Babar celebrates his 80th anniversary this year, and Nelvana Enterprises and The Clifford Ross Company have planned a number of activities to honor the world-famous elephant in the legendary green suit.

A second season of the CG-animated TV series, Babar and the Adventures of Badou, with a further 26 half-hour episodes (52 x 11 minutes), is being produced with international delivery beginning this month. The first season airs on many international broadcasters, including Disney Junior in the U.S. and TF1 in France where it captures 28 percent average market share of kids aged 4-10 in its morning slot on Tfou (source: January-June 2011 – Médiamétrie).

Babar will be featured in the Toy Gallery at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris from December 8 to September 2. The history of the Babar books will be presented through a selection of 100 original illustration boards from institutions including the Bibliothèque Nationale de France and The Morgan Library and Museum in New York City. Along with photo archives, the exhibition will display items such as plush toys, games, action figures, and toys on wheels from as early as 1930, along with contemporary licensed products. It will pay tribute to Babar author and illustrator Jean de Brunhoff and his son, Laurent, who took over from his father in 1941. The Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France have partnered on the publication of a catalogue for the exhibition. A selection of “classic” Babar items will be available for sale at the Musée’s gift shop.

Other notables for Babar’s anniversary year include:

In August, Abrams Books for Young Readers released the latest book from Laurent de Brunhoff, Babar’s Celesteville Games. Throughout 2011, Abrams will reissue Laurent de Brunhoff’s classic Babar books in a new format as the 80th anniversary celebrations continue.

In France, a line of books based on the new TV series has been introduced by Hachette Jeunesse, and the company plans to publish 50-60 titles during the next three years.

Licensed products based on the new TV series hit the market this year. TF1 Licences is the agent for the brand in France and Benelux. Major licensees onboard include Lansay, Bayard, Hatier, Sun City, CTI, Dujardin, Vilac, and Smoby.

Kids will also have the opportunity to share unforgettable moments with Babar during their holidays in 16 Hôtels-Clubs Nouvelles Frontières around the world.

Family Guy, the No. 1 show for teens and men 18-34, is celebrating its “Something, Something, Something Anniversary,” and Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products is going all out to make this a year to remember for fans of the hit TV series. Everything from special promotional screening events and a variety of new products, to major retail support and an increased presence in the interactive space, will mark a holistic merchandising program that will engage fans across a variety of touch points. The strategy will launch this fall in conjunction with the series’ 2011-2012 season.

As a first for the Family Guy franchise, and to set the tone for the bold year ahead, Fox Consumer Products is harnessing the power of the Griffin family to unleash a midnight in-theater promotional screening program the week of September 12 in advance of the season premiere. In partnership with the Fox Broadcasting Company and Fox Home Entertainment, the events will offer diehard fans exclusive access to the never-before-seen season premiere episode, before it airs on Fox, in a festival atmosphere that will include Family Guy giveaways, trivia, and prizes. The screenings will hit some of the biggest markets across the country and will include street promotions at college campuses in each stop.

Fox Consumer Products will give fans new ways to enjoy Family Guy content that will stretch way beyond the TV screen, starting with the introduction of a Family Guy online game experience. Further expanding the interactive world of Family Guy, Fox Consumer Products has tapped Playmates Toys for an extensive line of figures, figurines, and compatible play sets featuring the show’s most popular character voices and phrases.

Additionally, Titan Comics will introduce a new monthly Family Guy comic book this summer. Other items available this fall will include apparel, barware and glasses, greeting cards, and board games at some of the nation’s biggest mass retailers.

Mattel, the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of toys and family products, and Classic Media, a global media company with a portfolio of some of the world’s leading family entertainment brands, will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Masters of the Universe with the launch of a consumer products program for the iconic franchise that will include 30th anniversary apparel from Changes, costumes from Disguise, and a special 30th anniversary edition DVD box set from Mill Creek Entertainment. Publishing partners will be announced shortly.

The award-winning Masters of the Universe Classics toy line, featuring updated sculpts of vintage Mattel toys, will also continue throughout 2012 only on Mattycollector.com. The 2012 annual subscription will go on sale the week of San Diego Comic-Con starting July 22. Additionally, the 30th anniversary program will include interaction with the collector community through “FAN-atic” activities at Comic-Con International: San Diego and New York Comic Con.

