Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Nickelodeon UK To Start To Show The Brand New Nick Comedy Series "How To Rock" In May 2013
The Nickelodeon UK fanblog NickUKHub is reporting the exciting Nickelodeon UK News that Nick UK & Eire has announced in their brand new trailer that Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK will start to premiere and show Nickelodeon's brand new live-action comedy series "How to Rock" in May 2013. The show is speculated to air on Nick UK at weekends (transmission (TX) date and time to be announced), as part of "May on Nickelodeon UK 2013"!
Nickelodeon's brand new live-action comedy show "How to Rock" follows Kacey Simon (Cymphonique Miller), a popular girl who was once mean, and whose status goes down after she must briefly wear braces and glasses. Ignored by her fellow mean girls, Kacey finds a new way to express herself through music by becoming the lead singer of the pop/hip-hop band Gravity 4 with Stevie Baskara (Lulu Antariksa), Zander Robbins (Max Schneider), Nelson Baxter (Noah Crawford), and Kevin Reed (Christopher O'Neal). The success of the band, now renamed Gravity 5, begins a rivalry with Kacey's former group The Perfs, a rival band featuring her former friends, and now archrivals Molly Garfunkel (Samantha Boscarino) and Grace King (Halston Sage).
Nickelodeon Unveils First Teaser Trailer For Upcoming Original TV Movie, "Nicky Deuce"
To celebrate and promote Nickelodeon, R&R Productions and MarVista Entertainment's upcoming original kids TV movie "Nicky Deuce", which, starring Nickelodeon Star Noah Munck ("iCarly", "Gibby"), Nickelodeon USA is planning to premiere and show later this year (2013), Nick, R&R and MarVista have released a online streaming video featuring the movies first teaser trailer on the films official YouTube channel, nickydeucemovie!
In the movies first teaser trailer, viewers of the video are asked the important question, "Who's Nicky Deuce?" Find out by watching the video below!:
In the movies first teaser trailer, viewers of the video are asked the important question, "Who's Nicky Deuce?" Find out by watching the video below!:
Who's Nicky Deuce? That's Nicky Deuce.Nickelodeon, R&R and MarVista has also posted a special behind-the-scenes video featuring Cristine Prosperi ("Degrassi") taking part in a photo shoot as her character in the movie, "Donna", along with her co-star Noah Munck ("Nicky"):
They call him Nicky, Nicky Deuce. But who is Nicky Deuce?
http://www.nickydeuce.com.
Nicky Deuce Behind the Scenes - Donna Photo ShootThe upcoming brand new Nickelodeon Original Television Movie "Nicky Deuce", based on a popular children's book by The Sopranos' Steve Schirripa and Charles Fleming, stars iCarly's Noah Munck as Nicholas Borelli II, a nerdy, over-protected teen who transforms into the title character. Nicholas gets caught in the adventure of a lifetime when his plans to attend math camp go awry and he is sent to spend the summer with an uncle (played by Schirripa) he never knew he had in Brooklyn, New York. A fish out of water at first, Nicholas leans on local kids to help him fit in and winds up mistakenly earning a reputation as a tough guy. When confronted with some questionable dealings, Nicky uncovers family secrets and learns that the mean streets of Brooklyn aren't always what they seem. In addition to Noah Munck, Cristine Prosperi and Steve Schirripa, "Nicky Deuce" will also star actors Michael Imperioli, Vincent Curatola and Tony Sirico from the popular American television drama "The Sopranos", actor Cassius Crieghtney ("Degrassi: The Next Generation"), and actress Rita Moreno ("Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?").
Go behind the scenes with Cristine Prosperi's photo shoot as "Donna," along with her costar Noah Munck ("Nicky"). Nicky Deuce, airing on Nickelodeon in 2013. http://www.nickydeuce.com.
Nickelodeon Star Carlos Pena, Jr. Unveils Sequel Video To "Big Time Harlem Shake" Called "BTR Harlem Shake 2.0"!
To further celebrate the brand new fourth season of Nickelodeon's hit musical comedy series "Big Time Rush", Carlos Pena, Jr., who plays Carlos Garcia in the popular Nick show, recently posted a video clip on his official Keek profile, CarlosPenaTV, called "BTR Harlem shake 2.0", which features the cast and crew of the series' fourth season behind-the-scenes performing a second version of the Internets latest video craze (meme), "The Harlem Shake"!
You can watch Big Time Rush's original "Big Time Harlem Shake" video here on NickALive!.
Nickelodeon USA will reportedly start to premiere and show episodes from "Big Time Rush" season 4 during Spring 2013.
"The Harlem Shake" is one of the World Wide Webs' newest Internet memes that went viral on YouTube in February 2013. Each meme is in the form of a video that began being replicated according to a similar concept by many people. The art form of the meme was established in a video uploaded on February 2 by The Sunny Coast Skate, five teenagers from Queensland, Australia. The teenagers' video, in its turn, was a follow-up to a video by a YouTube comedy vlogger (video blogger) featuring a part where several costumed people danced to the song "Harlem Shake" by Baauer.
Most "Harlem Shake" videos last around 30-something seconds and feature an excerpt from the song "Harlem Shake" by electronic musician Baauer. Usually, a video begins with one person (often helmeted) dancing to the song alone for 15 seconds, surrounded by other people not paying attention or unaware of the dancing individual. When the bass drops, the video switches to the entire crowd doing a crazy dance for the next 15 seconds. The dancing style should not be confused with the original Harlem Shake dance. In the second half of the video, people often wear crazy outfits or costumes while wielding strange props. The success of the craze is thought to be attributed to the anticipation of the breakout moment and each videos short length.
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon and Big Time Rush News!
Apr 12, 2013 | BTR Harlem shake 2.0 :) by CarlosPenaTV on Keek.com
You can watch Big Time Rush's original "Big Time Harlem Shake" video here on NickALive!.
Nickelodeon USA will reportedly start to premiere and show episodes from "Big Time Rush" season 4 during Spring 2013.
