Coolabi And Kennedy Enterprises Partner For New Stand-Alone "Poppy Cat" Magazine; Nick Jr. UK To Debut Series Two During Spring 2014

Coolabi has announced the exciting Nickelodeon Preschool news in the following press release, from the UK-based production company's official website, coolabi.com, a new licensing deal with magazine publisher Kennedy Enterprises for a brand new stand-alone "Poppy Cat" magazine to build on the brand's momentum and growth in the UK!

Each issue of the all-new "Poppy Cat" magazine, set to launch in Spring 2014 to coincide with Nickelodeon UK and Eire's preschool channel, Nick Jr. Channel UK and Ireland, premiering the brand new second series of the animated "Poppy Cat" television series, will focus on the adventurous pussycat and her colourful friends, and will feature branded stickers, posters, mini activity booklets, and interactive reward stickers to make learning more fun, plus a branded "Poppy Cat" cover mount (promotional toys and gifts).

Distribution Managers will actively promote the launch of the magazine to all of the major supermarkets, regional groups and independent retailers. The marketing campaign for Poppy Cat will focus on securing as many retailer listings and promotions as possible to maximise sales.

"Poppy Cat", starring the voice of Joanna Page ("Gavin & Stacey") and airing everyday on Nick Jr. UK and Nick Jr. 2, is based on the award-winning books created by Lara Jones, which have sold more than 2.5 million copies. The second series of the top-rating programme - launching in 2014 - is co-produced by Coolabi's television production arm, Coolabi Productions, and the Emmy shortlisted and BAFTA award-winning, King Rollo Films.

Nick Jr. UK & Ireland, Nick Jr. Australia & New Zealand and PBS Kids Sprout in the USA jointly commissioned a second season of the popular animated preschool series "Poppy Cat" from UK-based production company Coolabi in September 2013.

Original Nickelodeon Press Release:

POPPY CAT TAKES ON A NEW ADVENTURE WITH THE LAUNCH OF STAND-ALONE MAGAZINE

Coolabi is excited to announce a new licensing deal for its hit pre-school series, Poppy Cat. Magazine publisher, Kennedy Enterprises, is launching a new stand-alone Poppy Cat magazine to build on the brand's momentum and growth in the UK.

The Poppy Cat magazine will focus on the adventurous pussycat and her colourful friends, and features branded stickers, posters and mini activity booklets, plus a branded Poppy Cat cover mount.

The magazine is set to launch in Spring 2014 to coincide with the exciting new Poppy Cat TV series on Nick Jr. Distribution Managers will actively promote the launch of the magazine to all of the major supermarkets, regional groups and independent retailers. The marketing campaign for Poppy Cat will focus on securing as many retailer listings and promotions as possible to maximise sales.

Paul Kennedy of Kennedy Enterprises said, "We are delighted to add Poppy Cat to our portfolio of popular children's magazines! Poppy Cat fans will love our colourful new magazine, which will be packed full of stories, puzzles and colouring. Each issue will feature a free Poppy Cat gift, plus a pull-out activity workbook with interactive reward stickers to make learning more fun. We will be including content designed for children to enjoy alone, and activities to be enjoyed with their parents.

Valerie Fry, Director of Sales, Coolabi comments, "We are very pleased to be working with such a great new licensee, Kennedy Enterprises, on Poppy Cat. It is a bright, colourful and adventurous property, which will lend itself extremely well to a new magazine for toddlers aged 2 to 5 years."

Poppy Cat, starring the voice of Joanna Page (Gavin & Stacey) and airing everyday on Nick Jr and Nick Jr 2, is based on the award-winning books created by Lara Jones, which have sold more than 2.5 million copies. The second series of the top-rating programme - launching in 2014 - is co-produced by Coolabi's television production arm, Coolabi Productions, and the Emmy shortlisted and BAFTA award-winning, King Rollo Films.

For more information on Poppy Cat, please go to www.poppycat.com, or become a fan of Poppy Cat on Facebook (www.facebook.com/officialpoppycat) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/PoppyCat_).

-ENDS-

For further press information, please contact Cassandra Sananes on [...] or email [...].

