Author: James Zahn

Corus Entertainment Acquires Guru Studio’s ‘Pikwik’ for Canada

Corus Entertainment Acquires Guru Studio’s ‘Pikwik’ for Canada

Posted by | May 21, 2019 | ,

Corus Entertainment acquired the Canadian broadcast rights for Pikwik, the latest animated series from Toronto-based Guru Studio. The series will debut on Treehouse in Canada early next year to coincide with the U.S. premiere on Disney Junior. “We are absolutely thrilled to have Corus come on board with Pikwik,” says Jonathan Abraham, vice president of sales and business development, Guru Studio. “Treehouse’s reach in Canada is unparalleled, and together with our broadcast partner Disney Junior in the U.S., we have incredible support to reach a wide audience.” Pikwik follows team leader Suki the hedgehog, Axel the raccoon, Hazel the cat, and Tibor the hippo, as...

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NSI Introduces Laser X Morph Blaster

NSI Introduces Laser X Morph Blaster

Posted by | May 21, 2019 | ,

NSI International has a new addition to its Laser X brand of at-home laser tag — the Laser X Morph blaster. The new blaster offers multiple ways to play, with interactive game targets that “morphs” into Laser X blasters, each with a 300-foot range, lights, and sound effects. Each set includes two interactive morphing game targets with three built-in games. The game can be played as a single-player experience, or with an unlimited number of friends. Morph blasters are the first Laser X blasters to offer players the option of wearing their receiver target on their arm, or leaving...

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Spielwarenmesse Distributes Toy Donations Following Annual International Fair

Spielwarenmesse Distributes Toy Donations Following Annual International Fair

Posted by | May 21, 2019 | ,

Toy donations from nearly 800 exhibitors at this year’s Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair have been distributed. For more than 40 years, organizers at Spielwarenmesse eG have coordinated the annual toy drive campaign, and this year’s donations filled more than 30 Euro pallets with everything from board games and plush to the latest in electronic toys. The donations were distributed to groups in and around Nuremberg, as well as to SOS Children’s Villages throughout Germany. “The donation campaign is a matter that is very close to the hearts of our team and our exhibitors,” says Ernst Kick, CEO of Spielwarenmesse eG....

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Precious Moments Adds New Licensees

Precious Moments Adds New Licensees

Posted by | May 20, 2019 | ,

Precious Moments Inc. continues its big licensing year with nine new licensees entering the fold thus far. As a result of the brand’s partnership with Spotlight Licensing and Brand Management, the newest licensees to join more than 50 Precious Moments licensees worldwide are the John Barton Co. for jewelry and select consumer glass products, and the Northwest Co. for blankets, pillows, throws, towels, and slumber bags. “This has been a monumental year for our licensing program in terms of attracting new licensees and bolstering existing ones with new and refreshed artwork, as well as bringing new energy and focus...

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Splash2o Launches At-Home Splash Pad Experience

Splash2o Launches At-Home Splash Pad Experience

Posted by | May 20, 2019 | ,

A new, Florida-based startup is looking to bring the splash pad experience to backyards and driveways everywhere. Avaden LLC launched a crowdfunding campaign on IndieGoGo for its Splash2o at-home splash pad, offering early preorders for delivery next year. The adjustable, customizable Aqua Tower folds for easy storage and will launch with eight interchangeable Aqua Station play features. Additional stations are planned for future release. “Splash2o is that middle ground — I wanted to design a splash pad that had many similar elements to what you’d find at a public park but could easily be set up in your backyard,”...

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Cartoon Network Picks Up Two New Series, ‘Mao Mao, Heroes of Pure Heart,’ ‘Tig N’ Seek’

Cartoon Network Picks Up Two New Series, ‘Mao Mao, Heroes of Pure Heart,’ ‘Tig N’ Seek’

Posted by | May 20, 2019 | ,

WarnerMedia‘s Cartoon Network expands its programming slate with two new animated series. Parker Simmons’ Mao Mao, Heroes of Pure Heart is “a high-octane ride that follows a crime-fighting samurai cat and his faithful sidekicks,” while Myke Chilian’s  Tig N’ Seek is described as “a lighthearted mystery-filled show about a young sleuth and his feline partner.” Additionally, a pair of fan-favorite series were picked up for additional episodes. Julia Pott’s Summer Camp Island received a second season order, while George Gendi’s Apple & Onion received a full season pickup. All of the shows were piloted as part of the studio’s global artists program designed...

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