“Masters of the Universe is an iconic franchise with a legacy that’s deeply rooted in fantastical storytelling which translates naturally to play experiences and products kids of all ages love,” says Michael Riley, VP, Franchise Development, Mattel. “In 2012 the property celebrates its milestone 30th anniversary allowing us to create a robust synergistic program that offers something for all fans.”

Changes will develop T-shirts, sweatshirts, thermals, track jackets, and fashion tops for men, women, and juniors. The company will also launch an accessory line based on the Masters of the Universe brand including wristbands, belts and belt buckles, key chains, and costume jewelry. In addition, Disguise is launching a line of Halloween costumes and accessories, including Skeletor, He-Man, and She-Ra adult costumes that will first be available this fall through a leading online retailer.

As part of the celebration, Classic Media will introduce a brand-new comprehensive Masters of the Universe style guide featuring retro artwork, all-new modern artist renderings, as well as a special 30th anniversary logo, all of which will be available this summer. Classic Media and Mill Creek Entertainment together will also release the complete series of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe in a special 30th anniversary edition DVD set. The collection will be available in fall 2012 and will include special bonus material along with other memorable content developed especially with collectors in mind.

Since the debut of Mattel’s toy line in 1982, Masters of the Universe has become a hugely successful franchise that continues to have a strong cult following to this day. In 1983, Filmation debuted the original television series, introducing fans nationwide to “By the power of Grayskull…I have the power!,” and in 1987 Warner Bros. released the first film based on the series, Master of the Universe, starring Dolph Lundgren, worldwide. In 1990, animated television series The New Adventures of He-Man launched, and in 2002, Cartoon Network premiered the most recent series, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.

It catapulted a TV sitcom actor into an international movie star, put a veteran character actor in the limelight and made a limited-production sports car from Ireland into an ‘80s relic. Of course, I’m talking about Back to The Future. The iconic film and staple of ‘80s cinema has made several “Top Ten” lists in the past and had a special 25^th anniversary re-release in November.

Although it’s been a while since we’ve seen Mr. Fox or Christopher Lloyd, the DeLorean Motor Company is capitalizing on the movie with a new shoe. Yes, a shoe—a shoe that looks like the DeLorean DMC-12.

In a partnership with Nike, the limited-edition DeLorean Nike Dunk actually does have a few elements of the car, including a gullwing eyestay and taillight-inspired sole. The good folks at DeLorean even sent us a pair to see first-hand. The verdict? We like it, even down to the box, which opens like the doors of the famed car. Fun fact: Besides being overall cool, this is the first sneaker made by Nike with no stitching.

Let me be honest for a second, what we really really like is the fact that we are one of a select few that now have the shoe—it debuted on Black Friday with a list price of $90 and has already sold out. Only a thousand were made, with a few hundred pairs made for Nike athletes and some other VIPs. Now, if you want it, check ebay and be willing to part with a cool $800. Don’t be jealous.

—Mackenzie Allison

Chorion has announced a range of activities for preschool character Spot as he celebrates his 30^th anniversary year.

In the U.S., BBC America released Where’s Spot? on DVD in April, and will release Spot Goes to School in August and Spot’s Magical Christmas in October. New licensing deals have been inked with Andover Fabric, Starry Story Art, Meri Meri, and the Zoobies. The Spot Zoobie will be featured on QVC for Christmas in July. Master toy licensee Kids Preferred is expanding its Spot product line to include puzzles, backpacks, bath toys, and wooden toys for next year.

In the UK, Abbey Home Media launched a special edition 30^th anniversary DVD in March. The Spot TV series began broadcasting on CITV in April, with further episodes scheduled to air this month. Storytelling and in-store events supported the Spot exhibition at Selfridges in London over the May bank holiday weekend. The touring Spot art exhibition will be featured at the Chelsea Library in London, Foyles book store, and regional museums throughout the rest of this year. An exclusive birthday party is planned for August 5^th in London for parents and children. Master toy licensee Rainbow Designs will introduce an expanded range of products including puzzles and wooden toys for next year.