---

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nick Jr. UK and Poppy Cat News!

Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Learn Welsh For The Debut Of "Crwbanod Ninja" On S4C

Wales Online, a British local website which reports the latest news about Wales, a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, is reporting the Booyakasha "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" news that Nickelodeon's crime-fighting heroes in a half shell - Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo - have revealed a hidden talent... speaking Welsh!

They battle petty criminals, evil overlords and alien invaders, but it turns out the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" have another skill which, until now, has been overlooked. It seems Leo, Donnie, Raph and and Mikey, who hail from the storm sewers of New York City and achieved worldwide fame in the late 1980s, are also fluent in Welsh.

Nearly 30 years after the heroes in a half-shell were first created in an American comic book, the story of the four pizza-loving turtle brothers has appeared on television in Welsh for the first time!

The first episode of Nickelodeon's hit CG-animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" premiered on the Welsh-language public-service television channel S4C on Thursday 28th November 2013 and introduced the turtles, which will be known locally as the "Crwbanod Ninja" ("Ninja Turtles"). When Splinter (or Sgyryn as he'll be known in Welsh) allows the Crwbanod Ninja to leave their sewer lair and visit the surface, they get their first glimpse of the real world; a place full of vicious villains and delicious pizza!

To translate Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" series into Welsh, production company Level 2 sourced the original animation from the Nickelodeon Animation Studio and dubbed a Welsh language audio track over the top of the production.

The team have completed half of the 26 episodes, with the remaining 13 due to be finished in 2014:

Turtle power! The heroes in a half-shell reveal a hidden talent ... speaking Welsh

1 Dec 2013 06:40

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have made their debut on S4C complete with creative translations

Get ready for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ... in WelshGet ready for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ... in Welsh

They battle petty criminals, evil overlords and alien invaders, but it turns out the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have another skill which, until now, has been overlooked.

It seems Leo, Donnie, Raph and and Mikey, who hail from the storm sewers of New York City and achieved worldwide fame in the late 1980s, are also fluent in Welsh.

Nearly 30 years after the heroes in a half-shell were first created in an American comic book, the story of the four pizza-loving turtles has appeared on television in Welsh for the first time.

Dubbing director Emyr Roberts, 64, who lives and works in Caernarfon, said: "We were all very excited about the first airing. I hope the viewers will enjoy watching it as much as we’ve enjoyed working on it."

The first episode was aired on S4C on Thursday and introduced the turtles, which will be known as the Crwbanod Ninja. The series follows their adventures, as they learn the art of ninjutsu and leave their sewer lair to get a glimpse of the real world.

Click the pictures below to see how the turtles' trademark phrases have been translated into Welsh

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in Welsh

Emyr, who works for production company Level 2, said: "Honestly, during my years working as a dubbing director I can say, hand on heart, that this is the production people have doted on the most.

"Be it as someone who watched the series as a child, or someone who has children himself who think that dad working on the Ninja Turtles is awesome!"

He added: “The story has really captured everyone’s imaginations. I think it's because the turtles are the good guys, but they have a rebellious streak. I have also been struck by the amount of humour in the series.”

The animation had been sourced from American children’s television network Nickelodeon and the Welsh language audio has been dubbed over the top.

Emyr, whose favourite character is Michelangelo, said: “Dubbing is a painstaking and time-consuming process. We have to record one actor at a time to keep the precision and it requires a lot of concentration.”

Emyr added: "Although they are all experienced actors, they had never done anything quite like this before. It can look a bit surreal because they stand in front of a small screen and they really go for it."

The dubbing director has previously worked on other popular children’s series, including Horrid Henry and Dennis the Menace, but said the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles still stand out.

The team has completed half of the 26 episodes, with the remaining 13 due to be finished in the New Year.

The huge task of adapting the script into Welsh fell to the Gwynedd-based author and historian Dewi Prysor.

He said: “The New York dialect obviously doesn’t work in Welsh, so I had to give the turtles an urban Welsh dialect, without losing the attitude, slickness and cool factor and without detracting from their personalities, but as a father to teenage sons, it wasn't too difficult.”