"The Harlem Shake" is one of the World Wide Webs' newest Internet memes that went viral on YouTube in February 2013. Each meme is in the form of a video that began being replicated according to a similar concept by many people. The art form of the meme was established in a video uploaded on February 2 by The Sunny Coast Skate, five teenagers from Queensland, Australia. The teenagers' video, in its turn, was a follow-up to a video by a YouTube comedy vlogger (video blogger) featuring a part where several costumed people danced to the song "Harlem Shake" by Baauer.
Most "Harlem Shake" videos last around 30-something seconds and feature an excerpt from the song "Harlem Shake" by electronic musician Baauer. Usually, a video begins with one person (often helmeted) dancing to the song alone for 15 seconds, surrounded by other people not paying attention or unaware of the dancing individual. When the bass drops, the video switches to the entire crowd doing a crazy dance for the next 15 seconds. The dancing style should not be confused with the original Harlem Shake dance. In the second half of the video, people often wear crazy outfits or costumes while wielding strange props. The success of the craze is thought to be attributed to the anticipation of the breakout moment and each videos short length.
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon and Big Time Rush News!
Popular Nickelodeon Shows Nominated For Six 2013 NAMIC Vision Awards!
The National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) today (Wednesday 17th April 2013) announced the exciting Nickelodeon News that Nickelodeon, coupled with sister channels Nicktoons and TeenNick, has been nominated for six 2013 NAMIC Vision Awards! Now in its 19th year, the awards ceremony recognizes original, multi-platform television and digital programming content illustrating the rich diversity of the multiethnic and multicultural global viewing audience.
According to the official 2013 NAMIC Vision Awards webpage on the official NAMIC website, namic.com, the popular animated Nickelodeon preschool series "Dora the Explorer", the Nicktoons Original Series "NFL Rush Zone: Season of the Guardians", and the hit Nickelodeon original animated show (NickToon) "The Legend of Korra" have been nominated in the "Best Animation" category. Meanwhile, the 2012 TeenNick HALO Awards has been nominated in the "Best Awards & Honors" category, and TeenNick's "Degrassi" and Nickelodeon's factual series "Nick News with Linda Ellerbee" has been nominated in the "Children's" category. Good luck to Nickelodeon and everyone who works on each show!
Now in its 19th year, the awards recognize original, multi-platform television and digital programming content illustrating the rich diversity of the multiethnic and multicultural global viewing audience. The 19th Annual NAMIC Vision Awards will be held on May 23, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Pacific Design Center Silver Screen Theater in Los Angeles.
Below is a full list of the 2013 NAMIC Vision Awards nominees:
According to the official 2013 NAMIC Vision Awards webpage on the official NAMIC website, namic.com, the popular animated Nickelodeon preschool series "Dora the Explorer", the Nicktoons Original Series "NFL Rush Zone: Season of the Guardians", and the hit Nickelodeon original animated show (NickToon) "The Legend of Korra" have been nominated in the "Best Animation" category. Meanwhile, the 2012 TeenNick HALO Awards has been nominated in the "Best Awards & Honors" category, and TeenNick's "Degrassi" and Nickelodeon's factual series "Nick News with Linda Ellerbee" has been nominated in the "Children's" category. Good luck to Nickelodeon and everyone who works on each show!
Now in its 19th year, the awards recognize original, multi-platform television and digital programming content illustrating the rich diversity of the multiethnic and multicultural global viewing audience. The 19th Annual NAMIC Vision Awards will be held on May 23, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Pacific Design Center Silver Screen Theater in Los Angeles.
Below is a full list of the 2013 NAMIC Vision Awards nominees:
2013 NAMIC Vision AwardsAlso, below is NAMIC's Press Release announcing the news, from PRNewswire:
Now in its 19th year, the NAMIC Vision Awards recognize original television or digital content that reflects the depth and breadth of experience, and contributions of people of color. Winners of the 2013 NAMIC Vision Awards will be honored at a Los Angeles event in May, which is also presented in collaboration with Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News.
AND THE NOMINEES ARE...
BEST ANIMATION
Doc McStuffins – Disney Junior
Dora the Explorer – Nickelodeon
NFL Rush Zone: Season of the Guardians – Nickelodeon and NFL
The Legend of Korra – Nickelodeon
BEST AWARDS & HONORS
2012 BET Awards – BET Networks
2012 BET Honors – BET Networks
Black Girls Rock! – BET Networks
Press Play – Myx TV
The TeenNick HALO Awards 2012 – Nickelodeon
CHILDREN'S
Degrassi – TeenNick
East of Main Street: Small Talk – HBO
Let It Shine – Disney Channel
Nick News with Linda Ellerbee – TeenNick
The Weight of the Nation: The Great Cafeteria Takeover – HBO
COMEDY
Enlightened – HBO
Love That Girl – TV One
The Game – BET Networks
The Rickey Smiley Show – TV One
DRAMA
Army Wives – ABC Studios
Grey's Anatomy – ABC Studios
Private Practice – ABC Studios
Scandal – ABC Studios
Treme – HBO
BEST PERFORMANCE – COMEDY
Cassi Davis – Tyler Perry's House of Payne – TBS
Doc Shaw – Tyler Perry's House of Payne – TBS
Don Cheadle – House of Lies – Showtime
Lavan Davis – Tyler Perry's House of Payne – TBS
Tasha Smith – Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse – TBS
BEST PERFORMANCE – DRAMA
Corey Reynolds – The Closer – TNT
Jordana Brewster – Dallas – TNT
Lee Thompson Young – Rizzoli & Isles – TNT
Michael Kenneth Williams – Boardwalk Empire – HBO
Queen Latifah – Steel Magnolias – Lifetime
