Nickelodeon Sets Development Slate & Creates Inkubators Animation Lab

From AWN Headline News:

Nick Sets Development Slate & Creates Inkubators Animation Lab

At its 2006-07 upfront presentation, Nickelodeon announced a slate that will include content developed from such platforms as feature films, videogames, broadband and international production, as well as a multi-million dollar development slate for non-linear productions. New projects have been commissioned from Steve Oedekerk, The Wayans Brothers, Alison Taylor, Jorge Gutierrez and Sandra Equihua Nick will also premiere 254 new episodes during the 2006-07 season, as well as new platforms for content including video podcasts.

Cyma Zarghami, president of Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group, said Nickelodeon is committing to a multi-million dollar development slate to introduce new original content specifically for non-linear platforms, including launching an animation laboratory called "Inkubators," based at Nickelodeon's animation studio in Burbank, California. The Inkubators Lab will be dedicated to the development of original animated content made specifically for a diverse range of platforms, including broadband; wireless; portable video devices; online and gaming. Additionally, Nickelodeon will be committing development resources to the creation of long and short form content developed from creators in international markets.

"The first Nickelodeon generation of kids grew up in a video democracy where the words broadcast and cable meant nothing, and great characters and stories meant everything," said Zarghami. "This next generation of kids is platform agnostic. We already are programming to kids on 15 different platforms and we're excited to be expanding our tradition of strong content development to reach across broadband, digital and wireless screens that have become a daily part of their lives. Kids are the first adapters of the digital age and we are going to fully integrate our brand into that space with great character and story-driven content that will be developed specifically for the products they are accessing."

During the 2006-07 season Nickelodeon will introduce the following series that were developed from non-traditional platforms:

TAK AND THE POWER OF JUJU (15 episodes — premieres in 2007 on Nickelodeon)
Developed from the successful videogame series, Tak and the Power of Juju is a CGI animated adventure comedy series created in conjunction with THQ, Nickelodeon and game developer Avalanche Software that follows the slightly skewed comic adventures of fun-loving, mischievous 14-year old Tak, who has gained access to the magical, mythical realm of the always colorful and powerful Jujus. Set in an out-of-this world jungle paradise, Tak and his partners in adventure, Keeko and Jeera constantly find themselves in over their heads, but somehow always find a way out by relying on their native wits. Hal Sparks stars as the voice of Tak, with Tommy Davidson as Keeko and Colleen O'Shaughnessey as Jeera.

MR. MEATY (13 episodes — premieres in 2007 on Nickelodeon)
Developed from Nickelodeon's TurboNick broadband platform where it appeared as a series of shorts, Mr. Meaty is an animated comedy set in the flashy facade of a fastfood franchise and focuses on the working life of two teenage slackers, Josh and Parker, the unofficial, unaware champions of the underdog in a world that relies on the cookie-cutter mentality and the veneer of a perfect customer service experience. Full of teenaged self-importance and slouching indifference, the boys are willing to endure one of the most soulless jobs on earth in order to save enough money to produce their dream project — an awesome horror movie called "Ninja Zombies." From their six-by-six foot square food-court bunker, they plan to improve their lives and their ultimate escape from the monotony of minimum wage.

DOWNWARD DOGHOUSE (working title) (20 episodes — premieres March 2007 on Nick Jr.)
Developed and produced through a partnership between Nickelodeon and Wang Films, Downward Doghouse is a new, original animated series that introduces preschoolers to the many aspects of Chinese culture and language through a five-year-old Chinese-American girl named Kai-lan. Following in the tradition of DORA THE EXPLORER and GO, DIEGO, GO!, this new play-along series features an intergenerational Chinese-American family and teaches the Mandarin language to preschoolers at home — a first for preschool television. Each half-hour centers on Kai-lan and her relationships with her grandfather, her animal friends and the natural world. Kai-lan is an emotionally gifted child who is driven to understand the world and how things are linked together both physically and emotionally. Every episode follows the adventures of Kai-lan and her friends as they learn to identify their emotions and stop to consider the feelings of others. The series explores the colorful aspects of Kai-lan's upbringing and background including family, food, and language while encouraging preschoolers to care for others and their environment.
DOWNWARD DOGHOUSE is created by Karen Chau and Executive Produced by Mary Harrington. The animation production will be done in conjunction with Wang Films, with animation taking place in both Shanghai and Taiwan. In addition to the animation work, key episode designs will be created and produced at the Wang studio in China.

