ABetter Design Company has announced that its Bank-A-Ball Indoor Mini Basketball Hoop is getting a big “assist” from the TikTok trickshot challenges among teens, tweens, and Gen -Zers. Bank-A-Ball, the all-new indoor mini basketball structure, is considered to be the World’s Most Advanced Trickshot Basketball Set because of its multi-adjustable backboard angles and rim.
WildBrain, a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, announces that production is now underway on a brand-new three-hour documentary series about the renowned Canadian television series, Degrassi. The as-yet-untitled documentary series is being produced in partnership with the award-winning Canadian production company Peacock Alley. Featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, the series will dive into Degrassi lore and the teenage experience with its creators, cast, crew and fans, as well as generations of filmmakers influenced by the franchise’s 40-year legacy. Commissioned by WildBrain Television, the documentary series is directed by Lisa Rideout (Sex with Sue; This is Pop) and is executive produced by Josh Scherba, Stephanie Betts and Angela Boudreault, for WildBrain, and by Carrie Mudd (Leonard Cohen: Tower of Song; Travelers) for Peacock Alley. The series is produced by Erin Sharp (Sex with Sue; Hip-Hop Evolution).
BIG Games, the creator of the hit game franchise, Pet Simulator, has launched Pet Simulator 99 as of December 2023. Aligning with the game launch, new toys from PhatMojo are now on shelves at major retailers. Pet Simulator 99 will unlock even more fan engagement with frequent content updates, including new pets and maps. The all-new series of products by PhatMojo will include collectibles, plush, playsets, and collector bundles. All toys include downloadable content codes (DLC) to enhance the in-game experience. Pets or other in-game items already received in Pet Simulator X from previously redeemed DLC codes can also be transferred to the new version of the game.
Jazwares, the maker of the popular Squishmallows brand, is collaborating with global fashion brand H&M to launch a vibrant apparel and accessories collection inspired by the plush sensation. Available online on December 7 and in stores globally on December 21, this is the first collaboration between H&M and pop culture phenomenon Squishmallows, as Jazwares continues to build on the #1 plush property’s status as a preeminent global lifestyle brand. Inspired by the incredible signature plush softness along with several iconic Squishmallows, the 42-piece collection for kids and tweens features an expansive line list of apparel and accessories, including slippers, pajamas, t-shirts, dresses, earmuffs, hoodies, and more. Each fashion-forward item incorporates the unique personalities of the lovable, huggable Squishmallows making the collection just as cuddle-craving as the toys themselves. Special to the H&M collection is ‘Rodry’, a yellow bearded dragon Squishmallows plush sporting a new look.
Award-winning global entertainment company, Moonbug Entertainment, and renowned creative studio Toikido have unveiled their first collaboration project, PeaKeeBoo, an exciting new animation series for pre-school children and their families. The world of PeaKeeBoo is full of the wonderous sounds and visuals of nature, and home to a range of unique characters who are united in their love of fun and zest for life. It is inspired by the charm of the classic childhood game it is named after, which holds a special place in the hearts of parents and little ones alike.
Relatable, a modern entertainment and consumer product company best known for the hit card game What Do You Meme?, has expanded its Squishmallows licensed product offerings with the release of the first-ever Cam the Calico Cat Squishmallows Heating Pad. This heating pad is perfect for cuddles, warm comfort and soothing pains, and is a great gift for friends and family. “Our Squishmallows Take 4 game has been positively received, as have our Happy Helpers Menstruation Crustacean heating pads, so it was only right to bring the warm comfort our wellness category offers to Squishmallows fans of all ages,” said Tom Emelo, Chief Strategy Officer at Relatable. “We are thrilled Jazwares has trusted us to expand the different ways to enjoy Squishmallows, as Relatable is the first company to launch a Squishmallows Heating Pad.
Moonbug Entertainment, a part of Candle Media, has announced the appointment of Peter Stone as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Reporting to Rene Rechtman, Chief Executive Officer, Stone will be responsible for Moonbug’s global marketing strategy, as well as the evolution and growth of its brands. Stone joins the team at Moonbug to support the business’ journey building global franchises that resonate with kids and families around the world. Moonbug’s growing brands continue to see significant expansion with Blippi entering the Roblox world, Morphle soon launching on Disney+ and Disney Junior, and the new CoComelon show, CoComelon Lane launching exclusively on Netflix.
DeAPlaneta Entertainment has signed a remarkable deal with Fantawild Animation Inc, the most influential animation company in China, with renowned animation brands including Boonie Bears, Boonie Cubs, and Chicken Stew, among others. Thanks to this important deal, DeAPlaneta Entertainment will be the Licensing Agent and will manage all Media & Digital Rights of kids animated series Adventurer Carly in all Western territories: Europe, America (All of North, Central and South America), Sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania (Australia/New Zealand). Last October, during MIP Junior market, Adventurer Carly was the most-watched show in unique views by international buyers, among over 600 titles of children and family content. Adventurer Carly will start broadcasting in Western territories in 2024.
Superights has recently announced new broadcasting partners for its coming-of-age live action series Home Sweet Rome! (13×26’). Originally commissioned by Max (USA), Rai (Italy), Wildbrain (Canada), BBC (UK), ARD/One Gate Media (Germany) and supported by The Shaw Rocket Fund, the series has recently found new homes throughout the world. In Europe, Superights, distribution entity of Superprod Group, has inked deals with SVT (Sweden), NPO (Netherlands), NRK (Norway), YLE (Finland) and Euskal Telebista (Spain). In Oceania, the series has been picked-up by TVNZ (New Zealand) and ABC (Australia).