He added: "The series is exciting, slick and daring and also visually striking, but more than that, it’s really, really funny. It’s a dark humour with some slapstick elements, which I love. Ask my family and they'll tell you that they heard uncontrollable fits of laughter coming from my study countless time when I was working on the script."

Sioned Wyn Roberts, children's programmes comissionner for S4C, said: "There's no doubt that the Ninja Turtles is one of the most iconic series ever, so we saw this as an opportunity for a new generation to follow the four turtles and their adventures, and to do so in Welsh."

Also, from the official S4/C website, s4c.co.uk:

Hold on to your shell – the Ninja Turtles are coming to S4C

— November 26, 2013

This week four rather famous turtles will be settling in to a new home on S4C.

Crwbanod Ninja, a Welsh adaptation of the popular series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles starts on the Channel this Thursday (28 November) at 6.05pm.

The series based on the comic book first created in 1984 follows four mutant turtles, Leo, Donnie, Raph and Mikey, who have been trained in the art of ninjutsu by their rat sensei, Master Splinter.

When Splinter (or Sgyryn as he’ll be known in Welsh) allows the Crwbanod Ninja to leave their sewer lair and visit the surface, they get their first glimpse of the real world; a place full of vicious villains and delicious pizza!

For Emyr Roberts, dubbing director on the series for production company Level 2, the project was one of the most exciting he’s ever worked on.

“Everyone who’s been part of this project are excited by the Crwbanod! Honestly, during my years working as a dubbing director I can say, hand on heart, that this is the production that people have doted on the most. Be it as someone who watched the series as a child, or someone who has children himself who think that dad working on the Ninja Turtles is awesome!” says Emyr Roberts

“It’s a pleasure coming into work when you’re surrounded by such enthusiasm, a fantastic crew, writer and cast.”

The voice cast boasts Llŷr Evans, Rhodri Meilir, Rhydian Lewis, Dyfrig Evans, Rhodri Evans, Aneirin Hughes, Malan Wilkinson and Hefin Wyn.

The huge task of adapting the script into Welsh fell to the Gwynedd-based author and historian, Dewi Prysor.

“The New York dialect obviously doesn’t work in Welsh, so I had to give the Turtles an urban Welsh dialect, without losing the attitude, slickness and the ‘cool’ factor – and without detracting from their personalities of course,” says Dewi Prysor. “But as a father to teenage sons, it wasn’t too difficult.”

“The series is exciting, slick and daring and also visually striking. But more than that it’s really, really funny. It’s a dark humour with some slapstick elements, which I love. Ask my family and they’ll tell you that they heard uncontrollable fits of laughter coming from my study countless time when I was working on the script!”

---

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon UK and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles News!

Nickelodeon and Junk Food Clothing Co. Release Brand-New "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"-Inspired T-Shirts, Available Exclusively at Gap Stores Now!

Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids and families, has announced in the following press release, from television news website TheFutonCritic.com, the Booyakasha "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" news that Nickelodeon and Junk Food Clothing Co., one of the premier licensing apparel companies, have launched two brand-new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" boys' graphic t-shirts inspired by the classic animated series. Available exclusively in select Gap stores nationwide and www.gap.com, each crewneck t-shirt features a screen-printed graphic of the crime-fighting heroes in a half shell - Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo - on the front, faux layered long sleeves and banded cuffs. Retailing for US$26.95 each, the t-shirts are available in sizes ranging from XS - XXL.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Junk Food Clothing Co. clothing collection continues Nickelodeon's successful partnership with Junk Food Clothing Co. in which the clothing company developed an apparel line inspired by Nickelodeon characters earlier this year. The collection consists of a full line of vintage styled t-shirts, sweatshirts and fashion tops for men, juniors, boys and girls. Fans can choose from a range of character designs including "SpongeBob SquarePants", "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" classic collection, "Rocko's Modern Life" and "The Ren & Stimpy Show". The line debuted during Fall (Autumn) 2013 at specialty retailers.

