In 2014, one of the biggest years in sports, Nickelodeon Superstar SpongeBob will be the face of the first ever Nickelodeon Slime Cup!
Tweeted (posted) by Nickelodeon UK and Ireland on their official Twitter profile page (@NickelodeonUK):
And:Been playing @SpongeBob diner dash! I'm addicted!@NickelodeonUK: Isnt it the best! I [heart] Sea Monster Smoosh: http://ow.ly/aPjO9 [direct link to the Nickelodeon's 'SpongeBob SquarePants - Sea Monster Smoosh' online video game on the official Nickelodeon UK website, Nick.co.uk]
Also:You do realise you can watch it all online?@NickelodeonUK: In low quality yes, but absolutely NOTHING beats watching it on Nickelodeon!!
And:I hate watching stuff online coz Its well b8r quality [better quality] on NICKELODEON!! :)@NickelodeonUK: True facts :D
We've got a cool iCarly game to share with you soon... ...keep your eyes peeled!Also:
Can't wait for iCarly @ 5.30pm? Try out this brill new game before the show starts! http://ow.ly/aQCSg [direct link to the brand new iCarly online game 'Street Fishing' on the official Nickelodeon UK website, Nick.co.uk]And:
Reality show fever arrives on Victorious @ 6.30pm. What's your fave ever episode?Also:
Watching iCarly? What's the name of the gang's lovesick teacher? Tweet it and we'll give one of you a shout out!And:
Mrs Ackerman Correct! Congrats :)Also:
Romance is blossoming in iCarly - can't wait to see what happens!And:
A bit of Victorious Trivia for you... ... Which character did Tori nurse after they had their wisdom teeth out?Also:
Well done to everyone who answered Trina to our Victorious trivia question - you know your stuff!And:
Wish there was a magic meatball to make all our decisions for us!Also:
Want more iCarly? Play the cool new game :) http://ow.ly/aQFnZ [direct link to the brand new iCarly online game 'Spencer's Beavecoon Bounce' on the official Nickelodeon UK website, Nick.co.uk]And:
Po is officially the funniest Panda ever!! Kung Fu Panda is on right now!!Also:
If you could be in any Nick show EVER what would it be?? I reckon I would fit right into the cast of Victorious - what about you guys?! [heart symbol]And:
Trivia Tuesday! What year did the first ep of @iCarly air in the UK?Also:
Thanks for all the tweets! The answer, as many of you let me know was 2007! :)And:
oops! slip of the keyboard guys! 2008!Also:
#FF [Follow Friday] our favourite underwater buddy @SpongeBobAnd:
Who's ready to freak the freak out with @Victorious at 5pm? I sure am!Also:
TRIVIA TURESDAY! Which @iCarly characters had to share a locker in the ep iMust Have Locker?Also:
Well done to everyone who guessed... Sam and Freddie! :)And:
I listen to all your requests! New iCarly will be coming, keep your eyes peeled as you'll hear it here!Also:
Can't stop playing cupcake getaway! RT if you love this too! http://ow.ly/brK24 [direct link to Nickelodeon's "Victorious" online game 'Cupcake Getaway' on the official Nickelodeon UK website, Nick.co.uk]And [8/6/2012]:
Loved the song on tonights @Victorious. Finally fallen = fab!Also:
TRIVIA TUESDAY! Who knows what the shoe was called that Carly, Freddie and Sam were asked to promote?And:
The answer? Techfoots! Well done, a few of you got this right :)Also [12/6/2012]:
Cringeworthy stuff for Sam coming up in #lifewithboys!And [13/6/2012]:
Mid week blues? Dont worry Carly Sam and Freddie are on in half an hour! Phew! ;)Also:
Who wants to try out a brand new game at http://nick.co.uk ? Try SpongeBob Oh Snap! Road Trip! http://ow.ly/buUVC [direct link to the official Nickelodeon UK websites' brand new "SpongeBob SquarePants" "Oh Snap! Road Trip!" online game on Nick.co.uk]And:
Lovesick teacher is one of my fave ever @icarly eps! what's yours?Also:
ITS THE WEEKEND! what will you be doing?TNIF - Thank Nick It's Friday! Friday's Cool 'Cos There's No More School!
