Canadian Duo Enter Toy Partnership
Nelvana and Spin Master Ltd. are collaborating on a line of specialty toys andgames for animated series Di-Gata Defenders and Bakugan. Spin Master signed onas master toy licensee for Di-Gata Defenders in this first-of-its-kind deal inCanada, with plans to create a game that includes action figures, dice, andtrading cards replicating the battles from the Teletoon TV series. The dicegame will hit store shelves in Canada in March with apparel, interactive, andaccessories to follow in coming months. The second property, Bakugan, is aco-production between Nelvana, Spin Master, Sega Toys, TMS, and Japan Vistec,and will air in 2007. Spin Master takes the lead on this 2-D anime-style serieswith a game that features marble-like balls and metallic playing cards used totransform the balls into multiple collectible characters. The toys already havebeen released successfully in Japan from another licensee.
Go, Diego, Go! to Star in Live-Action Tour
Nickelodeon and Live Nation partnered on a national tour for Go, Diego, GoLive! The Great Jaguar Rescue. The live-action show, presented by State FarmInsurance, will travel to approximately 50 markets in 2007, starting withLouisville, KY, February 1. The pair also worked together on Dora the ExplorerLive!, the highest-grossing project to date for the Nickelodeon/Live Nationpartnership.
ER Finds a New Partner in "Where's Waldo?"
Entertainment Rights Plc acquired the worldwide rights for "Where'sWaldo?"—also known in international circles as "Where's Wally?". Throughthe deal with series creator Martin Handford, ER gained audiovisual, licensingand merchandising, publishing, live events, and digital rights. Handford willcontinue to create and publish the "Where's Waldo?" books in their originalformat. ER will create new animated and live-action content with multiplatformapplications expected to launch worldwide in 2008/2009.
Yummi-Land Sweetens Its Licensee Portfolio
MGA Entertainment sweetened its licensee list for Yummi-Land, adding five newpartners. Kids Headquarters will create fashion apparel and swimwear; Francowill manufacture bedding, all bath towels/d