Original Nickelodeon Press Release:

TURTLE POWER IS IN FULL EFFECT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

NICKELODEON AND JUNK FOOD CLOTHING CO. RELEASE "TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES"-INSPIRED T-SHIRTS, AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT GAP STORES, NOW

Limited-Edition Tees Inspired by Classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Series

New York - Dec. 3, 2013 - Nickelodeon and Junk Food Clothing Co., one of the premier licensing apparel companies, announced today the launch of two Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles boys' graphic t-shirts inspired by the classic animated series. Available exclusively in select Gap stores nationwide and www.gap.com, each crewneck t-shirt features a screen-printed graphic of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the front, faux layered long sleeves and banded cuffs. Retailing for $26.95 each, the t-shirts are available in sizes ranging from XS - XXL.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is based on four mutant turtles - Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo - trained in the art of ninjutsu by their mutant rat sensei, Master Splinter, who teaches the turtles to battle evil from the New York City sewers. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles debut on Nickelodeon in 2012 and ranked as the number-one new boy series for the year in the United States. The series, currently in its second season, airs regularly on Saturday mornings at 11:00a.m. (ET/PT). Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a 2013 TOTY Award winner for Property of the Year and 'Best Boy Toy' of the Year.

About Junk Food Clothing Co.

Junk Food Clothing burst onto the scene in 1998 as the Original Vintage T-shirt Company, forever changing the premium t-shirt market. Famous for their vintage-feel fabrics, authentic retro details, and witty art, Junk Food Clothing has gained notoriety as a celebrity favorite,and is carried in top retailers the world over. A fully-owned subsidiary of Delta Apparel Inc., Junk Food Clothing is a licensing powerhouse with distribution rights to over 800 pop-culture properties across multiple categories including music, movies, characters, sports, and food. Shop their website at http://www.junkfoodclothing.com!

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 34th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 18 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B). Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

---

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon Merchandise and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles News!

Nick Australia And Village Roadshow Theme Parks Partner For The Nickelodeon Experience At Wet'n'Wild Sydney In Australia

The official website of the licensing business magazine License! Global is reporting the exciting Nickelodeon Recreation Group news in the following article that Nickelodeon Australia has partnered with Village Roadshow Theme Parks to extend the brands family offering at the world's biggest water park, Wet'n'Wild Sydney in Australia!

The new collaboration expands on the companies' existing partnership at Sea World on the Gold Coast.

Beginning Thursday 12th December 2013, Nickelodeon will host meet-and-greets with popular Nick characters including SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Dora the Explorer and Diego Márquez ("Go, Diego, Go!"). A Nickelodeon crew will also drive around the park in the Nick Beach-Mobile, bringing the party to all corners of Wet'n'Wild with beach balls and Frisbees. The partners also plan to expand Nick's presence at the park with expanded offerings throughout 2014.

The Nickelodeon Experience will appear at Wet'n'Wild daily until Sunday 22nd December 2013, and then on weekends throughout January and February 2014:

Nick Gets Wet'n'Wild in Oz

Nickelodeon has partnered with Village Roadshow Theme Parks to extend its family offering at the world’s biggest water park, Wet'n'Wild Sydney in Australia.

The new collaboration expands on the companies’ existing partnership at Sea World on the Gold Coast.

Beginning Thursday, Nickelodeon will host meet-and-greets with characters including SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Dora the Explorer and Diego. A Nick crew will also drive around the park in the Nick Beach-Mobile, bringing the party to all corners of Wet’n’Wild with beach balls and Frisbees. The partners plan to expand Nick’s presence at the park with expanded offerings throughout 2014.

"It is very exciting for us to be aligning the Nickelodeon brand with yet another amazing attraction, the world's biggest and best water park," says Ben Richardson, general manager, Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand. "In addition to our already successful affiliation with Sea World, this is a major milestone for our burgeoning recreation business and an important next step in our brand expansion across all facets of entertainment for Australian families."

The Nickelodeon Experience will appear at Wet’n’Wild daily until Dec. 22, and then on weekends throughout January and February.

"We are looking forward to welcoming Nickelodeon to Wet’n’Wild Sydney, where Australian families will enjoy the ultimate day out over summer and beyond," says Chris Warhurst, general manager, Wet’n’Wild Sydney. "Families have a strong connection to the Nickelodeon brand, and it will complement Wet’n’Wild’s offering by giving both parents and kids the opportunity to meet their animated idols."

