Mattel has announced a multi-year licensing deal with Amazon MGM Studios to create and sell co-branded dolls and collector sets inspired by MGM Television’s Wednesday. In 2024, Mattel will release co-branded Wednesday dolls and collector sets through its Monster High and Little People Collector properties, respectively, fusing the iconic characters with Mattel’s cherished toys.
Forming a new, more unified community of educators from across the organization, Sesame Workshop, the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street, has realigned its education functions into the new Research, Education, Data, & Impact (REDI) group. Sesame Workshop’s REDI will report to Dr. Alison Bryant, Chief Research, Education, Data, & Impact Officer. “We’re committed to having a more focused and aligned organization to have greater impact and better scale our knowledge and expertise,” said Steve Youngwood, Sesame Workshop CEO. “The creation of REDI reinforces the central role that education plays in everything we do. The team’s insights will help fuel strategic priorities, promote continued innovation, and maximize the organization’s global reach and impact educating and supporting children and families everywhere.”
Magformers, a global leader in magnetic construction toys, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sangkeun Lee as its new Chief Executive Officer. Lee, a seasoned business leader with an extensive background in international business and strategic management, will bring his vast experience to drive Magformers’ growth and innovation forward. With a decade of experience managing overseas operations in the USA, China and the EU, Lee brings a strong track record of identifying and improving new business opportunities in both domestic and international markets. His success in executing effective sales strategies, maintaining strong customer and employee relationships, and demonstrating proactive leadership skills will be instrumental in directing Magformers to continued success and achievements in the global market.
Licensing International, the leading trade association for the $340+ billion global brand licensing industry, and the Licensing International Foundation, which supports the education of future licensing leaders, has celebrated the induction of Pam Kaufman, Cindy Levitt, and Carole Postal to the Licensing International Hall of Fame. Held at Gotham Hall in New York City and hosted by CBS Saturday Morning co-host Dana Jacobson, the 2023 Hall of Fame Induction and Rising Star Awards event also honored the future of brand licensing, recognizing Rising Stars in the licensing business and celebrating the 2023 Licensing International Foundation scholarship recipients.
In celebration of Hasbro’s 100th anniversary, the leading toy and game company announced that Alan Hassenfeld and The Hassenfeld Family Foundation would donate $1 million to four purposeful charities aligned with Hasbro’s philanthropic strategy through its Centennial Fan Choice Campaign on HasbroPulse.com. From September 22 to November 30, Hasbro’s passionate fan base was given the opportunity to choose how the $1M was allotted through voting online for each purchase they made on HasbroPulse.com. Hasbro is excited to announce the results of the fan vote, revealing that Toys for Tots has won first place with a donation of $400K, while Hasbro Children’s Hospital takes 2nd place to receive $300K, One Tree Planted snags 3rd for $200K and Games for Change came in 4th place with $100K.
Novel Entertainment has signed a far-reaching deal with leading webshop Star Editions to bring bespoke, on-demand Horrid Henry merchandise to a global audience. For over a decade, Star Editions has been sourcing the very best imagery from around the globe and transforming it into art prints, greeting cards, giftware and stationery, working with leading brands including Mr. Men and Beano.
ABetter Design Company has announced that its Bank-A-Ball Indoor Mini Basketball Hoop is getting a big “assist” from the TikTok trickshot challenges among teens, tweens, and Gen -Zers. Bank-A-Ball, the all-new indoor mini basketball structure, is considered to be the World’s Most Advanced Trickshot Basketball Set because of its multi-adjustable backboard angles and rim.
WildBrain, a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, announces that production is now underway on a brand-new three-hour documentary series about the renowned Canadian television series, Degrassi. The as-yet-untitled documentary series is being produced in partnership with the award-winning Canadian production company Peacock Alley. Featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, the series will dive into Degrassi lore and the teenage experience with its creators, cast, crew and fans, as well as generations of filmmakers influenced by the franchise’s 40-year legacy. Commissioned by WildBrain Television, the documentary series is directed by Lisa Rideout (Sex with Sue; This is Pop) and is executive produced by Josh Scherba, Stephanie Betts and Angela Boudreault, for WildBrain, and by Carrie Mudd (Leonard Cohen: Tower of Song; Travelers) for Peacock Alley. The series is produced by Erin Sharp (Sex with Sue; Hip-Hop Evolution).
BIG Games, the creator of the hit game franchise, Pet Simulator, has launched Pet Simulator 99 as of December 2023. Aligning with the game launch, new toys from PhatMojo are now on shelves at major retailers. Pet Simulator 99 will unlock even more fan engagement with frequent content updates, including new pets and maps. The all-new series of products by PhatMojo will include collectibles, plush, playsets, and collector bundles. All toys include downloadable content codes (DLC) to enhance the in-game experience. Pets or other in-game items already received in Pet Simulator X from previously redeemed DLC codes can also be transferred to the new version of the game.