TMNT and Yu-Gi-Oh Expanding Worldwide
4Kids Entertainment Inc. has secured broadcast sales with leading global buyers for its popular animated action properties “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT)—Fast Forward” and “Yu-Gi-Oh! GX.”

“TMNT–Fast Forward” is set to launch on Network Ten (Australia), Cartoon Network (Australia, New Zealand, India, and Philippines), Kids Central (Singapore), Indosiar (Indonesia), ABS-CBN (Philippines), Momo Kids (Taiwan), TV3 (Malaysia), MNET (South Africa), Star (Turkey), and MBC (Dubai).

The third season of the Yu-Gi-Oh! GX franchise has been licensed to Nickelodeon (UK and Latin America), GMTV (UK), RTL2 (Germany), Media Set (Italy), Canal J and Gulli TV (France), YTV (Canada), as well as Network Ten (Australia), and Children’s Channel (Israel).

In other news, Merchantwise Pty Ltd was appointed by 4Kids Entertainment and Mirage Licensing Inc. as the exclusive agent in Australia to right to represent TMNT for all merchandise licensing purposes in the territory. Merchantwise's appointment is effective immediately, and the company will work with existing TMNT licensees and retailers to continue the great success of the TMNT merchandise program and expand the TMNT licensing program by partnering with additional Australian companies to bring exciting new TMNT products and services to the legions of Turtle fans.

Penelope Goes International with TV-Loonland
TV-Loonland was appointed by renowned Japanese production company Nippon Animation to handle multi-territory distribution for its preschool property “Penelope” (26 x 5 minute). Under the deal, TV-Loonland will handle rights for TV, home video, VOD, broadband, IPTV, and mobile sales to Western and Eastern Europe, Russia, Baltic States, Scandinavia, Israel, the Middle East, and Africa.

Based on the children’s book series Pénélope, written by Anne Gutman and illustrated by Georg Hallensleben, this unique 3D animation is aimed at preschoolers and is a co-production of Nippon Animation, NHK Enterprises, and Shirogumi Inc.

Stop the Presses! ‘Ugly Betty’ in Print
Random House Children’s Books UK has secured the license to publish the official tie-in book to the hit American series “Ugly Betty.” Using the magazine-style conceit, the book will be designed as if it were a magazine edited by Ugly Betty herself. Full of four-color behind-the-scenes photos, fashion spreads, and even faux advertisements, Ugly Betty: The Book will be more than an episode guide, but an artifact from the world of the TV show’s Mode magazine.

Scrap Kins Fashions On the Way
Brian Yanish Designs signed a licensing deal with Los Angeles-based design studio and knit top manufacturer Mighty Fine to produce a hip new apparel line for toddlers, tweens, juniors, and men using characters and artwork from their children's property The Scrap Kins. Inspired by Yanish’s childhood drawings, The Scrap Kins are a rough and tumble crew of creatures who thrive on what others throw away. Living in a vast junkyard playground filled with scrap metal mountains and hills of abandoned tube socks, The Scrap Kins build, imagine, and play using materials in their unique environment. Bright colors, scribbly graphics, and a do-it-yourself sensibility appeal to every child’s need to create.

A Slice of Hollywood Lands at LAX
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will develop Hollywood, a trendy new specialty store devoted to all things Hollywood in conjunction with travel retailer Hudson Group. The 800-square-foot store opened last week in the Tom Bradley International Terminal of Los Angeles International Airport and is filled with men’s and women’s apparel and accessories, gift & collectibles, housewares and home furnishings, and DVDs. Multiple monitors playing both classic and contemporary movie releases on plasma screens are located throughout the store. Global Icons, the Chamber’s exclusive licensing agency, negotiated the deal.  

Entara Wins In My Pocket Toy Brand
Global entertainment rights company Entara has acquired the UK and Republic of Ireland licensing rights to the Puppy In My Pocket and Kitty In My Pocket toy brands. Entara is planning to roll out a comprehensive licensing program covering all major categories, excluding toy and confectionery.

The In My Pocket brand is owned by MEG, a California-based product development, manufacturing, and licensing company. In the UK, the toy and confectionery lines are distributed by Corinthian Marketing.

Puppy In My Pocket has sold more than 8.5 million individual puppies in the UK since its launch in December 2005. Kitty In My Pocket was launched in January 2007, and has sold 2.5 million kitties in the UK.

