BBC Studios Showcases Global Brands in Las Vegas

BBC Studios’ raft of titles includes global hit “Bluey,” adventures in time and space with “Doctor Who,” multi-award-winning animation “Hey Duggee,” “Top Gear” and natural history brand BBC Earth. 

“We’re so excited to share our incredible range of brands with the industry, update people on our latest plans and products and to meet potential new licensees,” says Stephen Davies, managing director of consumer products, Licensing, BBC Studios. “It’s been a while since we’ve been able to get together like this and we’ve certainly got a lot to catch up on – not least global hit preschool show ‘Bluey,’ new Doctor Who and so many more popular brands we have in our roster and in development.”  

Licensing Expo is also a chance for BBC Studios to discuss the recently launched Kids & Family Division, which combines the talent and expertise of the BBC Children’s Production team and the content investment, customer and brand experience within BBC Studios into a new and integral part of the BBC Studios content powerhouse. 

Bluey 

BBC Studios is establishing a long-term global licensing program for "Bluey" and has already appointed agencies and licensees in markets around the world. Key existing agreements include master toy partner Moose Toys and master publisher Penguin Random House as well as global and multi-territory deals including VTech, Crayola, Colgate and a recently announced deal with Hasbro. 

It was recently announced that hit stage show ‘Bluey’s Big Play’ will be touring in the U.S. from November after a successful debut in Australia. The show has also made international headlines for an innovative partnership with Airbnb that saw the Heeler’s home recreated ‘for real life’ in Brisbane for a lucky family to stay at. 

“Bluey has had an incredible couple of years of rapid growth with strong sales across markets and product lines, we’re excited for the future of the brand, and we’ve put a strong platform in place to support the development of Bluey for the long-term,” says Andrew Carley, director of global licensing, BBC Studios. “The show itself is so special and touches so many people and we are delighted to have assembled a fantastic global licensing program with partners around the world who are busy making great products and experiences for fans.” 

Doctor Who 

“Doctor Who” is a global franchise with over 50 long-standing licensees including Character Options, Moonpig.com Limited, Winning Moves, Eaglemoss, Build-A-Bear and Brand Alliance. 

Titan has renewed their worldwide licensing agreement for collectible figurines, apparel, cards, art prints and gifting/novelties. Battlefront Miniatures will continue to produce toys and games across Europe, the U.S., Canada and New Zealand.  

Hey Duggee  

The licensing program continues to grow with new U.K. licensees recently announced for health and beauty products, H&A and an expanded range of wheeled toys from MV Sports. Master toy partners are Golden Bear (U.K.), Bizak (Spain) and Lansay (France), with wooden toys from 8th Wonder in the U.K. and roleplay and bubbles from HTI Toys (U.K.). Master publishing agreements are with Penguin Random House (U.K.), who recently scored a #1 bestseller for The World Book Day Badge, and Hachette (France). Ypsilon Licensing were announced as agents for Spain last year while France TV are licensing agents for France. 

Earlier this year a new attraction, Hey Duggee’s Big Adventure Badge, opened at CBeebies Land at Alton Towers Resort in the U.K. 

“‘Hey Duggee’ continues to delight audiences and we continue to be delighted with the growth of the brand,” says Mandy Thwaites, director, magazines and consumer products, U.K. Division, BBC Studios. “We have great existing partners for ‘Hey Duggee’ and we’re continuing to welcome more on board. It’s going to be an exciting year for the brand with new content to share later this year and new partnerships to announce soon.”  

Top Gear 

Top Gear still sits in pole position with its 31st series and BBC Studios are looking to expand the licensing portfolio for the hit global brand. Current partnerships include Danilo for cards and calendars and TDP and Aykroyds for nightwear. DreamTex as bedding partner, and Assured Products Ltd for car cleaning gift kits. Kimm and Miller are partnered for food gifting, Immediate Media for magazines and recently signed Ginger Fox for board games. BB Designs will also be working on the direct-to-consumer website selling multiple product areas. 

BBC Earth 

As BBC Studios natural history content pipeline grows bigger, the BBC Earth brand continues its partnerships with Teemill who have added a children’s collection to their sustainable clothing range and Danilo for cards and calendars. 

BBC is exhibiting at Licensing Expo 2022. Find out more information here.