IDW Publishing Launches IDW Limited With With Kevin Eastman's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"

Below is a IDW Limited Press Release from the official IDW Limited website, www.idwlimited.com:

IDW Publishing Launches IDW Limited!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IDW Publishing Launches IDW Limited!

IDWLimited.com will Specialize in High-End, Limited Edition Books for Collectors

SAN DIEGO, CA (September 18, 2012) – IDW Publishing is thrilled to announce the launch of IDW Limited, a new division that will specialize in producing high-end, collectible editions of their wide catalog of books. Catering to the loyal and committed fans that have helped make IDW a success, IDW Limited books will feature unique elements like original sketches and creator signatures on luxuriously designed packaging not available anywhere else. These top-of-the-line rarities will aim to enhance and expand existing books, providing beautiful reading and collecting experiences fans will be proud to display on their shelves.

The first book offered from IDW Limited (www.idwlimited.com) will be the four-issue collection of IDW’s best-selling new series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Vol. 1, Change Is Constant. The Deluxe Limited Edition will be released in three tiers, each with extremely low quantities available exclusively through the IDW limited website, IDWLimited.com. Fans can expect hand signatures from TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman, series artist Dan Duncan, and series writer Tom Waltz, as well as original hand-sketched art from Dan Duncan packaged with each book in a specially hand constructed, deluxe case.

“This edition of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Vol. 1: Change Is Constant is nothing short of spectacular,” said Kevin Eastman, co-creator of TMNT. “The Turtles have been presented in a variety of formats over the years, but this book is truly a prized collector’s item for Turtle fans.”

IDW Limited books are offered in multiple tiers so that fans can select the degree of collectability that is important to them. Each print run is hand-numbered and strictly limited. All three tiers include a signature plate signed by the books creators. In addition to signatures, collectors can expect the following:

-Red Label Edition is limited to 175 copies, features a custom cover, is housed in a limited edition slipcase and paired with an artist’s portfolio containing a unique, spot-color sketch of one of the Ninja Turtles done by series artist Dan Duncan.

-Black Label Edition is limited to 25 copies featuring the IDW Limited custom cover and is housed in a hand built traycase, along with an artist’s portfolio containing a multi-color illustration of two classic TMNT characters by series artist Dan Duncan.

-Blue Label Edition, the rarest tier being offered, is limited to only 10 copies! For this special version, series artist Dan Duncan will be creating full color illustrations of the entire Turtle team in action. Each book is packaged with the IDW Limited cover inside a hand built tray case.

According to Jerry Bennington, IDW Limited's Director, “We wanted to give fans a top-of-the-line creative experience with the books they love in a truly special format.” He went on to add, “these rare editions will not only be special and limited in quantity, they’ll also include unique content found nowhere else. This may be the only way most fans could ever hope to own a signature, sketch or illustration from one of their favorite artists or creators.”

In addition to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, fans can also expect a complete line of limited edition books and merchandise of their favorite titles including Transformers, G.I. Joe, Alan Robert's Crawl To Me and menton3's Monocyte this fall, and many more to follow.

Fans are encouraged to visit www.idwlimited.com to sign up for their free newsletter
to receive updates and learn more about the company and it’s top selling books.

TMNT: CHANGE IS CONSTANT DELUXE LIMITED EDITION (RED-$125.00/BLACK-$250.00/BLUE-$350.00; 192 pages; 9” x 12”; hardcover) is now available for pre-order.

####

Media Contact: Nate Murray
Nate@IDWPublishing.com
858.277.7424, ext 102

Also, from Bleeding Cool:

[...]

The interview with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman, was conducted by IDW's Nate Murray.

We’re a year into the IDW re-boot of the turtles. How does it feel to be back in the swing of things?

Incredible really–it never ceases to amaze me the support the TMNT’s have not only from the original fans of the black and white series, but the masses that discovered them from the Animated series and still hold it near and dear. Personally, working on the new series with the genius Tom Waltz, mind-blowing Dan Duncan, extremely talented Rhonda Patterson, razor sharp Bobby Curnow, basically the whole IDW crew–along with MASSIVE support and direction from Nickelodeon has been life changing–simply put I have re-discovered my love of not only drawing comics, but most of all, drawing Turtles. It’s been amazing and then some.

Can you tell us about the creative process, and how you've been involved with the series?

