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Soon, McDonald’s to bring Rubik’s brand to children’s Happy Meals

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Soon, McDonald’s to bring Rubik’s brand to children’s Happy Meals

The Smiley Company and McDonald’s joined hands for a promotional licensing deal. As per the agreement, The Smiley Company will bring the Rubik’s brand to children’s Happy Meals across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America.

According to a report in the License Global, The Marketing Store brokered the deal on behalf of McDonald’s.

“From the robust mini Cubes and the unique Rubik’s Cube-shaped Happy Meal box to the TV ads and bespoke games created for the Happy Studio app, every aspect of the promotion has been crafted to perfectly leverage the Rubik’s brand mission of encouraging children to play smart and further our goal of bringing intelligent play to kids of all ages,” Nicolas Loufrani, chief executive officer, The Smiley Company was quoted as saying.

As per the deal, McDonald’s customers in France, Spain, Austria, Canada are likely to get one of four bespoke Rubik’s cubes toys—a square 2×2 cubes, 3×2 cubes, rounded version and more. The collectibles can be received this summer in a Happy Meal.

Besides, the promotion will feature a soon-to-be-announced association between a major Hollywood animation studio, that promises a unique twist on the classic puzzle.

The Smiley Company maker, which is known for nearly 1,000 emojis and smileys sees India as a market with immense potential.

Smiley World, founded by French journalist Franklin Loufrani more than 25 years ago, has built a business from royalties collected on a symbol they trademarked in over 100 countries, for use over a wide range of product categories.

From Sanju to Karenjit Kaur: These Bollywood celebrity biopics are a must watch!

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From Sanju to Karenjit Kaur: These Bollywood celebrity biopics are a must watch!

Ranbir Kapoor’s Sanju is shattering the box office records of all the ‘Khans’, and how! After crossing the Rs 200-crore mark within a week of its release, Sanju is now galloping towards the Rs 300-crore club.

From Sanjay Dutt to Saurav Ganguly, watching one of lifetime’s celebrity biopics might be one of the best ways to spend a Sunday afternoon.

So, which celebrities have had stories fascinating enough? Let’s take a look!

Sanju…One Man, Many Lives:

The biopic on the life of Bollywood’s original wild child Sanjay Dutt has got mixed reviews from fans. If Ranbir’s stellar performance has been lauded, Hirani fans can’t stop raving about the film’s subject.

Directed by Rajkumar Hirani whose Munnabhai films saw Sanjay Dutt in the role of a lovable thug, Sanju remains a constant source of intrigue with the audience. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as the protagonist, other cast includes Vicky Kaushal, Anushka Sharma, Dia Mirza, Paresh Rawal and Manisha Koirala among others.

Karenjit Kaur: The Untold Story Of Sunny Leone:

Sunny Leone debuted in the glamour world with her stint in the TV reality show Bigg Boss and then became the most popular name. But her story was not as easy as it looks on the exterior and to uncover her deep dark secrets, she is coming up with a web series on her life. The trailer of Karenjit Kaur: The Untold Story Of Sunny Leone has dropped on the internet and we cannot keep calm!

From a popular face in the porn industry to Bollywood actress, the trailer aptly introduces Sunny as India’s most loved celebrity but also portrays that she is equally hated for her choices in the past.

Biopic on Saurav Ganguly (Name not announced):

Former Indian Cricket Captain, Sourav Ganguly turns 46 recently. Commonly known as Dada, his most notable achievements were leading India to World Cup Finals 2003 and was also India’s second-highest ODI run scorer.

Thanks to Ekta Kapoor’s Alt Balaji, a subscription-based video on demand platform, the production house is planning a biopic, based on the book, A Century is not Enough. Co-authored by Ganguly the book covers the cricketer’s trajectory from Kolkata’s Biren Roy Road to the balcony at Lord’s and the Indian Premier League.

According to an Indian Express report, the former Indian captain is thrilled about the project after a few rounds of talks.

His story is that of passion, aggression and a never say die spirit that is as unique as his cricketing style.