---

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon Australia and Nickelodeon Recreation Group News!

Hallmark Cards UK To Unveil "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Product Range In 2014

The licensing business news website Licensing.biz is reporting the exciting Nickelodeon Licensing news in the following article that greeting card and gift specialist Hallmark Cards UK and Ireland has secured a number of properties which is believes are must-haves in next year's calendar.

Hallmark Cards UK and Ireland has partnered with Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) UK and Ireland to launch a brand new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" product line in 2014!

The addition of TMNT will further enhance the company's existing kids' greeting card collection, which features brands such as Hello Kitty, Discovery Channel, Forever Friends and Warner Bros.

In addition, Hallmark has also developed two of its own new licences, which are due to be unveiled in the first quarter of 2014 and promises to tap into the growing consumer demands for fresh, cute products.

The card and gift specialist has also announced a deal with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products for a merchandise range based on the popular animated series "The Simpsons":

Hallmark adds to licensed portfolio for 2014

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Simpsons join line-up.

Card and gift specialist Hallmark will launch a host of new licensed items in 2014.

From the resurgent Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles through to The Simpsons, Hallmark has secured a number of properties which is believes are must-haves in next year's calendar.

The new additions will further enhance the company's existing kids' card collection, which features brands such as Hello Kitty, Discovery Channel, Forever Friends and Warner Bros.

In addition, Hallmark has also developed two of its own new licences, which are due to be unveiled in the first quarter of 2014 and promise to tap into the growing consumer demands for fresh, cute products.

"These additions, along with our existing and well established portfolio, further cement our position as one of the market's leading licence providers," said Andy Watts, marketing director at Hallmark. "Going forward, we will continue to produce kids' ranges which are informed and developed our our unique insights and we will strive to add extra value for our customers wherever possible."

TAGS: the simpsons, teenage mutant ninja turtles, hallmark

---

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon Merchandise and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles News!

DHX Media Signs Fresh International Deals For Hit Preschool Series "Yo Gabba Gabba!"; Nickelodeon Australia Acquires Season Four And Renews Seasons Two And Three

The licensing business news website Licensing.biz is reporting the exciting Nickelodeon International News in the following article that Canada's DHX Media Ltd., a leading independent producer, distributor and licensor of mainly children's entertainment content, has signed a number of new international deals for Nick Jr.'s popular critically-acclaimed award-winning preschool series "Yo Gabba Gabba!"!

Nickelodeon Australia has agreed a deal for the rights to season four, as well as renewing seasons two and three for all Nick Oz's subscription channels. Also in the region, ABC TV Australia has renewed free TV rights to season three and acquired season four.

Elsewhere, Free-To-Air Pan Arab-broadcasting network MBC Group has picked up seasons one to four of "Yo Gabba Gabba!" for MBC3 channel in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Finally, in Latin America, Disney LatAm's local version of the brands preschool channel, Disney Junior Latin America, has picked up the fourth season for Latin America and Brazil:

Yo Gabba Gabba! goes global

New international deals see the show head to screens in Australia, the Middle East and North Africa

Children's entertainment licensor DHX Media has signed a number of international deals for the Yo Gabba Gabba! series.

Free-To-Air Pan Arab-broadcasting network MBC Group has picked up seasons one to four of Yo Gabba Gabba! for MBC3 channel in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Elsewhere, in Australia, Nickelodeon has agreed a deal for the rights to season four, as well as renewing seasons two and three for all subscription channels.Also in the region, ABC TV Australia has renewed free TV rights to season three and acquired season four.

Finally, in Latin America, the Disney Jr Channel has picked up the fourth season for Latin America and Brazil.

“Yo Gabba Gabba! is a worldwide phenomenon, appealing to a unique cross section of audiences which has kept it continuously popular," said Josh Scherba, SVP Distribution at DHX Media.

"These renewals and new deals highlight the ongoing popularity of the show internationally and maintain its impressive momentum.”

TAGS: dhx media, yo gabba gabba

---

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon International and Yo Gabba Gabba! News!