Who says letter writing is dead? Not ZAG, which announced on April 21 that it has acquired a stake in Epopia, a French tech company that developed a "unique epistolary letter format that encourages children to read and write through interactive storytelling." To put it more simply, Epopia has created a software solution that allows for personalization of content, based on the … [Read more...] about ZAG Invests In Interactive Storytelling Tech Firm Epopia
Charlesbridge Partnering On Chicken Soup For the Soul Series
The folks at Chicken Soup for the Soul LLC will be bringing their positive message to kids, in a new joint venture with children's book publisher Charlesbridge, launching this fall. The companies say two new lines of books, Chicken Soup for the Soul BABIES (for ages 0-3) and Chicken Soup for the Soul KIDS (for ages 4-7), will focus on childhood social and emotional well-being … [Read more...] about Charlesbridge Partnering On Chicken Soup For the Soul Series
SPLiCE Hosting ‘License To Play Globally’ Conference on April 26
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Society of Product Licensors Committed to Excellence (SPLiCE) is celebrating its 17th anniversary on Monday—which is also World IP Day—by hosting a conference on ways to protect, promote and enhance brand integrity through licensing. SPLiCE currently consists of 70-plus member companies which together account for more than 20% of the … [Read more...] about SPLiCE Hosting ‘License To Play Globally’ Conference on April 26
Nike Loses Kobe Bryant License As Talks Fail
The estate of basketball legend Kobe Bryant declined to renew its deal with Nike this month as talks between the parties fell apart, according to an exclusive report from Complex that was later confirmed by Nike. Unless something changes, that could end the long-established relationship between Bryant and Nike. Potentially, Bryant’s estate could also partner with an outside … [Read more...] about Nike Loses Kobe Bryant License As Talks Fail
Jazwares Pens Multi-Year Marvel Deal For Costumes
Superhero suits for the masses—and their pets—will be hitting stores in 2022, thanks to a new, multi-year deal between global toyco Jazwares and Marvel Entertainment. Jazwares announced the deal, saying they will produce an all-new line of costumes and costume accessories. Set to hit retailers in North America in 2022, this new line will include an epic assortment of … [Read more...] about Jazwares Pens Multi-Year Marvel Deal For Costumes
NERDS Sponsors Rube Goldberg Machine Contest … For Nerds
RUBE GOLDBERG MACHINE CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED IN 2021 VIRTUAL CHALLENGE There's something endlessly fascinating about Rube Goldberg machines, those insane chain-reaction contraptions that accomplish simple tasks in hilariously over-complicated ways, using everyday objects. While not an official Olympic sport, the Rube Goldberg Machine Challenge is like an Olympic sport for … [Read more...] about NERDS Sponsors Rube Goldberg Machine Contest … For Nerds
Museum of Discovery & Science Goes Mesozoic With Dino Dana
Fort Lauderdale's famous Museum of Discovery and Science is ushering in some Stegosaurus-sized fun for kids in a partnership based on Dino Dana The Movie. Kids will discover the wonders of the Mesozoic era, as Dino Dana and her friends roar into the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS). Guests can visit the new Dino Dana exhibit, see the coolest dino augmented reality (AR) … [Read more...] about Museum of Discovery & Science Goes Mesozoic With Dino Dana
Video: Transformers Get Real With Hasbro/Robosen Partnership
The idea behind The Transformers—of giant robots that transformed into vehicles in just a few seconds—always seemed cool, but ultimately completely unrealistic. Until now. Hasbro has released the first product of its partnership with robotics company Robosen, that being a large version of Transformer's boss Optimus Prime that can autonomously convert from a robot to a … [Read more...] about Video: Transformers Get Real With Hasbro/Robosen Partnership
Licensing Deals Abound As Godzilla vs. Kong Smashes Box Office
The theatrical release Godzilla vs. Kong has noisily stomped past $390 million in revenue at the global box office on its way to becoming the top grossing Hollywood movie of the pandemic, and not surprisingly, licensing deals have been quick to follow. The clash of titans showed quickly surpassed the $365 million earned last fall by fellow Warner Bros.' release Tenet, and … [Read more...] about Licensing Deals Abound As Godzilla vs. Kong Smashes Box Office
Rock’em Sock’em Robots Get Silver Screen Treatment
Mattel Inc. is working with Universal Pictures and action star Vin Diesel's One Race Films to bring a Rock'em Sock'em Robot movie to the big screen. The classic table top game lets players take control of two robotic pugilists, who trade plastic blows until one of their heads pops up, signaling a knockout punch. Now, in the tradition of films like the Hugh Jackman vehicle Real … [Read more...] about Rock’em Sock’em Robots Get Silver Screen Treatment