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LICENSING | BRANDING | MEDIA&DIGITAL | PUBLISHING TRADE MAGAZINE

WHAT’S NEW FOR NEXT SEASON BLE 2018 LATEST ENTERTAINMENT TRENDS LICENSING & PUBLISHING

Editorial

Dear reader Welcome to this new issue of LICENSING MAGAZINE. In October we decided to think ahead, looking at the news of the coming season and at what will the trends be in the near future. This issue presents a list of the hot properties for 2019, and offers many inputs for licensees and retailers about what to keep an eye on. It’s time for anniversaries. The one just around the corner is that for the 20 years of Brand Licensing Europe, the event where all the European industry gathers for networking and developing new business. The contribution of Licensing Magazine for this special year, as Media Partner and thinking of the newborn Italian Pavilion, has been a special report dedicated to the best of Made in Italy, ITALIAN GOLDEN BRANDS. It will be possible to get a copy at our booth at BLE, G114. From evergreen brands to absolute novelties, Licensing Magazine is also exclusive partner for the licensing section of the Cartoon Forum, the event during which European animation projects are presented for the first time. Counting about 1000 representatives, the Forum is an event no to be missed, for those who want to keep up with children and kids content. Never before the audiovisual industry faces the dilemma tradition/innovation as it does today, due to the completely different way the young audience uses the content.

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Speaking of events and news this semester is richer than ever, and LM will take you to Shanghai, at the Shangai China Children’s Book Fair (organised by BolognaFiere), for the first time opening up to licensing, and to Singapore for the Asian Television Forum.

@BM_BrandsNews

As usual, enjoy the reading!

@BMLicensingNews

PUBLISHER BM Srl EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Daniele Passanante GRAPHIC DESIGN Francesca Wolfler SPECIAL THANKS TO Cristina Angelucci, Nepal Campagna,, Chiara Pellegrini, Neal Hoskins, Simona Abriani, Ivan Colecchia, English Corner PUBLISHING, ADVERTISING AND ADMINISTRATION BM Srl Piazza Statuto, 3 - 10122 Torino, Italy Ph. +390118131579 info@bm-eu.com www.bm-eu.com PRINTING Pixartprinting SpA, a Cimpress Company Via 1° Maggio, 8 - 30020 Quarto d’Altino VE, Italy The editorial staff has taken every care to obtain from copyright holders the authorization to publish the pictures in this issue. In any cases where this has not been possible, the editorial staff would like to make it known that they are available to eligible parties to settle any amounts that are owed.

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SUBSCRIPTION The hard copy of the Licensing Magazine shall be posted to your office only by subscription. It is super easy to subscribe! Request the subscription form at info@bm-eu.com, or visit our websites in the dedicated section.

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number 25906

Contents

12 18 22 28 32 34 38 42

Cover story Rainbow

News Mondo Tv Mattel

80 81

Publishing

Atlantyca

82 83 84 86

Gruppo Alcuni National Geographic Funwood Media Hasbro

88 92 100 106

52 48 52 54 58 60 64

Events Xilam at BLE 2018

Shangai International Children’s Book Fair Lingozing!

Focus on Stamion Accessories

Clean Paper Converting EQSG Publievent

Events Cartoon Forum MIPCOM 2018 New York Toy Fair Asia Television Forum

News Maurizio Distefano Licensing Sanrio

Viacom

100

CPLG Planeta Junior

109

4K Media

Events

110

BLE 2018 Special Report

Trends Kidz Global

Save the date What’s next

Cover story RAINBOW

RAINBOW. A YEAR OF IMPORTANT TARGETS An Italian company with an eye always turned abroad. In particular, the recent acquisitions have guaranteed Rainbow a place among the main global content factories, ranging from pre-school content to products for an adult target. Born as an animation company, Rainbow is today a global content company able to produce contents suited for the world of children and families to adults, with high quality international productions. The opening to foreign countries dates back to 2010, when the collaboration with Viacom began: the group acquired minority shares in the Rainbow group, creating a global synergy, especially in the American market. The acquisition of Bardel Entertainment, instead, was in 2015. The Canadian company with an important know-how on

family productions allowed to internally integrate the entire production chain and generate an artistic firepower. The latest animated series is the result of this process: 44 Cats, the first production that gathered the three Rainbow studios (the Loreto headquarters, the CGI studio in Rome and the Vancouver studios) working together for a high quality product. Thanks to this acquisition, the Rainbow Group counts today over 750 artists and creative talents, with the possibility of creating an ever-increasing number of contents. The combination of the North American style with the European one,

Iginio Straffi, fondatore e presidente contaminated by the manga world, allows to obtain productions with an increasingly international artistic sensitivity. With the acquisition of the Iven Group, Rainbow continues to grow and opens up to new forms of entertainment, from television formats to live action, addressing a wider audience that includes families, young people and adults.

Cover story episode the four cats will go through a series of entertaining adventures around the city and in evocative places, facing challenges and helping the many friends who will ask their support to solve problems. The TV series 44 Cats was presented with great success at the last Giffoni Film Festival, with a special event dedicated

44 Cats 44 Cats is the first preschool production by Rainbow, created in collaboration with Antoniano Bologna and Rai Ragazzi. It combines music and edutainment with the highest quality animation. Born from the genius and creative talent of Iginio Straffi, 44 Cats deals with important issues such as diversity, tolerance and solidarity, always transmitting positive values in an amusing way. Made in CGI, it consists of 52 episodes. The series will be distributed in 2019 on the international

market and is scheduled to broadcast on Rai Yoyo from November 2019. The title is inspired by the famous song 44 Gatti (original title), which in 1968, won the 10th edition of the Zecchino d’Oro and, since then, is one of the most representative songs of the children music festival, in the collective imagination of every Italian. Music plays a central role in the series and there are over 20 songs interpreted by the “Piccolo Coro Mariele Ventre” of the Antoniano. The protagonists are four very nice cats (Lampo, Milady, Pilou and Meatball), who play in a band called “Buffycats”. In each

to the Elements +3 jury members. The 500 children of this jury have had the opportunity to see an episode of the long-awaited television series, and to see the cardboard characters parading on the Blue Carpet. Lampo, Milady, Pilou and Meatball have already conquered their young audience thanks to the fun and positive way to face the challenges, and the generosity in helping the friends who need their support. The Citadel of Cinema of Giffoni was literally invaded by children but also adults, and “cat-like” make-up and cat ears have made them fully enter the world of the beloved cats. All on the notes of the songs from the series, well known thanks to the Zecchino d’Oro. On the international front, the television series had a fantastic response. In fact, television sales agreements have already been signed with Nickelodeon (multi-territorial), Discovery Kids (Latin America), Rai Yoyo (Italy) and Super RTL (Germany). Soon the group will announce other broadcasting agreements covering territories such as France, Russia, UK and many other countries. The franchise is also affirmed under the licensing point of view and recently

Cover story RAINBOW

toys, each object is closely linked to the television series.

WinxClub With the 8th season coming in 2019, that will bring them back on the small screen in a new guise, the Winx (the famous fairies created by Iginio Straffi in 2004) will turn 15 in January, and Rainbow is ready with a year full of surprises and events to celebrate this franchise. The goal is to involve fans of today and yesterday, being now a classic brand that is passed on generation after generation. The celebrations will start during the 52nd edition of the Lucca Comics & Games, the International Festival of comics, animation, illustration and game, which will take place in Lucca from October

Rainbow announced a master toys agreement with Toy Plus Ltd, based in Hong Kong and part of the Thai Group. Thanks to this new agreement, Toy Plus will allow children all over the world to replicate the adventures with cats even outside the television screen. Also part of the agreement is SIMBA DICKIE GROUP, leader in the toy world, which will deal with the distribution of toys in Europe and the Middle East. Toy Plus, from its side, will develop a wide range of toys based on IP characteristics: music, creative games and collectibles. From interactive soft toys to figurines, from playsets to musical

Cover story TV series for a young adult audience. In fact, for the first time, the six heroines of the modern fantasy saga will “transform” for the young adult public into real life fairies committed to perfecting their powers within a school of magic. Winx Club, after its Italian launch in 2004, was one of the first Italian animated series for children sold in the United States and among the most popular in the world. In 2016 Netflix released two original seasons of World of Winx, spin-off of Winx Club, immediately meeting great success with its audience all over the world.

31st to November 4th. Two great Italian companies in the entertainment world join their power in this edition dedicated to the “Made in Italy”, for the Kids and Family target. For the occasion, the magical world of animation of Rainbow will be at the hands of the fans and will make the visitors of the Family Palace and of Lucca Comics & Games dream. Lots of activities and events will transport and involve fans of all ages in a new dimension, to surprise, play, learn and have fun. Visitors will have the opportunity to enter the magical world of Winx and explore the exhibition set up at the Family

Palace to follow the history of the Winx Club, one of the most loved animated series for children in the world, from its beginnings until today. And sticking to the dream world, which however can become reality, a special event has been designed and dedicated to all aspiring animators: a contest to reinterpret, according to one’s own style, the Winx world, with the possibility for the winner to win a scholarship to attend a course at the Rainbow Academy in Rome, School of 3D Animation, Visual Effects and Games. The news for the Winx do not end in Lucca, though. In fact, at the beginning of the year Netflix announced an adaptation of the magic of Winx Club in a live action

From the small screen to live, Zen Tiger Live is partner with Rainbow in the organization of Winx Club Live - Magika, the first world show of Winx Club. With this show, ready to travel around the world, children, families and fans of all the ages will have the unique opportunity to live an extraordinary experience, participating in an exciting and unforgettable adventure with their favourite fairies. A story of friendship, bravery and magic that will see the Winx discovering Magika, a new fantastic dimension that will enchant the audience with cutting-edge effects and technologies such as holograms and spectacular light shows. The beauty and the atmosphere of Magika will be recreated on stage with innovative scenography, acrobatic dance numbers, magic tricks and illusionism, splendid and

Cover story RAINBOW

sparkling costumes, all accompanied by an engaging soundtrack with the latest successes of Winx Club! The producers of Zen Tiger Live, in collaboration with Rainbow, boast a creative team which includes, among others, Anthony Heinl - world-renowned choreographer of the Evolution Dance Theater and former member of the Momix project - and Nadessja Casavecchia,

choreographer and dancer of the Evolution Dance Theater. Winx Club Live - Magika is an exciting show that will tour the world to spread the magic of Winx.

Santoro In 2017, Rainbow has closed an agreement with Santoro - licensor of the famous

Gorjuss - to represent them in Italy, France and Turkey. The task of the Italian company is to increase awareness and distribution of the products of the wellknown English brand. The Gorjuss brand is already well known in France and in Italy with a rich and strong Back to School, as well as a lasting success in Direct to Retail clothing. Further agreements are under discussion for Toy, Food and Household Products.

The two giants that speak to two distinct worlds, Juventus and Rainbow, come together for the Russian market. This new agreement brings together two of the most important names of the Made in Italy of today. Rainbow represents the Juventus brand in Russia and CIS as exclusive agent for the development of consumer products.

FOR LICENSING OPPORTUNITIES Email: info@victorialicensing.it Tel. + 39 0331 974186

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News MONDO TV

Heidi receives a big ‘bienvenida’ from Italy It didn’t take long for the live action comedy drama Heidi Bienvenida to conquer Latin America. It is now moving into Europe. However it is the show’s success in Italy, where it has been airing since April on Rai Gulp, that is truly amazing.

and, with the second season, 2019.

Only a few months ago the Mondo TV Iberoamerica and Alianzas Producciones co-production Heidi Bienvenida was a hit show from Latin America taking its first steps in the European market. Today, as well as growth in Latin America, sales to Russia and Israel and a number of regional and global licensing deals, a second series of Heidi Bienvenida, a very modern take on the classic tale of the girl from the mountains who comes to the big city, is on the way. There’s also a Heidi Bienvenida film, the first feature film in the history of Mondo TV.

Moreover, this success was clear from a very early stage, which is why Rai Gulp has echoed the commitment of its audience to Heidi, guaranteeing continued programming for the entirety of 2018

It is in Italy that Heidi Bienvenida has had the most powerful impact so far. Data gathered by Rai Gulp, on which the show launched in April, confirm its audience appeal. It’s an appeal that even extends to the music clips taken from the episodes. Scheduled from 1.00 pm onwards several times a day, these clips, like the show, have excellent ratings. 18

That second season builds on the popular characters of the first adding a new and very unconventional family, new friendships and new themes, including Heidi’s talent for creating perfumes, her efforts to help her friend Coco overcome her fear of singing, a new hairdresser,

News magazine at the occasion of Lucca Comics & Games. During the prestigious Festival, Panini will host at its booth the protagonist of the show to meet and greet with her fans. This magazine edition will offer everything you’d expect from a Panini sticker album – but with a few extras. Inside the album will be pockets for collectible cards.

some very special dolls, and an amazing motorbike shop. There will also course be new and even more extraordinary hats from Heidi, as well as a lot more of the music that, alongside the storylines and characters, underpins the appeal of the show. With the movie to follow, there’s a lot happening, and Mondo TV’s plans for much more content are an enormous encouragement to licensees, whose own activity is increasing. One obvious licensing category, and an early target for this exceptionally colourful show, is publishing. Indeed Mondadori in Italy has shown the way with two titles in June – a creative book reflecting some of the art and craft themes in the show, and a fan guide to all the characters in the TV series in September. A new chapter book will follow soon and in November a sing along book containing a CD will be released. The back-to-school season will be particularly important for these launches, so Mondo and Mondadori are also arranging some copy signing activities at points of sale.

contents and news from the TV series, has just been launched by Edizioni Playpress. Issue two is scheduled for October to coincide with Lucca Comics & Games, an annual comic book and gaming convention in Lucca, Tuscany. It is traditionally held at the end of October and is expected to attract over 300,000 attendees. Mondo and its partners will be aiming to develop promotional activities to build on events like this one and their appeal to Heidi’s core pre-teen and teen audience. Meanwhile, in October Panini will launch a sticker album with the exclusive show

Magazines are another important part of publishing-related licensing activity. The first issue of Heidi’s Enigmistica, a new bi-monthly collection of puzzles and activities featuring the characters, 19

The sticker album will also contain a QR code through which it will be possible to download the show’s theme song performed by the popular singer Deborah Iurato. Which brings us to music. The launch of a Sony CD of 25 songs from the show is scheduled for September. Expect a number of initiatives to support this release, including contests targeting buyers of the CD, events in shopping centres and themed festivals. Sony also has exclusive management of the newly launched Heidi Vevo - YouTube music channel, where fans can learn the lyrics of all the songs on the CD.

News MONDO TV Music again features strongly for Echo events, Mondo TV’s partner for events in shopping centres, including a number of on-stage shows at which fans can learn songs from Heidi Bienvenida with Deborah Iurato. Related activities bringing in other licensing partners are planned. The food and confectionery category already boasts Wal-cor as lead licensee. Around Christmas Wal-cor will launch two versions of the traditional Befana stocking. Easter eggs are also planned for April 2019. Mondo TV also has high hopes for the personal care category among other category deals to be announced soon. The evident commitment driving this

of the festival juries, who hailed from 52 countries.

Italian licensing campaign is no accident. It was there from the start, in the shape of a strong, carefully devised marketing campaign to support the TV launch. Above-the-line TV advertising from Rai Gulp, digital, press and a huge social media campaign were all marshalled to signal the arrival of this new brand. While Heidi is based on a classic story, the campaign emphasised that this was a modern property following its own road. It’s certainly made an impact on Italian audiences. The cast, already famous in Latin America, is now getting used to high levels of recognition in Italy. At the 48th Giffoni Film Festival, the only cinema and audiovisual festival in the world made by and for children, a meet-and-greet event hosted a number of cast members. Chiara Francia (Heidi), Victorio D’Alessandro (Toro), Chiara’s brother Tiziano (Gnomo in the TV series), and her mother Marcela Citterio, author of Heidi Bienvenida, all attended a day-long event that brought to Giffoni Valle Piana the 5,601 members

In addition to the screening of a preview episode, the meeting with the press and various interviews, the stars of Heidi Bienvenida danced and sang on the Blue Carpet in front of a very young and enthusiastic audience. Fans were also able to catch up with Chiara Francia at the Mondadori display stand and get copies of the books autographed. That’s not all. At Mirabilandia – the biggest theme park in Italy – Chiara, Tiziano and Victorio opened for over 3,000 attendees

at the Stuntman show in the Stunt Arena, in addition to appearing at two daytime events at the park theatre. There’s much more to come – and not just in Italy. Both Mondo TV and the very busy cast members are looking forward to new broadcast and licensing launches in new territories – and even seeing the brand go global. After all, the massive success of the show in Italy indicates that there is a very strong market for Heidi Bienvenida outside Latin America, so why should Italy have all the fun?

News VICTORIA LICENSING & MARKETING

UPDATES FOR THE NEW SEASON Victoria Licensing & Marketing, Mattel’s consultant for Consumer Products in Italy, is once again attending Brand Licensing Europe, AT THE MATTEL’S BOOTH. The Victoria team will showcase the rich portfolio of Mattel brands, all in strong development. The leading brands for the 2018 season will be Barbie, Hot Wheels and Fireman Sam, being launched for Christmas. All the news and projects related to the Mattel portfolio brands will be presented, with a particular focus on Barbie, a leading brand in the world of toys that boasts many licensing variations in the world of clothes, accessories, food, role play, art&craft, publishing and back to school. There will also be news about Hot Wheels, the brand dedicated to all those children who love speed, breathtaking challenges and competitions on four wheels, but also The Fireman Sam, the undisputed hero of all preschoolers, all of them enjoying a key presence at the show.

The Victoria Licensing & Marketing team, Mattel’s licensing consultant, led by Eleonora Schiavoni - Managing Director - has once again worked hard this year to create a universe of licensed products that respect brand identity and guarantee high quality. In 2019, Barbie is preparing to celebrate her 60th anniversary and there will be many PR events with a strong impact at key times of the year: women of inspiration for girls, engaged in different fields of activity and that will be celebrated by Barbie. The celebrations will be complemented by important licensing projects; in fact the licensing team is already active through the offer of initiatives that reflect the latest trends and news for girls. For over 50 years Barbie has inspired and continues to be loved by girls. Barbie’s

Barbie Kids Apparel Collection by Original Marines 22

style and her indisputable taste in the choice of clothing and accessories has influenced entire generations of future women: a style that has been able to keep up with the times while maintaining the spirit and personality of the most famous doll in the world. Thanks to the uniqueness of this fashion icon and the collaboration of an important licensee, ORIGINAL MARINES, projects that are decidedly relevant in the children’s fashion area have been conceived and produced. An example is the recent launch of the INFANT capsule collection dedicated to the most famous fashion doll in the world! A collection designed for the very young fashionistas, from 0 to 18 months, which presents quintessential elements dedicated to the smallest ones, from soft cotton bodies to charming but practical dresses. The various models in the collection are enriched with prints and details that give each garment an immediate perception of the unmistakable chic style of Barbie.

News style of the real racer! This collaboration with ORIGINAL MARINES also extends to entertainment for children! In fact, at selected stores in Italy Original Marines, September 8th to October 6th, , in the areas dedicated to Barbie and Hot Wheels, young girls could have fun with augmented reality! Children have been able to unleash their creativity through the app available at the point of sale. The activity is very simple and fun: just take a picture and choose your favorite brand, Barbie or Hot Wheels. You can customize your photo thanks to the use of augmented reality. With Barbie you can add accessories and pose with the image of Barbie, while the boys can have fun with the vehicles and the track Hot Wheels. Parents can then share the modified photo in the shop on their social networks. At the end of the activity, the hostesses deliver a fun gadget to the participants.

