February 2024 - Page 2 of 11

Universal Studios Hollywood Becomes Cat-tastic Shopping Destination for Gabby’s Dollhouse

Shopping at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk Hollywood just got a little more adventurous! One of the hottest new preschool brands, DreamWorks Animation’s Gabby’s Dollhouse, is bringing the sprinkle party to La La Land with a-meowzing, exclusive merchandise available now at the Cartooniversal store on Universal CityWalk Hollywood and at the Animation Studio Store in Universal Studios Hollywood, beginning March 5. Gabby’s Dollhouse toys and products bring the imaginative dollhouse world to life with music, surprises, and more for kids to create their own adventure at home. Fans can shop an exciting assortment that includes Spin Master’s award-winning Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse and deluxe room sets, alongside all-new, exclusive cat ear headbands, plush, apparel, accessories and more that are only available at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk.

Events News

Top Toy Trends From The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (Astra) To Kick Off 2024

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (Astra), composed of local retailers, manufacturers, Certified Play Experts, and toy industry professionals, surveyed a group of independently owned retailers about the toy trends they’re seeing so far for 2024. Based on their insight… it’s safe to say – that it will be a very fun year! “Our small retailers are on the front lines with consumers, having conversations, and seeing first hand what’s hot every day,” said Sue Warfield, President, Astra.“ They are the perfect resource to help us determine trends for the first part of 2024 and this year they have not disappointed. We’re excited to see these trends and watch as what’s hot continues to evolve throughout the year.”

PBS KIDS Kicks Off Spring with a Slate of New Content for the Whole Family

There is so much in store for kids and families from PBS KIDS this spring. From the premiere of Tiny Time Travel, an exciting series of live-action shorts, to new Wild Kratts and Nature Cat movies, plus the debut of Molly of Denali Season 4, new series Milo, new shorts series Donkey Hodie Bedtime Stories, and new episodes of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, the learning-rich fun will be in full bloom all season long. “This spring, PBS KIDS provides an opportunity for families to embark on exciting adventures with kids’ favorite characters, and a chance to meet some new ones, too,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS. “Our content this season aims to nurture an appreciation of the natural world among our young audiences while also sharing important life lessons and reinforcing some of the key social skills kids need for success in school and beyond.”

Southard Communications and Escalate Strategies Announce Dynamic Partnership

Southard Communications, a New York-based communications and public relations agency, announces its strategic partnership with ESCALATE Strategies, a leading consumer research firm specializing in marketing and brand strategy. The partnership marks a significant milestone as Southard Communications celebrates 30 years of excellence this year. Founded in 1994 by Bill Southard, Southard Communications has established itself as a top communications firm for businesses seeking media exposure, influencer relations, social media expertise, and event marketing. Throughout its three decades of service, Southard Communications has catered to businesses in a number of industries, most notably in the toy and parenting space, as well as in technology, health and wellness, hospitality, and food and beverage.

Pokémon Unveils New Game Experiences and Entertainment for 2024 and Beyond in Pokémon Day Presentation

The Pokémon Company group revealed Pokémon Legends: Z-A, a new video game, during a special Pokémon Presents video presentation for Pokémon Day 2024. Streamed online to fans around the world on Pokémon Day — the annual fan-focused pop-culture holiday celebrating the launch of the original Pokémon video games on Feb. 27, 1996 — the presentation unveiled a slate of new experiences coming soon to the franchise.

‘Bluey’ First Special, ‘The Sign,’ Set to Premiere for April 14

Disney Branded Television, BBC Studios Kids & Family and Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) have announced that the next installments of Bluey, including an extended length special The Sign, will premiere this April, marking the series’ first global rollout. The first new episode, “Ghostbasket,” will premiere on Sunday, April 7, teeing up the debut of the 28-minute special, The Sign, premiering a week later on Sunday, April 14. Both episodes will air first via ABC Kids in Australia and then roll out globally the same day across Disney+, Disney Junior and Disney Channel in all other available regions (with the exception of China and New Zealand).

News

Relatable Announces Acquisition of Leading Murder Mystery Franchise, Hunt A Killer

Relatable, the leading modern entertainment company creating games and products for all ages, has announced it has completed its first-ever acquisition, adding Hunt A Killer to its impressive, blue-chip list of brands that consumers love. Most known for creating the #1 best-selling card game What Do You Meme?, Relatable has evolved to one of the fastest-growing toy and game brands, holding more than 32 percent market share in the adult games category. With this acquisition, Relatable is now also the market leader in the murder mystery segment that reached an estimated $50 million in the U.S. in 2023 and has doubled in size since 2020.

Disguise Announces Extension of Rights for Halo Franchise

Disguise, Inc, the costume division of JAKKS Pacific, Inc (NASDAQ: JAKK), proudly announces the extension of its partnership with 343 Industries as a global costume partner for the Halo franchise. This renewal marks a significant milestone in their collaborative journey, with Disguise slated to continue designing, marketing, manufacturing, and distributing costumes and costume accessories worldwide for Halo fans of all ages. The Halo franchise line has consistently proven to be a top performer for Disguise. Since the first introduction of the game and its iconic protagonist, the Master Chief, the franchise has transcended the gaming sphere, expanding its influence across various media platforms. From record-breaking games to best-selling novels, animated series, toys, collectibles, and the critically acclaimed original television series “Halo,” currently captivating audiences on Paramount+, the universe continues to thrill fans worldwide.

Mattel Television Studios’ Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go Returns for Season 27, Announces First-ever holiday Movie

Mattel, Inc has announced that Season 27 of the animated series Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go premieres March 7 on Netflix. Featuring all-new original music, Season 27 consists of 26 11-minute episodes released in two 13-episode installments, with the second half of the season debuting September 19. The second portion of Season 27 includes the franchise’s first-ever 60-minute holiday movie, Thomas & Friends: The Christmas Letter Express, debuting late 2024. Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go is co-produced by Mattel Television Studios and Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana Studios.