Dan Waldman
Cartoon Network enters MMOG market
NEWSKids shows and movies transitioning into the video game realm is nothing new. Cartoon Network, however, is taking things a step further with the development of its first massive multi-player on-line game (MMOG) launching in 2008.
Puppeteers serve up meaty kids fare for Nick
NEWSFew kids name puppeteer as their most desired career, but for Canadian creators Jamie Shannon and Jason Hopley, there is little doubt that the pair was destined for the job. The duo is the creative force behind The Grogs, a Toronto-based prodco that’s on quite a roll this year. Not only does the company have Mr. Meaty set to debut on Nickelodeon in the U.S. this month, the tween-skewing puppet show is a linchpin in the broadcast giant’s aggressive multi-platform strategy, currently airing on broadband site Turbonick and via podcasts powered by iTunes.
AOL’s Malcolm Bird – International man of magic
NEWSWhen he’s not hard at work getting high-quality kids programming out across multiple platforms, AOL senior VP Malcolm Bird has a few tricks up his sleeve for any audience that will have him.
Action packed! Startups score superhero licenses for custom creativity
NEWSStartup manufacturers Planetwide Games and DigiKidz have taken creative play to a new level of interactivity with recent product introductions that mix high tech with customization. The two companies initially turned to the Marvel Universe to kick-start sales, and are now looking for more licenses to keep the pace.
Dance fever – Konami cross brands video game hit
NEWSKonami has been hard at work with major licensors over the summer to put kids on the dancefloor with their favorite cartoon characters this holiday season.
Hamleys has toy empire in its sights
NEWSAS the British specialty toy retailer nears its 250th anniversary, CEO Nick Mather is determined to introduce the Hamleys brand to the far reaches of the globe. So far Mather has inked a deal to open stores in the Middle East and is now working to crack the Indian and Chinese markets to complement the retailer’s 13 locations in the U.K. and Denmark.
Startup toyco triumphs in U.S. market
NEWSThese days starting up a new toyco almost flies in the face of reason. The U.S. market isn’t growing and consolidation continues apace. Witness Mattel’s August buyout of Radica for US$230 million. But industry veteran Roger Shiffman – co-founder of Tiger Electronics who sold the venture to Hasbro with his partner in 1998 – took a gamble. His Bannockburn, Illinois-based Zizzle launched with just one toy in 2005 and has since managed to bring 40 products to market. An additional 60 toys across six categories are planned for 2007, indicating his wager might just pay off.
Console makers break market with low price points
NEWSA few electronics companies are looking to fill a small hole in the console market with preloaded portable gaming systems this year. While the new consoles won’t replace the PSP, they could catch on with the younger, less serious gamers out there.
Hi-tech hybrid forges category new collectible
NEWSAS toycos continue to turn to tech to attract tweens, Mattel is trying to get a leg up on the competition with its new electronic toy category. Just unveiled at Comic Con this past July, HyperScan merges boy-centric collector card and video game play patterns.
Danger Rangers deliver safety message to local kid’s hospital
NEWSWith its commitment to keeping kids out of harm’s way, Charlotte, North Carolina-based Educational Adventures has struck an unconventional marketing alliance that’s a perfect fit for its Danger Rangers brand. The company has teamed up with Charlotte Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital for a promotion that will blanket the city in the coming months.
The definitive kids ent resource.Photos
Kidscreen Summit 2010 -