DIGITAL MEDIA – LONG FORM
Black and Latino – mun2
Naco, Pocho – mun2
MashBox – Myx TV
DIGITAL MEDIA – SHORT FORM
Bravo's Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen – Bravo
Darling Nikki: Letter to the Divas – TV One
The Secret of the Chancla – mun2
DIGITAL MEDIA WEB SERIES
CNN Special Projects: Impact Your World – CNN
Freedom Project: Mauritania Slavery's Last Stronghold – CNN
Secreteando – Telemundo Media
DOCUMENTARY
Black in America: Who is Black? – CNN
Ghost of Ole Miss – ESPN Films
Latino in America: Courting Their Vote – CNN
The Loving Story – HBO
World Sports Presents: It's Not Black and White – CNN
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Caras Del Odio – Discovery En Español
Desamparados – Discovery En Español
Pusong Pinoy sa Amerika – GMA Pinoy TV
LIFESTYLE
HGTV's The High Low Project – Scripps Networks Interactive
HGTV's House Hunters – Scripps Networks Interactive
HGTV's Home Strange Home – Scripps Networks Interactive
Kusina Master – GMA Life TV
NEWS / INFORMATIONAL
Race 2012 – PBS
Second Coming: Will Black America Decide 2012 – BET Networks
Oprah's Master Class – Harpo Studios
Our America with Lisa Ling – Oprah Winfrey Network
We Decide: Latinos and the 2012 Election – NUVOtv
ORIGINAL MOVIE OR SPECIAL
CNN Special Projects: Leaders with Heart – CNN
Kids on Race: The Hidden Picture – CNN
Raising Izzie – GMC TV
Somebody's Child – GMC TV
Steel Magnolias – Lifetime
REALITY
Chef Roble & Co. – Bravo
Tia and Tamera – Style
Top Chef – Bravo
Top Chef Masters – Bravo
Welcome to Sweetie Pie's – Oprah Winfrey Network
REALITY SOCIAL ISSUES
Iyanla: Fix My Life – Harpo Studios
Joe Maddon: Hazleton – ESPN
Parole Diaries – TV One
Save My Son – TV One
We Decide: Latinos and the 2012 Election – NUVOtv
SPORTS
Busted Coverage – ESPN
Inside Africa: Uganda Little League – CNN
Jorge Gutierrez: An Unlikely Path – ESPN
Latipha Cross: Outrunning the Odds – ESPN
Outside the Lines: FAMU Band Hazing – ESPN
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Inside Africa: Botswana Heavy Metal – CNN
Inside Africa: Ghana Boxing – CNN
Inside Africa: The Himba of Namibia – CNN
VARIETY / TALK SHOW
Leading Women: Freda Lewis-Hall – CNN
Mario Lopez: One on One – NUVOtv
Oprah's Lifeclass – Harpo Studios
Oprah's Next Chapter – Harpo Studios
TV One Night Only: Live from Essence Music Festival – TV One
NAMIC VISION AWARDS TIMELINE
Wednesday, January 16, 2013.......Entry Deadline
Mid-April 2013.....................................Announcement of Nominees
Late April 2013....................................Announcement of Winners
Late April 2013....................................Announcement of "Members’ Choice" & "Members' Favorites" Winners (as voted on by the NAMIC membership)
May 23, 2013.......................................NAMIC Vision Awards, Pacific Design Center, Holllywood, CA
TICKETS
To purchase tickets online for the live Vision Awards event, click here.
SPONSORSHIP
For sponsorship information, please contact Nicol Turner-Lee, Ph.D., President and CEO, at (212) 594-5985 ext. 2503 or nicol.turner-lee@namic.com.
PRESS INQUIRIES
To learn more about the Vision Awards, or to request an interview with a NAMIC official, please contact:
Charmaine Chapman
BTB Communications
(310) 882-5498, ext. 5 - Office
(310) 902-8617 - Cell
char@btbcommunications.com.
19th Annual NAMIC Vision Awards Nominations Announced
NEW YORK, April 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC), today announced the nominees for the 2013 NAMIC Vision Awards. The live nominations announcement was staged as a segment of the Multiethnic TV Leadership Awards held on April 17, 2013 at the Hilton New York in Manhattan. Now in its 19th year, the awards recognize original, multi-platform television and digital programming content illustrating the rich diversity of the multiethnic and multicultural global viewing audience. The 19th Annual NAMIC Vision Awards will be held on May 23, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Pacific Design Center Silver Screen Theater in Los Angeles.
(Download Image - Official logo of the 19th Annual NAMIC Vision Awards scheduled for May 23, 2013 in Los Angeles at the Pacific Design Center. The NAMIC Vision Awards honor achievements in multiethnic television programming diversity. (PRNewsFoto/NAMIC): http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130417/NY96467LOGO )
"As we approach the 20th anniversary of the event in 2014, we are honored to continue the tradition of recognizing talent, networks, studios and other entities within the industry for their commitment to fostering programming diversity across all digital platforms," said Mitchell Christopher , president, NAMIC – Southern California Chapter and vice president, Operations, Time Warner Cable.
CNN garnered 12 nominations to lead all contenders vying for this year's awards. ESPN combined with ESPN Films, HBO, Nickelodeon coupled with TeenNick, and TV One also received top honors with six nominations each. BET Networks was also recognized with five nods.
ABC Studios led the Best Drama category with four nominations encompassing the primetime series, "Army Wives," "Grey's Anatomy," "Private Practice" and "Scandal." The HBO original series, "Treme" was also recognized to round out the category. Nominees in the Best Comedy category include BET's "The Game" and HBO's "Enlightened." Additionally, TV One received two nominations in the category for "Love That Girl" and "The Rickey Smiley Show."
TBS and TNT showed dominance in the Performance categories. The TBS original series, "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" was the most nominated original series this year, earning three Best Performance – Comedy nominations for the program's co-stars, Cassi Davis, Lavan Davis and Doc Shaw. Tasha Smith garnered TBS' fourth nomination in the category for her work in " Tyler Perry 's For Better or Worse." Don Cheadle received a nomination for his role in Showtime's "House of Lies" to round out the category.