M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story

The biopic on India’s celebrated skipper, MS Dhoni is the cricketer’s ode to his well-wishers, friends, and family, who stood by him at all times – in success and failure. Their immense contribution in fulfilling his dream, his faith in himself and ability to battle professional and personal setbacks, forms the story.

The film traces the journey of the Captain cool from being a ticket collector at Kharagpur station to a renowned attacking batsman/wicket-keeper/captain.

The film stars Sushant Singh Rajput as MS Dhoni, along with Kiara Advani and Disha Patani among others.

On the professional front, Sushant along with Sanjana Sanghi will play the lead in the upcoming Bollywood adaption of the popular book “The Fault In Our Stars.”. The Hindi remake has been titled as ‘Kizie Aur Manny’.

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag:

Milkha Singh or the ‘Flying Sikh’ overcomes many agonizing obstacles to become a world champion, Olympian and one of India’s most iconic athletes.

The film traces his scarred childhood, brutalized by India’s Partition; followed by penury and petty crimes. However, it will be interesting to watch how he joined the Indian army and the rest is history!

The film casts Farhan Akhtar as Milkha Singh, along with Divya Dutta, and Sonam Kapoor among others.

There are others fascinated biopics which includes Dirty Picture (Based on the life of Silk Smith), Haseena Parkar (Based on Dawood’s sister on the same name), Neerja (Based on flight attendant’s Neerja Bhanot), Azhar (Based on Azharuddin) among others.

Upcoming movies which are based on sports personalities life include Soorma, Gold, ’83 etc.

Scooby, BoxLunch join hands to launch exclusive merchandise

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Scooby, BoxLunch join hands to launch exclusive merchandise

Scooby and BoxLunch join hands to launch an exclusive Scooby-Doo merchandise collection starting July 14.

Warner Brothers Consumer Products has associated with the cause-driven pop-culture retailer BoxLunch and their philanthropic partner Feeding America to raise awareness in the fight against hunger as part of the social responsibility initiative — Scooby-Doo DOO GOOD.

Check out the collection here:

As a part of this CSR initiative, Funko has a very special Scooby-Doo puppy Pop! figure. After each figure sold, Funko will donate ten additional meals to Feeding America.

The collection includes limited edition apparel, accessories, collectibles and more, featuring Scooby, Shaggy, and the Mystery Inc. gang.

Scooby-Doo has been the most beloved Great Dane in popular culture since 1969.

The Fault In Our Stars to be adapted as ‘Kizie Aur Manny’ in Bollywood. Details inside

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The Fault In Our Stars to be adapted as ‘Kizie Aur Manny’ in Bollywood. Details inside

To all the book lovers in India! The much-awaited book adaption of the famous Hollywood novel and film “The Fault in our Stars” has already begun.

Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput and Sanjana Sanghi will play the lead in the upcoming Bollywood remake of the popular book.

The Hindi film has been titled ‘Kizie Aur Manny’ and the team has commenced the shoot in Jamshedpur.

Sharing a glimpse of the teaser poster, the actor took to his social networking sites and wrote, “An adaptation of The Fault in our Stars.”


The Hollywood flick The Fault in Our Stars is an adaptation of the novel written by John Green, which goes by the same name

According to a report in the Deccan Chronicle, debutant director Mukesh Chabbra, who is famously known as a casting director, stated that he was keen on the location of Jamshedpur. He also described that Jamshedpur is a city with a big heart and cosmopolitan crowd which made it the perfect set-up for the film.

Based on John Green’s bestselling 2012 novel, The Fault in our Stars, it’s the story of a 16-year-old cancer patient who is forced by her parents to attend a support group, where she meets and subsequently falls in love with another patient who has lost a leg to bone cancer. “The very fact that the story revolves around cancer makes it seem heavy and intense.

The original film stars Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Nat Wolff, and Laura Dern.

Produced by Fox Star Studios, the Indian adaptation marks the directorial debut of casting director Mukesh Chhabra.

Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approves Music Licensing Bill

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Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approves Music Licensing Bill

In a historic decision for the digital age, the Senate Judiciary Committee has unanimously passed the Music Modernization Act.

The bill has now moved on to the Senate, where it is expected to pass as well.

