Nickelodeon UK Films "House Of Anubis" Star Brad Kavanagh For Upcoming Episode Of "Jordan & Perri's Ultimate Block Party"

Nickelodeon UK's Director of Original Production, David Kangas, has announced the very exciting Nick UK and Eire News in a series of Tweets (posts) on his official Twitter profile page (@kangas911) that Nickelodeon UK have filmed scenes with Nickelodeon star Brad Kavanagh, who plays Fabian Rutter in Nick's hit mystery drama series "House of Anubis", for Nickelodeon UK and Sky 1 HD's brand new dance-themed reality series "Jordan & Perri's Ultimate Block Party"!

Although unconfirmed, it is expected that Brad will be one of the many special guests in the show. The news could also suggest that one of the party's featured in the show could be have a Egyptian and/or "House of Anubis" theme!

A joint commission for Nickelodeon UK and Sky 1 HD, "Jordan & Perri's Ultimate Block Party" is an 8 episode x 30 minute series that will see Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely, of British street dance troupe Diversity fame, do what they do best – teaching kids their best street dance routines, whilst throwing the ultimate surprise parties. Since the show was announced in February 2013, excited kids from across the UK have sent in their applications and Jordan and Perri can't wait to get started. They've also invited some of their showbiz pals to help with the party planning so expect cool music, crazy moves and a few surprises for the party goers!

Throughout the series Jordan and Perri will help to decide the theme of each of the parties, as they put performers through their paces during intense dance rehearsals. Not only will the headline act be put to the test, but guests will also get a chance to show off their signature moves – no dad dancing allowed! And not forgetting the viewers at home, who will be able to learn step-by-step some of Jordan and Perri's routines!

Nickelodeon UK & Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK will premiere and show "Jordan & Perri's Ultimate Block Party" during Summer 2013 before launching on Sky 1 later in the year!

The show is currently in production and is being filmed by Princess Productions and Nickelodeon UK's Original Productions team around the UK:

Filming Jordan & Perri's Ultimate Block Party. Look who swung by for some support. Only Anubis star Brad Kavanagh!! pic.twitter.com/o2m2vlM7GF



[Photo of Brad Kavanagh holding a Jordan & Perri's Ultimate Block Party sports bottle]

And:

Great day filming with @BradKavanagh Arriving in style in yellow Hummer! #AnubisSwag pic.twitter.com/p7n9DIt340

(Above photographs (C) copyright David Kangas)

Record Farm Industries, Dundee Entertainment, LLC., And Cinovative To Release "I Know That Voice", A New DVD Starring Many Nickelodeon Voice Actors, In Fall 2013

Record Farm Industries, Dundee Entertainment, LLC., and Cinovative have announced the exciting Nicktoon news in the following press release, from PRWeb, that "I Know That Voice", a brand new documentary featuring more than 100 talented voice actors behind the voices of many characters from your favorite animated shows, is set to be released during Fall (Autumn) 2013! The documentary film, which guarantees to puts a face to all the voices we all know and love, is currently in the post-production stage.

"I Know That Voice" will give viewers an exclusive look into the mysterious lives and humor of the actors behind the cartoon voices beloved by millions. Rumors of this film on social media have erupted in pent-up demands for its release. With its YouTube trailer garnering nearly 700,000 views in less than three weeks, buzz has ignited in Hollywood and around the world from fans of all animated series, films and video games.

Emmy-nominated executive producer John Di Maggio, is the voice of "Bender Bending Rodríguez" in "Futurama", "Jake the Dog" in "Adventure Time", "Rico" in Nickelodeon's "The Penguins of Madagascar" and "Fung" in Nick's "Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness".

The extensive all-star cast also features Matt Groening ("The Simpsons"), Tom Kenny ("SpongeBob SquarePants"), Seth Green ("Robot Chicken", "Family Guy"), Billy West ("Futurama", "The Ren & Stimpy Show", "Doug", "CatDog", "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius", "My Life As A Teenage Robot", "Random! Cartoons", and the voice of Zim in the original pilot for Nickelodeon's "Invader Zim"), Tara Strong ("The Powerpuff Girls", "My Little Pony", "The Rugrats Movie", "The Wild Thornberrys Movie", "Rugrats Go Wild", "A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up, Timmy Turner!", "Big Time Rush", "Rugrats", "Sabrina the Teenage Witch", "The Fairly OddParents", "All Grown Up!", "Danny Phantom", "Avatar: The Last Airbender", "Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!", "The Penguins of Madagascar", "Random! Cartoons", "Rugrats: All Growed Up – Older and Bolder", and "Ultimate Spider-Man"), Jim Cummings ("Winnie the Pooh", "Jimmy Neutron", "CatDog", "ChalkZone", "The Fairly OddParents", "Fanboy and Chum Chum", "The Penguins of Madagascar" (in "Dr. Blowhole's Revenge"), "Planet Sheen" (as Ultra Lord), "Winx Club", and Nick UK's "Rude Dog and the Dweebs"), and more than 100 other talented voiceover actors from cartoons across the ages.

To satisfy hungry fans' appetites, every 100th person to join the VIP List on its website will receive a free poster signed by John Di Maggio. All fans who sign up will obtain exclusive information about the documentary and can pre-order the DVD:

“I Know That Voice” Documentary Featuring More than 100 Talented Actors Behind Cartoon Voices Set to Release Fall 2013

A documentary film that ‘puts a face to the voices we all know and love’ is now in post-production stage, offers autographed posters through exclusive VIP List.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 07, 2013


“I Know That Voice,” a documentary that reveals an exclusive look into the mysterious lives and humor of the actors behind the cartoon voices beloved by millions, is set to release Fall 2013. Rumors of this film on social media have erupted in pent-up demands for its release. With its YouTube trailer garnering nearly 700,000 views in less than three weeks, buzz has ignited in Hollywood and around the world from fans of all animated series, films and video games.

