Kidoz and Rovio in Deal
Kidoz, the content discovery platform for kids, announced a collaboration with ToonsTV, Rovio Animation’s multi-channel video entertainment service. This partnership marks the first time ToonsTV video content will be available outside of Rovio Animation’s own digital platforms. Rovio Animation’s content distributed via Kidoz Network includes all of the franchise videos featured on ToonsTV, such as Angry Birds Toons, Piggy Tales, Plunder Pirates, and PUCCA.
The Kidoz Network reaches over 25 million kids around the world, and is implemented in over 1,000 leading apps in the kids’ market. Additionally, this emerging partnership represents the next step in Rovio Animation’s strategic move to make its content available everywhere.
TOMY Named Master Toy Licensee for Nature Cat
Spiffy Pictures announced that it has signed a licensing agreement with TOMY International for the PBS Kids series Nature Cat. TOMY International signs on as master toy licensee for categories including plush, figures, playsets, and roleplay for mass and specialty retail channels. The TOMY line will debut with plush in the second half of 2017, and joins children’s soft goods licensee Komar in bringing Nature Cat-branded products to consumers across the U.S.
Nature Cat was created by the Emmy Award-winning team at Spiffy Pictures and is co-produced by Spiffy Pictures and WTTW Chicago, with brand licensing for the U.S. handled by HiHat Media.
Kabam, Hasbro Unveil Transformers Game
Kabam, a world leader of massively multiplayer mobile games for a global audience, and Hasbro announced the title and key details of Transformers: Forged to Fight, a new high-definition, action-fighting mobile game set in an immersive world. The game will feature authentic Transformers action, allowing players to engage with Optimus Prime, Megatron, and many other popular Autobots and Decepticons in a 3-D environment. The new title will enter beta testing in select territories soon and will be available worldwide in spring 2017.
Transformers: Forged to Fight will give players access to nearly every era of the franchise’s history, challenging gamers to assemble the ultimate team of Transformers characters.
Rocket Licensing to Represent OCC in Europe
Rocket Licensing announced that it has secured the exclusive licensing rights to represent adult lifestyle brand Orange County Choppers (OCC) in Europe and has also signed its first exclusive pan European licensee, Burning Rubber UK Ltd., for apparel and accessories.
OCC was founded in 1999 by Paul Teutul Sr. His passionate dedication to the design and manufacture of unique custom-made motorcycles won him, and OCC, a legion of followers, but the brand hit the mainstream when a Discovery Channel reality TV series American Choppers brought them into the spotlight. The show launched on air in 2002 and continues to entertain millions of people worldwide on a weekly basis.
Focusing on the brand’s core values of power, strength, and legacy, Rocket is now assembling partners for the European licensing program across key categories that will target the brand’s core motorcycle enthusiasts, age 30–65.
Zak Designs to Feature Wonder Woman
Zak Designs announced the introduction of two new drinkware items inspired by the upcoming Wonder Woman movie. It is expected in theaters on June 2, 2017.
The line includes a durable 25 oz. Tritan water bottle with a straw and flip-up drinking spout as well as a 17 oz. Double Wall tumbler designed to be keep beverages cold and prevent condensation from building up on the outside of the tumbler. Both of the items feature stylized artwork inspired by the movie and are designed to complement Zak’s entire collection of Wonder Woman products from glasses and mugs to durable drinkware and travel tumblers.