Scholastic adds Toy Play to its Maya & Miguel ranks

Gearing up for the PBS debut of Maya & Miguel on October 11, Scholastic Entertainment has appointed New York-based Toy Play, a subsidiary of The Betesh Group, as the property’s master toy licensee. Betesh’s VP of new business development and marketing, Jonathan Breiter, says the initial line for fall 2005 is tight, showcasing nine SKUs built around Maya to appeal to the show’s core target demo of girls six to 11. Included in phase one are sets of 2.5-inch PVC collectible figures (US$5.99), lifestyle environments themed as fiesta, siesta and soccer sets with accompanying 6.5-inch M&M character play figures, and a 14-inch interactive Maya (US$24.95) that spouts 10 Spanish and English phrases. The doll also features a ponytail that spins just like Maya’s does when she has an I-Love-Lucy-like brilliant idea on the TV show. The new toys will be on display at Toy Play’s brand-new 1107 Broadway digs during this month’s American International Fall Toy Show in New York.

Universal names King Kong’s master

Universal Studios Consumer Products Group has named Playmates Toys as master toy licensee for its remake of King Kong, currently in production with Lord of the Rings whiz Peter Jackson at the helm. The Costa Mesa, California-based toyco will kick off the line with a series of detailed action figures in the likeness of the gigantic ape and his legendary foes. These first products will hit shelves in tandem with the movie’s December 2005 release. At press time, USCPG was in the process of rounding out the program with apparel, accessories, interactive, publishing, collectibles, fine art, home furnishing, food & beverage, gift, stationery and wireless licensees.