Emmy-nominated executive producer John Di Maggio, is the voice of “Bender” in Futurama, “Jake the Dog” in Adventure Time, “Rico” in The Penguins of Madagascar and “Fung” in Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness.

The extensive all-star cast also features Matt Groening (The Simpsons), Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), Seth Green (Robot Chicken, Family Guy), Billy West (Futurama, The Ren & Stimpy Show), Tara Strong (The Powerpuff Girls, My Little Pony), Jim Cummings (Winnie the Pooh), and more than 100 other talented voiceover actors from cartoons across the ages.

Record Farm Industries in association with Dundee Entertainment, LLC., and Cinovative, “I Know That Voice,” has reached its final stages of post-production.

“Fans keep asking about a release date on our Facebook page,” said producer Tommy Reid. “This is a vast subject and we want to get it right and pay an unforgettable tribute to the best voiceover artists of all time.”

To satisfy hungry fans’ appetites, every 100th person to join the VIP List on its website will receive a free poster signed by John Di Maggio. All fans who sign up will obtain exclusive information about the documentary and can pre-order the DVD.

“There is a fascination with hearing your favorite cartoon’s voice coming out of a live human,” Di Maggio said. “This documentary opens the doors into the lives of some of the greatest unsung heroes behind these animations that people of all ages have come to love.”

“I Know That Voice” depicts the rise of the voiceover industry and exposes the intriguing, unrecognized world of the actors behind cartoon voices. From the brilliant actors to those in the “animation cells,” this documentary aims to draw back the curtain and give fans a birds-eye-view into this unseen art form.

Director Lawrence Shapiro said the idea for the film came from his experience with Di Maggio at an Amsterdam music festival in 2008.

“Fans from all over the world were mesmerized by John,” Shapiro said. “People showed such admiration for his ability to portray these voices that have a home in their hearts. At that moment I knew we needed to make a documentary about voiceover; one of the few fields almost everyone is a fan of, yet don’t even know who these people are or what they really do.”

Creators of “I Know That Voice” wanted to produce a documentary that was positive, humorous and entertaining.

“We are living in trying times, and as a result, there have been so many documentaries showing the dark side of the human condition,” Shapiro said. “Humor and beauty can be equally provocative as well as healing and refreshing.”

Walt Disney's cartoon voice of Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie in 1928 set the stage for voice-over acting. Mel Blanc, “The Man of 1,000 Voices” was the first prominent voice-over actor for Warner Bros.

“I think this will be one of the most entertaining and educational documentaries ever made,” Reid added. “Whether you watched cartoons as a kid, as a parent, or are avid comic book fans or fans of animated series of today, like The Simpsons, this documentary is going to be addictive—you won’t be able to get enough of it.”

For exclusive photos, videos and news on “I Know That Voice,” visit http://www.iknowthatvoice.com and http://www.facebook.com/iknowthatvoice. Follow the documentary on Instragram @iknowthatvoicemovie and #iknowthatvoice. Watch the trailer on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xivQ6_gu3W8 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiSPvsTP02A. The full cast list can be found on IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2113683/.

About the “I Know That Voice” Team

John Di Maggio, Tommy Reid and Lawrence Shapiro’s combined chemistry and strengths came together to form the groundbreaking “I Know That Voice” documentary. Stated by Tommy as “a true labor of love,” the film took two years to make, collected extensive interviews and compiled never-before-seen footage making “I Know That Voice” truly one-of-a-kind of its subject matter. Emmy-nominated and Annie award winner John Di Maggio is known for his iconic role as “Bender” in Futurama and “Jake the Dog” in Adventure Time, as well as his roles in The Penguins of Madagascar, Gears of War, Kim Possible and more. Tommy Reid is a renowned producer of films including Kill The Irishman, Americans, Superthief: Inside America’s Biggest Bank Score, Danny Greene: The Rise & Fall of the Irishman and Strike. “I Know That Voice” Director Lawrence Shapiro directed films including Jam in the Dam, Los Lobos, Kiko Live, The Marshall Tucker Band: Carolina Dreams Tour and Blue Cheer: Rocks Europe.

AquaEars Unveils "SpongeBob SquarePants" And "Dora the Explorer" Swimming Ear Plugs

Cirrus Healthcare Products has announced the Nickelodeon News in the following press release, from PRNewswire, that the personal healthcare products manufacturer's ear plug brand, AquaEars, has unveiled a brand new product line of children's swimming ear plugs which are based on Nickelodeon megastar "SpongeBob SquarePants" and Nickelodeon's preschool heroine "Dora the Explorer"!:

Ear Plug Compliance Plays Important Role In Preventing Swimmer's Ear

AquaEars™, the Highest Quality Soft Silicone Ear Plugs for Children and Adults, Offers Tips for Ear- and Kid-Friendly Swimming this Season

COLD SPRING HARBOR, N.Y., May 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- AquaEars™ is an easy, convenient and comfortable step in providing top line protection from swimmer's ear, medically known as otitis externa, that is more prevalent as a result of exposure to moisture in the ears from swimming or bathing. Now the line is making a splash in fun characters, ranging from SpongeBob SquarePants to Finding Nemo, in order to help increase compliance of ear plug use in children who may typically resist.


