March 2023 - Page 11 of 11 - aNb Media, Inc.

Rovio & IMG Expand Partnership to Include Angry Birds Publishing Rights

IMG has been announced as the exclusive publishing agent for the popular mobile game franchise Angry Birds, expanding its existing global licensing representation agreement with the brand’s parent company Rovio Entertainment. This is the first time the Angry Birds brand’s consumer products and location-based entertainment licensing and publishing rights will be consolidated under one global agency. IMG will look to expand the franchise’s current publishing programme, which includes regional deals with Penguin Children’s Puffin and Nordic publishing house Storytel, with new global and regional deals for books, comic books, audiobooks and activity books featuring the brand’s beloved characters.

New Cry Babies Little Changers Hits Shelves

IMC Toys is launching Cry Babies Little Changers, an eco-friendly toy made with plant-based materials, to help make the world a better place. IMC Toys’ newest collection taps into major trends in the toy industry, including sustainability, collectibility, and micro-size. Sustainability is at the core of the brand, with environmentally-friendly materials used to create the toys, and each character is based on elements found in nature. Kids can add six new characters to their Cry Babies collection – Greeny, Sparky, Aqua, Sunny, Moon, and Windy.

Xilam Animation’s Slapstick Comedy Karate Sheep Launches Globally on Netflix

Academy Award-nominated French animation studio Xilam Animation’s new CG animated slapstick comedy series Karate Sheep is making its worldwide premiere on Netflix March 2nd, marking the launch of Netflix’s first animated commission that is supported by the French public funding body CNC. Xilam has developed an extensive digital and social media campaign to build awareness for the Netflix launch. As part of the activity, Xilam has created a Karate Sheep YouTube channel, which features episodes, compilations and shorts and has achieved nearly 500k views since launching in January. Alongside this, a dedicated TikTok account has generated 3M views and a branded Karate Sheep filter is now available for use on the platform. On TikTok, over 25% of the Karate Sheep audience is from the U.S. market. Xilam is also developing a Karate Sheep gaming app for launch later this year.

BIP Launches Break Frame Licensing Marketplace With Jazwares and Exclusive Access to Hit Metaverse Gaming Brands

BIP, the global IP licensing marketplace, has announced the launch of its innovative web-based marketplace, with Jazwares, a global leader in toys and licensing, and Metaverse gaming sensations Brookhaven, Jailbreak, and more have signed on to utilize BIP’s newly-formed global IP licensing marketplace. The BIP online ecosystem bridges the gap between licensors and licensees worldwide allowing for greater connectivity within the licensing industry with a deep focus on transparency. The BIP licensing hub features several tools aiding in the deal making process, including real-time tracking enabling all users to easily track deal memo progress, virtual chat room communication, and post-deal management services. Co-Founded by Ari Zebersky, BIP serves as an expansive centralized hub streamlining the licensing marketplace providing brands opportunities to field potential collaborations, expand territory, and provide a wider range of product categories.

Readyland A Trip to the Park with Rosie & Ricky

Readyland Makes Reading More Magical with new book, ‘A Trip to the Park with Rosie & Ricky’

Kicking off with Read Across America Day, Readyland is celebrating the joy of reading all month long with the launch of their newest book, A Trip to the Park with Rosie & Ricky. Readyland is a library of printed books that work with an Alexa device or the free Alexa smartphone app to create an immersive, interactive reading experience. Kids can actually talk with the characters, respond to questions, play games, interact with music and become part of the story, making reading even more magical.

Toonz Entertainment Announces Senior Appointments in Sales Team

Toonz Entertainment, the distribution wing of global kids and family entertainment major Toonz Media Group has announced the appointments of Bernhard Stephan as Director, Commercial Distribution and Maria Romanelli as Senior Sales Manager for Italy. These newly created roles in the sales arm are part of Toonz Entertainment restructuring with the aim to become a leading distribution partner across different geographies. Mr. Bernhard Stephan started his media career in 2000 with TV Loonland AG as Head of Licensing before moving on to Discovery Networks as Manager EMEA in the Program Sales & Licensing Division (today Warner Media), based in Munich & Moscow. He has also worked as Country Manager Russia & CEE at Red Bull Media House (representing and managing all media of Red Bull Media House & Terra Mater Studios), based in Moscow and took management roles as CCO at YFE AG and Head of Media at Animaccord.