Jazwares Tapped as Feisty Pets Master Toy Partner
Surge Licensing, William Mark Corporation (WMC)’s licensing agency and entertainment manager, has contracted Jazwares to create a multi-year global master toy program for Feisty Pets. Feisty Pets interactive plush go from friendly to ferociously funny with just a squeeze.
The current lineup of Feisty Pets includes Glenda Glitterpoop, Sammy Suckerpunch, Sir-Growls-a-lot, and Vicky Vicious featuring expressions that range from raging fangs, evil sarcastic grins, or goofy smiles.
Feisty Pets initially launched in 2016 and became a social media phenomenon. Mark Forti, President and CEO of WMC and the creative force behind Feisty Pets, went on to develop Feisty Films, creating YouTube digital shorts that showcase the adventures of the Feisty Pets. Soon after the shorts released in May 2017, Feisty Films went viral.
Surge Licensing has intentional plans to take Feisty Pets to Hollywood and beyond. Feisty Pets will be the next biggest global entertainment franchise and it all starts now, spring 2018.
Alpha Named Master Toy Partner for Massive Monster Mayhem, Appoints Revell for Super Wings Toys
DHX Brands, the brand management and consumer products arm of DHX Media, has appointed Alpha Group as its global toy licensee, excluding Asia, for its sci-fi competition series Massive Monster Mayhem. Produced by DHX Media, Massive Monster Mayhem is co-created by Artur Spigel (founder of 7ate9 Entertainment) and Michael Chaves.
Alpha Group will develop Massive Monster Mayhem merchandise that includes “larger-than-life” inflatable roleplay toys and dress-up items as well as action figures, radio control toys, plush, and board games inspired by the series.
The news comes on the heels of Nickelodeon International’s pickup of Massive Monster Mayhem for more than 140 territories, following its successful launch on Nicktoons last fall in the U.S., as announced in January 2018.
Massive Monster Mayhem is an original show for ages 6–11 that combines live-action and CGI animation with real competition and comedy. Each episode features three real-life kid heroes competing in a gauntlet of Intergalactic Battle Alliance challenges to become Earth’s champion and face off against Master Mayhem’s league of monsters in the ultimate “Monster Mashdown.” The series combines real-time CGI and pre-visualization technology.
Alpha has also secured a deal with Revell for Super Wings toys in Europe, the UK, and the MENA region as well as South Africa, Russia, Israel, and Turkey. Under the terms of the agreement, brokered by m4e AG on behalf of Alpha Group, Revell is creating construction toys for an international launch. Planned products include constructional toys featuring the main characters of Super Wings, Jett and Donnie. Retail launch is planned for fall.
Rainbow Rangers Grows Roster of Licensees
Genius Brands bolster the global consumer products’ program for its new preschool brand, Rainbow Rangers, with new deals.
New partners include Global Brand Group’s American Marketing Enterprises (sleepwear), GBG Socks dba Planet Sox (socks and legwear), Dynacraft (ride-on toys), Kiddieland (foot-to-floor ride-on toys), Kittrich/inkology (floor décor, stationery, and school supplies) and Kid Galaxy (bubble toys).
They join Rainbow Rangers’ master global toy licensee Mattel and global master publisher Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group’s Imprint, as well as Bentex (master apparel), Handcraft MFG (packaged underwear), Jay Franco Mfg. (bedding and bath), Global Design Concepts (bags, backpacks), H.E.R. Accessories (hair and jewelry accessories), and T.A.S.T.E. Beauty (health and beauty products).
The company anticipates the retail program to begin rolling out in the U.S. in late spring 2019, continuing through back-to-school and holiday. Season one of the CGI-animated series is slated to premiere this fall on Nick Jr.
The World of Eric Carle Expands with New Puzzles, Arts & Crafts Product
The World of Eric Carle expands on its current program with arts & craft and puzzles from Leap Year Publishing and its newest division, The Jigsaw Puzzle Factory for the U.S. and Canada.
Leap Year will create an extensive line of arts and crafts and puzzles utilizing popular characters from Carle’s books, including The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The initial collection for the World of Eric Carle will include puzzles in wood, foam, and chip-board, launching at Toy Fair 2018. The arts and crafts line, including crayons, paint sets, bubbles, doodle pads and construction paper, will launch for fall.
Leap Year Publishing provides a wide range of children’s products to many major North American retailers. Located in the Boston area, Leap Year recently celebrated its 20th year in business with the launch of The Jigsaw Puzzle Factory division.
The deal was brokered by The Joester Loria Group on behalf of The World of Eric Carle.
Playmobil Creates 2018 FIFA World Cup Toy Line
Joining the 2018 FIFA World Cup Official Licensed Product program, Playmobil will release the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Take Along Soccer Field with special features and original contents. The set will include four player action figurines, a FIFA World Cup trophy, decorative stickers to personalize the field, four footballs, and two goals.
In addition, the 2018 FIFA World Cup line from Playmobil will also include National Team Player figurines for Argentina, Belgium, Brasil, Germany, England, France, Mexico, Portugal, and Spain. The line will be available March 16.
eOne Adds New Partners for Peppa Pig, PJ Masks
Entertainment One (eOne) announced new toy partners and licensees for Peppa Pig and PJ Masks.
For Peppa Pig, new licensees include Crayola (craft and activity, U.S. and Canada), Jakks Pacific (play tents for the U.S. and Canada, and children’s furniture for the U.S.), Kid Casters (fishing gear, U.S.), and VTech/LeapFrog (LeapStart and electronic learning aids, U.S. and Canada), in addition to fresh offerings from Cra-Z-Art, under its newly renewed agreement.
For PJ Masks, new partners include Gemmy International (seasonal/outdoor products, U.S.), Kurt S. Adler (Christmas ornaments, U.S. and Canada), Montco Crafts (activity kits, U.S.), PTI Group (seasonal gifts, U.S.), and VTech/LeapFrog (LeapStart and electronic learning aids, U.S. and Canada).
Continuing as master toy licensees are Jazwares for Peppa Pig and Just Play for PJ Masks.