KD UK launches new range of Noddy, Toyland Detective products The company has signed a deal with DreamWorks Animation to produce a line of Noddy ELAs. Having launched in August, the key products in the range include Noddy’s WhoWhatWhere tablet that features in each episode of the new TV series Noddy, Toyland Detective, as well as the Noddy Walkie Talkies. The WhoWhatWhere Tablet helps Noddy and friends complete missions through various games. The tablet will help children develop important learning skills such as hand-eye coordination, sound recognition and imaginative role-play. Also new are the Noddy Walkie Talkies that will allow children to enjoy hours of communications and creative role-play. The Walkie Talkies are designed for little hands and range up to 40 metres.
Scooby-Doo returns to the stage
The new family musical opened at the London Palladium on 18th August, and marks Scooby-Doo’s theatrical debut in London’s West End. The show comes to the capital after sell-out tours in North America and Australia. “We’re thrilled to be working with Life Like Touring to bring Scooby-Doo Live! Musical Mysteries to London this summer,” said Preston Kevin Lewis, general manager of Warner Bros. Consumer Products UK and Ireland. “As the home of musical variety, and arguably the most famous theatre in London, the Palladium is a fitting match for Scooby-Doo’s heritage, broad appeal and ability to entertain across generations.” The Scooby-Doo consumer products programme continues to attract some of the biggest names in licensing. Lego came on board last year and has reported excellent sell-through of its first range, and master toy partner Character Options continues to develop new lines with an exclusive range in Asda this autumn/winter and a refreshed range planned for 2017. Parragon has also just inked a global deal that will see the company launch a variety of Scooby-Doo book formats and gift products.
PMS International signs deals for The Smurfs and Mr. Men and Little Miss.
Sanrio has appointed PMS International as the new licensee for travel accessories for its Mr. Men Little Miss property. The new deal will see the company develop a range which includes travel pillows, seat-belt buddies, hard case backpacks and trolleys, launching under its GOSH! Designs brand. In addition to this, I.M.P.S. has appointed PMS International as the new licensee for The Smurfs. The deal, brokered by Rocket Licensing, has been made ahead of the new Sony Pictures Animation CG-feature film, Smurfs: The Lost Village, launching in March 2017. The company’s rights extend to the UK and Ireland across pocket money toys, stationery and outdoor play, with an expansive range launching exclusively for the first time at Autumn Fair, marketed under GOSH! Designs.
Gemma signs licence with Animal Jam
In an agreement with Rockpool Licensing, Gemma International has added Animal Jam to its portfolio. The creative studio at Gemma HQ is now working on the new product range across cards, wrap and partyware. Animal Jam is an online playground for kids who love animals and the outdoors. Players create and customise their own animal characters and dens, chat with friends, adopt pets, team up for adventures and feed their curiosity about animals and the natural world. Created in partnership with National Geographic, Animal Jam features classic playground role-playing infused with the life sciences. Players can collect facts in their journey books, learn about Animal Conservation in Kimbara Outback, and talk to real-life scientists. “The popularity of the Animal Jam gaming app and digital following speaks for itself; this is already a brand with a huge international following. The characters are cute, the games are fun, and the educational element adds another dimension, engaging both kids and parents. The toys are already in high demand, and retailers are already asking us when they can place their orders,” said Thalia Clare, licensing executive at Gemma.
Noddy celebrates Enid Blyton’s birthday
Noddy is teaming up with Spin Master, DreamWorks Animation and Gaumont Animation to celebrate the author’s birthday, which was on 11th August. To mark the special occasion, Noddy, one of Enid Blyton’s most famous characters, is undergoing a transformation in the newly created series, Noddy Toyland Detective. The CG-animated series, co-produced by DreamWorks Animation and Gaumont Animation, has the character reimagined with a new look, ready to appeal to a whole new generation of children. In addition to this, Spin Master has developed an imaginative new range of Noddy toys. Products include the Noddy Remote Control car, Noddy’s House Playset, Noddy & Friends Collectible Figures, Rev ‘n’ Go Pullback Vehicles and Noddy Talking Plush characters line. To further celebrate his creator’s birthday and the new show, Noddy visited the home of Enid Blyton, Green Hedges, replicated in Bekonscot Model Village in Buckinghamshire, followed by a visit to the Spin Master offices to meet the creators of the new range of toys.
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