Maurizio Distefano Licensing (MD Licensing), stand B58, may well be a first-timer at BLE but many of its property representations will be very familiar to visitors to stand B58 — among them Masha and the Bear, Angry Birds, ALVINNN!!! and the Chipmunks, and emoji® – the iconic brand.

This fast-growing agency has developed a strong reputation and client list in the Italian market since its formation three years ago by respected industry veteran Maurizio Distefano.

In fact just prior to BLE it has added a number of new representations, which it feels will be able to build a licensing base in Italy based on their strong showing in multiple media.

Online hit Booba is a perfect example: a cute, inquisitive character who explores the world with joy and wonder. Produced by 3D Sparrow animation studio, Booba’s adventures show a strange but friendly creature whose boundless energy and enthusiasm, awkward movements and strong desire to learn more about the world around him often have hilarious results. His popularity on Amazon Prime and his own dedicated online channel has now inspired a licensing campaign.

Simon's Cat is a popular animated cartoon and book series about a hungry house cat who is in regular conflict with his owner, usually over getting fed. First published in the UK in 2009, the first book starring the food-obsessed, accident-prone feline and the long-suffering Simon soon appeared in a number of other countries and inspired further titles. A newspaper comic strip followed and then a series of animated shorts distributed on YouTube. Now brand owner Endemol Shine Group is taking this eccentric and very hungry cat, his unfortunate owner and the cat’s many friends and foes into the licensing arena.

Finally, as part of the strategic alliance with Biplano known as BMD Licensing Partners, stand B58 will also be promoting opportunities in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal for Sony Pictures, and in particular The Emoji Movie, Jumanji, Peter Rabbit and the Barbie Movie.