Spin Master, Mondo Media Team to Launch SpindoTV
Spin Master and Mondo Media, a leading distributor of animation on YouTube, are teaming up to launch SpindoTV, a new YouTube channel targeted for kids ages 6–11. SpindoTV, scheduled to launch in Q1 2015, will host high quality, kid-friendly animated and live-action content. This will include new short form series based on Spin Master’s own IP as well original shows and pilots sourced from Mondo’s curated network of animation channels on YouTube, MCN, and third party independent creators.
Through the partnership, Mondo Media will help Spin Master program, produce, and market the channel. With more than 2.5 billion views on YouTube, Mondo is a leading channel for millennials. It is best known for shows such as Dick Figures and Happy Tree Friends that appeal to older audiences. Mondo Media is currently seeking pitches on behalf of SpindoTV from producers. Interested parties can visit spindo.mondomedia.com for more information.
Mad Engine Announced New Divisions
Mad Engine, Inc., has launched two new divisions and two new offices to support its growth plan. The company now has a female division (juniors/girls) and an adult loungewear/sleepwear/underwear division.
This new juniors/girls division will predominately operate out of a new facility in Glendale, Calif. The facility will house a full-line sampling department from fabric to finished product. New proprietary development will support not only this division, but the entire company in all business areas. Shannon Brodigan joins Mad Engine as vice-president of design and merchandising for this division. She brings more than 20 years of experience, specializing in focused product assortments for companies such as Hybrid Apparel, Self Esteem, and Jones Apparel Group. Gina Cappi joins as vice-president of sales for this division, bringing more than 14 years of sales experience. She comes from Jerry Leigh Apparel. In addition, the juniors/girls division will employ several designers, artists, sewers, patternmakers, fabric cutters, technical designers, and other sales/administrative support.
The adult/loungewear/sleepwear/underwear division of Mad Engine will be housed in a new office in the San Francisco Bay Area, led by Joel Kleinfeld, previously the founder and president of MJC. He joins Mad Engine as the executive vice-president of this division. Also joining this division are George Dodge and Vasilia (Vas) Karageorgos. Both have been in the industry for more than 15 years. Mad Engine says the team is quickly developing with added sales staff, artists, designers, production experts, and more.
WIT Launches Empowerment Programs
Women in Toys (WIT) announced the launch of its new Empowerment Program, with three initiatives that provide members with opportunities for professional support, career development, and a roadmap to success. The three initiatives include WIT’s Winning Moves Empowerment Workshop in Dallas on October 6, a new One-on-One Mentoring Program, and Learn-the-Ropes Webinars.
The Winning Moves Empowerment Workshop gives entrepreneurs, inventors, and manufacturers the opportunity to pitch products to retail giant Walmart, and top toy/game companies: Hasbro, Spin Master, and Winning Moves Games. The event takes place on October 6 at Dallas Market Center at 1pm, the day before TIA’s Fall Toy Preview begins. It also includes panel discussions, one-on-one speed mentoring, and networking opportunities, including a Cocktail Party open to women and men, members and non-members.
Toy industry veteran and play expert Nancy Zwiers has been tapped to develop and chair the One-on-One Mentoring Program and Learn-the-Ropes Webinars, along with WIT board member and chair of empowerment initiatives, Deb de Sherbinin.
One-on-One Mentoring pairs industry expert mentors with up-and-coming WIT members as well as those looking to change their career path. Volunteer mentors include manufacturers, retailers, marketing/PR agencies, and licensors. Members interested in becoming a mentor or mentee can sign up at www.WomenInToys.com.
Learn-the-Ropes Webinars are hosted by industry experts and will provide information, insights, education, and support on a wide variety of topics all designed to help members with their career goals and professional development. Webinars will begin in December on Wednesdays from 12pm to 1pm. For more information, visit www.WomenInToys.com.
Trending on TTPM: Preschool Toys
TTPM is showcasing what’s trending in each specific product category. Today it’s Preschool Toys. This trending list is determined by consumers. It’s the number of page views for that item in the previous 30 days and is updated every 24 hours.