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Asics teams up with Disney again

Rutika Malaviya
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Asics teams up with Disney again

 

 

For the second time, Asics has again teamed up with Disney to give one of its brands a special trainer makeover. In this endeavour, three new GEL-Lyte designs have been released to mark the 80th anniversary of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Snow White gets her own design with clever touches referencing the movie, including the red bow and velvet overlays, plus an apple print on the sock-liner.

Meanwhile, a Wicked Queen trainer features a colour way matching the famous villain’s costume, plus purple pop and gold glitter outsoles and an extended tongue featuring a gold crown.

Finally, a Seven Dwarfs GEL-Lyte is the first available for children and has individual material combinations such as fleece lining, black laces and prints inspired by Doc, Happy, Sleepy, Grumpy, Bashful, Dopey and Sneezy, their bedframes and outfits.

Disney endeavour pays off police raid shops selling counterfeit goods, arrest owners

Rutika Malaviya
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Disney endeavour pays off police raid shops selling counterfeit goods, arrest owners

Corporate film houses like Disney, Viacom 18, Paramount, Warners have been constantly worried about the influx of counterfeit products in the market from time to time more particular Disney.

As a matter of fact, Disney works closely with enforcement agencies around the world to protect its intellectual property and brands.

Influx of counterfeit products and thriving grey market has been a major hurdle for the licensing fraternity in India and that has made the brand owners ramp up and protect their intellectual property.

As a part of an ongoing enforcement campaign in India, the officers of the Zone-2 Mumbai Police conducted raids of the following five targets: Niva Bags; Capitol Bags and Return Gifts; National Bag House; Raj Bags; and Roshan’s the Bag Kingdom in Crawford Market.

More than 2,000 counterfeit Disney products were seized in total from all stores and the owners/ proprietors of the stores namely Shailesh Mavji Daga of Niva Bags; Dhiraj Ramesh Suthar of Capitol Bags and Return Gifts; Mohamed Jaid Ahmed Parwani of National Bag House; Ravi Rasiklal Shah of Raj Bags and Mohamed Nazim Idris Shaikh of Roshan’s the Bag Kingdom were arrested on charges of criminal counterfeiting.

“It is critical that we protect the integrity of the products that bear the Disney name,” said Sanjeet Mehta, Executive Director, Consumer Products, Disney India.

“Our consumer products lines in India include fashion apparel, home, toys, consumer electronics, stationery, food, health and beauty, and publishing. We are grateful to the local Zone-2 Police and the Crime Branch Control in Mumbai for protecting both the rights of trusted brand owners and Indian consumers,” he added.

Investigations are in process to identify the source/ locations of the manufacturers of the seized goods who will also be prosecuted.

This enforcement action follows the raids that took place on 12 July 2017 in Mumbai’s Crawford Market when police seized over 3,500 Disney counterfeit products.

 

 

Xerox adjudged US’ best company among nation’s best in measures that matter

Rutika Malaviya
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Xerox adjudged US’ best company among nation’s best in measures that matter

In a head to head comparison of the largest publicly traded corporations in the US, Xerox

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was adjudged as the most outperforming than its peers in a number of areas including worker pay and treatment, job creation, community involvement and providing products that improve life and do not harm the environment.

According to a survey conducted by Forbes and JUST Capital, a non-profit organization that ranks the largest publicly traded corporations in the U.S, Xerox was named as one of America’s most JUST companies.

The JUST 100 rankings are based on one of the most comprehensive surveys ever conducted on public attitudes towards corporate behaviour involving 10,000 American respondents in 2017 and more than 72,000 over the past three years. The JUST Capital rankings encompass the 1,000 largest publicly traded companies in the U.S.

The survey ranks how companies perform overall, how they compare by industry, and how they rank on specific themes such as worker compensation and well-being, customer treatment, product impacts, environmental footprint, supporting communities, generating jobs, behaving responsibly in sourcing and supply chains, and more

Turner International launches on-demand service Gloud offering console-quality video games via streaming

Rutika Malaviya
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Turner International launches on-demand service Gloud offering console-quality video games via streaming

The team of digital ventures and innovation at Turner International has launched Gloud, an on-demand service that offers console-quality video games via streaming.

