October 2022 - Page 8 of 13

Playmobil Meets Naruto Shippuden to Celebrate the Anniversary of the Series

Naruto turns 20! For this special birthday of the Japanese cult series, Playmobil celebrates the long-awaited premiere in the world of anime with the first figures from Naruto Shippuden. Playmobil is taking its first steps in the diverse anime cosmos with this fascinating new license in the kidult sector. With this new series, Playmobil picks up the exciting adventures of the sympathetic ninja Naruto Uzumaki. Of course, he is accompanied by his long-time rival, the determined Sasuke Uchiha and his close friend, the spirited Sakura Haruno. Also included are many other characters from the popular series, such as the disciplined Kakashi or members of the villainous Akatsuki.

Entertainment News

YouTube Originals Launches TeamTO’s Behind the Beats

YouTube Originals Kids & Family announces the launch of Behind the Beats, a new animated pop music anthology series produced by TeamTO and 22D Music Group in partnership with France Télévisions. Episodes 1 ‒ 4 will debut on Friday, 18th November on the YouTube Originals channel and the YouTube Kids app. Behind the Beats (26 x 5’) is an animated series for families that tells the stories of how talented musicians with incredibly different styles came together, revealing the often-unexpected origins of new musical genres. Who knew the beats of these original tunes still reverberate in today’s pop music?! Using funky, dynamic animated storytelling with our lively narrators, the series explores the stories behind movements such as New Wave, Rock’n’Roll, G-Funk, Reggae, Electro Pop and Trap. Episode examples, which feature three songs each, include Punk Meets Disco (how Blondie paved the way to the New Wave) and Gangsta Rap Meets P-Funk (how Snoop Dogg paved the way to G-Funk).

APC Kids and Jetpack Appointed as Distributors of ‘Once Upon a Time…The Objects’ by Co-producers Procidis and Samka

After 7 edu-tainment shows broadcast in countless countries for more than 40 years, Maestro returns to tell children about Everyday Objects, that surround them in their daily lives: episodes are full of anecdotes, high-key historical characters and humor! Once Upon a Time…the Objects (78 x 7’) blends a wealth of precise scientific information with the characteristically humorous tone that insured the long-standing reputation and success of the original series. More than 200 million books have been sold as well as 120 million DVDs worldwide; as of today, more than 40 licensees are developing consumer products in numerous territories.

Malory Towers Christmas Special Wildbrain

Hit Series ‘Malory Towers’ From WildBrain and King Bert Gets Festive with Christmas Special

Christmas at the boarding school is confirmed, as WildBrain and King Bert Productions’ smash-hit family drama, Malory Towers, is set to return to CBBC and BBC iPlayer for a two-part Christmas special this December. Malory Towers will also open its doors to a new set of pupils in season 4, as new cast members join the beloved family drama. Adapted from the iconic novels by Enid Blyton, Malory Towers has been a huge hit with kids and families, who have been captivated by the adventures of a group of friends attending a boarding school in Cornwall, where they have learned to navigate their formative years with the help of their schoolmates.

First-Ever Bluey Balloon to Make her Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Debut

BBC Studios and Macy’s, announced that Bluey, the star of the hit series Bluey will soar above the streets of New York City as a new giant character balloon in the 96th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Emmy-winning series, streaming on Disney+ and airing on Disney Junior and Disney Channel, is beloved by kids and parents alike. The Bluey balloon will make its debut with 3.5 million spectators and 50 million viewers nationwide on Thursday, November 24, in the world-famous Parade.

Epic Storyworlds Launches Dedicated Roblox Game Development Studio ‘Freeground’

Independent kids content creation company Epic Storyworlds – founded by seasoned children’s entertainment executives Steve Couture and Ken Faier and a sister company to Faier’s Epic Story Media – is launching Freeground, an online experience studio focused on fan engagement through Roblox experiences. Freeground’s first collaboration with the global entertainment development company Falcon’s Beyond will feature an entertainment destination including a theme park and games based on its Katmandu intellectual property (“IP”).

CandyRific Relaunches Fanimation Fans as IC Chip Supply Bounces Back

CandyRific is relaunching its award-winning Fanimation Fans. The fan favorites will be rolling out beginning in the third quarter of 2022 and into 2023. Because of the Integrated Circuit (IC) chip shortages over the past many months, it had been a challenge to the entire platform. Now the supply is coming back, and CandyRific is excited to reintroduce its popular Fanimation Fans. “CandyRific uses advanced technology for Fanimation Fans that allows you to have an animated LED show right in your hand,” said Clark Taylor, CandyRific’s Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “These cool candy novelty fans change due to the light turning on and off as they spin.”

Miko Expands Consumer Robotics Portfolio With Square Off Acquisition

It’s a match made in consumer robotics heaven: Miko, a global leader in AI robots for kids, has acquired a majority stake in Square Off, a startup known for AI-driven automated board games. Miko has acquired 70 percent of Square Off, giving complete exit to existing investors. With the acquisition, Miko will expand its product line beyond the AI robot companions that put it on the map. Miko’s eponymous kids robots use AI to deliver playful learning experiences for children ages 5 and older.

Mattel and Cryptoys to Drop Official Masters of the Universe Digital Toy Collection on November 9

By the Power of Grayskull…I Have the Power! Cryptoys, the revolutionary new NFT platform that combines toys, gaming and entertainment, and Mattel, Incorporated announced they will release the first drop of their highly anticipated Masters of the Universe series on Wednesday, November 9. The collection of limited-edition digital action figures will feature 12 fan favorite characters, with the first release including He-Man/Prince Adam, Evil-Lyn, Battle Cat/Cringer and Tri-Klops.