And:
A snapshot of Big Time Rush ' Big Time Dance' especially for you! :) - it's on at 5.30pm http://ow.ly/i/GH75Also:
Lets dance!I l [heart symbol] school dances - who else has been to one like #bigtimerush?And:
Rewinding the clock today with @victorious ! Only half an hour to go!Also:
Can't stop singing 'Make It Shine'! [heart symbol] Tori :)And:
TRIVA TUESDAY TIME! RT for one of you if you get this question right...Also:
.. Who knows the name of Tori's Teacher in the episode Bird Scene?And:
Lots of right answers... who should I pick for a RT? Its so tricky - all of you are fab! :)Also:
the answer was Mr Sikowitz - a tricky name to spell! Well done to everyone who answered!And:
Sam & Freddie dating: cool or weird?Also:
Have you played this @victorious game yet? Tell me how far you got! http://ow.ly/bE04F [direct link to the Nickelodeon online game "Victorious Locked Up!" on the official Nickelodeon UK website, Nick.co.uk]And [in reply to a "VicTORIous" fan and Nickelodeon UK viewers Tweet regarding the "Victorious Locked Up!" Nickelodeon online game mentioned above]:
Also:1816@NickelodeonUK: Good effort! Better than me! :)
Check out the all new SpongeBob Pirate Ship! http://ow.ly/bE08W [direct link to the SpongeBob SquarePants "Spongebob Pirate Boat Playset" product page on the official Smyths Toys website, smythstoys.com]And:
Not long until the weekend!Doing anything fun? :)Also:
Not long until @iCarly! What have been your best iCarly moments?And:
RT if you are iCarly's BIGGEST FAN! [iCarly Superfan (Super Fan)]Also:
SERIOUSLY bad stage make up going on in @victorious!And:
@iCarly is making me hungry this eve!Also:
Poor Sam - Tess is being so nice in this ep! [heart symbol] her #lifewithboysAnd:
Who wants a RT? Just answer this... which member of #bigtimerush can't stop spray tanning in the ep 'Big Time Fever'?Also:
And:The answer is James !@NickelodeonUK: Correct!
V excited and you're right! :-DAlso:
Majorly harsh rules in @icarly today! :( [iCarly episode "iHave My Principals"]And:
SpongeBob is on RIGHT NOW! After this ep theres a cool new game you can play too :) http://ow.ly/bTehS [direct link to Nickelodeon's brand new "SpongeBob SquarePants" online game, 'Colossal Chaos', on the official Nickelodeon UK website, Nick.co.uk]Also:
A few qs about new Victorious - I listen! :) New eps will be coming, just keep your eyes peeled and Ill let you know!And:
RT if you love @victorious as much as I do! That's A LOT btw [by the way]Also:
WEEEEEKEEEEND! RT if youre as excited as me!!!!And:
1 hour to go until #lifewithboys - wonder what tess & co will get up to today?!!!Also:
A lot of Friday feeling being sent my way today from you all - Happy :)And:
I think Carly is smart enough already!!!! Dont u? @icarly iQAlso:
Some of you are asking if you can have a shout out ... you'll get the chance of a mention much sooner than you think! :)And:
Another question! In @iCarly iGetPranky who gets teased for not being able to pull a decent prank? RT up for grabs! :)Also:
Who else wants a shout out today? I [heart symbol] your enthusiasm - just brill!And:
Brand new @victorious game has hit the UK! its right here - Im pretty bad at it! http://ow.ly/bUls2 [direct link to play Nickelodeon's "Victorious Coconut Catcher" online game on Nick.co.uk, the official Nickelodeon UK website]Also (9.45am Thursday 5/7/2012):
Lovin @icarly iBloop! who do you think made the most bloopers overall?!And (8.01am Friday 6/7/2012):
It's the weekend!!! Whos starting it off by watching @SpongeBob Bummer Vacation?Also (11.05am Saturday 7/7/2012):
When will iParty ever get old?? NEVER!! RT if youre watching [heart symbol]And (7.05am Sunday 8/7/2012):
Ever think I don't listen to you guys? NOT TRUE! You asked 4 Sleepover at Sikowitz, so I made sure it was put on for you RIGHT NOW!!Also:
