Vegas Licensing Expo
ITV Studios Global Entertainment 020 8433 3460 | global.kids@itv.com Stand L204 Leading the ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) slate following its recent broadcast launch is the animated series Robozuna, which follows 14-yearold Ariston and his homemade robot, Mangle. In this adventure series, Ariston and Mangle attempt to free their oppressed nation from the evil Corvus Imperium. Having launched on ITV and CITV in the UK to positive ratings, and globally (excluding the UK) on Netflix, this original IP benefits from linear broadcast, global VOD, and exclusive YouTube short-form content created with the high-profile influencers Ali-A and Ethan Gamer. Both also star in the series. The spring/summer toy line hit shelves in April, distributed in the UK by Bandai and in the US by Basic Fun!. The range will be supported with a heavyweight TV campaign from launch, a pre-roll campaign and costume character appearances at retail in the UK. A second toy line will land in autumn/winter, and opportunities are now available to licensees for the CP rollout. Thunderbirds Are Go is gearing up for all-new episodes to launch on ITV and CITV, in addition to a blanket repeat schedule throughout 2019 with over 69 episodes now available to air. The new toy line - distributed in the UK by Bandai, in New Zealand by Planet Fun, and in Australia by Modern Brands - retails from autumn/winter this year. The range includes 12” action figures, vehicles with new technology, collectible items and role-play SKUs. As well as a strong presence in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, the series continues to build in China; CCTV has just green-lit Season 2 after Season 1 became the No. 1 animated show in the country across all channels when it aired in 2017. In other markets, Season 1 will soon be available on CBC’s VOD platform in Canada, Season 2 is about to air on Rai Gulp in Italy, and Season 3 will launch in the Nordics by 2020. The extensive catalogue at ITVS GE also includes popular evergreen and cult titles such as Space: 1999, UFO, Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, Schitt’s Creek, Poldark, Victoria, Watership Down, Love Island, Hell’s Kitchen, The Last Unicorn and more.
Alpha Animation and Toys
01293 804 599 | www.alphatoysuk.com
Stand R228 Alpha Group’s pre-school animated hit Super Wings airs on both Tiny Pop and Cartoonito and has just launched its third season. Alpha’s unique position as both master toy partner and animation studio allows for unrivalled co-ordination between storyline and toy line. This, combined with Alpha’s experience in content-creation, has proved a strong draw for several major licensees. Aykroyd/ TDP and Fashion UK/Global have launched apparel with Next, Tesco, Asda and Character.com, among others. The Roy Lowe and Sons 4-pack sock set is out now and benefits from Super Wings’ social media channels backing the launch. Dreamtex’s reversible duvet will be widely available on-line and in-store from autumn. In publishing, Kennedy’s stand-alone Super Wings magazine hit shelves in March and has proved popular with young fans. Centum’s book range launches in July with four titles to choose from; a storybook, picture book, sticker book, and a colour & carry pad. Alpha’s latest licensee, William Lamb, will launch its first backpack at character.com around the same time, while MV Sports’ wheeled toys and ride-ons will be available in autumn. Alpha’s support for licensees through its social media channels, content delivery - season 5 of Top Wing is already greenlit - and consistent, continuous broadcast support gives licensors strong foundations that help to set the company apart in the competitive pre-school market.
Licensing World 38
BBC Studios 020 8433 3460 | www.bbcworldwide.com Stand N204 The BBC is showcasing several of its children’s properties at the Vegas Licensing Expo 2019. Golden Bear’s Hey Duggee toys have enjoyed an increase in orders of over 400% since March last year, with new product launches hitting shelves in autumn/winter 2019. The new series Bluey will be making an appearance at the show for the first time, having shot to success across Australia since its launch last year. The series has performed particularly well on ABC Australia, and the studio looks forward to discussions with partners at the show. Finally, new Go Jetters, Something Special and Sarah & Duck toys will launch this June, thanks to new plush and wooden toy ranges from 8th Wonder.