Fox Offers First Branded Drink
20th Century Fox has secured a deal with Cott Corp. to produce a 24-CTU branded stimulation drink, to be launched in October. Fox claims that this is the first license in the energy drinks sector created around an entertainment property.

“This deal is the single largest European brand statement so far for Fox and the ‘24’ property and it typifies the licensed merchandise strategy that we are taking with this brand across Europe,” says Carl Lumbard, managing director of Fox licensing and merchandising, Europe. “Brand synergy within a partnership is key to the success of a product, and it’s essential to focus on making that partnership right. Here we see the all-action, intense nature of the ‘24’ series matched with an energy-inducing stimulation drink.”

The citrus-tasting drink will be produced in regular and diet versions in a 440 ml can. The rollout in the UK will be followed by continental Europe later this year.

Noddy Refreshed with New Content and Style Guide
Chorion’s Noddy, celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2009, is set for new television content for that year, as well as a new style guide for licensees. 

The television content will include new characters, environments, and vehicles. Faster-paced content and storylines aim to reinvigorate the brand alongside activities planned for the celebratory year.

The style guide for licensees is being launched at Brand Licensing Europe, organized by License! Global publisher Advanstar and held in London Oct. 2 and 3. It includes new character poses, placements, and packaging imagery.

John Collins, Chorion senior marketing manager, Europe, says, “Noddy has had another strong year—licensing continues to perform well, his live presence has never been stronger and he had two nominations at this year’s UK Licensing Awards. These new developments are huge news for us and will allow Noddy to continually evolve, remaining a firm favorite among consumers of all ages and an exciting and iconic brand for licensees and retailers.”

Taffy Takes Raft of Properties to MIPCOM
French Taffy Entertainment is taking a raft of new animated shows to MIPCOM in October. Among the shows are comedy-action-adventure series “Cosmic Quantum Ray” and interactive preschool show “Lamimila.” The diverse slate also includes comedy series “I Got A Rocket” (52 x 11); anime and trading card-themed fantasy “MixMaster: King of Cards” (39 x 22); CGI series “Dive Olly Dive” (52 x 11); and “SamSam” (52 x 7), which is based on the comic book from Bayard.
Taffy is also debuting new seasons of “Code Lyoko” (97 x 22); “Pet Alien” (52 x 22); and “ToddWorld” (78x11).

MTV Networks Launches Pan-European HD Service.
Viacom-owned MTV Networks International (MTVNI) will launch the company’s first-ever pan-European high-definition service in 2008, using content from brands including MTV, VH1, and Nickelodeon.

MTNVI president Bob Barkish says, “We believe that the terrific clarity and surround-sound aspect of the high-definition medium are a perfect complement to our music, young adult, and kids programming. We look forward to working with our satellite and cable operator partners across Europe, and ultimately the world, to deliver compelling product to feed the rapidly growing base of consumer high-definition screens. With an increasing number of operators expecting to launch HD services over the coming months, we're confident that this channel will only make their offers even more appealing.”

Music content available from launch will include series from MTVN such as “MTV Unplugged,” “VH1 Storytellers,” and CMT’s “Crossroads,” as well as key music events including the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV Europe Music Awards. The English-language service will also feature original and acquired programming. A kids’ programming block, broadcasting daily each morning, will play host to the Nickelodeon stable of hit shows such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar, Ren & Stimpy and live action series including Drake & Josh.

The HD channel will be operated by MTVNI’s Emerging Markets Group, which will produce and broadcast the channel 24 hours a day from MTVNI’s Warsaw hub alongside MTV European, VH1 European, and VH1 Classic European.

Four Polish language channels also operate from Warsaw including MTV Polska, VH1, VIVA, and Comedy Central.

Jetix, Alphanim Sign Games Deal
Jetix Europe’s licensing division, JCP, and French production and distribution outfit Alphanim have signed a deal to launch Galactik Football video games across Europe. 505 Games, publisher of the Digital Bros group, has been appointed as the pan-European licensee for the products.

Galactik Football videogames will launch during summer 2008 and be available in the  PC-CD, Nintendo DS, WII, and MMORPG formats.

The deal was brokered by JCP Italy. It covers Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain and Portugal, the UK, Ireland, Benelux, Scandinavian territories, and Eastern Europe.

