Author: Sierra McCleary-Harris

Hasbro Studios Inks Home Entertainment Deal With U.K.’S Clear Vision

Posted by | Apr 19, 2013 | , ,

Hasbro Studios, the Los Angeles-based entertainment division of Hasbro Inc. has announced an extensive multi-territory deal with leading independent home entertainment label Clear Vision. The U.K.-based company has acquired HV distribution rights to the first and second seasons of the kids’ hit My Little Pony Friendship is Magic in the U.K., France, Spain, Italy, the Nordic countries, and the Middle East. Produced and distributed globally by Hasbro Studios, My Little Pony Friendship is Magic follows a core cast of six pony friends through funny, offbeat experiences, lessons in friendship and exciting, enchanted...

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Harold Chizick Launches ChizComm

Posted by | Apr 19, 2013 | ,

Toy industry veteran Harold Chizick has launched ChizComm Ltd., a full-service marketing and communication agency dedicated to launching, marketing, and promoting products and entertainment for children. Chizick is the former vice president of marketing services for Spin Master, where he served for 14 years. The agency will provide strategic planning, product launches, communication strategy, and digital strategy, among other services. Based in Toronto, ChizComm has already signed with Tech 4 Kids to work on the launch of its Tech Recon brand. For more information, email Harold:...

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Britney Spears to Release New Song for New Smurfs Movie

Posted by | Apr 18, 2013 | , ,

Britney Spears will release a song for Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures Animation‘s family comedy The Smurfs 2, titled “Ooh La La,” via Kemosabe/RCA Records. “Ooh La La” will play at the end credits of the film. The Smurfs 2, the sequel to the hybrid live action/animated film released in 2011, is set to hit theaters on July 31. Spears says, “I have always loved the Smurfs as a kid and now my boys are the biggest Smurfs fans ever. I wanted to surprise them with a song in the movie. I know they’ll think it’s...

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LeapFrog to Webcast First Quarter Results

Posted by | Apr 18, 2013 | , ,

LeapFrog Enterprises Inc. will webcast its first quarter results conference call on May 2, at 5:30 a.m. PDT, following the release of its financial results. The live webcast will be available at LeapFrog’s investor relations website at www.leapfroginvestor.com. An archive of the webcast will be available on the web site approximately three hours following completion of the call. To participate in the call, dial (706) 634-0183 and request Conference ID 36439156. A telephonic replay of the call will be available for one month. To access the replay, dial (404) 537-3406 and use Conference ID...

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Disney Infinity Stands Out with Toy Box Mode

Posted by | Apr 18, 2013 | ,

Disney Interactive has released the first video focused entirely on the Disney Infinity Toy Box mode, a play feature that allows every player to combine Disney and Pixar‘s most popular characters and worlds to create one-of-a-kind Disney experiences. In the Toy Box mode, players can build their own adventures and worlds featuring hundreds of characters, vehicles, items, and environments, including Scrooge McDuck’s money pit, a Tron Recognizer, the Dumbo flying elephant ride, and Stitch’s Surfboard. Players can also use the logic editor to create any kind of game or experience, such as action adventures, obstacle courses, capture-the-flag, tower defense, car races—even re-create some of their favorite classic arcade games. Check out the trailer...

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Delta Children, Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) Donate Cribs to Phildelphia Families in Need

Posted by | Apr 17, 2013 | , ,

Delta Children donated 200 new cribs—valued at $60,000—to Pennsylvania United Medical Association (PUMA) in Warrington, Pa. The donation was made possible with the help of Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S), a non-profit organization that connects companies and children in need. The Safe Sleep demonstration was held at PUMA, where Delta Children’s Co-President and K.I.D.S. Board Member Joseph Shamie stressed the importance of a safe crib and offered tips to the families. K.I.D.S. implemented the distribution of the cribs on behalf of Delta Children to the families in...

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Mezco to Create Figures Based on the Batman Classic TV Series

Posted by | Apr 17, 2013 | ,

Mezco Toys is partnering with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Entertainment, to produce toys and vehicles based on the classic 1960’s Batman Classic TV Series. The Mez-Itz line will feature the likeness of the actors from the series such as Adam West and Burt Ward, famed for their portrayals as the dynamic duo, Batman and Robin. Mezco’s Mez-Itz line will also debut the Batman Classic TV Series toys, including the Batmobile. While the Batmobile appeared throughout the Batman comic books, the iteration designed by George Barris for the classic TV series was radically different and quickly became a fan favorite. Batman and Robin both fit in the Mez-Itz Batmobile, as do most other Mez-Itz figures. Mezco will also be producing Mez-Itz of the Rogues Gallery as well, including The Penguin, The Joker, Catwoman, and The Riddler. Every Super-Villain needs henchman, so Mezco will also produce The Riddler’s Thug, inspired by the one seen on the original show. Mezco’s first wave of Batman Classic TV Series products will hit stores in...

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Dreamworks Animation Packs a Powerful Punch with Cast Additions for Kung Fu Panda 3

Posted by | Apr 17, 2013 | ,

“Pandamonium” is back for a triple kick with a trio of new cast members in DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc.’s Kung Fu Panda 3, which will be distributed by 20th Century Fox. Bryan Cranston, Mads Mikkelsen, and Rebel Wilson join Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, and other original cast members in the third installment of the action-packed franchise. The film, slated for December 23, 2015, marks the first planned co-production with China-based Oriental DreamWorks and follows Po, the chosen one, as he continues on his journey mastering the art of Kung Fu… and noodle...

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LIMA Cares on Track to Raise $4 Million for Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation

Posted by | Apr 17, 2013 | , ,

Through the dedication of the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) and the generosity of the licensing industry, the LIMA Cares campaign is well poised to raise $4 million for the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation (CBTF), the organization’s charity of choice. LIMA expects to reach the achievement just in time for May’s National Brain Tumor Awareness Month–and the group’s commitment will continue strongly, as it works to meet its goal of raising an additional $5 million in the next five years. As part of the 2013 LIMA Cares campaign theme, “Save the Bravest,” LIMA is encouraging all of its members and licensing industry professionals to “Tweet for the Bravest” on April 17. In addition, companies and individuals of the licensing community can invest in a tribute ad to appear in the official program distributed at the LIMA Awards Ceremony on June 18, 2013 during Licensing International Expo in Las Vegas.  The funds that LIMA and the licensing industry are raising directly benefit the CBTF Tissue Consortium–a collaborative research effort by doctors from four hospitals working to accumulate, analyze, and evaluate treatments of all pediatric brain tumor types. LIMA is the exclusive corporate sponsor of the Consortium, with 100 percent of the money donated going directly toward research. To learn more on participating in the “Tweet for the Bravest,” reserving an ad in the official Awards tribute program, direct donation options, and...

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Small World Toys Recalls Spin-A-Mals Farm, Safari Puzzles Due to Choking Hazard

Posted by | Apr 17, 2013 | ,

Small World Toys has recalled two of its children’s wooden puzzles. Ryan’s Room brand Spin-A-Mals Farm and Spin-A-Mals Safari puzzles contain small pegs that can loosen and separate from the boards, posing a choking hazard. Consumers should immediately take the puzzles away from children and contact Small World Toys for a free replacement toy. After contacting Small World Toys, the recalled toys should be destroyed and disposed of in a manner to prevent future use. Contact Small World Toys at (800) 421-4153 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, e-mail recall@smallworldtoys.com, or visit www.smallworldtoys.com and click “Recall” for more...

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