The Official Nick Jr. UK Website Unveils Their Official Easter 2012 Website

To celebrate Easter On Nick Jr. UK and Ireland 2012, Nickelodeon UK's preschool channel, the official Nick Junior UK website, NickJr.co.uk, has unveiled Nick Jr UK's official Easter 2012 website, which features a range of Easter themed activities, including Easter themed painting and colouring fun and Easter themed printables featuring characters from popular Nick Junior shows, such as "Dora the Explorer", "Go, Diego Go!" and "Team Umizoomi", which you can visit here on the official Nick Jr. website at NickJR.co.uk/Shows/Easter.

Also, Tweeted by Nick Jr. Channel UK and Ireland on their official Twitter profile feed (@NickJrUK):

Easter is fast approaching. Check out Easter on the #NickJrUK website http://on.nickjr.co.uk/nje

And:

Is everyone enjoying the #Easter week?

And:

Colour-in Dora and her Easter egg for your chance to be featured in Dora's Easter gallery http://on.nickjr.co.uk/de [direct link to Nick Jr. UK's exclusive "Dora The Explorer Easter Gallery"]

Also:

Nick Jr. UK would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter!

And:

Check out Dora's Easter gallery to see wonderful drawings made by #NickJrUK artists! http://on.nickjr.co.uk/deg

Also, Tweeted (posted) by Nickelodeon UK and Ireland on their official Twitter profile page (@NickelodeonUK):

LOOK Easter @SpongeBob in his bunny suit [costume]! Dont miss NEW SpongeBob everyday 4.30pm this week! Our Eggcellent gift to you http://ow.ly/i/y64K

Nickelodeon UK To Show Brand New "Big Time Rush" Episode "Green Time Rush" On 7th April 2012

According to Nickelodeon UK's brand new "Brand New Big Time Rush - Green Time Rush" promo/trailer (below with a transcript), Nickelodeon UK will premiere and show the brand new episode of the hit Nickelodeon live action series "Big Time Rush" called "Green Time Rush" on Saturday 7th April 2012 at 5:30pm (repeated at 6.30pm on Nickelodeon UK's plus one (+1) timeshift channel Nick Replay UK):

They may be popstars, but their not exempt from their school assignments!

But when it's time to buddy up, not everyone will get their choosing.

And they're gonna learn the hard way that [...].

Who'll pass the class and who'll get a Big Time Fail?

Find out on brand new Big Time Rush, this Saturday at 5.30, only on Nickelodeon!

Nick.co.uk/BigTimeRush

In the brand new episode of "Big Time Rush" titled "Green Time Rush", a class competition to make the Palm Woods more environmentally friendly and win one week of no school turns disastrous, and Carlos and James' efforts to start an organic farm lead to a cow on the loose in the hallways.

"Green Time Rush" guest stars Erin Sanders as Camille, Challen Cates as Mrs. Knight, Tara Strong [Nickelodeon's "The Fairly OddParents", "Rugrats", and "All Grown Up!"] as Ms. Collins, Matt Riedy as Griffin, Stefan Van Ray as Ozzy Clark, David Anthony Higgins as Mr. Bitters, Obdul Reid as Obdul (Griffin's assistant), and David Cade as Jett Stetson.

Nickelodeon UK To Hold An Evening Of Sinister Premieres On Friday 13th April 2012

According to Nickelodeon UK's new "Friday 13th Night Of Premieres" promo (below), Nickelodeon UK will be devoting a whole Friday evening on Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK to three exclusive sinister Nickelodeon UK premieres on Friday 13th April 2012 from 4.30pm, where Nickelodeon UK will be premiering and showing a brand new spooky episode of the popular animated original Nickelodeon show "SpongeBob SquarePants" at 4.30pm, the brand new one hour special episode of the hit Nickelodeon show "iCarly" called 'iStill Psycho' from 5.00pm, and a special exclusive sneak peek of season two Nickelodeon's hit live-action mystery series "House of Anubis" at 6.00pm!



According to the official Radio Times website, RadioTimes.com, below is Nickelodeon UK and Ireland's and Nickelodeon UK HD's "Friday 13th Night Of Premieres" schedule line-up:

4.30pm - Brand new "SpongeBob SquarePants"
5.00pm - Brand new "iCarly" - 'iStill Psycho: Part 1'
5.30pm - Brand new "iCarly" - 'iStill Psycho: Part 2'
6.00pm - Sneak peek of "House Of Anubis" season two

(All shows repeated repeated one hour later on Nickelodeon UK's plus one (+1) timeshift channel Nick Replay UK)

Also, Tweeted by Nickelodeon UK and Ireland on their official Twitter profile page (@NickelodeonUK):

Have we got a Fri treat for you! NEW NEW NEW! From 4.30pm- New @SpongeBob, New @icarly iStill Psycho then House of Anubis sneak peek! OMG :D

And:

@onedirection fans.. Dont forget to tune-in to @iCarly iStill Psycho tonight at 5pm for your chance to see the #iGoOneDirection promo FIRST!

Also:

Are you ready? Are you at the sofa, remote control in hand for the best lineup ever? New @SpongeBob, New @iCarly + a House of Anubis teaser!

Nickelodeon, Turner, And BBC Promise Cartoon Cash

From C21Media:

Nick, Turner, BBC promise toon cash

MIPTV: Broadcaster financing for the best new animated content is in the pot despite the embattled market, according to executives from Nickelodeon, CBeebies and Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) EMEA.

The panel A Global Animation Marketplace, comprising Jules Borkent, Viacom International Media Network's senior VP of global acquisitions and programming for Nick, CBeebies' controller Kay Benbow and TBS EMEA's chief content officer Michael Carrington unanimously agreed there was a bright future for animated content despite the current state of the global market.

Carrington, who has commissioned coproductions such as The Amazing World of Gumball and Jelly Jamm, said the copro market was tough but it was a business model to which TBS remained committed.

