April 6, 2018
Sponsored by Billygoat Productions, Inc. | |
MGA Entertainment to Acquire Little Tikes MGA Entertainment, Inc., is extending its portfolio with the acquisition of theLittle Tikes business unit from Newell Rubbermaid Inc. The transaction for thetoy company is expected to close in fourth quarter 2006, subject to, amongother things, completion of all required regulatory approvals, includingconsultation proceedings with works councils, trade unions, and employeerepresentatives in certain affected European countries. Cartoon Network Kicks Off Two Youth Initiatives Cartoon Network is helping the Boys & Girls Clubs of America expand itsLatino Outreach Initiative through a campaign designed to appeal to Latinoprofessionals, youth leaders, and kids. Launched as the country celebratesHispanic Heritage Month, the new campaign will include a CartoonNetwork-sponsored Latino Staff Development Resource Guide for more than 3,900clubs; English and Spanish PSAs on the Cartoon Network national feed throughOctober 15; and a club-exclusive promotion/contest where kids can learn the artof computer animation by creating their own original animatedcartoons–highlighting Latino themes, customs, historical figures, etc.–throughCartoon Network's "Animate Your World" Web-based application. In other news, Cartoon Network partnered with the American Youth SoccerOrganization and Major League Soccer on Soccer Fiesta where kids in selectcities learn soccer firsthand from major league players and AYSO coaches, andenjoy costumed characters, a carnival area, games, and a chance to win prizes.All participants receive a free AYSO and Cartoon Network soccer ball andT-shirt. Fisher-Price Explores New Marketing Opportunity Fisher-Price is exploring new ways to reach out to Dora the Explorer fans withthe Dora the Explorer Interactive Toy Guide. The interactive guide is a DVDthat features all of this year's Dora toys, as well as a peek at the "musthave" toys for the holiday season. The DVD has two components: a "Toy Catalog,"where consumers can browse through different categories to find a specific toy,and the "Toy Video," which allows them to view and select "best of the best"Dora toys in action. The DVD will be packed in Nick Jr. magazine's Septemberissue, as well as several Dora toys this fall and holiday season as a specialbonus feature. NBA Star Supports Movement with Nationwide Tour Retailer Steve & Barry's and Stephon Marbury launched the "StarburyMovement Tour," a 24-city, 20-day caravan where the NBA star will conductin-store autograph signings, work out at local gyms with high school basketballteams, and meet with participants of youth programs to teach them about takingresponsibility for their actions and asking for their input on upcomingStarbury Collection sneakers and clothes. The tour is part of Marbury's effortsto reinforce the mission of the Starbury Movement, which is to eliminate thepressure kids and parents feel to spend top dollar on the latest fashions. Playmates Toys Plans "Dino"mite Program for New Series Universal Studios Consumer Products Group named Playmates Toys master toylicensee for upcoming animated television series The Land Before Time. The22-minute series will air on Cartoon Network in spring 2007 with figures,vehicles, playsets, and plush due for fall '07. Two DVD titles also willrelease over the next 24 months, and Cartoon Network episodes will be availableon DVD starting in 2007. Licensing opportunities are available now across allcategories including apparel, accessories, interactive games, collectibles,fine art, home furnishings, health and beauty aids, food and beverages, gifts,stationery products, and wireless communication devices and accessories. Barbie to Star in New DVD Release Barbie in The 12 Dancing Princesses comes to DVD September 19 from UniversalStudios Home Entertainment. The all-new, full-length CGI-animated movie (suggestedretail, $19.98) features Barbie as Princess Genevieve and her 11 sisters whodance in a secret magical world. The DVD features choreography from the NewYork City Ballet, an original score, and special bonus features. The DVD alsowill be supported by a line of toys including the interactive Let's DanceBarbie as Princess Genevieve Doll and the Barbie in The 12 Dancing PrincessesInteractive Dance Mat. WBCP to Support Pucca Brand in Brazil Warner Bros. Consumer Products was appointed master licensee for the Puccabrand in Brazil by Vooz Co. Ltd. Pucca is an online macromediaflash/computer-generated imagery animated series that airs on Jetix. WarnerBros. Consumer Products plans to develop a complete range of licensed productsincluding leisure apparel and accessories, toys and games, housewares anddomestics, stationery, and gifts and collectible items. Parr's New Collection Pays Homage to Cool Parents It's cool to be a baby now that artist/author Todd Parr created the My ReallyCool Baby by Todd Parr line of products. Directed at hipster parents, the lineincludes apparel, bedding, gift and stationery items, feeding products,furniture, cribs, and more. The brand stems from Parr?s baby book entitled, "MyReally Cool Baby Book." Merchandise partner SupperTime Entertainment plans on anew version of the baby book and subsequent iterations in a range of book,journal, and album formats. Also included in Parr's brand presentation is aprototype design for a My Really Cool Baby retail concept shop. Grim New Title Comes to Video Game Platforms Midway Games Inc. created The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy for theNintendo Wii. The adventure/fighting game also will be released for PlayStation2, Nintendo GameCube, and Game Boy Advance this holiday season. Duo Extends Partnership to New Publications Airborne Entertainment, a subsidiary of Cybird Co., Ltd., and Dennis Digital, a subsidiary of Dennis Publishing Inc., extended their exclusive partnership,bringing magazines Maxim, Blender, and Stuff deeper into the mobile market. Todrive awareness, Dennis Publishing will offer cross-platform media support inits magazine pages and online. In addition, Dennis Digital will collaboratewith Airborne to create promotions that tie in with Maxim's exclusive parties andevents. VIZ Media Expands Library of Art Books VIZ Media, LLC, adds five hardcover art books to its archives this fall withthe release of "Neon Genesis Evangelion"; "Fullmetal Alchemist"; "FushigiYugi"; and "Hana Kimi," as well as the company's first instructional art book,"Sh |
Subscribe and receive the latest news from the industry.
Join 62,000+ members. Yes, it’s completely free.