For the regular series, it is Tom spearheading the ideas with series editor Bobby–before running things past me for thoughts and input–(and if they didn't do their job so well I'm sure I would have more than I do!)–before discussing everything with team Nickelodeon–who has simply been fantastic with ideas and support for the whole re-invention–they have allowed ideas to be explore that I think have really resonated with fans in a big way–and I’m one of the biggest fans of the new series, especially with artists like Dan and now Andy Kuhn doing the regular work. Really, REALLY talented people all the way around. I also get to do one of the variant covers–that Rhonda Patterson does knockout covers that make me look REALLY GOOD! (Thanks Rhonda!)

And what about the Annual?

*For the Annual, I did a full treatment, Tom fixed a lot of it with the final script, and Nickelodeon and Bobby brought in the final tweaks that made it all work sooooo nicely. From there is was easy–as it was all drawing for me–sorting out the acting and the fight scenes–and I got into it so much so that I asked, and got to add twelve more pages! So we took it from a 48-page story, to a 60-page block-buster! I can’t wait to get fan feedback on this one, my first full TMNT story in a few decades–let’s find out if the fans still like what I have to say!

IDW Limited is launching their site with the first story arc of the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Change Is Constant. You've contributed signed signature plates to go along with the books. What made you decide to do that?

What excites me personally about the whole concept digs right down to the core geek in me–as well as being a fan of very cool books! I have a few personal signed treasures in my collection, and I think it is that word, “personal” that is the key here–as most of the folks buying these higher end editions are the real serious fans of the projects –and want to have them in their collection because it holds special, very happy feelings about–treasured moments, that at a glance can transport them to another time and place that makes them smile.

Being a part of that, whether it is signing a limited number of signature plates, or doing original sketches—it’s a great feeling that doing something that simple for me, does so much for a fan on the other end–and that is pretty awesome.

You've had a chance to see what they’re putting together for this special edition, what do you think of it?

I am a HUGE book collector/fan with thousands and thousands in my collection–and my favorites are always the special editions–not necessarily because they’re rare and valuable–as much as I love all the care that went into the production, but more because of all the behind the scenes/making of bits–the process of how the project came to life–what was done, almost done, or changed–for better or worse–but it is all there–and that–is a very long answer to what I love about this edition–all the groovy bits!

Will you be working with IDW Limited more in the future?

In a hot second! I LOVE the oversized hardcovers of the original TMNT series, the Ultimate collections, (and I love the new softcover mini collections) but I especially love the Rocketeer, Thor, Wally Wood, Groo, and Daredevil editions–I look at them again and again–I will be buying EVERYTHING they do in this series–and if I get to be part of another fantastic collection–even better! Hah! Seriously, these are books that I feel are presented in the way they should be–as a work of art to be enjoyed again and again–it really is awesome to be a small part of it.

This hardback edition of Change is Constant is packaged with your page layouts for the first four issues. How were those used exactly?

Accidentally actually–Dan Duncan certainly doesn't need layouts from me to tell a great story–it was more for the ashcan/launch for Comic Con–I had already come on board to do covers for the first four, and was fully sold on the new story structure Tom Waltz wanted to do–so I suggested I do the layouts for the first eight pages as a kind of blessing from me, telling the fans “Hey, I love this! Check it out!” and the whole team dug it–I especially dug it–so we all kept it going through the entire first arc. Man what a blast that was! I hadn’t worked on a sequential TMNT comic story since 1995, and I really had the best time in a long time.

There seem to be a lot of small references to the original series in the new book, the opening fight scene, the scientist named 'Chet', any other subtle nods we might have missed that you’d like to point out?

That is what I love about so much of the new structure Tom, IDW and the gang Nickelodeon put together for the new series “foundation”–by pulling all their favorite bits and pieces from all over the TMNT universe(s), including letting me come have some say and play, and putting in all kinds of little cool bits like that! So, I’m not going to be the one to put out any spoilers, but will ask the fans to keep their eyes open and pop us a note when they find one! What fun!

IDW has been doing some interesting crossovers recently, the turtles got a brief appearance in Infestation 2, is there anyone from their other books you’d like to see them mix it up with? GI Joe or the Transformers? How about Turtles and Triceratons vs. Star Trek and Dr. Who?

