The Genius of Play, The National Afterschool Association Partner for Play Ambassadors Program
The Genius of Play announced its partnership with The National Afterschool Association (NAA) to unveil the Play Ambassadors Program. This leadership opportunity is designed for select NAA members to share the message about the value of play with other afterschool professionals, families, and communities.
Together, The Genius of Play and NAA selected the inaugural cohort of 20 Play Ambassadors to serve through the 2018/2019 school year. Play Ambassadors will receive exclusive access to the latest research, expert tips, and more, including hundreds of play ideas and other resources available at TheGeniusofPlay.org. They will be putting this information and tools in action by holding several events, including a workshop for afterschool colleagues and teachers, a community play day, and a seminar for parents and caregivers. Additionally, Play Ambassadors will have the opportunity to create trainings and workshops using the research and to spread the word about the importance of play on social media.
Jazwares, WeKids Asia Form Strategic Partnership
Jazwares and Chinese animation distribution specialist and brand manager WeKids Asia Ltd. announce the formation of a strategic partnership. They will work together to distribute toys based on popular brands and properties throughout Greater China and will create new children’s toy and media properties bound for global success.
The partnership kicks off with WeKids Asia securing Chinese airing of The Hotel Transylvania TV series. The introduction of Jazwares’ Hotel Transylvania toy line will be distributed by WeKids to the Greater China market following the release of Hotel Transylvania 3 in July of this year.
The partnership will take center stage this October at the China Toy Show in Shanghai where they’ll unveil plans to roll out more of Jazwares’ top performing toy lines.
Archie Comics Taps Licensor in Oz
Archie Comics has appointed Merchantwise Licensing to manage the Archie Comics brand licensing and merchandise in both Australia and New Zealand.
Since its first publication in 1942, Archie Comics has become one of the most successful brands in comic history. The company boasts a large and diverse library of characters, including Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, Sabrina and Josie and the Pussycats, the Dark Circle superheroes, Jinx, and more. These many iconic, beloved characters have been brought to life on the small and big screens, and with numerous franchise spin-offs, over the years.
Most recently, its classic characters have been translated into the the hit teen drama, Riverdale, which airs on the CW. With a third season slated to premiere in October, Riverdale has attracted millions of social media impressions per year. The second series from Netflix is the TV series, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina airing from October 26. Centered on the character of Sabrina Spellman, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina sees her seeking to reconcile her dual nature of half-witch, half-mortal.
Published in a dozen different languages and distributed the world over, Archie Comics has sold two billion copies in its 78 years and borne franchises including Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Josie and the Pussycats.
Tetris Appoints IMG for Asia
The Tetris Company has appointed IMG as its merchandise and licensing representative to launch a range of products in the Asian market through 2020.
In celebration of the Tetris brand’s 35th anniversary, which takes place in 2019, IMG will target key product categories including apparel, fashion accessories, bags and backpacks, footwear, consumer electronics, home décor, furniture, and more. The collection will launch in Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, and through select retailers in Japan.
Dog Whisperer Production Tags Two New Licensees
Dog Whisperer Productions announced two new licensing deals for products inspired by the television series the Dog Whisperer.
A new Dog Whisperer licensing deal with European Home Designs will cover a comprehensive line-up of products ranging from toys, dog beds, crate mats, blankets and throws, collars, leads, travel products, cooling mats, harnesses, grooming and cleaning, apparel to gift sets. Each Dog Whisperer product will incorporate specific training tips and unique messages for the dog owner to help reinforce the Dog Whisperer philosophy of improving the bond between the dog and the human.
Unitrex’s Dog Whisperer licensing deal will be an expansion of its aromatherapy business to homes with dogs and will include a variety of diffusers, humidifiers, sprays, and essential oils. Unitrex will debut its Dog Whisperer product line, including key new items such as CBD-blended essential oils, dog tags with “calming” oils, and air fresheners at next month’s Natural Products Expo–East.
All American Licensing, the Dog Whisperer Production’s exclusive licensing agency, brokered both deals.