Toy World Magazine January 2024

Page 150

Hot

The Game Catchers Studio Bozzetto

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The Game Catchers, the space-themed pre-school TV series, is rising as a sensational hit in the children’s entertainment sector, particularly following its acquisition by the BBC for broadcast on the CBeebies channel. This pivotal partnership underscores the show’s remarkable impact and allure, establishing it as a top pick in the children’s television landscape. The project, born from a collaboration between Studio Bozzetto (Italy) and Sphere Animation (Canada) and supported by RAI Kids and ICI Radio-Canada Télé, was specifically designed with a sharp focus on toy development and play experience. In addition to CBeebies, The Game Catchers has captured the attention of other international broadcasters, including RTÉ in Ireland, YLE in Finland, TVO, Knowledge Kids and Canal Panda. These broadcasting agreements emphasise the series' broad appeal and international reach, making it accessible to a global audience. The international distribution is handled by Banijay Kids & Family. .After achieving going viral on many of the world’s TVs, the producer of The Game Catchers has decided to carry on with a new season. Season 2 is coming soon with 52 new episodes, which means 52 new worlds and many new characters. Having this diverse range of characters with eye-catching features merged in these visually appealing worlds will multiply further the diversity of toy possibilities. With two content-rich seasons, The Game Catchers presents 104 varied planetary settings and more than 400 imaginative characters, conjuring a vast and fantastical universe that is perfectly suited for an array of collectible products and toys. The series not only entertains but also ignites learning and curiosity in children, merging education with adventure in a captivating format.

Angry Birds Rovio

In 2009, Angry Birds was released on some of the first touch screen mobile phones available and ended up both completely transforming mobile gaming and laying the foundation for a franchise. The Angry Birds brand has since evolved into a thriving and popular media franchise which has expanded into merchandise, animated series, movies, amusement parks, digital experiences and more, all supported by a dedicated global fanbase. Angry Birds’ evergreen appeal has grown from its endearing characters and unique stories, as well as its immersive gameplay, which resonates with fans of all ages, making for one of the most interesting IPs in the licensing industry. This year, the brand turns 15. To mark the occasion, Angry Birds has planned a series of special events throughout the year including celebrations within Angry Birds games, gaming collaborations, social media activities, OOH advertising and exclusive releases. In collaboration with its global licensing and publishing agency, IMG, Angry Birds will benefit from new consumer products and experiences that will be released through licensees to celebrate the brand. Angry Birds fans will see toys, high end collectibles, fashion collaborations, F&B partnerships, promotions in location-based entertainment venues and even new, thrilling arcade rides. The franchise also continues to evolve with new animated series and storylines and is expanding its location-based entertainment offering in the coming years. The exciting milestone is not only a celebration of the successful history of Angry Birds but the promise of an even more exciting future. In June 2023, it was announced that Prime Video and Amazon Kids+ had ordered a long form series for Angry Birds Mystery Island: A Hatchlings Adventure, from Eric Rogers (Futurama) and animation studio Titmouse. The upcoming series will introduce three new Hatchling characters that must cooperate with a foreign-exchange piglet to survive on a strange, deserted island. The show promises a lot of fun, mystery and adventure over the course of 24 episodes in the first season, including irreverent humour and pop culture references the whole family will enjoy. The animated series features an ensemble cast that includes Harvey Guillén (What We Do in the Shadows), Kate Micucci (Scooby-Doo!), Dominic Monaghan (The Lord of the Rings) and Nasim Pedrad (Saturday Night Live). The Angry Birds YouTube channel is a growing platform for the brand, with a focus on short form animated series and fun content videos. The channel’s latest animated series release was a third season for the popular Angry Birds Slingshot Stories, which focuses on telling the story of what happens behind the scenes in games. The next release will be a new season for Angry Birds MakerSpace that will be airing later in the year. Angry Birds content continues to engage kids of all ages, as well as families, on YouTube, as its series and movies are perfect for co-viewing. Looking back over the years with touchpoints in all media areas and the plans for the future, Angry Birds has not only sustained its success but has thrived through innovative collaborations and strategic partnerships. Whether it's teaming up with other popular franchises or exploring new media, the brand has consistently pushed boundaries, keeping its content fresh and exciting. Rovio continues to look for opportunities to collaborate with innovative partners to build on the brand’s narrative. To set up meetings or find more information, reach out to IMG through imglicensing.com/clients/angry-birds.

Toy World 150


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Toy World Magazine January 2024 by TOYWORLD MAGAZINE - Issuu