I love the crossovers! Especially Infestation! Personally, I would love to see a Star Trek crossover, as that was such a huge influence for me, but a GI Joe crossover would be a complete blast! Man, you could really go nuts with the action there–I would love to layout those fight scenes! Outside of IDW, and I know fans will laugh, but I LOVE the Flaming Carrot! We have done a few team-ups with Bob Burden and the Carrot (and the Mysterymen!) but think the time would be right to do a big TMNT/Carrot “Secret Wars” style four issue series–with Simon Bisley covers!!!!

Any chance of a Usagi Yojimbo appearance any time soon?

I would LOVE that! I think the fans would as well–Stan Saki, and his awesome creation Usagi Yojimbo, have been both an incredible inspiration and a member of the TMNT family since the earliest days–and I know there are tons of GREAT story ideas yet to mine there! Let’s hope it happens and soon!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has run the gambit from being a group of rather violent vigilantes to comedic kid’s show stars, and they’ve been loved the whole way through. Why do you think people can connect with the turtles in so many different ways?

The core characters really are, what I think, the biggest attraction–the fans relate to them specifically and strongly I believe. I look at that concept kinda the same way I relate to/love my favorite life long inspirations/heroes–like Captain America, Daredevil, Batman, and groups like the X-Men and Avengers–there have been all kinds of different versions of them, some stronger than others–all of the versions reflective of the times they are written or drawn in–but it was always the “core” character I related to that kept me coming back again and again. To think the TMNT’s have reached that level with fans is mind-blowing to me–we’re nearly 30 years old and still have an incredible following–that is the biggest compliment to what Peter and I originally created–ever! Awesome really.

Follow up- how violent do you like your turtles?

I look at the action sequences the way I look at how they are done in different films–certain TMNT stories require action scenes like an old Errol Flynn film, like the Cerebus / TMNT crossover, others like Bodycount–are more of a John Woo influenced hyper-violent experience, but to me personally, I think I would keep them all more like a classic Bruce Lee film–intense action without the flying body parts. The action needs to fit the story–and that is what has been so cool with the Turtles, we’ve been able to do them both ways.

The turtles have been through space, they’ve been through time, is there more ground for them to cover? Any wild locations left on your wish list?

Funny, I was thinking about this when answering the last question—I would love to do one set in Hong Kong–I think you can experience some really, REALLY cool plot devices and attitudes–old school and new school, just by turning the right or wrong corner in that city–I think there are a ton of great ideas that could be explored there. The other would be the middle of a Guy Richie film, “Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels” or “Snatched” have several of my all time favorite film characters–the Turtles in London would be kick ass!

In the upcoming annual, you’re once again completely taking the reigns, handling both story and art duties. How has that experience been for you?

So incredibly cool–and as I mentioned earlier, life changing in many ways. Getting back in the mix with the IDW Turtles Series reminded me not only how much I love drawing comic, but how much I LOVED drawing the Turtles! Not that I never “not” liked either part, but between running Heavy Metal magazine–writing and story boarding comic projects I was doing with Simon Bisley, working on script I wanted to direct a feature films, working with David Fincher or Robert Rodriguez on a Heavy Metal film or TV options, and various other distractions–all took me away from what got me into the business in the first place–I wanted to be Jack Kirby–why the hell am I doing all this other stuff? So, I seriously credit Ted Adams and the crew at IDW for opening the door for me again–and making the “Welcome Home” the best experience ever!

How's Lost Angeles progressing?

Fantastic really! Tom Waltz and I are breaking down the origin film script into six issues, Simon Bisley has finished all the basic character designs and several of the covers–and we’re ready to ROCK! As soon as I wrap up the TMNT Annual, I’m jumping into the Lost Angeles with both feet–I can’t wait–it is the first full series I have done like this outside of the TMNT’s–I’m pumped!

Will we see any familiar faces (turtles or otherwise) in that story?

Man, we have to sneak something in somewhere don't we? Hah! That is the fun stuff! With such a big, intense, post apocalyptic setting–there’s ALL kinds of room to tip the ol’ hat to a few of some of our favorite characters and films–so I’ll simply tell the fans to “watch the backgrounds!”

Anything else you'd like to share?

