Category: News

“TAAAC”: Il Milanese Imbruttito entra a far parte del portfolio licenze di Maurizio Distefano Licensing.

The Milanese brand with 3 million followers on social media is now available for licensing projects in Italy

Maurizio Distefano Licensing expands its portfolio by welcoming Il Milanese Imbruttito, the successful Milanese brand that operates in the content marketing field and was born from the work of Tommaso Pozza, Federico Marisio and Marco De Crescenzio who decided they wanted to share their point of view on the human-metropolitan realities of the city of Milan. A clear, simple and precise idea: use social media to be ironical about Milanese customs, language and habits.

With a precise graphic choice and a concise and effective tone of voice, the Facebook page opened in 2013 grows quickly, reaching 100,000 likes in a month and serves as the starting point for a broader social and content creation project, with the opening of a blog and social media pages. Il Milanese Imbruttito achieves ever-increasing success and now boasts an acting cast of professionals for the creation of video sketches. With its recognition and credibility, acquired over the years with the development of editorial and video projects for clients such as Disney, Amazon, Sky, Samsung, PayPal, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola, Il Milanese Imbruttito represents one of the points of reference in the Italian social entertainment scene.

More than 3 million people follow Il Milanese Imbruttito on social channels Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. In addition to these, there are more than 500k readers every month on imbruttito.com, which chronicles everything that revolves around the city of Milan and beyond in an ironic-sarcastic way.

Over the years, Il Milanese Imbruttito has created several characters, recurring in his videos, who are now known and loved by the entire community. Each character has its own characteristics and personal peculiarities that allow their immediate recognizability to the general public: the Imbruttito, the Imbruttita, the Giargiana, the Dwarf and the Guy from the south.

Maurizio Distefano, President of MDA said, “With Il Milanese Imbruttito we hit it off immediately and are extremely excited about the partnership. Its ironic-sarcastic character makes it distinguishable and recognizable, essential elements of a brand. I am certain that we will bring the fun spirit of Il Milanese Imbruttito to a large number of licensees throughout Italy”.

The brand has a broadened appeal to all age groups and lends itself perfectly to the customization of all types of products, ranging from food to non-food, always pushing new boundaries with irony and intelligence. Marco De Crescenzio, co-founder and COO of Il Milanese Imbruttito, says, “The partnership with a well-established reality such as Maurizio Distefano Licensing will strengthen the presence of the brand “Il Milanese Imbruttito” on the national territory, and we are confident that together we will be able to achieve very important goals for our company, which has always believed strongly in product development for a greater capillarization of brand values.”

LA LINEA DI GIOCATTOLI DI GIGANTOSAURUS DI UNITED SMILE È DISTRIBUITA IN ITALIA DA GRANDI GIOCHI

The popular Gigantosaurus toy line and plush collection, based on the  Cyber Group Studios hit TV series, is now available in Italy starting from Q2 2023, distributed under the Grandi Giochi brand through an agreement between the manufacturer, United Smile, and Giochi Preziosi.

The collaboration between United Smile and leading producer and distributor Cyber Group Studios has resulted in a brand-new toy range that allows children to recreate their favorite adventures of the series’ dinosaur friends at home. The Gigantosaurus toy line features a wide assortment of mini figures that fans can collect through single-packs or the Mighty Mini Friends Egg, which contains a mini character and slime inside. The Soft Buddies plush collection includes four super-soft characters to collect, while the Gigantosaurus plush boasts roaring and stomping sounds that will amaze kids. The top toy in the range is the Gigantosaurus action figure, featuring movable jaws and stomping paws.

Maurizio Distefano Licensing, agent for Gigantosaurus in Italy, says: “We are excited about the launch of the new Gigantosaurus toy collection from Grandi Giochi. The Giochi Preziosi Group has been our long-term partner, ensuring the line’s success and permeability in the market. This spring, fans of TV’s most beloved dinosaurs will finally be able to enjoy the new toys.”

Gigantosaurus is an adventure-comedy TV series airing with both of its two seasons daily on Rai Yoyo in Italy, as well as streaming on Netflix and Disney+. Season three premiered on Disney+ and will soon be aired on Rai Yoyo Italy.

The second season, with 52 hilarious 11-minute episodes, explores exciting locations from the Cretaceous period and brings to the screen all new adventures of young dinosaur friends Rocky, Bill, Tiny and Mazu. It also introduces new characters, including adorable baby dinosaurs and a T-rex named “T.” The larger-than-life series incorporates more than 40 real dinosaur species as well as realistically-rendered flora and fauna that is true to the time.

Season three of Gigantosaurus features relatable themes like friendship, bravery, and even babysitting. It introduces new characters, including Spinosaurus and Missy, an Incisivosaurus.

Based on Jonny Duddle’s book published by Bonnier Books UK Ltd, which has sold over 600,000 copies worldwide, the fan-favorite comedy adventure series Gigantosaurus, produced by Cyber Group Studios, invites the youngest of viewers along on the prehistoric adventures of four curious young dinosaur friends, Rocky, Bill, Tiny and Mazu, as they explore the mystery of Gigantosaurus – the biggest, fiercest dinosaur of all. Every imagination-inspiring episode follows the group on a quest, as they face their individual fears and work together to solve a problem. As the inquisitive Mazu, playful Tiny, timid Bill, and courageous Rocky aim to learn more about Gigantosaurus, they discover they each have something to learn from him, too!”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

New episodes of the fifth season of Masha and the Bear every day on Rai Yoyo!

Available since the 10th of March on Rai Play, three new episodes are airing daily with more and more hilarious stories.

For the happiness of all fans of the animated series Masha and The Bear, produced by international licensing company and studio Animaccord and represented in Italy by Maurizio Distefano Licensing, new unreleased episodes of the fifth season are airing daily on Rai Yoyo since March 26, available exclusively on Rai Play since March 10.

The first episodes of the fifth season had already been aired on Rai Yoyo in February 2021, garnering the enthusiasm of all the fans who were looking forward to the arrival of new adventures.

In addition, this year, Animaccord has partnered up with Giochi Preziosi to develop a new Masha and The Bear toy collection including plush toys, dolls and playset, which will launch in Portugal, Turkey and Greece, as well as in other European countries in 2024.

Masha and The Bear is the family hit animation series, with more than 130 billion total views and 200 million followers on YouTube along with 55 Creator Awards (including 7 Diamond Awards). In Italy, Masha and the Bear is widely represented on major TV and VOD giants including Rai media channels, DEA Junior, TIM Vision, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. According to international research agency Parrot Analytics, the series heads the list of the most in-demand kids’ shows in the country (Parrot Analytics, March 2023).

Maurizio Distefano, President of the homonymous agency, states: “Masha and The Bear is a guarantee to families with children who always enjoy to watch the new stories and adventures together. It’s constant release of new contents allows it to keep the little fans glued to the screen”.

Le IP di Maurizio Distefano Licensing colorano la Pasqua del 2023 grazie agli accordi con grandi partner!

