Latest News

Here is a global snapshot of the phenomenal success Ludorum has achieved with Chuggington since launching only 2 years ago:

• Over $20 million USD invested so far:
  • Series 1 - 52 x 10’ episodes and Series 2 - 26 x 10’ episodes currently available
  • Series 3 (26 x 10’) in production for delivery Spring 2012 (featuring 8 all-new characters)
  • Badge Quest 52 x 4’ mini episodes
  • Total 156 Episodes.....and more to come for 2013, 2014 & 2015 with further episodes & specials!
    
• A-list broadcast sales to over 178 territories worldwide including Disney Junior US, Fuji TV Japan, ABC Australia, Cbeebies (BBC) UK, TF1 France, Super RTL Germany, Treehouse Canada, TVNZ New Zealand.
  
• Chuggington has now found its home around the world in over 27 languages!
  
• Over 220 licensees signed around the world across a strong portfolio of partnerships including Learning Curve, MEGA Brands, Tomy, V-Tech, Crayola, Ravensburger, Halsall Toys, Canal Toys and Trudeau.
  
• Top 3 children’s download on iTunes in the US.
• www.chuggington.com with pioneering technology in children’s free website content, now available in 14 different languages with more to come!
• Innovative and extensive consumer marketing programmes incorporating retail initiatives, promotions, events, online, PR and Social Media support the Chuggington brand globally.
• First class creative support and style guide evolution with themed and seasonal mini kits continuing to roll out throughout 2011/12 for continued refreshing for fans and retailers alike.

New Zealand Update

Television - TVNZ

TV2 - After a limited broadcast schedule in 2010, this year we have had comprehensive TV support since the beginning of 2011. Series 1 was broadcast 5 days a week from early January. Series 2, which introduces new characters to bring the total number of Chuggers to 19, launched on March 16 and currently airs at 8.40am 5 days a week. TV2 ratings for Chuggington have been very strong. It rates higher than Thomas & Friends on FOUR and peaked at an incredible 86% channel share on 22nd February!

In addition to TV2, TVNZ 7 broadcasts Chuggington at 7.05am weekdays. This channel will also be airing the special Chuggington “Badge Quest” episodes. These are 4 minutes in length and feature the overriding themes present in the series such as Friendship, Dealing with Emergencies, Helping, etc. 1, 2 or all 3 of the Trainee’s go about earning a badge in each episode. These are more focused on the educational aspect than the longer episodes yet still maintain all the fun and humour that is core to Chuggington. (Badge Quest toy product will come from Learning Curve from 2012/2013).

TVNZ has also introduced special Chuggington content to their website including kids games and downloads – see http://tvnz.co.nz/chuggington-on-2-kids/chuggington-4055073.

Toys – Thos. Holdsworth & Sons

Chuggington Die Cast is a firm favourite with NZ Kids. Holdson and RC2 are pleased to be extending their current range with the introduction of a number of new RC2 Die Cast products. These items will be showcased at the NZ Toy Fair. New for 2011:

Four new engines – Hoot, Toot, Speedy McAlister and Eddies Carriage House.
A Wilson and Brewster Starter Set – a great low price point entry into the range.
Mini Track Pack with Character
2 Chuggington Feature Toys which are the Remote Control Wilson and Remote Control Brewster.
Holdson also have TV Advertising planned for April, July and November for the Chuggington Die Cast.

DVD’s – Roadshow Entertainment

Chuggington DVD’s continue to sell well in NZ. Upcoming releases in 2011 include “Traintastic Crew” on April 13 and “Rattling Rivets” in June.

Other NZ partners include;

Parragon Publishing – Books, Park Avenue Foods – Confectionery, Party Craft Pty Ltd – Partyware, Global Playtech – Stationery, Cycle Accessories, Wizard Distributors – Sporting Goods, Lighting, Timepieces, Kid’s Furniture, Hot Springs – Outerwear, Sleepwear, Swimwear & Modern Brands – Ravensburger games & puzzles, VTech Products.

Marketing

Top parenting magazine “Littlies” ran a feature article called “The Story behind Chuggington” before X-Mas 2010. This article explained the Chuggington storyline, how & why the series was developed, included information on the top creative forces behind the show, explained the key brand attributes and included Ludorum’s long term plans for the brand. This issue also featured a Chuggington product prize pack to be won, a feature on the “Launch ‘n Go Roundhouse” set from Thos Holdsworth & Sons and brand advertising from key Chuggington partners.