To keep ears, and children, happy and healthy this swimming season, the AquaEars™ ear health experts have come up with the following safety tips for the next time your child takes a dip:

* Be an Explorer: Always take the time to explore around the swimming area to help your child identify the location of lifeguards, water preservers, bathrooms facilities, depth markers with shallow and deeps ends, sitting areas, and even other swimmer's behavior in the pool. You can reward your child with extra swim time or water toys once you feel they understand these safety observations. The AquaEars™ Dora the Explorer Ultra Soft Ear Plugs, along with other AquaEars™ licensed character ear plugs, do not interfere with normal hearing like most other ear plugs for swimming, offering safer recreation while exploring in and around the water, while protecting children's ears.

* Pump your Brakes: Never allow children to run or even walk fast around or in a swimming area. The spillover and foot traffic from the water makes surfaces wet and slippery and children can easily injure themselves or others by falling on the hard surface or even in to the pool. Using the © Disney/Pixar Cars AquaEars™ ear plugs are a great way to remind them to "pump their brakes" and walk while enjoying water activities.

* Find Some Water Buddies: Even if a lifeguard is on duty, a child should never swim alone! Kids should always have an adult supervising by land and preferably another adult by sea. Swimmers of all ages in all depths of water can develop cramps underwater, hit their heads on the diving board, float too deep on a raft, or experience a water accident that requires immediate response. Plain and simply, never leave any child unsupervised by or in the pool or other body of water.

* The Fish Test: Your child may be more confident about their swimming abilities than you are, so it's important to have them show you and the lifeguard that they can comfortably and safely swim in designated swimming areas. Under close supervision, ask your child to show you some basic swimming techniques such as holding their breath, treading water and swimming underwater. Make sure their demonstration is depth-appropriate and be honest about their 'fish test' results by telling them where they are able or unable to venture based on your observations. Make sure the lifeguard supports your 'fish test' findings.

* Watch Now. Read Later: Reading poolside can be very relaxing and enjoyable, but since pool accidents can occur quickly and need immediate response, try to wait to read during your child's designated pool breaks. Instead use this time to enjoy the water with your child and get some exercise at the same time.

* Let Them Be Sponges: While it might seem that swimming might come natural over time, it is best to provide age-appropriate swimming lessons from professionals to instill proper skills and confidence. Learning from professionals will also lessen the stress on mom and dad to instruct their children directly.

* Changing Waves: Even if your child is comfortable in your backyard pool, swimming in a community pool, ocean, lake or water park are each a completely different setting and have a new set of distractions and safety issues to be aware of.

AquaEars™ is available in two sizes – one for children ages three to 11 and one for ages 12 and up – and comes in a new line of branded, licensed character ear plugs, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Hello Kitty, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo and Cars. Beginning in April 2013, they will be available at CVS and Walmart for an average retail price of $4.00, and will include a convenient carrying case.

For more information, visit http://www.cirrushealthcare.com/AquaEars-C6.aspx or connect with the brand on Facebook for special offers, tips and giveaways: www.Facebook.com/AquaEars.

Nickelodeon, Nickjr, SpongeBob SquarePants ®, Dora the Explorer ® and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc,

Hello Kitty ® is a registered trademark of SANRIO CO., LTD

Cars, The Little Mermaid, Nemo are © Disney characters as a registered trademark of the Disney Corporation

SOURCE Cirrus Healthcare Products

RELATED LINKS
http://www.cirrushealthcare.com.

French TV Broadcasters Acquire Broadcast Rights To A Raft Of Nickelodeon Shows

The entertainment news website C21Media is reporting the Nickelodeon News television broadcasters in France have picked up the broadcast rights to a raft of popular Nickelodeon shows from Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN).

French network TF1 has taken new episodes of Nick's original animated series (Nicktoon) "SpongeBob SquarePants", including the shows recent stop-frame Christmas special, "It's A SpongeBob Christmas!", 10 episodes from season two of "Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness", and season seven of Nickelodeon Preschool Animations "Dora the Explorer".

Lagardère Active has also taken episodes from seasons one and two of "iCarly" for its French children's channel Gulli.

Meanwhile, public broadcaster France Télévisions has opted for the first season of Nickelodeon's new CGI-animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", season two of preschool cartoon "Bubble Guppies" and episodes of the Classic Nickelodeon original animated series (Nicktoon) "The Wild Thornberrys" for its satellite channel France Ô:

French nets add SpongeBob, Pimp

Broadcasters in France have picked up shows from Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), including episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants and Pimp My Ride.

French network TF1 has taken new episodes of SpongeBob, including the recent stop-frame Christmas special, season seven of Dora the Explorer and 10 episodes from season two of preschool animated series Kung Fu Panda.

Canal+ has acquired every episode of MTV’s extreme car customisation show Pimp My Ride for its digital station D17, while Lagardère Active has taken episodes from seasons one and two of iCarly for its French children’s channel Gulli.

Meanwhile, pubcaster France Télévisions has opted for the first season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, season two of preschool toon Bubble Guppies and episodes of Wild Thornberrys for its satellite channel France Ô.

Nico Franks
24-04-2013
©C21Media

GENRES: Animation, Children's
SHOWS: Pimp My Ride, SpongeBob SquarePants
COMPANIES: Viacom International Media Networks
SECTIONS: C21Kids
COUNTRIES: France, US

More European Partners Named For Nick Jr. UK's "Poppy Cat" Animated Preschool Series

The children's entertainment and media news website Kidscreen is reporting the Nick Jr. UK News in the following article that three European licensees have joined Nick Junior UK and Coolabi's popular preschool series "Poppy Cat". Northern Leisure Group and Art You Grew Up With in the UK and Ireland, and Karto in Finland now belong to a growing list of partners for the preschool brand.