“Coproduction has always been tough and it goes in swings and roundabouts. Sometimes there seems to be a lot of money swashing around everybody has access to it. But actually, broadcasters concentrate on value for money and it has always been a squeeze on producers. But for the right idea, the money comes,” he said.

“It’s about partnerships and coming together with some money and interest attached,” added CBeebies’ Benbow. “I’m well aware if CBeebies is attached it might make it easier to get financing elsewhere but it’s about finding the gap and not being the same as what we already have. It’s about trying to be different and it’s about looking a couple of years ahead.”

Nick’s Borkent agreed, noting the Viacom-owned broadcaster was keen to join new projects at the earliest stage possible. “You have to remember that sometimes it can be two years before a show goes to air, and we’ve had some success with that and have new shows launching this year. The earlier we can come onboard the better – it’s definitely an advantage.”

Carrington said TBS channels such as Cartoon Network and Boomerang were seeking “stories that are engaging and exciting for our audiences but also something that makes us distinctive from our competitors,” and was keen to find visually unique forms of animation such as the hybrid medium Gumball was created in.

Content on the broadcaster’s wish list was “more girl leads” for CBeebies, toons for 6-9s for Nickelodeon and “comedy for 6-12s” for TBS.

The role of digital in new projects was also discussed following a question from the floor during the Global Animation Market debate. Benbow said producers did not need to have a “fully worked-out idea” of the multi-platform element, “but you certainly need to have an idea of where your idea might work and on what platform. Clearly animation lends itself to the multi-platform offering.”

Jesse Whittock
16-02-2012
©C21Media

Also from C21Media:

Funding at the forefront

The issue of financing children’s programming was high on the agenda along the Croisette this week. Jesse Whittock reports.

Although kids’ TV executives are already looking ahead to October’s MipJunior – the mini-market dedicated to children’s content – this week’s MipTV provided plenty to think about, with many new deals and much debate about programme finance during the three days.

The main stories this week included CBeebies commissioning The Foundation to create 26-episode live-action series Let’s Play; TF1 and Turkish children’s channel Minika TV joining the new 3D adaptation of Robin Hood; and German kidsnet KiKa acquiring Gaumont Alphanim’s eco-adventure title The Green Squad.

Ireland’s Monster Entertainment, which recently took on distribution rights to namesake Monster Animation & Design’s preschool series Punk, also sold I’m a Creepy Crawly to Discovery Networks International.

Elsewhere, Canadian companies also fared well, with 9 Story Entertainment closing a deal with Iberian sales house Luk International giving the latter three animated series for local distribution; and fellow Canadian producer Breakthrough Entertainment getting the green light to create live-action tween series Grounded for Nickelodeon channels worldwide.

Indeed, it was a busy market for Canadian kids’ TV, with Tricon Films reaffirming its move into the space during another exclusive C21 interview. Tricon’s president Andrea Gorfolova said the company was in “infant-stage” talks to buy a UK company.

VP of distribution and business development Jon Rutherford added: “For us to firmly plant ourselves as a legitimate player in children’s content, we need the right series to launch. It could be a show we develop ourselves or one made through the right partnership with a third-party producer.”

Another new player in the kids’ production business is Finland’s Angry Birds app maker Rovio, which is launching a 52x2-3’ series based on the game across all platforms before the autumn.

But away from the deals, the really interesting news from the Croisette was to do with funding initiatives. In today’s tough market, such moves are among the most welcome for producers and broadcasters, and MipTV provided two new examples.

On Sunday, C21 revealed German film financer MFG Film Funding was attempting to follow the example of the UK by setting up a fund to aid local toon production. “We’re trying to set up a system of automatic funding for the German animation business. This would make things a lot easier; if you came to us with a project you would get the money right away,” said Andreas Trautz, of German studio initiative Animation Media Cluster Region Stuttgart, in an exclusive interview.

A fund would be a timely boost for the German business, which is in grave danger of losing all of its talent to overseas companies that can benefit from local production tax credits, such as those in France and Ireland. Last month, the UK government announced it was also implementing its own tax break system, which, it is understood, will cover 20% to 25% of a production’s total budget.

Further funding news came out of Malaysia, with the country’s National Films Development Corporation announcing its own production initiative at an early evening party at Club C21 on Monday.

The Film in Malaysia Production Incentive will allow both local and international producers across all genres to access a 30% grant in return for producing their programme in the country. As one Malaysian producer told C21: “This is a truly significant moment,” for the toon business in particular.

Other Asian territories as well as South Africa are also understood to be looking at their own systems to try to improve the global coproduction marketplace.

Another opportunity is emerging thanks to the new pay-TV regulations in Brazil, which will see more local content produced, as early risers heard during a talk by Brazilian media lawyer Jose Mauricio Fittipaldi on Monday morning.

From a broadcaster perspective, supporting programmes financially has become an extremely competitive process. The issue was raised in a panel session featuring Nickelodeon’s Jules Borkent, CBeebies’ Kay Benbow and Turner Broadcasting System EMEA’s Michael Carrington. All three committed themselves to coproducing the best content, though some producers privately questioned that.

During the talk, an important insight came from CBeebies controller Benbow. She noted a green light from her channel amounted to a seal of approval for other potential investors and broadcasters, and could make or break a production.

“I’m well aware if CBeebies is attached it might make it easier to get financing elsewhere, but it’s about finding the gap and not being the same as what we already have. It’s about trying to be different and it’s about looking a couple of years ahead.”

The finance debate will roll on, but with the right models a burgeoning production ecosystem can emerge. MipTV certainly provided plenty of food for thought for executives as they head home this weekend. See you at MipJunior.

