Nick Jr. Channel UK To Show Brand New Episodes Of "Team Umizoomi" From Monday 11th June 2012

According to Nick Jr. UK and Ireland on their official Twitter profile page (@NickJrUK) and Nick Jr. UK and Eire's "What's On" schedule section on the official Nick Jr. UK and Ireland website, NickJr.co.uk, Nickelodeon UK and Ireland's preschool channel, Nick Jr. Channel UK and Ireland, will be premiering and showing brand new episodes of Nick Juniors' CGI-animated (animated using computer-generated imagery) educational, musical preschool television series "Team Umizoomi" every weekday at 7.30am and 5.00pm from Monday 11th June 2012 to Friday 15th June 2012:

Umi Friends - brand #new Team Umizoomi eps are on all this week on #NickJrUK! Tune in at 5pm to help Milli, Geo and Bot solve problems

Former Nickelodeon Advertising Executive Joins Viggle As Chief Revenue Officer

From 4-traders:

Ad Industry Dynamo Kevin Arrix Joins Viggle as Chief Revenue Officer

Former Citigroup Executive Julie Gerola hired as Vice President, Loyalty and Rewards to Create the First Rewards Program for Watching Television

Viggle, the loyalty program for television recently launched by Function(x) Inc.™ (Pink Sheets:FNCX), announced the appointment of Kevin Arrix and Julie Gerola to the company's executive team. The new hires bring experience managing world-class digital advertising businesses and large-scale loyalty programs for some of the world's biggest brands in media, entertainment and financial services.

Kevin Arrix recently joined Viggle as Chief Revenue Officer after holding the position of Executive Vice President of Digital Advertising at MTV Networks. At MTV Networks, Kevin oversaw MTV Network's digital advertising sales and operations for online and mobile advertising across all of the company's properties, including MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, COMEDY CENTRAL, Shockwave, CMT, Spike and Logo. Prior to moving into his cross-brand role at MTV Networks, Kevin was Vice President of Nickelodeon's digital ad sales and led an East Coast-based Nickelodeon TV sales team. He also previously held a leadership role at CBS Sportsline after seven years at Turner Broadcasting, primarily in the Turner International division, where he held appointments in New York, Chicago and Europe.

Julie Gerola joins Viggle as Vice President, Loyalty and Rewards, overseeing Viggle's rewards program. She was most recently Senior Vice President at Citigroup, where she oversaw the industry-recognized Citi ThankYou Rewards program. With more than 10 years of loyalty expertise and deep passion for the consumer experience, Julie is the perfect fit for Viggle as the company pioneers the first loyalty program for television.

"Kevin and Julie bring unparalleled talent, experience and relationships to quickly scale our business," said Janet Scardino, CEO of Function(x) Inc. "They join us at an exciting time as we continue building a world-class team that combines the best of Silicon Valley, Madison Avenue and Hollywood to deliver the best possible experience to our users."

About Viggle?

Viggle is a loyalty program for television that gives people real rewards for checking into the television shows they are watching. Currently available for Apple iPhone®, iPad® and iPod touch®, Viggle automatically identifies what television shows its users are watching and awards them points when they check-in. Viggle users can redeem their points in the app's rewards catalogue for items such as movie tickets, music, gift cards or convert them into charitable donations. For more information, follow us on Twitter @Viggle or like us on Facebook.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. All information provided in this press release is as of June 5, 2012. Except as required by law, Function(x) Inc. undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Media Contact:
Weber Shandwick for Viggle
Laura Gonia, 206-576-5580
Viggle@webershandwick.com
or
Investor Relations:
Function(x) Inc.
John Small, Head of Strategy & Corp. Development, 212-231-0092
John.Small@functionxinc.com.