TNT led the Best Performance – Drama category with on-air talent earning nominations for their roles in three of the network's original series. Nominees include Lee Thompson Young for "Rizzoli & Isles," Jordana Brewster earned a nod for "Dallas" with Corey Reynolds garnering a nomination for "The Closer." Other nominees for Best Performance – Drama include Michael Kenneth Williams for HBO's "Boardwalk Empire" and Queen Latifah for her role in Lifetime's Steel Magnolias. The Lifetime original movie, Steel Magnolias garnered a total of two nominations with a second nod for Best Original Movie or Special. Other networks vying for Best Original Movie or Special include CNN with two nominations for the original programs, "Special Projects: Leaders with Heart," and "Kids on Race: The Hidden Picture." GMC TV also received two nods for the originals "Raising Izzie" and "Somebody's Child."
Networks showing dominance in other categories include ESPN with four nominations for Best Sports; BET Networks received three nominations for Best Awards & Honors; CNN garnered three nominations in two categories - Best Documentary and Best Travel & Adventure; Scripps Networks Interactive garnered three nods for Best Lifestyle and Bravo received three nominations for Best Reality.
More than 200 entries were submitted for the 2013 NAMIC Vision Awards with a total of 30 networks yielding 87 nominations to be presented in 20 categories: Animation, Awards & Honors, Children's, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Foreign Language, Lifestyle, News/Informational, Original Movie or Special, Reality, Reality – Social Issues, Sports, Travel & Adventure, Variety/Talk Show, Best Performance – Comedy, Best Performance – Drama, Digital Media – Short and Long Form , and Digital Media – Web Series.
"We are excited about this level of enthusiasm for this year's NAMIC Vision Awards, especially as the industry continues to create and green light multiethnic content," said Nicol Turner-Lee, NAMIC president and CEO.
The NAMIC Vision Awards competition extends eligibility to national broadcast and cable networks; local affiliates; local origination programs from cable operators; and VOD content produced for digital platforms. A distinguished panel of entertainment industry executives facilitated judging focused on overall imagery (creative merit, originality, and presentation quality), sensitivity (the consideration given to cultural nuances), writing (the depiction of issues relevant to people of color) and the quality of acting in the performance categories.
To view the complete list of nominees or to register for the NAMIC Vision Awards scheduled for May 23rd in Los Angeles, visit http://namic.com/events/awards/visionawards.php.
ABOUT NAMIC
NAMIC (National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications) is the premier organization focusing on multi-ethnic diversity in the communications industry. Founded in 1980 as a non-profit trade association, today NAMIC comprises over 2,700 professionals belonging to a network of 16 chapters nationwide. Through initiatives that focus on education, advocacy and empowerment, NAMIC champions equity and inclusion in the workforce, with special attention given to ensuring that the leadership cadres of our nation's communications industry giants reflect the multi-ethnic richness of the populations they serve. For more information, please visit http://www.namic.com and stay connected to NAMIC on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
SOURCE NAMIC
RELATED LINKS
http://www.namic.com.
Interview With Flair's Simon Hedges About Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Toy Line
ToyNews, a monthly trade magazine for the toy business, has unveiled a exclusive interview they recently held with Simon Hedges, the Managing Director of Flair. In the interview, Simon Hedges talks about Playmates and Flair's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" toyline, and announces the Nickelodeon News that Flair plans to release 17 new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" action figures in several waves through 2013, and plans to release Flinger Turtles toys, which will feature a new way to launch weapons, more new vehicles, play-sets, role-play and creative play kits. Simon Hedges also tells ToyNews that Flair would like to have established TMNT as a top three evergreen action figure brand with £24 million sales at retail by the end of 2013. Simon Hedges also revealed that Playmates and Flair's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" toyline is currently the number three top new property so far after only about 12 weeks in total on the market, and that the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Basic Figure Assortment is the number one item in the total Action Figure supercategory!:
THE BIG INTERVIEW: Simon Hedge, MD, Flair
An ambitious GP Flair is pushing on in a big way this year, with its sights firmly set on being a top five manufacturer. Samantha Loveday talks to managing director Simon Hedges, in his first interview since taking on the new role.
Firstly, could you give me a quick recap of how 2012 was for Flair? Was the year better or worse than expected?
2012 was a challenging year in the UK, with the market being at best flat and trading being so late, but it was good for us. We managed to progress up to the number six spot in terms of toy companies by the end of it, and for that we’re very pleased.
Things that really did it for us – The Trash Pack got off to a great start and it opened up a new area for us as we hadn’t really been in the boys category before. We managed to get five million Trashies into kids’ hands which is an incredible achievement, and it was the number four top new property in the whole market, number two in Collectable Trading Toys and number three in the Blind Packs study that NPD created, with eight per cent share.
Our creative play brands, like Aqua Beads and Cool Cardz, had a cracking year. We also introduced new products like Gelarti, Inkoos and CuddleUpPets, which have all done remarkably well and helped boost our standing. Sylvanian Families is still a top performing property and then, on December 1st, we launched Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which gave us a great finish to the year.
And how has 2013 started for you?
We’ve had a great start. Up to week eight, the market is tracking at up two per cent and we’re up 29 per cent, so we’re very pleased with that. Toy Fair was a great showcase for all the opportunities we can offer our customers and licensing partners. The momentum has continued for Turtles and The Trash Pack, and we revealed our first foray into pre-school with Tree Fu Tom and Doc McStuffins.
Speaking of Turtles, after such an impressive start what’s coming up next for the brand?
There’s no doubt that Turtles has given us a massive boost: it is the number three top new property so far after only about 12 weeks in total on the market, and the Basic Figure Assortment is the number one item in the total Action Figure supercategory.
The excitement about the return of Turtles was building even before the toys hit the shelves, and that’s come from the buying community, the licensing community and consumers themselves.
Nickelodeon has done a fantastic job in bringing the brand up to a new level, getting behind it and giving it that new zest for life. The TV series starts showing on CITV in mid-April, so that will give it a further boost in terms of audience.
In terms of product highlights this year, 17 new figures are being introduced in several waves through the year, plus we have Flinger Turtles (a new way to launch weapons), new vehicles, play-sets, role-play and creative play kits.
By the end of 2013 we’d like to have established TMNT as a top three evergreen action figure brand with £24 million sales at retail.
Why do you think it’s been such a hit again second time around?