VICTORIA LICENSING & MARKETING

Thanks to the partnership with GRANDI GIOCHI, the world of Barbie is strengthened with a series of role play toys that will surely be in the top ten of the most popular products for next Christmas. The products supported by TV commercials will be the BARBIE KITCHEN, complete with all the accessories to prepare tasty dishes using imagination, the sophisticated COFFEE SHOP, which will be very appreciated by little girls and mothers, the CASH REGISTER has always been a hit toy for girls and, last but not least, the KNIT MAGIC, a timeless product that never disappoints! For boys, Hot Wheels is the key brand, that has enjoyed a great success of the last 50 years (the brand has just celebrated its 50th anniversary), which

Barbie Apparel Collection by Original Marines And in fall 2018 more news for the older ones. In the Original Marines stores we will find two key collections dedicated respectively to Barbie and Hot Wheels: Barbie featuring essential styles with a contemporary touch, indisputably cool with color palettes in shades of pink, midnight blue, gray and white for sporty and elegant outfits at the same time t-shirts, dresses, skirts, sweatshirts and suits; Hot Wheels introducing a collection featuring sporty and confortable garments, such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, trousers and suits, in red, black and gray, with rock graphics embodying the typical

Barbie Cash Register and Knit Magic distributed by Grandi Giochi 24

News VICTORIA LICENSING & MARKETING stands out for giving children adrenalinefilled experiences thanks to the detailed vehicles and breathtaking tracks, but at the same time offers positive values such as creativity, sporting spirit, determination and passion. The recent campaign for Hot Wheels “Accept the Challenge” is aimed directly at parents and tells how its products help children to express their maximum potential by stimulating their problem solving skills. In addition to the Hot Wheels fashion collections, thanks to the existing collaborations with major licensees, the offers are rich and fun. Among the top toys a mention goes to the electric tracks of Grandi Giochi, super fun for challenges “the last overtaking” and the newest range of Mondo Motors radio control, high performance vehicles to be always at the

Hot Wheels radio-controlled vehicles distributed by Mondo Motors center of every adventure on four wheels, colorful, detailed and fast as ever! The latest new product to be launched with ODS for this Christmas is the brand new play mat, including an original Hot Wheels vehicle, for breathtaking challenges! For the preschool target audience, Fireman Sam is the master. Sam, the hero next door is one of the most loved characters among children and parents thanks to his educational side, brings many licensed products, from Back to school to a toiletries line. As always, the collaboration with Giochi Preziosi continues with regards to the toy line. For next Christmas there will be two brand new playsets full of fun: the Jupiter 2 in 1, Sam’s legendary fire truck that opens and becomes a playset with many accessories, and a briefcase Ponty Pandy, which opens and turns into playset on two levels with 2 different worlds.

Hot Wheels Kids Apparel Collection by Original Marines 26

News ATLANTYCA ENTERTAINMENT

Next season’s main novelties Atlantyca Entertainment exhibits at BLE with a reinforced portfolio in the preschool market and important news regarding the group’s brands.

The History of Atlantyca is the history of the Geronimo Stilton’s Franchise. Atlantyca is the company, 100% Italian, founded with the aim of starting from a consolidated editorial success and extend it in all media consistent with the target market. Just over 10 years later, Atlantyca has fully achieved this goal: more and more companies, such as Lindt and Headu, have chosen Geronimo Stilton because of its unique ability to combine fun and valuable content approved by parents. This trend is continuing onwards and upwards. In fact, in 2019 one of the leading national brands will launch a loyalty program that will be the perfect position in the promotional DNA of Geronimo Stilton.

School of Roars - School of Small Monsters It is a TV series that is on air since March 2018 on Dea Kids where it has achieved excellent ratings, above the channel average. In October 2018 it will also start on Rai Yoyo. Target pre school pure 3-6 years M+F. Produced in England, it is based on a

The achievement and consolidation of the Geronimo Stilton franchise has opened up new challenges for Atlantyca: developing the franchise of other in-house properties, and strengthening the portfolio with new pre-school properties. Let’s see the main titles proposed by Atlantyca for this target group. 28

typically Anglo-Saxon design, essential and characterized by bright and imaginative colors. In Italy, in the recent past, other TV series that have been able to combine these same elements (target, design and programming) have produced amazing licensing successes. For this reason, the licensee who chooses the School of Roars-School of Small Monsters, can offer the market a product that can obtain the fundamental approval of buyers, and then the immediate success to sell out.

News ATLANTYCA ENTERTAINMENT

Just In Time A successful TV series produced by the Canadian studio GURU, now in its third season, on air in Italy permanently on Cartoonito since 2014; Just in Time (original title) is now a classic known by families and children. Giust’In Tempo (Italian title) offers unparalleled storytelling: traveling all over the world and in all historical eras to make sticker albums, publishing, collectibles, partwork, toys and live shows with a classic TV broadcast from 2014. Giust’in Tempo, supported by good TV programming, allows you to develop a successful licensing program based on the unique concept that allows you to tell the story through the eyes of Justin and his friends.

Tea Sisters Phenomenon Aimed at a female target audience between 5 and 12 years old, the Tea Sisters, five Topford college students united by the motto “more than friends, sisters”, are the protagonists of a series of books that is part of the universe Geronimo Stilton. To date there are almost 100 books published, more than 3 million copies sold in Italy alone. The Tea Sisters are 5 students who embody the most common passions among girls: fashion, cooking, puppies, travel art and craft. The licensee who develops products for this brand can attract a wide and stable target of girls, and can offer them products that adhere

IDENTITY CARD School of Roars - School of Small Monsters Target: Preschool Format: 52 episodes of 7 minutes each - second season in production Synopsis: 5 Little Monsters go to first grade, and every day is a discovery. The School of Small Monsters is a world of show! Our little protagonists leave for the first time from the family world, and enter the school, where there are every day news, surprises and new discoveries.

Just In Time Target: 4-7 Format: 74 episodes of 11 Minutes each - new season started in May 2017 Synopsis: Giustino loves to travel with his imagination in the history and in the most fascinating places of the world together with his friend Olivia and Ciuffetto, the plush that can take any form. Each episode begins in Giustino’s house, where the protagonist who is facing one of the typical themes of his age and, activating his imagination, travels through time and space, learning, each time, something new. It is always Giustino’s parents who bring him back to the real world, but not before they have solved the question of the moment. From the Wild West to the Indian jungle, from space to Antarctica, with Giustino and his nice adventures you never get bored!

News

Why Atlantyca makes the difference?

to these great timeless themes. In Summer 2018 the first Live event of the Tea Sisters debuted, thanks to the collaboration between Atlantyca and Leftloop. The Format includes a special themed village with many creative activities, pastry shops, reading corner with the books of the Tea Sisters and a corner for makeup and hairstyle, to get to the highlight: the performance on stage of the 5 friends in a

live character version, at the end of which the young fans can finally shake hands with their idols, having their favorite books signed and taking a picture in their company. With Tea Sisters, companies can use a brand that targets loyal and affectionate girls who love reading who enter the world from the early years of primary school, and stay on board until middle school.

There are a number of factors that lead Atlantyca to have a unique position in the licensing landscape in Italy and beyond. First of all, Atlantyca is a licensing agent, and especially of the TV rights of the series represented: therefore it has direct contact with the channel that broadcasts the TV series, and this allows a continuous exchange of information on programming, ratings and future plans. On the television programming front, thanks to the good relations with the Italian broadcasters, Atlantyca always obtains an excellent, longlasting and continuous programming on the best channels. Atlantyca is unrivalled in terms of flexibility of negotiation and speed in terms of contract broadcasting and especially product development. A feature that can make a real difference in reaching the market in a short time, from the moment the licensee has selected a property. Atlantyca operates with the usual enthusiasm given by the successes of its properties, the stability of their awareness, the confidence in the new additions and the awareness of being a 100% Italian reality, flexible and fast, able to give children around the world moments of great fun with the approval of parents.

News GRUPPO ALCUNI

AN EXPANDING CONTENT FACTORY Gruppo Alcuni, increasingly international, is ready to launch many new products on the market, in London during the Brand Licensing Europe and, subsequently, in Cannes, at MipCom. To find out more, LM interviewed Francesco Manfio, Founder and CEO of the Group. four moments set in different seasons. In view of brand loyalty, new episodes for TV were a must have. By the end of this year, 52 new adventures, co-produced with Rai Ragazzi, will be ready, bringing the total number of episodes on the air to 156.

Francesco and Sergio Manfio Which new productions will you be presenting at Mipcom and Brand Licensing Europe? In this period all our teams are working on the consolidation of the brands “Mini Pet Pals” and “Leo da Vinci”. The work is really demanding because they are two proposals that are aimed at completely different targets: the first is dedicated to a pre-school audience and the second to older children with the aim of attracting even pre-teens.

Let’s go to Leo da Vinci... The path we are taking with Leo instead starts with the feature film, which was distributed worldwide in the early months of this year, and continues with a brand new television series that we present at that time. Usually television series never manage to maintain the quality of writing and production of the film... It’s true, you’re often disappointed with the big difference between a film, which we may have loved a lot, and the series. We are doing everything we can to ensure that the series maintains the very high standards of the film. To do this we have

Let’s start with Mini Pet Pals, how do you intend to operate? We have just finished the lengthening of the film “Mini Pet Pals - Le 4 stagioni” (Mini Pet Pals - The 4 Seasons) with which we want to bring to the cinema smaller children who, normally, or do not go there at all or when they go there see films not really suited to their age. the team of authors, coordinated by Sergio, who also directed, has studied a new and original formula by creating a unified story (a year of adventures in the park) divided into 32

maintained the same team that conceived and made the feature film, supporting it with a new group of artists who will work on the creation of 52 episodes for TV. Who are the partners of this new project? The series, as usual, is co-produced with Rai Ragazzi, along with German television HR, the Indian company Cosmos Maya and the French company All Rights Entertainment. How do you find yourself working with such a cosmopolitan team? It’s really very demanding, but also

News Olympic ski champion Federica Brignone. The project aims to raise public awareness of marine pollution. We are also working on the fourth series of Mini Pet Pals and the production of a new feature film by Leo da Vinci. In the fiction sector is preparing the 30th edition of our program Ciak Junior that will be made in 10 countries around the world and that will end in Jesolo in the presence of thousands of young people. Finally, a fiction set in an apparently “normal” school is being prepared. New spaces are also being set up in our extremely rewarding. In particular, I would like to underline the contribution of both Cecilia Quattrini of Rai Ragazzi and Jens Opatz of HR. Both are following the production with an extraordinary professionalism and “affection”. It is also clear that without the constant support of Luca Milano and Patricia Vasapollo our work would be much more difficult. When will the series be ready? We will deliver 13 episodes before next summer, the second 13 in November in order to be able to broadcast them in 2019 in conjunction with the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci; the other 26 in July 2020. What plans do you have for the future? I want to present our brand Dolphin “BLUE” created for the activity of communication and promotion of

the social project of environmental sustainability “Liquid trajectories” of the

Picture of Federica Brignone by Giuseppe La Spada - Blue Dauphiness produced by Gruppo Alcuni 33

theme park with the characters of our productions as testimonials (editor’s note: the “Parco degli Alberi Parlanti” in Treviso/ Italy). In which product sectors are you currently operating and with which licensees? For Mini Pet Pals we have favored toys (plush toys with Big Games, soap bubbles with Sbabam, 3D collectables distributed by Gedis, etc.), confectionery (Easter eggs and Epiphany socks with Dolfin), publishing with Dea Planeta Libri, etc.. For Leo da Vinci we have instead focused on clothing with a line dedicated to boys with OVS; on confectionery with Easter eggs with Dolfin; on publishing with both Mondadori and Gribaudo who has created a very playful series. However, new agreements are being defined for both brands, including an interesting project for Mini Puppies that we are building with Warm up and will soon be out.

News NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

A RICH WORLD OF EXPERIENCE AND CONTENT National Geographic is one of the most famous brands in the world. LAUNCHED 130 years ago, in its various media versions it now reaches over 700 million people in over 170 countries around the world. The National Geographic universe includes television channels, other media

and National Geographic’s consumeroriented assets, including the monthly

magazines National Geographic, National Geographic Studios, digital and social media platforms, books, maps, children’s magazines and activities such as travel, events, catalogs, licensing and e-commerce. A rich and versatile ecosystem that offers multiple business opportunities seen through the numerous agreements signed last year and ranging from publishing, to travel experience, to consumer products and marketing events. Let’s have a look in detail at the recent developments of this versatile and rich brand.

PUBLISHING On 18 May 2018 National Geographic Traveler Italia was launched, the quarterly magazine created by the agreement between National Geographic and GEDI Publishing Group. National Geographic Traveler tells the story of the journeys that readers can undertake, sometimes with a hint of adventure in addition, but always with the desire to discover and deal with new realities. Places, experiences, cultures, with an eye to the atmospheres and realities of the local inhabitants, accompanied by the great photography, which has always distinguished the typical style of National Geographic. 34

News NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC The magazine was immediately a great success, ranking first among the travel magazines. In August, National Geographic made its debut in childrenâ€™s fiction with EXPLORER ACADEMY, the new publishing project published in Italy by the publishing house WHITE STAR. Explorer Academy is an interactive and cross-media saga, composed of 7 titles and aimed at children between 8 and 12 years. Inside the text, the young reader will have to trace the secret symbols, codes and puzzles scattered in the book. The first title was released in bookstores on August 28 and the second is expected in February 2019. Great news also from the world of sticker albums. Thanks to the license agreement with TOPPS, the new collections of figurines on the theme of animals and space will be launched at newsstands starting in spring 2019.

TRAVEL EXPERIENCE In April, National Geographic launched National Geographic Expeditions on the Italian travel market, choosing Kel 12 Tour Operator as its first partner. From this collaboration between the two historic brands, new travel experiences have been created in line with the spirit and tradition of National Geographic and the history of Kel 12 Tour Operator. These are journeys of knowledge, real cultural paths and quality, characterized by authenticity and sustainability. Immersive itineraries intended as an encounter and discovery of lands, cultures, peoples. The flagship offer of National Geographic Expeditions trips for the Italian market by Kel 12 Tour Operator, are the Land Expeditions, tours accompanied by experts in local traditions, geologists, biologists and archaeologists. Dedicated instead to those who prefer an individual trip, the Private Expeditions, while the Family Expeditions are aimed at those who have children and do not want to give up a quality holiday. There is no shortage of European and Italian offers, for those who can only escape for a few days or prefer not to move too much, the Active 36

News Expeditions, travel expedition for sports enthusiasts, and Photography Expeditions for camera and imaging fans.

CONSUMER PRODUCTS National Geographic has signed a threeyear licensing agreement with Seri Jakala, the leading player in Italy and one of the top 5 in Europe for marketing services. The agreement provides for the development and management of loyalty programs under the National Geographic brand on a European scale. The Clarks shoe collection inspired by Photo Ark, the project to protect biodiversity created by National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore, will be on sale from April 2019. All made on a black or white background, as in a classic photographic set, Sartore’s shots have conquered the world and then they are projected on St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and on the Empire State Building in New York. The result of a Europe-wide partnership between National Geographic and Clarks, the Photo Ark shoe collection will include both an adult and a kids line. Also inspired by Photo Ark is the collection of home textiles and bed linen by Hermet,

Italy’s leading company in the Home Textiles category, which will be on sale in early 2019.

MARKETING EVENTS Following its success in Rome at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, National Geographic brought the Photo Ark exhibition to Milan from June to September. In partnership with CityLife Shopping District, National Geographic offered visitors to Italy’s largest and most innovative urban shopping district free of charge to appreciate the 60 photographs taken by National Geographic’s great photographer Joel Sartore and discover

his fascinating project in defense of biodiversity. Thanks to the collaboration with LEGO Italy, National Geographic and CityLife Shopping District have also offered the opportunity to live a unique experience through a path of 13 animals in LEGO® bricks. The offer was also enriched by workshops for children in areas set up with thousands of colored bricks and the creation by the Italian artist Riccardo Zangelmi, one of the sixteen in the world officially recognized by the LEGO Group, of a majestic Polar Bear 1.80 m long, 90 cm wide and 1.40 m high. All visitors to the mall were able to follow live the construction of the LEGO® Polar Bear and participate in a construction workshop led by Zangelmi himself.

News FUNWOOD MEDIA

TOP NEW STORIES FOR KIDS IN THE FUNWOOD PORTFOLIO IP Funwoodâ€™s portfolio is very rich and diverse in terms of genres and targets. Hereâ€™s all the main news.

GODZILLA The legendary Japanese monster enters the Funwood portfolio. His fame precedes him. Godzilla, the undisputed King of the Monsters born in Japan in the 1950s, is now a timeless icon. Cinema, animation, comics and video games: everything has contributed to transforming Godzilla into a recognizable cross-generational brand. The small screen has recently proposed the new animation trilogy produced by TOHO, broadcasted on Netflix (the first chapter was released in 2017, the second last July 2018), while in 2019 the big screen will host the second film produced by Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures. And new releases are already planned for 2020! Funwood Media is the licensing agent for Italy.

Found at the intersection of exploration, curiosity, and STEM-based edutainment. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) is a growing trend and all companies in the front line, such as Amazon, Microsoft, ect, are focused on intercepting the phenomenon and translate it into products and experiences for consumers. Increasing competitiveness in the scientific and technological field is a theme that is very much felt today by the new generations, by parents and by the entire scientific community, for which the future of the new generations is closely linked to the development of skills in this field. And it is no longer the prerogative of the male world: female is a reference target for those who promote this world and more and more girls are interested.

DISCOVERY #MINDBLOWN As part of the agreement for the management of its IP in Italy, Funwood presents Discovery #Mindblown, an exciting new global brand opening the curious minds of kids around the world. 38

Who better than Discovery has in his DNA the STEM themes. Thousands of hours of compelling STEM programming that draws inspiration of Generation Z, helping to broaden its horizons of knowledge, open the mind and learn through experimentation. There is great expectation in the coming months for the launch of the #MINDBLOWN App with original content and games (www.discoverymindblown. com) and a dedicated YouTube channel: the 5-minute videos will offer new content every day. Discovery #Mindblown will inspire fans with exciting hands on experiences from toys and games, to publishing and back to school items, apparel and live events. #Mindblown is a perfect tag line for a gender-neutral STEM toy brand targeting Gen Z-ers looking for engaging content and experiences. The brand launched this year with global toy partner Merchsource. LUNA PETUNIA For young girls, the new animated series Luna Petunia is expected on Frisbee in early 2019. Aimed at the pre-school target, 2-6 years was born from the

News honour in Leolandia where he will help visitors celebrate Christmas.

FUNWOOD MEDIA collaboration between Saban Brands and Cirque Du Soleil Media. Luna Petunia is a little girl who lives in the real world but has the power to transport herself into a magical world full of surprises and wonders where she lives fantastic adventures and “glitter” that teach children to have confidence in their creativity and in the great value of friendship. The kaleidoscopic and dramatic atmosphere of “Cirque du Soleil” that permeates the series, makes it unique and of certain interest to the target and families. Currently broadcast on Netflix in 190 countries, including Italy, it is one of the leading properties for Discovery and Funwood. SHAUN THE SHEEP The new feature for next year is Aardman’s new film dedicated to Shaun the Sheep, scheduled for release in autumn 2019 and distributed by Koch Media. Shaun also boasts 5 animated series, more than 120 episodes, broadcast for more than 5 years on RaiYoYo! OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES Oggy and the Cockroaches is the globally successful series that targets kids aged 4-10 years. Xilam has produced seven seasons of the hit show, reaching a total of 350 episodes. The series has aired on K2 and Frisbee since 2013 and over 3 million kids have tuned in to watch the show. Oggy also has a strong presence

RANGER BOB Adventure, discoveries, explorations and respect for nature. The main ingredients of this TV series for children aged 3 to 7 years. The first series of 48 episodes was among the top programs of Frisbee. No doubt the new series on air from October 2018 will replicate the success. The series has been popular not only in Italy, but in several European countries and Canada. Bob is an 8-year-old boy who works as a Ranger in Big Sky Park where he lives funny adventures almost always aboard his super car Chipper and together with Sem, Dakota and Stomper, his yeti friend.

on all major social media networks and app stores including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and the AppStore – all have notching up strong audiences and download figures. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Oggy and the Cockroaches, from this autumn Oggy will be taken into schools through the project “Oggy takes the floor” in collaboration with the Onlus Hostile Words. This new social project strives to help children use words in a correct and friendly way because words are powerful, and if used consciously and in the right way, are a bridge to others. Oggy will feature on educational sheets that will be produced as part of the campaign and will focus on the key principles of the eradicating unfriendly language between children. Oggy will also be the guest of

FILLY The CGI Fully Funtasia animation series brings children into the world of Rose and her friends, who attend the Royal Magic Academy of Funtasia. The stories reflect the social dynamics between children. In fact, Funtasia has many connections with the real world and school time for children. Children will be able to appreciate the benefits of learning and working together in group and relying on each other. They will also learn how to get by on their own and count on themselves in case of need. Everything is done with funny and “sparkling” touch! Addressing a target audience of girls 4-9 years, Filly meets one of their crucial interest: music! 12 original tracks, an additional value of the series. In Italy the series is scheduled to air on Frisbee in first Quarter 2019.