Preview Of Nickelodeon's Brand New Updated Version Of The Classic Nickelodeon Gameshow "Figure It Out"

From The Huffington Post:

'Figure It Out' Reboot: Preview New Version Of Classic Nickelodeon Series (VIDEO)


A scene from the new version of "Figure It Out.
"Figure It Out" is back! The classic '90s Nickelodeon series returns to the network Mon., June 11, at 7 p.m. ET with new host Jeff Sutphen in place of original host Summer Sanders.

The format is the same: A four-person celebrity panel must guess the hidden talent of a contestant. Along the way they'll get clues to help them guess. Oh, and that infamous slime is back.

Check out photos from the reboot [here on Huffington Post] -- including panelists "The X Factor" alum Rachel Crow and "Nickelodeon" stars Drake Bell and Victoria Justice getting slimed -- and two preview videos [below].

Nickelodeon And 2K Play To Launch Lineup Of Brand New Video Games Based On Hit Nick Jr. Preschool Shows And Characters

From Business Wire via TheStreet.com:

2K Play And Nickelodeon To Launch Lineup Of Games Based On Hit New Preschool Shows And Characters

2K Play and Nickelodeon announced today new video games that celebrate the imaginative, educational and interactive worlds of Nickelodeon’s hit preschool series, Dora the Explorer, Bubble Guppies and Team Umizoomi. Available this fall, Nickelodeon Dance 2 for console systems builds on the success of its predecessor, Nickelodeon Dance, by featuring new Nickelodeon characters, innovative game modes, original dances, and energetic songs from the network’s hit TV shows. In addition, Bubble Guppies, the top-rated CG-animated preschool series, makes a splash with its video game debut, delighting Nintendo DS™ gamers with a watery world of laughter and learning. Rounding out the lineup, Dora & Team Umizoomi's Fantastic Flight for Nintendo DS brings together the mighty math superheroes of Team Umizoomi and the beloved Dora the Explorer for the very first time.

"Nickelodeon Dance 2 builds on the active fun children, moms, teachers and grandparents had with our original dance sensation by adding new songs, characters, and twists,” said Steve Lux, Vice President of Business Development for 2K Play. "On the portable front, we’re delighted to introduce games based on preschoolers' favorite new Nickelodeon properties, including Bubble Guppies and Team Umizoomi, providing the perfect opportunity to play learning games on the go."

"Our new titles with 2K Play exemplify Nickelodeon’s ongoing commitment of stimulating and developing preschoolers' minds through play and education," said Sherice Torres, Senior Vice President of Home Entertainment, DTO and Video Game Licensing, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. “Kids will love singing, dancing and interacting with the characters from their favorite preschoolers series.”

In Nickelodeon Dance 2, gamers of all ages can dance, sing and workout with more Nickelodeon friends than ever before. Thirty all-new tracks include chart-toppers from hit Nick Jr. TV shows, like The Fresh Beat Band, Bubble Guppies, Dora the Explorer, Team Umizoomi, and The Backyardigans. Original dance routines are under development with the guidance of an Emmy-recognized® children's dance choreographer.

The first Nickelodeon Dance was named one of Parents magazine's "15 Best Video Games" in 2011. It was also featured in The Active Gaming Showcase, which is the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition and the Entertainment Software Association’s joint initiative to promote active play through video games. Nickelodeon Dance 2 continues the franchise’s trend of encouraging heart-healthy activity with the inclusion of a special workout mode.

Bubble Guppies for Nintendo DS is the first video game featuring the fish-tailed classmates Molly, Gil, Deema, Nonny, Oona, and Goby from Nickelodeon’s top-rated CG-animated preschool series. Gamers will dive into an underwater world of learning and exploration in this fin-tastic voyage.

In Dora & Team Umizoomi's Fantastic Flight for Nintendo DS, Dora the Explorer steps into her first adventure with the mighty members of Team Umizoomi. Gamers will help Millie, Geo, Bot and Dora on a high-flying journey, practicing math and problem-solving skills along the way.