There are three things that stand out for me. It’s about four brothers and they are some really nice characters, plus it’s one of the few shows that mixes humour with action. This has always been something in the series that has appealed and Nickelodeon has done a fantastic job of bringing the humour back. Finally, there’s a quality to the animation and a feel good factor to it.
What are some of the other highlights from your portfolio for this year?
Doc McStuffins is a much sought after property; it’s one of Disney Junior’s top performing shows and the success it’s enjoyed in the US is now filtering across to the UK. To week eight, Doc is the number 15 top new toy already in no time at all.
Tree Fu Tom, which is GP/Flair’s own launch, has also had a great launch, with lots of PR activity including a Twitter Party in half-term which achieved six million tweets. Pinkie Cooper is a whole new innovation for the fashion doll sector and we’re also excited about Skwooshi, a revolution in the compound market, and Glitzi Globes which won Australian Toy of the Year.
Pre-school certainly seems to be a key focus for Flair this year…
To be an all encompassing toy company we need to get into other areas, but we need to do it properly and have a great proposition for our customers and consumers.
We’re diving into pre-school this year with some of the biggest and most exciting properties. I’ve mentioned Doc McStuffins already (pictured below) – we have the Just Play range from the US but will also be doing our own products in the latter part of the year – and Tree Fu Tom. Also in pre-school, we have Hello Kitty play-sets and vehicles, and in plush we have our own brand called SnugglePets, plus licensed CuddleUpPets and Shamzees swelling the range. Also, Tummy Stuffers bring a whole new way for parents to encourage children to tidy their rooms.
You told us at the beginning of 2012 that you were aiming for a 14th year of successive growth, and also to break into the top five toy manufacturers in NPD. How are you looking to achieve this in the current climate?
Well, it’s been an interesting start to the year and Flair has already made the number five position in January and February, so we just want to maintain that and keep the momentum up.
What’s your own personal view of the UK toy business at the moment?
It’s tough and we’re all having to run faster to keep up, as in any job probably. But overall if you have a reputation for building great brands and supporting them well with marketing, you’re more likely to be successful.
Retailers are in the same position and for that reason are more demanding of us. We do everything we can to help them with this. Hopefully this year will see a return to overall toy market growth.
What would you most like to have achieved with Flair by the end of 2013?
We want to continue to deliver first class service to our customers and grow our brands. In doing so, the company will grow too and we will become first choice for our suppliers when deciding on distributors for new opportunities.
UK's ITN Interviews The Cast Of Nickelodeon's "Big Time Rush"
To celebrate Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK premiering and showing brand new episodes of the hit musical comedy series "Big Time Rush" during April 2013 and Nickelodeon making the all-new fourth season of "Big Time Rush", the British-based news and content provider ITN (Independent Television News) has unveiled a exclusive online streaming video clip which goes behind-the-scenes at the filming of an episode of "Big Time Rush" season 4 at The Studios at Paramount! The video also features a short interview with Kendall Schmidt (Kendall Knight), James Maslow (James Diamond), Carlos Pena, Jr. (Carlos Garcia) and Logan Henderson (Logan Mitchell), in which the BTR boys reveal they like to "relax and enjoy themselves" by having pool parties, and the British actor/actress/musician who they'd like to give a good sliming too! Kendall, James, Carlos and Logan Henderson also reveal the reason why Stephen Kramer Glickman (Gustavo Rocque) doesn't appear in their video of the cast and crew of the series' fourth season taking a break from making brand new episodes by dancing "The Harlem Shake"! Click here to watch ITN's exclusive "Big Time Rush" video on their official website, itn.co.uk.
Behind the scenes with Big Time RushNickelodeon USA will reportedly start to premiere and show episodes from "Big Time Rush" season 4 during Spring 2013.
Report & Video by Tom Ellis
Behind the scenes with Big Time Rush, the boys revealed they like to "relax and enjoy themselves" by having pool parties.
The American boyband also said they would love to give the likes of Jessie J and Cher Lloyd a good "sliming".
While on set, the Nickelodeon stars revealed they have done a Harlem Shake video, which will be out soon.
Check out what the lads are up to here: http://www.nick.co.uk/shows/bigtimerush/.
Universal Networks International Appoints Former Nickelodeon UK Executive Nicky Douglas As The New MD For Their UK Channels
The entertainment news website C21Media is reporting that Universal Networks International (UNI) has announced that former Nickelodeon UK executive Nicky Douglas will join the company as managing director (MD) of its UK networks, which include Universal Channel, Syfy, E! Entertainment, The Style Network and Movies 24. While working at Nick UK, Nicky Douglas was MD of Nickelodeon's joint-venture channels in the UK:
UNI names UK MDAlso, from Broadband TV News:
Universal Networks International (UNI) has appointed a former Disney executive as MD of its UK networks, which include Universal Channel, Syfy and E! Entertainment.
Nicky Douglas will report to Duccio Donati, exec VP of UNI, effective immediately. As well as Universal, Syfy and E!, her remit includes The Style Network and Movies 24.
“Nicky’s tremendous range of media experience, brand marketing savvy and strategic focus will complement our ambitions for further evolving the channels’ business of NBCUniversal International in the UK market,” said Donati.
Most recently, Douglas ran her own media consultancy but prior to that was exec VP and MD of Walt Disney Television International (Asia Pacific) and MD of Nickelodeon’s joint-venture channels in the UK. Douglas was also VP of marketing, EMEA, for Turner Entertainment Networks Europe.
C21 reporter
17-04-2013
©C21Media
TAGS: Appointments
PEOPLE: Duccio Donati, Nicky Douglas
COMPANIES: Disney, E!, E! Entertainment, Syfy, Turner Entertainment Networks Europe, UNI, Universal Channel, Universal Networks International, Walt Disney Television International
COUNTRIES: UK
Universal appoints Douglas as MD, UKAlso, from Deadline.com:
Universal Networks International (UNI) has announced Nicky Douglas will join the company as managing director, UK.
Douglas will have oversight of UNI’s portfolio of channels in the UK, reporting into Duccio Donati, EVP, Universal Networks International. Douglas’ appointment is effective immediately.