There are 9 properties in the agency’s portfolio on shelf this Easter.

Once again this Easter, Maurizio Distefano Licensing is filling up on deals and placing animated series and brands on the shelves thanks to great chocolate partners, for an Easter full of novelties.

Motta is excited to announce another year Easter fun with Masha and The Bear, children’s beloved duo, that is featured on the seasonal 190-gr. fine milk chocolate egg. All little fans of the animated series will find 3D toys of their favorite characters as a surprise in the Easter eggs. The series continues its success by being ranked as the most in-demand children’s program worldwide according to Parrot Analytics, February 2023. In addition, this year Rai Yoyo has doubled the number of Masha and The Bear broadcast slots with 3 daily slots.

It’s not all with Motta, who will please adults as well at Easter, continuing to offer the irresistible Colomba with cream with the unmistakable Baileys flavor, a sweet and delicious encounter with Italian tradition.

Cerealitalia, under the Dolci Preziosi brand, is celebrating Easter with three different agency IPs: CoComelon, the first most-watched children’s channel on YouTube, becomes the star of the 150-gram shell of fine gluten-free milk chocolate with many surprises to be discovered; Gigantosaurus, present again on shelf in the 150-gram format in which there will be the surprises from the animated dinosaur series; and finally, this year there will be eggs from the young and talented Content Creator Charlotte M. who has ushered in 2023 with the release of her new film “Charlotte M. the Film: Flamingo Party” and is ready to make her theatrical debut with her Live Tour that will stop in 9 major cities in Italy.

As a new addition for Easter 2023, Dolfin have included the animated preschoolseries Bluey, which is a huge hit with audiences around the world. The series centers on Bluey, a Blue Heeler puppy who loves to play and turns everyday life into new adventures that always prove unpredictable and hilarious. In February, it won Best Animated Series at the Kidscreen Awards 2023, a celebration of excellence in children’s content that honors both television and digital content.

Bing’s Easter is branded Ferrero, with a collection of 150g Kinder-branded GranSorpresa eggs. When opening the delicious milk chocolate, Bingfans will be able to find Bing-themed surprises and, as a first-of-its-kind, a digital surprise. By scanning the Bing toy, in fact, children will be able to unlock Bing’s character and see him come to life with Kinder’s Applaydu app. Bing episodes continue to be featured on Rai Yoyo, and with more than one million subscribers and more than one billion views on the Italian YouTube channel, with more than 384,000 followers on Facebook, 42,000 on Instagram, and with distribution in more than 130 countries, Bing continues to delight entire families and their children.

Leo&Tig return with Balocco, which confirms the choice of the two cubbies protagonists of a thousand adventures in the Taiga with many surprises in a 150-gram fine milk chocolate egg. Episodes of the series continue to air on Rai Yoyo daily entertaining the little ones with journeys, fun and legends of the Taiga.

Balocco is also offering a rockin’ Easter with the 250-gram fine milk chocolate egg from ALVINNN!!! And the Chipmunks, the animated series that airs daily on K2 and Nickelodeon and entertains its little fans to music and lots of laughs. The egg surprises are beautiful and very consistent with the character.

Bluey ha vinto come Best Animated Series ai Kidscreen Awards 2023 e il titolo di Property of the Year ai Bologna Licensing Awards!

The third season of the hit animated series Bluey, produced by Ludo Studio and co-commissioned by BBC Studios Kids & Family and ABC Children, won the Best Animated Series category at the 2023 Kidscreen Awards, a high-profile celebration of children’s content excellence paying tribute to outstanding TV and digital media work that keeps kids and families entertained.

Moreover, Bluey was awarded Property of the Year at Bologna Licensing Awards. The nomination was announced during the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair (6-9 March 2023) during a special ceremony.

The series that centers on Bluey, a Blue Heeler puppy who loves to play and turns everyday life into new adventures that always prove unpredictable and hilarious, became an immediate hit in Australia and has expanded in EMEA on free-to-air TV in territories including Italy, Spain, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden and France. Bluey is also available on YouTube in Italian, French, Spanish, Danish and English with more than 950,000 subscribers.

In Italy, the first and second seasons are airing on Rai Yoyo daily with a great audience success.

Episodes from series 1-3 are also available on Disney+. In addition, BBC Studios Kids & Family launched Bluey’s Italian-language YouTube channel in 2022, which now boasts more than 77,000 subscribers!

Bluey’s toy line was successfully launched by Giochi Preziosi in spring 2022 and other partners are actively launching Bluey’s CP thanks to Maurizio Distefano Licensing agency, that manages Bluey licensing programme in Italy: Adriatic, Ciao, Clementoni, Diramix, Dolfin, Dulcop, Grabo, Halantex, Lisciani, Multiprint, Pon Pon Edizioni, Ravensburger, and Soluna Experience.

The show has won praise from both parents and critics since it first launched in Australia in 2018, recently winning a 2022 BAFTA Children & Young People Award in the International category and picking up its consecutive fourth AACTA Best Children’s Programme award to add to an International Emmy and numerous awards for craft and production around the world.

Maurizio Distefano Licensing diventa agente per l’Italia di Army of Apes

The brand stemming from NFT’s most famous collection lands in the Italian licensing market

Maurizio Distefano Licensing, the number 1 independent agency in Italy, confirms its famous pay-off “the evolution of licensing” thanks to the partnership with Global Merchandising Services which resulted in becoming agent for a brand that is nothing short of innovative: Army of Apes is the brand consisting of the collection of the famous NFTs that are part of Bored Ape Yacht Club, now made available for the licensing market.

The Bored Ape Yacht Club is a collection of 10,000 NFTs launched in April 2021 to which belong illustrations featuring anthropomorphic monkeys that are distinguished from each other by a number of distinctive features, making each illustration unique.

Each Bored Ape is generated by a program that mixes 170 different possible distinguishing features including facial expressions, clothing, headgear, and other accessories, and some combinations are rarer than others.

These NFTs have been worth more than $1 billion so far resulting in belonging to one of the most valuable NFT collections in the world, which boasts famous and prominent personalities from the world of sports, entertainment and music such as Eminem, Jimmy Fallon, Justin Bieber, Post Malone and others among its buyers.

Army of Apes brand, now available for licensing, consists of a selection of the most significant and famous ape illustrations made available to offer a unique opportunity, namely the chance to collaborate with the NFT world and reach out to the web’s most famous ape fans.

Maurizio Distefano, President of the agency, says, “This brand is the perfect addition to our portfolio to make it even more diverse and multi-target. The digital world, and within it the NFT world, is constantly expanding and becoming more and more a part of our lives, intercepting each of us through new communication languages and new trends. Army of Apes is a step beyond anything that can be considered “new” and represents an opportunity to ride on the coattails of change and new art forms. The right licensee for Army of Apes is a trailblazer, it is the company that wants to be disruptive and wants to amaze.”