Additional book titles for Spot from Warne include a 30th anniversary special edition of Where’s Spot?, plus Spot’s Birthday Balloon, and Spot’s Little Library. New publishing formats, touch and feel books, book and plush sets, and an 18-button sound book are planned for the holiday season.

In Australia, Spot appeared in several high-profile events in March and April including Gardening Australia Expo in Adelaide and Brisbane, with further appearances scheduled for the same Expo in Sydney from August 22-24 and Melbourne from October 1-3. The events will include costume appearances, craft activities, and retail opportunities.

Spot plush, through Australian Master toy licensee Jasnor Pty., launched in Japan this year, and new licensing partner Skillman will be creating personalized product. Spot public reading events and retail fairs were held from March through May at Kinokuniya bookstore outlets throughout Japan to celebrate Spot’s 30^th anniversary.  Further events are planned for the rest of this year.

Spot first appeared in Eric Hill’s original lift-the-flap book Where’s Spot? in 1980. To date, Spot has sold more than 50 million books and has a global licensing program that includes toys, apparel, gifts and DVD. The official Spot website features activities for parents and children, competitions, games, and information about the brand and author.

To celebrate the Peanuts’ 60th anniversary in 2010, German airline Condor is launching a large-scale fundraising campaign to support the international charity organization “Luftfahrt ohne Grenzen e. V. –  Wings of Help.” The deal was facilitated in cooperation with Copyright Promotions Licensing Group Germany (CPLG), the Peanuts licensing agency.

Through the end of 2010, Condor will support child relief projects of “Luftfahrt ohne Grenzen e. V. –  Wings of Help” by contributing a portion of their ticket and on-board shop proceeds as well as through numerous special events, including an auction of custom-painted model airplanes featuring Peanuts characters. All auction proceeds will be fully donated to the charity.

The flagship of each Condor fleet will feature eight Peanuts characters to promote the upcoming charity campaign and to put smiles on the faces of young and not-so-young air passengers. For all other airplanes, Snoopy and Woodstock will be incorporated into the official Condor logo. Additionally, Snoopy and the Peanuts will grace the Condor website and be featured on all cups, napkins, and more.

For more than seven years, “Wings of Help” has been giving medical and operational assistance for international relief operations by providing airplanes, staff, and expertise. The organization concentrates on helping children in need around the globe. Each cent donated arrives where help is needed, without any deductions.

The Andy Griffith Show is returning to North Carolina with the debut of an original commemorative racecar that pays tribute to the iconic series. CBS Consumer Products, in conjunction with HLG Licensing, has announced a partnership with Front Row Motorsports and the No. 34 Ford Fusion team. The car, to be driven by NASCAR driver Travis Kvapil, is slated to make its first appearance in the NASCAR Banking 500 during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday, October 16, broadcast by ABC.

The partnership marks the second time that CBS Consumer Products has come together with the NASCAR organization to feature a car scheme based on The Andy Griffith Show. In addition, CBS Consumer Products will be developing a merchandising and promotional program around the NASCAR partnership and will soon be announcing a line of products in the apparel, accessories, gift, and toy categories.

MHS Licensing is celebrating its 15-year anniversary in 2010. Started in 1995 primarily as a sports marketing and licensing company, MHS Licensing has evolved into an internationally recognized licensing and consulting agency. While representing such high profile artists and brands as Judy Buswell, Tina Higgins, The Hautman Brothers, Smirk, and The Girls, MHS became a key player in the high-growth licensing industry.

Marty Segelbaum, president and founder of MHS Licensing, left a sports apparel company fifteen years ago to strike out on his own “with nothing but a rolodex and an enthusiasm for making deals.” In 2001, Segelbaum brought in John Haesler, formerly of Target Stores, Inc., as partner. With Haesler onboard, MHS Licensing was able to expand its capabilities tremendously. Adding support staff and account executives since then has allowed the company to service its 250 licensees and continue to grow.

Today, MHS Licensing represents more than 30 artists and brand owners and manages an archive of over 20,000 images. MHS Licensing has been instrumental in a number of direct-to-retail licensing programs and was nominated for such awards as “Top Art Property of the Year” by LIMA. In addition to art licensing, the company also specializes in advising manufacturers in the search, evaluation, and acquisition of new properties and personalities.

To celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, several new licensees and products have been announced.