There are plans to introduce a Chuggington inflatable play environment later this year (currently in production in China). This is designed to be used at retailer events, shows, fairs and seasonal events (such as the Easter Parade). More details will be available on this soon.

A NZ-specific website www.chuggington.co.nz is also in the works!

If you have any questions about Chuggington or wish to view the NZ Licensee List, please Click Here.

BEYBLADE, the boys' phenomenon of the early 2000's is relaunched in New Zealand for a whole new generation of 6-12 year old boys!

21 September 2010

TakaraTomy launched the first Beyblades in 1999. A TV series followed and in 2001 the brand was launched internationally and achieved massive success. The show aired in over 100 countries and merchandising revenues exceeded US$500 Million with over 400 licensees worldwide. Over 150 Million Beyblades were sold. It was the #1 Toy in the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, France, UK and Germany. It won Property of the Year in 2003 at the UK Brand Licensing Show, Toy of the Year in 2002 & 2003 by the British Association of Toy Retailers, Toy of the Year in 2002 by the Australian Toy Association and was on the Walmart & Toys 'R' Us Hot Toy List.

Beyblade was the OBSESSION for millions of kids. Thousands gathered at official BBA (Beyblade Battle Association) events, in the hope of becoming the World BBA Champion. The Beyblade franchise was a true global phenomenon that captured kids' attention through innovation and competitive play. Now, IT'S BACK, aiming to own the boy's action category and exceed past successes through a new generation of kids.

Beyblade is a unique battling sport that lets boys live out the fantasy portrayed in the animated series by competing head-to-head in an action-packed, strategic way. There are 3 unique brand qualities - Collectibility, Customisation and Competition. There will be extensive online activity via the Hasbro website www.Beybladebattles.com. and the official website www.Beyblade.com. This site will feature series information, mini games, video clips, downloadable content, news events and product listings.

The new TV series Beyblade: Metal Fusion, with a new cast of characters, was first broadcast in Japan in April 2009 & is now one of the highest-rating boys animated series. In New Zealand, Cartoon Network began airing Beyblade: Metal Fusion 4 days a week in August 2010. TVNZ will begin broadcast on TV2 in October 2010.

Hasbro considers Beyblade to be a key brand and a long-term opportunity for the company. In the past 12 months it has become the #1 selling toy in Japan with over 18 million units sold to date - with sales tracking 100% higher than at the same stage of the brands' growth the first time around. 1 out of every 2.4 elementary age school boys now has a Beyblade in Japan. Hasbro will have a deep and evolving toy line. Beyblade Stadiums will be at a better price point, helping drive additional sales. TV promotion will begin in September in time for the school holidays, running through the remainder of 2010. The first new Beyblade live event will be at the Armageddon Pop Culture Expo in Auckland in October. Online (via Beybladebattles.com) and event marketing will help drive brand awareness and hype.

New Beyblade video games on Nintendo DS & Wii will be released by Hudson Games. Beyblade: Metal Fusion on DS will feature new characters, voice commands & 2-Player battle mode - online and local. Beyblade: Metal Fusion - Battle Fortress on Wii will have 4-Player battle mode, customised stadiums & portable Beyblades. NZ dates and distribution will be announced shortly.

Roadshow Entertainment will release the first two Beyblade DVD titles in December 2010. A new style guide has just been launched so we look forward to working with all partners to ensure lightning does indeed strike twice with this exceptional boys' action brand.

For all enquiries relating to this brand please feel free to contact us. Click Here.

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From Teenage Ninja Mutants to Teenage Riverdale Students:

27 July 2010

Ninja Turtles’ Licensing Mastermind, Freedman, Partners with Global Licensing (NZ) Ltd to launch Archie Comics licensing programme in Australia & New Zealand.

New York – Surge Licensing’s Mark Freedman, who led the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from their comic book sewer obscurity to global entertainment and merchandising fame, has appointed Global Licensing (NZ) Ltd to launch the Australasian licensing programme for Archie Comics’ legendary Riverdale teenagers, Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead. The agreement encompasses all of Archie Comics’ – America’s #1 independent comic book publisher – brands and characters.

Freedman rose to licensing fame when he became the Turtles’ exclusive agent in the late 1980s and built them to pop culture icons in success unmatched in scope of entertainment and licensing around the world.

“Archie and friends, Josie and The Pussycats and Sabrina The Teenage Witch are part of the iconic cast of characters and storylines that make up the DNA of a uniquely American cultural phenomena. Developing Archie for collectable and trend oriented products for our fans is our first priority,” said Freedman. “Entertainment and media tie-ins will surely follow in short order in step with Co-Chief Executive, John Goldwater’s new initiatives.”

