| Spin Master named master toy licensee for The Wiggles. (Licensing).(Spin Master Toys)(Brief Article)
Author/s: Issue: Oct 7, 2002 Dallas -- HIT Entertainment has named Toronto-based Spin Master Toys as the master toy licensee for the popular Australian-born property, The Wiggles. HIT Entertainment controls all consumer products rights as well as broadcast, audio and video distribution for The Wiggles in the United States and Canada. The Wiggles made their American debut in 1999 with the release of their home video, but have gained popularity recently with the launch of their television show on Disney Channel's Playhouse Disney in January. The show, which targets preschool-aged children, features the live characters of Murray, Greg, Anthony and Jeff, who sing in a musical band. The four guys are joined by their companions Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus--costumed characters similar to Barney. Spin Master Toys will develop a range of plush toys based on Dorothy, Wags and Henry. Plush products will include beanies, musical plush and 10-inch plush. Henry is a purple octopus who wears tartan clothes, a straw hat and black polished shoes on the end of all eight of his tentacles. Dorothy is a green dinosaur with yellow spots who wears a floppy white hat. Wags is a furry brown dog with floppy ears. "We are delighted to be partnering with Spin Master Toys in this new venture," said Holly Stein, senior vice president of global and consumer products for HIT Entertainment. "Spin Master offers the right combination of cutting edge creativity, sensibility and innovation to successfully translate The Wiggles' infectious energy into products with high play value that kids and parents will love." "The Wiggles' charismatic and musical approach to entertaining and interacting with children is something that Spin Master wanted to be part of, and our goal is to create products that emulate the spirit of this wonderful program," said Adam Beder, vice president of licensing for Spin Master. Spin Master Toys plans to show the products at the New York Toy Fair in February 2003, and a retail launch is planned for spring 2003. Price points have not been decided yet. |