Tuesday Trivia! In season 1, who does Carly have a crush on? I'll give u a clue in a min...And:
... his name begins with a 'J' .....Also:
RT [...] Yeah Jake :D Well done :)And:
Do you prefer Sam girly? Let me know what u think! I'm not sure...Also:
Yep I think I agree with you guys - I love her just the way she is!And:
Fancy playing a SpongeBob game? Check it out here http://ow.ly/c8Kta [direct link to play Nickelodeon's online "SpongeBob SquarePants" game 'Colossal Chaos' on the official Nickelodeon UK website, Nick.co.uk]Also:
Ha ha - Carly's look-a-like is so similar to her! Whos do u think is best?And:
Cool that theres more @icarly coming up - perfect chill out TV :)Also:
Wish I had a prom to go to like @victorious ...And:
sssssh! Its time 4 secrets in #bigtimerush today [Saturday 14th July 2012 at 5.30pm; "Big Time Rush" episode 'Big Time Secret']! R u any good at keeping secrets?Also:
Poor Gibby in @icarly! Hes so shy! :(And:
Tuesday Trivia! Its an easy RT for one of you! where was the UK version of #camporange held last year?Also:
RT: [...] Australia :)And:
ITS RE-E-WIND for #bigtimerush in one hour [heart symbol]Also:
S.U.M.M.E.R. H.O.L.L.I.D.A.YS !!!!!!!! Amazing feeling! Whos excited??!!!And:
Fred: The Movie is on today @7pm! I love this! Any other Fred fans?Also:
True Jackson VP followed by @icarly - perfect weekend viewing - so happy! :)And:
20,000 followers over the weekend! Thank you to every single one of you [heart symbol] - amazing way to start this sunny day! #nickloveAlso:
Tuesday Trivia! Who can tell me a character name of one of the #aliensurfgirls cast? RT up for grabs :)And:
Also:Brandon@NickelodeonUK: RT because I [heart symbol] him! heres your retweet
I want a Penny Tee! any1 else? @icarly.And:
#bigtimerush is on at 5.30pm [29/7/2012] - looking forward to it #ukrushers ? I am :)Also:
#bigtimemovie TONIGHT [Tuesday 31/7/2012] @7pm! I know that me and the v. dedicated #ukrushers will be watching! you guys r fab!And:
Hows every1s summer hols going? what u up to?Also:
yep chilling out - me too! and watching @icarly at the moAnd:
Watching #bigtimerush - boybands or girlbands - which are better?Also:
aaargh its too hard! I love both girlbands and boybands - pretty much all pop tunes! :)And:
Weekend [Friday 3rd August 2012]!!!!! - what are you all up to? I'm thinking of going for a bike ride...Also:
I want a twin... ... @icarly [Saturday 4th August 2012]!!!!And:
OMG its #igoonedirection is on in half an hour [Monday 6th August 2012]! I can hear your screams already - I'm so excited!!! whos your fave? http://ow.ly/i/Pl7u.Also:
Whos doing something exciting this avo? some of the best will get a RT! R u doing some cool stuff? #summerholsAnd:
Amazing performance so far from #teamGB at #london2012 - Who thinks we rock? I do!!!Also:
Tell me what Olympic sports you reckon some of the Nick stars would be good at! ill start - #aliensurfgirls - synchronised swimming...And:
In answer to a few tweets - The fab Winx Club is on Nickelodeon at 7am and 7.30 am on Sat & Sun at the mo! [as of Thursday 9th August 2012] :)Also [on Tuesday 14th August 2012]:
Wedding time in @iCarly - don't they all look smart LOL :)And [on Wednesday 15th August 2012]:
Back to back eps of @victorious on right now! :)Also:
Whos seen the BRAND NEW SpongeBob page - incredible! [heart symbol] Gary http://ow.ly/d0wYK. [direct link to Nickelodeon UK's brand new "SpongeBob SquarePants" website at Nick.co.uk/Spongebob]And:
Amazingly cool Victorious toys at Argos - out now!!!! http://ow.ly/cX81A http://ow.ly/i/R2eV [direct link to the "Victorious" product list page on the official Argos website, Argos.co.uk]Also [on Saturday 18th August 2012]:
Watch Fred: The Show on in half an hour at 9:00am ! :)And:
Wanna hear the BRAND NEW Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme song? #nickturtles RT & Ill share!!!!Also:
