Wendy Goldman Getzler
Rovio makes move into game publishing
CONSUMER PRODUCTS / INTERACTIVEAngry Birds creator Rovio Entertainment is likely going to make a lot of indie developers very happy. The Finnish company has opened its doors to third-party gaming titles through a new mobile game publishing initiative called Rovio Stars.
Simon & Schuster takes Daniel Tiger from screen to page
CONSUMER PRODUCTS / TVAs master publishing licensee for the Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood brand, Simon & Schuster will launch story, picture, novelty, activity and non-interactive eBooks starting in January 2014.
LazyTown scores third-season TV deals
TVAs Turner-owned LazyTown settles into its third TV season, the health and wellness show has been picked up by more global broadcasters. The new season debuted in the UK last month.
Imira names sales exec as Golberger departs
PEOPLE MOVES / TVBarcelona-based production company Imira Entertainment has named Elena Mera Dios as its new sales manager for the EMEA, North America and Asian markets. Her move is timed with the departure of producer and head of sales Christophe Goldberger.
Vine videos to star Peanuts gang
INTERACTIVETwitter’s four-month-old social video platform Vine will host 12 videos using the iconic Peanuts characters following a deal with stop-motion animator Khoa Phan.
Lego Friends – and girls – brought to Nintendo handhelds
CONSUMER PRODUCTS / INTERACTIVEWarner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is looking to put the Lego Friends franchise into the hands of more girls by introducing the property to Nintendo DS and 3DS handhelds this fall.
Target and DC superheroes get exclusive for the summer
CONSUMER PRODUCTSMega US retailer Target has teamed with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Entertainment to launch an exclusive summer retail collection based on the Justice League superhero characters.
Thunderbirds are Go! move forward with master toy partner
CONSUMER PRODUCTSUK-based toy company Vivid has been named master toy partner in Europe, Australia and New Zealand for Thunderbirds are Go!, the original series remake from ITV Studios, Pukeko Pictures and Weta Workshop that will premiere in 2015.
Kids wear heart on their necks in digital locket
CONSUMER PRODUCTS / INTERACTIVEFrom toy/digital entertainment company Dano comes the iHeart Locket iPad app. The free app allows kids to express themselves using photos, stickers, drawings and voice notes, and the coinciding wearable necklace serves a key that transmits a unique code that opens the app.
Jack Sorensen tapped to grow Saban’s mobile games division
INTERACTIVE / PEOPLE MOVESDigital gaming vet Jack Sorensen, who has played a hand in managing Star Wars and Pixar game franchises, will be at the helm of Saban Brands’ mobile gaming division The Playforge as president.
The definitive kids ent resource.-
McDonald’s, General Mills among Despicable Me 2 marketing minions -
Disney and Lucasfilm announce new Star Wars animated series -
Two-year-old Disney Junior UK brings Appisodes to two-year-olds -
eOne takes all rights to YouTube animated hit Simon’s Cat -
Microsoft unveils its next-generation console -
Children’s Museums: Not just for kids
Photos
MIPCOM 2012 -