Licensees Race to Support Classic Property
Speed Racer Enterprises signed four deals for the classic “Speed Racer” animated television series in addition to two licenses for “Speed Racer: The Next Generation,” the new animated television series due on Nicktoons Network in 2008. Southpole/Lot 29, a division of Wicked Fashions Inc., will produce T-shirts, polo, tank tops, jerseys, novelty tops, jackets, vests, jeans, pants, shorts, overalls, short-alls, sportswear, and headwear for both properties. Apparel for the classic Speed Racer will ship in November 2007. Grosset & Dunlap will publish novelizations of the classic Speed Racer with six books due for 1Q 2008 while IDW Publishing will come to market in 1Q 2008 with comic books and trade paperback collections for both properties, including reprints of older material as well as new material. Trends International has licensed the classic Speed Racer for posters and 2009 calendars targeted to hit the shelves in 3Q 2008.

Looking Good with Levi’s
The first Levi’s Eyewear collection is scheduled to make its official debut at the next edition of SILMO, the international trade exhibition known for its collaboration with the world of fashion, held in Paris on Oct. 19-22, 2007. The collection, which is the result of an exclusive licensing agreement with Lunettes Grasset Associés, consists of more than 30 styles of ophthalmic frames and sunglasses for men and women. It features on-trend, contemporary titanium and resin designs with a vintage flavor, including 1950s butterfly shapes for women and 1980s aviator styles for men. All are instantly recognizable thanks to the iconic motifs of the Levi’s brand—metal rivets, the Red Tab device, and Two Horse Design.

Maya & Miguel Say ‘Hola’
In celebration of the launch of the fourth season of Maya & Miguel and Hispanic Heritage Month, Scholastic Media is declaring all of October Maya & Miguel’s “Latin Fun Fiesta” and launching a multifaceted marketing campaign to reach old and new fans of the series. Beginning with an honorary induction of Maya into the Girl Scouts of USA, and culminating with a major national sweepstakes, the on- and off-air promotional activities will build up to the season premiere of the animated series on Monday, Oct. 1 on PBS KIDS GO!

Sesame Workshop Bows First-Ever Podcast
Sesame Street fans can download a weekly video podcast for free at www.sesameworkshop.org/podcasts or the iTunes Podcast Directory (www.itunes.com). This first-ever initiative by Sesame Workshop gives fans of all ages the chance to be entertained and educated by favorite characters such as Elmo, Big Bird, Oscar, and A-list celebrities such as Jon Stewart, Matt Lauer, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Chris Brown. Viewers can sign up to have the five-minute weekly podcast automatically delivered to their video-enabled iPods or other portable media players. Each episode, newly created for the podcast, will feature scenes from current and past Sesame Street seasons as well as animation and live-action films.  

Care Bears Take Manhattan
The Care Bears will celebrate their 25th Anniversary on Sept. 25 by introducing the new 25th Anniversary Care Bear with a birthday celebration at Toys “R” Us Times Square and by giving hugs to New Yorkers around the streets of Manhattan. The Care Bears will be making appearances throughout the city, at parks, after-school programs, museums, libraries, shops, restaurants, transportation hubs, and more.

The fun continues at Toys “R” Us Times Square with a big Care Bears birthday party to launch the limited-edition 25th Anniversary Care Bear, which has authentic Swarovski crystal eyes and sterling silver-plated accents, and will be available for the first time at Toys “R” Us Times Square on that day. This commemorative bear comes with a rare DVD of the very first Care Bears episode ever and makes a precious Care Bears keepsake for fans of all ages.

Barbie Stars in Her 11th DVD
Barbie takes to the tropics in her 11th made-for-DVD “Barbie as The Island Princess” with a consumer products program planned for the animal-themed full-length musical. A kick-off event, “We Love Animals,” was held at the Central Park Zoo in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society. Here, actress Mira Sorvino and her daughter Mattea joined hundreds of girls in a day full of activities including an exclusive screening of the new DVD (released by Universal Studios Home Entertainment). The company is also sponsoring the “Barbie as The Island Princess” National Poster Design Contest through Oct. 20. Contestants and their parents can log onto www.barbie.com/poster to obtain contest rules and entry forms. Barbie will donate $1 to the Wildlife Conservation Society for every completed entry form submitted. The consumer products program includes dolls and accessories, playsets, plush, an interactive dance mat as well as apparel, room décor, and accessories.