News

LITTLE FURRY and BOBBY&BILL Funwood has signed an agreement with Mediatoon for the management of licensing rights in Italy for the two preschool series. Both are already on air in Italy: Little Furry on Deakids and Bobby & Bill on NickJr.

co-produced by Aardman and the British Council!

ATARI For a more adult target, Funwood proposes the evergreen brand Atari. Particularly sought after at a time when a new fashion dedicated to “evergreen” videogames is developing.

TIMMY TIME A spin off of Shaun the Sheep, Funwood presents the pre-school animated series Timmy Time. Aardman, creator of Timmy, is in production with a second animated series, 26 episodes, that add up to the previous 26 already broadcast on Rai YoYo. There are also 5’ episodes in production for the YouTube channel, dedicated to the educational world and therefore to teach English to children: these episodes are

DANIEL TIGER The success of the young tiger continues, protagonist of 3 series already aired on NickJr and Cartoonito. A fourth season is coming for 2019 making 210 episodes in total!

News HASBRO

CHRISTMAS WITH Bumblebee The new season will be richer than ever for the Hasbro franchises. To learn more, LM has interviewed Moris Calasso, Director Consumer Products EMEA - South HUB at Hasbro In addition for 2018 are the new collectible Hasbro: Lost Kitties and Lock Stars. Who are the Lost Kitties? They are a large family of kittens who love to hide... in milk cartons. In fact, the package is just a small carton of milk, in which inside there are many small characters to collect. Lost Kitties, just two weeks after its launch, was already in the top 50 of NPD, where it currently resides in a stable way at the number #11. (source NPD â€“ week 34 2018) Lock Stars, recently launched in the back to school market, promises to reach, if not exceed, the performances of Lost Kitties: these are collectible locks, exchangeable and always to take with you! The Lock Stars consist of two pendants, two keys, a character and a surprise mini padlock, with more than 48 to collect! Both brands have a strong potential in terms of brand extension, given the modern and attractive graphic design, the target kids and the strong trend of collectability.

Moris Calasso What are the highlights from Hasbro brands for this fall/winter? The flagship property for this fall/winter 2018 is definitely Transformers. For the first time, the film arrives in cinemas at Christmas with an exciting new adventure, this time in a different way: with nostalgic references to the 80s and a light and more ironic tone. In other words, it will be a story for the whole family, with a completely new cast, starring Hailee Steinfeld and John Cena. Transformers is also a successful animated series: from October the new series Cyberverce arrived on K2, dedicated to the core target age group 5-12 years.

While on Pop Tv the series aimed at our pre-school target Rescue Bots continues and on the YouTube channel the digital shorts of Transformers Generation continue as well.

Which category of merchandise do you intend to concentrate on? Both locally and internationally, we aim to strengthen our business in the food&beverage category. We want to consolidate and capitalize on the close collaborations we have had in recent years to develop major RDF projects with large retail chains.

News maintaining a position in the top 10 of NPD. Playdoh is the pre-school brand, which appeals to both boys and girls, but especially to parents. With a simple ball of Playdoh you can show off to your creativity and give shape to your imagination. Hasbro’s latest back to school campaign, “La Creatività che Forma” (Creativity that Forms), was developed thanks to research conducted among teachers and parents with Pepita Onlus, and a social campaign with several videos to support and the involvement of four experts in the field who discussed the subject with users interested in the creativity and imagination of children. Playdoh is the 1st brand in Arts&Craft on the European market and is one of the most appreciated and reliable brands by young mothers, which lends itself very well to an extensive program of brand extensions.

The Recurrence subcategory is well developed in Southern Europe, although there is still room for growth in some products. In addition, we aim to expand our presence on the shelves of the largescale retail trade, developing drinks for children, ice cream and sweet and savory snacks with our franchise brands. In addition, our goal is to make Hasbro characters the bearers and promoters of a healthy and balanced lifestyle related to sport and wellbeing. Which properties will you focus on? We are very satisfied with the performance of our brands and we must also thank our licensees who have believed in and invested in us. 2019 will be the year of the franchises Nerf and Playdoh. Nerf is the reference sport & action brand for millions of young people around the world. In recent years, Hasbro has conducted extensive research from sample of more than 10,000 families. Through the insights from research, a strong demand emerged for a game that allows group entertainment, both indoors and outdoors, away from the screens. From this was born the “Nerf Nation”, a large community very attached to the digital sports world, which wants to have fun in a healthy and active way. Nerf continues to grow in Italy, as throughout Europe, double-digit, constantly

With respect to the new season that has just begun, what are the priorities for the development of HASBRO brands in the territories you are following? Will you implement individual targeted territorial strategies? In what way? The priorities for the development of franchise brands in Italy, Iberia and France are certainly linked to the development of retail: challenge and opportunity for a company like Hasbro that boasts great success in the toys market and in the 43

News HASBRO world of entertainment. We are increasingly attentive to the new dynamics of the market and thanks to a strong collaboration with the marketing and sales teams of our toys division, and the support of internal teams specializing in promotions and live events we are able to offer a 360 degrees offer. Through coordination with the various divisions, we are able to guarantee a strong presence at the points of sale, with robust support in traditional and digital communication. This type of approach is always at the heart of our strategy and is adapted and shaped with respect to the individual markets of reference to respond fully and consistently to our target audience. For categories such as food and fashion, how are Hasbro brands positioned and what can we expect in the near future? Food and Fashion are undoubtedly very important categories on which we rely a lot and on which we are building a path of solid growth and performance. The fashion category continues to be of primary importance for our business. Thanks to our timeless brands: My little Pony, Transformers, Monopoly and all the Hasbro Gaming, we are able to capture a wide target of consumer groups

and develop collaborations with many different realities in the world of fashion. The most significant evolutionary phase in our market is the creation of lifestyle brand concepts, where products/properties live a second life in product extensions. My Little Pony is an example of a brand that has been able to maintain a strong awareness for more than 35 years, over several generations, and even today in 2018, attract interest from young girls to mothers. My Little Pony is no longer just a toy brand: itâ€™s a TV series, a movie, a high fashion catwalk garment and a t-shirt to wear every day at school. For the near future we want to align ourselves more and more to the American market: the distribution sector is more oriented towards licensing and in many cases they develop direct to retail agreements (DTR), or the transfer of the license directly to the distribution chain, rather than to manufacturing companies. The licensor can thus obtain a fast and controlled distribution coverage and more convenient and immediate results. At the same time, the distributor/licensee enjoys a competitive advantage over competitors thanks to the exclusivity that this model generally involves as the reduction of the impact of royalties in the income statement of the product. Among the last most important DTR activities that we can mention are Orginal Marines, Zara, Benetton, Tezenis, Primark, H&M and El Corte InglĂŠs. 44

News HASBRO

FROM TOYS TO ACTION!

TRANSFORMERS Transformers has excited entire generations with the adventures of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and all Transformers, engaged in the eternal struggle between Autobots and Decepticons, but this is really the time for BEE-live in Transformers! The brand is constantly growing (NPD - YTD), placing itself for over a decade as the Top Brand in the category Action Figure and having proved to be a solid adventure series and multigenerational appeal. In 2018, Entertainment supporting the franchise expands to 360Â° impact touching all of its target audiences: from the cinema with the release on December 20th of Bumblebee the film, for the first time in theatres on Christmas with a completely new cast, with nostalgic references to the 80s and a lighter and more ironic tone and with a story for the whole family. It continues on TV with the launch in the fall of the new TV series Cyberverce dedicated to the core target (5-12 years). Every morning on POP TV is broadcast the series of Transformers RESCUE BOTS dedicated to younger fans (2-4 years). While since its launch in 2016, the digital series Generation has collected more than 122 million global views on a variety of platforms with strong success among teenagers and +18 fans.

MY LITTLE PONY One of the historic brands in Hasbroâ€™s portfolio, it was launched in 1983 and immediately became popular. It is currently the most developed brand as a franchise, with a presence in over 190 countries around the world. The animated series follows the adventures of a unicorn named Twilight Sparkle, the favourite pupil of Princess Celestia, Queen of Equestria. Twilight with her assistant dragon Spike faces many challenges and adventures with her best friends Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Rarity in search of the elements of harmony. The chicest and trendiest pony in the history of the small and big screen, enhancing the value of friendship. From the end of 2018, in addition to the release of the new animated series and the Christmas special, we will be waiting in stores for the new collectible brand My Little Pony: CUTIE MARK CREW. The new product has been launched in the market with a European promotion with Happy Meal by Mc Donalds, with a surprising success. 46

News

HASBRO GAMING - MONOPOLY The Brand that defines the entire portfolio of Hasbro’s boxed games. The Hasbro Gaming family includes the attraction of timeless brands that have made entire generations play and that still today entertain families and children; just a few names: Monopoly, Twister, The Game of Life, Allegro Surgeon, Cluedo, Guess Who, Taboo. Monopoly, in particular, “is the most iconic game in the world”. The brand is immediately recognizable, it is now in everyone’s life experience, and has become more than a board game but a real pop icon. The passion for the game and the brand has inspired the transition from toy brand to lifestyle brand.

NERF A key sport and action brand for millions of young people all over the world; with a wide range of blasters with different colours and features, Nerf allows children and young people to have fun in groups both indoors and outdoors, promoting an active lifestyle and socialization. Nerf Nation arrives in Italy bringing with it a new culture of blasters: every game is an opportunity to express themselves and rewrite the rules of the game.

PLAYDOH The leading brand in Hasbro’s preschool segment, it stimulates and develops children’s creativity in a fun and colourful way thanks to modelling clay. The brand owes its success to a wide range of playsets and accessories and to its strong communication and awareness campaigns about

POWER RANGERS

children’s imagination and creativity. In September 2018 the new campaign “Creativity that shapes” was launched with a strong slogan “Creativity is in all children, let’s make it grow every day”. The brand is growing in double figures for the 5th consecutive year, reaching surprising sales results. It is currently present in 80 markets with a brand awareness of 96%.

The iconic action brand for children, famous and loved all over the world, enters into Hasbro brands portfolio. This franchise has shown, throughout the past 25 years, great results in consumer products, motion pictures, live entertainment and consumer promotions categories. Starting from January 2019, there will be many novelties by Hasbro!

News MAURIZIO DISTEFANO LICENSING

Maurizio Distefano Licensing for the first time as exhibitor at BLE A Wide range of brands targeting Italy, Poland and Eastern Europe on MDL booth Maurizio Distefano Licensing (MDL), which manages licensing for a number of global and regional brands in both Italianspeaking markets and Eastern Europe, this year it will have its own booth at the BLE, which is F122. Only four years after its formation by Maurizio Distefano, the agency that takes his name has an extensive list of properties and clients, including some of the most popular names in entertainment around the world. But that’s not all. The recent opening of a new Warsaw office serves as a base from which MDL can grow its Polish business and will allow MDL to explore and develop other eastern European territories. Maurizio Distefano, President and Founder of MD Licensing, said: “After our extremely successful first appearance at BLE in 2017, there is no doubt that MDL is in a good position to enhance its presence at the definitive event for the licensing industry in Europe. This year therefore we look forward to welcoming visitors to our very own stand, where we have lots of news, plans and exciting brands to tell them about.” Among the well-established brands of the agency and new acquisitions there is also lots of news for 2019, to reaffirm the quality of the selection made by the agency, always in line with the entertainment trends and fashions that are emerging in the market. Masha and the Bear, that remains a massive pre-school hit in Italy, for 2019 has produced new special contents, such as the “Football Specials” during the World Cup held in Russia in June and July 2018. Five short special episodes, aired on Thursday, June 28th on the DeA Junior channel, at 4 pm and 8 pm, which told about sport, to transmit values such as passion, respect for the adversary, fair

play and the importance of being together. The success of the property is also reflected in YouTube, where the video of the episode “Recipe for a disaster” has been watched over 3 billion times. August 1st at Leolandia, Italy’s most popular theme park, a brand new themed area has been opened - the only one in the world - totally dedicated to Masha and the Bear. This brand-new 10,000 m2 setting, massively expanding the area first opened in 2016, will be the largest area the park has ever created exclusively for any character, with 7 exclusive attractions, including Vroom, the 1st thematic roller coaster for children. On the occasion of the opening, Dmitri Loveiko, CEO of Masha and the Bear Ltd and many VIP guests, also visited the park. Rovio Entertainment brand Angry Birds, is planning an amazing launch campaign in anticipation of the release of Angry Birds Movie 2, in theatres in Italy in

September 2019. With a plot that will unveil surprising alliances and fascinating settings, the sequel offers the possibility of using extremely interesting style guides for a recognizable and unique product development. Also, at Milan Licensing Day, held last September 13th, during the Cake Party dedicated to the new movie, high fashion dresses inspired by Angry Birds designed by the Art Director Filippo Laterza have paraded. A property with strong potential on the MDL roster is children’s brand Monchhichi, the adventures of little

News daily and containing almost six billion icons, and brilliantly translates it into a brand with an appeal that crosses generations and genders and that has an enormous library of graphics. For this season, Pigna with emoji® has created a contemporary back to school line suitable for a target of young, both male and female. With backpacks, pencil cases, diaries and personalized emoji® stationery, students can express their mood every day.

MAURIZIO DISTEFANO LICENSING

Pigna x emoji Tetris®, one of the most recognizable and influential video game brands in the world, has a universal awareness that in recent years has exploded, thanks to fashions and trends, that more and more are linked to vintage and technology. 2019 will be the 35th anniversary of the brand and will include many special events and dedicated collaborations. Many of these brands will also be part of the MDL portfolio for Eastern Europe, along with the hit French animated comedy series Oggy and the Cockroaches. MDL is also building a strong footballbased portfolio for the region, focusing on the football super brands Inter FC, AS Roma, and Atletico Madrid and Polish Brand Gornik Zabrze. characters that create children’s dreams, already on air both on Frisbee and DeA Junior and a toy distribution deal for Italy has already been agreed with Rocco Giocattoli. A new broadcast deal with RAI in Italy has brought Bing to Italian TV screens for the first time. The award winning pre-school show is proving to be a huge success, with 15 episodes per day on RAI YoYo and a strong presence on social media. How Bing experiences the highs and lows of everyday life - uniquely from a preschool perspective - resonate deeply with preschool viewers and their grown-ups. emoji® — THE ICONIC BRAND takes the notion of tens of billions of messages sent 50

News SANRIO

ALL SET FOR A SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY 2018 is another exciting year for Sanrio exhibiting at Brand Licensing Europe, where they will preview celebrations for the iconic Hello Kitty’s 45th anniversary in 2019.

Converse x Hello Kitty After a bumper year of fashion successes collaborating with Italian brands Pinko, Save my Bag and Furla and the likes of Asos, Puma, Converse and Chinti & Parker, and experiential wins across the UK and Europe, the future is really bright for the world’s favourite kawaii girl. Hello Kitty even has her own bullet train –the Shinkansen bullet train – launched in Japan in June this year. Key fashion retailers such as Primark and Asos have launched their second and third collections, respectively, with Hello Kitty in addition to the ongoing apparel and accessories ranges in other main European retailers such as H&M, C&A and the Inditex Group’s brands. Hello Kitty is further expanding into the digital category thanks to significant partnerships signed with Rising Star Games who launched the new video game “Hello Kitty Kruisers” for Nintendo Switch worldwide, and Abuzz releasing the app game “Hello Kitty Racing Adventures”. Docomo Digital is focusing on Europe to release first “Hello Kitty House” app for

smartphones and tablet and Bublar Group will be releasing a cutting edge real-world Augmented Reality (AR) mobile game with

Hello Kitty Shinkansen Bullet Train 52

Hello Kitty inviting fans to create and share small gifts in a virtual world. Meanwhile the influencer community “Hello Kitty Gang” has grown across EMEA in 2018, with its members in the UK, France, Spain and Portugal, Italy, Germany, Netherlands and Israel creating and sharing Hello Kitty content and news on- and offline. Hello Kitty took over Umami Matcha Café in the heart of “Le Marais”, Paris’s trendiest district where Fashion Week takes place every season, with exclusive Umami x Hello Kitty merchandise available to buy in the Café. At its launch, journalists and influencers tasted the bespoke menu featuring the exclusive Hello Kitty Matcha latte, Poke bowl, Miso tofu and many other delicious surprises. Refreshing Yuzu sake cocktails were served while guests

News women in the modern workplace. Lastly and lazily… Gudetama our lazy egg has been cooking up a storm with its recent Shoryu Ramen themed menu takeover in London, Oxford and Manchester following an eggcellent launch over Easter this year. The menu included the likes of ramen topped with a Gudetama-themed

Umami Matcha Café enjoyed taking pictures with the star of the night, Hello Kitty. They were delighted to design their own Hello Kitty Poke with one of Umami Café’s Japanese Chefs, especially French YouTuber Natoo who attended the event with her friends! The matcha trend continued at Macha Café in Milan for a special Hello Kitty Gang breakfast featuring exclusive Hello Kitty Macha coffees, cappuccinos and milkshakes, avotoasts, energy bowls and Hello Kitty-shaped pancakes. The much-loved Mr. Men Little Miss have had a busy year welcoming Little Miss Inventor to the 90+ strong cast. With a launch on International Women’s Day and British Science Week, the creative

Little Miss Inventor

Gudetama – Shoryu Ramen

Macha cafè Milano engineer was an instant hit in the press including features on Sky News and BBC’s The One Show – to mention just a few. This summer, Mr. Happy and Mr. Worry excitedly secured a silver prize at the prestigious RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show with their own show stopping garden in aid of our charity partner Children with Cancer UK. We also partnered with our friends at Haliborange to accomplish a mission to put a book in every child’s hand, giving away over 13,000 books in 5 days with a bookmobile tour across the UK. The death metal karaoke-loving red panda Aggretsuko who landed on Netflix in April 2018 (and now has a second season on the way!) will also be showcased at BLE. With inaugural success in European markets, the Tokyo-led animation series has been praised by titles such as Vogue and Huffington Post, for resonating with 53

authentic nitamego egg, as well as a touch of decoration across all menu items. For those who wished to take Gudetama home with them, there was a range of limited edition merchandise for guests to purchase in-store at Japan Centre, as well as Ichiba in Westfield London and online at japancentre.com. Items included a Gudetama tote bag, A5 notepad, metal key ring and premium mugs. In keeping with a food theme, the new collaboration with Creighton’s Chocolatier whose products include the ‘Five More Minutes’ chocolate bar flavoured with Gudetama’s bacon blanket and crispy toast has gone down a sweet treat, selling out online within 24 hours.

