Eight broadcasters sink their claws into Dungeons & Kittens
EXCLUSIVE: France Télévisions has commissioned this RPG-inspired toon from Watch Next Media, which also has seven European presales in the bag.
Kidscreen
SignUp Media wants to help brands reach deaf children
With CoComelon and Paris & Pups partnerships in place, the sign language interpretation company is looking to work with more producers.
Mattel’s Josh Silverman jumps ship to Paramount
He will take over from Pam Kaufman as the company's new president of global products and experiences.
UP&E conjures a new wave of Wicked: For Good partners
LEGO sets, bath bombs, footwear, fragrances and more will roll out in October leading up to the film's November 21 premiere.
DEALS: Apple TV+ holds on to its Peanuts streaming rights
Plus, Spacetoon brings Bluey to Turkey. Fred Rogers Productions and Animotion Media have signed licensing agents. And are "combat pillows" a hot branding opportunity?
Kidscreened
- Mattel is giving the Shani doll her own live-action TV series (Variety)
- Disney's Nigel Cook explores the licensing impact of Toy Story (Licensing Biz)
- Character.AI chatbot removes Disney IPs in response to a cease-and-desist letter (NBC)
- There's a new TikTok competitor in town, launched by OpenAI (TechCrunch)
Sixteen South to sell Mixmups as its first third-party distribution title
Colin Williams discusses this strategy, explaining why seeing the series about characters with disabilities was an "Ah, shit" moment for the studio.
PBS KIDS orders a new Super Why! series
Comic Book Adventures will launch in fall 2026, expanding on the same-name series of shorts.
Target and Netflix team up for a Stranger Things campaign
The retailer is collaborating with the series' creative team on an in-store experience that's part of a broader brick-and-mortar revitalization strategy.
New Zealand and Canadian broadcasters greenlight Be With Zee
EXCLUSIVE: Vérité Films, Oddly Quiet and Media Tech Productions are co-producing this preschool toon about mindfulness.
Thunderbird sells JAM Media’s BeddyByes to Disney Branded TV
EXCLUSIVE: This bedtime-focused preschool series will launch on Disney Jr. and Disney+ early next year.
Animaj and Studio 100 are now co-owners of Maya the Bee
Gregory Dray teases a "joint reinvention" of the legacy brand under this new strategic partnership with Studio 100 International.
DEALS: Nickelodeon to bring reboot The Marsupilamis to the world
Plus, Green Gold is launching 300 Chhota Bheem cafés in India, and Peppa Pig is joining Cameo Kids' roster of kids brand celebs.
Kidscreened
PEOPLE: ITV promotes Darren Nartey to head up acquisitions
Also, John Revill will support Universal's CP biz in EMEA, and Michelle Wong takes on a senior marketing role at Jazwares.
ToyZone and CPC set up a new licensing agency
BrandZone will be at BLE scouting for emerging IPs and also doing deals for its first in-house brand, Tattoo Zoo.
After Halloween, Spirit Christmas is set to open 30 US locations
Spencer Gifts is tripling the footprint of its holiday pop-up chain this year, with all stores featuring photo opps with Santa to attract families.
Reading Rainbow starts a new chapter
A digital-first reboot of the beloved series promoting kids literacy will launch on Sony's Kidzuko YouTube channel, featuring TikTok librarian Mychal Threets.
Bluey herds some new licensees before BLE
And Disney has acquired the theatrical and streaming rights to the beloved pup's first feature film.
DEALS: The ABC renews Do No Watch This Show after a strong Australian debut
Plus, distributor Fred Media has acquired four live-action kids series, and PGS is taking the Care Bears into the luxury market.
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