Jesse Whittock
16-02-2012
©C21Media

Nickelodeon Acquires The Global Broadcast Rights To Canadian Tween Comedy Series 'Grounded'; Set To Premiere In Summer 2013

From C21Media:

Nick gets Grounded

MIPTV: Nickelodeon has acquired global TV rights to a new half-hour live-action tween comedy from Canada's Breakthrough Entertainment.

Grounded, which tells the story of a pair of misbehaving teenage goddesses who are banished to Earth to work in a suburban mall, will air on Viacom-owned Nick networks worldwide.

Breakthrough’s Ira Levy, Peter Williamson and Joan Lambur are executive producing, along with Hartbreak Films’ Paula Hart. An initial 26 episodes are slated to go into production in Toronto in the summer, with a debut on Nick set for summer 2013

Viacom International Media Networks’ senior VP of global acquisitions and international programming for Nickelodeon Jules Borkent said the series “perfectly complemented” Nick’s live-action slate, which includes Victorious and iCarly.

Jesse Whittock
07-03-2012
©C21Media

Also, from The Hollywood Reporter:

MIPTV: Nickelodeon Pre-Buys 'Grounded' Tween Comedy

The live action show from Breakthrough Entertainment and Los Angeles-based Hartbreak Films will be rolled out in Spring 2013 internationally.

TORONTO – Nickelodeon has pre-bought the live action tween comedy Grounded from Canadian indie producer Breakthrough Entertainment and Paula Hart's Hartbreak Films for its worldwide network of TV channels.

Breakthrough is to produce 26 episodes of the series about two misbehaving teenage Greek Goddesses who are cast out of Mount Olympus and sent to earth to work in Uncle Gus' Pita Palace in a suburban mall.

The comedy series is executive produced by Hart of Los Angeles-based Hartbreak Films, along with Breakthrough Entertainment's Ira Levy, Peter Williamson and Joan Lambur.

Production on Grounded is set to start this summer in Toronto.

Paula Hart, the mother of Melissa Joan Hart [Nickelodeon's "Clarissa Explains It All", and "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch"], has TV credits that include Melissa and Joey and Sabrina, The Teenage Witch.

Grounded will roll out on the Nickelodeon channels worldwide from Spring 2013.

Also, below is Breakthrough Entertainment's Press Release announcing the Nickelodeon News:

Breakthrough Entertainment Gets GROUNDED With Nickelodeon

Breakthrough Licenses All-New Original Tween Live Action Half-Hour Comedy Series To Nickelodeon For 2012 Debut Worldwide

For Immediate Release:

TORONTO/LOS ANGELES (March 30, 2012) – Breakthrough Entertainment has sold worldwide television rights for the all-new original live action tween comedy half-hour series GROUNDED to Nickelodeon for broadcast on its worldwide portfolio of channels , it was announced by Joan Lambur, Executive Producer Animation, Live Action, Family and Children’s Programming for Breakthrough Entertainment. The comedy series is executive produced by Paula Hart of Hartbreak Films, along with Breakthrough Entertainment’s Ira Levy, Peter Williamson and Joan Lambur.

Produced by Breakthrough Entertainment, GROUNDED is the story of two teenaged Greek Goddesses, , who after misbehaving and destroying part of the mortal world, are cast out of Mount Olympus and grounded to earth to work in their mortal Uncle Gus’ Pita Palace in a suburban mall. There they will learn to serve mankind and enjoy teenage life along the way.

Breakthrough will produce an initial 26 episodes of the series, with production slated to begin summer 2012 in Toronto.

GROUNDED represents the newest entertainment project for executive producer Paula Hart, who has amassed a number of high-profile credits including the hit series “Melissa and Joey," and "Sabrina, The Teenage Witch" (the film, TV series and animated series).

GROUNDED will roll out on Nickelodeon channels starting Spring 2013.

“GROUNDED perfectly complements Nickelodeon’s global live action line-up which includes some of the world’s best known tween comedy series,” commented Jules Borkent, SVP of Global Acquisitions & International Programming for Nickelodeon, Viacom International Media Networks. Adding, “GROUNDED’S appealing blend of engaging characters, humor and universal teen experiences will really connect with our audiences around the word.”

“We are excited to join forces with Paula Hart for the production of GROUNDED and bring this uniquely fun comedy to Nickelodeon worldwide. The series combines all the elements that will make it a stand out series for Nick viewers around the world and Paula’s outstanding track record of success and expertise will provide invaluable as we enter production,” said Lambur.

About Breakthrough Entertainment:

Headquartered in Toronto, Breakthrough Entertainment Inc. (BEI) is a leading global producer and distributor of acclaimed primetime comedy and drama series, as well as factual entertainment, documentaries, television movies, family entertainment and children’s animation. As one of Canada’s largest television production and distribution companies, BEI has licensed programs to major broadcasters in over 200 territories. With a catalogue of over 2800 half-hours of programming, the company handles distribution as well as worldwide pre-sales, co-productions and third-party acquisitions. In addition to its dedicated program development, production and distribution divisions, Breakthrough’s digital media division ranks among one of the industry’s most respected producers of high quality digital entertainment including websites, and online, mobile, ITV and iphone games. www.breakthroughentertainment.com



# # #

CONTACT:
SSA Public Relations
Steve Syatt
Ssyatt@ssapr.com
(818) 907-0500

Also, from C21Media:

From Spain With Love arrives down under

MIPTV: A trio of thematic food networks is among the broadcasters to acquire culinary adventure series From Spain With Love from Canadian producer-distributor Shaftesbury Films.

XYZ Networks-owned LifeStyle Food in Australia, Food Television in New Zealand and Food Channel in Asia have picked up the 13x30’ series, along with Fox International Channels in India. The show, which has now been licensed into more than 100 territories, sees food writer Anne Sibonney exploring the culinary culture of Spain.

The news marks Shaftesbury’s latest deal here in Cannes, coming after it announced it was producing Grounded, a new live-action show for Nickelodeon channels worldwide penned by Bruce Kalish (Power Rangers).

