By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Spin Master isn't going back to the future, but instead opted to go forward into the past, in its acquisition of US toy maker Melissa & Doug. The celebrated toyco is known for its focus on classic toys, such as crafts, pretend play, and the wooden toys that Melissa & Doug are famed for. In a world where the metaverse, video … [Read more...] about Spin Master Completes $950 Million Purchase of Melissa and Doug
Canada
The Story Behind Hasbro’s Holiday Sale of Entertainment One
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief While the rest of us were chowing down on leftover turkey and napping on the in-law's couch in a tryptophan-induced coma, Hasbro and Lionsgate were busy inking a deal for the sale of Entertainment One. Hasbro announced on December 27 it had completed the sale to Lionsgate for $375 million in cash, with Liongate also assuming all current … [Read more...] about The Story Behind Hasbro’s Holiday Sale of Entertainment One
Six Star Protein Shakes in Canada Feature Flavors From Kellogg’s Cereals
TLL Staff Canadian fitness enthusiasts can now enjoy protein shakes with the great taste of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops. Six Star Pro Nutrition and Kellogg’s cereal flavors have teamed up to create the ultimate athlete’s dream: Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes and Kellogg’s Froot Loops flavored SIX STAR 100% Whey Protein Plus. This partnership also allows Team … [Read more...] about Six Star Protein Shakes in Canada Feature Flavors From Kellogg’s Cereals
CBC News Investigation Alleges Artificial Intelligence Violated Author’s Copyright
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief (Disclosure: The writer of this article was formerly a member of the Investigative Unit at CBC News, ending in 2008) An investigation by CBC News says the work of Canadian authors were shared online as part of a dataset used for training artificial intelligence software. The Canadian broadcaster found that at least 2,500 copyrighted books … [Read more...] about CBC News Investigation Alleges Artificial Intelligence Violated Author’s Copyright
Uber One Releasing ‘Grinchmas Kit’ with Dr. Seuss Enterprises
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you're like the Grinch and just trying to get through the holidays with mind and soul intact, you might want to check out the Grinch's kit from Uber One. The ride hailing and food delivery company Uber One is partnering with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to release A Very Grinchmas Kit, telling the Grinch story with (what else?) … [Read more...] about Uber One Releasing ‘Grinchmas Kit’ with Dr. Seuss Enterprises
Brave Bunnies’ Licensing Deals Multiply Like, Well, Bunnies
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter WildBrain has secured several international distribution deals for the animated preschool series, Brave Bunnies.Created by Olga Cherepanova, Brave Bunnies follows an adorable bunny family as they visit friends and travel the world in their Bunny Bus."With Brave Bunnies, I wanted to create a series that would encourage children to be curious … [Read more...] about Brave Bunnies’ Licensing Deals Multiply Like, Well, Bunnies
Peppa Pig To Air In Theaters For 20th Anniversary
TLL Staff Hasbro is staging a very special celebration of Peppa Pig, hosting a Peppa's Cinema Party in theaters in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the UK and the United States. The Cinema Party is being launched to help celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Peppa Pig character, which has become one of Hasbro's core brands. Peppa Pig is a British pre-school animated … [Read more...] about Peppa Pig To Air In Theaters For 20th Anniversary
Google Reaches Agreement to Pay Canadian Media For News Content
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Canadian government and Google have just reached a landmark agreement that will see the search giant paying for news content. Canadian media outlets, including CBC News, are reporting today that Google and the federal government have resolved their dispute over the Online News Act, according to sources. CBC reports … [Read more...] about Google Reaches Agreement to Pay Canadian Media For News Content
Weatherbeater and Mr. Brands Sign Licensing Partnership for Home Improvement
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Weatherbeater has signed an agreement that grants Mr. Brands the rights to develop and launch a range of licensed Weatherbeater paints, stains, and sundries.This new licensing collaboration is intended to leverage Weatherbeater’s reputation for durable, long-lasting weather protectant solutions with Mr. Brands' manufacturing and distribution … [Read more...] about Weatherbeater and Mr. Brands Sign Licensing Partnership for Home Improvement
Who’s News: Wildbrain Hires Key Talent For In-House Services and German Operations
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Wildbrain CPLG has added two top executives to bolster its in-house services and commercial teams in London and Munich, respectively. In London, Clare Vosper Mortimer has joined WildBrain CPLG’s in-house services team in the new role of VP, Finance and Operations. She will oversee the company’s finance function and … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Wildbrain Hires Key Talent For In-House Services and German Operations