognized on the prestigious Inc list.
The “King of the Monsters” is stomping into the fashion scene as Toho International, the Japanese studio’s U.S.-based subsidiary that has brought classic Godzilla to life, and American streetwear brand Teddy Fresh announced the launch of their monster-sized new fashion collaboration inspired by Japanese cinema’s world-famous Godzilla. Colorful with a fierce twist, the collection includes 15 new and original pieces, from mesh tops and zip hoodies, to button downs, tees, neck ties, a skate deck, and more. Ranging in price from $36 to $110, the full collection brings the spirit of Godzilla to a must-have line that both Kaiju and fashion fans alike will love.
Zigazoo, the world’s largest social network for “Gen Zalpha” and whose portfolio includes the Zigazoo app for Gen Z users and Zigazoo Kids for Gen Alpha, is pleased to announce Ashley Mady’s new role as President of Zigazoo Kids. Previously Mady was President of Consumer Products. In the newly created role, Mady will work in partnership with departments across the organization to meet all revenue goals, business objectives, user growth plans and engagement targets, and is ultimately responsible for the success of the Zigazoo Kids platform. Zigazoo Kids has consistently been a top 10 app for 9-11 year olds for iOS. The platform, which has more than three million installs, has seen 100% growth since 2023.
PlayMonster Group LLC, a leading international toy and game company, and Hasbro Inc, a global branded entertainment leader, have announced that PlayMonster will bring the entire Playskool brand to the company’s dynamic roster in 2024 as part of an overall global growth strategy delivering innovation and re-imagined classic play to preschoolers and their families around the world. With a clear vision, Playskool has helped generations of babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their families play together for nearly a century, representing quality, trust and memorable play experiences that help define a child’s early years.