Cartoon Saloon’s new co-pro is building buzz

Julián (pictured)—which will be staging a premiere at this year’s Annecy Film Festival—has inked new deals. Actor Zoe Saldaña’s banner Cinestar Pictures is on board for the project, joining Melusine Studio, Aircraft Pictures and Sun Creature. Plus, New Europe Film Sales will serve as the international sales agent while CAA Media Finance will head up US sales. Based on the picture book Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love, the film tells the story of a seven-year-old boy who spends a summer with his grandmother and dreams of becoming a mermaid.

The Noble Collection will stick around at Hogwarts

In an expanded deal with WBD Global Consumer Products, the collectibles brand has secured licensing rights for the upcoming Harry Potter series on HBO—and has also re-upped its longtime license for the Wizarding World movies. The Noble Collection range will include its signature wand replicas as well as collector plush, sculptures, jewelry and stationery.

It’s another decade of Monster Jam for Spin Master 

The Canadian toymaker has renewed its global master toy licensing agreement with Feld Motor Sports for the monster truck brand, now extended by another 10 years. The companies have joined forces since 2019, selling more than 75 million Monster Jam toy trucks inspired by the family-friendly live motorsport event. Spin Master plans to expand the brand into new categories.

Turtlebox’s Bumpadoo! will be back for round two

The preschool stop-motion series will roll out a second season (22 x three and a half minutes) in the spring next year on TVOkids, spanning broadcast, YouTube and its smart TV app. Vérité International will handle the distribution for both seasons, totaling 32 episodes. Produced by Canada’s Turtlebox Productions, this show follows a friendly alien learning about STEM topics with his four-year-old human bestie. 

WEBTOON Entertainment is embracing AI avatars

The webcomic platform has struck a deal with AI avatar company Genies to add character-based chat and interactive experiences to select creator-approved titles. Genies recently entered a similar partnership to create AI-enabled digital experiences featuring Sanrio characters. For WEBTOON, it’s a way to help fandoms access more hidden lore and immersive experiences with their favorite IPs.

(Featured image: Aircraft Pictures)