Category: News

Il Milanese Imbruttito returns on the big screen with the movie “Ricomincio da Taaac”

The long-anticipated sequel signed by Il Milanese Imbruttito, titled “Ricomincio da Taaac,” directed by Pietro Belfiore, Davide Bonacina, Andrea Fadenti, Andrea Mazzarella and Davide Rossi and produced by Giovanni Cova for QMI in association with Medusa Film and Ramaya Productions and in collaboration with Prime Video, was released in cinemas on Thursday, September 26.

The iconic “Mr. Imbruttito,” a thoroughbred manager from Milan, now part of the collective imagination played by Germano Lanzoni, loses his job, home and family after the takeover of his company by an American multinational company, Blacksun, which is very concerned with inclusion and sustainability. To make ends meet, he will find himself working as a rider and other menial jobs that he has always despised and scorned, in an amusing dantesque poetic justice.

The sequel, set entirely in Lombardy, sees the return of all the characters from the Imbruttito world, with the reconfirmations of Brenda Lodigiani (as the Imbruttita), Paolo Calabresi (the visionary entrepreneur and environmentalist Aldo Brusini), Laura Locatelli (the Wife), Leonardo Uslengo (the Dwarf), Valerio Airò Rochelmeyer (the Giargiana), Renato Avallone (the State) in the cast, along with new characters and numerous guest stars.

Il Milanese Imbruttito is a highly successful social brand with a well-established licensing program managed by the Maurizio Distefano Licensing agency. Targeted at an adult audience, the brand continues to gain success among licensees, including: Cromo, Pon Pon Edizioni, La Casa de Las Carcasas and De Fonseca.

After the success of the irreverent greeting cards, Cromo has decided to expand its product line by adding mugs and plates, which will be released soon. Pon Pon Edizioni will also introduce a new product range including a calendar, an answer book, a sticker pack and a notebook. In July, La Casa de Las Carcasas launched a collection of cell phone covers and accessories. Lastly, the catchphrases of Milanese Imbruttito will also be featured on a series of products by De Fonseca, which will be presented in Fall Winter 2025.

“The release of the movie certainly confirms the great popularity of the brand and represents an additional strength for licensees who will choose ll Milanese Imbruttito,” said Maurizio Distefano, president of the agency.

Two Italian excellences introduce an absolute novelty in the world of travel.

Maurizio Distefano Licensing, the exclusive licensing agent for Giochi Preziosi, has managed the partnership between one of their most famous and successful brands, CANTA TU, and Alpitour, a long-standing synonym for family vacations. This innovative collaboration between the two Italian excellences has brought CANTA TU-branded events to life in over 20 selected resorts and villages in the Mediterranean, managed by the renowned tour operating brand under Alpitour World.

CANTA TU is such a popular brand that it has become leader in its category. It’s a complete high-quality audio-video system that can be easily transported anywhere, perfect for livening up outdoor or indoor parties, and has entertained generations of families and friends for years. The CANTA TU-themed events and evenings within Alpitour’s resorts and villages will guarantee fun, thanks to the ever-growing trend of karaoke.

Alpitour represents the most solid and historic foundation of Alpitour World’s Tour Operator division, offering a vast portfolio of destinations and a variety of organized vacation solutions designed for smart families, complete with services and assistance for both adults and children. To make vacations even more enjoyable, this summer, Alpitour has chosen CANTA TU for a selection of its resorts and villages in the Mediterranean, providing great entertainment and fun.

A digital campaign has been planned on the partners’ official platforms to support these initiatives, promoting the activities and ensuring the success of the branded evenings and entertainment.ù

Michela Marchese Patti, CEO of Maurizio Distefano Licensing, states: “We are extremely proud to have coordinated this partnership. This collaboration represents an absolute novelty in the world of licensing within the tourism category, and as an agency, we are thrilled to contribute to creating unique and unforgettable experiences for Alpitour’s customers.”

The licensing program of Il Milanese Imbruttito proves to be successful with the launch of the brand new Cover Imbruttite.

The sharp humor and self-irony of Il Milanese Imbruttito have won over La Casa de Las Carcasas, a leader in its sector, which recognized the brand’s unique style and the fresh perspective it brings to products. The licensing program of Il Milanese Imbruttito is managed by the agency Maurizio Distefano Licensing.

La Casa de Las Carcasas was founded in 2012 in Madrid and specializes in creating a wide range of smartphone accessories, including personalized and branded cases. What sets the company apart is that customers can purchase covers and accessories both online and in-store, where they can use a tablet to browse all available designs and select the one they wish to buy. On July 26, 2024, they launched “Le Cover Imbruttite,” featuring two distinct lines: the “Classic” Line, showcasing the most well-known phrases from Il Milanese Imbruttito, and the “Figa” Line, dedicated to typical Milanese slang. The same cover designs are also available as back skins, a film that can be applied directly to the back of the phone. Additionally, they will soon launch stickers featuring the brand’s most famous phrases, such as “Sbatti,” “TAAAC,” and “Mollatemi.”

Maurizio Distefano, President of the agency Maurizio Distefano Licensing, states: “We believed in the strength of the Il Milanese Imbruttito brand from the very beginning, as it is now well-known throughout Italy. We are extremely excited about this project, which serves as an inspiration for those to come.”

Maurizio Distefano Licensing is delighted to announce its appointment as the new licensing agency for the Care Bears™ property in Italy, by property owner, Cloudco Entertainment.

Since their introduction in 1982 through consumer products, greeting cards, and later animated television shows and feature films, the Care Bears have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. This enduring popularity continues as the lovable, huggable bears from Care-A-Lot inspire sharing, caring, and togetherness across generations.

The Care Bears brand have seen success across various platforms and product categories. Currently, the brand boasts retail placement with key licensees such as MC2 St Barth and J Brand International, featuring fashion collections at OVS stores across Italy. Additionally, International Games Trade offers a range of Care Bears figurine collectibles. These partnerships mirror the success seen with other European fashion giants like Benetton, Zara, Pull & Bear, and H&M. With the launch of plush toys coming to Italy in Q1 2025, Cloudco Entertainment aims to expand partnerships and attract a wider audience, capturing the nostalgic appeal of parents and drawing new fans through innovative play.