News NICKELODEON

NICKELODEON LICENSING MEETING 2018: NEWS, SUCCESSES AND FUTURE PLANS The Nickelodeon Viacom Consumer Products summer event

Nella the Princess Knight plans. Nadia, what is the reality of Nickelodeon Viacom Consumer Products, today? Nickelodeon Viacom Consumer Products is a reality that mainly focuses on the kids world, linked to the properties of the preschool section of NickJr (Sky channel 603) and the school section of Nickelodeon (Sky channel 605). Nickelodeon has always created a world of positive values in which children can grow up and feel home; the mission of the licensing activities is, therefore, to develop brands in which children can identify, to create products that can convey emotions and allow experiences that can be truly memorable. What were the main levers for consolidating this position? The consolidation of our positioning is guaranteed by the long-term strategy we have chosen to adopt, which leads to continuous relationships with our partners. A winning business relationship

New! Top Wing The fascinating and prestigious location of the Cloisters of San Barnaba in Milan framed the annual event that brings together the main partners of the Consumer Products division of Nickelodeon/Viacom Italia.

LM was there and for the occasion we interviewed Nadia Caron, Senior Director Licensing Italy, Greece and Turkey, who welcomed her guests in an enchanting setting, taking stock of the past year and presenting news and future development 54

Shimmer&Shine

News

Blaze and the Monster Machines effort to create direct relationships with the retail world. An example of this are the multi-property activities in the Conad hypermarkets. How does Nickelodeon Viacom Consumer Products manage to maintain and feed the solid position reached on the market?

New! Rise of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles based on successful TV series broadcast on our exclusive channels for 6 months before becoming FTA for the public at large. Successful TV series that are actual brands around which to create continuous licensing programmes over time. Starting from a solid position on the market acquired over the years, the activity therefore focuses on the strategic planning of the franchises, supported by the creation of a direct relationship with the world of retailers and strong synergy with the various areasof Viacom Italia in order to maximize the result. What goals have been achieved in recent months thanks to this strategic structure? If we talk about the results achieved last year, we can proudly claim the signing of important deals, as that with Vivid for the Master Toy license for the preschool products line for Nella, or with Hasbro for the first Global Master Toy agreement for the new preschool property Top Wing, to name but a few. From the point of view of product development we can mention the agreement with NestlĂ¨ for the making of the first KitKat Easter eggs with MTV brand in Easter 2018, with a competition

linked to the upcoming MTV Emas in Bilbao or the launch of the Spring/ Summer 2018 collection for costumes and swimming accessories by Shimmer & Shine and Ninja Turtles. In addition, Nickelodeon Viacom Consumer Products optimally supervising all the areas and product categories, is now developing an area with great potential such as that of promotional and loyalty, completing this strategic set-up with a considerable Spongebob â€“ Juventus Our properties have unique characteristics and values that allow us to stand out on the market. Thanks to the constant collaboration with the different Viacom departments, we are always able to offer to our partners, retailers or licensees, innovative integrated projects of communication and product development that can make the difference. And this is constantly recognized by the market. Can you give us some examples? For example, thanks to the collaboration with the Marketing Department, led by Lorenzo Incantalupo, Senior Marketing Director of Viacom Italia, an important and exclusive agreement between SpongeBob

Sunny Day 55

News NICKELODEON and Juventus was signed. After a first competition stage on Nickelodeonâ€™s website to win a special day at the Juventus Stadium in Turin, the collaboration led to the launch of the first Capsule Collection of SpongeBob and Juventus sweatshirts and T-shirts, on sale since last May in

Spongebob â€“ Juventus the Juventus Store around Italy. The next phase will see the realization of a broader and more articulated Consumer Product plan including an international orientation. You named SpongeBob ... what are your best in class today? Yes, SpongeBob is one of our evergreen, who is getting ready for a2019 full of news for his 20th birthday and the launch of the 3rd film in 2020. And an evergreen in name and in essence are also the popular Ninja Turtles, ready the big come back on the small screen at the end of October with a new look, even more engaging and impactful, with new powers, new weapons, and even more friendly than ever. Among the best in class we also find our Paw Patrol puppies, with the new episodes of the 5th season to be launched on October 22nd, on Nickjr (Sky channel 603). Preschool properties also continue to be strong: Blaze - fastest in the world monster truck - has just launched the fourth season on Nickjr (Sky channel 603) and Shimmer & Shine, the two fashion little geniuses, are getting ready for the launch of the 4th series in December 2018, always on NickJr. But Nickelodeon Viacom Consumer Products also offers exciting new features to its partners, such as Top

Evergreen! Paw Patrol Wing, preschool series that follows the adventures of a team of rescue birds Swift, Penny, Rod and Brody - enthusiastic

New! Jojo Siwa 56

pilots who train at the Top Wing Academy, to serve and support the community. They are already enjoying a good popularity thanks to a lucky launch of the 1st series in May 2018 on NickJr (Sky Channel 603). Or Jojo Siwa, globally renowned muser and social influencer, which is starting to become known in Italy thanks to a plan that provides on air, online and on the ground activities, built both with partners from Super!and with the other Viacom divisions, and that is preparing for the launch of the cross category product, first introduced in autumn 2018 with magazines and books, to be completed with the rest of the categories from spring 2019. But we cannot forget the females in the Nickelodeon portfolio: Nella the Princess Knight, our unconventional heroine, recently gone FTA on Cartoonito with the 1st season, will be ready to launch the 2nd season on NickJr in spring 2019. And Sunny Day, the young and trendy hair stylist who with her beloved Doodle dog and her best friends Rox and Blair are ready to delight the viewers with precious beauty tips in the new episodes of the first season that debutes on October 8th, on Nickjr (Sky channel 603).

Discovery Co-production Screenings

The World’s Leading Kids Entertainment Industry Event 2 days / 1,600 delegates / 1,400 programmes, projects and IPs / 664 buyers incl. 136 commissioners

www.mipjunior.com

15-18 October 2018

13-14 October 2018 JW Marriott, Cannes, France

News CPLG

NEW BRANDS IN THE RICH PORTFOLIO OF CPLG In addition to the recent successes, the announcement of new acquisitions, which consolidate the position of CPLG among the main European licensing agencies.

LOL SURPRISE! The phenomenon of the moment Felix the Cat The success of the world’s most famous turns 100! collectable mini-dolls, the LOL SURPRISE!,

©MGA

owned by MGA Entertainment and distributed in Italy by Giochi Preziosi, is unstoppable. Many licensees have decided to combine their products with this property, the number one toy in the world and winner of the Toy of the Year award (TOTY). Cardinal, Lisciani, Mondo, Toys Center with Prenatal, Ciao, Clementoni, ODS, Grabo and Multiprint cover the hardline categories. For publishing there are Salani Editore, Panini, PonPon Edizioni, Diramix and Officina Comunicazione. In food & beverage Preziosi Food, Preziosi Iberica and Walcor are ready to release their products dedicated to the world of

Felix the Cat is turning 100 years old in 2019 and Universal Brand Development intends to celebrate this historic property with a number of exciting initiatives, along with new licensees, launches of special products and retail events. With high-profile collaborations, including the recent one with Scotch & Soda, which launched the second world collection in June 2018, the lifestyle brand Felix the Cat continues its growth in Europe and the USA. Lauren Moshi, the Los Angeles fashion and lifestyle brand known for its graphic lines, has launched a women collection available worldwide in department stores and specialized boutiques. In July 2018 in the US, Urban Outfitters launched a capsule collection for men. Always in the States, Tilly’s has recently launched a men clothing collection. In the UK, Park Agencies is partner for adult outerwear and nightwear fashion. For 2019, a special anniversary collection will be launched, licensed by Ripple Junction. Moreover, Funko, creator 58

of Pop!, will present a series of Felix collectibles, together with Loungefly fashion accessories. Also in Italy Felix the Cat franchise has been developed into fashion, through a A/W 2018-19 capsule collection by the fashion designer Alessandro Enriquez, launched at last Pitti Uomo January edition. Finally, new style guides are being developed using vintage poses by Felix the Cat, to satisfy new product and packaging lines. © 2018 DWA LLC. All Right Reserved.

LOL Surprise!. And of course we couldn’t do without the fashion and accessories category, with Prenatal, Sabor, Sun City, Easy Shoes and Coriex. Also the category of Home & Textile is covered, with Star and Hermet, while healthcare is followed by Admiranda and World Cart. Finally, the Gift category will be curated by Marpimar Edizioni. In the coming season, CPLG aims at expanding this rich group of partners.

Banner – Via San’Andrea, Milano Capsule Collection by Alessandro Enriquez

News

millions of copies sold and published in 12 languages.

Sunny Bunnies CPLG was commissioned to represent in Europe (with the exception of France, Turkey and MENA) this Digital Light Studio comedy. The initial focus of the licensing programme is obviously the toy, along with clothing, accessories and backto-school. Sunny Bunnies is an animation in CGI, comedy style and without dialogues, aimed at children aged 3 to 6 years old. After its debut in 2015 on Disney Channel in Russia, the series has arrived on Disney Junior in Europe, USA and Japan, on Discovery Kids in India, TF1 Digital in France, Canal Panda in Portugal and is broadcast in over 160 territories. In support of the TV series, Sunny Bunnies has its own online channel, launched in April 2016. Since then, the channel has reached 260 million views and is among the top 10 best channels for children on YouTube.

©LINE

Line Friends. Following the millennials CPLG represents at European level Line Friends, a global property born with 11 characters originally created as stickers for the LINE app and with 200 million registered users. The main characters, BROWN & FRIENDS, include Brown, Cony and Sally, loved since their first appearance in 2011. Thanks to their popularity, Brown and friends have collaborated with a number of famous brands, such as LAMY, Brompton, Reebok and L’Occitane. To date, LINE FRIENDS has opened 113 stores for a total coverage of 11 territories, in trendy cities such as Seoul, New York, Tokyo and Shanghai.

The Addams Family. The return in cinemas The animated film inspired by the darkest family of all time is scheduled for October 2019. In this new project we find the members of the family with all their strong personalities, who will have to deal with a real estate agent willing to do anything to send them away from where they live.

Archie Comic. From comics to licensing Archie Comic Publications commissioned CPLG to develop in EMEA and Latin America the licensing for the iconic universe of Archie Comic, which includes popular characters such as Archie Andrews, Jughead, Betty and Veronica, Josie and many others. The licensing plan will aim to teenagers and adults, with an initial focus on accessories and clothing. The starting point for the success of this IP is excellent, being one of the most longlived comics in the history of comics, with 59

News PLANETA JUNIOR

THE PROPERTIES OF THE MOMENT from PLANETA JUNIOR Planeta Junior is now one of the leading companies in the field of entertainment for children and young people as well as being a centre point in the market of licensing, publishing and merchandising. What makes Planeta so special is a portfolio capable of reaching all targets: from the infant to teenage and up to adults market segments. The very wide offer ranges from great classics such as MAYA THE BEE and Heidi, television phenomena such as Super Wings, Miraculous, Gormiti and successes created from toys such as Magiki and Playmobil. Characters and products that have already reached millions of people. The news for 2018-2019 is packed: films at the cinema and many new TV series will be launched on the key channels for children. On October 1st the new action-comedy series Gormiti will be broadcast on Rai YoYo and Rai Gulp, based on the global phenomenon created by Giochi Preziosi and co-produced with Planeta Junior and the animation studio Kotoc. From October 18, the new film of the most famous bee in the world, Maya the Bee. The Honey Games: a classic for the whole family, will be released in cinemas.

The film will be distributed by Koch Media and will have an important media campaign to support it. From November there will follow a new, highly anticipated season of Maya the Bee, aired on Rai YoYo. Funny and engaging, the new episodes follow the adventures of the little bee struggling with everyday life, school in the beehive, small quarrels with friends. All situations in which children can identify with are always resolved with the intrepid and courageous spirit that has always characterized Maya. The school itself was the centre of the

MAYA THE BEE

THE SERIES FORMAT: 52x11â€™ episodes, 3D CGI TARGET: 3-6 years old. SYNOPSIS Maya lives in a field of flowers: she loves freedom and the rules of the hive are a bit too controlling for her. With her best friend Willy and many other friends of the meadow, she is always looking for new adventures. Often the exciting situations that she faces get complicated, but with the help of Flip the wise grasshopper, she always manages to find a solution. Her lively and curious character, combined with her great passion for discovery lead her to experience always new and different adventures, which will help her to find her way to freedom. With Willy, Maya explores a world of beauties, moving in wonderful and enveloping landscapes in the company of other insects and animals - Flip the grasshopper, Alexander the mouse, Kurt the cockroach, Tecla the spider, Max the earthworm and her new friend Theo, a bee with an artificial wing.

News

Miraculous – The Tales of Ladybug and Chat Noir

activity developed with DECO’: a short promotion with a strong environmental and social character. Maya has been the testimonial of the values linked to nature in more than 400 supermarkets of the Decò brand in Italy. When two different thresholds were reached, Maya figurines were distributed to consumers with their albums and a jar with seeds inside to grow a plant. Moreover, through the promotional codes present in the two gifts, the initiative allowed the school to participate in a competition with some funding to develop educational projects related to nature. Finally, partnerships continue with the master toy of Giochi Preziosi in BTS 2018. In the food area, Bauli, Delser, Salati Preziosi and Walcor have chosen Maya for their products. As far as publishing is concerned, Gribaudo and Pon Pon Edizioni are among the licensees that have come on board. While in other categories there are Arnetta, WarmUp, Varta, Franco Cosimo Panini and Colorinside. In November, after the huge success of the first series, the second season of Miraculous, The Tales of Ladybug and Chat Noir is highly anticipated on Super!, accompanied by a big launch on TV, on target sites and supported by an impactful outdoor campaign. Lots of new characters for an increasingly wide target that conquers not only the youngest, but also mothers, fans of Ladybug and Chat Noir. In the Back to School the Guess collection will be dedicated to Miraculous and the Kinder eggs. Ferrero will also dedicate to Miraculous a line from the Easter 2019 campaign with two different sizes of eggs. Leolandia continues its well-established partnership with Planeta Junior, continuing to host the protagonists of the series...and many other novelties! Burger King also dedicates to Ladybug the Kids Menu with the characters of the beloved TV series to collect, present in all

points of sale worldwide from August to October 2018. In the publishing & toys area, there are numerous collaborations with Panini, Lisciani, DeaAgostini, Dino Bikes, Mondo, Giochi Preziosi, Clementoni, Franco Cosimo Panini continue. In addition to the Miraculous collection by Guess, the apparel also includes partnerships with Sun City, Sicem and Sabor, while the accessories & soft lines sector includes Perletti, Coriex and Worldcart. The third season of Super Wings starts in October! Already on air for three years on Cartoonito, the series continues to differentiate itself with its strong educational values, teaching children the geography, different languages and customs of the various countries visited

THE SERIES FORMAT: 55x22’ episodes, 3D CGI TARGET: 5-10 years old SYNOPSIS Marinette is a shy 16-yearold student who lives in Paris. After receiving a pair of magical ladybug-shaped earrings, she gets the power to transform herself into the superhero Ladybug. Ladybug will have to defend her city from the criminal Le Papillon and his akuma monsters: butterflies that transform people who feed negative feelings in supervillains. Ladybug is flanked by Chat Noir, the incarnation of the black cat, who has the power of destruction. Under his mask secretly hides Adrien, a classmate with whom Marinette is in love. Ladybug is a favourite character among girls between 7 and 9 years old (data Doxa Kids 2017 Miraculous Ladybug)

by Jett. Original Marines has already launched the Capsule collection dedicated to Super Wings, focused on the themes of travel and dedicated to a target market 61

News PLANETA JUNIOR

infant 0-18 months. Many licenses were involved, such as Giochi Preziosi, Lisciani, Dino Bikes, Sun City, Sicem, Chicco, Artsana, Di Stefano, Walcor and Coriex. Several promotions have seen the

PUCCA

property at the centre of campaigns including the activity with Old Wild West for a dedicated children’s menu. When purchasing a Kids Menu in Old Wild West restaurants, consumers received a free

MAGIKI

THE SERIES FORMAT: 52 x 11’ episodes TARGET: 3-7 years old SYNOPSIS In everyday life, Billie is a simple 7-year-old girl who shares her bedroom with her twin sisters, Marie and Antoinette. Billie is a tomboy, sweet, curious and always wearing sneakers, while the twins are untidy “princesses” who adore pink and think only about boys. But it only takes a small key for Billie to catapult into the fantastic world of Magiki, an enchanted kingdom where she is the reigning princess. The inhabitants are her favourite toys: funny unicorns, mindless fairies, pirate penguins and impertinent sirens. Her best friend Truman, the boy next door, is her personal counsellor, always ready to help her. As in the real world, however, even the world of Magiki is not perfect! To get into trouble there are Marie and Antoinette who, being jealous of Billie’s popularity, never miss the chance to invade the kingdom of the little sister and sow discord. It will be up to Billie to bring order back to the kingdom. Will she make it? 62

THE SERIES FORMAT: 52 x 11’ episodes, 3D CGI SYNOPSIS At the Goh-Rong Restaurant, on the island of Sooga, lives an adorable Asian girl named Pucca. Pucca is in love. Her knight in the shining armor is Garu, the most reliable and shy of warriors. In a way, Pucca’s affection for him is rather exalted. She can feel Garu from afar and run towards him at the speed of light! Garu tries to vanish and hide with his extraordinary abilities, but it is not so easy to get rid of her, who is faster and stronger than anyone else in the world. There is now a new competitor for the famous Goh-Rong restaurant on the island of Sooga. The Don King restaurant has made all the restaurants around the world shut down with its cheap fastfood, and it has now opened a new branch on the island. Their one and only goal is to take out the Goh-Rong restaurant. The main theme of the series is love. For the return of the explosive Pucca, there is a marketing plan of over 500K € to relaunch the brand on a European level.

News

HEIDI

pack of memory cards or a 3D character, involving the children in the wonderful adventures of Jett and his friends. While waiting for Pucca’s return, expected with the release of the third season in 2019, Planeta Junior is preparing for the European re-launch of the brand with a rich marketing plan. It will focus mainly on digital, with special video content for major

platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and Facebook, capable of attracting the target female audience, , which includes not only the millennials, but also teenagers and young adults, already in love with the adorable Pucca. Finally, future licenses will have at their disposal more than 30 colorful style guides from which to draw from.

THE SERIES FORMAT: 39x26’, 3D CGI TARGET: 5-8 years old SYNOPSIS Heidi, a bright and lively girl, is sent to live in a mountain village with her grandfather, as her aunt Dete can no longer take care of her. The inhabitants of the village are surprised by this choice, because the grandfather is considered grumpy and not able to look after a little girl. Aunt Dete, feeling guilty, leaves Heidi to her grandfather, promising she will go see her soon. The grandfather decides to keep her with him, but the first approach is not the best one: his grumpy and surly personality is immediately obvious. Heidi becomes friend with the dog and the goats, hoping that everything will go well.

The success of Magiki continues through a TV series dedicated to a pre-school target, broadcasted on Frisbee (Timeslot: Weekdays 13:30-14:30/ Weekends 18:30 -18:55) and on pay TV on DeA Junior (Timeslot: Weekends 10:30 -11:30). In everyday life Billie is a simple 7-year-old girl, who shares her room with her twin sisters, Marie and Antoinette. But with a small key and Billie manages to catapult into the fantastic world of Magiki, an enchanted realm of which she is the regent princess. The inhabitants are her favorite toys: amusing unicorns, giddy fairies, pirate penguins and impertinent mermaids. Billie’s colourful world has already attracted licenses such as Bauli and Emmeci, for food, and DeAgostini for publishing. 63

News 4K MEDIA

Yu-Gi-Oh! Anime Brand Still Strong Fan Favorite A true global phenomenon, the Yu-Gi-Oh! Brand celebrates 17 years of amassing a fervent following that continues to flourish with each new series and expansion.

subsidiary that manages the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand outside of Asia.