Northern Leisure Group, otherwise known as Kiddy Rides, a company which produces coin-operated rides for children, will distribute a brand new kids ride based on the popular preschool show, called The Poppy Cat Ride, in shopping centers and large stores throughout the UK from early 2014. The Poppy Cat Ride will feature the show’s theme song.

Art You Grew Up With will also produce prints of Poppy Cat, including signed artwork by the voice of Poppy Cat, Welsh actress Joanna Page ("Gavin & Stacey"). The two-year deal will see prints sold, either framed or unframed, ranging from 8″ x 8″ to 17″ x 15″.

Meanwhile, Karto will manufacture, distribute and sell "Poppy Cat" greeting cards, gift wrapping, gift bags and gift stickers. The goods will hit retail in September 2013 and will mark the first deal signed by new "Poppy Cat" agent Limo Licensing in Finland.

The popular "Poppy Cat" preschool series, commissioned by Nick Jr. UK, is co-produced by Coolabi's television production arm, Coolabi Productions, and King Rollo Films. The intellectual property saw its first wave of consumer products – including a mobile app – roll out in the UK during Summer 2012:

More European partners for Poppy Cat


Three European licensees have joined Coolabi’s Poppy Cat program. Northern Leisure Group and Art You Grew Up With in the UK and Ireland, and Karto in Finland now belong to a growing list of partners for the preschool brand.

Northern Leisure Group, otherwise known as Kiddy Rides, produces coin-operated rides for children. The Poppy Cat ride will feature the show’s theme song and will be distributed in shopping centers and large stores throughout the UK early next year.

Art You Grew Up With will produce prints of Poppy Cat, including signed artwork by the voice of Poppy Cat, Joanna Page. The two-year deal will see prints sold, either framed or unframed, ranging from 8″ x 8″ to 17″ x 15″.

Meanwhile, Karto will manufacture, distribute and sell Poppy Cat greeting cards, gift wrapping, gift bags and gift stickers. The goods will hit retail in September and mark the first deal signed by new Poppy Cat agent Limo Licensing in Finland.

Poppy Cat, the series is co-produced by Coolabi’s television production arm, Coolabi Productions, and King Rollo Films and was commissioned by Nick Jr in the UK. The IP saw its first wave of consumer products – including a mobile app – roll out in the UK last summer.

Tags: Coolabi, Licensing, Poppy Cat, preschool TV

Nickelodeon Launches Localized Channels In Serbia And Slovenia

The children's entertainment and media news website Kidscreen is reporting the exciting Nickelodeon Europe News that Nickelodeon has recently launched two brand new localized (localised) channels in Serbia and Slovenia (Nickelodeon Serbia and Nickelodeon Slovenia)!

In underscoring the network’s growth strategy in the Central Eastern European region, the channels fall in the footsteps of Nickelodeon Croatia, which launched in December 2011:

[...] last week Nickelodeon launched two new localized channels in Serbia and Slovenia. In underscoring the network's growth strategy in the Central Eastern European region, the channels fall in the footsteps of Nickelodeon Croatia, which launched in December 2011.

Also, from C21Media:

[...] two new localised Nickelodeon channels have launched in Central and Eastern Europe, with local-language version of Nickelodeon arriving in Serbia and Slovenia this month.

Latin American Broadcasters Acquire Rights To A Raft Of Live-Action Nickelodeon Shows

The children's entertainment and media news website Kidscreen is reporting the Nickelodeon News in the following article that a number of Nickelodeon live-action programs targeting tween and teen demos have been picked up by broadcasters across Latin America.

"Supah Ninjas" has been bought by major broadcasters including Televisa in Mexico, Venezuela's Venevision and Costa Rica's Teletica. TV Hondurena has also acquired the first season of the comedy series for the first time.

Mexico's Televisa has also added the first season of sitcom "Bucket & Skinner's Epic Adventures" to its lineup, as well as the misadventures of Fred Figglehorn in "Fred: The Show", episodes 101 to 112, and live-action series "iCarly" season five, musical comedy "Victorious" seasons one and three, and high-school sitcom "Zoey 101" season four.

In Brazil, Band TV has bought stepbrother comedy "Drake & Josh" seasons one through four as well as the first four seasons of teen sitcom "Kenan & Kel", the first two seasons of "Big Time Rush" and the first five seasons of "iCarly".

Venezuela's Venevision has licensed Nickelodeon's latest series "Marvin Marvin" alongside season two of boy band series "Big Time Rush", plus "iCarly" seasons four and five, and "Victorious" season two.

On the live-action movie front, Televisa in Mexico has picked up Nick's modern Cinderella story "Rags", while Venezuela's Venevision has signed "Big Time Movie", "Best Player", "A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up Timmy Turner!" and "Rags":

Nick sells tween and teen programs to Lat Am broadcasters


A number of Nickelodeon live-action programs targeting tween and teen demos have been picked up by broadcasters across Latin America.

Supah Ninjas has been bought by major broadcasters including Televisa in Mexico, Venezuela’s Venevision and Costa Rica’s Teletica. TV Hondurena has also acquired the first season of the comedy series for the first time.

Mexico’s Televisa has also added the first season of sitcom Bucket & Skinner to its lineup, as well as the misadventures of Fred The Show, episodes 101 to 112, and live-action series iCarly season five, musical comedy Victorious seasons one and three, and high-school sitcom Zoey 101 season four.

In Brazil, Band TV has bought stepbrother comedy Drake & Josh seasons one through four as well as the first four seasons of teen sitcom Kenan and Kel, the first two seasons of Big Time Rush and the first five seasons of iCarly.

Venezuela’s Venevision has licensed Nickelodeon’s latest series Marvin Marvin alongside season two of boy band series Big Time Rush, plus iCarly seasons four and five, and Victorious season two.