Jesse Whittock
03-04-2012
©C21Media

The Nickelodeon 25th Annual Kids' Choice Awards In The News And Media

Below is a selection of Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards news articles about Nickelodeon's 25th Annual Kids' Choice Awards that took place at the Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles, California, USA on Saturday 31st March 2012:

From Metro:

One Direction steal the show at Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards

One Direction well and truly stole the show at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2012, taking home gongs for Best UK Band and Best UK Newcomer.

Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne and Harry Styles of One Direction scooped two gongs at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards (Picture: Reuters/Fred Prouser)
The good-looking group have gone down a storm with American teenagers since they began touring the US with Big Time Rush, and it would seem their attempt to crack the States exceeded all expectations when they were honoured at the bash in LA on Saturday night.

And the 1D boys, famed for their young and loyal fan base, couldn't be more appreciative.

American fans are particularly keen on Irish singer Niall

'It means a lot that the Kids’ Choice Awards are decided by the Nickelodeon audience,' said frontman Harry Styles.

'The support that we’ve got from our fans both at home and in America has been amazing. We have the best fans in the world and we're incredibly grateful to them.'

Still buzzing from their wins, he later added on Twitter: 'I feel incredibly lucky to have the life I do..I met some amazing people today. And had a lot of fun. Thank you so much .x'

Host Will Smith was just one of many stars to get slimed (Picture: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni)
The star-studded ceremony, hosted by Will Smith, also saw the likes of Michelle Obama, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Selena Gomez turn out.


'That was one of the strangest days ever will smith taylor swift justin bieber michelle obama wow what it going on with my life!!' Liam later posted online.

[Will] Smith clutches at Justin Bieber on stage as the pair come under fire (Picture: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni)
But while his bandmates were revelling in their success, Zayn, however, was just glad his handsome looks managed to escape the event unscathed.

After witnessing the likes of Justin Bieber and Twilight's Taylor Lautner getting gunged at the event, he posted on Twitter: 'Glad I escaped the slime ! :) x', .

VIDEO: One Direction conquer Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards

Meanwhile, Adele - who has long been popular across the pond - was cast aside, scooping just one award for Favourite UK Female Artist as One Direction's fellow X Factor export Olly Murs was crowned Favourite UK Male Artist.

Brits Emma Watson and Robert Pattinson took the prizes for Favourite UK Actress and Actor.

PICTURES: Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2012

Also, from the Scottish Daily Record:

Justin Bieber gunged at Nickelodeon Kids Awards as One Direction steal the show

Justin Bieber and Will Smith slimed

Justin Bieber and show host Will Smith laugh after being covered in green gunge

JUSTIN Bieber made a splash at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Awards – courtesy of a vat of green slime.

Host Will Smith warned celebs at the start: “No one’s safe from the slime but you have to earn it. It’s an honour.”

Cue Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry getting a good gunging, followed by Taylor Lautner, Glee’s Chris Colfer, Justin and then Will himself.

And it was a great night for One Direction, as Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik scooped the best UK band and single awards.

And when they performed What Makes You Beautiful, even First Lady Michelle Obama was up on her feet and dancing.

They were clearly all having the slime of their lives.

Also, from Unreality TV (blog):

One Direction, X Factor & Justin Bieber win big at Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2012 (VIDEO)

UK pop sensation One Direction take home two blimps at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2012. The boys won the awards for Best UK Band and Best UK Newcomer and join other award winners including Katy Perry, Taylor Lautner, Big Time Rush, Selena Gomez, Kristen Stewart, LMFAO, Justin Bieber, Olly Murs, Adele, Robert Pattinson and Emma Watson. The Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2012 premiered on Nick UK on Sunday, 1st April at 5:30 p.m. and featured pre-show coverage from the Orange Carpet hosted by Ana Mulvoy-Ten and Brad Kavanagh from House of Anubis and Daniella Monet of VicTORious.

“It means a lot that the Kids’ Choice Awards are decided by the Nickelodeon audience,” said Harry Styles from One Direction. “The support that we’ve got from our fans both at home and in America has been amazing. We have the best fans in the world and we’re incredibly grateful to them.”

Hosted by international superstar and 10-time KCA winner Will Smith, the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2012 were broadcast from the Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles where kids’ top choices in television, movies, music and sports were revealed through devices including a flying blimp and a silver statue man. Smith made an aerial entrance into the venue by parachuting down from the official KCA blimp, a 246-foot orange airship situated above the arena. After rappelling to the stage and deactivating a booby trap set by a mysterious Creepy Voice determined to stop the show, Smith kicked off the celebration with a performance of “Can U Handle This” and balloons filled with confetti and slime.

The largest Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards saw several special appearances on stage including First Lady Michelle Obama who made her first-ever appearance at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards to present Taylor Swift with this year’s The Big Help Award in recognition of Swift’s ongoing charitable work. Performances at the show included Katy Perry who rocked the stage with “Part of Me,” from the just-released special edition CD Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection. Later in the show, One Direction performed “What Makes You Beautiful.” The group will also perform the song in a special guest appearance on an upcoming episode of iCarly, “iGo One Direction,” premiering on Nickelodeon UK on Monday, 16thApril, at 5:30 p.m. The star-studded telecast featured additional celebrity participants including Cee Lo Green (revealed to be the creepy voice), Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield, Zac Efron, Josh Hutcherson, Jaden Smith, Willow Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Robert Downey Jr., Heidi Klum, Big Time Rush, Miranda Cosgrove, Victoria Justice, Keke Palmer, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Lautner, Ludacris, Cody Simpson, Sarah Hyland, Ariel Winter, Nolan Gould and many others.

The Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards is seen in over 300 million households around the world. Within hours of airing live in the United States and Canada, the show will roll out in additional international markets, providing kids around the world the opportunity to tune into their local Nickelodeon channel to enjoy the show faster than ever. Voting for the 2012 KCAs spanned over six continents across 13 localized voting sites in 11 different languages, giving kids practically everywhere the chance to decide who takes home a coveted blimp. Over 220 million votes were registered worldwide including almost two million UK votes cast for the Nickelodeon UK-specific categories.

In addition to the One Direction wins, X Factor, responsible for the formation of the phenomenally popular group, wins Best UK TV Show while the other musical winners are Olly Murs, recipient of Favourite UK Male Artist and Adele who adds another trophy to her mantelpiece with the Blimp for Favourite UK Female Artist. Emma Watson and Robert Pattinson take the prizes for Favourite UK Actress and Favourite UK Actor respectively.

This year, kids not only picked the winners, but they got to help host Smith make this awards show the biggest, messiest and slimiest show ever by collecting goo for the Global Slime Collection via a gamefied digital experience in the weeks leading up to the big show. The slime was used to fill a giant blimp which exploded over the stage in the finale. Through brand-new iPad, iPhone, iPod and iOS apps and the KCA website, kids were tasked to find slime hidden throughout the photo galleries, news and videos.

The complete list of winners for the Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2012 [can be found here on NickALive!]

Also, from the Daily Mail:

That's quite an entrance: Will Smith parachutes from a orange blimp into the Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards

Having starred in blockbuster movies such as Independence Day, Men In Black and Ali, Will Smith likes to do things in a big way.

As the host of Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards, he continued this tradition by staging an elaborate and fake parachute entrance to the ceremony.

The 25th annual award show began with the 43-year-old circling the University of Southern California in Los Angeles from a huge 246-foot orange airship.

Here we go: Will Smith surprised viewers by jumping out of a blimp to open the Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards

Get ready: The Hollywood superstar psyches himself up before attempting the jump from a blimp

The skit showed Smith introducing the programme from the cockpit before announcing that he would be jumping out of the aircraft and parachuting down into the Galen Center.

The father-of-three then moved to the door of the trademark Nickelodeon blimp and appeared to jump out of it.

However, the stunt was actually the result of some very clever digital animation and special effects.

Blast off: The actor didn't actually jump from a blimp but used elaborate, digitally-animation to make it appear he did

Falling down: Will appeared to jump from the blimp above the Galen Center at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles

Incoming: The rapper turned actor soared through the air while the audience watched the action from huge TV screens

As the lights in the arena went out and screaming fans waved their glowsticks around, Smith was shown on screen hurtling towards the building in a blue jump suit and with a orange parachute.

The i, Robot star was then seen landing on the roof of the Galen Center, looking a little worse for wear after the fake jump.

As if that wasn't enough, the Just the Two of Us singer was then lowered down from the roof and landed on the stage to huge applause from the star studded audience.

Safe landing: Will was seen on the roof of the Galen Center before being hoisted down onto the stage area

Grand entrance: Smith arrived inside the building to a huge amount of screaming from the audience

Shake the room: The Men In Black star performed Can U Handle This as balloons filled with confetti and slime fell into the audience

Will was hoisted from the rafters as a dramatic light show began and focused on the actor as he kicked off the celebration with a performance of Can U Handle This and balloons filled with confetti and slime fell into the audience.

'The Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards is always the year’s liveliest, slimiest and most outrageous party for kids and teens,' said Smith.

'I’m honoured they wanted me to host this year so I can have a front row seat to take part in the fun.'

Two-time Academy-Award Smith recently finished filming Columbia Pictures’ Men in Black III, which will be released this spring in the UK.
Up next, he will begin filming and producing One Thousand A.E. co-starring Jaden Smith.

Reach out: As Will stripped off his blue jump suit and performed in a gold jacket, the crowd went wild

Also, from instyle.co.uk:

Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards: see all the winners, dresses and celebs here!

Stars including Kristen Stewart, Justin Bieber, One Direction, Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield hit the red carpet for Nickelodeon’s annual Kids' Choice Awards!

Celebrities were out in full force this weekend at this year’s annual Nickelodeon Kids' Choice. Hosted by Will Smith, who brought wife Jada Pinkett Smith and children Willow and Jaden with him, One Direction, Kristen Stewart, Justin Bieber and Katy Perry all turned up to grab gongs.

SEE THE SHOW HIGHLIGHTS HERE

But while green slime ruined Katy Perry’s floral dress, the girls didn’t disappoint, with glam gowns galore for Favourite Movie Actress Kristen Stewart in a blue lace Stella McCartney dress, Emma Stone in a blush Antonio Berardi top and skirt, and Taylor Swift in a Maria Lucia Hohan pleated dress. SEE ALL THE PICTURES FROM THE AWARDS! It was double awards for boyfriend and girlfriend duo Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, who scooped a gong each for best male and female singers. Looking spring-ready in a crop top and metallic skirt duo by Dolce & Gabanna, we hope that petite singer Selena stayed away from boyfriend Justin Bieber, who ended up covered in gunge! SEE THE AWARDS HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO And Brits One Direction and Adele continued their American success stories, with the 1D boys winning two awards, and Adele scooping Best UK Female Artist. Niall, Harry, Zayn, Louis and Liam performed at the awards, and Harry Styles later told reporters “It means a lot that the Kids’ Choice Awards are decided by the Nickelodeon audience. The support that we’ve got from our fans both at home and in America has been amazing. We have the best fans in the world and we're incredibly grateful to them."