#nickturtles turtles new theme song here!!! http://ow.ly/d5nra [direct link to a online streaming video clip featuring Nickelodeon's brand new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" theme tune/theme song/intro music/opening song on Nick UK's brand new official TMNT website, turtles.nick.co.uk].And:
This game cracks me up! Awesome! http://ow.ly/d5j0L [direct link to Nickelodeon's online "SpongeBob SquarePants: Castle Challenge" game on Nick.co.uk]Also:
Boy trouble in @victorious today [Monday 27th August 2012] :(And:
Loved watching the pilot of @victorious :) now about to have some lunch and watch #bigtimerush too!Also:
Tuesday Trivia!!! What grade did Carly ACTUALLY get in iPromise not to tell ? RT up for grabs!!! :)And:
Good luck to all of @ParalympicsGB ! We'll be cheering REALLY LOUDLY over the next few weeks! :)
Tweeted (posted) by Nickelodeon USA on their official Twitter profile page (@NickelodeonTV) and ReTweeted by Nickelodeon UK and Ireland on their official Twitter feed (@NickelodeonUK):
Dear Nick fans, keep being awesome, you all rock :)And (on Monday 14th May 2012):
Happy birthday @MirandaCosgrove [Nickelodeon Star and actress Miranda Cosgrove]! Hope your day is filled with lots of random dancing (and cake)!Tweeted by Nick Jr. Channel UK and Ireland on their official Twitter profile feed (@NickJrUK):
Has your little one seen the I Love Art videos on #NickJrUK? Children explore the National Gallery in these lovely vids http://on.nickjr.co.uk/wuwv [direct link to Nick Junior eo clips on the official Nick Jr. UK and Ireland website, NickJr.co.uk, part of Nick Jr's official "Wake Up World" website]Also:
We would like to wish all the fathers and grandfathers a Happy Father's Day! How will you be spending it?And:
Does your little one love everything to do with Dora? Why not play some amazing, educational Dora games on #NickJrUK http://on.nickjr.co.uk/gd [direct link to Nick Jr. UK's official "Dora The Explorer" games webpage on the official Nick Junior UK website, NickJr.co.uk]Also:
What does your little one think of the Tickety Toc show? Do you like it as much as they do? If so why? Let us know!And:
Don’t forget to explore the new Dora shop [Nickelodeon's Nick Jr. Dora The Explorer Shop] at Smyths for fantastico offers & exclusive extras for your little explorer. http://www.smythstoys.com/brands/dora/138545.aspxAlso:
Why not print out and try this Bubble Guppies activity with your little one! http://pic.twitter.com/DB3voPly.And:
Play Basketball with Peppa Pig @nickjr http://www.nickjr.co.uk/play/peppa-pig/basketball/#!Also:
Does your little one watch Tickety Toc? Why not get creative and colour in Tommy and others on the #NickJrUK website http://on.nickjr.co.uk/ttAnd:
Take look at Dora with her cousin Diego! #familytime pic.twitter.com/dlKiHT7IAlso:
If your little one loves #PeppaPig then they will love this game! Help Peppa beat the grown ups at Basketball http://on.nickjr.co.uk/ppbAnd:
Where would you like to go on holiday with your family? To Space like the #PeppaPig did? pic.twitter.com/ThiJOpwh.Also:
Is your Jr. enjoying the sunshine on this beautiful day? Help them make a yummy Strawberry Sundae to cool down http://on.nickjr.co.uk/lcr [direct link to Nick Junior UK's "Create - Cook" section on the official Nick Jr. UK website, NickJr.co.uk] #summer [Yummy Yummy In My Tummy!]And:
#Diego loves to keep active, like playing Tennis! What do your Jr.'s do to stay active? pic.twitter.com/UPXMks6TAlso:
Why not help your Jr. fill in this dot-to-dot Peppa Pig picture and then colour it in! pic.twitter.com/kK0zZJua.And [on Friday 17th August 2012]:
New eps of a Bedtime Story continue today @ 7:15pm with Phill Jupitus reading 'The Scarecrow's Secret'. Will your Jr. be watching?Also:
