aNb Media, Author at aNb Media, Inc.

WildBrain Appoints Nick Gawne as Chief Financial Officer and Realigns Executive Team

WildBrain Ltd (“WildBrain” or the “Company”) (TSX: WILD), a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, announces senior leadership changes and a streamlined business structure under a focused strategy designed to optimize its existing 360° IP management expertise and drive the growth of key WildBrain and partner franchises across its core capabilities of Content Creation, Audience Engagement and Global Licensing. As part of these changes, Nick Gawne has joined WildBrain as Chief Financial Officer, effective November 8, bringing over 20 years’ experience in finance, operations and business development in the media space with a focus on kids’ and family IP, including almost 15 years with eOne. A Chartered Professional Accountant, Gawne was most recently Executive Vice President and General Manager at eOne for three years following the acquisition of eOne by Hasbro. In that role he oversaw international teams in finance, HR and communications as well as three operating units across location-based entertainment, app publishing and animation.x

Events News

2024 WTHRA Hall of Fame Inductees & Retailer of the Year Announced at ToyFest

While ToyFest has evolved from a regional toy show for specialty retailers, based in Pomona, CA to a national show in Las Vegas, utilizing both permanent showrooms and temporary booths at the World Market Center Las Vegas, the basics have remained the same. The core value to the Western Toy & Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA), the toy industry community, camaraderie, and celebration are at its pinnacle during the ToyFest Gala where awards are given to respected industry leaders. The 2024 Gala will see the induction of four members of the WTHRA Hall of Fame including Jan and Ken Hatch, The Erin Griffin Group; Tad Kato, Wildthings; Sandy Lepire and Andrea Peterson, Sunshine Sales; and Bruce Reynolds, Toyology. The Retailer of the Year will be awarded to Dinosaur Farm located in Pasadena, CA. The ToyFest Gala will take place at the Resorts World Lily Ballroom, Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 7:00 PM.

Moonbug and Spin Master, Preschool Industry Leaders Forge Alliance Across Licensing, Content Production and Media Management

Moonbug Entertainment, a part of Candle Media, and Spin Master, a leading global children’s entertainment company, have announced an innovative, strategic global alliance based on a shared vision of creating exceptional kids’ content, products and experiences and making it accessible to audiences around the world. The agreement leverages the powerful capabilities of both companies and will maximize audience growth across a mix of product and content, encompassing licensing, content production and targeted media placement for some of Moonbug and Spin Master’s most iconic brands. This strategic alliance will focus on elevating the intellectual property (IP) of both companies, with Spin Master lending its global expertise in preschool product development and distribution as the global master toy licensee for two of Moonbug’s IPs, Blippi and Little Angel.

Video Game Sensation Cuphead Sees Supercharged Global Expansion with Studio MDHR and King Features Syndicate

King Features Syndicate, home to some of the world’s most popular entertainment characters, and Studio MDHR have announced a huge slate of new and expanded Cuphead partnerships across the globe as the award-winning gaming property continues to be a favorite among pop culture lovers of all ages.

New Puma and L.O.L. Surprise Collection Lights Up the Dance Floor

Get the party started with the fabulous new collection from global sports company PUMA and L.O.L. Surprise! This apparel and footwear collection is inspired by the playful attitude and beloved characters of the show and is available in toddler, kids and junior sizing. The collection features pieces including iconic PUMA footwear styles like the RS-X and Cali Star. The party is about to start with the PUMA x L.O.L. Surprise! RS-X Sneakers. Sugar? Spice? Why choose. Designed after the dynamic duo Sugar and Spice, these kicks sparkle from top to bottom and feature a custom footbed and lace lock modeled after the two characters. Packed with glitz and glamour, the PUMA x L.O.L. Surprise! Cali Sneakers are perfect for fans of Dawn, with added sparkle details on the heel and side bringing some sunshine to every step.

Heathside Trading Signs Global License Agreement for Foundation with Skydance

Pop culture products manufacturer Heathside Trading Ltd has signed an agreement with Skydance to launch a consumer products line based on the global, hit television series Foundation, which will include die-cast ships, prop replicas along with resin figures and busts. The agreement was facilitated by Skydance Animation’s global licensing representative IMG as well as KJG Ltd. The Foundation licensed line will launch in Autumn 2024 through selected retail partners, as well as direct-to-consumer through MasterReplicas.com.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Toys to Arrive at Macy’s Toys ‘R’ Us in November

Fred Rogers Productions, the children’s educational media organization behind the hit series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and 9 Story Brands, its worldwide licensing agent for the popular brand, together with toy partner JAKKS Pacific and retail marketing agency Licensing Street, have secured a new retail program for the much-loved preschool property in Macy’s Toys ‘R’ Us shops. The assortment includes eight Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood toy skus rolling out to 200+ Macy’s Toys ‘R’ Us shops across the U.S. this month.

The Wiggles Enter Into an Agreement with Future Today’s HappyKids to Add Classic Content to the Platform

The Wiggles, the longest running and most beloved children’s entertainment group and HappyKids, Future Today’s free ad-supported streaming service, have entered into an agreement to add more than 80 hours of classic Wiggles content to the HappyKids Channel. In addition, Future Today will be creating and distributing a Wiggles-branded App featuring both the classic content and two seasons of new content from their latest series “Ready, Steady, Wiggle” (Seasons 4 & 5, 26×11 each). The announcement was made jointly by Luke Field, General Manager of The Wiggles, and David DiLorenzo, SVP Kids & Family of Future Today.

Playview Brands Launches NERF BUNKR BattleZones for Holiday 2023

The holidays may not always be full of family cheer, but Playview Brands has one surefire way to turn any family feud into a super-charged showdown with NERF BUNKR BattleZones! With a complete line of inflatable high-impact graphic cubes, forts, obstacles, and storage sets that transform any area, indoor or outdoor, into an instant adrenaline-filled arena, NERF BUNKR BattleZones is more than a game — it’s a new holiday tradition! NERF BUNKR BattleZones aims to elevate NERF play through strategy and endless customization.