Man, so much I'd like to share between the TMNT projects, Lost Angeles and my regular day job publishing Heavy Metal Magazine, but I’ll spare the world at large for the moment–and we can circle back to that at a later date! The one thing I would like to say is a big hearty THANKS to all the awesome fans who have given me the best job on the planet for the past 30 years! I get to work and create in a field I have loved my whole life, a place that is beyond my wildest dreams–but would have none of it without them. So I’ll say again, Thanks for all the support gang–look forward to seeing you out there at a show or signing soon!

You can follow IDW Limited, as I have just done, on Twitter here. As it stands, I am their first and only follower...

Viacom International Media Networks To Launch "Comedy Central" Channel In Southeast Asia

From Examiner:

Comedy Central to launch in Southeast Asia

Next month, Viacom will launch Comedy Central in Southeast Asia. This comes after the station entered the Asian market in January with Comedy Central India. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Viacom is striving to make Comedy Central its #3 global network (after MTV and Nickelodeon). Already, it is available in over 200 million+ households globally.

Viacom also shares that content in foreign markets is different than what we see domestically. Many countries see local comedians, U.S. sitcoms, and local programming.

“Comedy Central is our fastest growing brand, and we want to ride that global momentum into our sixth continent, Asia, where we see a vibrant and growing population with a great hunger for new programming. We continue to expand the regional success of our adult-focused business internationally as ratings for Comedy Central improved 27 percent across the board, with double-digit increases in markets, including the U.K, Germany, Spain, Poland, The Netherlands, Sweden and Hungary," Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman said on his company's quarterly earnings conference call in August. "Comedy Central is fast becoming our third global brand." Bob Bakish, CEO of Viacom International Media Networks“

Also, from The Hollywood Reporter:

Comedy Central Continues Global Expansion With Southeast Asia Launch

Comedy Central
The channel is fast becoming Viacom's third major global network brand after MTV and Nickelodeon.

LONDON - Viacom continues to push ahead with its plans to make Comedy Central its third major global network brand after MTV and Nickelodeon with a launch in Southeast Asia set for next month.

The move will mark the comedy powerhouse's broader foray into Asia, where other Viacom channels already have a solid presence, following the January launch of Comedy Central India.

Viacom says that Comedy Central, which debuted in the U.S. in 1991 and features somewhat different content abroad, including local shows, local standup and U.S. sitcoms, is the only global, multi-platform entertainment brand that is fully focused on comedy 24 hours a day.

Comedy Central's portfolio of comedy channels can be seen in such countries as the U.K., Italy, Spain, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Hungary, Poland, Israel and Australia. Overall, Comedy Central can be seen in 200 million-plus households in more than 70 territories. Overall, Viacom has 23 comedy channels, including Paramount Comedy in Russia and Spain and a slew of Comedy Central-branded channels.

Over the past six months, Comedy Central has launched in Latin America, India and Africa. It has also added Comedy Central Extra in such countries as the Netherlands and a network branded as Paramount Comedy in Russia.

Next up, Comedy Central Asia is set to launch, debuting in such key Southeast Asian markets as Singapore, the Philippines and Cambodia on November 1.

Among the programming on Comedy Central Asia will be The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, South Park, The Comedy Central Roast of David Hasselhoff, such sitcoms as Happily Divorced, Workaholics and Mind Your Language, sketch comedy show Key & Peele and Asian comedy highlights, such as The Noose, a top-rated Singapore-produced comedy series spoofing news shows.

“Comedy Central is our fastest growing brand, and we want to ride that global momentum into our sixth continent, Asia, where we see a vibrant and growing population with a great hunger for new programming," said Bob Bakish, CEO of Viacom International Media Networks.

"We continue to expand the regional success of our adult-focused business internationally as ratings for Comedy Central improved 27 percent across the board, with double-digit increases in markets, including the U.K, Germany, Spain, Poland, The Netherlands, Sweden and Hungary," Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman said on his company's quarterly earnings conference call in August. "Comedy Central is fast becoming our third global brand."

Earlier this year, the channel launched in Latin America. Comedy Central Latin America offers 24-hour entertainment targeted at the Latin-American audience, including sitcoms, animation fare, movies, acquisitions and local productions. Shows include Mr. Sunshine, Married With Children, The Sarah Silverman Show and local originals such as The Spooky Show.

Among other recent launches, Viacom at the start of August brought Comedy Central Extra to more than 1 million homes in the Adria region, which includes Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Bosnia, Montenegro and Macedonia, via cable operator and Internet provider Serbian Broadband.