NICKTOONS NETWORK ANIMATION FESTIVAL (premieres August 2006 on Nicktoons Network)
After two successful festivals and entries received from around the world, Nicktoons Network, the 24-hour animation network owned by Nickelodeon, will partner for the first time with KIDSCREEN MAGAZINE and again with Frederator Studios, for this year's Nicktoons Network Animation Festival. Animators from around the globe can submit their original short films created in any style of animation and a grand jury will select a $10,000 grand prize winner from the top ten films chosen by the pre-selection jury. The festival will debut on Nicktoons Network's air on August 26 and will run for six nights. For the first time, the animation festival will also be available to view online at www.nicktoonsnetwork.com and will kick off with a two-day, live screening event at the Nicktoons Studios in Burbank on Aug. 12 and Aug. 13.

BARNYARD (13 episodes — premieres in 2007 on Nickelodeon)
Developed from the upcoming feature film of the same title and created by Steve Oedekerk (JIMMY NEUTRON: BOY GENIUS, THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, ACE VENTURA: WHEN NATURE CALLS), BARNYARD is a CGI animated comedy series that takes a hilarious look at what really happens in a barnyard when the farmer's back is turned. The series centers on Otis, a former carefree party cow who recently took over as the patriarch of the farm. Otis is advised (and sometimes ill-advised) on how best to govern the barnyard by his best friends: Pip, an outspoken mouse; and Freddie, a neurotic ferret and Peck, a level-headed rooster. Constantly faced with protecting the barnyard animals from all that lurks just beyond the fence, Otis must balance his desire to be the irresponsible cow of his youth with his new, grownup responsibilities.

WOW! WOW! WUBBZY! (26 episodes — premieres 2007 on Nick Jr.)
The series was first introduced as THE WUBBCAST, the world's first-ever video podcast of preschooler programming. THE WUBBCAST features musical animation (5-7 minute episodes) for distribution on portable video devices, including iPod and Sony PlayStation Portable [PSP] and mobile telephones. This original animated preschool series celebrates the spirit of teamwork and cooperation through a curious little creature named Wubbzy and his two pals Widget and Walden. The offbeat, loveable friends live in a whimsical and imaginative world and when Wubbzy runs into everyday kid problems, he calls on his friends for help and advice. Each half-hour episode of WOW! WOW! WUBBZY! will feature two, 10-minute adventures with the themes of the day reinforced through an original music video, followed by a direct-to-camera segment where the three friends address the preschoolers at home. The series is a Bolder Media for Boys and Girls Production in association with IDT/Film Roman. Bob Boyle (THE FAIRLY ODDPARENTS and DANNY PHANTOM) is the creator and exec producer of the series. Susan Miller of Bolder Media Inc. and Mixed Media Group and Fred Seibert of Bolder Media Inc. and Frederator Studios, are also exec producers on Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!.

Nickelodeon Television will also launch the following new series in 2006-07:

EL TIGRE (13 episodes— premieres in 2007 on Nickelodeon) is a Mexican folk art-inspired animated comedy with a spaghetti western twist, created by husband-wife team Jorge Gutierrez and Sandra Equihua (El Macho). EL TIGRE centers on a teenage boy, Manny Rivera (El Tigre), who must choose to become a great superhero, like his father, Rodolpho, or a feared super-villain like his grandfather. Manny struggles with the daily choice of which super-power he will master because being good is good... but being bad is fun.

THUGABOO (3 specials – the first one premieres in August 2006 on Nickelodeon, then Nicktoons Network) is a series of animated specials themed around important times in kids' lives, such as holidays and the first day of school. It takes a humorous look at the trials and tribulations of nine very different kids growing up in the inner city. Through their series of misadventures, the kids learn valuable lessons about everything from the importance of friendship to never giving up on a dream. Each special ends with a special musical number played out in music video format. Shawn, Marlon and Kenan Ivory Wayans produce, write and lend their voices to Thugaboo, their first animation project. Also featured in the specials are celebrity appearances by Michael Rapaport, Tracy Morgan, David Alan Grier and Kim Wayans.