On the live-action movie front, Televisa in Mexico has picked up Cinderella spoof Rags, while Venezuela’s Venevision has signed Big Time Movie, Best Player, A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up Timmy Turner! and Rags.

In related news, last week Nickelodeon launched two new localized channels in Serbia and Slovenia. In underscoring the network’s growth strategy in the Central Eastern European region, the channels fall in the footsteps of Nickelodeon Croatia, which launched in December 2011.

Tags: Latin America, live action, Nickelodeon, teens, tweens

Also, from C21Media:

Viacom Spain names new boss

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has appointed a new general manager for Spain, following the promotion of Raffaele Annecchino earlier this year.

Manuel Gil has taken the role of general manager of VIMN in Spain, where he will oversee the strategic direction of the company’s portfolio of brands and businesses across Spain, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Comedy and Paramount Channel.

Gil, who previously oversaw VIMN’s brands in Iberia as VP of affiliate and digital media, succeeds Annecchino, who was promoted to MD of Southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

In related news, broadcasters across Latin America have picked up live-action programming for teens and tweens from VIMN’s Nickelodeon, which has also expanded in Eastern Europe.

Televisa in Mexico, Venezuela’s Venevision, Costa Rica’s Teletica and TV Hondurena in Honduras have picked up episodes of Supah Ninjas, in which three high school students are drafted into the secret world of crime fighting.

Mexico’s Televisa has also picked up season one of Bucket & Skinner, which follows a surfer dude, alongside episodes of Fred: The Show, season five of iCarly, seasons one and three of Victorious and season four of high school sitcom Zoey.

Band TV in Brazil has acquired seasons one to four of the sitcoms Drake & Josh and Kenan & Kel, as well as seasons one and two of Big Time Rush and five seasons of iCarly. Venezuela’s Venevision has licensed Marvin Marvin, alongside season two of boy band series Big Time Rush, plus episodes of iCarly and Victorious.

Meanwhile, two new localised Nickelodeon channels have launched in Central and Eastern Europe, with local-language version of Nickelodeon arriving in Serbia and Slovenia this month.

Nico Franks
08-05-2013
©C21Media

GENRES: Children's, Entertainment
SHOWS: Big Time Rush, Bucket & Skinner, Fred, iCarly, Kenan and Kel, Marvin Marvin, Supah Ninjas
PEOPLE: Manuel Gil, Raffaele Annecchino
COMPANIES: Band TV, Teletica, Televisa, Viacom International Media Networks
SECTIONS: C21Kids
COUNTRIES: Brazil, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Spain

Viacom International Media Networks Appoints Manuel Gil As New General Manager For Spain

The entertainment news website C21Media is reporting the Nickelodeon News in the following article that Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), the international division of Viacom, has appointed Manuel Gil as their new general manager (GM) for Spain, following the promotion of Raffaele Annecchino earlier this year.

As the general manager of VIMN in Spain, Manuel Gil will oversee the strategic direction of the company’s portfolio of brands and businesses across Spain, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Comedy and Paramount Channel.

Gil, who previously oversaw VIMN's brands in Iberia as VP of affiliate and digital media, succeeds Annecchino, who was promoted to MD of Southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa:

Viacom Spain names new boss

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has appointed a new general manager for Spain, following the promotion of Raffaele Annecchino earlier this year.

Manuel Gil has taken the role of general manager of VIMN in Spain, where he will oversee the strategic direction of the company’s portfolio of brands and businesses across Spain, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Comedy and Paramount Channel.

Gil, who previously oversaw VIMN’s brands in Iberia as VP of affiliate and digital media, succeeds Annecchino, who was promoted to MD of Southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

[...]

Nico Franks
08-05-2013
©C21Media

GENRES: Children's, Entertainment
[...]
PEOPLE: Manuel Gil, Raffaele Annecchino
COMPANIES: [...] Viacom International Media Networks
SECTIONS: C21Kids
COUNTRIES: [...] Spain

A Look At The Availability Of Children's Programming And Characters For Girls On TV

In a special commentary feature, the entertainment news website C21Media takes a look at animated series and characters aimed towards girls and the lack thereof of them on television:

The trouble with girls

Producers are lining up to make cartoons for girls but the broadcasters won’t bite, insisting the smart money is still with boys’ action. Sean Davidson reports.

Whether they are real or animated, showbusiness can be tough on women. It’s axiomatic that Hollywood actresses are judged to a great extent by their looks and even the most talented have a hard time finding work past the age of 35.

A sympathetic nod, if you please, to Michelle Pfeiffer, Kim Basinger, Meg Ryan and, in a few years, perhaps Angelina Jolie too. But at least those women had their moment in the sun, and can rely on later-life roles as evil queens and hot moms.

For their animated little sisters, things are even harder.

Name, if you can, a recent kids’ cartoon led by a strong female character. Totally Spies? Arguably, but hardly ‘recent’ – the series wrapped in 2008. Kim Possible ceased production in 2007. Powerpuff Girls? 2005. Dora the Explorer? We’ll get to her in a moment.



Totally Spies
In fact, only 31% of the main characters in children’s fictional animation are female, according to a 2008 study by the International Central Institute for Youth & Educational Television and the Prix Jeunesse Foundation of Programming in 24 countries including the US, the UK, Canada, Israel and Australia. Not a great turnout, seeing as the real world is 51% female.

If they are heroes, animated females are “significantly more often” part of groups, in contrast to males, who are more likely to be written as heroic loners. Animated females, furthermore, are usually thin teenagers with blonde or red hair. Overweight or ageing women are “virtually absent,” according to the study’s authors.