Army of Apes license is inspirational and available for several product categories, such as apparel, homeware, and accessories.

BLUEY, BING e MASHA E ORSO sono le serie più viste di Rai Yoyo

Most-watched children’s channel focuses on best-loved series, managed in Italy by Maurizio Distefano Licensing

Again, in this new year’s beginning, in the kid’s entertainment landscape in Italy, Rai Yoyo confirms itself as the most watched children’s channel ever in linear mode, but also in on-demand mode thanks to Rai Play, available through free app.

Within Rai Yoyo’s weekly schedule, all big names are included among cartoons such as Masha and The Bear, Bing, and the most recent acquisition Bluey, which has already made its way into the hearts of young children. In fact, among the top three most-viewed titles on Rai Play in terms of hours watched are Bluey and Bing.

Rai Yoyo is doubling Masha and The Bear’s presence with 3 daily slots, including two 3-episode slots and one 5-episode slot. The latter includes 2 episodes from season 5, for a total of 11 episodes per day. Apart from that, the content has a wide media representation on other platforms such as DeA Junior, Netflix, Prime Video, and TIM Vision, and YouTube has just launched “I Corti,” a new format of short videos in which the hilarious Masha stars in never-before-seen stories. The show is a global phenomenon on YouTube counting over 130 BILLION total views and 200 million followers along with 54 Creator Awards (including 6 Diamond Awards).

Moreover, the cartoon heads the list of the most in-demand children’s shows worldwide according to Parrot Analytics data as of February 2023, as well as has been holding the Guinness World Records as the most-watched animated video on YouTube since 2019.

Bing also continues to be on Rai Yoyo with special appointments such as “Bing’s Animal Stories,” a compilation of the best episodes dedicated to animals and some unreleased content, aired on December 11, 2022. Bing episodes are also available in Italy on Disney+, DeA Junior, TIM Vision, Prime Video, Netflix and Vodafone TV. Since launching in the UK in 2014, Bing has garnered awards and accolades: the International Emmy for best children’s program, the Writer’s Guild Award for best writing in a children’s program, and a BAFTA nomination again for best children’s program. Adapted for television from author Ted Dewan’s beloved books, with more than one million subscribers and more than one billion views on the Italian YouTube channel, counting 384,000 followers on Facebook, 42,000 on Instagram, and distributed in more than 130 countries, Bing continues to thrill entire families, adults and children alike, who find in the episodes ways to overcome the little big obstacles of preschoolers’ daily lives.

The second season of Bluey made its grand debut on Rai Yoyo last December 26, and now the series is triumphing on the channel thanks to as many as 3 daily slots, each of 4 episodes, with a huge audience following. Bluey episodes are also available on Disney+.

In addition, BBC Studios Kids & Family launched Bluey’s Italian-language YouTube channel earlier this year, which now boasts more than 60,000 subscribers!

The series, which the Italian audience is becoming increasingly fond of, centers on Bluey, a Blue Heeler puppy who loves to play and turn everyday life into a new adventure that always turns out to be unpredictable and hilarious, bringing her family, friends, and community into her world of fun.

Animaccord acquisisce un nuovo Master Toy Partner in Europa

Giochi Preziosi Becomes a Master Toy partner for Masha and the Bear Brand in EU

Animaccord, an international licensing company and studio, has partnered with Giochi Preziosi, one of the world’s largest toy manufacturers, to develop a new Masha and the Bear toy collection and launch it later this year in Italy, Portugal, Turkey, and Greece, as well as
in other European countries in 2024. The animated series Licensing program is managed in Italy by Maurizio Distefano Licensing.

Production of the new toy line will include licensed products such as plush toys, dolls, and playsets. Moreover, in 2024 Giochi Preziosi will extend the product range with seasonal toys, educational toys, role play toys, carnival costumes, and ride-on and outdoors.

The launch of the Masha and the Bear toy line from Giochi Preziosi will be supported by
a complex marketing campaign through ATL and BTL communication channels arranged by both companies.

OLYMPIC RIBS e CORTO MALTESE® collaborano per ridefinire l’esperienza marittima

Legendary fantasy graphic novel hero CORTO MALTESE® will inspire OLYMPIC RIBS’ ultra-premium OLR line customization

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. Bringing the spirit of the iconic sailor onboard, OLYMPIC RIBS is excited to announce a long-term, global partnership with CONG S.A., Switzerland, the guardians of the CORTO MALTESE® eminent heritage.

Unleashing the full potential of bespoke customization for luxury RIBs, this synergy will allow for a uniquely creative incorporation of the CORTO MALTESE® traits into the OLR line up.

Gearing up in H1 2023, the CORTO MALTESE® upgrade will be available for the OLR 30SR, 45SRC and 45SRC STERN DRIVES models, elevating the OLR model of choice to an exclusive asset: First Class onboard experience, outstanding offshore performance and – now – inclusive of the mesmerizing atmosphere of the classiest graphic novel ever written.

This industry breakthrough deal has been driven by FMC S.A., an Athens-based boutique strategy consulting firm and successfully sealed by the Milan-based Maurizio Distefano Licensing, the agency managing the CORTO MALTESE® rights in Italy.

Commenting on the OLYMPIC RIBS x CORTO MALTESE® partnership, Christos Karyofyllis, OLYMPIC RIBS Director, stated: “Always ready to defend the principles of liberty and independence, CORTO MALTESE® personifies indefatigable exploration; a perfect match for our DNA. We are excited to embrace the CORTO MALTESE® philosophy and open new seaways together.”

Maurizio Distefano, president of Maurizio Distefano Licensing added: “When a brand and a licensee share the same values, a licensing project can truly write history. This makes us extremely eager to see the outcome of this pioneering and one-of-a-kind partnership between OLYMPIC RIBS and CORTO MALTESE®.”

Maurizio Distefano Licensing Christmas

The busiest and most diverse time of year in the kids’ products sector is again boosted by many fine products based on the agency’s properties and delivered by exceptional partners.

The last quarter of the year, and in particular the period leading up to Christmas, is a time when many companies launch new products, especially in the toy and seasonal categories. Maurizio Distefano Licensing agency has forged many partnerships between IPs in its extensive portfolio and leading Italian companies in various categories and is bringing to the shelves a rich offering of new products for Christmas 2022.

Giochi Preziosi, a licensee for Bing, one of the best-loved TV series among Italian preschoolers, already offers a popular Master Toy line. It has now introduced new products that are perfect as Christmas gifts, such as the Bing Canta Tu.

Giochi Preziosi‘s Canta Tu is also available under Charlotte M.’s license. Charlotte M. is the content creator who, at just 14 years, old boasts record numbers on social media, with 1.15 million followers on YouTube and 1.2 million on TikTok.

The Canta Tu is part of a larger line of electronic products inspired by this popular property, such as Charlotte M. e-watches, speakers, microphones and headphones.

And that’s not all. Giochi Preziosi has a number of other standout seasonal products to offer, including, once again, the famous Calzettone, developed this year for both Bing and Charlotte M.