Has the Olympics inspired your family to keep active & healthy? Your Jr. can make healthy snacks with the help of Dora! pic.twitter.com/7tBQfgMe.And:
Are your Jr.'s enjoying the sunshine? Cool them down with a healthy Strawberry Sundae using the Little Cook's recipes! http://on.nickjr.co.uk/lcr [direct link to the 'Little Cooks' page on the official Nick Jr. UK website, NickJr.co.uk]Also:
Are your Jr.'s off to school this September? Dora goes to school too in Dora's First Day of School game - http://on.nickjr.co.uk/dfs [direct link to Nick Junior UK's "Dora The Explorer" online video game on the official Nick Jr. UK website, NickJr.co.uk]Posted (Tweeted) by Nickelodeon UK staff member and Associate Producer Adam J. Parker (also known as Adam John Parker; who is also a resident of Nickelodeon Towers in London) and Nickelodeon Star and "House of Anubis" actress Tasie Dhanraj, who plays the character 'Mara Jaffray' on the popular Nickelodeon live-action mystery series "House of Anubis", on their official Twitter profile pages:
@tasieD: Oh joy I missed my last train home - 11.40pm Monday 28th May 2012Tweeted (posted) by the Nickelodeon UK Press Office on their official Twitter profile page and Heat Magazine and Heat World on their official Twitter profile pages about Nickelodeon UK's new 'Best Of British' Diamond Jubilee mailer which features a red London bus on it's packaging:@adamjohnparker: if you'd bought Chitty Chitty Bang Bang like I said! - 11.47pm Monday 28th May 2012@tasieD: I did buy a car- Nissan Micra but she is at home :( - 11.49pm Monday 28th May 2012@adamjohnparker: Well we can offer you a room at Nick Towers, but you will need to help us finish tonight's edit first... - 11.51pm Monday 28th May 2012@tasieD: I could sleep at the Nickelodeon office?! I would love that but I have already got on a train to Three bridges. Thanks tho - 11.56pm Monday 28th May 2012
Tweeted (posted) by Nickelodeon USA and Nickelodeon UK on their official Twitter feeds:@heatworld: We'd like to think Spongebob himself sent us these breakfast treats from his pineapple under the sea. http://yfrog.com/nwqx5aoj@NickelodeonUKPR: you're welcome! SpongeBob would also like to invite you to celebrate his top 100 episodes airing over the jubilee week! - 10.56am Thursday 31st May 2012
- 10.20am Thursday 31st May 2012
@NickelodeonTV: Where'd all these awesome Trending Topics come from? We love them! (Drake & Josh, Kenan & Kel, and The Krusty Krab Pizza!) - 5.14pm 13/6/2012Tweeted (posted) by Nickelodeon UK and Ireland's MD, Tina McCann and Amanda Thompson OBE, who is Managing Director at Pleasure Beach Blackpool, the home of the UK's only Nickelodeon Land theme park, and President of Stageworks Worldwide Productions, on their official Twitter profile pages:@NickelodeonUK: Agreed! We [heart symbol] that Drake and Josh is trending over in the UK! - 5.23pm 13/6/2012.
@MandsThompson: well disaster struck my rehearsals [for Blackpool's "Hot Ice" stage show]. i had to dismiss a performer which has effected the entire show. we will sort it out. - 12.18am Sunday 1st July 2012From KPCnews.com:@TinaMcCannMD: Sounds stressful but I am sure it will be alright on the night! Looking forward to the premiere Wed [Wednesday 4th July 2012] with rest of Nick Crew [Nickelodeon Crew] X - 2.42am Sunday 1st July 2012
A brilliant day to remember - Nickelodeon Land was jumping! Thanks @MandsThompson, Nick and all your amazing team! http://pic.twitter.com/YmQcHa05 - Thursday 5th July 2012
.
Netflix Instant Pick: Five Things To Watch During The Heat WaveYou can read KPCnews.com's top Netflix picks here on the official KPCnews.com website.
It's really, really, really hot outside.
Let's face it - it's too hot to go outside. It's too hot to work around the house. It's too hot to do much of anything except watch stuff on Netflix Instant.
