By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The official list for this year’s Kidscreen Hot50 rankings has been released to mark the top 50 kids entertainment companies of 2023.Now in its 10th year, the Kidscreen Hot50 rankings are determined by an industry vote from Kidscreen subscribers across both its print and digital platforms. The list separates the Kidscreen Hot50 into five top 10 … [Read more...] about Kidscreen’s Hot50 Ranks Top Kids Entertainment Companies
U.S.
Non-Profit Licensing: Operation Hat Trick Launches Home Décor With Kindred Hearts
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Operation: Hat Trick nonprofit organization has partnered with Kindred Hearts for a licensed home décor product collection to support military veterans. Kindred Hearts is a family-run, for-profit company that produces and sells home goods such as wall art, signs and canvas products.“We are thrilled to partner with a family-run company like … [Read more...] about Non-Profit Licensing: Operation Hat Trick Launches Home Décor With Kindred Hearts
Women in Toys Announces Key Changes to Its Board of Directors
TLL Staff Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) has announced key changes to its Board of Directors, including the appointment of a new board chair. The organization says this move underscores WiT’s ongoing commitment to championing the advancement of women in the toy, licensing and entertainment industries. Effective Jan. 1, 2024, Ehi Oviasu-Kahn (pictured … [Read more...] about Women in Toys Announces Key Changes to Its Board of Directors
Not So Merry Xmas As Hasbro Announces Massive Layoff
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief It's going to be a bleak holiday season at Hasbro, as the toy giant announced layoffs for 1,100 workers, and closed its office in Providence, RI. Hasbro says it is taking necessary steps stem losses and prepare for a recovery by making a second major workforce reduction. The layoffs now being announced follows a previous round of cuts … [Read more...] about Not So Merry Xmas As Hasbro Announces Massive Layoff
Who’s News: Steve Pasierb Stepping Down as Toy Association CEO
TLL Staff The Toy Association has announced President and CEO Steve Pasierb is stepping down from his role at the organization in the spring of 2024. His current contract will expire in April, following nearly a decade of leadership with the trade organization. “It has been a distinct honor and privilege to serve in the role of President & CEO of The Toy … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Steve Pasierb Stepping Down as Toy Association CEO
Real Life ‘Joker’ Threatens Lawsuit For Use of His Likeness in GTA 6
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A Florida man who tattooed his face to resemble the DC character The Joker says the Grand Theft Auto game used his likeness in a promotional trailer. Lawrence Sullivan is demanding millions in damages, claiming video game studio Rockstar Games used his likeness in a recent trailer for the latest instalment of the massively popular … [Read more...] about Real Life ‘Joker’ Threatens Lawsuit For Use of His Likeness in GTA 6
CBC News Investigation Alleges Artificial Intelligence Violated Author’s Copyright
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief (Disclosure: The writer of this article was formerly a member of the Investigative Unit at CBC News, ending in 2008) An investigation by CBC News says the work of Canadian authors were shared online as part of a dataset used for training artificial intelligence software. The Canadian broadcaster found that at least 2,500 copyrighted books … [Read more...] about CBC News Investigation Alleges Artificial Intelligence Violated Author’s Copyright
Hasbro Reveals Details for Second U.S. Peppa Pig Theme Park
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Hasbro and Merlin Entertainments have released details on the officially licensed Peppa Pig theme park under construction in North Texas. Located in North Richland Hills, the upcoming theme park will include an assortment of rides, play areas and attractions based on licensed characters from Hasbro's Peppa Pig franchise. Scheduled to open in … [Read more...] about Hasbro Reveals Details for Second U.S. Peppa Pig Theme Park
Uber One Releasing ‘Grinchmas Kit’ with Dr. Seuss Enterprises
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you're like the Grinch and just trying to get through the holidays with mind and soul intact, you might want to check out the Grinch's kit from Uber One. The ride hailing and food delivery company Uber One is partnering with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to release A Very Grinchmas Kit, telling the Grinch story with (what else?) … [Read more...] about Uber One Releasing ‘Grinchmas Kit’ with Dr. Seuss Enterprises
A Goodbye Kiss Heralds the Arrival of Kiss Virtual Avatars
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The venerable glam rock band Kiss has played their final concert, but announced the band will live on indefinitely as digitized avatars. The quartet that rose from New York City decades ago returned home to play their final live concerts over the weekend at Madison Square Garden, capping a half-century of rocking all night and … [Read more...] about A Goodbye Kiss Heralds the Arrival of Kiss Virtual Avatars