Donati commented: “Nicky’s tremendous range of media experience, brand marketing savvy and strategic focus will complement our ambitions for further evolving the channels’ business of NBCUniversal International in the UK market, to the benefit of our viewers and platform partners.”
In her new role, Douglas will have oversight of Universal Channel, Syfy, E! Entertainment Television, The Style Network and Movies 24, leading the UK team’s effort to optimise the performance of UNI’s channel business in this strategic market.
Most recently, Douglas led her own consultancy business. Previous to this, she was EVP/MD Walt Disney Television International (Asia Pacific), MD of the Nickelodeon’s JV business in the UK and VP, marketing, EMEA for Turner Entertainment Networks Europe.
Douglas added: “I am incredibly excited to join the UK business of Universal Networks International and work with the team on maximizing the exciting range of high-quality content across UNI’s compelling channel brands.”
Universal Networks International Appoints Nicky Douglas As Managing Director UKAlso, from TBI Vision:
Former Walt Disney Television International and Nickelodeon exec Nicky Douglas will oversee Universal Networks International’s Universal Channel, Syfy, E! Entertainment Television, The Style Network and Movies 24 in the UK. The group of channels has been ramping up its business in the territory with a series of significant deals. Universal Channel just acquired A&E Network’s Bates Motel for two seasons and launched TNT’s Major Crimes as part of an exclusive pact. Syfy premiered drama series Defiance yesterday, 24 hours after its U.S. bow. Douglas most recently had her own consulting firm and will start her new job immediately.
UNI appoints new UK MDAlso, from Televisual:
Universal Networks International has appointed a former Disney and Turner executive as to become its UK MD and oversee its local channels business.
Nicky Douglas has taken on the role and will report into UNI’s executive VP Duccio Donati, effective immediately.
This gives her oversight of Universal Channel, E! Entertainment Television, The Style Network, Movies 24 and Syfy, the latter of which last night premiered its latest big budget scripted series, Defiance, just 24 hours after the US debut.
Douglas most recently led her own consultancy business, working with business from the media, entertainment, publishing, theatre, retail and not-for-profit sectors on strategic business and marketing strategies. Prior to that, she was Walt Disney Television International’s executive VP and MD for Asia Pacific. She was also MD of Nickelodeon UK and worked in senior positions for Turner Entertainment Networks Europe.
Donati said: “Nicky’s tremendous range of media experience, brand marketing savvy and strategic focus will complement our ambitions for further evolving the channels’ business of NBCUniversal International in the UK market, to the benefit of our viewers and platform partners.”
Universal Networks appoints md for the UKAlso, from Realscreen:
Universal Networks International (UNI) has named Nicky Douglas as managing director, UK.
Douglas will oversee UNI’s portfolio of channels in the UK, reporting into Duccio Donati, evp, Universal Networks International.
Douglas most recently led her own consultancy business, guiding on strategic business and marketing strategies. Before this, Douglas was evp/md Walt Disney Television International (Asia Pacific) and md of Nickelodeon’s JV business in the UK, where she oversaw the commercial, content and technical operations, including the launch of Nick Toons UK.
“Nicky’s tremendous range of media experience, brand marketing savvy and strategic focus will complement our ambitions for further evolving the channels’ business of NBCUniversal International in the UK market," says Donati.
In her new role, Douglas will oversee Universal Channel, Syfy, E! Entertainment Television, The Style Network and Movies 24.
UNI’s UK portfolio has recently seen brand makeovers for E! with its 'Pop of Culture' tagline in late 2012 and the refresh of Style – coupled with its launch on Virgin – in March 2013.
Syfy’s biggest-ever campaign is currently underway for the fantasy sci-fi drama Defiance, which premiered this week, 24 hours after the US premiere. Meanwhile, Universal Channel has recently secured new content including the UK premiere of Bates Motel and UK television rights for the recently launched US drama Major Crimes.
Universal Networks Int’l names UK MDAlso, from The Hollywood Reporter:
Universal Networks International (UNI) has named Nicky Douglas (pictured) as its UK MD, overseeing a portfolio of British channels including Syfy, E! Entertainment Television, The Style Network, Universal Channel and Movies 24.
Douglas will report to UNI exec VP Duccio Donati, effective immediately. Prior to taking on the role, Douglas ran her own consultancy, before which she held roles at firms including Disney, Nickelodeon and Turner.
In a statement, Donati said: “Nicky’s tremendous range of media experience, brand marketing savvy and strategic focus will complement our ambitions for further evolving the channels’ business of NBCUniversal International in the UK market, to the benefit of our viewers and platform partners.”
Douglas added: “I am incredibly excited to join the UK business of Universal Networks International and work with the team on maximizing the exciting range of high-quality content across UNI’s compelling channel brands.”
Tags: Duccio Donati, Nicky Douglas, Universal Networks International
Universal Networks International Appoints U.K. ChiefAlso, from Broadcast:
Former Disney high-flier Nicky Douglas will run the TV networks group, which includes the Universal Channel, Syfy and E! Entertainment.
LONDON -- Universal Networks International (UNI) has hired Nicky Douglas as managing director, U.K.
Douglas will be charged with managing UNI’s portfolio of channels in the U.K., which include Universal Channel, Syfy, E! Entertainment Television, The Style Network and Movies 24.
Douglas will report to Duccio Donati, executive vice president of UNI.
Prior to the hire, Douglas ran her own consultancy business for media, entertainment, publishing, theater, retail and not-for-profit organizations on marketing and business strategies.
Prior to that she was executive vice president and managing director for Walt Disney Television International (Asia Pacific).
She also had stints with Nickelodeon and Turner Entertainment Networks.
In her new role, Douglas will have oversight of leading the U.K. team’s effort "to optimize the performance of UNI’s channel business in this strategic market," the company said.
UNI’s U.K. portfolio has recently seen brand refreshers for E! and Style -- coupled with the fashion channel's launch on Virgin -- in March 2013.
Syfy’s biggest-ever campaign is currently underway for the epic fantasy sci-fi drama Defiance, which premiered 24 hours after the U.S. premiere.
