Disguise to Create L.O.L. Surprise! Costumes
Disguise announced a new, multi-year licensing agreement with MGA Entertainment to design and manufacture children’s Halloween and everyday dress-up costumes and accessories, such as tiaras, shoes, jewelry, wands, wigs and bag sets, based on the L.O.L. Surprise! characters. The licensing deal encompasses North America, and the costumes are slated to launch in 2018.
“L.O.L. Surprise! is one of the hottest brands for kids, and we’re thrilled that we will be able to create costumes that will inspire kids to be these fun characters,” says Joe Anton, president of Disguise, a division of Jakks Pacific.
DHX Media, Tencent Enter Multi-Series Streaming Deal
DHX Media has licensed more than 450 half-hours of children’s content to Tencent, a provider of internet value-added services such as entertainment and social media, in China. In this multi-year deal, DHX Media’s new Teletubbies and Inspector Gadget series, as well as Twirlywoos, Super WHY!, Animal Mechanicals, and — on an exclusive basis – classic Strawberry Shortcake, are some of the titles that kids will be able to access across mainland China on Tencent’s streaming platforms.
Tencent recently became the first Chinese technology firm to cross $500 billion in market capitalization trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, joining the ranks of Apple, Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon and Facebook.
To date, DHX Media has licensed more than 11,000 half-hours of content across numerous digital and linear services in China, leveraging more than 2,700 half-hours of Mandarin-dubbed content in its library.
Bulls-i-Toys, PPI Worldwide Partner for Abatons Animals’ Launch
Bulls-i-Toy, a division of Excell Brands and toy manufacturer of kids’ products, has partnered with PPI Worldwide to bring the Abatons Animals to the North American market.
Abatons Animals is a line of collectible toys based on animal species from around the world. Series one is home to 20 characters including Salima the Camel, Kirvi the Tazmanian Devil and Suttu the Scorpion. Every blind pack contains the necessary pieces for kids to build their collection and play six mini-games.
Added features of these hexagonal shaped collectibles revolve around their unique backstories. Each clan lives in a specific world based on its natural environment including the lush jungle, vast ocean, dry desert and Snowy Mountain peaks. The series also includes rare and ultra rare variations of characters that are gold plated and transparent.
The series one launch aligns with the holiday season and is currently available at Target.
PJ Masks Adds New Licensees
Entertainment One (eOne) and Nelvana Enterprises have announced new Canadian partners for the preschool superhero property PJ Masks that bring the brand into new categories.
In the toys category, new partners distributing products in Canada include What Kids Want (seasonal toys), Little Kids (seasonal toys), Stoneridge Cycle (bicycles), Bravo Sports (sporting goods), Cra-Z-Art (craft and activity), Montco Packaging Company (craft and activity), TCG (playmats), and Playhut (playtents).
Building out the food and drinks category are The Good Food Company, Inc. (cookies) and Primary Colors Design Corp (confectionery).
Accessories will be bolstered by Black & White Merchandising (footwear), H2W (novelty sunglasses), ACI Brands (accessories), and HG International (hosiery).
Homewares partners include Canadian Thermos Products (FUNtainer Housewares), Kurt S. Adler (Christmas ornaments and decorations), Zak Designs (table top), and Springs Creative (craft fabric).
Centura Brands (HBA) will introduce a new range of products and Danawares (Stationery) will be onboard for back to school.
These partners join existing master partners Just Play (toys), Wonder Forge (games), J Corp Inc. (apparel), Jellifish Kids (sleepwear), and Heys International (accessories).