To date, fans have engaged with more than 800 Yu-Gi-Oh! TV episodes, downloaded the Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links mobile game over 70 million times, supported the brand at the box office and purchased over 25.1 billion units of the Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME – a Guinness World Record! And with a robust slate of new Yu-Gi-Oh! content, games and merchandise in the pipeline, the brand’s future success looks just as bright.

driver for the brand at retail – both at specialty/kiosk and in the mass market,” said Jennifer Coleman, Vice President, Licensing & Marketing for 4K Media, the Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.

It should be no surprise that in Europe – a strong market for the Yu-Gi-Oh! Brand – things are really heating up. On the broadcast side, the newest Yu-GiOh! series, “Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS” recently launched on K2 in Italy with further debuts planned throughout Europe between now and early 2019. “Continued TV success and broad exposure have been key for the European market, especially in Italy, allowing younger generations to find Yu-Gi-Oh! and discover the trading card game, which continues to be THE 64

In addition to exposure on television the Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME, managed worldwide by Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. historically has been the most active way fans interact with the brand “off-screen.” Driving the TCG distribution and sales efforts for Konami Digital Entertainment in Italy is Digital Brothers based out of Milan. The company has supported Yu-Gi-Oh! for years in the territory and have had success placing the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG throughout the kiosk network. What can Yu-Gi-Oh! fans look forward to

News in the coming months? Collectibles are a key product range for this franchise. Gamestop recently debuted its new range of Yu-Gi-Oh! Totaku collectibles in store and online and fan reaction was incredible. Additionally, Funko’s range of four Yu-GiOh! POP vinyl figures was introduced at

the end of August much to the delight of the fanbase. Other merchandise highlights include headwear, sleepwear, footwear, electronic accessories and fleece throws from Bioworld; branded mugs and posters from GB Eye; collectible figurines from First 4 Figures; figma figures and figurines

For more information about the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise and its related licensing and distribution opportunities, contact Jennifer Coleman at 4K Media.

from The Good Smile Company; Kawaii Cube Collections from Tastemakers (formerly Wish Holdings); and a line of Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters and Super Deformed electronic phone covers and cases from Caseable. From the content side, fans will be able to continue engage with the brand on multiple screens. The launch of the sixth animated television series, “Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS” is on-going. And, the Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links mobile gaming app continues to allow fans and gamers to play on the go.

Events BLE 2018 SPECIAL REPORT

BLE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS! The European licensing trade show is celebrating its 20th anniversary and this year it is even richer, with 280 exhibitors, over 2,500 brands and a forecast of 7,500 visitors. In addition to what has already been announced in the previous pages, below are other novelties reported by the exhibitors. FRANCETV ANNOUNCE NEW LICENSEES FOR TWEEN DRAMA FIND ME IN PARIS Cottonwood Media and leading French brand management agency Francetv Distribution have just announced a remarkable list of licensees for premium

including back to school, fashion bags, food & beverages and more. In addition to France 4, the series has been widely sold to top broadcasters worldwide such as Hulu (USA, the SVOD platform’s first ever original live-action tween show), NBC Universal (USA), Disney (France and Italy), ABC (Australia),

Find me in Paris JELC at BLE with amazing art, beautiful birds and more on!

Find me in Paris tween drama FIND ME IN PARIS. They are: Milan, part of the Bayard Publishing Group; Soleil for Comic Books; novels and albums with leading publisher Nathan; Sahinler for next season’s apparel and footwear, while Royer will roll out slippers, socks, shoes and boots; Ravensburger for puzzles and, finally CTI for homeware accessories. In addition to the above agreements, Francetv distribution is in final negotiation with top licensees across all categories

and VRT (Belgium). Find me in Paris is a co-production between Cottonwood Media (David Michel, Zoé Carrera Allaix, Cecile Lauritano), ZDF, ZDF Enterprises, and the National Opera of Paris. Commissioning broadcaster and production partner ZDF hold the German Licensing rights. Francetv distribution is poised to bring consumer products to the French market in spring 2019, following its launch on France 4 in early 2nd quarter of 2019.

At BLE 2018, independent licensing agency JELC is presenting a strong and varied portfolio covering themes ranging from amazing art to beautiful birds and from sleep to security – and much more. It includes The National Gallery, I Like Birds, Crimestoppers, Silentnight, Help for Heroes and House of Turnowsky. The National Gallery is the third most visited museum in the world, with an internationally admired collection of paintings in the Western European tradition from the 13th to the 19th century. This collection has inspired a successful global licensing programme for which JELC is worldwide agent.

Where: Booth F34 Delicious Art x National Gallery 66

Events JELC has already signed up nearly 40 licensees. Recent additions to a growing number of partners keen to associate with this world-famous brand include Blackstone Designs, with a new range of t-shirts coming to Top Shop this autumn. Roy Lowe & Sons, a provider of licensed character socks for over 20 years, is planning a range of National Gallery socks

National Gallery Tea Time Mug for children and adults, while the stunning food gifting range – Delicious Art – from Scoop Designs is expanding its exclusive Boots offering for Christmas 2018. The National Gallery brand is also continuing its successful expansion into new markets. Following Copyrights Asia, which signed in 2017 as the National Gallery’s agent for

Japan, Afilio Brands has been appointed as the Gallery’s master licensee for China and Bravo & New as licensing agent in South Korea. The innovative and stylish design brand I Like Birds is also seeing strong growth for its avian-themed illustrations. Finalist in the 2016 License This!, I Like Birds now has four key licensing partners on board, including Quadrille Publishing for stationery, Brown Trout for calendars, My Gift Trade for gifting and kitchen textiles

House of Turnowsky - Home Textiles and The Art File for greeting cards and wrapping paper. With an 86% unprompted consumer awareness and 1.7 million unique visitors each year to its website, Crimestoppers is the only credible brand to license in the security and protection arena. Crimestoppers can now boast a number

I Like Birds of strong partners, and more are expected to follow after recently announced plans to include prominent Crimestoppers branding on licensing partner products. JELC’s latest property, House of Turnowsky, the luxury greeting cards, stationery and lifestyle brand, has been a famous name in its own right for nearly 80 years, with strong associations that will, JELC believes, translate into a presence in a number of categories, including homeware and tableware, home textiles, stationery, soft toiletries, soft furnishings and fashion accessories. Where: L65

I Like Birds

Events BLE 2018 SPECIAL REPORT INK GROUP BRINGS RED-HOT DUO TO BRAND LICENSING 2018 INK Group will showcase two major projects at BLE 2018, ZAFARI and Masha and the Bear. ZAFARI is the new series that’s taking the globe by storm, thanks to beautiful animation and an uplifting story that highlights and celebrates diversity. Broadcasters across the world are snapping up rights, with season one already showing, or due to show, in the Czech Republic (Czech Television), Finland

Masha and the Bear

TeamTO and Cake announce launch of ANGELO RULES branded Magazine and DVD in Germany

ZAFARI

Masha and the Bear (YLE), France (France TV for FTA, Tiji for Pay TV), Canada (French-SRC), Hungary (TV2), Indonesia (ANTV), LAT AM (Nat Geo Kids), MENA (Spacetoon), South Africa (E.TV), South Korea (CJ

E&M), Switzerland (French RTS), UAE (E Junior), U.K. (Pop TV) and Vietnam (ITB TV), Italy (Rai Ragazzi), Amazon Prime (Global), China (IQIYI). Thanks to this huge popularity season 2 is already in production. The licensing community has been quick to spot the potential of ZAFARI, with Ultimate Source currently developing a toy line and Hachette on board for publishing. Masha and the Bear is the worldwide smash hit that is broadcast to millions through broadcasters in nearly every country in the world – as well as online through YouTube. Season three recently launched and has already been snapped up by channels in the UK, Italy, Turkey, MENA, France, Germany, Nordics, Asia, Greece and elsewhere, with the last few episodes set to be delivered in spring 2019. Where: Booth E70

TeamTO and CAKE announced the launch of the first ANGELO RULES branded magazine with and Home Entertainment deal in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Top German publisher Blue Ocean and S.A.D. home entertainment will launch the magazine and DVDs in tandem with the TV show’s 4th successful Season. The TV series (based on bestselling books) airs in 100+ territories, and its four popular digital games (SKATE AWAY, A BUSY DAY, AS THE BIRDS FLY, FUNNY FACES), have been downloaded 6 million times!

Events CAROLINE MICKLER LTD AT BLE 2018 Award-winning agency Caroline Mickler Ltd is looking forward to another busy BLE. As the much-loved film celebrates its 50th anniversary, Yellow Submarine continues to excite licensees, with a presence in categories that now include Monopoly, graphic novels, apparel, homewares, bags and gifts, and, more recently, musical instruments and tents, all making full use of the extraordinary imagery associated with this groundbreaking film. Moomin pre-school property for todayâ€™s children. The eagerly awaited new animation and the continuing appeal of the original novels and picture story books will make 2019 an especially busy year for the delightful inhabitants of Moominvalley. Where: Booth A60 Field Candy Tent x Yellow Submarine With the arrival in 2019 of a major new animated TV series, directed by Academy Award-winner Steve Box, licensee interest in Moomin, already high, is being even further boosted. The success of the Moomin brand is an established longterm phenomenon in the UK market as the UK licensing programme, managed by Caroline Mickler Ltd, continues to develop Moomin as a modern adult fashion and gifting property as well as an appealing

Among a large number of deals already agreed, Panini is on board for global production and distribution of stickers and trading cards, as is Apple Beauty for fragrance, bath and body products. PanEuropean deals include Nuvita for baby care products across the Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and UK markets, and Dolfin for chocolate and bakery products. Italian

MONDO TV SHOWS ITS STRENGTH IN PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION AND LICENSING AT BLE Co-produced by Aurora World Corporation and Mondo TV, the 3D CGI HD show YooHoo to the Rescue (52 x 11â€™) is the focus of a major spring 2019 launch as Netflix plans a worldwide Netflix Original Series release of the environmentally focused adventure series. This will be followed by free-to-air release in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Russia, Poland and France.

YooHoo to the Rescue

Events BLE 2018 SPECIAL REPORT agreements include Edizioni Playpress for magic albums in 2019, and Kimbe, for live characters and events, while Mondadori has been signed up to publish four story books, one super sticker book and a special ‘YooHoopedia’ guide to the show and its characters.

Sissi the Young Empress 3D completely renews the content and format and comes with an expanded licensing campaign. Active Merchandising will be partnering Mondo for licensing in Germany.

already strong presence within the retail and licensing industry. This includes an interest in new territories after a

Where: Booth D70

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM BUILDS ON A SUCCESSFUL YEAR AT BLE 2018

Heidi Bienvenida Mondo will also be highlighting the continuing success of Sissi the Young Empress. From June this year, the series is on air on Club Illico, an SVOD subscription service and one of the leading Canadian digital platforms in the French language. Mondo TV has also announced a threecountry deal with Nickelodeon that brings a German-language version of Sissi series 1 to Germany, Austria and Switzerland for a five-year period starting in July. These two agreements follow the recently announced major three-year deal with DBS children’s channel Jeem TV, through which Sissi has been showing in Arabic from July 2018 in a number of countries. Season two is now airing in a number of markets. A third series in

At this year’s BLE the Natural History Museum will be looking back on the success of its refreshed licensing programme and looking forward to new opportunities and expansion into new categories – supported by new resources and new ideas. The Natural History Museum will showcase a number of new style guides and discuss potential new partnerships with the aim of building on the Museum’s

Natural History Museum 70

FatFace x Natural History Museum

Events successful recent touring programme saw products developed for both Japan and Taiwan. At BLE the team aims to grow new areas for the children’s market, including puzzles, learning (STEM), accessories, back-to-school and food & drink. For adults, licensing targets include puzzles, art supplies, and home furnishings. The licensing programme will also strengthen its collaboration portfolio, with a focus on new categories and ethical consciousness. Where: Booth N80

SONY CREATIVE PRODUCTS BRINGS POPULAR PRESCHOOL ANIMATION MOFY TO BLE

Sony Creative Products (SCP) Inc ‘s property Mofy is present at BLE for the first time. The hit animated series is already broadcasting in over 50 countries. The success in Japan, which covers all main licensing categories, has now been translated to the international marketplace. More than 650 SKU of Mofy licensed products are sold in the world. The character’s appeal to mums and young women has also given it potential in the high-end and fashion markets. Mofy is a co-production between Japan (SCP), Italy (Misseri Studio & RAI) and Germany (ZDF). It was inspired by a picture book published in 2008 originally aimed at the young adult women’s kawaii (‘cute’ or ‘lovable’) character market. Where: Booth G10

THE JIM HENSON COMPANY AT BLE 2018 The Jim Henson Company will be returning to BLE under the guidance of Shane Mang, Executive Director, Global Consumer Products. The company will be focusing on its classic brands and preschool properties. The mesmerizing and enduring fantasy Labyrinth, produced by The Jim Henson Company and Lucasfilm Ltd., and starring David Bowie and Academy Award-winner Jennifer Connelly, is praised by film critics and moviegoers alike for its astonishing imagery and distinct characters. Recent

new licensees for the brand include: Aquarius for puzzles, posters and accessories; Chronicle Collectibles for high end collectible merchandise; Mondo Tees for prints and other unique items; Suarez for high end jewelry. Fraggle Rock, created by Jim Henson, has been newly re-mastered in HD with a contemporary look. New products at retail include toy and novelty items from Kid Robot; prize redemption toys from Toy Factory, and collectibles from the Funko Pop! line that includes the five main Fraggle Characters each packaged with a Mini Pop! Doozer figure. It’s the 10th anniversary of Dinosaur Train,

Events BLE 2018 SPECIAL REPORT

Jazwares x Dinosaur Train the five-time EMMY®-nominated and Parents’ Choice Silver Honor animated series available on PBS KIDS, and are expanding the global licensing program for this brand. Currently available are an array of products from global master toy partner Jazwares. Also, The Magic House Museum brings the series to life with a new exhibit that launched this year that transports kids back to the time of dinosaurs and encourages basic scientific learning.

BULLDOG LICENSING SET TO LIGHT UP BLE 2018! Bulldog Licensing, one of the industry’s leading licensing agencies, will be showcasing a strong and diverse portfolio of properties at BLE 2018. Pikmi Pops from Moose Toys is a range of sweet-scented miniature plushies that come with surprises - all packaged inside an iconic lollipop vessel. Huge sales are being reported right across Europe – Pikmi Pops is the number one new property in the UK, a position it has held for five consecutive months, and tops the plush sales charts in key territories including Italy, Spain and France. Licensees have been quick to realise the potential of the brand, with Spearmark (housewares), Blueprint (stationery), Aykroyds/ TDP (nightwear and MR. STRONG swimwear) and Blues (leisurewear) already on board in the UK and advanced discussions

DEER LITTLE FOREST gets Pan-Asian Amusement Park Deal

Koko Rose Media recently announced a ground-breaking deal that will see its arts & lifestyle property DEER LITTLE FOREST brand five indoor activity theme parks across Thailand, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore. Currently under construction, the first park is scheduled to open in Bangkok in

underway in key categories throughout Europe. Moose Toys are also behind brand new collectible sensation Treasure X, which has sparked a playground craze and brought a new level of innovation to the category through a hyper unboxing process. Sales of the core product line are off to a flying start and over 6 million people have viewed the online animated trailer. Bulldog will be launching the licensing initiative for the first time at BLE 2018.

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June 2019. The deal was agreed by its recently appointed agent in Japan, Honmoku File, former agent for Disney’s park attractions in Japan, Disney Sea and Disneyland Japan. The indoor activity parks are aimed at children and their families and feature a range of educational, entertainment and sports activities. DEER LITTLE FOREST will be the official mascot of the parks providing the visual branding throughout the park as well as its own line of merchandise in all the stores. For more information see: www.deerlittleforest.com Where: This is Iris Booth P20

Events Care Bears have been a staple of childhood for over 35 years. Care Bears TV shows are available in UK on Tiny Pop, as well as through Lionsgate for home entertainment and VOD from Netflix. Bulldog recently expanded the licensing programme into adult apparel through a deal with alternative UK fashion brand Alice Vandy, which saw a range of clothing released – with some lines selling out within days of launch.

(NGP) has announced in recent months. Reflecting a core value of the brand, the campaign also emphasises environmental awareness and sustainability. Key to this is the new Planet or Plastics campaign, a

Where: Booth C2 Anthem™ invites children to experience a co-operative Action-RPG set in a new and mysterious world from BioWare™ and EA. The game is due to launch early next year, with Bulldog already speaking to partners across several categories. Sesame Street celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, which will attract massive levels of publicity. Sales of licensed merchandise are consistently strong in the adult apparel sector and, with all new preschool content set to launch this Autumn, the plan is to expand activity in the kids’ market with Sambro leading the way as master plush partner.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS AT BLE National Geographic is highlighting continuing growth for its EMEA consumer products business. The strength of the National Geographic brand across multiple media, a powerful reach among children and families, and the strong National Geographic focus on sustainability are just a few of the factors behind an impressive number of licensing agreements National Geographic Partners

National Geographic new multiyear initiative aimed at raising awareness about the global plastic crisis and reducing the amount of plastic in the world’s oceans. Where: Booth C30

Events BLE 2018 SPECIAL REPORT

SANRIO

ROCKET LICENSING BRINGS THE HEADLINERS TO BLE This year at BLE, Rocket Licensing will be kicking off a new decade as one of the industry’s most respected independent licensing companies by showcasing

a portfolio of properties that is both extraordinarily exciting and daringly diverse. Big brands include children’s classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar, approaching its 50th birthday in 2019, and seasonal favorite The Elf on the Shelf®, a property that has seen an exceptionally

fast take-up of licensees. In addition BLE will mark a new direction for TV and publishing hit Horrible Histories. Rocket is also highlighting a successful long-standing relationship with Sony Pictures Entertainment that showcases the studio’s hit films and TV series. Joining these established Rocket brands will be the re-launched classic Love Is..., comedy hit Derry Girls, cute Japanese anime properties from Crunchyroll and the drama series sweeping all before it (in some episodes quite literally),

Vikings. Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar has been one of the UK’s most loved children’s books for nearly half a century and has sold over 45 million copies worldwide. In celebration of the brand’s big upcoming birthday, fantastic new products, exciting new licensing categories, anniversary ranges and special promotions will be launching in 2019. The Elf on the Shelf® has established itself as a modern Christmas tradition since its release in the US in 2005. The brand is building a strong licensing campaign. New partners for 2018 include TDP and Aykroyds for nightwear and underwear, Fashion UK for daywear, Roy Lowe for socks and Hachette for an activity sticker book. IG Design Group will also be launching wrap and gift bags, while home textiles licensee Dreamtex has expanded its product range to include cushions and towels in addition to bedding for this Christmas. Rocket’s BLE 2018 line-up also includes the Horrible Histories franchise. In its licensing campaign, this enduring and uniquely British brand has seen success in dress-up, board games and social stationery, with new product ranges currently in development for heritage sector gift, collectable commemorative coins and puzzles. 2019 will see the brand propelled to new heights with the release of Horrible Histories: The Movie, set in Roman Britain. Produced by Oscarwinning Altitude and Horrible Histories TV producers, Citrus Films, Horrible Histories: The Movie is set to star big names from British comedy and film. Where: Booth B5

Sanrio is a worldwide lifestyle brand founded in Japan by Mr. Shintaro Tsuji in 1960 and based on the “small gift, big smile” philosophy that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Best known for global icon Hello Kitty, Sanrio is home to many endearing characters including Chococat, My Melody, Kero Kero Keroppi, Bad-Badtz Maru, Little Twin Stars, Gudetama and the newly added Aggretsuko. Where: Booth C60

BEANSTALK TO REPRESENT PERFORMANCE ARTIST PANDEMONIA Pandemonia, a performative and traditional artist, has signed an exclusive representation agreement for licensing

Pandemonia 74

Events with Beanstalk. Pandemonia is a character and persona created as conceptual art by an anonymous London-based artist that has appeared in the art and fashion world since 2009. Clad in a latex full-head mask with stylized hair and latex dresses, Pandemonia is seven feet tall and is often accompanied by an inflatable white dog named Snowy. Her persona is made entirely of latex and thus her artwork is the natural progression and continuation of Pop Art. Because she’s so visually curious, Pandemonia has received media coverage in Vogue Italia, Vogue China, Harper’s Bazaar, Hello!, OK!, and the New York Times, among others. Where: Booth K80

THE OPEN TO BE FEATURED AT BLE The Open is golf’s original championship. Played since 1860 on iconic links golf courses, it is the sport’s most international Major championship with qualifying events on every continent. It truly is “Open to all the World”. For one week each year, the pursuit of the famous Claret Jug trophy is the focus of the sporting world, followed globally by millions of fans.