Taylor Brands has launched the Schrade Old Timer and Schrade Uncle Henry pocketknife collection in a variety of different styles. Using BSA photography, Taylor Brands has designed a unique collector’s tin for each collection. Additionally, all the pocketknives have stainless steel blades with the BSA 100^th anniversary logo etched on the blade and bone handles.

W. R. Case is preparing to launch a family of six BSA pocketknives next month. Each knife comes in a variety of different styles from the Peanut to the Hobo. All are made with a standard jigged navy blue bone handle featuring the Boy Scouts of America logo on both the handle and steel blade.

Lladro, maker of porcelain art, joins the celebration with a new collectible figurine. The Classic Scout is a 9×4 porcelain piece inspired by the illustrations of Norman Rockwell and the uniform worn in the 1970s.

Each Lladro BSA 100^th anniversary Classic Scout figurine collectible includes a certificate of authenticity in the box and is available now for purchase at Lladro Boutiques, lladro.com, and select retail stores.

Available in spring 2010, Manual Woodworkers and Weavers will introduce an officially licensed line of personalized BSA fleece blankets at participating Walmart stores. To personalize the blanket, customers can visit any Walmart photography kiosk to upload a photo. Once submitted, the image is sent to a photographic studio and delivered to Manual Woodworkers and Weavers to create the final product.
Customers will be able to choose among a variety of different BSA designs to customize their blanket including Cub Scouts designs, Boy Scouts designs, and an Eagle Scout design.

Sykel Enterprises has created a 48×60 officially licensed fabric print. The fabric print is made from 100 percent polyester and has an anti-pill face.

Product is available in the fabric departments of most Walmart stores, Mary Jo’s Cloth Store, Hancock Fabric Stores, and other fabric stores throughout the U.S.

Finally, Hybrid Apparel, LLC, a private label and licensing distributor of men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel; and Camfour, Inc., a wholesale distributor of fire arms, hunting, and shooting supplies, will each produce BSA-branded merchandise.

Nickelodeon is marking the 10th anniversary of Dora the Explorer with a pro-social campaign titled Beyond the Backpack that champions overall school readiness for preschoolers. The campaign will serve as the key component of Nickelodeon’s overall plans for Dora the Explorer‘s anniversary, and will consist of a PSA campaign featuring Salma Hayek Pinault and Dora herself; a fundraising auction of limited-edition Dora backpacks, with designs by Hayek Pinault and other celebrities; financial grants; a dedicated website with downloadable toolkits for parents and educators; and local community activities across the country.

Beyond the Backpack is a multi-year, multi-platform program for preschoolers as they prepare for the important adventure of going to school. In partnership with The Children’s Defense Fund, National Parents Teachers Association (PTA), and other experts and leaders in school readiness who will form an advisory committee, Beyond the Backpack will help provide parents and educators with tools and resources that can help kids prepare for a well-rounded, positive school experience.
Beyond the Backpack is designed to call attention to the emotional, physical, experiential, and actual competencies that preschoolers need for those first steps into school, including: social skills and emotional intelligence; early literacy and math skills; in-school involvement and resources like school supplies; and health and wellness basics. The components of the campaign include dedicated PSAs; a website with information, links to partner organizations, and downloadable content for parents and educators; financial resources and grants; fundraising activities; and community events.
National PTA has signed on as Beyond the Backpack signature partner for the campaign. They will be providing long-term, multi-year grassroots support through the distribution of educational materials to their national constituency, and will co-author a parent’s toolkit for distribution.

To add further support to the Beyond the Backpack initiative, Hayek Pinault is featured in a forthcoming Beyond the Backpack PSA television campaign alongside Dora.  Hayek also is leading an effort with Nickelodeon to create a limited-edition series of celebrity-designed backpacks for auction this summer. Hayek Pinault, John Leguizamo, Slash, Shakira, and other celebrities will put their personal touches on special Dora-themed backpacks. A limited quantity of each backpack will be auctioned off globally, in countries including the U.S., France, the UK, Mexico, Canada, Spain, The Netherlands, Greece, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel.  One hundred percent of the U.S. proceeds will benefit the Children’s Defense Fund, while 100 percent of international proceeds will go toward childhood education in each respective country.