So, since have a lot of time on your hands this weekend for sitting in front of an air conditioner watching Netflix, here are five things you should definitely watch:
Avatar: The Last Airbender: I've recommended this show before (check out a previous blog entry here) but I must reiterate - if you haven't seen it, you need to watch this show. The show, which aired for three seasons on Nickelodeon, takes place in a world where some people can bend four elements - water, earth, fire and air. Aang is an airbender - the last airbender - but he's more than that - he's the Avatar, the one person in each generation who can master all four elements and bring balance to the world. Aang gets frozen in ice for 100 years, and when he wakes up, he enlists the help of waterbender Katara, her brother Sokka and, throughout the show, several other people, to help him defeat the Fire Nation and bring balance to the world. "Avatar: The Last Airbender" is funny, exciting and touching, with great characters. I also love the strong female characters (there are many!) and the concentration on friendship, working together and striving for peace. "Avatar: The Last Airbender" has spawned a sequel series, called "The Legend of Korra," which just finished its first season. (It also spawned a live-action movie [...])
Also, Tweeted (posted) by Nick Jr. UK and Ireland presenter Helena Dowling ("Wake Up World") on her official Twitter profile page (@HelenaDowlingtv):
Wow look how many awards @NickelodeonUK @NickJrUK has won! Fab! I hope I get one, one day #makeurdreamsareality pic.twitter.com/jr5XkQlFAnd:
The beautiful wake up world garden! pic.twitter.com/tgqnLCakAlso, from Film.com:
2012 Fall Movie PreviewAlso, from Lost Remote:
Now that a mostly disappointing summer is behind us, we find ourselves in the home stretch for potentially great 2012 movies. The next few months promise plenty of awards bait, as well as some substantial blockbusters. As always, release dates are subject to change, and many of these films will open initially in limited release before expanding wider in the weeks to follow.
[...]
October 26
-'Fun Size': Nickelodeon starlet Victoria Justice manages to lose her little brother en route to a Halloween party in this one-crazy-night comedy.
GetGlue HD is now live in the app storeAlso, Tweeted by a Nickelodeon UK and "iCarly" fan and ReTweeted by Nickelodeon UK on their official Twitter feed (@NickelodeonUK):
GetGlue HD, the anticipated new iteration of GetGlue, has officially launched for the iPad. We recently interviewed CEO and Founder Alex Iskold who described the major changes that would take their 500 million data points to rethink TV discovery. Now the ultimate test has come, will people us it? Will they continue to scale their 3 million users and be the social TV startup to watch?
On Tuesday night, GetGlue held a rooftop party at The Standard in Manhattan’s East Village to get everyone excited about the new launch. Executives from USA Network, A&E, Nickelodeon, BET, Showtime and more watched as Iskold told the room that they have the answer to how you’re going to discover TV in a social world.
“The new GetGlue guide is not a grid; it is a personalized calendar for what to watch,” states their launch announcement. On postcards and in his presentation, Iskold kept referring to the fact that the TV grid hasn't changed at all since that 50s — and that it's time. They’re now going to be implementing Tribune Media Services (TMS) data into the app, so when you search for a show it will also tell you what channel it’s on. Also, when you go to a show’s page there will be more content then ever about the show (videos, promos, news and more).
GetGlue HD is available immediately on the iPad and will come out on the iPhone, Android, mobile site, and GetGlue.com later in the fall.
Buzz is still heating up for Zeebox's long-awaited U.S. launch. Zeebox has proven traction in the UK, while GetGlue has partnerships with 75 networks. Both companies are striving for the same goal, but taking different approaches.
Stay tuned for an exciting fall TV season, where partnerships, user acquisition and retention, and the “cool” factor will be at the forefront of the second screen experience.
RT [...]: Loving iCarly week! @NickelodeonUK :)And:
RT [...]: Can't wait to get home from school today because @iCarly iBalls is airing @NickelodeonUK yay!:)♥Also, from TechCrunch:
“Edu-Tainment”Also, from TBI Vision:
It’s not a coincidence that there are a number of educational apps on the iPad emerging from those with a background in children’s television, not to mention from top kids’ brands like Sesame St., Disney, Nickelodeon, and others. This industry has long sought to break down the barrier of the fourth wall, and communicate directly with the children on the receiving end of their efforts to entertain and teach. In today’s TV shows, those efforts feel inauthentic and forced, such as when Dora asks “what was your favorite part?” and then blinks while waiting the child’s response. Kids quickly learn that they don’t have to answer, and the show will continue without their involvement. On the iPad, that’s no longer true. Their actions or inactions not only help progress the story, they can also be measured, monitored and personalized to the child’s own level.
