Global news

Moose Toys launched two new collectibles in May – Oh! My Gif and I Dig Monsters. OH! My Gif is gifs in real life via the

first moving collectible toy that’s inspired by GIFs, memes and stickers on social media. Kids can express themselves with a shareable collection of 50 GIFbit characters with unique movements that can be reset with a simple touch. The collection includes a cat typing on a computer or a #failburger hamburger who lifts weights, and more. Each pack includes a callto-action to download a special proprietary app (available May 1) and a QR code that enables kids to download a digital sticker version of the characters which can be saved to their phones and utilized across all social/ messaging apps, as well as a fun AR experience. I Dig Monsters is a popsicle-themed collectible featuring compounds that feel cool to the touch, like a real popsicle. Shave, cut or grate the jelly compound with the popsicle stick to find a cheeky monster named Monji, dressed in one of 24 designer outfits. Commenting on the new launch, Paul Solomon, Co-Owner of Moose Toys said, “Thanks to the global success

of Shopkins, we really pioneered the collectible aisle and we’re continually pushing boundaries in the industry to bring fresh innovation to the category. Now more than ever we’re committed to making kids happy and keeping them smiling during an incredibly uncertain time. Oh! My Gif and I Dig Monsters do exactly that; Oh! My Gif is the first collectible of its kind, capitalizing on the IRL trend to bring popular gifs to life and I Dig Monsters is a ‘cool’ new way for kids to unveil their favorite collectibles through a sensory compound play experience.”

CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT RAINBOW PRODUCTIONS

Leading costume character company, any younger and I have been looking ceptional business leader and under Rainbow Productions, has announced to step back from the front-line for his watch Rainbow has developed an that David Scott, the current Managing quite some time and so discussions established Global reputation becomDirector, is retiring from the business. between Simon and I have been going one of the most admired costume Simon Foulkes, the company’s Sales ing on for many months. The final archaracter companies in the world. Da& Marketing Director, who has been rangements were agreed and due to vid has always put our clients at the with the company over 25 years will be announced when the Coronavirus heart of our strategy and I, and the take up the reins as the new Owner & situation escalated and the lockdown exceptional team at Rainbow, look Managing Director. happened. We have since reviewed the forward to building upon this philosoDavid Scott commented, “I am enorsituation and have agreed to proceed phy.” “David is a well-respected colleague, mentor and friend to many within the licensing community and there can be few people who have had such an impact on our Industry,” said Foulkes. “This was confirmed when he was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award and I am sure there are a great many people who treasure memories of time spent with this remarkable man. It has been a great pleasure to work with David for over a quarter of a century and it is an honour to succeed him. I am delighted that he has confirmed that he will stay close to the Rainbow business for as long as is necessary to ensure an absolutely seamless transition.” David Scott also advised that he will continue to serve as a Trustee and Treasurer of the Light Fund. “I may be stepping back from the day to day business but I love the Licensing industry and I’m not going far. I mously proud of Rainbow’s achievewith the move nevertheless. Simon look forward to seeing all my industry ments in my time at the company and unquestionably has the energy and vifriends as soon as it’s permissible and, am grateful to all our staff for their sion to drive the business forward and although the long round of leisurely loyalty, support and willingness to do take advantage of the opportunities lunches I had thought I could indulge whatever is necessary to deliver top that will arise as the global economy in may have to wait, I’ll be keen to quality results for all our licensors opens up.” catch up as soon as circumstances aland clients. However, I’m not getting Simon Foulkes added, “David is an exlow.’

XILAM APPOINTS LICENSING WORKS! FOR ZIG & SHARKO

Xilam Animation has appointed Licensing Works! as the North American licensing agent for its animated comedy brand Zig & Sharko. Licensing Works! is now assembling a merchandise program for the brand targeting kids, tweens, teens and families and focused on vacation and Spring/Summer products including swimwear and pool accessories; home décor and outdoor textiles; surf, skate and related sporting goods; personal care; greetings cards; toys, puzzles and games; dress-up, publishing, back-to-school, gifting, food and drinks, seasonal promotions and meet and greets. In North America, Zig & Sharko is available on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, alongside having a strong local presence on Xilam’s dedicated YouTube channel where the new third season is now available. The Zig & Sharko YouTube channel boasts 10.5

million subscribers and has received over 5.1 billion views globally, with North America ranking as the second highest market for views and fourth largest for subscribers.