Also, from Entertainment Tonight News:

One Direction Dishes to ET's Kid Reporter at KCAs [Click here to watch ET's exclusive 2012 KCAs video featuring exclusive Orange Carpet interviews] ET's kid reporter, Taylor Arnette, hit the orange carpet of Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards on Saturday, getting the scoop on music's newest sensation, One Direction, and who was actually hoping to get slimed! [...] U.K. band One Direction embarked on U.S. domination when they joined the Big Time Rush in February, and the boys revealed their chemistry to Taylor. "They're quite similar to us, so it was great fun," Louis Tomlinson said. EXCLUSIVE: Rachel Crow's Kids' Choice Awards Tour The event was hosted by Will Smith and featured appearances from First Lady Michelle Obama, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and more -- all susceptible to the dousing of green slime. In the end, Justin Bieber was the secret celebrity selected for the ultimate sliming, which may have made his lady, Selena Gomez a little jealous. "I want to get slimed," Selena said on the orange carpet. "I've asked every single year." Selena still walked away with a smile on her face, taking home the blimp for Favorite TV Actress and Favorite Female Singer.

Also, from Metro:

One Direction turn down Easter invite to The White House One Direction are going from strength to strength in the US and can now count Michelle Obama as one of their fans. One Direction wowed the audience at the 25th Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards (Picture: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni).. The first lady invited the boys to take part in the traditional Easter egg hunt at The White House at the weekend, but unfortunately they have other commitments in Australia. Harry, Zayn, Niall, Liam and Loius met the president's wife after performing You Don’t Know You’re Beautiful, at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards. Michelle was attending the event with her daughters Malia, 13, and Sasha, ten and was spotted dancing when the British band were on stage. A source told the Sun that the band were honoured to be invited to The White House and would love to go another time. The performance also bagged One Direction a few celebrity fans as Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez were spotted dancing in the audience. Kelly Osbourne admitted she was proud that the band are big hits in the US. 'They are so amazing and they are so lovely and it makes me so happy – it’s like the Brits taking over I love it,' she said. Last month, 1D became the first UK band ever to score No.1 on the Billboard 200 chart with their debut album - something even The Beatles could not achieve. VIDEO: Watch the One Direction boys in action in their video for One Thing.

Also, from NEWS.com.au:

One Direction charm the Obamas BRITISH pop sensations One Direction have chosen a trip to Australia over a personal invitation by Michelle Obama to visit the White House. The UK "X Factor" stars met President Barack Obama's wife Michelle, 48, backstage at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in Los Angeles. Last week, One Direction became the first British band to debut at No.1 in the US album chart with "Up All Night", which sits in second place on the Australian charts. Michelle and daughters Malia, 13, and Sasha, 10, beamed as they danced to the lads at the LA bash. The pop five-piece - Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik - then charmed the First Lady backstage. Ladies' man Styles, 18, tickled Michelle by asking how they order pizza living at the White House. She told him they have to make their own. He later described Michelle as "a very attractive older woman". "She invited them to the White House for their annual Easter egg hunt on Easter Monday. It was such an honour," a source said. Sadly the band was unable to accept her invitation as they are coming to Australia for a tour this month. But the source added, "They'd love to go another time."

Also, from expressandstar.com:

One Direction seal US takeover With their cheeky-chappy grins and catchy pop songs, X Factor boyband One Direction sealed their takeover of the US music scene by running away with two Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. Wolverhampton lad Liam Payne and his bandmates walked away with gongs for Best UK Band and Best UK Newcomer at the bash held in LA on Saturday. The star-studded ceremony, hosted by Will Smith, also saw the likes of Michelle Obama, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Selena Gomez turn out. And so impressed was Mrs Obama with One Direction’s performance of their hit single What Makes You Beautiful, she invited them to visit the White House after bumping into them backstage. The group, however, were unable to make the date as their bid for global domination is set to take them to Australia next week. According to reports, when asked what they thought of the First Lady, 18-year-old Liam from Bushbury rated her an 11 out of 10, adding: “She’s a very classy woman, very elegant.” Last week, the fivesome became the first British band to debut at number one in the US album chart. Up All Night went straight into the top spot, outperforming the likes of The Beatles, U2 and Coldplay, all of whom have tried to crack the notoriously tough Amercian market. The band’s album sold 176,000 copies in the US in the space of a week.

Also, from The Week UK:

ONE DIRECTION REJECT MICHELLE OBAMA DATE Michelle Obama has been courting the One Direction boys for a play date. The Sun reports that Mrs Obama invited the boys round to The White House for an Easter Egg hunt after meeting the five-piece boy band backstage at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards in LA. Ladies' man Harry Styles is said to have laid the jokes on thick, asking the First Lady how she orders pizza at The White House. Her response, that she makes them herself, was an enticing nod to Mrs Obama's culinary prowess - though not enough to seal the deal with the Brits, who spurned the date because of "a busy tour schedule". A source close to the band said: "They'd love to go another time."

Also, from Capital FM:

Justin Bieber Gets Slimed At Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2012 - Video The 'Boyfriend' singer won Favourite Male Singer before being showered in slime at the awards show. Justin Bieber stormed the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2012 last night in Los Angeles, picking up the award for Favourite Male Singer, before being slimed for the climax of the popular children's awards show. The 'Never Say Never' singer was introduced to accept the award by show host Will Smith's two children Jaden and Willow Smith, and made his way to the stage through the crowd while hugging and celebrating with his fans. After picking up his Kids' Choice Award Will Smith then joined Justin and revealed he was the secret celebrity viewers had been voting to get slimed all night, after which a huge shower of slime covered the two stars to close out the show. Earlier this week (26th March) Justin gave his brand new single 'Boyfriend' its first play on Capital FM , and unveiled a teaser for the song's music video yesterday morning (31st March). Check out the Kids’ Choice Awards 2012 later today (1st April) at 5.30pm on Nickelodeon.