BRIGHT STAR CHARACTERS LTD WITH ITS ORIGINAL IPS AT BLE2018

for pre-schoolers is on the way to be created.

Popcorn the Bear is a bouncy bear with ticklish paws who just pops with imagination and has a fun-filled attitude. His creative approach to problem-solving inspires everyone around him to be creative too. Debbie Howard created Popcorn the Bear in 2004 from a passion for bears and since then this exciting brand has gone from strength to strength. There are five style guides available showing a huge library of artwork; a beautiful range of books published for pre-schoolers; an animation series in development.

Where: Booth L60 (UK Agent, The Point.1888)

Lavender Lister is another original IP conceived by Debbie Howard. Lavender is a girl who sees life through the eyes of most ladies. Children identify with Lavender as she is not so perfect. Also for this IP, 52 episodes animation series

Staged by The R&A, The Open delivers an annual economic benefit of up to £100 million to its host region, while the championship’s commercial success supports the development of the sport worldwide. The R&A is aiming to double its re-investment into the game over the next 10 years to £200m, with £80m of that being invested into women’s and mixed golf. Where: Booth M88

SANRIO

Founded in 1971 and with a cast of over 90 characters, the Mr. Men and Little Misses are a firm family favourite around the globe bringing laughter and fun to generations. Currently one Mr. Men and Little Miss book is sold every 2.5 seconds worldwide, and lifetime sales total over 250 million books. 2018 was a strong year for the brand across publishing with the launch of the newest character to join the cast, Little Miss Inventor, who exceeded all expectations on pre-orders. Where: Booth C60

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Events BLE 2018 SPECIAL REPORT

Technicolor novelties at BLE The Technicolor Animation & Games family includes Technicolor Animation Productions (TAP) and Technicolor Creative Development (TCD), both aimed to produce content as well as develop and produce original intellectual properties. Pam Kunick-Cohen, Head of Brand Management, Licensing and Merchandising at Technicolor, tells Licensing Magazine about the upcoming activities for these two groups at BLE. We are also delighted to debut at BLE the newest IP created by TAP, Team DroniX, a thrilling new fun-filled, actionadventure series for boys and girls 6-11, set in the elaborate high-tech, adrenalinrush universe of drones. TAP, France Télévisions and Brazil’s Globo are coproducers of the series while Silverlit, the leading worldwide manufacturer of drones, is on board as the worldwide master toy partner. PGS Entertainment is spearheading all global distribution, licensing and merchandising activities (except for France and Brazil) for TAP. The series will launch in late 2019 and early 2020 around the globe. Pam Kunick-Cohen What’s new with Monchhichi? The CGI-animated series Monchhichi is on air in multiple territories, around the globe, and newly signed partners for the U.S. are Boomerang and Hulu. Global master toy partner Silverlit will roll-out figurines, playsets and a car in time for holiday 2018 across EMEA alongside a range of story books and activity books in France from Les Livres du Dragon d’Or and PKJ. The new agents include Alicom (Nordic region), Ypsilion Licensing (Spain), and Monco Creation Limited (China/ HKG/Taiwan).

The Deep continues its success... LA-based Technicolor Creative Development secured underlying rights to the graphic novels from Tom Taylor, The Deep. The TV series, now in production for a third season, is co-produced by DHX Media and A Stark Production, and Technicolor has oversight of the brand’s licensing extensions, with CPLG. This fall

Could you tell us more on your latest IP, Team DroniX? 76

sees the debut of a toy line from Simba Toys that includes figures, playsets and role-play toys in the GAS region, the UK and the Nordics; Bloomsbury will debut young fiction and activity-based books in the UK and Australia. Partyware from TIB Heyne & Co, print magazines from Blue Ocean Entertainment AG, and DVD’s from Justbridge Entertainment GmbH will also roll-out in the GAS region. In the UK, Toybox Magazine continues to feature The Deep brand.

Simba Toys x The Deep

Events BLE 2018 SPECIAL REPORT

ZAG HEROEZ ™ UPDATES adventure from a “toy eye” view. Created by ZAG under the ZAG HEROEZ™ label, the series is developed in collaboration with Method/ON Entertainment and Man of Action Entertainment.

André Lake Mayer Award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG will be at BLE under the leadership of Andrea Green, SVP, Global Consumer Products, and André Lake Mayer, President, Global Consumer Products, with several properties under their ZAG Heroez™ label - an umbrella brand franchise that brings together all the super heroes from ZAG’s animated TV series. André tells Licensing Magazine about the company’s plans! What will you launch at BLE this year? We will be debuting our newest series, ZAG HEROEZ™ Power Players (working title), a groundbreaking 3D CGI animated/ live-action hybrid TV series that is an

Which are the further developments for Miraculous™? Our aspirational brand Miraculous™ Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir—winner of the 2018 Teen Choice Award for Choice Animated Series—continues to be a major push for us with Season 3 set for a 2019 premiere, and pre-production taking place now all the way through season 5 for a total of 130 episodes. Miraculous airs in over 120 countries worldwide, regularly scoring #1 rankings in kids 4-11 demo and lifting overall network ratings with key broadcast partners such as Disney EMEA & Latin America, France’s TF1, UK’s POP, Italy’s Super! Brazil’s Globo and NETFLIX and Kids Click TV in the USA. Miraculous has also become a digital planetary craze with over 17 billion watch-time minutes in its lifetime (2016/17) on YouTube (authorized and user-generated content)! With over 350 licensees on board and multiple industry awards, Miraculous passed the $100 million mark in retail sales in 2017. New far-reaching programs for 2018/2019 include a new licensing agreement with Ipanema who has

Ipanema x Miraculous™

PEZ x Miraculous™ developed a Miraculous-Ipanema collaboration footwear range for kids and adults. These will be available at retail in the southern hemisphere in November 2018, and rolling-out in the U.S. and Europe in April 2019. Spring 2019 will also see the launch of a global promotion with Ferrero (Kinder Joy & Surprise Egg). Winning Moves will be launching a “Miraculous” Monopoly Junior game just in time for the 2018 holiday season across EMEA. Not to mention all deals already announced throughout 2018 and which include PEZ, GUESS, Burger King, Funko and many others. ZAG is looking to further expand in publishing and party goods, more tailored retailer programs, lifestyle products for young adults and more healthy food and packaged good promotions. Where: Booth F20

Events BLE 2018 SPECIAL REPORT

XILAM ANIMATION AT BRAND LICENSING EUROPE 2018 Award-winning French animation studio, Xilam Animation, is heading to Brand Licensing Europe 2018 with significant momentum behind its colourful portfolio of internationally successful kids’ properties. The universally loved Oggy and the Cockroaches spearheads Xilam’s presentation slate that will also feature its latest licensing proposition Mr Magoo, slapstick comedy Zig &Sharko and playful preschool brand Paprika. Xilam will also bring its hilarious new animated series Mr Magoo to BLE for the first time. Based on the hugely successfully 1960’s cartoon, the fresh take on Mr Magoo is currently in production and will be fully delivered by Spring 2019.

Xilam is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its flagship brand Oggy and the Cockroaches this year. To mark two decades of hilarity and surprises, Xilam is preparing an exciting calendar of activity spanning partnerships, street marketing, social media campaign and more for Oggy fans in France, as part of a marketing plan to commemorate the landmark moment that agents will be able to replicate globally. Over the last 20 years, Xilam has established a broadcast presence for Oggy in over

190 territories -with exposure buoyed by international SVOD deals with Netflix and Amazon. The show’s fifth season (78 x 7’) is now rolling out internationally. Xilam has assembled robust licensing programmes in France, Italy, South East Asia and India to meet consumer demand; in Oggy’s home territory France, master toy partner Lansay anchors the licensing programme and launched its first range earlier this year, with a new line launching for the Christmas period. The apparel category is also a key focus for Oggy and Xilam is currently working with a French agency, that specialises in fashion trends, to develop fresh mood boards and find trends that match the brand’s DNA. 78

Alongside this is Zig &Sharko, Xilam’s slapstick comedy for 6-10 year olds that is winning ratings all over the world and its third season is now in full production. With the series set on an island, the eyecatching style guide captures the themes of summer, vacation and outdoor fun. Xilam is assembling a cross-category licensing programme across toys & games, publishing, apparel, sporting goods, homewares, food & beverages and promotions. Xilam has also recently appointed Maurizio Distefano as the brand’s licensing agent in Italy. While in the preschool space is Xilam’s bright and playful animated comedy series, Paprika. Commissioned by France Télévisions and Disney Junior EMEA, the series launched successfully on FTA in Franceon France 5 and Frisbee in Italy and will also begin airing on Disney Jr in EMEA at the start of October.

Where to find XILAM at BLE: Booth B74

Events BLE 2018 SPECIAL REPORT

INTERVIEW WITH MARIELAURE MARCHAND, SVP GLOBAL LICENSING AT XILAM ANIMATION

Marie-Laure Marchand Asia. The series is currently in production and will be fully delivered by Spring 2019. We have already secured over a dozen presales for the new series, including ITV and CITV for the UK market, and will be bringing the property to BLE for the first time this year.

What plans do you have to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Oggy and the Cockroaches? We have an extensive marketing plan in place to celebrate Oggy and the Cockroaches’ 20th anniversary in France from Q4 2018 onwards, that agents will be able to replicate globally. The exciting activity we have lined-up for fans includes live amusement events, street marketing, museum partnerships and more! Keep up to date with all the activity by following #OGGY20 on social media. In Italy, Funwood and Discovery Italy, the brand’s local licensing agent and broadcaster partner (K2 and Frisbee channels), are together planning an extensive line-up of activity to celebrate the anniversary that will include a wide campaign against bullying and prokindness utilising Oggy as a spokesperson, along with other fun activities for fans including meet and greets at Leolandia theme park.

What other properties will you be focusing on in the future? Alongside continuing to expand the merchandise offering for Oggy and the Cockroaches, we have appointed Maurizio Di Stefano agency to represent Zig & Sharko in Italy. We’ll also continuing focusing on expanding our first preschool brand, Paprika. The playful animated comedy launched successfully in France on France 5 and Frisbee in Italy; it will also begin airing on Disney Jr. in EMEA at the start of October. We’re now assembling a consumer products line-up for Paprika with key categories including publishing with Hachette in France, master toy and apparel. Last but not least, one of our key licensing focuses in the future will be our hilarious new animated series, Mr Magoo that we are bringing to BLE for the first time this year. It’s based on the hugely successful 1960’s cartoon of the same name, and the new take was commissioned by France Télévisions, K2 Italy and Cartoon Network 79

In your opinion, how much impact is licensing and merchandise having on the growth of Xilam? Developing strong licensing and merchandising activity plays a hugely important role in Xilam’s growth strategy. It is crucial to develop a 360 approach to our brands and for us to be able to respond to our fans’ needs, including developing a multi-platform presence for our content across TV and video-on-demand platforms, establishing a solid social media presence and assembling a consumer products offering that showcases our brands.

Publishing CHINA SHANGAI INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR

The CCBF opens to licensing The sixth edition of theChina Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF).The Fair will take place from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 November 2018 at the Shanghai World Expo Conference and Convention Centre. For the past five years, CCBF has established itself as a vibrant hub for international rights exchange and all other professional activities surrounding contents aimed at children aged 0–16. 2018 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for CCBF, as this will be the first edition organised in partnership with BolognaFiere. As organisers of Bologna Children’s Book Fair, BolognaFiere will contribute its more than fifty years’professional experience and rich network to give CCBF a unique international business-driven flair with no equal on the Chinese book fair scene. The Fair will bring together some 300 top publishers from around the world, with special emphasis on stakeholders from the Asia-Pacific region. A walkthrough the CCBF exhibition hall offers a panoramic view of all the Chinese children’s publishers that matter, and countless chances to meet the most established foreign publishers, including Andersen Press, Kyowon Publishing Group, Gallimard Jeunesse and Editorial Planeta. And to top it all, CCBF is proud to introduce its new lounges—Bologna Best Children’s Publishers (BOP) lounge, Strega Award lounge, Asia-Pacific New Entry lounge—where international award-winning companies will bring their cutting-edge contents to China for the very first time. CCBF stands out by the quality of its professional event programme, carefully curated by a team of children’s book experts. Bringing a compelling mix

of academic expertise, business knowhow and innovative thinking, the CCBF Conference Programme will offer 12 highly engaging seminars aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of Chinese publishing. Topics will include international trends, audio books, book design, licensing and distribution channels. In addition to the Conference Programme, the Fair will feature a range of other events and networking opportunities for the CCBF community, such as the Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition, the Chen Bochui International Children’s Literature Award, the Illustrators Survival Corner, the Authors Festival and the SHVIP fellowship programme.

For its 2018 edition, CCBF has come up with a stellar line-up, which includes authors David Shannon (Caldecott Honour Book), Kitty Crowther (ALMA Award), Eiko Kadono (Hans Christian Andersen Award); IBBY President Zhang Mingzhou; children’s literature experts Leonard S. Marcus, Maria Russo (The New York Times), and many more. 80

CCBF is the number one platform to cement connections with leading publishing professionals and discover talents from all horizons. We are looking forward to meeting you in our amazing Shanghai.

Full details about the programme and preregistration are available at www.ccboofkfair.com

Publishing LINGOZING!

AN APP TO LEARN LANGUAGES THROUGH PUBLISHED CONTENT AND MORE LingoZing! is an amazing NEW WAY to learn languages while having fun. same way, some make less effort listening, others watching or using a visual and audio method together. Lingo Zing! adapts to all needs and all learning styles. You can listen to the titles, record and relisten or read. The library offered is of 70 titles per hour in French, English, Spanish, Portuguese and Brazilian; many and prestigious are the characters including Garfield and the Smurfs and publishing brands such as PAWS Inc., Dargaud, Delcourt, Glenat, FOX, BOOM!, Ecole des Loisirs have joined the project. The App launched in Brazil last year and is in the first 10 apps for Exame Brazil. Much appreciated by teachers, it has as

official partner the Institut Francais, which has created a guide for teachers on how to use LingoZing in class! An app like this offers great support to children’s and young people’s publishing, both at the local level and in terms of international distribution, allowing you to make literary works known outside its borders.

It’s the only application that uses comics, picture books and graphic novels of various genres and topics suitable for both children and adults of all ages. Everyone can choose their own stories and favorite character to learn how to read and write in a foreign language.

LingoZing! is fully focused on making this app a success and the whole team is working with great enthusiasm to accelerate its adoption in all territories. The e-learning market is growing rapidly (+9% per year), approaching $200 billion in turnover globally, while more than 1.2 million people around the world are learning a new language through e-learning.

For many people learning a language is a tedious and slow process, so the task can become very difficult. By downloading your favourite stories from the LingoZing! app and following the proposed method, you can achieve an intuitive level of understanding and maintain it over time. You can read, listen, save the story by customizing the functions at your own level. Not everyone learns languages in the

Available on Android and iOS for tablets and smartphones. 81

Focus on STAMION ACCESSORIES

GORJUSS ACCESSORIES AND FASHION IN GREECE, TURKEY AND ITALY The history of Stamatis Ioannidis & Son SA began in 1914 in Thessaloniki when Stamatis Ioannidis founded a family business specialising in the production of classic men’s hats, hats for work and children. After the Second World War, the second generation of the family arrives in the company with Margaritis Ioannidis, a young and ambitious entrepreneur, makes the company grow by diversifying its activities. In a short time, she became the main supplier of hats, accessories and fabrics in Greece. The next generation successfully pursued the company’s development policy, crossing national borders and reaching an international position in several countries and

products in EMEA. The portfolio of brands is international: Disney, Marvel, Lucas, Universal, Nickelodeon, Entertainment One, Warner Bros, Playboy, Sanrio, Turner, FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Ben Bonart, Maui&Sons, Paul Frank and Santoro. Stamatis Ioannidis & Son SA has been awarded the PLATINUM medal for the STAMION brand and its 103 years of

edge products. The company is spread over a large area where there is a very modern warehouse of 4,000 m2, an office showroom of 800 m2 and employs 72 people. Stamion products are widely distributed in all types of stores in Europe and the United States; hypermarkets, supermarkets, department stores, home textile stores, toy stores, gadgets stores, children’s clothing and souvenir stores. Recently acquired and developed, Stamion is currently engaged in sales and promotion campaigns in Italy, Greece and Turkey with exclusive accessories, shoes and clothing under the brand Gorjuss.

continents. Since 1990 Stamion has been one of the main Disney licensees in the Balkan states. Recently the company has further improved its presence on the domestic market and thanks to a total control of internal processes from design to MR. COOL delivery has become the first supplier for distributors and resellers of licensed

activity. It also received the prestigious award of Ageless Loved and Famous Brands of Greece at the event organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Athens, SEV, SEELPE and SEVT. Stamatis Ioannidis & Son SA’s trump card is to provide its partners with complete solutions for the development of products in-house, with a vision that is always attentive to understanding the desires of their consumers and to creating cutting82

Focus on CLEAN PAPER CONVERTING

QUALITY PAPER Clean Paper Converting is a leading licensee on the Italian scene and a leader in its field. To learn more about the group’s licensing strategy and future developments, Licensing Magazine interviewed Gianluca Lojacono, Sales Manager at Clean Paper Converting. formats, perfumes, colours, graphics and indeed licensing. Specialization, quality and personalization (private label) have always been our distinctive traits. It’s true to say that our development model has followed three approaches: environmental and economic sustainability of the projects and internationalization. Our main market is Europe (20% Italy, 80% other countries) and the technology

products and offers.

innovation, which is increasingly leading to automation and digitalisation of our processes. The growth took place internally, through cycles of investment plans, and external ways when in 2016 the opportunity to take over the Clean Paper was presented. With this investment, the group has taken on a more significant dimension both on a European and an Italian level in the production of tissues and handkerchiefs, significantly integrating its range of

Viacom, eOne) and valuable new contracts (including for example Warner Bros and Marvel). The company invests in this sector regularly and continuously participating in the main sector exhibitions: BLTF and BLE every year, MR. BUMP and attending the Las Vegas Licensing Expo at least every two years.

