September 2023 - Page 4 of 13

Jada Toys Expands Collaboration with Disney

Jada Toys, a leader in delivering innovation to the wheels category, has announced an expansion to their long-term collaboration with The Walt Disney Company. The forthcoming Disney Princess Remote Control Carriage combines Disney’s imaginative and dynamic storytelling with Jada Toys’ unmatched and detailed product creation resulting in a unique must-have toy for Disney fans of all ages. Joining the extensive list of over 20 product offerings in this collaboration, fans across the globe will soon be able to enjoy this dazzling Disney toy. Perfect for ages 3+, the highly-detailed Disney Princess Remote Control Carriage stands 12.5” tall and comes fully equipped with a variety of lights and sounds activated by the remote control accessory to create the ultimate entrance. The vehicle has full mobility and has room for two standard 11.5” fashion dolls, allowing Disney fans to take their favorite Disney Princess character dolls on a royal ride. The Disney Princess Remote Control Carriage launches this Fall 2023 in stores and online at Walmart ahead of the holiday season.

Litzky PR Announces Transition of Leadership – Michele Litzky Retires and Josslynne Welch Becomes Sole Proprietor

Litzky Public Relations (LPR), an award-winning communications agency renowned for connecting brands with kids and families, celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2023. The milestone year will also begin the agency’s next chapter as Founder and CEO Michele Litzky announces her retirement and the agency’s President, Josslynne Welch, who has managed agency operations since 2018, becomes sole proprietor. “When I started LPR, I had an education from some of the best in the toy business and a love of the industry that remains today,” said Michele Litzky, founder of the agency that continues to bear her name. “As I move into my next chapter, I’m leaving my firm in the most capable hands I know, with Josslynne Welch. Her diversification into other business sectors that service kids and families and her continued commitment to the toy industry makes me equally proud and excited to see where she’s taking LPR next.”

Mattel Promotes Robbie Brenner to President of Mattel Films

Mattel, Inc has announced the promotion of Robbie Brenner to President of Mattel Films. She was previously Executive Producer of Mattel Films since 2018. Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and CEO of Mattel, said: “Robbie joined the company five years ago to bring the vision of Mattel Films to life, collaborating with leading filmmakers to make standout quality movies based on our iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences. She has done exactly that and so much more, positioning Mattel Films as a key partner for innovative creators, world-class talent, award winning producers, and major studios.”

Playview Brands Mourns the Passing of Domenic Bettini, Director of Business Development

Playview Brands is heartbroken to share news of the sudden passing of Domenic Bettini, 55, an esteemed expert in the toy industry. Bettini, who was recently appointed as Director of Business Development, passed away Thursday morning, September 28, 2023. Domenic Bettini was incredibly passionate and had a tremendous impact on the toy industry with over 20 years of notable success. His legacy will forever be remembered and celebrated by the industry and his many friends, partners, and colleagues.

Littlest Pet Shop Kicks Off Massive Global Relaunch with New Experience on Roblox

Littlest Pet Shop, one of the most well-known collectible toy brands in history, will be marking its long-anticipated return to retail with an immersive digital play experience on the global immersive platform for communication and connection – Roblox. The brand-new pet simulation experience, which will launch worldwide in December 2023, is a joint collaboration between Littlest Pet Shop Master Toy licensee, Basic Fun!, a leading global marketer of toys and consumer products, Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS), a leading toy and game company, and Suit Up Games, a Roblox development studio specializing in high-engagement branded experiences for young audiences.

WildBrain CPLG and Sega Score More Super-Charged Licensing Partnerships for Sonic Prime

WildBrain CPLG, a world-leading entertainment, sport and brand licensing agency, and SEGA of America, Inc (“SEGA”), have built on the ever-growing global fandom of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise with another wave of new licensing partnerships for the hit Netflix series, Sonic Prime. The new partners follow the recent launch of Sonic Prime’s highly anticipated second season on Netflix July 2023, which launched as a top-ten show in 25 countries worldwide and saw 14.7 million hours viewed in its first two weeks. Maarten Weck, EVP & MD at WildBrain CPLG, said: “Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the hottest entertainment brands in the world today, and its popularity amongst global audiences continues to soar. For our hugely popular Netflix series, Sonic Prime, we’ve signed another wave of cross-category licensing deals, in collaboration with SEGA, building on the expansive slate announced earlier this year. The innovative and creative range of products for Sonic Prime has already begun to delight fans at retail, and there are many more to come this fall and winter and into 2024.”

Three Founders of Spin Master Inducted Into Toy Association Hall of Fame

Spin Master’s three founders, Anton Rabie, Ronnen Harary and Ben Varadi are being inducted into the US Toy Association Hall of Fame at the end of September 2023, and will be the first founders of a Canadian company to receive this incredible honor. Fresh from graduating Western University, they first established their foothold in the toy manufacturing industry with a novel introduction called Earth Buddy. With $10,000 of their own money they made the item and with its initial success started a now almost 30-year history of producing hit toys including Bakugan, PAW Patrol and Hatchimals. The company now includes three creative centers spanning toys, entertainment and digital games and is one of the top 5 toy manufacturers globally.

Events News

Voting Now Open for the 2023 Toy & Game International Excellence (TAGIE) Awards

Finalists for the prestigious 2023 TAGIE Awards have been announced by People of Play (POP). The TAGIEs, now in its 16th year, honor the most innovative inventors, designers, suppliers, retailers, marketers and PR teams in the toy and game industry. Public voting starts Thursday, September 21 and ends on October 20, 2023. Visit the TAGIE Awards 2023 Finalist page to learn about the finalists and cast your vote. Winners in nine categories will receive their TAGIE Awards 2023 trophies on November 3, 2023, in front of a live audience of their peers at Joe’s Live Concert Venue.

Sesame Workshop Debuts Supports Family and Community Bonds for Military Families with New Sesame Street Resources

Being part of a military family can be an adventure, but at times, it can also feel isolating. Both children and grown-ups can experience feelings of loneliness, and the unique circumstances of military life, such as being far away from relatives or friends, frequent changes to routine, or moving to new places can make those feelings more intense. For over 15 years, Sesame Street for Military Families has helped children and families in the military community navigate challenges. When a parent serves, the whole family serves as well, and that’s something military kids can be proud of.