With the new system, Turner aims to eliminate the need for price prohibitive consoles, high prices for games and the need for a computer to download large files.

To access the gaming service, users will only need a computer with an internet connection. In the future, Gloud will also be available for smart TVs.

Gloud follows Turner EMEA and HBO Nordic’s recent launch of Toonix, a kids’ and family OTT service in the Nordic region. The service also marks the company’s first venture into the world of gaming.

“Cloud-based gaming is the future of how people will consume video games. There’s no need to own expensive consoles or store content on a device with limited space. With Gloud all the user needs is an internet connection to be able to enjoy a high-end gaming experience,” says Aksel van der Wal, executive vice president, digital ventures and innovation, Turner International. “At Turner, we take a fan-centric approach to everything we do, and Gloud does exactly that. It is an innovative service which is aligned with our remit at DV&I of developing new and innovative products and services to drive Turner forward. We are in an age of deep consumer engagement, and Gloud offers fans easy access to quality gaming content, anytime and anywhere they want it,” he added.

Gloud is now available in Argentina and Chile, with short-term plans to expand across Latin America and long-term initiatives to expand globally.

 

Tinkle jumps the merchandising bandwagon

Rutika Malaviya
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Tinkle jumps the merchandising bandwagon

Celebrating its 37 years, Tinkle, one of the major titles from Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) too has umped into the merchandising bandwagon recently.

In its zest to revive the 37 year-old brand, ACK Media has launched a special line of Tinkle merchandise in association with Planet Superheroes and Eco Corner.

Seeing an opportunity in this patronage, companies have for years invested in merchandise luring kids and parents alike.

When asked if the move isn’t too late for the brand, given the fact that the market is already flooded with international and Indian characters, CEO OF AMAR Chitra Katha, answered, “Tinkle characters are still popular and even today, children relate to and like them. We still enjoy a large fan base.”

However, it is not the first time that the brand founded in 1980 and run by Future Group has entered the merchandising market.

In 2014 too, it had launched figurines (bobbleheads) of the renowned comic characters but that failed to pick up.

Further responding, Agarwal shots back by saying that the brand wasn’t too focused on distribution back then and had thus discontinued the range.

However, for the new batch, the team is much more focused and aware of the right push needed to reach consumers.

With a lot of exposure today, children are more aware of characters from across the globe. Acknowledging this fact, the brand is banking on its nostalgic appeal to compete with the already established players in the market. “Of course, our TG is kids but a child would enter a bookstore/shop only with his/her mother or father. Appealing to both, we feel there is room for every player today to grow,” says Agarwal.

Launched in association with Planet Superheroes and Eco Corner, the merchandise features some of Tinkle’s iconic comic characters such as Suppandi, Shikari Shambu, Tantri the Mantri, etc on tote bags, colourful t-shirts, mobile cases, sippers and more. The merchandise is available on the publisher’s own website apart from Amazon.

In the last couple of years, Tinkle has been taking steps to revive itself among its audiences. A year ago, it had brought in augmented reality for its comics and then launched a cartoon channel on YouTube with stories from Suppandi to Shambu.

King Features appoints C.J. Kettler as president

Rutika Malaviya
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King Features appoints C.J. Kettler as president

King Features Syndicate, the home to characters like Popeye and Betty Boop has tapped C.J. Kettler as president.

King Features, a member of the Hearst Entertainment & Syndication group, distributes comics, columns, puzzles and games to print and digital outlets and licenses both brands and comic characters for entertainment programs, as well as consumer products.

Kettler will focus on new initiatives for King Features’ stable of brands in digital video entertainment across multiple platforms and introduce its classic characters to a new generation. She succeeds T.R. “Rocky” Shepard III in the position.

Previously EVP of consumer brands and strategy at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Kettler developed a media literacy curriculum for Channel One News and launched pre-school subscription app Curious World and served as executive producer of Carmen Sandiego.