Recently Archie has gained media attention through its “Archie Marries Veronica/Archie Marries Betty” 6- part comic book mini-series which stirred controversy from the likes of Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert, NBC’s Today Show, Jay Leno and The View to name a few. Archie Comics’ “Freshman Year” is the # 1 most downloaded comic on iTunes.

Among these endeavors, Goldwater is taking the Archie Comics universe in a number of new and surprising directions by bringing in celebrity writers and launching new stories through mini-series, graphic novels and single-issue specials that are sure to resonate and excite our fans everywhere.

“We are pleased to be working with Mark Paul and the Global Licensing team in such an important territory for Archie Comics,” said Freedman. “Archie presents an opportunity to take one of the world’s most famous intellectual property families and build upon its core franchise and position it for unprecedented growth and success in the marketplace. Global plans to develop strategic licensing and promotional campaigns that will build upon our brands strengths through targeted partnerships.”

Recent Archie licensing activity includes;
Hybrid Apparel (USA); Tees, Tank Tops and Hoodies, Rubies Costumes (USA): Halloween Costumes, Masks and accessories, Asgard (USA): Calenders, Posters and Journals, Earloomz (USA): Bluetooth mobile phone head sets, Jcorp (Canada): Master Apparel, Tees, Tops, Denim wear, Sleep wear, IDW Publishing (USA): Hard cover Archie classic comic art collections & Random House: (worldwide): Archie Graphic Novels.

Archie Comic Publications, Inc., headquartered in Mamaroneck, NY, has been publishing America's leading line of teenage humor comic books for nearly 70 years. Online at www.archiecomics.com, the Archie Comics line of comic books is one of the most successful, longest running brands in the history of the comic industry. Published in a dozen languages and distributed globally, Archie Comics created characters whose popularity have become part of international popular culture.

For all enquiries relating to this brand please feel free to contact us. Click Here.

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Angel Cat Sugar

28 June 2010

We are pleased to announce that Sun Properties has appointed Global Licensing (NZ) Ltd as the Australasian licensing agent for Angel Cat Sugar.

This character is the 'second baby' from Yuko Shimizu, the original creator of Hello Kitty and is her first new character in nearly 30 years. Cosmopolitan defines Angel Cat Sugar as 'a new decade, a new super cute cat phenomenon'! The brand is adored by children for its cuteness, cool teens for the Japanese trend setting appeal and adults for the quirky designs and great products. See the offical website www.angelcatsugar.com.

The Target is kids 3-8 years, teens and young mothers. Angel Cat Sugar is a cuddly, cute and loveable princess cat of the Angel World, with healing powers and the ability to make everyone happy. She’s a gorgeous white cat with angel wings who spreads love and happiness, with her best friends Basil, Parsley and Thyme. "Angel Cat Sugar is sure to bring a smile to your face, whatever age you are".

Angel Cat Sugar has grown rapidly to have over 50 licensing partners and 300 products across Asia, Europe and now, the US. Key European categories at retail include; Publishing, Interactive, Housewares, Stationery, Infant/Toddler, Apparel and Accessories, Food & Beverages, Camping items, (PVC) Balls, Partyware, Carnival Costumes, Gifts, Bags, Domestics and Plush.

Paramount Licensing has been appointed to represent the brand in the U.S. and recently announced a raft of new licensing deals including:

Boston America – lip balm, lip gloss and cosmetics kits
Brown Trout – wall calendars
Dan-Dee – plush toys
Kellytoy - amusement & crane plush and novelty sporting goods
MediBadge – stickers, temporary tattoos
Pioneer Balloon Company – balloons, play balls
Scholastic – story books and activity books
University Games – board games and puzzles

Scholastic has had very high sell-through and is bulllish about the new ACS titles planned for later this year. Barnes & Noble Booksellers has floor displays & Border's Booksellers feature all the Angel Cat Sugar titles on end caps. There will be a total of 10 titles by the end of 2010. Dan-Dee’s seasonal plush is carried at CVS and Walgreens and is going to Walmart this holiday season. Stickers are now available through MediBadge’s catalogue. Additionally, board games and puzzles from Jazwares will be available at specialty retailers later this year. Brown Trout Publishers will be launching the 2011 Angel Cat Sugar calendar in Australia & New Zealand in Q3, 2010.

We look forward to working with Sun Properties and all licensing partners to launch Angel Cat Sugar in the Australian and New Zealand markets. For all enquiries relating to this brand please feel free to contact us. Click Here.