Universal Channel also recently inked deals for fresh content, including the U.K. premiere of Bates Motel and exclusive U.K. television rights for the recently launched Major Crimes, U.S. cable’s biggest new drama of 2012.
INTERNATIONAL
NBCU hires UK managing director
Universal Networks International, the global arm of the Hollywood studio, has hired former BBC and Disney exec Nicky Douglas as managing director of its UK business.
Douglas replaces Laurence Dawkin-Jones, who left the company at the end of March.
Douglas will be in charge of NBC’s international portfolio of channels in the UK including Universal Channel, Syfy, E! Entertainment, The Style Network and Movies 24.
She was previously director of marketing, communications and audiences for BBC Vision, a role she performed via her own consulting firm.
Prior to that she was managing director and executive vice president of Disney’s Asian business. Before joining Disney, she was managing director of Nickelodeon in the UK, where she helped launch Nick Toons.
She will report to Duccio Donati, executive vice president, Universal Networks International and joins immediately.
“Nicky’s tremendous range of media experience, brand marketing savvy and strategic focus will complement our ambitions for further evolving the channels’ business of NBCUniversal International in the UK market, to the benefit of our viewers and platform partners,” said Donati.
Kidscreen's iKids Talks About Nickelodeon's Newly Released App, The "Nick App"
Below is a article from Kidscreen's children's digital entertainment and media news website iKids which talks about Nickelodeon's recently launched "Nick App" application:
Short circuit: Nickelodeon’s route to boosting viewer retention
As digital streaming video services like Netflix and Amazon continue to take on network-esque characteristics by developing their own original content, kidcasters like Nickelodeon are doing what they can to make their own content more accessible on-demand. Enter the Nick App, a two-month-old interactive platform for the iPad that offers on-demand access to more than 1,000 pieces of Nickelodeon content as well as a continuous crop of interactive activities. The product also marks the first branded and TV Everywhere-authenticated app published by parent company Viacom.
“The iPad is as much of a kids’ device as anything today, so it was time to bring Nick there,” says Nickelodeon digital media EVP and GM Steve Youngwood, who oversaw development of the app. “We are bringing our episodes to the platform but are also creating new content for it.” Among the content featured on the ad-supported app are short-form videos of original comedy skits, behind-the-scenes clips and photos of Nick stars and characters, polls, games, music, and full-length Nickelodeon show episodes. The latter will be available to the 50 million households subscribing to cable services from AT&T U-verse, Bright House Networks, Cablevision, DIRECTV, RCN, Suddenlink, Time Warner Cable and Verizon FiOS.
“In the on-demand environment you don’t have to worry about linear TV content—there is something there for everyone,” says Youngwood. In making things more available for everyone, the app will soon be available for iPhone, other mobile screens and connected TVs. A Nick Jr. app will follow later this year, echoing characteristics of Nick App, but sporting age-appropriate games in lieu of things like polls and articles that appeal to Nick’s older target demo.
The app falls in line with the network’s 2013 upfront presentation, which emphasized the importance of building community and engaging its audience across new platforms. Of course, a community is also measured in numbers—often of the Nielsen kind—and Youngwood says making sure content on the app is feeding TV programming, and not just vice versa, will further boost linear TV ratings. For instance, the new Nick Studio 10 daypart will air every weekday afternoon starting this spring, featuring kids who challenge each other to make funny content. What is created on the show will sync with the app and content from the app will air on the show.
“That brand engagement only builds the connection deeper,” says Youngwood. “We originally viewed [the app] as a creative sandbox for kids, but it has turned into a creative sandbox for Nick itself. It will be a way to introduce and experiment with new properties, which in turn reinforces TV engagement,” he adds.
Tuna Amobi, a media and entertainment equity analyst at S&P Capital IQ, says that type of reinforcement is necessary to uphold the network’s ratings comeback. The app was conceived and developed during a period when Nickelodeon experienced a ratings drop of nearly 30% (Q4 2012 results have shown a ratings uptick thanks to new content investment), and Amobi says there was an accelerated urgency to reach children through tablets and web-connected devices.
“[Networks like Nickelodeon] are looking to provide more value to subscribers above what they are paying,” Amobi says. “So this app is consumer friendly—as the consumer can watch content on his or her own terms—and the companies can prove their retention.”
Amobi notes children’s mobile activity takes place in short bursts, where content is parceled out in “snackable” bits. But with Nick offering full VOD episodes via the app, that might change. “The app will definitely help viewer engagement, but it’s hard to measure by how much. Nickelodeon can sell advertising, but financially it’s like a trickle in a bucket—it’s more to keep subscribers happy and engaged,” he says. Networks, he adds, can’t afford to not be present on all web-connected platforms and devices, despite kids’ fickle viewing and mobile play patterns.
But the one thing so far that has been a consistent winner among Nick App users is its Do Not Touch Button. As the name suggests, it is a large button that triggers snappy, outrageous reactions when touched—think burping noises, or iPad screens suddenly covered in that famous Nick slime. Youngwood notes fun features and add-ons like this help keep kids both engaged and entertained. And perhaps not surprising is the fact that the button was developed by a group of nine-year-olds during a focus group session. It was pressed more than 10 million times within the first two weeks of the app’s launch, so clearly the group was onto something.
Of course, in the end it all leads back to the ratings where the ultimate goal—just like with the Do Not Touch button—is to get a rise.
Tags: mobile, Nick App, Nickelodeon, Steve Youngwood, Tuna Amobi
Nick Jr. Favourite "Yo Gabba Gabba!" Announces "Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!: Get The Sillies Out!" Live Tour To Visit Australia In June 2013
DHX Media Ltd., a leading independent producer, distributor and licensor of mainly children's entertainment content, has announced in the following Press Release, from Canada Newswire, the Nick Jr. News that DJ Lance Rock and the whole Yo Gabba Gabba! gang will be bring their latest "Yo Gabba Gabba!" concert tour, "Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!: Get The Sillies Out!" back to Australia for a limited time in June 2013!