Earlier this year, King Features had appointed eight new licensing agents viz. Vertical Licensing (Brazil), Segal Licensing (Canada), Medialink (China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia), Licensing Dynamics International (Israel), Asiana Licensing (Korea), Copyright Licensing Agency (the Middle East), AMV Licencias (Peru), and Mon Entertainment (Mexico, Latin America).

The appointments are part of a larger plan to expand King Features’ licensing program into new merchandising categories and territories globally.

 

Genius Brands appoints Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group as publishing partner

Rutika Malaviya
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Genius Brands appoints Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group as publishing partner

With the appointment of the new master publishing partner for the brand, Imprint, a part of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, Genius Brands International, Inc. continues to build the global licensing, merchandising and retail programme for its highly-anticipated pre-school series Rainbow Rangers.

As global master publishing partner, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group’s Imprint team will develop a wide-ranging line of books, including picture books, leveled readers, story and board books for anticipated release in 2019.

Imprint joins a growing list of earlier announced top-tier licensees including Mattel, Inc. (master toy), Bentex (master apparel), Handcraft Manufacturing (packaged underwear), Global Design Concepts (bags, backpacks), Jay Franco (bedding and bath), H.E.R. Accessories (jewellery and hair accessories) and TASTE Beauty (healthy and beauty).

The company anticipates the retail programme to begin rolling out in the U.S. in late spring 2019, continuing through back-to-school and holiday.

Currently in production on season one (52 x 11’ episodes), the CGI-animated series Rainbow Rangers is slated to premiere in fall 2018 on the #1 rated kids’ network, Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr.

“We could not be more pleased with the level of genuine enthusiasm we have received from the licensing industry for Rainbow Rangers, who recognize that we have created a truly special concept that lends itself to a robust retail program,” said Genius Brand’s SVP of Global Consumer Products Lloyd Mintz. “The brand captures the essence of preschool girls with fun mission-based adventures while promoting empowerment, diversity, inclusivity, environmental responsibility and more, and we look forward to working with Imprint and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and our other best-in-class licensing, retail and broadcast partners worldwide to bring the magic of the Rainbow Rangers to young fans around the world,” he added.

The Rainbow Rangers series follows the thrilling rescue-based adventures of seven 9-year-old girls who are Earth’s first responders – protecting people, animals, resources, and the natural beauty of our world.

The girls have their own distinctive personalities and superpowers, and they live in the magical land of Kaleidoscopia at the other side of the rainbow!  Whenever there’s trouble for the people or animals of Earth, our seven heroines zoom into action and ride
their Spectra scooters across the rainbow to save the day.

Boasting a unique and highly-accomplished team of creators from the animated motion picture world, Rainbow Rangers’ creative development and production team includes Rob Minkoff (Disney’s The Lion King director), Shane Morris (Disney’s Frozen co-writer), Tim Mansfield and New York Times’ bestselling author and Emmy-nominated writer Elise Allen (Dinosaur Train, Lion Guard, Barbie specials) who is serving as head writer and co-creator. Genius Brands’ Chairman and CEO and multiple Emmy-winning producer of more than 5,000 episodes of children’s programming Andy Heyward serves as executive producer, with legendary Disney alum Ruben Aquino creating key designs.

 

Aquino is responsible for the design and animation of many of Disney’s most iconic characters from award-winning films including The Lion King, “Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Mulan and Frozen.

 

 

DHX Brands crowns winner of Twirlywoos Dad Dancer of the Year competition

Rutika Malaviya
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DHX Brands crowns winner of Twirlywoos Dad Dancer of the Year competition

DHX Brands has crowned the winner of its Twirlywoos Dad Dancer of the Year competition, James Hardwell , he having garnered a significant coverage around the world.

Hardwell a resident of Clevedon, North Somerset  was hailed the winner of the competition which was created to celebrate the launch of the Twirlywoos’ Musical Statues Great BigHoo toy that is available with Argos.

The contest that reached 300 million people worldwide through both social and traditional media was hosted on the Twirlywoos’ Facebook Page where fans could cast their votes for submitted videos.