Ciao, meanwhile, has used the lively cartoon series ALVINNN!!! And the Chipmunks, as the theme for its Epiphany sock featuring games and surprises inspired by the famous singing chipmunks. The TV series continues to enjoy record-breaking ratings on K2 and to delight young rock fans.

In the food category, Christmas is going to be even sweeter this year, thanks to Tedesco’s Masha and the Bear panettoncino and pandorino under the Ore Liete brand.

Dolfin’s Epiphany assortment, meanwhile, features three of the agency’s properties in stockings filled with surprises and sweets from Bing, Bluey and ALVINNN!!! And the Chipmunks.

The wide range of different products developed by leading companies in the industry for this Christmas season underlines once again the winning selection of IPs represented by Maurizio Distefano Licensing and promises a rewarding Christmas season – for licensees, brand owners, retailers and consumers.

La seconda stagione di Bluey arriva in Italia su Rai Yoyo dal 26 dicembre!

The new episodes of BBC Studios’ hit animated series are the perfect Christmas gift of Italian fans!

The Second Season of the hit animated series Bluey, produced by Ludo Studio and co-commissioned by BBC Studios Kids & Family and ABC Children, will launch on Rai Yoyo, Italy’s number one broadcaster of children’s programs, from December 26, 2022.

The first season of the series is already airing on the channel with four episodes a day in two different time slots. On December 26, episodes of season two will be added in the 11:20 a.m. time slot.

Season 2 episodes are also available on Disney+.

In addition, BBC Studios Kids & Family launched Bluey’s Italian-language YouTube channel earlier this year, which now boasts more than 60,000 subscribers!

Bluey’s toy line was successfully launched by Giochi Preziosi in spring 2022, and new additions to the line have been distributed to all the best toy stores and large retailers for this Christmas. There are also numerous other Bluey partners in Consumer Product thanks to the Maurizio Distefano Licensing agency, Bluey’s agent in Italy. “We are extremely happy to be Bluey’s agent. It is a promising and successful IP, as confirmed by Rai who included in its programming schedule the second season and counts it among the channel’s most beloved.”

Licensees currently on board are Adriatic, Ciao, Clementoni, Diramix, Dolfin, Dulcop, Grabo, Halantex, Lisciani, Multiprint, Pon Pon Edizioni, Ravensburger, and Soluna Experience.

The series centers on Bluey, a Blue Heeler puppy who loves to play and turn everyday life into a new adventure that always proves unpredictable and hilarious, bringing her family, friends and community into her world of fun. Bluey has won the hearts of children and since its debut in Australia in October 2018, it immediately became a hit.

The GUESS MARINE Capsule Collection draws inspiration from Hugo Pratt’s iconic graphic novels, Corto Maltese

This season, embark on an adventure with the GUESS Marine capsule collection, filled with timelessly stylish menswear. This maritime-inspired collection draws inspiration from the iconic adventure and fantasy comic series, Corto Maltese, whose Italian licensing program is managed by Maurizio Distefano Licensing agency.

Created by celebrated Venetian designer Hugo Pratt in 1967, Corto Maltese is the protagonist of stories and adventures around the world and the subject of watercolors, black and white sketches and pages of graphic novels. The famous cartoon character is also a real literary myth of the twentieth century. He is a traveler, an ironic sailor who combines Mediterranean appearance and character with an Anglo-Saxon culture. Corto is an anti-hero who prefers freedom and imagination to wealth, he is a modern Ulysses able to make us travel to the most fascinating places in the world.

There are 33 Corto Maltese stories in total, of varying lengths. They are characterized by the presence of precise historical references, consistent geographical notations and in-depth characterization of the characters, elements that make it suitable for all those who love adventure and escapism.

Paul Marciano, Chief Creative Officer of GUESS, explains what drew him to the iconic character: “Corto Maltese was chosen for this capsule because he reflects the alluring and adventurous spirit of GUESS. He is elegant, intriguing and cultured. I have always enjoyed Pratt’s beautiful watercolors, which are true works of art; it has been a pleasure to bring together Corto Maltese with GUESS.”

This iconic capsule collection includes select pieces with drawings of Corto Maltese and his adventurous, alongside other items that borrow iconic style codes from the seafarer’s wardrobe and maritime lifestyle. This confidently masculine capsule by GUESS features versatile, high-tech outerwear with full and half-zip designs, trench collars, maritime insignia and accents taken from the Corto Maltese graphic novel series. Classic Bretagne stripes, cable knit, and nautical motifs enhance an array of comfortable layers with contemporary silhouettes, finished in a palette of muted mustard, ocean navy, salt white, lobster red, muted stone and horizon blue. The ultra-trendy cropped chino and jeans complement the look, along with the must-have fisherman beanie, available in key color options.

The deal was managed by the agency Maurizio Distefano Licensing, who is responsible for Corto Maltese’s Italian licensing program. Maurizio Distefano, President of MDL agency positively commented: “We are very glad that GUESS picked Corto Maltese as protagonist of its capsule collection, GUESS is one of the most famous fashion brands WW and Corto Maltese has travelled so much overseas during the years that it became part of our cultural baggage. We are sure that this amazing collection will give to all parts involved great satisfaction and rewards.”

A powerful 3D video animation that combines cartoon and real-life imagery of Corto Maltese and clean, crisp, renderings of the new GUESS collection has also been launched as part of the brand’s ADV campaign. Visitors to the online store will also be assisted by a dynamic, avatar dressed in the various looks from the new collection.

The ideal collection for the GUESS man on his travels, this exclusive capsule is priced from €70 to €260 for tees, shirts, bombers, outerwear, sweaters, denim, chinos and hats. The collection will be available both in selected GUESS stores and on www.guess.eu from the beginning of February.

Bing’s Animal Stories to air on Rai Yoyo

Acamar Films is pleased to announce that the film Bing’s Animal Stories will be broadcast on Rai Yoyo at 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, December 11, 2022.

Bing, currently the most popular preschool series on the Rai Play digital platform, has been a huge success in Italy since its launch in 2018, thanks in part to the management of its licensing program by the Maurizio Distefano Licensing agency.

Now, for the first time anywhere, a collection of Bing episodes made for movie audiences and with content never before broadcast on TV, will be available for free on TV for all Bingsters.

Bing’s Animal Stories contains seven episodes from all four Bing series and other content that was only available in the film version, which will be presented in September 2021.

But that’s not all. Viewers will also have the chance to help Pico put together Bing’s favorite animal album!

Annalisa Liberi, Head of Purchase Products at Rai Ragazzi, said, “We are very pleased to have Bing’s Animal Stories on Rai Yoyo, Italy’s leading television channel dedicated to children. Our young viewers love Bing and will enjoy looking for the answers to Pico’s riddles in Bing’s daily adventures”.

