LICENSING EXPO 2015
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reamWorks Animation offers a portfolio of new and classic properties for film, TV, and online across multiple categories. Highlighted properties include the upcoming Trolls and DinoTrux, as well as DreamWorks Dragons, Kung Fu Panda, and Voltron. DreamWorks Classics will continue to engage fans with initiatives built around Felix, Noddy, Lassie, and Waldo. Franchise favorites Shrek and Madagascar, along with the recent film Home are also top-of-mind. DinoTrux This year will also see the debut of AwesomenessTV as a standalone presence on the show floor.
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oy State’s Nikko brand has signed with World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (WWE) for a line of R/C products, with distribution throughout North America. Designed for kids ages 6 and up, the line will feature five top WWE superstars: John Cena, Sheamus, Daniel Bryan, Roman Reigns, and The Rock. Globally, Toy State has also entered into a new race team sponsorship and licensing agreement with Sébastien Loeb Racing for vehicles in the R/C and lights and sound vehicle categories.
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ntertainment One (eOne) Licensing’s international preschool series Peppa Pig will expand its U.S. footprint with seven new partners. A host of new licensed merchandise will roll out from licensees including Baby Boom, a division of The Betesh Group; Idea Nuova; Spin Master; The Bridge Direct; Handcraft; and Esquire Footwear. With bedding, underwear, furniture, footwear, and more, the new Peppa Pig lineup will launch at major mass-market retailers nationwide this fall. In addition, eOne has appointed Oasis Productions as its costume character partner. For home décor, Spin Master will launch Marshmallow foam furniture, including the Just My Size chair, and The Bridge Direct will feature Peppa Pig on Inkoos Color ’n Create draw, wash, and redo activity plush that kids can decorate with washable markers. The new Peppa Pig product ranges are part of a major mass-market rollout of Peppa licensed merchandise in the U.S., with retail partners including Toys “R” Us, Wal-Mart, and Target. Peppa Pig is now on track to exceed $1 billion in worldwide retail sales this year. Peppa Pig
The Rock R/C
76 • THE TOY BOOK
MAY/JUNE 2015