'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' Kevin Eastman: 'The fans blow my mind'; Co-creator of the comics, cartoon and movie franchise in an exclusive interview
Whether you remember the gritty comic series, the smash-hit '80s cartoon or the spinoff movie franchise, you've probably heard of Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo - the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
With new episodes of the franchise's latest iteration - animated series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - airing on Saturdays at 9.30am on Nickelodeon, Digital Spy has an exclusive interview with TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman.
© Nickelodeon; Kevin Eastman of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
How did you invent the idea to create this animated cartoon?
"It started very late at night as a joke in a studio we were sharing. I did a sketch of what I told Peter would be the 'Next Big Thing – a Ninja Turtle!'. As we talked about and developed the idea during the evening, we ended up with one final drawing of all four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and we thought it was very funny, so the next day we started writing the story, and self-published the first comic book in May of 1984.
"It became very popular, and based on that success, we worked with several key artists and producers in Hollywood to create new animated stories based on the original comic series."
What did inspire you to do it? What made your partnership work and what were the elements that made it a great comic strip?
"The first inspiration for Peter Laird and myself, was Jack Kirby - a famous artist that created much of the original Marvel comic characters for Stan Lee, and because we wanted to be like him, we created our own characters to tell stories with.
"We were also willing to talk through all the ideas, compromise, and focus on telling the best story we could. Personally, I think what makes a great story is when both the story and the artwork work together equally to tell the tale the creator is trying to tell."
© Rex Features / Gp W Prod/Everett; The classic '80s 'Ninja Turtles' cartoon.
As for you, what does the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles empire represent for you today? And did you think about it when you had started to create the Turtles?
"I think what the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles empire represents to me today, is its amazing ability to still connect with fans young and old – after nearly 30 years on the planet. That blows my mind!
"Back in the day, we didn't think we would sell even one copy of the first issue - we just wanted to create something fun that we would read as a comic fan - and it somehow worked.
"It somehow connected to the original fans in the USA, but what was even more exciting to Peter Laird and myself was finding new fans around the world, even fans who grew up in completely different cultures still found some spark that drew them to like, then love the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and now, nearly 30 years later, they're still going and growing strong."
© Nickelodeon; Nickelodeon's 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'.
When did the main characters take on a life of their own?
"Basically, after we finished the first 20 comic books or so, there was enough of a story foundation there, that more and more fans, as well as other writers and artists, would pitch us story ideas that could work in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe, and we'd use them.
"That concept really took off when we were producing new animated shows, as we needed to work with a wider variety of writers and creators to tell stories in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles world that now translated into other entertainment mediums - such as TV and movies. So that is where it really took on a life of its own, as we had talent and celebrities telling Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stories."
What are your thoughts on the Michael Bay Turtles movie?
"I have been working with several layers of creative on the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film, and I am very excited by what director Jonathan Lebiesman has created with writers Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemic for Michael Bay.
"Personally, I have seen the script, I have been working on some of the character designs, and I think Michael Bay's films, and their track record, speak for themselves. This is going to be an awesome Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film that the fans will love!"
© Nickelodeon; Nickelodeon's 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'.
What do you think about the new Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV series?
"Honestly, the Nickelodeon series is my favourite version of the animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ever! Yes, I love so much of the classic original series, and the edgy nature of the second series, but this really hit the reset button for me, and took them back to their roots and re-imagined them with clever insight to where all the different story possibilities could go.
"It fully uses the latest and the coolest animation technology available to tell really fun and really cool new stories for both old and new fans. I'm a really big fan and supporter of the entire Nickelodeon creative team on this project, and very fond of Ciro Nieli's efforts and vision of our characters."
Are you still making Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics?
"Yes, and I'm having the best time ever! IDW Publishing invited me to see what they had in mind for a new comic series nearly two years ago, and when I saw what head writer Tom Waltz had in mind for his re-imagining of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, I asked to be part of it.
"I have been working on plots, covers, drawing a few special issues, and helping with all the collections - new covers and annotations - and could not be prouder, or more excited, about the creative coming out of the new adventures. I cannot wait for the fans to see what we have in store for them in 2013!"