Just like Hollywood, in other words.

But the shortage of girls in animation mirrors the overall lack of animation for girls. This is a situation industry insiders acknowledge, though there is little agreement about how, or indeed whether to fix it.

Animation is “totally boy-dominated,” notes Nat Abraham, president of distribution at Breakthrough Entertainment in Toronto, which does heavy trade in kids’ and animated titles. “I’ve yet to take a girl-skewing animated programme into a broadcaster without them saying they’re looking for boys’ action.”

Producers keep turning out very promising girl-skewing properties, only to have them die in development because they can’t connect with a buyer, he says. “Every time we get anywhere near that demographic we’re told to switch gear and go after boys,” says Abraham. “I’d love to know who’s looking for girl stuff because we’ve taken it everywhere.”

It’s “a chicken and egg” problem, offers Rob Davies, VP of development at Atomic Cartoons. Risk-averse broadcasters stick with what works, especially these days, and producers tend to follow their lead – although Davies’ Vancouver-based shop swam against the tide several years ago with its girl-friendly copro Atomic Betty. Davies remembers: “We thought we’d go with a powerful female lead, a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” personified by a slip of a girl who moonlights as an intergalactic peacekeeper.

Atomic Betty arrived on channels including Cartoon Network in the US with a big push in 2004. There was a great deal of buzz and oodles of merchandise lined up with Playmates Toys. “It was very empowering but we never saw it as a girls’ property; we saw it as something everyone could enjoy,” says Davies.

The ratings said otherwise. Atomic Betty wasn’t “generating the numbers,” he admits, and was dropped by Cartoon Network, though it continued to run in Canada on Teletoon.

And for commercial broadcasters, it’s as simple as that. Although the preschool and educational programming (hello, Dora) typically seen on public television tends to have more balanced representation and viewership, the ad-supported world says it just can’t pay its bills by aiming animation at girls.

Girls are said to lose interest in make-believe cartoons by around age eight in favour of live-action, which does a better job of serving their burgeoning interest in the real world and social interaction.

“Networks go by the mantra that once girls hit eight years old they’re into relationships,” says Bob Higgins, executive VP of kids and family entertainment at FremantleMedia. “Whether that’s true or not, it’s become a self-perpetuating truth. It’s one of those things everyone has accepted.”

If girls “watch up” they also buy up – which makes them a difficult market to reach with licensed products, a key ingredient of any kids property. Davies notes, with the benefit of hindsight, that no 10-year-old girl “is going to show up at school wearing Atomic Betty shoes.” Even the powerful Barbie franchise and its arch-rival Bratz face challenges reaching their intended market as girls aged nine to 12 have increasingly turned their attention to teen and adult properties.

It’s the phenomenon marketers call KGOY: kids getting older, younger.

Aiming at boys is a safer bet. They grow up slower. The writing is relatively unburdened by the girlish issues of body image and over-sexualisation. And boys’ action-packed shows are perhaps a better fit for the multi-screen media, says Abraham.

“In the multi-platform world, attentions spans aren’t there,” he says. “Animation has got to be fast-paced, it’s got to move. It’s not like when you could let a story develop and expect people to be glued to it.”

It is also often said that boy-skewing shows manage to attract girls, while no girl-skewing programme will draw any boys, though those in the kids’ business are divided on this point. The most common compromise is to turn out something gender-neutral, like the blended family of Disney’s Phineas & Ferb or DHX Media’s SheZow, which sees a young boy with super powers forced to take on his female alter ego.

Focus testing on SheZow, ordered by ABC in Australia, is revealing “tremendous appeal” among girls age six and up, says Josh Scherba, senior VP of distribution at DHX, which also shops Calliou and Rastamouse. At press time, deals were close with broadcasters in the US, France and Italy. “We think we’ve got the tone right so that it won’t alienate boys,” Scherba says. “It’s certainly a balancing act.”

It wasn’t always like this. Before the rise of specialty channels, animators cranked out material and passed it along to generalist networks with little fretting over who was watching or why. Those were good times for Bugs Bunny, My Little Pony and Strawberry Shortcake.

Things got harder with the rise of narrow-focused specialty nets like Disney and Nickelodeon in the 1990s. “Kids’ programming largely left the networks in North America, whose remit was to entertain everybody in that grand BBC tradition,” says Alan Gregg, director of original content at Canadian kidcaster Teletoon. “To have all that kids’ programming in one block simply doesn’t exist anymore, even on the BBC.”

Davies adds: “Now you have to come in with a little bit of science in your pitch,” aiming a series at tiny demographic gaps in a channel’s line-up.

Things got harder still when Disney embraced live-action in the mid-2000s. Kim Possible was suddenly out of a job, Hannah Montana got her parking spot and much of the industry followed the Mouse House into live-action comedies.

“Disney’s always been the leader at capturing girls and their schedule over the years has gone from girl-skewing animation to tween live-action,” says Scherba. “Whether Kim Possible would work with today’s audience is doubtful. When it comes to capturing girls, Disney tends to go with gender-neutral comedies,” he adds, citing Phineas & Ferb and Gravity Falls. “These shows still have strong male and female characters, and comedy tends to be what ties boys and girls together.”

“Disney has traditionally been better at capturing girls, so if they believed there was a market today for girl-skewing animation they’d probably be there,” says Scherba.

DHX has some older girl-skewing animation, including Strawberry Shortcake and My Little Pony in its back catalogue, properties that continue to sell around the world though not always to their original, intended audience. Given the KGOY phenomenon, now they often go to preschool broadcasters, says Scherba.

