Latest News

Canadian Toy Association 2023 Hall of Fame Jon Levy, Paule Rancourt, Kelly Woon, Anisah Ahmad, Deborah Mulock, Shannon Parsons
Events News
Canadian Toy Association Celebrates Industry Excellence with 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees

The Canadian Toy Association (CTA) is pleased to announce the 2023 inductees into the Canadian Toy Industry Hall of Fame. Jon Levy, Founder of Mastermind, Paule Rancourt, Managing Director of KID Toy and Kelly Woon, Vice President of North America Sales of Funrise, will be showcased and awarded for their contributions to the industry on November 16, 2023, at the Hall of Fame Gala Reception and Dinner at the Mississauga Convention Center.

Builder Brothers Dream Factory Nelvana
Entertainment News
Nelvana Inks Multiple International Distribution Deals for the Hit Preschool Series ‘Builder Brothers Dream Factory’

Nelvana, a world-leading international producer, distributor and licensor of children’s animated and live action content, has secured multiple global distribution deals for the 3D animated preschool series Builder Brothers Dream Factory (40x11min), including with ITV for the new streaming platform ITVX in the UK. Co-produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment and Scott Brothers Entertainment, the recent slate of sales for the series reaffirms Nelvana’s position as a world leader in distribution and entertainment.

Zoonicorn United Smile Jay@Play
Licensing News
Zoonicorn Licensees United Smile and Jay@Play Forge Strategic Alliance for US Market

Zoonicorn master toy licensee United Smile has forged a strategic alliance with fellow licensee Jay@Play, whereby Jay@Play will serve as its exclusive Zoonicorn distributor for the US market. United Smile will leverage Jay@Plays’s extensive retail relationships and market position as it rolls out a range of branded Zoonicorn products beginning in 2024, including playsets, mini- playsets, figurines, plush and animated plush.

Tara Duncan Licensing Tanya Visano
Licensing News You're Hired
Princess Sam Consumer Products Appoints Tanya Visano as Agent for Tara Duncan in Canada and Mexico

Princess Sam Consumer Products (PSCP) has announced that it has appointed a licensing agent for the children’s animated adventure-comedy-fantasy hit Tara Duncan in two key markets: Canada and Mexico. Visano Management, led by respected industry figure Tanya Visano, will handle licensing for this fast-growing property in these important North American markets. Tanya Visano brings a wealth of experience to this appointment. Her credits include building a consumer products team for Viacom (Paramount) Consumer Products in Canada and heading Paramount Consumer Products in Mexico, where she steered the business towards strong growth despite a turbulent political and economic environment.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 JAKKS
Licensing News
Jakks Pacific Announces New Global Agreement with Sega of America for Sonic the Hedgehog 3

JAKKS Pacific, Inc (NASDAQ: JAKK) a top manufacturer of toys and consumer products and its costume division, Disguise, announced a multi-year partnership with SEGA of America, Inc (“SEGA”) for Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Paramount Pictures’ feature film set to release on December 20, 2024. Through the collaboration, SEGA and JAKKS will design, develop, and manufacture a range of products including action figures, plush, playsets, costumes, and costume accessories, all set to hit the market late 2024.

5-minute crafts thesoul
News
Walmart Debuts DIY Kits from TheSoul Publishing’s 5-Minute Crafts

TheSoul Publishing, a global leader in digital content creation, announces a strategic partnership with E Mishan & Sons, Inc (Emson), a family-owned business renowned for investing in, importing, and distributing innovative products. This collaboration introduces a new line of DIY craft kits, based on TheSoul Publishing’s wildly popular 5-Minute Crafts brand, now available on Walmart.com and currently rolling out across 2400 Walmart stores in the United States and Canada. The partnership aims to inspire creativity and empower individuals and families to engage in hands-on activities, fostering a love for arts and crafts. 5-Minute Crafts is the most-watched DIY brand in the world, with over 850 million social media subscribers. The DIY kits cater to a wide range of audiences, with separate options designed for adults and families with children – showcasing various interactive projects, including slimy ‘ice cream’ making, hand plaster design, rock painting and glow in the dark activities.

Robert Oberschelp Peter van Roden Julian Moon Preston Kevin Lewis Warner Bros
News You're Hired
Warner Bros Discovery Sets New Leadership for Global Consumer Products and Franchises

Bruce Campbell, Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer of Warner Bros Discovery, has announced a new global structure for Global Brands, Franchises, and Experiences (GBFE), the division that comprises WBD’s worldwide consumer products, themed entertainment, franchise management and development, and DC Comics businesses. The changes were made following the decision of Pam Lifford, President of Global Brands, Franchises, and Experiences to step back from her role to focus on her family member’s healthcare needs.

Cloudco Care Bears Cloudco Snow Commerce
Licensing News
Cloudco Entertainment’s Care Bears Announces Exciting Partnership with Snow Commerce

Cloudco Entertainment, the proud owner of the beloved and iconic Care Bears property, known for spreading love and positivity, is thrilled to announce its partnership with Snow Commerce, a leading e-commerce provider, to launch their first-ever direct-to-consumer (DTC) online store. This exciting venture marks a significant milestone for Care Bears as they expand their digital presence and offer fans a unique shopping experience. The decision to launch a DTC site stems from Care Bears’ desire to provide their dedicated fans with a captivating and convenient shopping experience. The new online store will serve as a hub where fans can easily access their favorite Care Bears products, all in one place.