Watch brand new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Saturdays at 9.30am on Nickelodeon. nick.co.uk/turtles
Monday, May 06, 2013
Digital Spy Interviews Kevin Eastman, Co-Creator Of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"
To celebrate Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK premiering and showing more brand new episodes of Nick's brand new CGI-animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" television series Saturday's at 9.30am (repeated at 10.30am on Nick UK's +1 (plus-one) timeshift channel, Nickelodeon +1) from Saturday 11th May 2013, the entertainment news website Digital Spy has unveiled a exclusive exclusive interview they recently held with Kevin Eastman, a co-creator of TMNT, which you can read below! In the interview, Kevin Eastman talks about the beginnings of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", Nick's brand new TMNT show, and Michael Bay's upcoming "Ninja Turtles" movie, which Nickelodeon Movies and Paramount Pictures will release on Friday 6th June 2014:
Nicktoons UK To Premiere Brand New Episodes Of "SpongeBob SquarePants" In May 2013
Nickelodeon UK's animation channel, Nicktoons UK and Ireland, has announced in their brand new trailer/promo (transcript below) that Nicktoons will be premiering and showing brand new, never-before-seen-in-the-UK, fresh from the fryer episodes of Nickelodeon's mega-hit original animated series (Nicktoon) "SpongeBob SquarePants" every Friday at 4.30pm throughout May 2013, starting from Friday 10th May 2013!:
For the first time,According to Nicktoons' schedule in the "What's On" section of the official Nickelodeon UK website, nick.co.uk, the first all-new episode of "SpongeBob SquarePants" which NickToons UK will debut will feature the episode segments "Are You Happy Now?" and "Planet of The Jellyfish":
fresh from the fryer,
exclusive to Nicktoons,
see more of the Sponge than you've ever seen before.
[Squidward: Oh yeah, nice view.]
PlungeSponge [Plunge Sponge]
TickleSponge [Tickle Sponge]
Sponge-A-Gram
StrumSponge [Strum Sponge]
SpookedSponge [Spooked Sponge]
AwkwardSponge [Awkward Sponge]
Brand new SpongeBob, Friday at 4.30pm, on Nicktoons.
nicktoons.co.uk.
4:30pm - SpongeBob SquarePants: SpongeBob helps Squidward remember a nice time in 'Are You Happy Now?', and then in 'Planet of The Jellyfish', an evil Jellien overlord replaces everyone in Bikini Bottom with clones!
Ariana Grande Reveals She Would "Love" A Role On A Kids Version Of "The Voice" USA
In a exclusive interview with the entertainment news website Digital Spy, Nickelodeon Star, actress and singer Ariana Grande ("Victorious", "Sam & Cat", "Winx Club") has revealed that she would like to coach young contestants on a rumoured children's version of the popular singing competition television series "The Voice" USA!
US network NBC is said to be planning a spin-off of the singing competition especially for kids - a format that has been successful in Germany, Holland, where the multinational singing competition television franchise begun, and Finland.
Having started her own career in showbiz at a young age, Grande explains to DS in the following interview that there are both pros and cons to being a young performer:
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, and/or Facebook for the latest news on your favorite Nickelodeon Stars!
US network NBC is said to be planning a spin-off of the singing competition especially for kids - a format that has been successful in Germany, Holland, where the multinational singing competition television franchise begun, and Finland.
Having started her own career in showbiz at a young age, Grande explains to DS in the following interview that there are both pros and cons to being a young performer:
Ariana Grande would "love" a role on kids version of 'The Voice'Ariana Grande is best known for her role as Cat Valentine on the popular Nickelodeon sitcom "Victorious", which she will reprise in "Sam & Cat", a spinoff of "iCarly" and "VICTORiOUS", which Nick USA will premiere and start to show in June 2013. Her singing and acting talent has gained her millions of fans as she becomes one of Nickelodeons iconic actresses.
Ariana Grande has revealed that she would love to coach young contestants on a rumoured kids version of The Voice.
US network NBC is said to be planning a spinoff of the singing competition especially for children - a format that has been successful in Germany, Holland and Finland.
Having started her own career in showbiz at a young age, Grande explained that there are both pros and cons to being a young performer.
"I think it's a good idea because there are so many young talented artists out there," she told Digital Spy. "They have this incredible gift and don't really have a way to be heard.
"But I also think it's hard to throw a little kid into an industry like this. I'm telling you, I'm almost 20 and I'm having a rough time with it myself!"
Asked if she would be interested in a role on the show to help coach the young contestants, Grande replied: "Yeah, of course I would. It would be the cutest ever and I would love that.
"It would be so hard to tell a kid no, so I would tell them all yes and put them through!"
The singer recently premiered her new single 'The Way', which is available to download in the US and UK now.
Watch the music video for Ariana Grande's 'The Way' below:
[More news about Nickelodeon celebrity Ariana Grande:]
> Ariana Grande: 'Fergie's Clumsy always gives me inspiration'
> Mariah Carey comparisons a compliment, says Ariana Grande
> [Review of] Ariana Grande ft. Mac Miller: 'The Way' - Music video.
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, and/or Facebook for the latest news on your favorite Nickelodeon Stars!
