Genius Brands International is heading into Licensing Expo, held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nev., May 22-24, seeking licensees for its two major preschool properties, “Rainbow Rangers” and “Llama Llama.”

License Global

May 22, 2018

3 Min Read

Currently in production, “Rainbow Rangers,” a CG-animated preschool series, will premiere this fall on Nick Jr. The series follows the adventures of seven magical girls who are Earth’s first responders charged with protecting people, animals, resources and the natural beauty of our world.

The property is one that Genius Brands feels strongly about.

“We really wanted to speak to the today’s girls–and the mothers of today’s girls–and wanted to get past traditional girl role models and play patterns,” says Lloyd Mintz, senior vice president, global consumer products, Genius Brands. “Girls are ready to be on their own and be the heroes of the shows.“ 

Genius Brands is developing a strong global consumer products program to roll out in spring 2019, and has already signed several blue-chip, industry-leading licensees across a multitude of consumer products categories. Master licensors include Mattel for toys, MacMillan Publishing for publishing and Bentex for apparel.

Other licensors for “Rainbow Rangers” include:

  • A.M.E. for sleepwear,

  • Planet Sox for hosiery,

  • Handcraft Manufacturing for packaged underwear,

  • Bioworld for bags and backpacks,

  • Jay Franco for bedding and bath,

  • H.E.R. Accessories for jewelry and hair accessories,

  • Dynacraft for bicycles,

  • Kiddieland for foot-to-floor ride-on,

  • Taste Beauty for health and beauty,

  • Kid Galaxy bubble toys,

  • Berkshire Fashions for cold weather accessories and 

  • Jakks/Disguise for Halloween costumes.

Additional categories planned for the “Rainbow Rangers” program include footwear, games and puzzles, novelty, activity, stationery and back-to-school supplies, boxed role-play, room décor, consumer packaged goods and much more. 

Genius Brands has appointed new agents including Tycoon Enterprises (Latin America), Centa IP (Australia and New Zealand) and Alicom (Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland), as well.

“The messaging of the show is universal, and will appeal to markets across the world,” says Mintz.

Currently streaming since January, Netflix’s original preschool series “Llama Llama” is also a focus at Licensing Expo. Based on the award-winning and best-selling book series by author and illustrator Anna Dewdney, the animated series stars the voice of actress Jennifer Garner. Produced in 20 different languages, “Llama Llama” is about first childhood experiences and adventures, as well as the connections between the lead character, Llama, and his parents, grandparents and best friends.

For “Llama Llama,” Genius Brands is working on the global expansion of the global consumer products program, focusing on four key categories–toys, juvenile products, feeding and apparel.  

Genius Brands has signed multiple licensees to begin rolling out initial products in conjunction with the series debut, including bedding and room décor from Franco Manufacturing, animatronic plush from Cuddle Barn, Jack-In-the-Box, plush and puppets from Kids Preferred, Intimo for sleepwear, Prime Party for online party supplies and Myself Designs/Myself Belts for belts. 

The popularity of Netflix series is currently helping sales of the book series, which works for Genius Brands. 

“It’s creating a virtual circle of franchise reinforcement, where to books gave awareness to the TV show, which Netflix never really had before in any of its children’s properties,” says Mintz. “The TV series launches on Netflix, then people who know the book series have gravitated to the TV series.”

Product will begin rolling out to retail by Q4, with a full-scale retail program launch anticipated during Q2 2019 and continuing to grow throughout the year.

About the Author(s)

License Global

License Global is the leading news source for the brand licensing industry, delivering award-winning editorial content including news, trends, analysis, and special reports about the global consumer product and retail marketplace.

Through its print edition, website, daily e-newsletter and event publications, License Global reaches more than 150,000 executives and professionals in all major markets. The magazine also serves as the official publication for the sector’s trade events, which include Licensing Expo, Brand Licensing Europe, Licensing Expo Japan, Licensing Expo Shanghai and the Licensing Leadership Summit.

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