MAM
Cartoon Network, Funskool ink licensing deal for ‘Beyblade’
MUMBAI: Cartoon Network Enterprises, the consumer products division of Cartoon Network has inked a licensing deal with Funskool India for Beyblade toys.
In May this year, the company had rolled out consumer products of the Powerpuff Girls, Dexter’s Laboratory and Johnny Bravo.
As the India representative of Beyblade-Japan, Cartoon Network Enterprises has appointed Funskool as the key retailer, producer and distributor of these toys in India. The show premiered on Cartoon Network on 20 May and has been consistently throwing ratings of 1+ on the network.
“Cartoon Network has always been at the forefront of bringing novel concepts to Indian kids, and Beyblade toys will be yet another effort to drive the popularity of our characters outside the realm of television,” said Cartoon Network Enterprises, India and South Asia director Jiggy George.
He further added, “I am very excited about this launch, as this is the first time that Cartoon Network Enterprises is foraying into third party licensing and as the year progresses we will be announcing more such strategic tie-ups.”
Having its origins in ancient Japanese spinning top Bei Goma, the Beyblade is a cutting edge sports entertainment brand targeted at young boys. Beyblading combines a heady mix of adrenaline and strategy, to give the player an exciting, fun-filled experience coupled with an element of learning.
To cater to the huge demand across segments, the toys have been very competitively priced keeping all pockets in mind. Priced between Rs 149-349, the Beyblade toys are available in different assortments.
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Netflix acquires Ben Affleck’s AI film-tech firm InterPositive
Streaming giant picks up production startup to streamline digital filmmaking
LOS ANGELES: Netflix has officially acquired InterPositive, an AI film-technology startup founded by actor and director Ben Affleck. The move marks a significant investment by the streaming service into assistive AI tools designed to support the technical side of movie production. While many AI companies focus on generating new images or scripts, InterPositive focuses on the logistical challenges of filmmaking. The firm’s technology is designed to handle technical tasks that often delay post-production, such as correcting lighting inconsistencies and ensuring visual continuity across different takes.
The acquisition is not about replacing human actors or writers. Instead, Netflix intends to use the technology as a digital assistant for directors. The software understands cinematic logic, meaning it can automatically adjust background elements or environmental effects to ensure a film looks polished and consistent without months of manual editing.
In a Netflix post on Thursday, Affleck emphasised that the project was born out of a desire to support the craft rather than automate it. “I knew I had a responsibility to my peers and our industry, to protect the power of human creativity and the people behind it. In creating InterPositive, I sought to do just that,” Affleck wrote. “From the invention of the moving image to the transition to digital, from motion capture to virtual production, technology has evolved alongside the artists who use it. Our shared commitment to continuing this legacy makes joining together a natural next step.”
Netflix chief product and technology officer Elizabeth Stone said, “Our approach to AI has always been focused on meaningfully serving the needs of the creative community. InterPositive’s technology is purpose-built for filmmakers and showrunners to naturally support their visions. We’re excited to welcome the team to Netflix and continue building a future where technology enhances storytelling, while people remain at the core.”
Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria added, “New tools should expand creative freedom, not constrain it. Ben and his team are part of a long tradition of artists leading innovation in storytelling. Their work gives filmmakers more choices, control, and protection for their vision.”
The deal coincides with a broader partnership between Netflix and Artists Equity, the production company led by Affleck and Matt Damon. Following the success of their recent projects on the platform, this acquisition cements Affleck’s role as both a creative and technical advisor to the streamer. Affleck noted that the partnership was a logical fit due to “Netflix’s decades of experience applying and scaling technology responsibly.” He will serve as a senioradvisor for the integration of the technology, ensuring the tools remain focused on helping filmmakers.
For the film industry, this acquisition signals a shift in strategy. Rather than just buying finished movies, Netflix is now owning the specialized technology used to build them. By bringing these tools in-house, the company aims to reduce the rising costs and lengthy timelines associated with high-budget original films while giving their productions a technical edge in speed and visual quality.