Maurizio Distefano, President of Maurizio Distefano Licensing, shared his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to represent the beloved Care Bears property in Italy. With its dual appeal of the classic brand and the new Unlock the Magic look, Care Bears fits perfectly with different targets and product categories. The rich style guides offer unlimited possibilities for development and align with new market trends every year.”

Kimberley McIntyre, Senior Licensing Manager (EMEA) at Cloudco Entertainment, added, “Europe remains a key market for us, and working with agents like Maurizio Distefano Licensing is key to our continued success. Their local presence and expertise are invaluable as we aim to deepen our reach and connect with both new and existing fans across Italy.”

The Care Bears first appeared on television in 1983 and 1984, followed by a long-running animated TV series and a leap to the big screen with The Care Bears Movie trilogy in 1985-87. Care Bears & Cousins, a Netflix original CGI- animated series, launched in fall 2015.  In 2019, the brand introduced a new look and mission in Care Bears: Unlock the Magic, a 48-episode, 2D animated series currently airing in Italy on Cartoon Network, Boomerang, and Amazon Prime Video.

Sorry, this entry is only available in Italian.

Sorry, this entry is only available in Italian.

SEASONS 1 IS ROLLING OUT ON THE NEW BROADCASTER

BBC Studios Kids & Family and Maurizio Distefano Licensing, Bluey’s licensing agency in Italy, are excited to share that Series 1 of the much-loved Emmy® and BAFTA award-winning animated series Bluey is now available in Italy on DeA Junior channel.

From Monday to Friday, three episodes are premiering at 7pm, with repeats earlier in the day at 7:15am and 2:10pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, three episodes are premiering at 7pm, with repeats earlier in the day at 10:10am and 2:10pm.

All schedule details are available at any time on DeA Junior website.

Bluey’s episodes are also available on other platforms:

On Rai Yoyo with Season 1, 2 and a new batch of Season 3 episodes airing daily. Bluey is currently the #1 Kids show on .

On YouTube, the Italian channel has now more than 110 million views to date and releases new videos every week, with 11 full episodes from Seasons 1 – 3 available and impressive results in February (7.7 million video views) and March (8.2 million views) 2024.

Bluey’s licensing programme in Italy is developed by Maurizio Distefano Licensing, which has secured many licensing agreements with important Italian companies, including Giochi Preziosi, the Master Toy distributor, Clementoni for puzzles, Diramix for sticker albums – which has just launched the second edition in kiosks, J Brand for Apparel, and Pon Pon Edizioni with activity and colouring books.

Bluey is created and written by Joe Brumm and produced by the multiple Emmy^® Award-winning Ludo Studio for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and BBC Studios Kids & Family.

BBC Studios Kids & Family has a global broadcast deal for Bluey with Disney for all territories outside of Australia, New Zealand and China. The show continues to grow its global reach and attract audiences worldwide. An extra-long episode called ‘The Sign’, which premiered globally this April, broke viewing records. ‘The Sign’ gathered more than 10 million views worldwide on Disney+^[1] in the week after its release, and is the top ABC programme of 2024YTD and the highest ABC programme of all time on ABC iview^[2].

“The episode had such an incredible reaction from the fans and the show is finding its way into the hearts of the rapidly growing fanbase in Italy,” says Maurizio Distefano.

Bluey is a loveable, inexhaustible, Blue Heeler dog, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her little sister, Bingo. Bluey uses her limitless energy to play games that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family and the whole neighborhood into her world of fun.

Bluey showcases the joyful simplicity that can be found in families turning everyday events like going to the shops or visiting the doctor into unique adventures, bringing to life how children learn and grow through play.

 

[1] Source: Internal Disney Branded Television Data. A view is defined as total stream time divided by runtime.

[2] Source: OzTAM Combined 5 City Metro & Regional TAM (Regional incl WA) Preliminary Overnight and Consolidated 7 data (Broadcast Reach counts 5 minutes consecutive viewing), OzTAM Minutes & VPM. Total Audience methodology includes the sum of metro and regional viewing, first run episodes, encores and VPM. Series average based on the Total Audience of each episode.

 

 

 

 

 

This summer 2024, Bing, the star of the award-winning series for preschoolers, is heading on board Costa Cruises to meet the young Bingsters as part of the first-ever cruise ship partnership for the hit property from Acamar Films.

From the 1st of June, families will be able to meet Bing, the Rai YoYo star, aboard the Costa Toscana and Costa Smeralda cruise ships each week for plenty of on-board entertainment including meet and greets, costume character parades and Bing themed parties and dance activities.

“Costa Cruises is an expert at providing high quality family entertainment on its cruise ships with its dedicated children’s areas,” said Kirsty Southgate, director of Experiential and Promotions, Acamar Films. “We are delighted to create a truly special experience for Costa’s youngest guests who can engage and interact with Bing, making their holiday even more memorable. This partnership reflects our commitment to enriching family experiences and creating unparalleled memories for children and parents alike.”

Maurizio Distefano, President of the Maurizio Distefano Licensing agency states: “We are excited for this partnership, especially because Costa Crociere represents an excellency in the industry, which throughout its more than 75-year history has always been able to innovate to make guests happy, and Bing is the most beloved character among children today. It is a project that I am sure will prove to be a success. Children will be able to travel with their families and live unforgettable moments with their favorite character during the cruise!”. 

Bing is available to watch on RAI Yoyo, Prime Video, Disney+, Vodafone TV, DeAJunior, Tim Vision and on the app Bing: Guarda, Gioca, Impara, as well as on YouTube, where Bing has over 5b views and more than 125m hours of playback in Italy alone.

Families can buy tickets directly from the Costa Crociere website and get on board of this unforgettable experience with Bing.

Journalist Marco Morello visited Acamar Films’ production studios in London and met with CEO, Michael Shields.

We are pleased to report that the weekly magazine Panorama dedicated a long 3-page article to Bing, recognizing it as a phenomenon for all Italian families. In fact, the animated series has touched more than 6.2 million people worldwide.