Comedy Central Extra is a network dedicated to Comedy Central's original U.S. programming. It first launched in the U.K. in 2009, followed by The Netherlands in Nov. 2011.

"We have recently launched Comedy Central Extra in a couple of markets as an additional brand," said Dan Ligtvoet, chair of the Comedy Central International brand team and executive vp, managing director of the Viacom International Media Networks north Europe cluster. "It's more like comedy for specialists - it's closer to the Comedy Central you know from the U.S. with South Park, The Daily Show, Colbert Report and Workaholics. We are looking at Comedy Central Extra and are seeing increasing demand from our affiliate partners."

The Comedy Central global growth push is part of Viacom's, and other entertainment conglomerate's attempt to add growth drivers outside the more mature U.S. market.

"Last year, we did about $200 million of operating income in our international media networks," Dauman said earlier this year. "And I expect that to at least triple to quadruple over the next five years."

International Viacom Comedy Central Philippe Dauman MTV Nickelodeon

Also, from Media Research Asia.com:

Comedy Central Rolling Out To 8 Asian Markets

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) is set to launch the first 24-hr all-comedy channel, Comedy Central Asia on Thursday, November 1 at 12pm (SG/PH) in seven territories with nine providers – Singapore, the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Mongolia. The eighth territory, Thailand, will begin transmission of Comedy Central Asia on December 1 via IPTV operator TOT IPTV.

Comedy Central Asia will kick off with one feed on November 1 reaching subscribers of Singapore’s StarHub, the Philippines’s SkyTel, Cambodia's PPCTV Co., LTD and One TV, Myanmar’s SkyNet DTH, Papua New Guinea’s Channel 8 and HiTRON, Samoa’s Bluesky Moana TV and Mongolia’s SkyMedia. Singapore’s MediaCorp will launch the channel in the first quarter of 2013 via its Over-The-Top (OTT) interactive service, Toggle. Comedy Central Asia will air 24 hours a day, seven days a week in both standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD). Viewing platforms include cable, IPTV, OTT, MMDS, DVBT, DTH, as well as online and mobile simulcast.

Comedy Central Asia’s programming line-up will feature Primetime Emmy® award-winning political talk show The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Peabody® prize-winner South Park and Charlie Sheen’s latest comedy hit Anger Management, which is exclusive to Comedy Central Asia.

The Channel will debut with Comedy Central Roast of David Hasselhoff, part of the Emmy-nominated COMEDY CENTRAL Roast series where a special roastee is hand-picked to sit on the hot seat and take it on the chin for the evening with good-natured ribbing from colleagues and comics. This is followed by the sitcom Happily Divorced and the first run of stand-up special Jo Koy: Lights Out. Localized programming during the weekend includes a two-episode marathon of The Noose, a top-rated, Singapore-produced news spoof comedy.

Classic titles Just for Laughs and Mind Your Language, original sketch-comedy Key & Peele, sitcoms Workaholics and The Sarah Silverman Program, gag show Boiling Points and the celebrity special Comedy Central Roast of Roseanne will also be aired on the Channel.

“Launching the Channel in seven markets at one shot is an amazing feat and is proof of the confidence that operators have in the Channel. With less than a week to go, we are eagerly awaiting the launch of Comedy Central Asia. Viewers will laugh out loud with our hilarious programmes from the U.S., the U.K. and Asia,” said VIMN’s Executive Vice President/Managing Director Asia, Indra Suharjono.

Comedy Central Asia will be the platform to showcase Asian comedy and comedic talent. In addition to subtitling, localisation initiatives in the pipeline include local productions, commissions and more acquisitions.

Comedy Central is VIMN’s third global brand (after MTV and Nickelodeon) and expands VIMN’s current offerings in Asia by moving into the adult-skewed entertainment sphere, targeting viewers aged 18 to 34 years old with comedy content round-the-clock.

Comedy Central is the only 100% global comedy network, currently seen in more than 200 million homes in over 70 countries around the world. Comedy Central Asia joins the portfolio of comedy channels for Viacom International Media Networks, which are seen in various markets such as Latin America, Russia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Holland, New Zealand, Hungary, Poland, Israel, and Austria.