Also, from BBC Radio 1's Newsbeat:

Michelle Obama invites One Direction to White House One Direction have been invited to attend a party at the White House by Michelle Obama, a spokesperson for the President's wife has confirmed. The boy band were introduced to the First Lady backstage at this weekend's Nickelodeon Kids' Choice awards in LA. They can't attend the annual event, which includes an easter egg hunt, as they'll be on tour in Australia. In March they became the first British group to go straight to the top of the US music charts with their debut album. The group - put together on X Factor 2010 - shifted 176,000 copies of Up All Night, which only went to number two in the UK charts in December 2011. One Direction are returning to the US and Canada in the summer to tour. To hear the full story of One Direction in America, with access to the band across five whole days of their US tour, listen to Radio 1 Stories on Monday 2nd April at 9pm. Or on iPlayer [If These Walls Could Speak] for 7 days after that.

Also, from Live Trading News:

Katy Perry, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber: Orange Blimps at Kid’s Choice Award FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA PRESENTS TAYLOR SWIFT WITH NICKELODEON’S THE BIG HELP AWARD Mega-stars including Katy Perry, Tim Tebow, Taylor Lautner, Big Time Rush, Selena Gomez, Kristen Stewart, LMFAO and Justin Bieber reigned as this year’s favorites, winning top honors at Nickelodeon’s 25th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards live telecast, Saturday, March 31, 8-9:30 p.m. (ET/tape delayed for West Coast). Hosted by international superstar and 10-time KCA winner Will Smith, the awards were broadcast from the Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles where kids’ top choices in television, movies, music and sports were revealed through a flying blimp, silver robot and sword swallower. Smith made an aerial entrance onto the venue by parachuting down from the official KCA blimp, a 246-foot orange airship situated above the arena. After rappelling to the stage and deactivating a booby trap set by a mysterious Creepy Voice determined to stop the show, Smith kicked off the silver anniversary celebration with a performance of “Can U Handle This” and balloons filled with confetti and slime. First Lady Michelle Obama made her first-ever appearance at Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards, presenting Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Taylor Swift with this year’s The Big Help Award in recognition of her extensive philanthropic endeavors, including her work with tornado and flood survivors in the United States. The Big Help Award recognizes individuals who take actions to better the world and whose significant impact on their community has inspired kids to do the same. The star-studded event got off to an immediate sticky start with Halle Berry’s surprise sliming in her audience seat. Looking good in green, Lautner received the ultimate gooey prize for accepting Smith’s challenge to a push-up contest, while presenter Chris Colfer was doused in slime by an exploding blimp at the podium. In an epic battle that had the giants of wrestling literally swimming in the goo, The Big Show took down The Miz in the inaugural KCA Slime Wrestling World Championships. Hosted by Nick’s Jeff Sutphen with WWE superstar Santino Marella serving as referee, the showdown was set in a special ring that slimed the audience each time one of them hit the ropes or the corner posts. Much to his disappointment, Cee Lo Green was not so green after being revealed as the Creepy Voice who tried to ruin the show. Instead, he got “ice cream sundae’d” by Smith who said being slimed was an honor and his behavior was unslimeable. Bieber, the mystery celebrity who won the live viewer vote during the show, received both a blimp and a slime bath as he and Smith closed the show in signature green style with slime cannons in the grand finale. Kids paid tribute to their favorites by casting over 220 million votes March 1-March 31 in 20 categories. In addition to the Kids’ Choice Awards website on Nick.com, families were able to vote via the Nick mobile website (wap.nick.com) and through a KCA app for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod. Fans were also able to vote for their favorite stars using a Facebook application on the Nickelodeon Facebook page. Users voted from a tab on the page and, for the first time ever, the entire voting experience could be embedded directly into Facebook wall posts. Also new this year, fans were able to vote for their favorite nominees on Twitter through the use of custom hash tags and SMS subscribers could vote on a category per day for the three weeks leading up to the event. Orange blimps were presented to Adam Sandler for Favorite Movie Actor; Kristen Stewart for Favorite Movie Actress; Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked for Favorite Movie and Puss in Boots for Favorite Animated Movie. Taylor Lautner won top honors for Favorite Buttkicker and Katy Perry took home the blimp for Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie for her role of Smurfette in The Smurfs. In the television categories, Favorite TV Show went to Victorious; Favorite Reality Show to Wipeout; Favorite Cartoon to SpongeBob SquarePants; Favorite TV Actor to Jake Short; Favorite TV Actress to Selena Gomez and Funniest TV Sidekick to Jennette McCurdy. In music, top honors went to Selena Gomez for Favorite Female Singer; Big Time Rush for Favorite Music Group and Justin Bieber for Favorite Male Singer; while the track “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO won for Favorite Song. Most valuable players Tim Tebow and Danica Patrick won for Favorite Male Athlete and Favorite Female Athlete, respectively. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series garnered Favorite Book and Just Dance 3 won for Favorite Videogame. Global superstar Katy Perry took home a blimp and made her KCA performance debut, rocking the stage with “Part of Me,” off her just-released special edition CD Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection. Later in the show, international pop sensation One Direction — Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan — gave a scream-worthy performance of their hit single “What Makes You Beautiful.” The group will also perform the song in a special guest appearance on an upcoming episode of iCarly, “iGo One Direction,” premiering Saturday, April 7, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT). The star-studded telecast featured additional celebrity participants, including: Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield, Miranda Cosgrove, Zac Efron, Josh Hutcherson, Jaden Smith, Willow Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Robert Downey Jr., Heidi Klum, Chris Rock, Big Time Rush, Keke Palmer, Nicki Minaj, Ludacris, Cody Simpson, Jennette McCurdy, Sarah Hyland, Ariel Winter, Victoria Justice, Nolan Gould and many others. For the first time ever, E! broadcast live from the Ga len Center during an hour-long Live From the Red Carpet pre-show featuring celebrity arrivals and interviews with the nominees, with select moments airing on Nickelodeon. Hosted by Ross Mathews and Kelly Osbourne, the coverage included a musical performance by Keke Palmer and Max Schneider (How to Rock) of “Me and You Against the World,” an original song from Nick’s upcoming original TV movie Rags. In celebration of the KCA milestone, Nickelodeon upped the digital presence of the 25th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards across a variety of platforms that included cross-platform interactive experiences, before, during and after the big show, on Nickelodeon websites, Twitter, Facebook, and mobile and iOS devices. Leading into the awards, special guest correspondents Daniella Monet (Victorious), Jeff Sutphen (BrainSurge), and Zach Sang captured all the action on the orange carpet in a live stream on Nick.com and multiple platforms — Facebook, Android and iPhone smart phones and iPads. During the Countdown to Kids’ Choice pre-show, kids were able to participate in the experience with total access to live event coverage, including an exclusive performance by Keke Palmer of “Stand Out,” another original song from Rags. Exclusive Nick cameras offered multiple viewing angles and were featured alongside celebrity tweets, interactive polls, real-time updates and photos from the orange carpet and backstage. Fans at home were able to submit questions to the pre-show hosts and saw their poll results displayed on large screens on the orange carpet. Coverage during the event included a live backstage companion stream and interviews during the main show, live on the app and on Nick.com. After the show, fans can relive their favorite show moments by watching video highlights from the live show, flipping through orange carpet, live event and performance photos and read through recaps. This year, kids not only picked the winners, but they got to help host Smith make this awards show the biggest, messiest and slimiest show ever, by collecting goo for the Global Slime Collection via a gamefied digital experience in the weeks leading up to the big show. Through brand-new iPad, iPhone, iPod and iOS apps, and the KCA website, kids were tasked to find slime hidden throughout the photo galleries, news and videos, which was then used throughout the show. The apps and website featured clips and photos from past Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards shows, along with promotional spots, dedicated information pages on Smith and nominees, a KCA news blog, trivia, personality quizzes and two new KCA-themed online games. Nickelodeon’s virtual worlds and websites — Monkey Quest, Neopets and Petpet Park–also launched exclusive KCA-themed promotions and games. The live broadcast of Nickelodeon’s 25th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards was simulcast in Times Square and encores Saturday, March 31 at 10 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nick at Nite and Sunday, April 1, at 12 p.m. (ET/PT). Replays of the awards will air on TeenNick Sunday, April 1, at 8:30 p.m. (ET) and on Nicktoons Monday, April 2, at 8 p.m. (ET). Additionally, a half-hour special, KCA: One More Slime!, featuring highlights and exclusive bonus footage from the big show, will premiere Tuesday, April 3, at 6 p.m. (ET/PT) with encores on Thursday, April 5, at 4 p.m. (ET/PT) and Saturday, April 7, at 1 p.m. (ET/PT). Presenting sponsors of Nickelodeon’s 2012 Kids’ Choice Awards are General Mills, Hasbro, Honda and Target. Associate sponsors are Bounty™, Nintendo and Skechers. Nickelodeon’s 25th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards will be available on Nickelodeon On Demand beginning Monday, April 2 and KCA: One More Slime! will be available beginning Monday, April 9. Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards is more global than ever in 2012, seen in over 300 million households around the world. Within hours of airing live in the United States and Canada, the show will roll out in additional international markets, providing kids around the world the opportunity to tune into their local Nickelodeon channel to enjoy the show faster than ever. In many international markets, the 2012 KCAs will feature country-specific award categories and nominees, such as Nickelodeon Italia’s Favorite Star and Nickelodeon UK’s Favorite Show. Voting for the 2012 KCAs spanned over six continents across 13 localized voting sites in 11 different languages, giving kids practically everywhere the chance to decide who takes home a coveted blimp. Nickelodeon’s 25thAnnual Kids’ Choice Awards is produced by Nickelodeon Productions in association with Bob Bain Productions. Bob Bain, Marjorie Cohn and Paula Kaplan are Executive Producers. Media outlets can reference the most up-to-date information on Nickelodeon’s 25th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards by logging onto www.NickKCApress.com. Nickelodeon, now in its 32nd 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 United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 17 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA – News, VIA.B – News).