Journalist Marco Morello managed to perfectly transfer the essence and joyful spirit of the series to his audience by interviewing Acamar Films CEO Michael Shields.
The article touches important points, such as the hyperemotionality of the main character Bing, who brings to life the same emotions as children, the collaboration of experienced pedagogues in the production, and the incredible numbers that testify to the success of the series.

Maurizio Distefano Licensing agency has been managing Bing’s licensing program in Italy for a great many years now and is proud of the consistent results the series brings.

 

Once again, the agency positions its IPs on the shelves for a sweet Easter.

For this Easter 2024, several companies have chosen or confirmed their partnership with Maurizio Distefano Licensing for their chocolate eggs.

Thanks to Motta, the surprises of Masha and The Bear will not be missing on the shelves with a 190 gr milk chocolate egg. In fact, the young audience of the series will be able to find the 3D characters of their favorite animated series. Masha and The Bear never ceases to amaze, which is why it maintains the top spot as the most requested animated series worldwide and in Italy. For over 11 years on Rai Yoyo, the series remains in the top 3 as the most viewed title. Its YouTube channel is constantly growing with over 200 million views registered in 2023. Motta has certainly chosen the right property for its eggs.

This Easter will once again see the Colomba with Baileys cream, a brand chosen by Bauli for its unique and unmistakable taste. The perfect project to satisfy even the most adult target.

After last years success with Bluey, Dolfin confirms its choice of the successful Australian property for a 220 gr milk chocolate egg and for the Maxi Egg 110 gr present throughout the year 2024. Fans will be able to discover some super surprises inside. In January of this year, the last 10 episodes of the third season of Bluey landed on Disney+, while in February, the first 10 of the third season were launched on Rai Yoyo. BBC Studios Kids & Family has struck a global broadcast agreement for Bluey with Disney for all regions outside of Australia, New Zealand, and China. This spring, the longest-ever episode of the popular TV series, called “The Sign” and lasting 28 minutes, will be broadcast worldwide.

Also on the shelves this year from Dolfin, there will be the highly successful animated series in Italy for its genuine, fun and educational content, Bing, with the 320 gr egg and the 220 gr egg. Bing airs on Rai YoYo every day and is available on Rai Play and Netflix at any time. Additionally, the campaign started with the Italian Pediatric Society (S.I.P) and Assonidi to encourage good habits in the early stages of growth among children has been hugely successful. That’s not all with Dolfin, which also includes Masha and The Bear in its range of chocolate products. In fact, throughout the year, the Maxi Egg of 110 gr with the two protagonists of the series and the 80 gr chocolate character with Masha will be available in supermarkets.

For the second year in a row, Balocco chose the protagonists of ALVINNN!!! And the Chipmunks for the 250 gr eggs which, of course, include fantastic surprises. ALVINNN!!! And the Chipmunks is appreciated by fans for its high-quality animation, its funny stories, and the rockstar spirit. The series is the number one on Discovery and airs every day on K2 and Nickelodeon.

Among the leading companies in the confectionery sector, we find Dolci Preziosi, which has chosen the animated series Gigantosaurus for its 150 gr milk chocolate eggs. The episodes tell the adventures of four intrepid dinosaurs who set out to track down Gigantosaurus, the biggest animal ever to exist. During this journey, they face fears and solve problems, learning values such as friendship and mutual help.

It’s with great joy and gratitude that this year Maurizio Distefano Licensing celebrates the tenth anniversary of the agency’s foundation. Ten years of commitment, passion, innovative partnerships, strategic vision, and intuition on winning brands have shaped the successful path taken since day one.

Since its foundation, Maurizio Distefano, with his CEO partner Michela Marchese Patti and the entire splendid Team, have dedicated effort and high professionalism in providing high-quality services to Licensors and Licensees. All Licensees are supported throughout the process to turn licensing projects into great successes.

The constant commitment has resulted in solid and long-lasting relationships between the agency and its Italian and abroad partners becoming, according to the prestigious Licensing Global magazine, the No. 1 agency in Italy, No. 2 in Europe, and No. 37 in the world.

For the occasion, the agency’s logo is enriched with a fun celebratory balloon.

Maurizio Distefano, President, states: “Looking to the future, we will definitely continue to innovate and grow, always maintaining a high level of service and professionalism. We are excited to explore new opportunities and continue to build successful partnerships that allow us to reach new milestones. With my CEO partner Michela Marchese Patti, we want to warmly thank our entire team for their commitment and dedication, as well as our licensors and licensees for their trust and support over these extraordinary ten years.”

 

Édition Albert René and Maurizio Distefano Licensing announce their partnership with Oniverse, the new naming of Calzedonia Group, for the capsule collection dedicated to Asterix included in the new Spring/Summer 2024 Collection of Intimissimi Uomo.

The new Collection combines classic style, creativity and innovation, celebrating elegance through a wide range of garments that reflect an ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of the contemporary man. Garments featuring Asterix join the core garments represented by canvas and jersey tartans, polka-dot and striped checks that continue to be an integral part of Intimissimi Uomo’s DNA, lending a distinctive edge.

This new and exclusive collaboration with Asterix enriches the garments with the famous characters-Asterix and Obelix, the little dog Idefix, and the charming Falabella. Printed briefs and boxer shorts, a T-shirt with a breast pocket and embroidery, and two versions of pyjamas, with long and short sleeves, are part of the capsule. The colors of the capsule reflect the identity of Intimissimi Uomo: black, grey, forest green; while the characters give a fun and irreverent edge to the garments.

“We are very proud of this partnership with Oniverse, Calzedonia Group, a leader in its field, with high image products and positioning,” says Baptiste Cazaux, Head of Licensing at Éditions Albert René. “The recognisable Asterix characters lend a witty note to Intimissimi Uomo’s extreme quality garments.”

And Maurizio Distefano, president of the agency of the same name, adds: “We are very happy to have Asterix among our proposals because in the licensing market it represents an evergreen brand, ironic and transversal across all targets. The richness of the characters and the splendid Style Guides allow to create products that are always new, prompting purchases – for ourselves or as gifts. This collection of Intimissimi Uomo sublimely expresses all the strength of the Asterix brand and especially its fun spirit, loved by all.”

Asterix is the brand inspired by the funny adventures of the famous hero of Gaul that to date has more than sixty-five years of history, with over 400 million comic books sold. The ‘last comic book has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide, with a total readership of more than 20 million, and the adventures of Asterix have been translated into 111 different languages and dialects.