The sillies are crazy little creatures that live inside of us and need to be shaken out! DJ Lance Rock and everyone's favorite cast of colorful characters are calling all fans across Australia to get ready to jump, shake and shimmy them out at their new live tour!
The Australian part of "Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! Get the Sillies Out!" will open at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne on Saturday 8th June 2013 before playing at the Luna Park Big Top in Sydney on Saturday 15th June 15 2013.
"Yo Gabba Gabba!", the DHX Media property created by Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz, is an award-winning, live-action television series and live stage show whose unconventional formula has created a triple stacked fan base making it one of the most popular entertainment properties among pre-schoolers, parents and indie music lovers. The television show, now in its fourth season, airs several times a day on Nick Jr.
"Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! Get the Sillies Out!" marks the third live tour in Australia for the successful "Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!" concert series, which just played over 150 shows in 50 cities across the U.S. and sold out major markets for the fourth year in a row. The first Australian tour, Nick Jr.'s "Yo Gabba Gabba! Live On Stage", had its world premiere in Sydney in 2009, before touring Brisbane and Melbourne. This was followed by "Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! There's a Party in My City!" in 2011 which played 12 shows in three Australian cities to nearly 20,000 people:
The sillies are crazy little creatures that live inside of us and need to be shaken out! DJ Lance Rock and everyone's favorite cast of colorful characters are calling all fans across Australia to get ready to jump, shake and shimmy them out at their new live tour!
The Australian part of "Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! Get the Sillies Out!" will open at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne on Saturday 8th June 2013 before playing at the Luna Park Big Top in Sydney on Saturday 15th June 15 2013.
"Yo Gabba Gabba!", the DHX Media property created by Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz, is an award-winning, live-action television series and live stage show whose unconventional formula has created a triple stacked fan base making it one of the most popular entertainment properties among pre-schoolers, parents and indie music lovers. The television show, now in its fourth season, airs several times a day on Nick Jr.
"Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! Get the Sillies Out!" marks the third live tour in Australia for the successful "Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!" concert series, which just played over 150 shows in 50 cities across the U.S. and sold out major markets for the fourth year in a row. The first Australian tour, Nick Jr.'s "Yo Gabba Gabba! Live On Stage", had its world premiere in Sydney in 2009, before touring Brisbane and Melbourne. This was followed by "Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! There's a Party in My City!" in 2011 which played 12 shows in three Australian cities to nearly 20,000 people:
Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! Returns to Australia
HALIFAX, April 15, 2013 /CNW/ - DHX Media Ltd. (TSX: DHX), a leading independent producer, distributor and licensor of mainly children's entertainment content, is pleased to announce the return of the Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! Get the Sillies Out! concert series in Australia.
DJ Lance Rock and the Yo Gabba Gabba! gang will return to Australia for a limited engagement this June. Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! Get the Sillies Out! opens at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne on Saturday June 8 before playing at the Luna Park Big Top in Sydney on Saturday June 15.
Yo Gabba Gabba!, the DHX Media property created by Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz, is an award-winning, live-action television series and live stage show whose unconventional formula has created a triple stacked fan base making it one of the most popular entertainment properties among pre-schoolers, parents and indie music lovers. The television show, now in its fourth season, airs several times a day on Nick Jr.
Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! Get the Sillies Out! marks the third live tour in Australia for the successful Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! concert series, which just played over 150 shows in 50 cities across the U.S. and sold out major markets for the fourth year in a row. The first Australian tour, Nick Jr.'s Yo Gabba Gabba! Live On Stage, had its world premiere in Sydney in 2009, before touring Brisbane and Melbourne. This was followed by Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! There's a Party in My City! in 2011 which played 12 shows in three Australian cities to nearly 20,000 people.
About DHX Media Ltd.
DHX Media (www.dhxmedia.com) is a leader in the creation, production and licensing of family entertainment rights. DHX Media owns, markets and distributes over 8,500 half hours of children's entertainment content, and exploits owned properties through its consumer products licensing business. DHX Media is recognized for brands such as Caillou, Busytown Mysteries, Inspector Gadget, Johnny Test, Animal Mechanicals, Kid vs. Kat, Super WHY!, Rastamouse, and Yo Gabba Gabba!. The company also provides programming for Cookie Jar TV, the weekend morning block on CBS. DHX Media's full-service international licensing agency, Copyright Promotions Licensing Group, (CPLG), represents numerous entertainment, sport and design brands. DHX Media has offices in Toronto, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Halifax, London, Paris, Barcelona, Lisbon, Milan, Munich, Netherlands and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
About Yo Gabba Gabba!
Yo Gabba Gabba! premiered on Nickelodeon in the U.S. in August, 2007 and continues to rank as one of the most popular preschool series on television, with broad appeal among pre-schoolers, parents, teens and adults. The award-winning series is created by Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz. Yo Gabba Gabba! infuses retro-style and beat-driven music to teach simple life lessons. The series and the live show stars DJ Lance Rock (Lance Robertson) and a cast of colourful characters, including: Brobee, the little green one, Foofa, the pink flower bubble, Muno, the red Cyclops, Toodee, the blue cat-dragon and Plex, the yellow robot. Today's most popular names in movies, television, music and sports flock to the groundbreaking series, including series regulars Biz Markie and Mark Mothersbaugh, and guest stars such as Fred Armisen, Erykah Badu, Jack Black, Anthony Bourdain, Devo, Flaming Lips, Meta World Peace (Ron Artest), Tony Hawk, The Killers, Jack McBrayer, MGMT, Mos Def, The Roots, Andy Samberg, The Shins, Sarah Silverman, Amare Stoudemire, The Ting Tings, Weezer, Jimmy Eat World, Elijah Wood and Weird Al Yankovic, among others. The series, now in its fourth season, airs several times a week on Nick Jr. and in several major international territories, including Australia, Canada, France, Israel, Latin America, New Zealand, South Africa and the U.K. Yo Gabba Gabba! won a BAFTA Award in 2008, was awarded the "Outstanding Achievement in Children's Television" Award by the Television Critics Association and is a two-time Emmy nominee. www.yogabbagabba.com
SOURCE: DHX MEDIA LTD.
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