Toys & Games
Dynamo’s Steve Richards on storytelling, problem-solving and creativity in licensing
Steve Richards – MD of the creative studio Dynamo – tells us about his route into the brand space, and what keeps his creative fires burning.
Portal Games bolsters its Detective range with Batman
“While many games fight like Batman, our games will challenge you to think like Batman,” says Ignacy Trzewiczek, CEO and lead writer/designer of the game series.
Numskull Designs’ Karl Mizen on giving iconic characters the rubber duck treatment with Tubbz
Karl Mizen, Creative Director at Numskull Designs, tells us about the origins of Tubbz – and which character has been the toughest to ‘duckify’ so far.
Ashley Holman on innovation, inventors and plans for his new toy firm, ToyTopic
With partnerships in place with the likes of Hasbro and WowWee, we spoke with Ashley about what ToyTopic is bringing to the industry.
Signature Gifts’ Kevin Spindler on innovation, licensing challenges and the power of personalised products
Start Licensing’s Ian Downes speaks with Kevin Spindler – Group CEO of Signature Gifts – about what he looks for in a brand, the key to good relationships with licensors and the future of personalisation.
Mattel teams with luxury fashion label Balmain for Barbie apparel, accessories and NFTs
“Together, Barbie and Balmain are creating a new chapter in the legacy of the toy and fashion industries,” said Richard Dickson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Mattel.
The Brand Radar: MAC, Keith Haring and celebrating creativity in cosmetics
Start Licensing’s Ian Downes looks at MAC’s recent collaboration with Keith Haring and how it highlights the creativity of both art licensing and the cosmetics industry’s attitude to working with brands.
Exploring opportunities for brands in education
Good Play Guide’s Dr Amanda Gummer looks at the relationship between licensing and the educational sector, exploring how brands can enter this space in authentic, creative ways.
Peter Rabbit kidswear, Wetland Wildlife origami and TfL games among Branded Gift nominees at Gift of the Year Awards
Other finalists include Big Potato’s Mean Girls game, Ginger Fox’s PopMaster game and Fizz Creations’ Logo Lights.
JAKKS Pacific to launch Sonic Prime action figures, play-sets and costumes in 2023
“Sonic Prime’s premiere on Netflix in 2022 will keep fans engaged with the property and give JAKKS a whole new Sonic multiverse to explore through toys and costumes,” said Craig Drobis, Senior Vice President of Marketing at JAKKS Pacific.