Intimissimi Uomo continues to offer a wide range of garments that reflect the elegance, quality, and innovation that have always characterized the brand, thanks in part to these unprecedented partnerships. The PE24 Collection is a journey into men’s fashion, combining classic style with contemporary and fun details, to be discovered and tried on in store and online.

THE FIRST TEN EPISODES OF THIRD SEASON FOR THE FIRST TIME ON THE CHANNEL

BBC Studios Kids & Family and Maurizio Distefano Licensing, Bluey’s licensing agency in Italy, are excited to share that Series 3 of the much-loved Emmy® and BAFTA award-winning animated series Bluey will make its Italian free-to-air premiere on Rai Yoyo and Rai Play from today, Monday 5^th February.

Rai Yoyo will air the first ten episodes of Series 3 including ‘Bedroom’, ‘Promises’ and ‘Omelette’, with more episodes from Series 3 still to come.

Series 3 builds on the first two series with new friends and locations. The new-to-Rai Yoyo episodes include a range of humorous – and sometimes poignant – stories based around family life in the Heeler’s home.

“Rai Yoyo viewers have been eagerly anticipating more episodes of Bluey so we are delighted to bring them some more content to enjoy,” said Henrietta Hurford-Jones, Commissioner & Executive Producer of Bluey for BBC Studios Kids & Family.

“Bluey is a global hit, with a rapidly growing fanbase in Italy. We are absolutely thrilled that so many families up and down the country have welcomed the Heelers so warmly into their living rooms and their hearts.”

Bluey Series 1 and 2 are currently available on Rai Play and have been a huge hit with Italian fans.  Episodes of Bluey have been the most demanded on Rai Play throughout the year 2023.

Bluey is created and written by Joe Brumm and produced by the multiple Emmy^® Award-winning Ludo Studio for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and BBC Studios Kids & Family.

Bluey is a loveable, inexhaustible, Blue Heeler dog, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her little sister, Bingo. Bluey uses her limitless energy to play games that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family and the whole neighborhood into her world of fun.

Bluey showcases the joyful simplicity that can be found in families turning everyday events like going to the shops or visiting the doctor into unique adventures, bringing to life how children learn and grow through play.

BBC Studios Kids & Family also has a global broadcast deal for Bluey with Disney for all territories outside of Australia, New Zealand and China. An extra-long episode of the global TV hit show called ‘The Sign’, which is 28 minutes long, will premiere globally this spring.

Series 3 episodes to be released on Rai Yoyo from 5^th February:

• Bedroom
• Obstacle Course
• Promises
• Omelette
• Born Yesterday
• Mini Bluey
• Unicorse
• Curry Quest
• Magic
• Chest

Inspired by the iconic CORTO MALTESE^® Greek Fisherman’s Hat, the bespoke OLR30SR encapsulates the spirit of the legendary Captain.

Aegean archipelago. The Med. The World. A literary myth, from the pen of Hugo Pratt, and a product line celebrating passion for sea, travel, freedom, and speed. Blending the art of storytelling with the art of seafaring, Olympic Ribs is excited to unveil its first Corto Maltese^®-inspired boat at the boot exhibition in Düsseldorf, running from January 20-28, 2024. Embodying full customization and showcased as one among many possible variations, the tailored OLR30SR marks a significant milestone in the partnership between OLYMPIC RIBS and CONG S.A., Switzerland, the guardians of the CORTO MALTESE^® eminent heritage.

Crafted with a keen eye for detail and a deep respect for the Corto Maltese^® saga, the 30ft long Rigid Inflatable Boat is a nautical tribute to the emblematic sailor’s hat, a symbol steeped in the lore of the beloved seafarer. The hat, more than just an accessory, represents the spirit of adventure, the mystery of the seas, and the timeless elegance that Corto Maltese^® embodies. Its distinctive design elements are thoughtfully integrated into the boat’s aesthetics: a pristine white front, echoing the hat’s crown, while parts of the helm area, located at the center of the boat, are adorned in luxurious gold, mirroring the hat’s distinguished gold badge. The rear seating, in a similar gold hue, pays homage to the hat’s band, while the boat’s sleek black finish is reminiscent of the hat’s body and brim. Adding a unique touch, a golden ring adorns one side of the boat’s balloon, reflecting Corto Maltese’s iconic earring, a symbol of his adventurous and free-spirited nature.

Commenting on the OLYMPIC RIBS x CORTO MALTESE® partnership, Christos Karyofyllis, OLYMPIC RIBS Director, stated: “The OLR30SR is a vessel that transcends the ordinary, much like the hat of Corto Maltese^®. It’s a symbol of freedom, a nod to the enigmatic and adventurous spirit that Corto Maltese^® represents. We are thrilled to present this unique creation at Boot Düsseldorf 2024.”

Patrizia Zanotti, Managing Director for CONG S.A., added: “The unveiling of the OLR30SR is a testament to the enduring legacy of Corto Maltese^®. This collaboration goes beyond mere branding; it’s an artistic and spiritual fusion that captures the essence of Hugo Pratt’s creation. We are delighted to see Corto Maltese’s spirit navigate in such a magnificent form.”

Maurizio Distefano, president of Maurizio Distefano Licensing responsible for the development of the project, added: “The OLR30SR customized version is a perfect example of how a creative vision can transform into a tangible and breathtaking reality. It’s a tribute to the classiest graphic novel ever written and proof of the innovative spirit shared by OLYMPIC RIBS.”

Sokratis Sarafidis, speaking for FMC S.A., the strategy consulting firm driving the synergy, stated: “Selecting the OLR30SR Corto Maltese^® edition transcends traditional boat ownership, serving as an investment in a dynamic example of innovation and cross-industry collaboration. This vessel, holding the intrinsic value of a breakthrough momentum, emerges as a key strategic asset in the hero licensing industry, underscoring the substantial benefits from the fusion of diverse sectors.”

BURBANK, Calif. (December 14, 2023) – HOORAY! Ten all-new episodes of the hit series Bluey will launch January 12, 2024 in the U.S. and around the world on Disney+.