JAKKS Pacific Fancies Publishing Property
JAKKS Pacific Inc. inked a deal with HarperCollins and United Media to develop and market a line of dolls, girls’ role play and dress-up, and craft and activity items based on Fancy Nancy, due spring 2008. The picture book, on the New York Times Children’s Bestseller list, follows the adventures of a young girl who adds pizzazz to the ordinary. The follow-up book, Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy, was published in March 2007.
 
Airwalk Walks On
Collective Licensing International, a leading youth lifestyle brand licensing company and owner of Airwalk, has renewed its license to Extreme Sports Limited S.A. The renewal agreement extends the organization’s current license for Airwalk branded footwear, apparel, and related accessories in Central and South America through 2012.

Trading-Card Game Tapped with Parenting Awards
Bella Sara, the horse-themed trading-card game, won three new parenting awards: the iParenting Outstanding Product award, the National Parenting Center Seal of Approval, and the Creative Child Seal of Excellence.
 
CCI Entertainment Outlines Plans for Expansion
CCI Entertainment implemented a multifaceted expansion plan that includes family feature acquisitions and the further development of the brand licensing operation through the establishment of a new Los Angeles operation. The company is currently in talks with potential partners in the United States, Europe, Canada, and China, and has acquired worldwide rights (excluding France) to UK-based property “Frankenstein’s Cat.” The company has also acquired rights to several other series including “Wormwood,” “In Dreams,” and “Beautiful Dreamer.”

The company’s new office will be focused on licensing, acquisitions, and sales. New executive appointments are imminent.
 
Rive Gauche Entertainment Secures Financing
Rive Gauche Entertainment completed a multimillion-dollar capital infusion from Cedar Lane, a private fund. The new capital will be used toward corporate expansion, as well as increasing the company’s acquisition, development, and co-production activities. Rive Gauche Entertainment has established distinct units for the development and co-production of original programming, as well as for distribution of the company’s men’s lifestyle content and film library. Operating under the Rive Gauche Entertainment banner are Rive Gauche Television, a dedicated division for the production and distribution of original television programming; Rive Gauche Motors & More, a supplier of quality men’s lifestyle entertainment; Rive Gauche Films, the distribution arm of the company’s library of nearly 100 feature film titles. Rive Gauche Mobile is a new unit dedicated to mobile, VOD, and other new platforms. Jeff Hauser has moved over from RGTV to launch and manage Rive Gauche Mobile as vice president while Gary MacKinney joins Rive Gauche Television as vice president, international sales, and Robby Amar was named international sales executive.  

Duo Partners on Eco-Friendly Promotion
Konami Digital Entertainment Inc. and Nestle Waters North America Inc. are partnering on a promotional partnership this fall tied to the release of Dewy’s Adventure for the Wii and Nestle Waters’ Aquapod Natural Spring Water. Aquapod will sponsor a national contest and sweepstakes through Nov. 30 where consumers can win a rainforest/eco-adventure to Costa Rica along with other prizes, including copies of Dewy’s Adventure.

Joy Tashjian To Lead Licensing Efforts for ‘The Singing Bee’
The Gurin Company and Juma Entertainment appointed Joy Tashjian Marketing Group LLC as the agency of record for licensing and merchandising for “The Singing Bee.” JTMG has already finalized deals with Cardinal Industries for card game and board games; Imagination Games for DVD-Rom games; and Outrageous International for interactive karaoke products. Products for the show that challenges contestants to correctly sing the lyrics to popular songs are due for holiday 2007.

Execs on the Move
Atlantyca Entertainment has appointed Karen K. Miller to oversee its animation production operations.

Hidden City Games named Gregory Copploe as vice president of sales, marketing, and merchandising.

Daniella Kilim has been promoted to vice president of new media at Sandra Carter Global.

United Media appoints Neal Gordon to senior vice president, international licensing. Classic Media appointed Lara Dalch to the position of senior director, brand development & promotions for its operations in North America.

Robert Graham Designs LLC named Chuck Hellman to the newly created position of CEO. 

Jennifer Bennett has been appointed executive vice president of licensing at CCI Entertainment in Toronto.

Copyright Promotions Licensing has appointed managing director, entertainment Katarina Dietrich to the role of CEO following the news that Kirk Bloomgarden will be leaving in January to take up a position at DIC Entertainment in the United States.

Jetix Europe appointed Michelle Pearce senior UK and international licensing manager for Jetix Consumer Products International (JCP).