Source: Viacom

Nick Jr. UK Acquires The UK Broadcast Rights To SLR Productions' Brand New Animated Preschool Series "Guess How Much I Love You – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare"; Set To Premiere In 2013

From Kidscreen:

Nick Jr. picks up Guess How Much I Love You

Sydney, Australia's SLR Productions' preschool animated book-based series Guess How Much I Love You – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare has been acquired for Nick Jr. UK and Ireland by Nickelodeon UK.

The 52 x 11-minute series, produced with Singapore's Scrawl Studios and Germany’s KI.KA, will launch on Nick Jr. in 2013. The series currently airs on Disney Junior (US), KI.KA (Germany), ABC4Kids (Australia), TV2 (Norway), Hop! (Israel), RTP (Portugal), Disney (Spain and Italy), ZAPP (Netherlands), TRT (Turkey), Mini Mini (Poland), VRT (Belgium), EESTI (Estonia), TFO and TVO (Canada) and YLE (Finland).

Guess How Much I Love You, based on the bestselling picture book by Sam McBratney and published by the Walker Books Group, features the love-themed seasonal adventures of Nutbrown Hare’s family and their friends.

Toronto, Canada-based CCI Entertainment holds the worldwide distribution and licensing rights in Latin America, Asia, Middle East and Africa.

Tags: CCI Entertainment, Guess How Much I Love You - The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare, Ireland, Ki.Ka, Nick Jr. UK, Sam McBratney, Scrawl Studios, SLR Productions

Also, from MuMbrella:

The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare picked up by Nick Jr UK

SLR Productions, one of Australia’s leading production houses specialising in children’s TV show has had its show Guess How Much I Love You – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare, a 52×11 minute series, picked up by CCI Entertainment and Nickelodeon UK.The announcement:

CCI Entertainment is pleased to announce a partnership with Nickelodeon UK for preschool series GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU- The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare. The 52 x 11 minute series, from Australia’s SLR Productions, Germany’s KI.KA and Singapore’s Scrawl Studios will launch on Nick Jr. in The UK and Ireland.

“A beautiful interpretation of the popular book series, GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare, is a fantastic property that has a warmth and charm that we love,” said Tim Patterson, VP Scheduling Director, Nickelodeon UK. “The success of the show in other territories is testament to the great work achieved by everyone involved and we look forward to working closely with SLR Productions and CCI to launch this beguiling property on Nick Jr.”

“Nick Jr. is a terrific home for this series in the UK and Ireland” said Jill Keenleyside EVP at CCI Entertainment. “We are delighted to be working with them once again, on such a charming and beautiful classic property.”

“I am thrilled to see the continued acquisition of GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare for countries across the globe. It has become a much-loved and treasured series by parents and preschoolers in countries where it has already gone to air and I know its broadcast on Nick Jr. will have just the same success” said Executive Producer and CEO of SLR Productions, Suzanne Ryan.

The series continues to air on Disney Junior US, KI.KA Germany, ABC4Kids Australia, TV2 Norway, Hop! Israel, RTP Portugal, Disney Spain & Italy, ZAPP Netherlands, TRT Turkey, Mini Mini Poland, VRT Belgium and EESTI Estonia, TFO and TVO Canada and YLE Finland.

GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare keeps love as the major theme and each adventure in the series has a particular season as its backdrop, the wildflowers of Spring, the long, lazy days of Summer, the brilliant colours of Autumn or the frozen landscape of Winter.

The animated preschool series is the first time the bestselling picture book, GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU™, has been adapted into a television show. The series relates the adventures of the Nutbrown Hares family and their friends with the same endearing simplicity and love that has made the book a timeless classic.

The picture book, written by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram and published by the Walker Books Group, has become an international publishing phenomenon, selling more than 28 million copies worldwide.

Source: SLR Productions

Also, from C21Media:

UK, Ireland feel the Love

Children's channel Nick Jr has picked up a German-Australian preschool animated coproduction to air in the UK and Ireland.

Guess How Much I Love You – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare (52x11′) is coproduced by Australia's SLR Productions, German kidsnet KiKa and Scrawl Studios in Singapore.

The series, based on the book by Sam McBratney in which a father and son attempt to measure how much they love each other, has previously been sold to networks including Disney Channel in Australia and New Zealand; ABC (Australia); TFO and Knowledge (Canada); and SVT (Sweden).