THE LIL' JJ SHOW (working title) (13 episodes — premieres in 2007 on Nickelodeon) is a live-action multi-generational comedy starring teenage actor/comedian Lil' JJ, which chronicles the adventures of ninth grader Jordan Lewis who has been waiting tables and stocking shelves at his family's legendary Grants Eat-n-Greet Diner since he was tall enough to reach the counter. Each week Jordan and his neighborhood pals navigate their way through some of the great teenage injustices on the ever-changing front lines of adolescence. Alison Taylor (CLARISSA EXPLAINS IT ALL, LIZZIE MCGUIRE, CHEETA GIRLS) is creator and executive producer, with Ken Bright consulting. Nick Movies is also in development on a feature project for the teenage actor/comedian to star. The untitled film is based on the real-life rags-to-riches story he shares with his teacher-turned-manager, Ken Bright.

Nickelodeon will also continue to introduce content on new, innovative platforms including games on www.nick.com and video podcasts.

Video Podcasts
Nickelodeon just launched on a new platform with its content — video podcasts. Video podcasts will be available on Nick.com and iTunes for various TEENick shows such as ZOEY 101, NICKELODEON'S KIDS' CHOICE AWARDS and various Nick Movies. The network will introduce several podcasts over the course of 2006-07.

Nick.com New Games of the Week
Over the course of 2006-07, Nick.com will introduce more than 100 "New Game of the Week" titles on Nick.com, featuring new and original games based on various Nick properties. Since the New Game of the Week's initial launch on Nick.com, eight new games have been featured and have generated almost 50 million game plays. Nick.com totals 152 million gameplays (which includes all its game offerings) for 2006, with 18 million game plays in March alone.

For the 2006-07 season, 18 current Nick and Nick Jr. series will premiere new episodes, totaling over 127 hours of original programming. Pickups on returning hit series include: ZOEY 101 (26 episodes), UNFABULOUS (13 episodes), NED'S DECLASSIFIED SCHOOL SURVIVAL Guide (15 episodes) and DRAKE & JOSH (13 episodes); SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS (20 episodes); LAZYTOWN (18 episodes); THE BACKYARDIGANS (20 episodes) and GO, DIEGO, GO! (20 episodes).

Nickelodeon (www.nick.com), in its 26th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the U.S. and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in 89 million households and has been the top-rated basic cable network for more than 10 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

Nick Jr. Orders More Max & Ruby For Spring 2007

From Animation World Network's Headline News:

Nick Jr. Orders More Max & Ruby

Nickelodeon Preschool Television has announced that they have picked up a 14-episode season of the 2D-animated preschool series MAX & RUBY. In addition, a new MAX & RUBY Easter special will premiere on Nick Jr. and NOGGIN in Spring 2007 to kick off the new season.

Based on the classic children’s book series by author and illustrator Rosemary Wells, MAX & RUBY follows the adventures of two bunny siblings. The show, a co-production from Nelvana/Corus Ent. in association with Chorion Silver Lining, airs weekdays on NOGGIN at 10:30 am (ET).

“We’re thrilled to bring more MAX & RUBY episodes to Nick Jr. and Noggin,” said Brown Johnson, exec creative director, Nickelodeon Preschool Television. “Preschoolers clearly delight in Max’s antics and Ruby’s creative persistence. They are a dynamic brother-sister duo.”

“We believe passionately in MAX & RUBY. The books and the TV series speak directly to young children across cultures and the series is a firm favorite with broadcasters, parents and youngsters alike. We are delighted that Nelvana has produced 14 more half-hour episodes and that Nick Jr. has picked these up. We know that Max and Ruby’s large family of devoted fans can’t wait to get to see these new shows,” said Nicholas James, ceo of Chorion.

Each half-hour episode of MAX & RUBY consists of three seven-and-a-half-minute stories that celebrate the universal nature of sibling relationships. The series follows Max, an enthusiastic and determined preschool bunny, and his big sister Ruby, a very smart and goal-oriented seven-year-old, through their everyday lives in the village of East Bunnyhop. Even though Max and Ruby have conflicting agendas, they enjoy working and playing together.

Chorion owns and manages classic and contemporary literary-based brands that have worldwide appeal. Its owned properties include NODDY, MR. MEN and the works of Agatha Christie and Raymond Chandler. Its managed properties include the non-publishing rights to MAX & RUBY, OLIVIA and Eric Carle. Chorion has offices in London, New York, Tokyo and Sydney. In the U.S., all its children’s properties are managed by Chorion Silver Lining, a wholly owned subsidiary. Chorion specializes in developing and producing new television content for its properties, directly or with third parties, and then building those properties into worldwide brands. For more information, visit www.chorion.co.uk.