But if market cycles put a chill on girls’ animation, those same cycles will some day help revive it – perhaps sooner than expected, if boys’ action continues its downward trend. The genre is losing ground to video games, leading some broadcasters to back away.

“Boys’ action is not the big driver it used to be,” says Gregg, noting that Teletoon has discontinued its Kapow block of superhero programming.

Things could change, say observers, if some enterprising producer comes up with a property that does with animation what Disney and Hannah Montana did with live-action – a cartoon series that dwells on social interaction and relationships from a young-female perspective. A tall order, yes, but not impossible.

“Somebody will do it and find a network brave enough to buck the trend. And it will work,” predicts Higgins. Gregg agrees, adding: “It only takes one giant smash and girls will gravitate towards it. I’m not sure where it will come from but it will probably happen.”

Sean Davidson
08-05-2013
©C21Media

Nickelodeon Land UK At Pleasure Beach, Blackpool Named A Perfect Theme Park For Kids To Visit

The celebrity gossip and lifestyle magazine Female First has named Blackpool Pleasure Beach, including Nickelodeon Land UK, Britain's only Nickelodeon Land, as the perfect theme park for kids in a list of five of the popular theme parks situated in the UK in an article on their official website, femalefirst.co.uk!:

Visit these UK theme parks

Put on a brave face and visit these popular theme parks.
With the summer holidays approaching fast, it may sometimes be hard to think of ideas to fill up your children's holidays. However, why not give the whole family a thrill of a lifetime by visiting one of these popular theme parks situated in the UK.

01 - Alton Towers

Take a trip to the UK's number one theme park, Alton Towers, in Staffordshire and enjoy 800 acres of fun. The park includes rides to suit everyone from white knuckle rides for the adrenaline junkies, classics suchs as the water flume and rides for the children. And new for 2013 is the thrill ride with the sinister name, 'The Smiler'. The Smiler is a roller coaster which travels at 85 km/h and with its highest drop at 30m. Will you be able to put on a brave face and hop on board of The Smiler?

And if you are visiting Alton Towers, you cannot leave without hopping on the ride that goes from 0-100km/ph in 2.5 seconds, Rita. Or if you are feeling brave, take a ride on Oblivion and plunge 60 metres to the bottom. Alton Towers is not for the faint hearted and will guarantee several scares throughout the day.

Don't worry if roller coasters are not your thing however as the park is full with rides that don't get your heart pumping but are just as fun. Take a ride on Duel where you will travel through a Ghost World and shoot at ghosts and ghouls to gain points. Will you be able to do better than your friends? And if you want a break from the rides you can also test your skills at Extaordinary Golf or take a walk in the gardens, ideal for hot days and family picnics.

The park is open for the main season between 16 March - 10 November 2013 and tickets prices vary from £46.20 for an adult and £37.80 for a child, however cheaper tickets can be bought in advance online and family, senior and disabled/carer tickets are also available.

02 - Blackpool Pleasure Beach

With the launch of the UK's only Nickelodeon Land in 2011, which is spread over 6 acres and includes 12 rides, a Nickelodeon themed shop, game stalls, a restaurant and is home to Nickelodeon characters including Spongebob Square Pants and the Fairy Odd Parents, this is the perfect theme park to take the kids.

This theme park would not be complete however without its white knuckle rides. Take a ride on Infusion, the only ride in the world that is suspended completly over water. Or take a deep breath and step on to the Big One, Blackpool's biggest and fastest roller coaster, at 235ft in height and travels at a speed of up to 87mph.

Blackpool is a great day out for all the family and includes all your classic theme park rides such as the Dodgems and the Tea Cups to the more outrangeous thrill rides that will give you the chills.

Tickets prices vary from £29.99 for 12+ and £26.99 for under 12's however online prices vary and Day Passes and Nickelodeon wristbands are also available.

03 - Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park, located in Surrey, has many new attractions coming to 2013 including The Swarm, which sees you thrown backwards down 127ft at speeds up to 92kmh. Travelling backwards and not being able to see where you are going makes this ride a frightening hair raiser. And if that seems bad enough, there is nothing to hold on to, making this one of the scariest rides to grace the park.

Also coming to 2013 is 'The Crash Pad' which offers modern rooms to customers so they can now have their very own overnight theme park experience.

Thorpe Park also includes a roller coaster based on the film 'Saw', with the ride using the same name. You will be able to play a game of death with Jigsaw as he sends you up to 100ft before you go falling down through sharp rotating blades to the bottom. Will you be able to beat Jigsaw?

The park also includes rides for the kids including the teacups and a carousel and many new shows are performed throughout the season for all the family to enjoy.

Tickets prices vary from £43.20 for adults aged 12+ and £33.60 for children under 12. Tickets offers are avaliable if bought in advance online and senior, disabled and family tickets are also avaliable to purchase.

04 - Legoland Windsor Resort

Legoland Windsor is perfect for every family with children between the ages of 3 - 12 years old. This is a funpacked park where children's dreams come true and inclides over 55 interactive rides, a host of live shows, workshops, driving schools and several attractions to entertain all the family.

The park includes rides such as The Land of the Vikings, where you will sail through the time of the Vikings and make a splash. This park is perfect for kids and families who do not enjoy the white knuckle rides but still enjoy the adventures of a theme park.

Tickets are £45 for an adult and £36.60 for a child but online prices vary. Senior tickets are also avaliable as well as family ticekts.

05 - Flamingo Land Resort

Flamingo Land, in North Yorkshire, is the perfect holiday resort that offers an excellent theme park, as well as a zoo located within the park.

