BBC Worldwide launches Something Special licensing program

August 31, 2012 by Jeremy Dickson

Having acquired the UK licensing rights for the CBeebies and BBC iPlayer preschool series Something Special, BBC Worldwide Consumer Products has announced new licensees for the program.

Golden Bear has been appointed the UK master toy licensee for the series, which stars popular kids performer Justin Fletcher (Mr. Tumble) and is aimed at children with learning and communication problems. The toyco will develop a range of products (Mr. Tumble tea set, soft toys and an interactive toy telephone) that will roll out for fall and winter this year.

For September, Jumbo Games will launch boxed puzzles and produce a puzzle assortment, memo and floor game for 2013. Portico has already launched a card range and is set to produce calendars while McCambridge Group has signed on for celebration cakes and Trade Mark for bags.

More than 100 episodes of Something Special, which uses Makaton signs and symbols, as well as rhymes and songs to help kids develop language skills, have aired on CBeebies since its debut in 2003. Initial product extensions based on the series, including a stand-alone magazine and DVDs, have also brought sales success.

Tags: BBC Worldwide Consumer Products, Golden Bear, Justin Fletcher, Something Special