The Music Modernization Act, or MMA, updates copyright law for the digital age and is the result of unprecedented cooperation between the music industry and the streaming services that have upended how the business earns money.

The amendments, according to the National Music Publishers Association, include increased oversight and greater transparency in the operation of the Mechanical Licensing Collective agency that will be created by the bill.

In addition, for any future changes or termination to the ASCAP and BMI consent decrees being considered by the Dept. of Justice, the DOJ must now communicate and consult with Congress.

The amendments also promote educational efforts to educate copyright owners and songwriters about the unclaimed royalty process.

“The Music Modernization Act grew stronger in the Senate and remains a bright, bipartisan light for an industry that is ready to stream forward to a better future,” Digital Media Association CEO Chris Harrison said in a statement.

“The Manager’s Amendment brings greater transparency and makes it easier for songwriters and copyright owners to verify the accuracy of royalty payments made while ensuring the efficient and cost-effective operation of the Mechanical Licensing Collective.”

RIAA president Mitch Glazier said in a statement that “when a community comes together as we have done, with no segment getting everything they want but recognizing injustice and working toward a common goal, anything is possible.”

The central part of the bill calls for the creation of a body to administer royalties owed to songwriters by music-streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music.

Despite mere oppositions, the decision was welcomed by all corners of the music industry, who are eager to see the benefits it would bring to artists, publishers, studio producers, labels and publishers alike.

Mondo TV announces licensing deals for ‘Robot Trains’ in Spain, Portugal

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Mondo TV announces licensing deals for ‘Robot Trains’ in Spain, Portugal

Mondo TV, one of the largest European producers and distributors of animated content,  announced a number of important breakthroughs in the Iberian market for animated kids’ show ‘Robot Trains’ in both broadcasting and licensing.

Broadcast highlights include the news that a launch on DTT channel Clan TVE is imminent in Spain, following hard on the heels of the June launch of the show on Portugal’s children’s cable and satellite channel Canal Panda.

TV distribution in Iberia is managed by Mondo TV Iberoamerica, a distributor, and producer of audiovisual content operating in Spain, Portugal, Latin America and the Spanish-speaking United States.

Licensing interest is growing fast in both countries following the announcement of the Clan TVE launch, which takes place at the beginning of September.

In Spain, Panini is already signed to launch a sticker album in January 2019, with other titles to follow, while Comansi, a leader in 3D figurines for children, will launch a figurines range in Q22019 and Gedis will bring Calamity Car and 3D figurine versions of ‘Robot Trains’ characters to kiosks, starting from BTS 2018.

Bizak is distributing the toy range in Spain on behalf of master toy licensee Silverlit.

To date, the sell-in of the toy line has gone extremely well and Robot Trains toy distribution is widespread in all main retail outlets. The products will be on shelves in time for 2018 back to school season with a strong marketing campaign.

Licensing announcements for apparel, board games, activity books, playing cards soap bubbles, wrapping paper and back to school categories are due soon, with outdoor toys and arts and crafts deals expected to follow later in the year.

In Portugal, where Kay, Alf, Duck, Selly and Victor and their friends have been on the air since 1 June, a Q4 bed linen deal is planned, along with the announcement of a partner for live events. Existing agreements include deals with Kstationery for back to school and Comansi. Concentra in Portugal will distribute the toy range on behalf of master toy licensee Silverlit. With the product on shelves from spring 2019, sell-in is again strong across toy retail.

Maria Bonaria Fois, Mondo TV Iberoamerica Managing Director said, “Spain and Portugal are key markets for Robot Trains, where we are confident that the show’s wonderful cast of characters and engaging, exciting storylines, give it very strong prospects. And we’re planning more announcements very soon. The Robot Trains success story continues!”

An exciting animated series for children aged between four and seven years set in Train World, where all the citizens are trains – but some can transform into robots!

Robot Trains is distributed and licensed by Mondo TV in a number of territories across Europe, including Italy, Spain and Portugal, the Middle East and the Pacific region. Mondo will not only distribute and license the second season of Robot Trains in all these territories but will also be partnering with CJ E&M to co-produce the new series.