Nelvana is one of the world's leading international producers and distributors of children's animated content. Nelvana is owned by Corus Ent. Inc., a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. Corus is a market leader in specialty television and radio with additional assets in pay television, advertising and digital audio services, television broadcasting, children’s book publishing and children’s animation. The company’s multimedia entertainment brands include YTV, Treehouse, W Network, Movie Central, Nelvana, Kids Can Press and radio stations, including CKNW, CKOI and Q107. Corus creates engaging branded entertainment experiences for its audiences across multiple platforms. A publicly traded company, Corus is listed on the Toronto and New York exchanges.

Nick Jr. is a specially designed programming block airing on Nickelodeon weekdays from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm (ET/PT). Completely dedicated to preschoolers ages 2-5, Nick Jr.’s Emmy, Peabody and Parents’ Choice Award-winning programs are curriculum based, fun and commercial free.

NOGGIN, the commercial-free, educational preschool network from Nickelodeon, reaches 52 million households via cable, digital cable and satellite TV. NOGGIN, which airs from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (ET), is like preschool on TV, with educational programming both on-air and online at www.noggin.com.

Nick Jr. Greenlights Second Season Of The Wonder Pets!

From Animation World Network's Headline News:

Nick Jr. Greenlights Second Season Of The Wonder Pets!

Nick Jr. has greenlit a second season of the hit animated series, THE WONDER PETS! The groundbreaking series, which premiered March 3, 2006, has consistently ranked among the top three preschool programs on all of commercial television.

Created and exec produced by Josh Selig of Little Airplane Prods. Inc., THE WONDER PETS! stars three courageous classroom pets who sing opera and travel the world as they take preschoolers on musical world adventures. THE WONDER PETS! airs regularly on Nick Jr. weekdays at 11:00 am.

“A singing guinea pig, turtle and duck, tales of teamwork and far away places, combined with a fresh photoreal animated style make THE WONDER PETS! practically irresistible for kids and parents,” said Brown Johnson, exec creative director, Nickelodeon Preschool Television.

The series has been sold to 67 countries around the globe, including 49 countries in South America and the Caribbean, three countries in Europe and 15 countries in Asia and Asia Pacific.

THE WONDER PETS! chronicles the adventures of three funny, singing classroom pets: Linny the Guinea Pig, Ming-Ming Duckling and Turtle Tuck, who travel the world and use teamwork to save baby animals in distress.

Every episode of THE WONDER PETS! is an original mini-operetta filled with world music influences suited to the locale of the day’s adventure. The music is written and developed by top Tony and Grammy Award-winning talent, including Jeffrey Lesser, a producer and recording engineer for artists including Barbra Streisand, Sting and Linda Ronstadt. Award-winning composers and orchestrators from Broadway’s AVENUE Q, MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF have also worked on the series. The music on THE WONDER PETS! is recorded with a live orchestra; and much of the dialogue is sung in operetta style.

At the end of each school day when the teachers and students have all gone home, the fearless trio become THE WONDER PETS! In every story, The Wonder Pets! receive a call on a tin-can phone in their classroom from a baby animal who needs their help. The trio quickly assembles their Flyboat, made from a collection of classroom toys and travel together across oceans, into space, and even back in time to save animals in distress. While they don’t have any actual superpowers, but they work together as a team to overcome adversity.

THE WONDER PETS! is done in a new, original style of animation, called photo-puppetry animation, in which the animators manipulate photographs of real animals, creating a comical, realistic look that is unique to Nick Jr.

Little Airplane Prods. (www.littleairplane.com) specializes in film & television programming for young children. Founded by Josh Selig in 1999, Little Airplane Prods. created and produced Piper O'Possum for Nick Jr. and Oobi for NOGGIN (winner of a 2001 Gold Parents’ Choice Award). Little Airplane also created and produced GO, BABY! for Playhouse Disney. Additionally, Selig was the head writer for LITTLE BILL on Nick Jr.

Nick Jr. is a specially designed programming block airing on Nickelodeon weekdays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and weekends on CBS (check local listings). Completely dedicated to preschoolers, 2-5, Nick Jr.’s Emmy, Peabody and Parents’ Choice Award-winning programs are curriculum based, fun and commercial free. At Nick Jr., kids play to learn with innovative, original shows created just for them.

Nickelodeon (www.nick.com), in its 27th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the U.S. and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in 90 million households and has been the top-rated basic cable network for more than 10 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.