The year’s #1 most-watched series for preschoolers and kids in the U.S. — which has also topped Nielsen streaming charts for overall viewing** — Bluey features the loveable and inexhaustible Blue Heeler dog Bluey, who lives with her Mum, Dad and little sister Bingo.

In these ten new Disney+ episodes, Bluey showcases the joyful simplicity that can be found in families turning everyday events of family life — like making a cubby house (blanket fort) or a trip to the beach — into unique adventures that bring to life how children learn and grow through play. The episodes include:

“Cubby” – Bluey and Bingo build a very special cubby for their stuffed toy, Kimjim.

“Exercise” – Bingo pretends to be Boss Bluey’s new employee in the middle of Dad’s backyard workout.

“Relax” – Bluey and Bingo would rather explore their holiday hotel room than relax on the beach.

“Stickbird” – On a trip to the beach, Mum teaches Bluey how to throw, while Bingo and Dad get creative with a funny shaped stick.

“Show and Tell” – Bluey wants to know why Dad’s always bossing her around!

“Dragon” – Bluey asks Dad to help her draw a dragon for her story.

“Wild Girls” – Coco wants to play Wild Girls with Indy, but Chloe wants her to play another game.

“TV Shop” – At the pharmacy, Bluey and Bingo have fun playing with the CCTV screens.

“Slide” – Bingo and Lila are excited to play on their new waterslide.

“Cricket” – During a friendly game of neighborhood cricket, the dads struggle to bowl Rusty out.

Following its January Disney+ premiere, the new episodes will air on Disney Channel and Disney Junior in territories around the world later in 2024.

Also later in 2024, Disney+ fans will have even more new Bluey to look forward to, when the previously announced first-ever Bluey special, “The Sign,” will premiere on ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) in Australia and globally on Disney+. The 28-minute special is penned by Bluey creator and writer Joe Brumm and directed by Richard Jeffery from Ludo Studio.

Jointly commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios Kids & Family, Bluey is created and written by Joe Brumm and produced by multi-Emmy® Award-winning Ludo Studio in association with Screen Queensland and Screen Australia. The series streams to U.S. and global audiences (outside of Australia, New Zealand and China) across Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney+ through a global broadcasting deal between BBC Studios Kids & Family and Disney Branded Television.

Bluey has garnered awards wins including the International Kids Emmy Awards, a Critics Choice Award nomination, the Television Critics Association Award, BAFTA Children & Young People Awards, and many more.

 

*Source: Nielsen Media Research time spent viewing for CY2023 to-date; 12/26/22-10/29/23 based on total hours viewed for Kids 2-11 across linear and streaming combined, versus all other series tracked by Nielsen.

 

** **Source: Nielsen Media Research Data for Total P2+ time spent viewing on streaming, versus all programs tracked by Nielsen. (Based on being #1 wks of 11/20/23, 11/6/23,  Live for Streaming.)

In 2024, “The Irriverent Greeting Cards by Il Milanese Imbruttito” by Cromo are coming.

Milan, Monday, December 18, 2023: In the landscape of innovative and creative companies, Cromo has decided to embrace the irreverence and unique spirit of “Il Milanese Imbruttito” to personalize its greeting cards. The collection will be called “Irreverent Greeting Cards by Il Milanese Imbruttito” and will include greeting cards for various events (graduation, wedding, birthday, etc.) and Christmas cards with an appealing style that promises to bring a breath of freshness and originality to the traditional world of greetings. The licensing program for Il Milanese Imbruttito is managed in Italy by the Maurizio Distefano Licensing agency.

Il Milanese Imbruttito, known for its Milanese irony, sharp humor, and unique communication style, has earned a special place in the hearts of many followers. Cromo’s choice to associate this brand with its greeting cards reflects the desire to break the mold and offer a touch of irony and fun.

With over 3 million followers across various social platforms, Il Milanese Imbruttito has created an engaging and passionate community. Its posts have gone viral thanks to a unique mix of irony, satire, and a healthy dose of self-irony. The ability to address current issues with a light and humorous touch has made Il Milanese Imbruttito a reference point for those seeking a fun break in their day. Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube are just some of the platforms where Il Milanese Imbruttito has left its mark. Interactions with followers, sarcastic responses, and entertaining exchanges have become a trademark, solidifying its presence in the digital landscape.

“We are excited about this partnership. We have high expectations from Cromo, which will surely be able to convey the style of Il Milanese Imbruttito to its cards,” says Maurizio Distefano, President of Maurizio Distefano Licensing. “With Il Milanese Imbruttito, we immediately connected, speaking the same language in terms of the strategy to adopt and a strong desire to make a mark in the licensing market.”

The new arrivals on shelf during the most important time of the year for the agency’s Properties.

The last quarter of the year, leading up to Christmas, is a key sales and product launch period for many companies, especially in the toy and seasonal product sectors. The Maurizio Distefano Licensing agency has formed numerous partnerships between the IPs in its extensive portfolio and leading Italian companies in various categories to bring a refreshed offering to the shelves for Christmas 2023.

Giochi Preziosi, a licensee for Bing, the most beloved preschool TV series by Italian children, is stocking the shelves with new toys, adding to the extensive line, perfect as Christmas gifts: the fire truck playset and Bing Peek a Boo.

 

Among the seasonal products, this year the Bing Calzettone from Giochi Preziosi is also returning, with many surprises inside.

 

Giochi Preziosi is also coloring the shelves blue, thanks to the new entries in the Bluey toy line, the series from BBC Studios that is capturing the hearts of families in Italy. The brand new talking Bluey plush will be the top wish for fans, and the garbage truck joins as a new fun play set.

A huge novelty for this Christmas is the book collection from Little Angel published by La Coccinella, which represents the first Italian book collection of the license, featuring six different titles: the board books ‘I colori’ (Colors), ‘I numeri’ (Numbers), ‘Mi son fatto la bua!’ (I got a booboo!), ‘Insieme a far la spesa’ (Grocery Shopping Together), and the coloring books ‘Colora con Gianni piccino’ (Color with Baby John) and ‘Gioca con Gianni piccino! Super stickers’ (Play with Baby John! Super stickers).

