WITH MATTEL… Mega Brands has signed a multi-year global licensing deal to produce Mega Bloks construction sets based on Mattel’s Barbie and Hot Wheels brands. According to the firm, the Barbie line will feature the doll and her friends in a ‘buildable world of fashion and dream locations’. Meanwhile, the Hot Wheels sets will recreate the world of speed and stunts which the die-cast cars are famous for. Mega Brands: 01844 350033
… WHILE CRAYOLA ALSO
INKS DEAL Crayola has launched Barbie and Hot Wheels themed versions of Mess Free Color Wonder and Giant Colouring Pages. Later this year, the firm is planning to roll out branded extensions of its ColourStudio HD app, where kids use a physical iMarker in interactive colouring activities on the iPad. Mattel: 01628 500000
MIKE THE KNIGHT TOY
PLANS REVEALED Character Options’ Mike the Knight range hits retail this month, with the firm anticipating strong demand for product. Two TV ads will deliver 250 TVRs during the launch, while retail FSDUs will bring the toys to the front of stores. PR activity includes a programme of parent blogging activity and a medieval-themed take over of UK Mums TV. Character: 0161 633 9800
POSTMAN PAT MOVIE
DATED IN THE UK Postman Pat is set to make its big screen debut next year, with Classic Media confirming a May 24th 2013 release date in the UK for the film. The voice cast is led by Stephen Mangan (Episodes, Dirk Gently) as Pat, plus Jim Broadbent, Rupert Grint and David Tennant.
Classic Media: 020 8762 6200
Bananas in Pyjamas lines ready to slip into retail
by Samantha Loveday Golden Bear, Amscan and Aykroyds launching product in Q3 for pre-school show…
TURNER CN Enterprises is beginning to see the results of its foray into the pre-school business, the firm’s UK licensing director Graham Saltmarsh has told ToyNews, with the unveiling of a raft of Bananas in Pyjamas product for Q3. Described as a “dream property” to work on by Saltmarsh, the first wave of products will arrive in all key retailers covering a range of price points and interactive elements. Golden Bear is the master toy licensee, while Aykroyds is on board for nightwear, TDP for underwear and Amscan for party goods. TCNE also has contracts out for bedding, greeting cards and wrap, melamine, lunch bags and bottles, breakfast sets,
craft and activity publishing, games, puzzles and stickers. “Bananas in Pyjamas has amazing heritage and huge awareness,” Saltmarsh explained to ToyNews. “Turner has been growing its pre-school business over the past two years and is now beginning to see great results from the planning. “We always give our lead brands huge support on and off air, and this is exactly what we intend to do with Bananas.”
Saltmarsh also confirmed TCNE has a number of retail and marketing initiatives planned for the product launch. TCNE: 020 7693 1000
BBCW appoints marketing director
A NINTENDO exec responsible for the marketing campaign surrounding the launch of the Wii console will bolster the team at BBC Worldwide Consumer Products from June. Rob Lowe will join as marketing director for the division. He will lead marketing plans across all areas of the Consumer Products business, which includes TV, video and BBC licensed products. His remit will also extend across music, the BBC Shop and coordinating marketing activity with BBC Worldwide’s publishing partners. Lowe has worked on campaigns for the DS and the UK relaunch of Mario.
LOWE: “This is an amazing opportunity”
“I am delighted that Rob will be joining us,” commented Fiona
Eastwood, product development director, consumer products. “He brings to the role excellent experience in brand management and new title launches, fantastic creativity and bags of drive and enthusiasm.” Lowe added: “This is an amazing opportunity. I am really looking forward to working on some incredible brands and hope that I will be able to use my previous experience of launching successful entertainment products to help continue driving BBC Worldwide’s performance in the UK.” BBCW: 020 7612 3000
Bananas in Pyjamas is described by TCNE as a “dream property” to work with...