This is the future of children’s entertainment.
Georgeville moves into US television
Marc Rosen is the film and TV producer whose credits include Harry Potter and Threshold. In March he set up Georgeville Television (GVTV) and he now has three straight-to-series orders from US broadcast nets and two more on cable. He tells TBI about the new shows, which include a new offering from The X-Files’ Chris Carter and a reboot of classic sci-fi series Blake's 7.
GVTV launched in March, but Marc Rosen says he was working on setting up his new production firm for two years. “We want to grow shows like a US studio, but be more flexible and fluid in terms of the deal-making,” says Marc Rosen. “I was leaving a production deal and asked myself what the business was all about and I identified a gap in the market,” Rosen says.
That gap was for straight-to-series shows in which the total budget is not frontloaded around a huge pilot, but across a guaranteed full series order, giving distribution partner Sierra Engine a full season to take to market and sell internationally.
GVTV's shows are not, however, inexpensive. Crossbones has a budget of over US$4 million an episode and The After and Blake’s 7 both come in at north of US$3 million per instalment. The cost, however, is not frontloaded around a huge pilot, but across a guaranteed full series order.
“I always wanted to have straight-to-series projects, why should networks spend $10-to-$15 million dollars on a pilot when you could spend a little more and get thirteen full episodes,” Rosen says. “Pilots can sometimes make a show look too expensive and we’re not being forced to do that.”
GVTV is backed by Indian conglomerate Reliance, which, Rosen says, means it does not need to attract a plethora of coproduction partners .
The network series are Crossbones, Hunters and The After. The two confirmed cable series are Blake’s Seven and Z, a contemporary take on the Zorro legend.
NBC was looking for a partner on Crossbones, which is in pre-production and will air on the network next year. Based on the Colin Woodward novel, Neil Cross (Luther) is attached as the showrunner on the 10x1hr series, which centres on the idealistic island society set up by infamous pirate Blackbeard.
Hunters, meanwhile, crossed GVTV’s radar courtesy of James Lassiter from Will Smith’s production company Overbrook Entertainment. The procedural, for ABC, follows an elite team doctors and scientists taking on impossible medical cases. Will Smith will not star, but Rosen says an as-yet-unnamed movie star is on board.
Perhaps the most eagerly-anticipated of the three series is The After, largely because it is from The X-Files' creator Chris Curtis.
Set in Los Angeles, it’s a twist on an end-of-the-world scenario. “Most things in case skip straight to post-apocalypse, but this examines the first seconds and then days after mystery event,” Rosen says. “There is a group of eight characters and they are trying to work out what has happened.”
For cable there is also Z, a modern-day adaptation of Zorro. A full script and bible for the show, which is for an unnamed US cable network, has been produced. “It’s an ‘inspired-by’ piece,” Rosen explains. “It’s about a young Latino kid in Los Angeles who, with his uncle, sets out to avenge his sister’s murder and ends up taking on a modern-day Zorro character called Z.”
Naren Shankar (CSI, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) has been brought on as producer and it will be directed by French director Louis Leterrier (Transporter, The Incredible Hulk).
The Zorro connection continues with 13x1hr Blake’s Seven with Martin Campbell, director of thr big-screen The Mask of Zorro, on board as director and executive producer. The show is a new adaptation of the classic sci-fi series, for Syfy in the US and Sky in the UK.
Sierra Engine is selling Crossbones, The After and Hunters.
The newly minted distributor made its first outing at MIPCOM and was shopping the GVTV series as well as another new scripted show Rescue 3. The 22x1hr series for Tribune in the US is from one of the creators of Baywatch, Gregory J. Bonann and stars Dolph Lundgren as a member of an elite rescue task force.
Sierra/Engine Television is the result of an alliance Chris Philip, Nick Meyer and Marc Schaberg, who have joined forces.
Philip has combined his distributor Engine Entertainment with Meyer and Schaberg’s film sales and distribution outfit Sierra/Affinity.
As well as the GVTV fare, the Chris Philip still has a first-look deal with Ben Silverman’s Electus and has other shows in the catalogue including Nickelodeon’s animated series Glenn Martin DDS and a range of DIY series featuring Mike Holmes.
Philip says there is a development slate stretching to 30 projects.