Also, from Digital Spy:

Katy Perry confirms 3D movie 'Part of Me' release date Katy Perry confirms that her upcoming concert movie will be released in July. Photograph © Kevork Djansezian Katy Perry has confirmed the release date for her upcoming 3D concert movie. Katy Perry: Part Of Me will be out in US cinemas July 4, in time for Independence Day. The 'One That Got Away' singer confirmed the plans while talking to E!'s Kelly Osbourne on the red carpet for last night's Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in Los Angeles. "Go and see it and be a firework," she told Osbourne. Magical Elves - the production company behind Justin Bieber's Never Say Never movie - are reportedly in talks to produce the project. Katy Perry - who performed 'Part of Me' during last night's awards ceremony - recently asked her fans to get involved with the 3D movie. Watch the video for Katy Perry's 'Part of Me' [here on the official Digital Spy website, DigitalSpy.co.uk]:

Also from Digital Spy:

One Direction 'invited to White House by Michelle Obama' One Direction turn down a chance to attend the White House's Easter egg hunt. One Direction have reportedly been invited to the White House by Michelle Obama. The British boyband are said to have met the First Lady while appearing at Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards at the weekend. One Direction photo © John Shearer / Michelle-Obama photo © Michael Buckner The group have been invited to attend US president Barack Obama's annual Easter egg hunt on Easter Monday (April 9), but are unable to attend due to prior commitments in Australia. "She invited them to the White House for their annual Easter egg hunt on Easter Monday. It was such an honour," a source told The Sun. "They'd love to go another time." Michelle Obama and her daughters Malia and Sasha are said to have hit it off with One Direction backstage, with Harry Styles asking her how they order pizzas to The White House. Styles later described Obama as "a very attractive older woman". One Direction will star in an episode of Nickelodeon's iCarly on April 7. Their hit 'What Makes You Beautiful' is also due to be covered by the cast of Glee in a future episode. Watch the video for One Direction's 'One Thing' [here on the official Digital Spy website, DigitalSpy.co.uk.]