 

Dolfin fills the shelves with the magic of Christmas thanks to its assortment of licensed stockings with sweets. Available this year for Bing: stockings for the Epiphany in four different sizes, the little panettone, non-slip stockings, chocolate coins, Santa’s sack, and mittens. For Bluey: Epiphany stockings in four different sizes, surprise eggs, non-slip stockings, and mittens. This extensive assortment is further complemented by Epiphany stockings in three sizes for ALVINNN!!! And The Chipmunks.

 

With Masha and the Bear, Christmas is just as sweet, thanks to Motta’s Pandorino and Panettoncino, as well as Zaìni’s Epiphany stocking.

The wide range of products for this Christmas once again reflects the success of the properties that the Maurizio Distefano Licensing agency brings to the Italian market and foresees a festive season filled with novelties and successes.

Regular showings and prime-time movies planned throughout November for hit show

Maurizio Distefano Licensing, which manages licensing in Italy for the hit children’s animated series ALVINNN!!! And the Chipmunks by Bagdasarian Productions, has announced the arrival of new episodes of the fifth season on K2 (digital terrestrial channel 41).

ALVINNN!!! And the Chipmunks is already one of the most watched programmes on K2, with more than 12 episodes shown a day to meet demand. In fact, Alvin and friends are among the top characters on the Warner Bros Discovery Kids channel. This has inspired a decision to devote the entire month of November to the series, with dedicated programming on K2 to herald the launch of the new shows.

Beginning on Tuesday 7 November through Friday in the 8pm slot, and continuing every week, 12 new episodes of season 5 will thrill young fans with new adventures for Alvin and his singing friends.

In addition, alongside the series programming, every Monday Grande Cinema K2 (K2 Great Cinema) will air fan-favourite Alvin movies, from 6 November in the prime time 7.50pm slot.

Presented in CGI animation, ALVINN!!! And the Chipmunks, created by Janice Karman, chronicles the trials and tribulations of a single parent, David Seville, as he attempts to raise six hyperactive chipmunks. Like most parents, Dave’s patience is often pushed to the limit, forcing him to end his sentences with the iconic cry “ALVINNN!!!”.

One of the most popular animated television series in the Italian market, ALVINNN!!! And the Chipmunks is also a major presence on social media, with dedicated Italian-language pages on Facebook and Instagram with more than 11,700 total Italian fans, offering lots of entertaining content and videos to keep fans up to date with all the news. Alvin episodes also air daily on Nick Jr.

It’s also a hit licensed property. As Maurizio Distefano says: “The series takes viewers and fans on a roller coaster ride of music, laughter and stories, entertaining four generations of fans. The property remains very much in demand from consumers and viewers alike.”

The two high awareness brands are available for licensing projects and are now part of Maurizio Distefano Licensing’s portfolio

Giochi Preziosi has decided to entrust Maurizio Distefano Licensing Cicciobello and Canta Tu to initiate new licensing projects with these iconic brands who are very loved by consumers.

Cicciobello is the famous doll born in 1962 with the big blue eyes, the blond bob hairstyle and the historic identification tag. An evergreen brand that has won the hearts of little girls and boys for entire generations, becoming a true “love-brand”. The doll has been conveying positive values in true role-play for more than 60 years. By playing with Cicciobello, children, in fact, release their natural creativity and can play “pretend to be…”

Cicciobello managed to stand out in the doll market by becoming the quintessential brand. Its unique features, similar to those of a real baby, and the technological innovation of crying, unique at the time, made it iconic. Its target audience ranges from parents who seek the values and quality of Cicciobello for their children, to newborns who can experience sensory and experiential play, to children ages 2 to 5 who dive into role-play by imagining themselves as parents.

“Cicciobello is an established brand with a positive message and irresistible appeal to children and families,” says Maurizio Distefano, president of the agency. “Ideal for growing in a variety of product categories where the brand’s values make it truly unique and of great interest. A unique brand not only in Italy, but also abroad.”

Speaking of brands that have made history in Italy, we also find Canta Tu, an audio-video system with microphone to experience the passion of karaoke anywhere and with anyone. It’s an iconic brand that has managed over the years to conquer both the adult and children’s target audience, united by the passion for singing. The key-words of the Canta Tu brand are fun, conviviality, celebration!

Canta Tu stands out as a license because, with the strength of its awareness, in addition to classic licensing projects, it lends itself to treading new merchandise scenarios, more social, where being together is always a source of fun and joy.

Maurizio Distefano says, “Canta Tu is now part of Italian culture and certainly has a lot to offer, giving us the opportunity to explore unprecedented possibilities in the territory of licensing collaborations. We are excited to explore together with our licensees the opportunities behind this brand.”

Sorry, this entry is only available in Italian.

Toy giants Clementoni, Lisciani and Simba Smoby amongst the many renewals for hit children’s series Bing

Acamar Films, the award-winning independent producer and distributor of the global pre-school hit Bing, announces 17 license renewals for the hit pre-school property plus one new
clothing and apparel license with Ellepi. The deals include many key toy and game partners such as Clementoni, Lisciani and Simba Smoby.

“Italy is a key market for Bing and that we are able to announce so many renewals, speaks to the continued success of the property in the territory,” said Katie Rollings, Chief Licensing Officer, Acamar Films. “It is not only in consumer products where Bing is performing strongly but also across Italian content distribution platforms as well as live events and partnerships. These renewals, in conjunction with our wider plans to grow and support the brand, mean that Bing is set to remain a top franchise in Italy for many years to come.”

Renewal agreements for Bing have been signed with:
Toys and Games
Adriatic
Clementoni
Dulcop
Grabo
IGT
Lisciani
ODS
Ravensburger
Sbabam
Simba Smoby
Toys Garden

Apparel and Accessories
Sun City
Coriex
Sabor

Paper and Party
Multiprint
Diramix
Modecor

A new agreement has been signed with 0-6 childrenswear specialist, Ellepi.

Bing has a leading licensing programme, managed by Maurizio Distefano Licensing.