Tim Patterson, VP and scheduling director at Nickelodeon UK, said the cartoon was a “beguiling property with a warmth and charm that we love.”

Canada's CCI Entertainment holds worldwide distribution rights.

Nico Franks
04-10-2012
©C21Media

TAGS: Acquisition
GENRES: Animation, Children's
SHOWS: Guess How Much I Love You
PEOPLE: Tim Patterson
COMPANIES: Nick UK, Nickelodeon
SECTIONS: C21Kids
COUNTRIES: Australia, Canada, Germany, Singapore, UK

North American Actress Tina Fey To Guest Star In The Upcoming Brand New "iCarly" Episode Titled "iShock America"; To Premiere On Nickelodeon USA On Saturday 6th October 2012

According to The Huffington Post, Entertainment Weekly is reporting that the North American actress, comedian, writer and producer Tina Fey (real name Elizabeth Stamatina Fey) will be guest starring in the upcoming brand new season 7 episode of the hit Nickelodeon comedy series (sitcom) "iCarly" called "iShock America", which Nickelodeon USA will premiere in North America on Saturday 6th October 2012 as part of Nickelodeon USA's brand new Nickelodeon Programming Stunt and Block called "Gotta See Saturdays":

[...] And More Casting News

[...]

Tina Fey is on her way to Nickelodeon. Fey will guest star on "iCarly" alongside Jimmy Fallon in this Saturday's episode titled "iShock America." [EW]

[...]

Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Star In "Gangnam Style" Parody Video With Vanilla Ice

What do you get if you cross Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo, Nickelodeon Star Rachel Crow, Manhattan, New York, Perez Hilton, Viacom offices'/rooms full of Nickelodeon employees, a Lady Gaga impersonator, Toys"R"Us in New York City, and NYC's Time Square with the South Korean rapper PSY and the North American rapper Vanilla Ice? "Gangnam Style" Turtle Power style! From the entertainment news website Entertainment Weekly's 'PopWatch' Pop Culture news column:

Go ninja, go ninja, go! Turtles and Vanilla Ice team up for 'Gangnam Style' parody -- VIDEO

Have you ever seen a turtle get down? Of course you have; like any nostalgia hound, you’ve watched this clip of Vanilla Ice's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze rap so many times that you could do the turtle-ography in your sleep. But you’ve never seen a video of men in giant turtle suits, rooms full of Nickelodeon employees, a Lady Gaga impersonator, and, for some reason, Perez Hilton doing PSY’s “Gangnam Style” dance while frolicking around New York City. Such a video existed only in your deepest, gnarliest fever dreams.

Until this morning, that is. Proof:



This [streaming online] video is either the greatest thing ever created by man or beast, or decisive evidence of an imminent apocalypse. There is no middle ground. Also, how does Vanilla Ice’s massive TMNT tattoo make you feel — pleasantly nostalgic, or deeply, deeply sad?

Tags: 100% Pure Cheese, Gangnam Style, I Love the '90s, Nostalgia, Ridiculata, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Viral Video!!!, Music, TV

Nickelodeon Orders Second Season Of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Following The Show's Debut Success; Season Two Episodes To Start To Premiere In 2013

Nickelodeon has announced in their "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Make A Triumphant Return To Television In New Nickelodeon Series" 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ratings' Press Release the Nickelodeon/TMNT news that, following launch success of Nickelodeon's brand new CGI-animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" on Saturday 29th September 2012 on Nickelodeon USA, Nickelodeon has commissioned a second season (season 2) of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" which will be comprised of 26 additional brand new episodes of the series, which will begin airing next year (2013):

Following its launch success, Nickelodeon has ordered 26 additional episodes of the series, which will begin airing next year.

Also, from Digital Spy:

'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles': More episodes ordered by Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon orders 26 more episodes based on positive response to premiere.

Nickelodeon has ordered more episodes of the rebooted Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

The cartoon premiered on the US cable channel last weekend (September 29) and garnered an impressive 12m viewers.

The positive response has now led to 26 more episodes being ordered for next year.

The reboot features Jason Biggs, Sean Astin and Rob Paulsen amongst the voice cast, and is currently premiering on all of Nickelodeon's channels across the world. The UK premiere took place on Monday (October 1), and was publicised with a 3D painting on London's South Bank.