Eroulla Constantine, Director of Sales & Distribution at Acamar Films, said, “Allowing the enjoyment of a new Bing experience on Italian television is fantastic. We are sure Bing fans will love Bing’s Animal Stories and we are delighted that Rai Yoyo is our first partner for this special edition.”

Also on Rai Yoyo, airing for the third consecutive year at 9:40 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, is Bing’s Christmas, where Bingsters and grown-ups can watch Bing and his friends make collages and play with snow.

Bing’s Animal Stories and Bing’s Christmas are currently available on Rai Play. Bing episodes will continue to be available on Rai Yoyo, Rai Play, TIMVision and DeA Junior, as well as Amazon Prime Video and, most recently, Disney +.

Leo&Tig’s fans can now enjoy watching Season 2 on the YouTube channel Leo&Tig Italia

Leo&Tig is also airing daily with two episodes slots on Rai YoYo, also available online on Rai Play’s website

The second season of the animated series Leo&Tig, represented in Italy by the Maurizio Distefano Licensing agency, has been launched on the series’ official Italian YouTube channel on October 21, 2022. At last, little adventurous fans of the series created by Parovoz Studio and commissioned by Digital Television Russia Group, will be able to enjoy the new stories, new settings and new characters at any time on the official YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7jetLThIhNkBtoDBoXK7-Q). Series 1 and 2 also air daily on Rai Yoyo during two different slots, but children can also continue to watch the episodes on Rai Play at any time (https://www.raiplay.it/programmi/leoetig/episodi/stagione-2).

The animated series Leo&Tig chronicles the adventures of little leopard Leo and tiger cub Tig. The lives of the two cubs are full of adventures, from which they emerge victorious, facing their fears and helping each other.

In the first season, the characters learn about the natural environment of the Far East, unlocking the secrets of the forest and coming to the aid of those in need. In the second season, Leo and Tig meet a Chinese monkey LiLi, who is lost and in trouble. To help their friend return home, Leo, Tig, Mila, Jara, Martik and Cuba embark on a long journey to different countries.

CIAO Ltd. for carnival costumes, Grabo for balloons, Sbabam for 3D figurines, Balocco for the 2023 Easter egg, De.Car for the characters plush toys, Clementoni for puzzles and educational games, and Mondadori for books are just some of the licensees that have chosen Leo&Tig for their products.

Lo schiaccianoci e il flauto magico con la voce di Charlotte M. è al terzo posto al box office nel primo weekend!!

Maurizio Distefano Licensing, worldwide licensing agent for Charlotte M., has announced that the voice of the hugely popular YouTuber and TikTokker has helped to propel the new animated film The Nutcracker and the Magic Flute to third place at the Italian box office!

Charlotte M. voices Marie, the heroine of the new animated film produced by Notorious Pictures and released in theatres on 3 November which, in its first weekend, has been a big hit in Italy (source: www.cinetel.it , 07/11/2022).

Charlotte M.’s acting and singing talents are perfectly suited to the character of Marie, the young heroine, a girl who loves to dance and adores her toys. When her father dies, Marie makes a wish – and her toys come to life, while Marie becomes toy-sized and joins them in an incredible adventure full of fun, love and lots of magic.

Charlotte M. is thrilled with the success of the animated film (which grossed more than €500,000 in its first weekend) and is keen to produce more magic for the silver screen. In fact she already has – but this time as the lead actress in a movie dedicated entirely to her.

Charlotte M. the Movie: Flamingo Party will launch on the big screen on 1 January 2023. It’s all about Charlotte and her friends in their first year at high school and how, in between school dances, love and music, they dedicate themselves to saving an oasis of flamingos. A novel adaptation of the film will also be released at the end of November; it will be published by Fabbri Editori.

Web star Charlotte M. boasts more than one million followers on YouTube and TikTok and is adored by her Generation Z fans. Her success is down to her authentic reflection of teenage life and its passions such as music, poetry, singing, acting and writing.

Her role in this animated film – and in the upcoming production dedicated her – confirms Charlotte M.’s still-growing popularity. It’s an amazing way to round off 2022, a year that has already boasted some major successes, like the release of Charlotte M.’s latest song Best Friend and the publication of her third book, My Secret Life, by Fabbri Editori.

Charlotte M. also a licensing star, with the help of Maurizio Distefano Licensing, which has brought her name to books, accessories, snacks, Easter eggs, back-to-school items and more.

BLUEY, BING and MASHA AND THE BEAR present at LUCCA COMICS & GAMES 2022

Lucca Comics & Games returns again this year to offer the audience an immersive experience together with the publishers and exhibitors of the most beloved sagas, all while discovering the different historical areas of the city.

Rai Kids is once again attending the event and will entertain the audience (more than 70,000 people are expected this year!), in its headquarters, the Real Collegio, with marathons, previews, shows and Meet&Greet events with the audience’s most beloved characters from the Rai Yoyo and Rai Gulp channels.

Among these, Bluey, Bing and Masha and The Bear, the most-watched animated series currently on Rai Yoyo, will participate in a day totally dedicated to the little ones and organized with the support of the Maurizio Distefano Licensing agency, Acamar Films, Animaccord and BBC Studios.

Sunday October 30th will be entirely dedicated to the animated series airing on Rai Yoyo and Rai Gulp, starting in the morning with the presence of character mascots for fantastic Meet&Greet events involving all the children in Rai Gulp’s space in the Real Collegio cloister.

Surprises never end, Bluey, Bing and Masha and The Bear will be protagonists, together with other characters, of the most attended show of the day by children, the Live Kids Parade which will take place at the Auditorium Suffragio, a theatre that especially for this occasion will host the fantastic show with many interactive activities for the audience, Baby Dance’s and gift gadgets!

A fantastic live broadcast of the event on Rai Gulp is planned, while other Lucca Comics & Games events will be available on RaiPlay and will be followed live on all active social media.

Maurizio Distefano Licensing announces the arrival of Bluey toys in Italy

Moose Toys range, distributed by Giochi Preziosi, available in stores from 22 May

Maurizio Distefano Licensing, Italian agent for BBC Studios’ property Bluey, has announced the arrival at retail of new Bluey toys from Giochi Preziosi, the Italian distributor of master toy licensee Moose Toys.

Bluey toys hit the shelves in large-scale retail shops and major toy shop chains across Italy from 22 May.

Bluey has been a massive success in Italy on Disney+, Rai YoYo and YouTube, and this timely collection of toys inspired by the colourful world of the little blue heeler is a real treat for fans of Bluey, her family and friends.

The line includes 20cm plush toys of Bluey and sister Bingo and six sets of action figures, four of which consist of two characters from the animated series (Grannies, Cousins, Pool Time, Skateboard) and two of which highlight four characters (Bluey’s Family, Bluey’s Friends). There will also be two mini playsets (Bingo’s Playroom and Bluey’s Playground) and, of course, the Heeler 4WD Family Vehicle.

