ITVS GE Preps More Thunderbirds Are Go Merchandise

LONDON: ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) is launching consumer products programs for the animated kids’ series Thunderbirds Are Go in France, Benelux and the Nordics.

ITVS GE is working with master toy licensee Vivid Imaginations to launch a toy range in each market, with the rollout set to begin in September. The first toys to launch include flagship lines such as the Tracy Island interactive play set, Supersize Thunderbird 2 play set and Tracy brothers action figures.

The rollout will be supported by TV advertising, digital and PR campaigns and retail promotions. In addition to the toy line with Vivid, ITVS GE is working with licensing agents in France, Benelux and the Nordics to grow local consumer products programs

Trudi Hayward, the senior VP and head of global merchandise at ITVS GE, commented, “We’re delighted to see Thunderbirds Are Go attracting a loyal fan base across Europe and generating a great deal of interest from local partners and retailers, too. There’s much more to come from the brand and these latest developments underline its potential to become one of the most popular boys’ properties in Europe.”

In France, Vivid’s toy line will have a special launch with Toys “R” Us that will include dedicated end cap in all stores, back-to-school catalog offers and website banners. A gift-with-purchase promotion will follow later in the year for the Christmas season. In addition, La Grande Récré will offer end caps in 200 stores and will also run an exclusive gift-with-purchase offer during October and November. The toy retailer will also host Thunderbirds Are Go content on its website and launch a parenting blogger outreach initiative. ITVS GE is collaborating with licensing agent Nelvana to develop a full range of merchandise, and Hachette Livre was appointed as the master publisher and will release its first Thunderbirds Are Go storybook this fall. Kid’Abord signed on for a collection of back to school, stationery and bags that will roll out in 2017.

In the Benelux territories, Spin Master will debut its Air Hoggs collection in September. License Connection represents the brand in the region and has signed Meis & Maas as master publishing partner, with a range of books and magazine formats set to launch next year. Jacob is on board for a line of boys’ bags, while home-entertainment partner Just Entertainment’s second edition DVD will release next month.

In the Nordics, Vivid’s toy line will be distributed by TOP-TOY through BR Toys and Toys “R” Us starting later this summer. ITVS GE is also working with licensing agent Alicom to add more local partners across publishing, apparel, accessories and homeware.