November 2023 - Page 6 of 10

ZAG Appoints Michael Berreth to New Franchise Marketing Director Role

Global independent animation studio ZAG continues to build its brand roster on a global scale and has created a new Franchise Marketing Director role, with the appointment of veteran industry marketing executive Michael Berreth to the position. The announcement was made by Jeremy Zag, Founder and CEO, ZAG. Michael Berreth joins ZAG with over 20-years of experience working on some of the world’s most beloved consumer brands including Disney’s Winnie-the-Pooh and girl property Strawberry Shortcake. In this new role, reporting to Julian Jacob Zag, EVP, Global Operations and Head of Consumer Products, he will be responsible for steering franchise marketing strategy for ZAG’s brands. These include the globally popular Miraculous™, which follows the adventures of secret superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir as they defend their beloved city of Paris from evil villains; and the cinematic CG-adventure series Ghostforce, which centers on three elementary school students who secretly form a superhero team—the Ghostforce—to fight the ghosts of New York.

Hasbro and Monopoly Offer Free Parking for Black Friday Shoppers in Five Major Metropolitan Cities Across the US in Partnership with SpotHero

In celebration of Hasbro’s brand-new Monopoly campaign – All is Fair in Monopoly – the leading toy and game company is getting into the holiday spirit by partnering with SpotHero to offer over 1,000 free parking spots for Black Friday shoppers in five metropolitan US cities on Friday, November 24. In addition to the city specific, Monopoly Free Parking coupons, Monopoly and SpotHero will be offering a 10% off coupon to new and existing SpotHero users that can be used nationwide.

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Falcon’s Beyond to Double in Size with Nearly 200 New Positions to Support Global Growth

Falcon’s Beyond Global, Inc (FBYD) (“Falcon’s” or the “Company”), a global entertainment powerhouse and visionary innovator in immersive storytelling, has announced its largest recruitment effort in the company’s history for its Falcon’s Creative Group business unit, with a goal to double its headcount. The company intends to hire nearly 200 new team members to support unprecedented company growth of creative projects across the globe. Currently headquartered in Orlando, Falcon’s Creative Group is one of the world’s leading themed entertainment and master planning firms, having planned over $100 billion in award-winning experiences where creative vision, compelling design, immersive media, and cutting-edge technology intersect to bring imagination to life. The division is launching its bold plan to recruit hundreds of design, media, and technology specialists in advance of the top industry trade conference, IAAPA Expo, in Orlando.

Ravensburger Brings New Mycelia Deck-Building Game to North America

Step into a wondrous world of mushroom folk. Ravensburger, the acclaimed publisher behind award-winning board games and high-quality toys and puzzles, has announced the release of Mycelia, a charming mushroom-themed introduction to deck-building games. Named a “top 10 family board game” at SPIEL Essen last month, Mycelia embraces the cozy gaming trend, adding Ravensburger’s expertise in immersive storytelling, captivating art, and thoughtful, beginner-friendly design. Mycelia is available in North America for pre-order on Amazon beginning today and on sale at local game stores beginning December 1.

Spin Master Announces Retirement of Chris Beardall, President, Toys

Spin Master, a leading global children’s entertainment company, has announced that Chris Beardall, President, Toys and Chief Commercial Officer will retire as of December 31, 2023. Doug Wadleigh, currently Head of Global Toy Brands, will succeed Chris as the new President, Toys beginning in January 2024, reporting to Max Rangel, Global President & CEO. “During Chris’ illustrious 23-year career with Spin Master he has been a driving force behind the introduction of thousands of toys to the market while also deepening and diversifying our portfolio and expanding our global footprint,” said Spin Master’s Global President & CEO, Max Rangel. “Chris leaves a legacy of amazing innovation that will forever be imprinted on the toy industry, and we wish him health and happiness in his next chapter. We’re grateful to have Chris’ support as we transition our Toy creative centre leadership to Doug, a seasoned toy industry executive. Doug has already made a meaningful impact at Spin Master, helping to strengthen our global toy brands and acquire new licensed partnerships. Under his leadership we will continue to unlock future growth within our toy business.”

Atari Reintroduces the Atari Club Jacket in Collaboration with 80s Fashion Icon Members Only

Atari is excited to announce a collection of Atari Club Jackets created in collaboration with the apparel brand Members Only. The collection, which includes black, red, and white racing-style jackets with Atari branding, are meticulous remakes of an original jacket offered exclusively to Club members in the early 1980s. This collaboration marries the nostalgic essence of two trendsetting giants: Members Only®, known for its signature racer jackets that became a cultural phenomenon, and Atari, whose games defined a generation of arcade and home entertainment. The stylish pieces – which feature an Atari logo patch on the chest and white embroidery down the sleeve – boast a double snap neck latch, signature shoulder epaulets, zip closure, and front and hidden inside pockets. The collection is comprised of red, black, and very limited, special edition white jackets. Only 72 white jackets are available.

Sesame Workshop Releases New Content to Support Children and Families Dealing with Grief and Loss

Sesame Workshop, the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street and more, has released new resources during Children’s Grief Awareness Month to support young children and their families who are coping with grief and loss. With philanthropic investment from the New York Life Foundation, one of the largest funders and champions in the childhood bereavement field, children and families dealing with the death of a loved one will have access to new resources that can help them cope. As the holidays approach, the absence of loved ones can be felt even more deeply. One in twelve children in the U.S. will experience the death of a parent or sibling by the age of 18. About 5 to 10 percent of children show issues that include but are not limited to higher rates of depression and anxiety, higher rates of alcohol and substance abuse disorders, and lower levels of educational success. It is estimated that over 1 million children suffered the death of a parent, main caregiver, or grandparent due to the pandemic, with families from Black and Hispanic communities at a higher rate of COVID-19 mortality. Yet there are very limited resources to discuss this traumatic experience or event with children in ways that are developmentally appropriate and provide both understanding as well as comfort.

Toho International Launches iiZO, a Premier Store for Anime Collectibles

The wait is over! iiZO, Toho International’s premier online store for every fan, is now live! After months of anticipation, the anime shop has announced a lineup of items that connects fans with their favorite shows, from My Hero Academia to Spy x Family to Jujutsu Kaisen, and more! iiZO, named after the Japanese colloquial term of agreement meaning “Yeah!” or “Great!,” leverages Toho International’s expertise in anime and its direct connection to Japan to provide fans with the coolest merchandise from their favorite anime titles.

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Kids for Culture Reveals Affirmation Bath Book, Positive Pals Gift Set, and Good Night Board Book

Don’t just say it but show it. That’s the concept behind Kids For Culture’s vast collections of baby, toddler and preschool products that foster the joy of being a little different — in hair, skin tone, even language and lifestyle scenes. Diversity and the richness it brings is sprinkled into every gift idea from bath and board books to dolls and activity blankets. Perfect for Holiday 2023 are three priceless gifts that are easy on the wallet: Affirmation Bath Book, Kids Of The World: Good Morning, Good Night board book, and Positive Pals Gift Set. Parents can turn the nightly bubble bath into a teachable moment with the 8-page I Love Being Me vinyl bath book. The 6-inch book is easy for babies to grasp in and out of the tub. Sweet images with messages like I am a good friend or I love my hair will spark age-appropriate chats the next day.