Bing has recently been selected by the Italian Society of Paediatrics and nursery trade association, Assonidi, to be the face of a nationwide campaign to support young children’s wellbeing. The campaign launched June 2023 and is set to run over several years.
First launched in Italy in February 2018, Bing is supported in the country by a variety of distribution partners. As well as its strong presence on Rai Yoyo where the show airs seven times a day, Bing is watched on DeA Junior, Vodafone TV, Amazon Prime Video and TIMVision. All 104 Italian episodes of Bing launched on Disney+ in August 2022.
Episodes of Bing as well as additional special compilations are also available on Acamar Films’ YouTube Network of channels. With over 1.2 million subscribers, the Italian Bing YouTube channel is watched for 5 million hours a month. The dedicated Bing app, ‘Bing: Guarda, Gioca, Impara’ is free to download and includes all 104 Bing episodes and over 20 games. The app has been downloaded by around 1.2 million Italian families since the launch in June 2020.
Bing also has a strong experiential and promotions programme in Italy, with top-rated theme Park Leolandia having daily meet and greets with Bing and Flop and a live show. Thanks to our partner Soluna Eventi, Bing is also present to meet fans in shopping malls across Italy. New promotions deals in 2023 included a Bing Easter Egg chocolate connoisseur Ferrero, as well as a year-long gift with purchase promotion with vitamin company Benegums. Bing-branded Sterilfarma Monello Milk is also available in pharmacies from June 2023.

Announced today, ten new episodes from beloved animated series Bluey will be available on Disney+ in the U.S. and around the world on Wednesday, July 12.

The new episodes include cameos from well-known Bluey fans, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, who appears as a talking horse in the episode “Stories,” and Rose Byrne, who plays Chilli’s sister Brandy in “Onesies.”

Created and written by Joe Brumm and produced by the multiple Emmy^® Award-winning Ludo Studio for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and BBC Studios Kids & Family, the new episodes will also arrive on Disney Channel and Disney Junior later this year.

“Fans have been keenly anticipating more Bluey, and we’re excited to share these new stories with them” said Henrietta Hurford-Jones, Commissioner & Executive Producer of Bluey for BBC Studios Kids & Family. “We’re so happy at how our audiences have taken Bluey to their hearts! These episodes will not disappoint families, with episodes such as the excellent ‘Tradies’ and others. And viewers will love the return of the Grannies in Granny Mobile.”

New episodes to be released July 12^th on Disney+

 

• Musical Statues
• Stories
• Puppets
• Turtle Boy
• Onesies
• Tradies
• Granny Mobile
• Space
• Dirt
• The Decider

 

Bluey follows the adventures of a lovable and inexhaustible Blue Heeler puppy who lives with her Dad, Mum and little sister, Bingo. It showcases the joyful simplicity that can be found in families, by bringing to life how children learn and grow through play.

The series has enjoyed acclaim internationally, recently winning a 2023 Kidscreen Award for Best Animated Series, Preschool, 2022 BAFTA Children & Young People Award in the International category and picking up its fourth consecutive AACTA Best Children’s Programme award. These newest honors add to an International Emmy® and numerous other awards for craft and production around the world.

Jointly commissioned by BBC Studios Kids & Family and ABC Children’s, Bluey is produced by multi-Emmy® Award-winning Ludo Studio in association with Screen Queensland and Screen Australia.

The series is distributed internationally by BBC Studios Kids & Family outside Australia.

BBC Studios Kids & Family has a global broadcast deal with Disney for Bluey in all territories outside Australia, New Zealand, and China. Episodes from the third season of Bluey are streaming on Disney+, and available on Disney Channel and Disney Junior, with more episodes from season three still to come.

Maurizio Distefano Licensing to license hit children’s adventure-comedy-fantasy now airing on Italian TV

Princess Sam Consumer Products has announced that it has appointed Maurizio Distefano Licensing, the number one independent licensing agency in Italy, as licensing agent for the children’s animated adventure-comedy-fantasy hit Tara Duncan.

Maurizio Distefano Licensing was chosen because of its success in Italy, which comes from taking a holistic approach that allows it to analyse and respond to the particular business development needs of each individual licensee. The properties Maurizio Distefano Licensing manages include some of the world’s best-known and most successful movies, brands and animated children’s series.

The time is certainly right for the Tara Duncan property to enter the licensing arena in this major market. The showing of the first 52×13’ series began in Italy on Rai Kids channel Rai Gulp and on Rai Play in April and on DeA Kids a year before.

Total sales of the series now exceed 80 countries, including such major broadcasters such as Disney Channel, Disney+ and Gulli (France), RTS (Switzerland), Télé-Québec and Family (Canada), ITVX (UK), Gulli Africa, MBC3 (Middle East & Africa) and Disney Channel in Latin America. More major sales are due to be announced in the coming months.

Now Head of Licensing for the Princess Sam Consumer Products division Laurent Taieb is bringing more than thirty years of proven operational experience in all aspects of consumer products and licensing to the Tara Duncan licensing campaign. Among the campaign’s first successes has been a licence in the French market awarded to toy company tonies. Tonies will produce a version of its enormously popular Toniebox musical storybox themed around Tara Duncan stories and characters. Many more deals are expected this year.

Tara Duncan is the exciting story of an ordinary girl from Earth with extraordinary powers who discovers she is heir to the throne of the Meme empire. She soon finds herself on OtherWorld, a magical planet where she makes new friends and tries to thwart the ambitions of the evil Magister who wants to steal her magic and conquer her new home.

First published in 2003, tens of millions of Tara Duncan books have been sold worldwide. The animated series, launched in 2022, uses state-of-the-art, 3D CGI motion capture technology, more than 170 artists recruited from the global feature film industry, and advanced innovations to deliver an experience like no other: beautiful, astonishing and fantastic but also exciting, engaging and very, very funny. It also boasts a diverse and engaging cast of characters, led by the very brave, very positive and very slightly accident-prone Tara.

Laurent Taieb says: “Signing Maurizio Distefano Licensing to the Tara Duncan campaign is a strong statement of intent. We see Italy as key market for the brand but one in which we need a knowledgeable, experienced and respected partner. We have found that in the number one independent licensing agency in Italy. We’re looking forward enormously to working with Maurizio Distefano Licensing.”