The park includes thrill rides such as the 'Cliff Hanger' which is the Uk's only S&S combo tower vertical drop ride and one of the tallest in Europe. This is a ride that will certainly get your vocal cords warmed up and your heart pumping. Family rides are also littering the park including the 'Wagon Wheel' that slowly rotates you round and lets you admire the park from a height.

Once you have had enough of the rides, take a trip to the zoo which contains animals such as the African Lion, California Sea Lion and the Red Kangaroo. And why not take the kids down to the farm where they will get hands on experience and will be able to admire the domestic rabbits and the ducks.

Tickets prices are £30 for adults and children and £20 for senior and disabled guests and carers. Family tickets are also available to buy.

Nickelodeon's "Dora The Explorer LIVE! Search For The City Of Lost Toys" Musical Stage Show Tour To Perform At Alban Arena, St Albans In May 2013

The British regional newspaper the Welwyn Hatfield Times has announced in the following article from their official website, whtimes.co.uk, that Nick Jr. megastar "Dora the Explorer" will be bringing her live musical stage show, "Dora The Explorer LIVE! Search For The City Of Lost Toys", to the Alban Arena theatre, music venue and civic centre in the historic centre of St Albans, UK, a historic market town in Southern Hertfordshire, England, UK, where Nickelodeon's preschool superstar will be holding performances of her live musical stage show on Friday 10th, Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May 2013, as part of the entertainment complex's Spring 2013 season of entertainment!:

Dora the Explorer comes searching in St Albans

Dora The Explorer Live will be entertaining children at the Alban Arena in St Albans


NICKELODEON’s Dora the Explorer Live! comes to St Albans next week to entertain the young ones.

Everyone’s favourite explorer will be appearing on stage in live musical adventure Search for the City of Lost Toys at the Alban Arena on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Dora has lost her teddy bear Osito, and the search is on to retrieve him.

With the help of the audience, Map, Backpack, Boots, Diego and their courageous friends, Dora uses her map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully pass through the number pyramid and the mixed-up jungle to reach the City of Lost Toys.

But watch out – you never know what that sneaky fox Swiper might be up to along the way.

Dora the Explorer fans will delight in this two act, song and dance spectacular that invites them to think, sing and play along.

There are shows on Friday, May 10 at 4.30pm; Saturday, May 11 at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 4.30pm; and Sunday, May 12 at 10.30am and 1.30pm.

Tickets cost £14 and £18. Call the Alban Arena box office on 01727 844488 or book online at www.alban-arena.co.uk.

Nickelodeon's "Dora The Explorer LIVE! Search For The City Of Lost Toys" Musical Stage Show Tour To Perform At Venue Cymru In Llandudno, North Wales In May 2013

The Welsh regional newspaper the North Wales Daily Post has announced in the following article from their official website, dailypost.co.uk, that Nick Jr. megastar "Dora the Explorer" will be bringing her live musical stage show, "Dora The Explorer LIVE! Search For The City Of Lost Toys", to the Venue Cymru arts, conference and events venue in Llandudno, Conwy county borough, North Wales, UK, where Nickelodeon's preschool superstar will be holding performances of her live musical stage show between Tuesday 21st May 2013 and Wednesday 22nd May 2013, as part of the entertainment complex's Spring 2013 season of entertainment! To celebrate Dora the Explorer visiting Venue Cymru, the venue are offering everyone the chance to purchase tickets for special 'Explorer seats' so they can be closest to the action on stage, and special tickets to meet and greet Dora the Explorer in person!:

Dora explores her way to Llandudno

Dora the Explorer brings live stage show to Venue Cymru



Dora the Explorer
POPULAR kids show Dora the Explorer comes to life at Venue Cymru later this month.

Joined by Diego and her courageous friends, Dora sets off on another fun-filled adventure in this song and dance spectacular.

Following its UK premiere in London’s West End in August last year, Nickelodeon, Life Like Touring and Daniel Sparrow and Mike Walsh Productions are touring Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys across the UK.

The live musical adventure, which hits the stage at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on May 21 and 22, is designed to teach children to explore, communicate, overcome obstacles, solve puzzles and discover an exciting world.

With the help of the audience, Map, Backpack, Boots, Diego and their courageous friends, Dora uses her map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully pass through the number pyramid and the mixed-up jungle to reach the City of Lost Toys.

The shows take place at 4pm on May 21 and 10am, 1pm and 4pm on May 22. Ticket prices range from £16-18 for adults and £14-16 for children. Family tickets are £55-65. For details visit nickjr.co.uk/doralive.

Also, from the official Venue Cymru website, venuecymru.co.uk:

Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer LIVE!
Search for the City of Lost Toys

Everyone’s favourite explorer is embarking on a LIVE musical adventure across the UK! In Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys, Dora has lost her teddy bear Osito, and the search is on to retrieve him! With the help of the audience, Map, Backpack, Boots, Diego and their courageous friends, Dora uses her map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully pass through the number pyramid and the mixed-up jungle to reach the City of Lost Toys. But watch out - you never know what that sneaky fox Swiper might be up to along the way! Dora the Explorer fans will delight in this two act, song and dance spectacular that invites them to think, sing and play along.

Adult £16, Children £14

Be closest to the action with Explorer seats

Explorer Adult £18, Children £16

Family tickets £55 & £65

Meet Dora! Buy in advance via the box office (01492 872000) or on the day and meet Dora after the show. Children £10, adults go free!

Meet Dora! ticket must be bought in conjunction with a show ticket

www.nickjr.co.uk/doralive

All ticket purchases are subject to a £2.50 booking fee per order

21 MAY - 4:00pm Buy Tickets
22 MAY - 10:00am Buy Tickets
22 MAY - 1:00pm Buy Tickets
22 MAY - 4:00pm Buy Tickets.