What does Licensing represent for you today? And how much does it weigh? Since the beginning of this operation, “licensing” has represented a strategic and important asset of the new course. We immediately worked for a renewal and reorganization of the previous license portfolio, bringing home important confirmations (including Rainbow,

Gianluca Lojacono Can you briefly describe how the Galeotti Group, which includes Clean Paper Converting, is composed? In the last few years, the Galeotti Group (Cartografica Galeotti and Clean Paper Converting) has specialized with a continuous growth in the paper and cardboard processing sector. The group today owns three plants in the paper district of Lucca, with a total covered area of approx. 40,000 square metres: one plant is dedicated to the production of lithographed boxes in stretched and corrugated cardboard with specialized lines for different product sectors. The other two are dedicated to the production of tissue products and facial tissues. In what are you leaders in Italy and in Europe? With regard to our activity in the field of tissue we are the main European producers in terms of production capacity of facial tissues, with an ever more wide range of articles in terms of quality,

Focus on EQSG

EQSG creates PRONAO: a laboratory of emotions Fabio Malfatto, CEO of EQSG Srl, announces the creation of a new company, PRONAO srl. Pronao was born from the fusion of two souls, which wanted to merge their experiences to create something unique in the landscape of European distribution: EQSG Srl (http://www.eqsg.com/), for over 35 years leader in the world of licensing, publishing and loyalty, known in the world of Italian advertising and promotion and not only; and KINGO Srl, with over 20 years of experience in retail sales and in the organization of sales

Fabio Malfatto and Furio Ceciliato

Furio Ceciliato (left) together with her wife Erica e Claudio Basile (right) in Vietnam networks. The purpose of Pronao is to bring a unique and innovative commercial proposal in the world of retail, allowing stores to stand out from the competition. Pronao distributes in over 2300 shops specializing in selling different kinds of products: from books, to stationery products, to high-quality gifts or educational games. The range of products offered is exclusive and peculiar, they all carry with them a story. The flagship items are the Origamo pop-up greeting cards, whose creator Furo Ceciliato is the

owner of Kingo Srl. These cards are made entirely by hand with made in Italy, ecosustainable and FSC certified paper. It is important to underline the fair and equitable nature of this product. In fact, the Origamo® laboratories have received the INTERNATIONAL FAIR TRADE CERTIFICATION, which guarantees excellent working conditions and the total absence of child labor. But that’s not all. It is with great pleasure that Pronao Srl has obtained the Disney license: in all the best shops around Italy - including the Mondadori chain -you will

soon be able to discover the Origamo collection of cards dedicated to the most beloved Disney characters, which have accompanied many generations of children all over the world. Among the other products distributed by Pronao we can find the Pantone® travel collection, as well as the eyeglasses and sunglasses collection from the same brand, worldwide known for its originality and quality. Pronao, however, is not a company only focused on business and profit, but a group of people who have chosen to work also in the world of solidarity, engaging remarkable energy and resources to

Focus on of colour and as we know colour means emotion. Every colour has its own meaning, that varies subjectively for each of us. Colour moves our emotions: it mitigates them, enhances them, modifies them, it has a strong power. The Pantone object is not just an object: it is colour, it is suggestion. Pronao is born today with the projects

make this world a better place. Choosing Origamo, in fact, you support the ‘Sunshine Homes’ - family houses for the orphans in Saigon, Vietnam. Part of the income from the sale of Origamo popup cards is allocated to these structures, which provide love, protection, education and livelihood to the children who live in these family houses, also supporting the hospitals and orphanages run by Christina Noble’s Children Foundation. It is no coincidence that Pronao was born from the synergy of sensitive entrepreneurs such as Furio Ceciliato, Fabio Malfatto, his sister Paola Malfatto along with their family and Claudio Basile, who have always been involved in social welfare. This is only the beginning for Pronao, there are ambitious and innovative projects for the future, covering the wide distribution of special products, always in

line with market trends and respecting the environment and people. Pronao is a company based on human and not only commercial values. It focuses on professional collaborations that lead to the creation of products designed and studied with the precise purpose of providing the customer with emotions, it aims at the creation of an emotional experience. There are Pronao pop-up cards suitable for every important occasion of a person’s life. They are handcrafted and they surprise when one opens them, creating a coloured 3D object, recalling a special memory or a special occasion to be carried in the heart. The Pantone® world recalls the world 85

that have been told in these few lines, but moreover with many important ideas and initiatives that will be visible on the market in the coming years. All readers are invited to come and see Pronao at Paperworld in Frankfurt, in January. On this occasion the entire Origamo collection will be exhibited, as well as the Pantone collection novelties that will be released in the coming months. You will have the opportunity to discover the exclusive trend colours of the moment and all the new subjects of the most sustainable and friendly pop-up cards in the world and who knows, perhaps some other novelty by Pronao.

Focus on PUBLIEVENT

FROM TIP THE MOUSE TO PAW PATROL, SUCCESSFUL EVENTS FOR THE LITTLE ONES PUBLIEVENT has been offering, for several years now, services, advice and support to Commercial Centres and Mass Market Distribution. Inside the area, children could choose between various activities: listening to the fantastic adventures among a pile of books in the reading corner, creating, recycling, inventing in the laboratory corner, interacting and participating in multimedia games in the multimedia corner. And on the last day, Tip the Mouse’s mascot met all the children.

Efficiency and proven dynamics make PUBLIEVENT one of the most efficient partners in supporting shopping centers for events, animations, competitions, educational contests and marketing operations. Passion and knowledge of the sector are the values always at stake to satisfy customers. This summer there was great success for the arrival of the lovely Tip the Mouse who loved by children for his sympathy but also for the attention to environmental issues. At a national preview, in the last week of July the Shopping Centre I Gigli hosted the event “The World of Tip the Mouse”. The event was placed inside the container of summer activities “Gigli Villaggio Vacanze” and every afternoon allowed children to live in the world of Tip. In a dedicated

area all the children met up with Tip the Mouse and his world in a setting in the shape of a shoe machine that recalled the settings of his adventures. The kids and their families could board the cute shoe car and pose for a fun souvenir photo. The shots could then be uploaded to the shopping centre’s Facebook page, subject to a release. Another event that will start and have a large following is the one with Marshall and Chase as protagonists. The children literally go crazy with joy to see the two most beloved protagonists of the team of heroic puppies PAW PATROL. The Dalmatian puppy, MARSHALL, the fireman rescue dog, a bit clumsy but so sweet and the serious and mature CHASE, puppy-doctor of German shepherd, during the season will meet all the children on a tour in stages around Italian shopping malls. 86

Events CARTOON FORUM

BETWEEN TRADITION AND INNOVATION. DIALOGUE ATTEMPTS WITH THE FUTURE The Cartoon Forum is the place where European animation meets and presents a preview of its projects for European and worldwide TV broadcasters. Cartoon Forum, their opinion. DRONERS A drone race in a futuristic environment. Very commercial and with already very clear toy elements. Producer: Cyber Group Studios (France) Target: Children

Silly Sundays SILLY SUNDAYS The most acclaimed pre-school project at this Forum. Strong colours, warm environments and the perfect ingredients to take a nostalgic but joyful dive into an old-style family idea. Producer: Cartoon Saloon (Ireland) Target: Pre-school

The opinion of Caterina Gonnelli, Director, Acquisitions and Coproductions, Disney Channels EMEA, The Walt Disney Company Droners After three intense days of presentations of new animation projects in Toulouse, the main reflection is that the traditional use of television content needs to be reinvented. Perhaps the winning choice will be the ability to make a content live on more media, but above all to be able to tell the best story for each one. A storytelling that matches the medium to capture the attention of an active and hyper-stimulated consumer. The producers, in turn, are faced with the choice to keep themselves on traditional models, in format and content, or rather to dare and offer “disruptive” content to investors and broadcasters. We have chosen a range of projects to keep an eye on in the future, not just for potential licensing developments. And we have asked four experts in the sector, participating in the

Caterina Gonnelli In your opinion, what news have emerged for the target children and kids, during the Cartoon Forum? Various projects of the Cartoon Forum tell about pleasant moments spent with the family, for example “Silly Sundays” by Cartoon Saloon, or they show very affectionate families, such as “The Huggingtons” by Klipp & Lim and Muse Entertainment. Perhaps we all feel a bit of nostalgia for the moments when all generations gathered together in the living room watching television? What is the next trend to keep an eye on for pre-school, kids and teenagers 88

respectively? In this Forum there were at least a couple of pre-school projects co-produced between France and Japan and, in recent years, several pre-school projects in coproduction with Korea. The pre-school characters created in Asia certainly have great potential for the coming years. As for older children, our profession must probably try to move away from the traditional series 26x22’ or 52x11’ and in order to answer the evolution of the demand, produce mini thematic series, comic shorts and TV specials. What kind of content are you looking for in the near future? For Disney Channel and Disney XD in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa) we are looking for fun animated series, with unforgettable characters and with an authentic point of view of the author. For Disney Junior we are looking for stories whose ingredients are optimism, adventure, humor and a pinch of magic.

Events SPLAT & SEYMOUR The friendship between a cat and a mouse. They live together adventures where one’s personality is completed with the agility of the other. Producer: Just Kids (France) Target: Pre-school

The opinion of Ivanka Hahnenberger, General Manager, VIP Licensing

Samsam SAMSAM The comeback of the 6-year-old super hero who goes through adventures facing children’s fears. A historical French IP from the books of Bayar Jeunesse. Producer: Folivari / Bayar Jeunesse Animation (France) Target: Pre-school

Ivanka Hahnenberger

Splat & Seymour SYNCRO 5 In a digital world, 5 boys with special powers, coming from 5 continents, come together to fight confusion and disharmony. All the ingredients of a commercial property with kids target. Producer: beQ Entertainment (Italy), Ellipsanime (France), MADE (Italy), PGM (Canada) Target: Children

Your goal is to combine publishing, comics and graphic novels with the audiovisual. What are the appropriate spaces to make this union happen? My goal is to combine comics with anything. The best events are precisely the Cartoon Forum, the Cartoon Movie, and the MIFA in Annecy, which is a great business opportunity for comics and animation. There is then the Angoulême Comics Festival where we are working to invite more and more film producers to meet hundreds of comic book publishers. The Bologna Children’s Book Fair is also an ideal place to bring these two worlds together. Which projects have intrigued you most at the Forum? I have seen that there are many suitable projects to be transposed into graphic novels, both for children and adults. There are many valid concepts, some from books and others suitable for publishing.

Luis and the Aliens LUIS AND THE ALIENS The meeting of a thirteen-year-old with UFOs who landed in his garden. Together they will protect the Earth from intergalactic criminals. Producer: Ulysses Filmproduktion (Germany), Fabrique d’Images (Luxembourg), A. Film Production (Denmark) Target: Children

In your opinion, were the projects more conservative or disruptive compared to the current status? Surely tradition wins, in the format, in the business model and in the contents. I would like to see more brave projects that break with the past. Syncro 5 89

Events CARTOON FORUM LOTTIE Lottie is a child who doesnâ€™t like to follow the rules. She lives her extraordinary adventures in her own way and learns lessons that will help her to live better. Producer: Arx Anima (Austria) Target: Children

Chad and Clark Deep in the bowl DEEP IN THE BOWL Based on Nicolas Pouponâ€™s comics, it is the absurd story of fish living in an aquarium and trying to make sense of their lives. All in an ironic key. Producer: ZEILT productions (Luxembourg), WATT frame (France) Target: Young Adults

Lottie

CHAD AND CLARK The story of two friends and a noble enterprise, following curiosities and adventures. Willingness to entertain, educate and inspire children on universal issues. Producer: Animalps Productions (France), Montblanc Pictures (Japan), Nippon Animation (Japan) Target: Pre-school

The opinion of Luca Milano, Director at Rai Ragazzi

Cartoon Forum? The formula of the Cartoon Forum is always stimulating, because it leaves a lot of space for the interaction between producers and broadcasters, even informally, in a truly European environment. Rai Ragazzi has followed most of the presentations, and there are certainly projects that deserve to go on. In addition to the series, which represents the main part of the offer, I also see a new interest for short formats or for genres such as the animated documentary.

Luca Milano

What news have emerged for the children and kids target, during the

In your opinion, what is the next trend to keep an eye on for these two targets? In terms of production, there is a renewed commitment of big television channels, especially public and some private, to invest in co-production in European animation, also in response to the challenge of large OTT groups. Editorially, instead, it seems to me that there is a return of storytelling, often in a comedy-adventure style, compared to the abundance of humorous comedy series in 90

the recent years. What kind of content is Rai Ragazzi looking for in the near future? How much does the potential for commercial development affect your choices? A few months ago, in addition to the two Rai Yoyo and Rai Gulp channels, we started having a strong VOD offer with RaiPlay Yoyo. This helps us to diversify content, which in addition to linear transmission are always available on demand. We are looking for original programmes for a very varied offer, from the most popular titles to more selective operations that will live on the app or on the web. Commercial development is important because we want Italian productions to circulate more and more internationally and above all to be able to finance ambitious and expensive editorial projects. But in the end the choice of whether or not to take a project is based on the content: we are a public television and the educational purpose is always present, even in the most amusing and relaxing works.

Events THE HUGGINGTONS A pre-school series without dialogue that models resilience and adventure, comedy and cuddles. Producer: Klipp & Lim (Norway), Muse Entertainment Enterprises (Canada) Target: Pre-school

The Huggingtons

LIRYA AND TAYA The story of a friendship between two girls, with the right ingredients for the female target: music, feelings, gadgets and dance. Producer: FunGameMedia (Germany), Riki Group (Russia) Target: Children

Lirya e Taya

The opinion of Daniela Di Maio, Kids Entertainment Expert strong.

Daniela Di Maio What did you like the most about this Cartoon Forum? The one just ended, was a very rich Cartoon Forum in terms of proposals, especially in the pre-school. I noticed a good presence of products designed for the female target, also aimed at female kids (6-11). It will be interesting to follow their development and potential, also in the licensing, especially considering that in recent years traditional broadcasters have tended to choose live action to intercept girls in their show schedules. Conversely, I noticed a small number of proposals and research for the male target.

In your opinion, what is the next trend for the children and kids target, in the field of animation? In terms of values, many animations speak about ego building, conveying messages aimed at combating exclusion, loneliness and non-acceptance by others. Formally, alongside the traditional protagonists seen as farm animals, there is a return to pirates and adventures by sea, but above all an interesting vein about aliens who need to adapt to humans on earth and to survive during intergalactic journeys. On the other hand, for the young adults target, the comedy strand of irreverence and good-natured social criticism remains 91

How strongly do you think the fruition of programmes for children and kids is revolutionizing, thinking of traditional broadcaster and VOD/SVOD? We stand in an interesting transition phase: new media are breaking the rules and opening new paths. Not only there is an ongoing revolution in consumer styles, but the actual content proposed by these platforms is also new and different. All this is progressively triggering in the industry - even in the kids area - a new way of thinking formats, themes, languages and narrative rhythms. However, within this fervor and proliferation of offers, the strength of the story and the characterisation of the characters are still the key ingredients able to capture the attention and the involvement of the public, even beyond the platforms and brands. Among the selected projects, did you identify any with potential for licensing and commercial development? Many projects were already born as a development from publishing, others as a film spin-off. Most of them even forecast a commercial declination in their Bible. To name one above all, Lirya and Tanya - a female animation about the passion for dance - offers interesting c o m m e r c i a l extensions, including on the ground activities in the area.

Events MIPCOM 2018

BETWEEN LIVE ACTION AND ANIMATION, THE WINNER IS... As every year, the animation and audiovisual industry meet in Cannes to present the latest novelties. This phase, in particular, more than others, is a time of great change for this industry. In fact, while on one hand the use of ON DEMAND contents wins, on the other hand the traditional broadcaster is struggling to adapt its programming in order to keep a consistent following of its audience. A game from the seemingly obvious ending, but where the content and storytelling will really determine the winner. Here there are some of the novelties announced for MIPCOM. B&R360 GROWS ITS SALES THROUGHOUT EUROPE, WITH ROBOCAR POLI, ATCHOO AND KALLY’S MASHUP Brands & Rights 360 (B&R360), the Madrid based integrated brand management specialist, has recently sold all four seasons of Robocar Poli to Clan TVE Spain, and first two seasons to Star Channel Greece and Panda Portugal. The preschool animation series is one a top Korean franchise, produced with the essentials of safety, education and fun. B&R360 is currently developing a tailor made 360 strategy with AS Toys in Greece backed by the launch of the series in September on FTA channel Star. The track record of the series around the world is excellent: producer, Roi Visual, has brought the series to more than 141 countries and dubbed it to 33 different languages. It is number one in L&M in Asia with an established fan base and it has a proven track record in Italy on FTA kids channel Cartoonito, supported by Rocco Gioccatoli’s toys on the shelves.

Kally’s Mashup Brands & Rights 360, together with Anders Media Inc, 360 Powwow and Nickelodeon Latam´s bring Kally´s Mashup to Europe. With music produced by Adam Anders, executive music producer of Fox´s Glee, the series is Nick Latam´s highest rated children and youth oriented novela so far.

Kally’s Mashup 92

B&R 360 has come to terms with top broadcasters in 5 territories for the launch of the series between 3Q18 and 1Q19: DeA Kids in Italy premiered June 4th. Super! launch expected for February 2019; France with Gulli premiered August 27th; in Russia Gulli Girls premiered

Events MIPCOM 2018 September 3rd; Teen Nick in Isreal premiered September 2nd; in Portugal the première on Biggs channel is planned in November. Moreover, a launch in November is planned also in Angola and Mozambique on DSTV Kids and in September in French Speaking Africa with Gulli Africa. Furthermore, discussions are currently taking place with TV partners to place the series in Benelux, Poland, Spain, Greece and Turkey. Kally´s Mashup is already backed by Sony Music, which will release the music in every country where the series will air on TV.

Atchoo

Robacar Poli B&R360 handles all rights for this series in Sothern Europe and is currently developing a tailor-made strategic L&M plan to follow up the premiere in the above mention territories. The company remains constantly focused on offering high-profile global entertainment brands within the kids’ audience, maximizing its exposure and revenues. Last but not least, Brands & Rights 360 has recently come to terms with Nickelodeon SWEMEA for the distribution of the animation comedy titled Atchoo. This LITTLE MISS agreement will add CHATTERBOX 108 new territories to the title´s existing international reach.

Countries in this deal include: Benelux, GAS, France, Spain, Portugal (incl. Palops), CEE, Poland, Russia, CIS and Sub Saharan Africa. This international agreement with Nickelodeon speaks about the quality of the series and B&R360 is confident that more territories will be added to the list shortly. Furthermore, Atchoo is already delivering good ratings, on DeA Kids + Rai Gulp Italy, Nat Geo Kids Latam, Kids Central US, among others. It will soon premiere on Clan TVE Spain, and Discovery Kids MENA. The series is already available on Amazon Prime Video India. The series, made of 52 episodes of 11 minutes each, is produced by Studio Campedelli, Cartobaleno, RAI Ragazzi and Cosmos-Maya (Singapore & India). 94

XILAM ANIMATION KICKS-OFF COACH ME IF YOU CAN AT MIPCOM JUNIOR Award-winning French animation studio, Xilam Animation, is launching its new kids’ football-themed animated comedy series, Coach Me If You Can, at MIPCOM Junior 2018. The new series is set to debut on France 3 Ludo. Created by Olivier Pouchelon and produced by Xilam, the new 52 x 13’ animation targets kids aged 6-10 years and follows the comedic adventures of Daniel Sissou who has a secret – his favourite soccer ball is none other than Erico Platana, the world’s greatest soccer player! A mad sorcerer has turned Erico

Events MIPCOM 2018 into a ball and to get back to his human form, he needs to seriously deflate his ego and help clumsy Daniel become a soccer champ. They may both be bumblers but together, things can only get better! SHOWRUNNER ROBERT BUTLER JOINS THE RED HARLEQUIN Creeped Out Executive Producer and Co-creator Robert Butler has joined Pantomimus Media as Showrunner and co-creator of its YA fantasy TV series, The Red Harlequin. Working together EP Rick Porras (The Lord of the Rings), Butler will pen the TV Bible and first script, which will be presented at Mipcom for the first time. Butler is the Co-creator and Executive Producer of Creeped Out (26 half hours), an anthology series that combines sci-fi, horror, adventure, suspense, fantasy and mystery. Co-created with Bede Blake, Creeped Out is produced by CBBC and DHX Media, airing on CBBC, The Family Channel (Canada) and Netflix Worldwide. The Red Harlequin is a YA fantasy series set in an ancient world divided by colors (“Chromes”), where everyone wears masks, superstitions abound, and frightful

Creeped Out NEW PRESCHOOL SERIES REV & ROLL DHX Media and Alpha Group are heading to MIPCOM 2018 with their latest CGI preschool series, Rev & Roll (52 x 11’). Set for delivery in Fall 2018, Rev & Roll is co-invested by DHX Media and Alpha

Rev & Roll creatures called Harlequins exist. The series is a visually stunning and highly engaging allegory on society, religion, politics, morality and revolution. LITTLE MISS NAUGHTY DHX MEDIA& ALPHA GROUP GO TO MIPCOM WITH

Group with distribution handled by Alpha in Asia, Russia and MENA, and DHX for rest of world. Rev & Roll follows the adventures of eightyear-old Rev and his best friend Rumble — a rambunctious anthropomorphic truck with all the personality of a loyal and enthusiastic dog! Amped up and always raring to go, Rev and Rumble are an 96

energized pair of truck-powered pals who are living the childhood dream on their family’s ranch, Accelerator Acres. DHX MEDIA AND BBC CHILDREN’S PRODUCTIONS TO CO-PRODUCE MORE CREEPED OUT DHX Media and its co-production partner BBC Children’s Productions, have received a 10-episode order from CBBC in the UK and Family Channel in Canada for season two of the kids’ live action series Creeped Out. The series’ first season, which premiered on CBBC last October and debuts on Family Channel this fall, has also been picked up by Netflix worldwide (excluding the UK and Canada) for streaming this October. Creeped Out is an original drama anthology series that combines sci-fi, horror, adventure, suspense, fantasy and mystery. Each story is introduced by “The Curious,” a mysterious, masked story collector who appears at the beginning and end of each episode. Commissioned by Family Channel and CBBC, Creeped Out is a Canada-UK coproduction between DHX Media and BBC Children’s Productions. The series is created and executive produced by Bede Blake (The Evermoor Chronicles, Hank Zipzer) and Robert Butler (Eastenders, Hollyoaks).