The campaign garnered significant coverage in UK media outlets including pick up in The Sun, The Daily Mirror and The Telegraph along with a variety of other regional print and online publications.

The announcement of James’ win saw additional coverage in these outlets, as well as a feature in The Independent and a segment on ITV West Country.

 

 

Nazara raises $51.1 Mn in funding round

Rutika Malaviya
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Nazara raises $51.1 Mn in funding round

Mumbai-based mobile gaming company Nazara has raised around $51.1 Mn in a funding round led by IIFL Special Opportunities Fund.

Nazara, popular for its ‘Chhota Bheem’ game, had gross customer billings of over Rs 550 crore with PAT of Rs 66 crore according to the company’s report. It has been in the midst of profits since 2007.

So far, this is the largest private investment in the gaming space in India. The deal will see Westbridge Capital stake in the company drop to a little over 30% from about 55% now.

Commenting on the recent investment, Prashasta Seth, CEO, IIFL Asset Management Ltd, stated, “The gaming industry is expected to see growth in India and emerging markets. With its strong leadership and highly motivated team, Nazara is in a position to capture this growth and has the potential to emerge as a leading player in mobile gaming industry across emerging markets. We are happy to partner with the company in this journey and be a part of their growth story.”

“We at Nazara, welcome IIFL AMC to join us on the exciting journey of tapping into the potential offered by gaming across the emerging markets in the Indian subcontinent, South East Asia, Middle East, Africa and Latin America,” said Nitish Mittersain, managing director and founder, Nazara Technologie.

Nazara Technologies is a mobile gaming company engaged in the acquisition of, value addition to and distribution of mobile games across emerging markets.

It runs mobile gaming subscription services to mass mobile Internet users comprising largely of first time mobile gamers across Africa, Middle East, South East Asia, Latin America and the Indian subcontinent.

India’s mobile gaming market is expected to expand from $200 million in 2016 to $3 billion in 2019, according to a FICCI-KPMG report last year.

With telecom operators lowering voice and data rates amid intense competition, smartphone penetration in the country is expected to deepen, which in turn could push up adoption of mobile games.

Over the last decade, Nazara has also expanded its reach to 74 countries as publisher, diversifying its revenues across Africa and the Middle East as well. The company’s plan for an IPO comes at a time when it is looking to expand from its focus on casual mobile gaming to become a broader ecosystem player.

 

 

Akai in plans to expand its footprint in India

Rutika Malaviya
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Akai in plans to expand its footprint in India

Noted consumer electronics appliances maker Akai is in plans to expand its footprint in India. In terms of sales, the company is banking on a mix of brand recall and pricing to be third time lucky in the country.

In India, Akai was launched in the late 1990s by Baron International owned by the Mulchandanis. In 1999, Videocon took over the brand licence in India. However, later, Akai snapped ties with the home-grown OEM.

In January 2010, Akai teamed up with Global Brands Enterprise Solutions for India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. Besides TV and home theatres, the company also tried to sell mobile handsets.

But it ran into trouble when the local partner landed in a financial crisis. Finally in 2016, it tied up with Hometech Digital, part of Delhi-based Paras Group for a 10-year brand licensing pact.

From televisions, washing machines and air-conditioners, Akai has built a portfolio in the northern and western parts of the country and is now planning to enter the eastern and southern markets.

“The North and West are key consumer electronic markets. By the end of FY18, we should have a presence in the South and East,” Anurag Sharma, Director, Akai India, has been quoted to have said.

In terms of pricing, Akai is positioned above the mass category players, Sharma said adding, “We are not competing with LG, Samsung and Sony. Price-wise we will almost be the same as a Panasonic.”

Akai had grabbed a sizeable market share in the TV segment in the late 1990s but subsequently ceded it to the Korean majors. It still enjoys a certain amount of “brand recall”, which will come in handy now, informed Sharma.

Initial launches in key North Indian markets showed that there was a high recall which even distributors hadn’t expected, Sharma said. “Brand recall has to do the trick apart from aggressive pricing, quality offerings and after sales service,” he added.

 

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