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News

‘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.

Gordon Brothers Commits New Capital to Support KidKraft Liquidity & Exploration of Strategic Alternatives

Gordon Brothers, the global asset experts, has committed new capital to support KidKraft Inc’s liquidity and continued exploration of strategic alternatives. KidKraft will continue to service its supply chain partners as it evaluates strategic alternatives with Gordon Brothers’ financing support. “In supporting a market leader like KidKraft, we were able to provide a fast-moving solution that provided stability to the capital structure,” said Kyle C. Shonak, Senior Managing Director, Transaction Team & Head of North America Lending at Gordon Brothers. “Our patient and flexible capital as business cycles unfold puts us at the forefront of innovation and progress, and our partnership will maximize value for all stakeholders and support the future state of the company.”

High-End Toy Platform MOK Expands into North America Through Partnership with Hollywood Studio

Mokeng (MOK), the pinnacle platform for high-end toys and collectible statues, which leads the collectible market in China, has expanded into North America through a strategic partnership with Hollywood Entertainment studio Stars Collective and Hana Investment, and today launched the much anticipated MOK app on Google Play (MOK) and the App Store (MOK Collectibles). Specializing in creating and producing premium statues inspired by popular anime, comic book, and Hollywood IPs, MOK offers a unique and immersive shopping experience.

Licensing Expo Provides First Glance of Closing Program with Emphasized Focus on ‘Shaping the Future’ of Licensing

Licensing Expo (Mandalay Bay Convention Center, May 21-23, 2024), the world’s leading event dedicated to brand licensing, IP extension, partnerships and collaborations, unveils a first preview of the closing content taking place across this year’s campus and curated impactful agenda for the final day of the show. The final day of Licensing Expo opens with AI Futurist Zack Kass, former Head of Go-to-Market for OpenAI, the developers of the pioneering ChatGPT chatbot and previous advisor of brand giants like Coca-Cola and Morgan Stanley. Kass will keynote on the complexities of artificial intelligence, aiding senior leaders to provide foresight and direction to help organizations adapt and thrive alongside rapid advancements in AI (Thursday, May 23). Featured in outlets like Fortune, AdAge and Entrepreneur, amid a surge of proclaimed AI experts, Kass offers experience and pragmatic insights for major organizations looking to build a brighter future with artificial intelligence.

Events News

ToyFest 2024 Entices Toy Industry Professionals with a Fun and Full Conference

Earlier this year, The Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA) announced ToyFest’s plans, Hall of Fame recipients, and its participation at The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas, March 3 – 5, 2024. The Board of Directors and Slate of Officers have spent many months making plans and exciting changes for the 2024 show. 2023 was the most well attended ToyFest show in the past two decades. Buyers came from all over the United States and beyond. The response was phenomenal, making the 2024 ToyFest all that more sensational to plan.

Sesame Street Collectibles funko, chia pet, super 7

There’s Something For Everyone in the Newest Wave of Multigenerational Sesame Street Fan Collectibles

Whether a lifelong superfan, an adult nostalgic for the wonder of youth, or a kid at heart falling in love with Sesame Street for the first time, fans of all ages will enjoy the newest collaborations between Sesame Workshop, the global impact nonprofit behind the iconic show, and innovative pop culture creators specializing in collectibles, accessories, toys, and more. From Funko Pop! to fine art, these noteworthy Sesame Street products offer exciting new ways for fans to engage with the beloved brand.