Maurizio Distefano, an internationally accredited professional with over 20 years of experience in the sector, is President of the licensing agency and management consultancy that takes his name. He says: “Tara Duncan has deservedly been a publishing and broadcasting phenomenon. We are delighted that Princess Sam Consumer Products saw us as the ideal partner for the Italian market and fully intend to take this exciting and innovative property to the next level.”

The carefree and adventurous family born from the pen of the Finnish author and artist Tove Jansson brings color and art to Maurizio Distefano Licensing’s property portfolio.

The Moomins are a carefree and adventurous family who live in their house in the peaceful Moominvalley. They are central characters in the works of celebrated and beloved Finnish author and artist Tove Jansson who created the magical and fascinated stories and designed location and characters from scratch.

Moomin is a values-led brand, with three core values at its heart: love, equality and courage. The main character is young and curious Moomintroll, who goes through the important stages of growing up with his extraordinary family and quirky friends who live in the magical and protected world of Moominvalley. But at times, the Moomins venture beyond the Valley into the vast wilderness, traverse dense dark forests, land on mysterious faraway islands and climb lonely dangerous mountains engaging viewers in their adventures at once familiar and extraordinary. There is always a happy ending to the stories. Jansson, in fact, wrote during World War II so it was important to her to express a feeling of serenity and confidence.

Nine books were released in the collection, together with five picture books and an extensive series of comic strips between the years 1945 and 1980 The Moomins have since been the basis for numerous television series, films and even theme parks. The stories have been translated into more than 55 languages and are still in print all over the world today.

“Moominvalley” is the animated series based on Moomin, produced by Gutsy Animations in association with Yle and Sky. Moominvalley has been sold to over 60 countries to date, including Finland (Yle), UK (Sky), Japan (NHK) and Germany (ZDF). In Italy is available on Rai Yoyo and Rai Play. The series was awarded the ‘Audience Episodic Award’ at the New York International Children’s Film Festival 2022 and was also nominated for the British Animation Awards 2022.

Maurizio Distefano, President of MDL states: “We are so excited for this partnership. Moomin covers a wide range target which makes it appealing to multiple Licensing categories, from adults, with its pieces of art, to kids with the Moominvalley series. I’m sure that the upcoming projects will reflect its artistic and colorful style”.

Bing chosen to front first-of-its-kind initiative across Italy

Bing, Acamar Films’ award-winning global pre-school hit animation has been selected to front a new campaign from the Italian Society of Paediatrics and nursery trade association, Assonidi. The campaign, Healthy Habits for Children, the first of its kind to be launched by the national medical body, will help support grown-ups and children in their everyday lives over the coming years.

Bing shares the small stories that can make a big difference in the lives of young children as Bing encounters unexpected experiences and emotions with patient and reassuring Flop by his side. Bing is currently the most popular pre-school series on the Rai Play digital platform. The Italian Society of Paediatrics and Assonidi recognise the ways in which Bing supports children’s emotional and social development, and how the production, and how Bing is inspired by Montessori principles,  aligns with their mission of promoting the health and well-being of children in Italy.

The Healthy Habits for Children campaign will mean that Bing and his friends will be present to guide and encourage young children to adopt recommended habits. From coping with change to visiting the doctor, resources, clips and activities featuring Bing will be available to support children during what could be an unknown and frightening new experience. Healthy daily routines such as drinking water and playing outside will also be part of Healthy Habits for Children with the inclusion of Bing making those activities more engaging.

We are honoured to have our efforts recognised by the Italian Society of Paediatrics and Assonidi. We work tirelessly to ensure that our Bing episodes truly reflect the authentic lives of young children, and support healthy growth and development. Millions of Italian families have welcomed Bing into their cherished daily routines, so to see our show and its characters lead this incredibly important and long-running campaign, set to support families across Italy, really is fantastic.” said Mikael Shields, CEO Acamar Films.

Several key topics will be covered through the partnership with assets to support grown-ups and children. Themes such as outdoor play, coping with change, bedtime routines and anxieties visiting the doctors will all be included in the campaign. The first theme, Growing with Bing, launching in June 2023, focuses on nutrition, supporting families on the importance of fruit and vegetables in a child’s diet, and why drinking water and milk is so important.

“We are happy that a character as loved by children as Bing can become, thanks to this campaign, an ‘ambassador’ of lifestyles to help our children and grandchildren grow up healthy and become healthy adults. This partnership with Acamar and Assonidi is an important step towards the realisation of our mission: to promote the psychophysical health of children and their social well-being,’ says Annamaria Staiano, President of the Italian Society of Paediatrics.

Families, doctors and teachers will have access to Bing-themed recipe cards, activity sheets, videos with approved messaging from the Italian Society of Paediatrics. These resources will be distributed via Assonidi to all their 400 associated nurseries and families within the nurseries, as well as in the Italian Society of Paediatrics’ doctors surgeries. The Italian Society of Paediatrics has a network of 11,000 paediatricians who work in hospitals and surgeries and in universities throughout the country. Campaign resources will also be available to download in late summer at www.bingbunny.it, and shared with Bing’s 118,000 Italian Facebook followers and 1.2million Italian YouTube subscribers.

“Our network of nurseries, creches and private pre-schools will greatly benefit from the important messages from the Italian Society of Paediatrics delivered by their friend Bing. We see the popularity of Bing with our pre-schoolers everyday, and we cannot wait to offer our teachers and families additional resources to support the healthy development of children.” – Paolo Uniti, President of Assonidi.

Bing has been phenomenally popular with Italian preschoolers and families since its debut in 2018, due to its multi-platform distribution strategy and a dynamic licensing programme. Italian fans can enjoy all 104 Italian episodes of Bing on top platforms like Rai Yoyo, Disney+, DeA Junior, Vodafone TV, Amazon Prime Video, and TIMVision, as well as on a dedicated Bing YouTube channel and the all-in-one Bing app, ‘Bing: Guarda, Gioca, Impara‘.

Bing was the most requested preschool show on Rai Play in 2022. “Rai Kids collaborated closely with the Italian Society of Pediatrics during the quarantine period due to COVID, and is pleased to support this new important long term partnership which also involves Assonidi and Bing, much loved by our audience of children and families“, comments Luca Milano , Director of Rai Kids.

Bing licensing opportunities with Italy are being managed by Maurizio Distefano Licensing.