Spin Master
Toronto-based Spin Master is hopping on the YouTuber train and partnering with Lily Hevesh to create the new H5 Domino Creations line of dominoes. Designed by Hevesh, who runs a channel (2.66 million subscribers) focused on making art with dominoes, the new product comes with different colored tiles and guides on how to make art with them. The dominoes will be available globally in the fall.
Zuru
LA toyco Zuru is expanding its collectible brand Rainbocorns with new North American licensees, which will roll out products this year. The plush property’s new licensing partners include Jerry Leigh (master apparel partner), Bendon (coloring books, activity sets), Inkology (stationery), Sinco (watches, hair accessories, bracelets), Infinity Product Group (blankets), Danawares (camping accessories, bags, camp chairs, puzzles, jewelry boxes) and Montco Crafts (activity sets). Zuru launched Rainbocorns in 2018, and the toyco has since expanded the brand out into a digital-first animated series on its YouTube channel.
Jetpack
Growing its live-action catalogue, Jetpack Distribution has picked up London-based Rumpus Media’s sports competition series A Week to Beat the World. Produced by Rumpus Media, the 30 x 15-minute show was commissioned by CBBC and premiered on the British pubcaster’s channel last year. In the show, six kids travel around the world to compete in unusual sports, such as sumo wrestling in Japan and lion dancing in Malaysia.
Moonbug
Kids content creator Moonbug is building its global reach by acquiring South Korean animated series ARPO. It plans to distribute the show’s existing episodes and to produce a new set of 26 x three-and-a-half minute episodes of the slapstick comedy series. Originally produced by South Korea’s Toonzip, series follows a commando robot turned nanny who takes care of the curious baby named Daniel. Aimed at kids three to six, the non-dialogue show has racked up a large online following with 2.48 million subscribers on its YouTube channel.
Meta Media
South Korean animation house Monster Studio has appointed London-based Meta Media Entertainment as the European distributor for its animated show Bread Barbershop (pictured). Aimed at kids six to 10, the show has 39 x seven-and-a-half minutes and 26 x 11-minute episodes. In this 3D-animated comedy, a master barber—who happens to be a slice of bread—gives makeovers to all his customers and helps them solve their problems. The show debuted in Korea on national broadcasters KBS and Tooniverse last year, and its brand has racked up millions of views across YouTube and TikTok.