The first series of Robot Trains already broadcasts on a number of leading free-to-air channels, including Cartoonitoin Italy, Gulli in France, Canal Panda in Portugal, Carousel in Russia, Cartoonito UK and Dkids in the Middle East.

Robot Trains was ranked the number 1 show on Cartoonito UK during launch week and is so far rated the channel’s number 2 series of the year.

Licensing activity for Robot Trains is also strong in a number of territories, where confectionery and snacks, books, puzzles, confectionery decorations, live characters and events, stickers and trading cards, carnival costumes, personal care products and paper handkerchiefs are just some of the items in shops or soon to appear at retail. Master toy licensee Silverlit of Hong Kong is already working with toy distributors Rocco Giocattoli in Italy, Bizak in Spain and Concentra in Portugal.

Viacom18 net profit increases to Rs 82.7 cr in FY18, licence fees at Rs 26.1 cr

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Viacom18 net profit increases to Rs 82.7 cr in FY18, licence fees at Rs 26.1 cr

Viacom 18 Media’s net profit for the fiscal ended March 2018 increased 2.7 times to Rs 82.7 crore as compared to Rs 30.6 crore in the previous fiscal.

According to a report in the Television Post, the company’s revenue from operations saw a massive increase of 21% to Rs 3685.4 crore as against Rs 3036.4 crore in the previous fiscal. Total expenses increased 20% to Rs 3593.7 crore compared to Rs 3005.8 crore.

However, Licence fees remain at Rs 26.1 crore as against Rs 26 crore. Additionally, the company also generates revenue from licensing and merchandising of products, brand solutions, organizing live events, over the top (OTT) and digital content delivery platform and marketing partnerships.

Revenue from ad, distribution and programme syndication increased 13% Rs 3216.4 crore as compared to Rs 2850 crore.

Operational expenses jumped 18% to Rs 2839.5 crore compared to Rs 2326.5 crore. Programming costs were up 23% to Rs 2115.9 crore from Rs 1718.3 crore.

Marketing and advertisement costs jumped 32% to Rs 366.9 crore from Rs 278.7 crore. Transmission and up linking costs stayed flat at Rs 105.9 crore compared to Rs 105.2 crore.

Other distribution costs rose 13% to 224.5 crore from Rs 198.1 crore.

Viacom18 had inventories worth Rs 1016.2 crore for programming and film rights compared to Rs 952.2 crore in the year-ago period. The inventory for projects in progress was Rs 324.4 crore compared to Rs 248.2 crore.

Viacom 18 is a 51:49 joint venture between TV18 and Viacom.

Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James, Altair sign optical eyewear deal

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Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James, Altair sign optical eyewear deal

Altair Eyewear, a subsidiary of Marchon Eyewear, has signed an exclusive global licensing agreement with Reese Witherspoon’s Southern-inspired fashion and lifestyle brand, Draper James.

The association will see Altair design, manufacture and distribute Draper James optical product. The line holds a sunwear license with B Robinson Optical Inc.

This will mark the brand’s first-ever optical collection, with eyewear set to be available to the public beginning in March 2019, following its debut to wholesale accounts at Vision Expo East in New York.

The collection will range in price from USD 160 to USD 215.

 “I am thrilled that Draper James is partnering with Altair Eyewear Inc., a leading expert in optical eyewear, to create a new line of glasses,” said Reese Witherspoon, Draper James founder and creative director in a press release statement.

“As a lifestyle brand, I feel it’s important to continue to add new categories that meet the everyday needs of our customers both in style and function,” the statement further added.

According to a press release from the eyewear manufacturer, the optical styles will “take cues from Draper James’ vibrant, upbeat ready-to-wear and accessories collections, celebrating femininity with a contemporary take on the Southern charm”.

Marchon president and chief executive officer Nicola Zotta said, “We are excited to embark on this venture with Draper James, a unique brand with a fresh point of view. We look forward to partnering with Draper James and Reese Witherspoon on expressive optical eyewear collections that complement the brand’s lifestyle and extend the current assortment into an exciting new category and market.”