15-18 October 2018 Palais des Festivals - Cannes, France

HITS in the making MAGIC on the Croisette

The Worldâ€™s Entertainment Content Market 13,800 participants / 24,712m2 exhibition 4,700 registered companies / 110 countries

www.mipcom.com

Events MIPCOM 2018 BRAIN POWER STUDIO APPOINTS AWARD-WINNING UK COPRODUCER TO “BEATRIX AND PETER” HELPING TO BRING BEATRIX POTTER’S CHILDHOOD TO LIFE Global media company Brain Power Studio has appointed British producer Eugenio Perez as the UK co-production partner for its latest project Beatrix and Peter, based on the early life of the beloved British children’s author and her relationship with her pet rabbit, Peter. Beatrix and Peter tells the charming tales of a young adventurer Beatrix Potter, aged 9, with stories that intertwine her love of science and the magic of the forests that spark her imagination and inspire the tales that make her famous. The legacy property will focus on the science curriculum alongside vivid stories of Beatrix, her family and her four-legged friends. RIKI GROUP AND APC KIDS SIGN INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION DEAL FOR NEW ANIMATED TV SERIES RICKY THE DINOSAUR Riki Group, a leading Russian animation company based in St. Petersburg, has signed an agreement with APC Kids, the children’s entertainment distribution company of boutique co-producer and

Beatrix and Peter distributor About Premium Content (APC), for production and international distribution of a new animated TV series Ricky the Dinosaur. APC Kids is investing in the production of the 52 x 5’30’’ series and has exclusive distribution rights in all territories

Ricky the Dinosaur 98

excluding Russia and China. APC Kids is now actively seeking presales with broadcast partners. Ricky the Dinosaur, an original series created by St Petersburg-based Riki Group, is a preschool series which portrays funny moments from the everyday life of a family of ...dinosaurs!

Events in pug sneakers and fluffy slippers and… and anything else you can imagine with an adorable, scrunched up pug face. BUT…. can you name that pug? Do you know where he lives, what his dreams are, who his crush is and who his enemies are? Well now, thanks to TeamTO’s hilarious new, action-packed CG animated series ...the world of licensing can finally put a name to that face. And that name is MIGHTY MIKE! MIGHTY MIKE is a refined pug with sophisticated tastes who longs for a quiet life but is forced to defend his house from a bunch of furry intruders and maddening pets instead. Raccoons, turtles and Fluffy the cat have a knack for showing up at the worst possible moments, dragging Mike into a series of unforeseen twists and turns – and making him miss yet another opportunity to impress Cindy, the neighbour’s elegant dog.

Adoonga APC KIDS LAUNCHES NEW ANIMATION PRODUCTION COMPANY ZEPHYR ANIMATION

all target groups from pre-school to kids aged 6-9 and across all genres from action/adventure to comedy.

APC Kids and distributor About Premium Content (APC), is launching its own production company Zephyr Animation. Based in Paris, the new studio will be headed by APC Kids’ partners Lionel Marty, Emmanuelle Guilbart and Laurent Boissel.

The first project out of the stable is Adoonga, an animated comedy series from South Korean studio Vooz (creators of PUCCA). Zephyr Animation and Vooz will co-develop and co-produce the new 52x 11’ series with APC Kids taking global distribution and licensing rights outside Asia and Latin America. Aimed at kids aged 8-11, Adoonga will be available in 2021. Adoonga is the story of a young, goodhearted and adventurous gorilla who tries to make it in the big city. Along with his new friends, they seize every opportunity to hone their talents and skills, while also trying to survive in the concrete jungle.

David Sauerwein, former Head writer, Story editor and Script doctor for Xilam and Ubisoft, is joining the venture as Chief Creative Officer to oversee and manage all projects created and produced by the company. Zephyr Animation will develop its own projects as well as co-develop and coproduce properties with partners from around the world. All projects will express their originality through strong characters and a special attention to storytelling. With an emphasis on strong international sales potential, Zephyr shows will cover

MIGHTY MIKE – THE WORLD’S MOST LICENSABLE PUG Who doesn’t love a pug? People wear them on t-shirts and backpacks, drink from pug mugs and water bottles, walk 99

Mighty Mike Produced by maverick kids content creator TeamTO, with Canada’s Digital Dimension, MIGHTY MIKE (78 x 7’) is a CG animated, dialogue-free slapstick comedy for 6-11 year olds, in the style of Tom & Jerry-meets-silly pet videos. TeamTO’s revolutionary production has resulted in a level of photorealism that is virtually unparalleled in the world of kids television, and will be screened for the first time at Mipcom Junior. Distributed by CAKE, the series debuts across the globe in 2019 on Boomerang Worldwide, France Télévisions, and Super RTL Germany.

Events NEW YORK TOY FAIR

Toy Fair New York: A Critical Hub for Global Play Professionals As the largest toy trade show in the Western Hemisphere, Toy Fair in New York City is a critical hub for tens of thousands of toymakers, distributors, retailers, licensors, and other trade guests who visit the show each February.

Considered a “must attend” event by toy and play professionals the world over, the 2019 show – taking place 16 to 19 February – will welcome an influx of international guests from more than 100 countries, making it one of the most dynamic Toy Fairs in recent history. In 2018, Toy Fair drew notable increases in attendees from outside the U.S., including international trade guests (up 26 percent year-overyear), as well as large delegations of attendees

from outside the U.S., including 3,802 international visitors, of which 1,589 were global buyers. The top five countries represented at the show, not including the U.S. and Canada, were China, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Mexico, and Japan. This year, about 1,000 exhibiting toy companies from six continents will showcase their toy lines to approximately 30,000 visitors. The Launch Pad area will exclusively feature first-time exhibitors that are new to Toy Fair, offering a rare glimpse at never-before-seen product. In total, the latest trends and most inspiring new toys, games, and youth entertainment 100

products for spring, summer, and holiday ’19 will be unveiled across more than 40,000 net square meters at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Buyers and licensors will be there to do business and strike lucrative deals, while global media will be on-site in search of the “toy story” of the year. “Toy Fair ’19 will help toy companies and talented entrepreneurs get a foothold in North America andin emerging global markets, while providing buyers with direct access to bold new inventions, veteran brands, and everything in between – all under one roof,” said Marian Bossard, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association, the U.S. trade group that produces Toy Fair. “It’s a world-renowned marketplace for spotting

Events NEW YORK TOY FAIR what’s new, next, and cutting edge in the world of toys and play – and truly unlike any other toy show in the world!” But Toy Fair isn’t all work and no play. In fact, show organizers have been working hard to schedule an array of special events and enriching seminars designed to help visitors build new contacts and learn about the future of play, youth trends, licensing, independent retailing, safety compliance, entrepreneurship, and more. JUST FOR LICENSORS The toy industry has evolved considerably over the last 10 to 15 years and Toy Fair New York has evolved along with it. The Licensing Content Connection educational series has been in place for the past few years and is a successful component of New York Toy Fair’s “Knowledge Network” programming. Licensing seminars focus on licensing fundamentals, as well as how to negotiate

toy brands with buyers and licensors for business transactions and relationshipbuilding. CALLING ALL INVENTORS & ENTREPRENEURS The Creative Factor program for entrepreneurs and inventors will expand at this year’s Toy Fair. Now entering its 16th year, Creative Factor was co-founded by Brett Klisch, creative director at Peru Meridian Studios, who passionately led the program over the years and continues to develop inspiring educational and experiential content for attendees. At Toy Fair 2019, Creative Factor will have an even more visible

a licensing deal, global licensing trends, and how to evaluate whether a property is ready for licensing. Toy Fair and The Toy Association also support the toy industry’s relationships with other sectors throughout the yearvia partnerships and networking opportunities, as well as through The Toy Association’s B2B e-commerce platform, www. ShopToys365.com, which connects 102

presence and feature an expanded lineup of content presented by experts across a wide range of disciplines, thanks to the expert guidance of the program’s newly formed advisory board, which includes Klisch, Robin Raskin (founder of Living in Digital Times), Warren Tuttle (president of the United Inventors Association Board of Directors), Billy Langsworthy (co-founder of Mojo Nation in the UK), and Matt Nuccio (owner of Design Edge). TREND-SPOTTING Global buyers and the media will also want to check out The Toy Association’s annual Toy Trends Briefing, taking place on the second day of the show (17 February).

Events NEW YORK TOY FAIR During this seminar, the Association’s trend experts will unveil their top trend predictions for the coming year. “The Toy Trends Briefing is a great session for buyers looking to hone in on brandnew products and emerging trends that will attract the attention of shoppers in their stores,” said Adrienne Appell, trend expert at The Toy Association. Last year, it was noted at the seminar that “The Big Reveal” would be a hot trend for 2018, with an abundance of blind bag collectibles spotted at Toy Fair. Sure enough, the global collectibles market increased 26 percent for the first half of 2018, now accounting for 11 percent of dollar sales in the total toy industry. “We are expecting to see a new crop of exciting and innovative playthings that are truly engaging and entertaining, whether they are tech-driven or unplugged,”

international attendees at Toy Fair, we are proud to offer several resources to help make their time in New York City as productive and enjoyable as possible”, said Bossard. An invite-only International Visitors’ Welcome Reception at the end of opening day (16 February) will allow international Toy Fair exhibitors, press, trade officials, embassy representatives, and other attendees to meet and mingle. International buyers will also have access to the Toy Fair Buyers Lounge & International Business Center during the show. Located in Room 1B03, the lounge will feature private meeting space and

hinted Appell. “And with so many exciting, family-friendly movies on the horizon for 2019 we predict that licensed playthings will continue to be hot across various categories.” VISITING FROM OVERSEAS? As always, Toy Fair New York is rolling out the red carpet for global guests, with special resources for international buyers and other a t t e n d e e s .” To account for the growing number of 104

comfortable seating. Want to get ahead of the game? Global buyers can visit ShopToys365.com to browse exhibitors’ virtual showrooms, place orders, and make vital business connections before Toy Fair even opens its doors. These are just a few examples of the many educational and networking activities that will be taking place during Toy Fair week. Be sure to visit www.ToyFairNY.com or download the free Toy Fair Mobile App (available in the Apple Store and Google Play) for information about registration, exhibiting companies, special events, educational opportunities, hotel bookings, and more.

Events Asia Television Forum

The bridge with the Asian Market To learn more on the leading Asian audiovisual marketplace, LM interviewed with Yeow Hui Leng, Group Project Director of Asia TV Forum & Market and ScreenSingapore, Reed Exhibitions

What are your expectations for ATF 2018? What are some of the conference highlights that attendees can look forward to? Asia’s leading media and entertainment content market and conference, the annual Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF) returns to Marina Bay Sandsfor its 19th edition from 4 to 7 December 2018. The annual event is co-located with ScreenSingapore, Southeast Asia’s definitive marketplace for the film industry, where attendees can explore co-production opportunities, seek financing, make deals and learn about the changing film landscape. This year, ATF and ScreenSingapore expects to gather more than 5,000 content buyers and sellers from Asia and beyond - to acquire knowledge, network, buy, sell, finance, distribute and coproduce across all platforms. Could you tell us more about the market?

For industry players looking to strengthen their presence in Asia and regional businesses seeking to broaden their global reach, ATF is a must-attend event where the global entertainment industry’s top players will congregate. In 2017, ATF facilitated US$289 million in deals. We anticipate that the market will be equally vibrant this year, with the latest content for multiple platforms from content sellers and buyers from over 60 countries. Additionally, networking activities on the market floor will provide opportunities for buyers and sellers to meet their desired counterparts. Who will attend the ATF Leaders Summit this year? The sessions at ATF Leaders’ Summit (4 December) this year will focus on “The Next New”, promising to deliver forwardlooking strategies and feature prominent players in the industry. Among the Keynotes is Curt Marvis, CEO and Co-Founder of QYOU. With 106

programming distributed on six continents to millions of customers, QYOU is emerging as a leader in the rapidly expanding global distribution of premium short form video. Andy Kaplan, Media Industry Advisor and Non-Executive Chairman of QYOU India, will also be taking to the stage during the Summit. With the rise of India, Q India (rebranded from QYOU India) has been growing in the country through a block of new content partnerships. This year’s ATF Leaders’ Summit will also see stage presence of Ricky Ow, President of Turner Asia Pacific, Aneesh Madan, Head of Sports Partnerships at Twitter (APAC), Peter Bithos, CEO of HOOQ and Vincent Reyes, President and CEO of Philippines’ TV5. Delegates can also look forward to

Events Asia Television Forum learning from Asia’s best at The Content Connection (5 December). Sessions will uncover strategic opportunities in dynamic market conditions, and showcase scripted and unscripted formats from the region’s powerhouses of India, Korea and Thailand. Creators and producers can look to discussing relevant issues and exploring case studies with formats experts and creative leaders on Production Day (6 December), which will grow industry

capabilities and advance industry proficiency. Keri Lewis Brown, Managing Director of K7 Media, will be taking to stage for The Content Connection and Production Day, to reveal top fresh content from Asia. During the summit there are also Pitching Sessions. How do they work? As Asia’s leading content market, ATF believes not just in presenting the best content, but also in supporting outstanding talent through three competitions. Still open for submissionsis the second ATF Animation Pitch. With the tagline “DREAM. BELIEVE. AND FINALLY… DARE”, this is the premier Asian pitching competition catered to individuals, students and small medium sized companies with new and innovative

concepts in animation that target at kids. This is a platform that showcases Asian originality and exposes ideas for export and development outside of the region. Following a live pitch on 6 December 2018, the winner will receive a US$19,000 prize, comprising a US$2,500 cash award and a consultancy package to the value of US$16,500, tailormade for the winner to develop their animation, making it ready to pitch to broadcasters. Call for submissions close on 5 November 2018. Live pitches for the first-ever ATF Chinese Pitch and third ATF Formats Pitch will take place between 5 and 6 December 2018. The ATF Chinese Pitch is a partnership with Perfect World Pictures (Singapore). Targeted at Asian content creators, this pitching competition will bring innovative concepts for new and original scripts for theatrical or online movies, or online 108

drama series to fruition in the China. Winners could have their script bought, collaborated on or receive funding from third-party investors. Those offered an IP Right buyout will be receive S$15,000 in cash. For creators and producers of new and original non-scripted entertainment formats in Asia, the ATF Formats Pitch will showcase the best of Asia and expose ideas for export and development both inside and outside the region. The winner will receive $5,000 in cash to develop the idea, along with a consultancy package tailor-made help develop the winning format, making it ready to pitch to broadcasters.

Trends Kidz Global

RUSSIA? MUCH MORE THAN MASHA! Contribution by Ivan Colecchia, SVP Global Development, Kidz Global that encompasses tradition, innovation, content and novelty, then we will have to turn our attention to the Russian market. Last September 5th, the new edition

forerunners of the exit from the national borders, to face a worldwide success, there are many others that are following in their footsteps. But the strategies are not the same for everyone, because if it

Ivan Colecchia The world of licensing is increasingly complex, children and young people are changing faster and faster tastes, behaviors and habits of consumption, making the task of those who work in the sector increasingly difficult to seek a license. This is the new reality of the market and that gives life to licensees and retailers often undecided on which to choose from because of the proliferation of licenses. My job allows me to visit many trade fairs in the world of licensing and to see many news - Las Vegas, Nuremberg, Hong Kong, London, Bologna, Milan, Paris, Moscow, Seoul. Many people ask me what is the market that absolutely represents and can bring important news and that helps operators to differentiate themselves from the homologation of the offer on the world market today. In my opinion, the Korean market, thanks to the technology that supports the launch of new properties in 3D, is an emerging market that has already produced many successful properties worldwide (Superwings, Robot Trains, Robocar Poli) and that in the coming years will provide a lot of material to the licensing market mainly in the 0-6 years segment. However, if we are looking for a market

Graphic 1 of the Licensing Summit took place in Moscow, inside the World Trade Center. It was a day of match making and updating, organized by Kids World Russia (organizer, among other things, of the Moscow licensing trade fair scheduled for March 2019), which attracted over 400 operators in the sector (licensors, agents, licensees and retailers) and where I had the pleasure of being invited again as a speaker. During the conference on market trends I had the opportunity to illustrate the almost exclusive worldwide peculiarity of the Russian market in the target groups boys & girls 3-9 years, 10 properties among the top 15 are Russian. (Graphic 1) This peculiarity in a world increasingly globalized and monopolized by properties mainly made in the U.S. or UK, opens new avenues and opportunities for choice for licensees and retailers who want to find new and successful properties. If Masha and the Bear have been the 109

is true that there are some brands face towards Europe (Kid-e cat, Moonzy, the Barbos Family, Be Be Bears), there are as many (Smeshariki) that look at the eastern market as the first port of call for exports. In conclusion, we can say that soon (Kid-ECat has already arrived in Italy distributed by Turner) the operators of the licensing market will have new opportunities already established to choose from, possibilities that in an increasingly complex and articulated market is a fact on which to reflect and move forward on.

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09-11/10/2018

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10-14/10/2018

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13-14/10/2018

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15-18/10/2018

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16-18/10/2018

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GERMAN LICENSING MKT (LIMA)

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06/11/2018

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BOOK FAIR

SHANGAI

9 - 11/11/2018

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IAB FORUM

MILAN

12-13/11/2018

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CARTOON DIGITAL

GHENT (BELGIUM)

13-15/11/2018

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21-23/11/2018

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SINGAPORE

4-7/12/2018

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www.asiatvforum.com

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SINGAPORE

5-7/12/2018

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07-09/01/2019

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08-11/01/2019

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15–17/01/2019

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15–17/01/2019

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15–17/01/2019

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PITTI BIMBO

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17 –19/01/2019

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25-28/01/2019

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26-29/01/2019

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PLAYTIME PARIS

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26-28/01/2019

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