The promotion and launch of the collection have left nothing to chance – inside 70 Toys Center shops there is a dedicated shelf, with an eye-catching layout and logo and a luminous sign. Supporting the launch, the rich media plan will include commercials on all pre-school target TV stations. There will also be an integrated launch plan on the social channels of both Bluey and Giochi Preziosi.

Little Bluey reaped excellent results in terms of views, registering an incredible 10.38% share on RaiYoYo in the 4-7-year-old range, taking second place on the podium on RaiYoYo for total time spent and third place of the most viewed series by children on demand on Rai Play.

Further confirmation of the extraordinary success of the little Aussie dog in Italy comes in the form of the many licensing agreements already secured by Maurizio Distefano Licensing. Several products will be launched in the market in the coming months: Multiprint will produce a collection of stamp sets inspired by the series, Dulcop will offer a range of soap bubbles dedicated to the characters and Diramix plans a sticker album. Grabo, meanwhile, will bring Bluey to its inflatable balloons, Halantex will bring out Bluey bedding, and finally Dolfin, looking to 2023, will sweeten the Epiphany with a dedicated selection of Epiphany stockings.

Maurizio Distefano says: “As soon as I saw Bluey, I knew that it had strong potential in the Italian market but even this may be an understatement. The success of the animated series in Italy has encouraged many Italian licensees to partner with the property already and this success looks like continuing for some while.”

Maurizio Distefano Licensing announces a busy Easter for its hit properties

Maurizio Distefano Licensing (MDL), which manages licensing for a number of the biggest children’s brands in the Italian market, has announced some very exciting Easter plans aimed at young fans of chocolate, toys and cartoons.

This year, the charming pre-school animated hit Bing and high-quality chocolate maker Dolfin have come together for a selection of Easter eggs made of the finest milk chocolate. The eggs will be in four different sizes: 50 grams 220 grams and 320 grams, plus a special version which comes with a free-time bag.

And for a delightful alternative look no further than toy company Giochi Preziosi and Bing’s Pasqualone an egg-shaped package full of fun games and surprises for all Bing fans.

Chocolate, pastry and sweets specialist Motta is again returning to a winning formula after the sold-out success of last year’s 190-gram Masha and the Bear fine milk chocolate Easter Eggs. This year Motta is promising many surprises that will delight fans of the much-loved animated duo, whose continuing enormous popularity is a major attraction for Motta.

Italy’s number one easter eggs producer Walcor this year brings back ALVINNN!!! And the Chipmunks as one of the stars of its Easter 2022 offering: fans of the wild band of singing chipmunks will be able to choose between a mini egg (45 gram) and a maxi version (200 gram).

Another sweet star of the chocolate scene, Witor’s, has a partnership with Gigantosaurus in a 200-gram format containing some great surprises for fans of the little dinosaurs!

Biscuit, cake and sweet maker Balocco offers something new for the little ones: a starring role for Leo and Tig, the leopard cub and tiger cub, whose exciting adventures in the Taiga have inspired a 150-gram egg made with the finest milk chocolate.

Cereal and chocolate producer Cerealitalia’s Dolci Preziosi brand celebrates Easter with two ambitious new projects. The first partnership is with the successful Moonbug Entertainment production CoComelon, which arrives on the shelves with a 150-gram surprise egg, a great treat for fans who love the nursery rhymes and catchy educational songs from the world’s biggest family YouTube channel.

The second Dolci Preziosi licence involves the young creator Charlotte M who can boast a vast number of followers on YouTube and TikTok. Fans can sweeten up their Easter table with a super surprise hidden in a 280-gram fine milk chocolate egg.

Maurizio Distefano says: “The confectionery and toy categories have once again enthusiastically supported our popular children’s and young people’s brands with some amazing products. This is yet another great 2022 Easter season full of news, sweets, fun and winning projects for us, for our very successful property portfolio and for our licensees.”

Bluey enjoys successful launch in Italy!

Maurizio Distefano Licensing, agents for Bluey since September 2021, has welcomed the series’ recent excellent ratings in Italy.

The loveable Australian dog has gained many Italian fans since her first appearance on Rai Yoyo, the public broadcast service’s preschool channel, in December 2021 and has established itself as #1 TV show among kids channels according to the latest (30 January 2022) Auditel ratings for reach – with more than 19,000 watching hours in just one week!

Now Bluey is ready to make the YouTube community fall in love, expanding its global presence with an Italian language channel (joining existing French, Spanish, Danish and English channels who share more than 1.2 million subscribers).

Bluey has a winning combination of simplicity, charme and humor. The series follows the adventures of Bluey, a six-year-old Blue Heeler dog, defined by her inexhaustible vitality, imagination and constant curiosity about the world which are the driving force behind each episode.

Bluey lives in Brisbane, in the Australian region of Queensland, along with her father Bandit, mother Chilli and younger sister Bingo. The Heeler family are joined by family, friends and community (each belonging to different dog breeds) who are drawn in to their games and adventures.

Bluey’s world is playful and full of joy: could this be the secret ingredient for the success of this award-winning Australian TV series that thrills both young people and grownups?

Certainly, one of the many, together with the faithful and evocative setting of the Australian landscape and the lightness with which its creator, Joe Brumm, is able to brilliantly describe the daily life of the modern family, sharing Bluey and Bingo’s learning and growth (as well as their parents’) through dynamics of play and discovery.

Bluey recently hit headlines around the world for an innovative collaboration with Airbnb which saw the Heeler home faithfully constructed ‘for real life’ in a suburb of Brisbane. The home is available for one lucky family for a weekend stay and will also host online experiences for fans from around the globe.

The show both reflects everyday life and offers escapism and has collected several awards as proof of its success, such as a prestigious International Emmy® Kids Award, the AACTA Award for best children’s program in 2020, four Kidscreen Awards in February 2021 and has recently been named as number one New Toy Property in 2021 in the UK by NPD.

GIGANTOSAURUS, SEASON 2 NEW EPISODES, NOW AVAILABLE ON RAI YOYO AND RAI PLAY

Season 2 of Gigantosaurus Cyber Group Studios blockbuster TV series is now available anytime on Rai Play and is airing daily on Rai YoYo in italy. This brand new season featuring 52×11’ hilarious and heartwarming episodes takes the team to exciting never-before-seen cretaceous-period locations and brings “dino-mite” all-new adventures to life featuring the young dinosaur best friends Rocky, Bill, Tiny, and Mazu.  This 2nd season also introduces new dino characters, including extra-adorable baby dinos and a fierce T-rex named « T ».

Maurizio Distefano, Gigantosaurus’ Licensing, agent in Italy, says: “As agent who supports the brand with numerous licensing agreements, we are thrilled about the launch of brand-new episodes of our favorite dinos series on RAI (Italy). We continue to support Gigantosaurus with a rich licensing program that brings fantastic products to life inspired by the adventure-comedy TV series. Stay tuned, ROAR-SOME new licensing partnerships and products are soon to be announced.”

