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Q4 HIGHLIGHTS Right: The Miffy NHS Heroes t-shirts proved a big hit.
Classic charm
2020 has seen Dick Bruna’s much-loved timeless white bunny, Miffy, celebrate her landmark 65th birthday. Over the last 65 years, Miffy has become a global entertainment brand with multiple book formats that are now published in 50 languages, a TV series broadcast in over 70 countries, an award-winning film, musicals, apps, digital games and exhibitions. Some of the key products launched in this commemorative year include the Strathberry high-end, limited edition collection of Miffy bags and purses; a range of jewellery from Licensed to Charm; and craft kits from Stitch and Story. The Miffy NHS Heroes t-shirts have also proved a big hit. Summer saw the arrival of a new collection from high-end childrenswear company, Tobias and the Bear, with new styles being added in the autumn. There will also be baby and girlswear lines launching in Next and M&S. In publishing, a new treasury of four classic stories will arrive from Simon & Schuster in October, while Museums & Galleries has a Miffy calendar for 2021.
Educating and uplifting Larkshead Licensing’s portfolio includes preschool fun learning animation shows, Numberjacks and Alphablocks. Both have become favourite go-to home learning brands this year, while new apps, toys, clothing, publishing and bedding ranges will be launching from Q4 onwards. The uplifting thoughts and illustrations to support positive mental health from May The Thoughts Be With You have also struck a chord this year. Creator Charlotte Reed is also an ambassador for the Samaritans. A new toiletries range is arriving in Q1 2021. 1980’s favourite Terrahawks will be celebrating a special anniversary in October, while also watch out for some special record retail and fashion activity coming in Q4. Within the art space, popular Upfest street artist Sophie Long is known for her exuberant animal portraits and murals, while London-based photographer and sculptress Kate Cledwyn’s work is highly suited to gifting and home ranges.
Purr-fect deals
Game shows, food and more Banijay will be showing an extensive slate at Festival of Licensing following its recent acquisition of Endemol Shine Group. With the largest international content catalogue, comprising 88,000+ hours, Banijay holds brand licensing rights working in a number of categories including consumer products, gaming and Above: Simon’s Cat has enjoyed a gambling initiatives. raft of activity so far this year. The portfolio includes the world’s most successful cookery TV format, MasterChef (which airs in over 200 territories and is watched by more than 300 million people globally); plus couples reality show Temptation Island; reality adventure show Survivor; Deal or No Deal; Eat Well For Less; Wipeout; Crystal Maze; Ready Steady Cook; Tipping Point; and The Biggest Loser. Peaky Blinders, Big Brother, Mr Bean, Black Mirror and Simon’s Cat will also be a key part of the event for the company. It also has a number of international offerings including Spanish multiplatform entertainment success Operation Triunfo; US breakout game show, Don’t; and local French beauty series Miss France.
Right: Kid-E-Cats now boasts over 90 licensees around the world.
The Kid-E-Cats brand continues to grow globally for APC Kids, with over 90 licensees and 17 licensing agents on board around the world. This autumn, global master toy partner Toy Plus will release its product line in Italy through distribution partner, Lena; in Poland through Orbico; in Slovenia and Croatia through Menart; and in Peru through Basa. Additionally, puzzles from Ravensburger are hitting the shelves this September in Germany, Italy, Spain, Benelux and CEE; and Grisi is launching personal care products in Mexico. In China, there have been over 30 skus developed specifically for the market, which are now available in supermarkets across the region. The TV show is available in over 150 countries on Nick Jr, while it also has 30 free to air broadcast partners, as well as being available on platforms including Netflix, HBO and Tencent. The brand’s YouTube presence also continues to grow - its Russian channel has received 3.6 billion lifetime views and its English channel has notched up 41 million views. It has also released 18 educational apps worldwide which have accumulated 30 million downloads.
LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2020
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