Nickelodeon Dance 2 for console systems, Bubble Guppies for Nintendo DS and Dora & Team Umizoomi's Fantastic Flight for Nintendo DS will be available this November and have not yet been rated by the ESRB. The console titles are being developed by High Voltage Software, Inc., and Nintendo DS titles by Black Lantern Studios, Inc.

Please visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/2kplay or follow 2K Play on Twitter (twitter.com/2KPlay).

2K Play is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO).

Nickelodeon Currently Co-Producing Season Five Of "Winx Club"; To Debut On Nickelodeon During Fall (Autumn) 2012

From Kidscreen:

Rainbow extends global reach for Winx Club toys


Italian producer, distributor and licensor Rainbow has appointed a number of new toy distributors for its Winx Club brand. New partners on board include Bizak (Spain), Universal Trends (Germany), Cotiplas (Brazil), Emway (Indonesia), Tisak (Croatia), and OFY (Serbia).

Winx Club dolls are produced for the worldwide market by Witty Toys, part of the Rainbow Group, except in North America, Australia and New Zealand and UK where Jakks Pacific is the master toy licensee for producing and distributing the dolls.

More than 10 new doll collections are planned to roll out later this year, inspired by the upcoming fall launch of season five of Winx Club, currently in co-production with Nickelodeon. The dolls will represent key elements of girls play, including fairy play, fashion play and hair play. Highlighting Rainbow’s 360-degree approach to their brands, the toys will be linked to the TV show and digital media. Each doll will be linked to a code that will allow children to download special content related to their specific doll via www.winxclub.com.

Each collection, created by Witty Toys, will also come with a range of local marketing and advertising initiatives including TV promotions implemented by the distributor, to ensure exposure for the brand in the new territories.

Aimed at four- to 12-year-olds, there are more than 104 Winx Club TV episodes and four TV movies on air in more than 130 countries. Winx Club has 365 licenses and billions worth of merchandising at retail worldwide across all categories including digital, publishing, home entertainment and live events.

Tags: Bizak, Cotiplas, Emway, OFY, Rainbow, Tisak, Universal Trends, Winx Club

Global Television Networks Pick Up The Broadcast Rights To Animated Series "Monsuno"

From C21Media:

Global nets grab Monsuno

Networks across Europe, the Middle East, Canada and Australia have acquired boys’ action series Monsuno (52x30′).


The series launched on Nick Toons in the US in February and has now gone to the UK’s CiTV, Italy’s K2, Spain’s TV Clan, Canada’s YTV, the Middle East’s Spacetoon and Nine Network channel Go! in Australia.

The 6-11 boys-skewed series follows the battle between a group of heroic kids and aliens intent on destruction.

It is distributed by FremantleMedia Enterprises.

Pacific Animation Partners, a joint venture of toyco Jakks Pacific, Dentsu Entertainment USA, FME and The Topps Company, produce the show.

Jesse Whittock
11-06-2012
©C21Media

GENRES: Animation, Children's

SHOWS: Monsuno

COMPANIES: CITV, Dentsu Entertainment USA, FremantleMedia Enterprises, Go!, Jakks Pacific, K2, Nick Toons, Nine Network, Pacific Animation Partners, Spacetoon, The Topps Company, TVE, YTV

SECTIONS: C21 Kids

COUNTRIES: Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Middle East, Spain, UK, US

Also, from Kidscreen:

Monsuno series to bow in six new markets

FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) has signed six new international distribution deals for the boys’ action-adventure series Monsuno.

The deals will see Monsuno air on free-to-air channels including CITV in the UK, Switchover Media (K2) in Italy, RTVE (Clan) in Spain, YTV in Canada, Spacetoon in the Middle East, and Nine Network’s GO! channel in Australia.

Targeting six- to 11-year-old boys, Monsuno is a 52 x half hour animated action-adventure series in which a race to harness the power of Monsuno ensues between a group of heroic kids and the evil forces focused on destroying the planet. Nickelodeon has the pay TV rights to Monsuno, which premiered in the US on Nicktoons in February and is now rolling out in more than 60 markets worldwide.