The larger-than-life hit series incorporates a wide array of real dinosaurs species, more than 40 as well as realistically rendered flora and fauna that’s true to the time period. The fil rouge theme that will accompany the new series will be music.

Based on a worldwide best-selling book written by Jonny Duddle and sold to over 600 000 units worldwide Gigantosaurus, follows the adventures of four young dinos as they go on quests to explore their world, face their fears, work together to solve problems, learn more about the mysterious Gigantosaurus himself – and have lots of fun all along the way.

NEW CHARLOTTE M.’S PRODUCTS ARE COMING OUT IN THE MARKET IN 2022

Charlotte M., the young webstar with 1 million followers on her YouTube and Tik Tok channels, is loved by the Generation Z, which will adore all her branded products that are ready to be released soon.

Thanks to Maurizio Distefano Licensing agency, who represents Charlotte M. in Italy and all over the world, many agreements with some of the most important companies have been signed, which are going to develop collections in collaboration with Charlotte M. to be launched in 2022.

Giochi Preziosi designed a fantastic back-to-school collection including backpacks, pencil cases, diary and stationery in the unmistakable style of Charlotte which is going to be introduced in back-to-school occasion this year. These products are characterized by the very high quality, foundation of all Giochi Preziosi school product, and by their strong appeal.

With Easy Shoes, thanks to its shoes and accessories agreement, perfect spring/summer sneakers are coming up in 4 different colour variations for all Charlotte M. fans: a fabulous TV spot starring Charlotte M. will launch the collection. This collaboration with Easy Shoes will continue also for its next collections.

Mitama proposes a gift and accessories collection branded with Charlotte M., in the name of shining glitters, including a lot of sets and must-have products, such as the slime and glitter glues.

Grani & Partners will hit the shelves through Edizioni Seven with the Surprise Bags collection, which consists of mini backpacks, perfect to enhance girls’ look or to add a touch of style to their backpacks, perfect to collect, and full of mini-size accessories for school life, all branded Charlotte M.

Preziosi Food will make all Charlotte M.’s fans happy with a special edition of its chips, completely devoted to our YouTube star. The chips will be distributed and available in different supermarkets: every pack will have some surprise stickers, portraying some Charlotte M.’s poses.

Cerealitalia, in collaboration with Dolci Preziosi, will offer to all Charlotte M.’s fans a special Easter Egg in 2022 and Epiphany stockings in January 2023.

As an additional service, Charlotte M. supplies her support to licensing products through her social networks, by creating posts, IG stories and videos to introduce and promote the available products.

Charlotte M. is also a very appreciated singer by her audience. Her latest releases are “I Loove You”, “Buum Buum” and “Best Friend”.

Her passion for music will drive her to new songs projects also in 2022, in different languages like Spanish and English.

In addition to music, Charlotte M. loves writing and has already published two books with Fabbri Editori: “Summer in the Haunted College” and “An Oversea Love Story”. Now the third book “My Secret Life” is ready to be released, also published by Fabbri Editori.

Charlotte M.’s plans for this year continue, in fact, she will be engaged with the dubbing of an animation series, the filming of her first book and a tv series for her fans.

BING ITALIAN YOUTUBE CHANNEL REACHES 1 MILLION SUBSCRIBERS

Acamar Films and Maurizio Distefano Licensing are proud to announce that Bing Italian YouTube channel has just surpassed the milestone of having ONE MILLION total subscribers!

Bing official channel on YouTube in Italian has been live since August 2018, and in its lifetime has gained 903 million views and just shy of 100 million hours of watch time.

This is the proof of how Bing is beloved by the Italian audience that follow his adventures passionately and assiduously.

Thanks to this achievement, YouTube will reward Acamar Films with the first gold Creator Award to celebrate the new subscriber goal.

Bing is already a star of the screen, of the stage and he has arrived onto the radio too with his debut on Italy’s Rai Radio on 18 November on children’s show Big Bang on Rai Radio Kids.

Since its launch on Rai Yoyo in 2018, Bing has become a top show. It consistently ranks in the top 10 on linear and was the most-viewed title on RaiPlay for kids 4-7 in the first six months of 2021. New episodes from Series 4 premiered on Rai Yoyo in February 2021 and are currently airing and available to watch on RaiPlay.

As well as its massive popularity on TV, Bing also has a freemium interactive app plus a robust, extensive and expanding Italian licensing portfolio managed locally by the Maurizio Distefano Licensing agency.

CORTO MALTESE: THE ADVENTUROUS SAILOR BORN FROM THE PEN OF HUGO PRATT ENTERS THE MAURIZIO DISTEFANO LICENSING PORTFOLIO FOR AMAZING LICENSING PROJECTS

New entry for Maurizio Distefano Licensing agency is Corto Maltese, the famous comic book character created by Hugo Pratt in 1967, protagonist of exciting stories and adventures around the world and subject of watercolours, black and white sketches and graphic novels created by the skilled hand of the author, which, applied to the Consumer Product, can characterize apparel and accessories giving them the unique style of the sailor.

Corto Maltese is a cult character of the best European graphic novel, but also a real literary myth of the twentieth century. He is a traveller, an ironic sailor who combines Mediterranean appearance and character with an Anglo-Saxon culture. Corto is an anti-hero who prefers freedom and imagination to wealth, he is a modern Ulysses able to make us travel to the most fascinating places in the world.

The stories of Corto Maltese are 29 of various lengths and are characterized by the presence of precise historical references, consistent geographical notations and in-depth characterization of the characters, elements that make it suitable for an adult target.

Collaborations with highly prestigious brands, such as Lanvin, Monnalisa, Angel & Devil, Iceberg, Adolfo Dominguez, include it among the brands that manage to create a perfect combination of auteur comics and fashion, which arises from the possibility of implementing a stylistic research based on Pratt’s numerous works.

Maurizio Distefano, President of the homonymous agency, says: “Corto Maltese enters the Agency’s portfolio to enrich the offer of well-known and highly positioned brands. It identifies above all as an iconic and intriguing brand for adults, which due to these qualities is also suitable for high-end products “.

Animaccord presents special episode of Masha and the Bear dedicated to 100 BILLION views on YouTube!

Masha and Bear, the successful animated series produced by Animaccord Studio and represented in Italy by Maurizio Distefano Licensing has given fans a new special episode to express their appreciation to viewers around the world and celebrate 100 billion views on YouTube. It was, in fact, released a short episode entitled “We love you to 100 BILLION and back” available on the official YouTube channel of Masha and Bear https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=341fxxd5aW0 .

 

Moreover, Masha and the Bear English YouTube channel repeated its success of 2020: in less than a year, it has gained another 10 000 000 subscribers and now reached the milestone of 30 000 000 subscribers.

BBC’s hit animated series Bluey arrives in Italy on Rai YoYo

In addition to a licensing program coming soon thanks to Maurizio Distefano Licensing agent, Bluey gets even closer to Italian fans airing on their favorite TV channel!