The new line is planned to be distributed globally and sold in optical chains and specialty retailers as well as through independent eye care practices.

Instagram, Lakme Fashion Week join hands to celebrate and embrace fashion!

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Instagram, Lakme Fashion Week join hands to celebrate and embrace fashion!

Instagram in association with Lakme Fashion Week curated a masterclass with prominent homegrown brands and designers. The top-notch designers include Shantanu & Nikhil, Pero, Nicobar and Jaypore to discuss and share best practices inspiring other fashion businesses to harness the power of visual storytelling through Instagram.

Instagram, which was founded in 2010 as a photo-sharing app, has surpassed 1 billion users currently.

The fashion community has embraced Instagram since the beginning and continues to push the boundaries by constantly innovating and experimenting on the platform.

Recognizing the symbiotic relationship that Instagram and fashion has, during the masterclass, leading fashion entrepreneurs like Jasmeet Singh Arora, Chief Believer of the quirky Indie label Pero, Shilpa Sharma, Concept Curator and Co-Founder of prominent online Indian brand Jaypore, Raul Rai, Co-Founder of conscious fashion label Nicobar, Nikhil Mehra, Designer, Shantanu and Nikhil and Jaspreet Chandok, Vice President and Head of Fashion, IMG Reliance came together to share stories and experiences from their journeys. During the discussion, all panelists highlighted best practices and personal anecdotes about how Instagram has helped them leverage their business amongst the right target audience.

Jasmeet Arora from Pero highlighted how the brand utilizes the ‘Live’ feature to showcase behind the scenes at the atelier, giving their audience a sneak peek into life at Pero. Raul Rai from Nicobar and Nikhil Mehra from Shantanu & Nikhil spoke about the unparalleled visibility that a creative visual storytelling platform like Instagram has brought for their respective brands amongst their key audience helping it define and create a distinct position for itself in a crowded market. Shilpa Sharma spoke about the gradual growth of the brand Jaypore and Instagram’s role in helping them create a distinct visual identity in the fashion industry.

Sandeep Bhushan said that Instagram has made it possible for everyone to have a front row seat, gives you first-hand access and allows you to see how stylists and designers work.

“It empowers small businesses and democratizing opportunity, giving individuals, creators, and emerging brands the ability to reach a global audience,” added Bhushan.

“Instagram is the leading primary content consumption platforms for the Fashion Industry. We are happy to continually enhance our partnership with Instagram and look forward to creating narratives that can showcase the power of the platform to young and emerging designer businesses,” said VP and Head of Fashion, IMG Reliance, Jaspreet Chandok.

Recently, to compete for head-on with YouTube, Facebook-owned social network Instagram launched a mobile app today dedicated to user-generated videos up to an hour long, intensifying the competition for consumers’ time among ad-supported streaming services.

Called IGTV, the new video feature will allow users to play long videos in vertical format inside the existing Instagram as well as in the standalone app. The app is expected to roll-out both in iOS and Android in the next few weeks.

(With inputs from ANI)

The first FunkO’s cereal with Mega Man pop-figure is out!

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The first FunkO’s cereal with Mega Man pop-figure is out!

Funko has forayed into the food and beverage sector with the introduction of a new collection of breakfast cereals, according to a report in the License Global.

The company launched the cereal line featuring characters from its Pop Vinyl figure line such as Mega Man, Cuphead, Gollum, Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger.

“Funko, purveyors of pop culture and all things awesome, is committed to helping you start the day off right by putting the fun back in breakfast with FunkO’s,” the release said.

Each box contains O-shaped cereal in a shade of red, blue or green. In addition, the box also contains a collectible figure. Mega Man FunkO’s will be available at GameStop, Cuphead and Mugman boxes.

“Every breakfast starts with a bowl of brightly colored cereal that comes out of a box with a really cool mascot on the front and a prize inside,” the statement further added.

The company plans to add additional cereals throughout the year.

Last year, Nintendo teamed with Kellogg’s to create a Super Mario cereal with marshmallow power-ups. The box also included Amiibo functionality that awarded gold coins or a heart to “Super Mario Odyssey” players when they tapped the box on their Nintendo Switch.

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