Nick Jr. Channel UK To Show Brand New Episodes Of "Tickety Toc" In May 2013; Unveils New "Can't Stop The Hop" Game
Tickety Toc UK, the official Twitter profile page (@TicketyTocUK) for "Tickety Toc" on Nick Jr UK & Channel 5's Milkshake!, has announced in a series of Tweets, below, that Nickelodeon UK and Ireland's preschool channel, Nick Jr. UK and Ireland, will premiere and show brand new episodes of Nick Juniors' popular animated preschool television series "Tickety Toc" everyday at 8.00am and 4.00pm (starting on Bank Holiday Monday 6th May 2013; repeated at 9.00am and 5.00pm on Nick Jr. UK's plus-one (+1) timeshift channel, Nick Jr.+1)!
Just 1 day to go until the brand new episodes of Tickety Toc start on @NickJruk, we are so excited! Tune in at 8am and 4pm tomorrow! - Sunday 5th May 2013Nick Jr. UK and Ireland has also announced in a Tweet on their official Twitter profile page (@NickJrUK) that, to celebrate Nick Jr. showing brand new episodes of "Tickety Toc", Nick Jnr.'s official "Tickety Toc" website has unveiled a brand new and exclusive "Tickety Toc" online game called "Can't Stop The Hop" where players have to see how far they can make Hopparoo bounce, which you can play here on NickJr.co.uk!:
Brand new episodes of Tickety Toc start today at 8am on @nickjruk ! The 1st episode is Bouncy Time when Tommy & Tallulah see who can... - Monday 6th May 2013
There's another chance to see our super duper brand spanking new episode of Tickety Toc 'Bouncy Time' on @NickJruk at 4pm... - Monday 6th May 2013
RT if you can't stop singing the Tickety Toc theme tune! - Monday 6th May 2013
Don't miss another brand new episode of Tickety Toc tomorrow morning at 8am on Nick Jr! Tomorrow morning it's 'Tune Time'... - Monday 6th May 2013.
Play our NEW @TicketyTocUK game Can't Stop The Hop & see how far you can make Hopparoo bounce! http://on.nickjr.co.uk/csth pic.twitter.com/oWXzqaaPH9"Tickety Toc" is about a special clock in a old clock shop called the "Tickety Toc" clock. As every hour passes, the Tic Toc Clock springs into life to chime in the time. It all happens as regular as clockwork! But chiming the time isn't as easy as it seems! For behind the face of the Tickety Toc Clock lies an extraordinary wooden world where things definitely don’t always run so smoothly. This slapstick show centres on our inseparable heroes, Tommy and Tallulah, and their remarkable friends as they race against time to keep the clock ticking. In this beautifully crafted series, the pressure is always on and every madcap minute counts!
Nickelodeon Latin America And Nickelodeon Brazil Starts To Show "House Of Anubis" Season 3, "The Reawakening"
Nickelodeon Latin America has announced in promo graphic on the homepage of their official Nick website, MundoNick.com, and Nickelodeon Brazil in a post on their official Facebook profile page, facebook.com/nickelodeonBR, the very exciting Nickelodeon news that Nickelodeon Latin America and Nickelodeon Brazil (also known as Nickelodeon Brasil) started to premiere season three of Nickelodeon's hit mystery drama series "House Of Anubis", called "The Reawakening", on Saturday 4th May 2013! Nick LatAm is currently premiering all-new episodes of HoA, in Spanish, in Mexico, Columbia, Venezuela, Argentina & Chile every weekend at 9.00pm and Nick Brazil is currently broadcasting each brand new "House Of Anubis" episode, in Portuguese, Saturday and Sunday's at 9.30pm in Brazil. "House Of Anubis" is locally titled "El misterio de Anubis" (which translates as "The mystery of Anubis") on Nick Latin America and "Misterio de Anubis" on Nick Brasil. Nick Brazil's Facebook status also features one of their trailers/promos for "Misterio de Anubis" ("Mystery of Anubis"), which you can watch below!:
Nickelodeon Latin America:
Tercera Temporada (Third Season)
Sabado Y Domingo 9pm (Saturday and Sunday 9pm)
Nickelodeon Brazil: (posted on Saturday 4th May 2013)
MISTÉRIO DE ANUBIS - ESTREIA 3ª TEMPORADA (MYSTERY OF ANUBIS - SEASON 3 PREMIERE)
Sempre tem alguma coisa acontecendo na casa do MISTÉRIO DE ANUBIS! (Always something happening in the house of MYSTERY OF ANUBIS!)
Não perca hoje a estreia da 3ª temporada, às 21h30! (Do not miss today's premiere of Season 3 at 21:30!)