The hit animated series Bluey, produced by Ludo Studio and co-commissioned by BBC Studios and ABC Children, will air on Rai in Italy. In fact, it will make its free-to-air debut on December 27th in Italy on Rai Yoyo, the public broadcast service’s preschool channel. BBC Studios will also launch a new Italian language YouTube channel in January 2022 featuring clips and bonus content from the series.

Master toy partner Moose Toys will lead the product launch this coming Easter 2022 with their highly successful toy range via their distributor Giochi Preziosi. Other products from partners including global publishing partner Penguin Random House will follow. Maurizio Distefano Licensing was recently announced as BBC Studios’ licensing agent for Italy. Maurizio Distefano, President of the agency, states: “We are honored to have been appointed agents for Italy of an IP that we believe is extremely promising and successful, as confirmed by Rai, which chose it for its programming.”

This marks further expansion in EMEA for the award-winning animation which has recently launched on free-to-air TV in Ireland, Denmark, Sweden and France. Bluey is also available on YouTube in French, Spanish and Danish and English with more than 950,000 subscribers.

The series follows Bluey, a six-year-old Blue Heeler dog who loves to play and turn everyday family life into extraordinary adventures that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family, friends and community into her world of fun.

Bluey has won the hearts of kids and parents around the world since it first launched in Australia in October 2018, and has quickly become a global hit. In Australia, Bluey is the number one kids show on broadcast television in 2020 and is the most-watched series ever on ABC iview. In June 2019, BBC Studios struck a global broadcast deal with Disney to premiere Bluey in all territories outside Australia, New Zealand and Greater China; it now screens in over 60 countries.

In the UK, it was the most viewed show on CBeebies in August* and is also available on Disney+. In the US, across Disney Junior and Disney Channel in Q2 2021, the show was the #1 most watched TV series with kids ages 2-5.**

Bluey has also won multiple awards, such as the International Emmy ® Kids Award in the prestigious Preschool Category in 2020, and its second AACTA Awards for Best Children’s Program that same year. The accolades continue in 2021, with Bluey winning four Kidscreen Awards in February.

BING BECOMES A RADIO STAR WITH DEBUT ON RAI’S BIG BANG

Bing, already a star of both small and big screens and of the stage, arrived onto the radio too with his debut on Italy’s Rai Radio on 18 November. The hero of Acamar Films’ hit pre-school show, which is one of the most popular programmes among Italian children, was a special guest of Armando Traverso on his children’s show Big Bang on Rai Radio Kids.

Armando, along with his regular contributors, puppets Lallo and Lella, chatted with Bing about his day and talked about their favourite games. The episode aired at 1pm, 4pm and 6pm on 18 November on Rai Radio Kids, and will be available on Rai Play.

Isabella Carbone, Programme Director, Rai Radio, said: “As a lovable, authentic pre-schooler, Bing is the perfect guest for Rai Radio Kids. We are all big fans of his so we are hugely excited that he made his first-ever radio appearance on Big Bang. It’s a great coup for our young listeners and we know they were thrilled to hear their favourite TV star on their favourite radio show!”

Since its launch on Rai Yoyo in 2018, Bing has become a top show. It consistently ranks in the top 10 on linear and was the most-viewed title on RaiPlay for kids 4-7 in the first six months of 2021. New episodes from Series 4 premiered on Rai Yoyo in February 2021 and are currently airing and available to watch on RaiPlay.

As well as its massive popularity on TV, Bing also has a hugely successful dedicated Italian YouTube channel and freemium interactive app plus a robust, extensive and expanding Italian licensing portfolio managed locally by the Maurizio Distefano Licensing agency.

LEO AND TIG LAUNCH ITALIAN YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Leo & Tig animated series, created by Parovoz Studio and commissioned by Digital Television Russia Group, has launched its own YouTube channel, with episodes of the popular show being released in Italian.

In the summer of 2019, on the children’s TV channel Rai YoYo, millions of Italian children became acquainted with the adventures of the inseparable friends as they explore their amazing neighborhood of the Far East. The animated series won over not only little viewers, but also their parents. Two years after its premiere, Leo & Tig remains one of the most popular Russian cartoons in Italy.

At the end of last year, Leo & Tig became available on the Dea Junior channel in Italy and Italian-speaking countries – Switzerland, Malta, Monte Carlo, San Marino and the Vatican. In addition, this year “Leo & Tig” has appeared on several major digital platforms – TIMvision and CHILI. The launch of its own YouTube channel, with episodes from the series in Italian, became another step towards the young fans of Leo, Tig and their friends in Italy and Italian-speaking countries. The channel is being developed with the support of the company Animaccord.

On November 4, Italian viewers had a real surprise – the premiere of a video featuring the world-famous Masha, from the animated series “Masha and the Bear”, took place on the ”Leo e Tig Italia” YouTube channel. Masha introduced her new friends – the little leopard Leo and tiger cub Tig.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvADX8-Arj4)

Masha and the Bear is available on a range of traditional and new media platforms in Italy, including the channels and platforms of the Rai television company, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary of broadcasting the animated series, as well as DEA Junior, TIMvision, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. According to the independent global analytical agency Parrot Analytics, the animated series “Masha and the Bear” tops the list of the most in-demand children’s shows in Italy (October 2021). It is recognized as an evergreen brand, having demonstrated widespread popularity and demand amongst family audiences for the past several years.

The popularity and love for Russian animation among Italian viewers grows every year. This market is key to the development of brands both on television and streaming platforms, and in the field of licensing – Masha and the Bear and Leo&Tig are both represented by Maurizio Distefano Licensing in Italy.

The video for Charlotte M.’s new song, “Hola flamingo” is now online!

“Hola flamingo,” the new song by Charlotte M., the young web star who boasts sky-high numbers on the social media beloved by Generation Z, was released on October 24 and in just 3 days has reached 250,000 views on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-XT-OdxIuc).

The song is also available to stream on Spotify, where the performer’s previous tracks, “I love you” and “Buum Buum,” are also featured.

Her passion for music will lead her to release more songs in 2022 as well, including in other languages, such as English and Spanish.

The title of this new song is inspired by her fan base: in fact, at the beginning of each of her videos, Charlotte greets her fans by calling them “flamingo”, on the wave of the symbol that now distinguishes her, the flamingo.

To date, her YouTube channel boasts 960,000 subscribers, while on TikTok followers are 980,000 and 133,000 on Instagram.

In addition to music, Charlotte M. also loves to write: she has already published two books with Fabbri Editori, “Un’estate al college infestato” in 2020 and “Un amore oltreoceano”, released this year. A third book, also published by Fabbri Editori, is already scheduled for February 2022.

The plans for 2022 do not end, with Charlotte dubbing two animated films, filming the movie adaptation of her first book and a serialized TV series for her fans.

Maurizio Distefano Licensing is the World Wide licensing agent for Charlotte M. and has closed several contracts with important Italian companies to bring Charlotte M. products to the market.