There have been two previous animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series: the first began in 1987, spawning ten seasons and 193 episodes, and was followed by a new series in 2003, consisting of seven seasons and 156 episodes.

Director Michael Bay is currently preparing a big-screen reboot for the characters. Production delays have led to the release being put back to 2014, meaning it will coincide with the 30th anniversary of the release of the first Turtles comic.

Photo gallery - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles though the years:

> 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' on-screen evolution - in pictures

Also, from Kidscreen:

Nickelodeon renews Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series

After becoming the kidsnet’s top-rated premiere for an animated series since 2009, the new GC-animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series has been renewed by Nickelodeon for a second season.

The new series debuted on September 29 and took the week’s top ratings spot with kids ages two to 11 and boys ages six to 11 across all TV. Nearly 12 million viewers tuned in during its premiere weekend.

Twenty-six new episodes have been ordered by Nick that will begin airing in 2013. In addition, the brand’s licensing program continues to make strides as its new toy line from Playmates Toys was recently named to Toys ‘R’ Us’ Hot Toy List for the holiday season.

Tags: Nickelodeon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

The Ratings For The Premiere Of Nickelodeon's Brand New "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Series On Nickelodeon USA Are In! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Make A Triumphant Return To Television

Below is a Nickelodeon Press Release from PRNewswire:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Make A Triumphant Return To Television In New Nickelodeon Series

Series Premiere Scores Cable's Top Spot for the Week with Kids Across All TV; Nearly 4 Million Total Viewers; and Nick's Highest Boys 2-11 Rating for 2012

Nickelodeon Renews Series for Second Season with 26 New Episodes Ordered

Consumer Products Line Named to Holiday Season 'Hot Toy' Lists

NEW YORK, Oct. 2, 2012 /Nickelodeon Press Release via PRNewswire/ -- Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Donatello – aka the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – made a triumphant return to television in their new Nickelodeon series premiere this weekend (Saturday, Sept. 29, at 11 a.m., ET/PT), ranking as the week's top telecast with kids 2-11 (6.2/2.1 million) and boys 6-11 (8.2/837,000) across broadcast and cable TV, and the number-one kids program on basic cable with total viewers (drawing 3.9 million) for the week. Additionally, the new CG-animated version of the series hit a ratings high for Nickelodeon with boys 2-11 (7.5/1.3 million), and was the network's top-rated premiere for an animated series since 2009. During its premiere weekend the series reached nearly 12 million total viewers.

(Download image: Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121002/NY85525 )

Following its launch success, Nickelodeon has ordered 26 additional episodes of the series, which will begin airing next year. Additionally, the reintroduction of this storied franchise has already ignited excitement in the licensing community, with the new line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles consumer products from Playmates Toys being named 'Hot Toys for the Holidays' on the prestigious Toys R' Us and Time to Play lists.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is set in present day New York City, from the glittering towers of Manhattan to the dark depths of the sewers, and follows the adventures of four humanoid turtles and a six-foot-tall rat, Master Splinter. One day, while living a life in seclusion with his four pet turtles, the once human, Splinter, encountered a mysterious green ooze that covered him and his pets. Overcome by the mutagen, he was transformed into a rat and his four pets became humanoid turtles. Fearing persecution from humans, he brought the Turtles underground and raised them, training them to become ninjas. Years have passed since that point and the four turtles, Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo, are now headstrong teenagers, filled with the confidence of youth and a burning desire to see the world.

The series stars Jason Biggs (Leonardo), Sean Astin (Raphael), Rob Paulsen (Donatello), Greg Cipes (Michelangelo), Mae Whitman (April O'Neil), Hoon Lee (Master Splinter) and Kevin Michael Richardson (Shredder). The executive producers for the series are Ciro Nieli, Joshua Sternin & J.R. Ventimilia and Peter Hastings. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is premiering globally across Nickelodeon's channels around the world.

Considered one of the most popular kids' television programs of the 1980s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a classic, global property created in 1984 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. It first debuted as a successful comic book series and then became a hit animated TV show, a live-action television series and later spawned four blockbuster theatrical releases. The property also has translated into a significant consumer products business—with DVDs, video games, toys and more--that has generated billions of dollars at retail.

Nickelodeon, now in its 33rd 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 more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 17 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

SOURCE Nickelodeon

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