FME is the worldwide (excluding Asia) distribution and ancillary rights agent for Monsuno and will be available this week at Licensing Show to discuss opportunities for phase two categories including apparel, graphic novels, sticker and activity books, as well as for phase three products in categories across games, outdoor toys, dress up, activity and craft, board games and puzzles.

The Monsuno series is co-produced by Pacific Animation Partners, a joint venture between Jakks Pacific and Dentsu Entertainment USA, with FremantleMedia Enterprises and The Topps Company. It is supported by a Jakks Pacific toy line featuring innovative, kid-controlled action figures, accessories, playsets, collectables, electronics and integrated role play.

Jakks Pacific is the creator of the underlying Monsuno property and master toymaker for the Monsuno toy line. The Topps Company produces Monsuno trading card games, confectioneries and related products

Tags: Dentsu Entertainment USA, FreemantleMedia Enterprises, Jakks Pacific, Monsuno, Pacific Animation Partners, The Topps Company

Also, from Licensing.biz:

VEGAS 2012: Six new TV deals for Monsuno

Boys' animated series picked up by CITV in the UK.

FremantleMedia Enterprises has announced a string of TV channels which have picked up the Monsuno licence.

The popular boys’ action series will be broadcast on free-to-air channels such as CITV in the UK, Switchover Media in Italy, RTVE in Spain,YTV in Canada, Spacetoon in the Middle East and Nine Network’s Go channel in Australia.

Nickelodeon has the pay TV rights to Monsuno, which premiered in the US on Nicktoons in February, and is rolling out in over 60 markets worldwide.

FremantleMedia Enterprises is the distribution and rights agent for Monsuno and is currently attending Licensing International Expo in Las Vegas to discuss opportunities for apparel, graphic novels, books, toys, board games, puzzles and more.

Jakks Pacific is the creator of Monsuno and the toy line. The Monsuno TV series is co-produced by Pacific Animation Partners LLC, a joint venture between Jakks Pacific, Dentsu Entertainment USA, FremantleMedia Enterprises and The Topps Company.

Andrew Berman, FME’s VP for distribution, kids and family entertainment, said: “We are incredibly excited to announce these new programming deals which further demonstrate the worldwide appeal of Monsuno.”

Carmine Russo, president of Jakks Pacific’s International division, added: “On-air placement with these top free-to-air network partners continues to expand the tremendous worldwide presence of the Monsuno franchise.”

Also, from Animation Insider:

TV Animation Sales 2012 (June)

TV Animation News: Global Sales Update

The following article spotlights a few news items regarding TV animation sales announced during June 2012. Nickelodeon's revival of sewer-dwelling ninja reptiles are already earning international sales (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Ankama's flexible MMORPG-based adventures move to Cartoon Network (Wakfu), and a pair of preschool items about everyday piglets find new homes as well (Wibbly Pig, Peppa Pig).

[...]

FremantleMedia Enterprises (London, England), which manages the boys' adventure series Monsuno, has obtained a number of new broadcast partners for the monster-battle animation. FremantleMedia manages the series' international distribution and ancillary rights, which to date also includes the Nicktoons network, which debuted Monsuno in February 2012 [recent Monsuno news: "Nicktoons Readies New Animation" (02/2012)]. Monsuno is now also slated to air on CITV (UK), K2 (Italy), YTV (Canada), Spacetoon (Middle East), RTVE's Clan (Spain), Nine Network's GO! (Australia), and most recently, TV Tokyo (Japan) this coming autumn. Monsuno is about a group of kid heroes whose destiny to save the world is intertwined with fantastical creatures of enormous size and power. The series is a co-production of Dentsu Entertainment (U.S.), Dentsu Tec (Japan), FremantleMedia Enterprises (UK), and JAKKS Pacific (U.S.).