SHREDDER IN HELL Explores the Sinister Forces Behind the IDW TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES Universe
Mateus Santolouco Writes and Draws an Epic Comic Book Miniseries Featuring TMNT’s Greatest Villain
SAN DIEGO, CA (July 19, 2018) – IDW is proud to announce that acclaimed TMNT artist Mateus Santolouco will both write and draw Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder in Hell, a five-issue miniseries slated to debut in early 2019 that serves as a sequel to the fan-favorite Secret History of the Foot Clan storyline.
Shredder in Hell, the latest chapter in IDW’s groundbreaking TMNT saga, sinks into the nightmarish pits of the afterlife, where the infamous leader of the Foot Clan struggles to survive. In the process, Shredder discovers his true purpose… as well as the origins of the great beings responsible for both destruction and creation in his world.
“I’m very humble and thankful to help expand the rich universe ofTMNT, adding new layers to theTurtles‘ main villain,” says Santolouco. “We’re not only revealing Shredder’s role in a conspiracy of divine proportions, but we’ll have a better understanding of his fears and ambitions. Oroku Saki is more human than ever… and this will only make him an even stronger force for theTMNTto face.”
Group Editor Bobby Curnow says, “Shredder in Hell is in many ways a spiritual sequel to the beloved Secret History of the Foot Clan. There’s one crucial difference: whereas before Mateus was just coming into his own as a creator, he is now, five years later, working at a master class level. The art he is producing is unreal, and the story is surprisingly deep and reaches to the core of IDW’s TMNT universe.”
For information on how to secure copies of the Shredder in Hell comic book miniseries, contact your local comic shop or visit www.comicshoplocator.com to find a store near you.
Creator Bio:
Mateus Santolouco was born in 1979 in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Launching his creative career in advertising, he shifted his attention to comic books in 2006. In addition to his extensive contributions to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise at IDW Publishing, he has worked on such comic book projects as Rampaging Wolverine, Dial H, Wonderlost, 24Seven, Dark Reign: Lethal Legion, Two Guns, and Fall of Cthulhu.
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Official Nickelodeon UK & Ireland Press Release | Share the news - http://bit.ly/rtmntukpremiere:
COWABUNGA!
NICKELODEON’S REIMAGINED
RISE OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES
TO BOW ON UK TV SCREENS ON SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER
Lena Headey, John Michael Higgins, Tom Kenny, Sam Richardson, Tim Simons,
John Rotten Lydon and Rob Paulsen Among Guest Stars Lending Voices to Original Villains in All-New Original Animated Series to Air Simultaneously on Nicktoons and Channel 5 on Saturday Mornings at 10am
Brand-new Trailer, Original Villains and More Revealed
LONDON, -July 19, 2018 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fans emerged at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2018 for Nickelodeon’s Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles panel where new voice cast-Omar Miller as Raph, Ben Schwartz as Leo, Josh Brener as Donnie, Brandon Mychal Smith as Mikey, Kat Graham as April O’Neil, and Eric Bauza as Splinter--along with the co-executive producers Andy Suriano and Ant Ward, and legendary voice director Rob Paulsen shared what to expect in the latest incarnation of Turtles and reinvention of the world famous franchise. Moderated by Keely Flaherty (BuzzFeed), the panel included behind-the-scenes reveals and never-before-seen clips from the upcoming series.
Raph, Leo, Donnie and Mikey emerge from the sewers and tap into undiscovered ninja powers in Nickelodeon’s reimagined, 2D-animated series Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, debuting in the UK simultaneously on Nicktoons and Channel 5 from Saturday 22 September at 10am. This will be the first UK simulcast across Viacom owned Nicktoons and Channel 5.
Nickelodeon’s Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Pictured (clockwise): Raphael, Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello and April O'Neil.
Episode 1 titled “Mystic Mayhem”, will be free to watch for one week from 15th September on Nick.co.uk, Nicktoons.co.uk and Nick Play. In the half-hour launch episode, “Mystic Mayhem,” the Turtles discover for the first time that they’re not the weirdest things in New York.
From 15 September Sky Subscribers will also be able to watch a sneak peek of Episode 1: “Mystic Mayhem” along with four additional stories and 4 pieces of additional short form content exclusively on Sky VOD ahead of the show’s linear broadcast on Nicktoons and Channel 5.
The action-comedy series follows the band of brothers as they discover new powers and encounter a mystical world they never knew existed beneath the streets of New York City. In the months following, the series will premiere globally across Nickelodeon’s channels and branded blocks in 170+ countries and territories.
Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles follows the Turtles on all-new adventures as they master new powers, encounter absurd mutants and battle bizarre villains, each with their own motivations. Ranging from mystics, mutants and madmen, new creatures and villains emerge to take on Raph, Leo, Donnie and Mikey in battles across New York City. From the tallest skyscraper to the dankest sewer drain, the brothers learn to work together and navigate the perils of New York City and the hidden realms below in order to fulfill their destiny to become a team of heroes.
The line-up of guest stars voicing these new mutants and bizarre villains includes: Lena Headey (Game of Thrones) as Big Mama, a gigantic spider mutant; John Michael Higgins (Pitch Perfect) as Warren Stone, a former news anchor turned mutant earthworm; Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants) as Albearto, a singing, birthday-loving rampaging robot; Sam Richardson and Tim Simons (Veep) as Muninn and Huginn, gargoyles who are never far from their master, Baron Draxum; John Rotten Lydon (Public Image Ltd ‘PiL’ and Sex Pistols) as Meat Sweats, a power-hungry mutant pig; Rhys Darby (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) as Hypno-Potamus, a mutant magician/hippo; and Jorge Gutierrez (El Tigre) as Ghostbear, a human pro-wrestler champion with a taste for cheating.
In addition, Rob Paulsen (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Maurice LaMarche (Animaniacs) reunite behind the mic as Foot Lieutenant, the de-facto leader of the Foot Clan, and Foot Brute, the Foot Lieutenant’s right-hand man.
The series stars the voice talent of Omar Miller (Ballers) as Raph, a jagged-shelled snapping turtle; Ben Schwartz (Parks and Recreation) as Leo, a red-eared slider turtle; Josh Brener (Silicon Valley) as Donnie, a soft-shell turtle; Brandon Mychal Smith (You’re The Worst) as Mikey, a box turtle; Kat Graham (The Vampire Diaries) as April O’Neil, a street savvy native New Yorker; Eric Bauza (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) as Splinter, father figure and sensei to the Turtles; and WWE Superstar John Cena as the villainous, Baron Draxum.
The new 26-episode series is co-executive produced by Andy Suriano (character designer, Samurai Jack) and Ant Ward (supervising producer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) at Nickelodeon in Burbank. Veteran animation industry voice actor Rob Paulsen is voice directing the series.
Considered one of the most popular kids’ television programs of the 1980s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a classic, global property created in 1984 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. It first debuted as a successful comic book series and then became a hit animated TV show, a live-action television series and later spawned four blockbuster theatrical releases. The property has also translated into a significant consumer products business—with toys apparel, home goods, video games, DVDs and more--that has generated billions of dollars at retail. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a top selling action figure and the franchise is a previous recipient of the Toy Industry Association’s top honor for Property of the Year at the TOTY Awards.
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Nicktoons
Available in over 13 million homes, Nicktoons showcases the world’s best comedy animation. Launched in 2002 and part of the Nickelodeon network of channels, Nicktoons broadcasts the very best in funny cartoons to audiences across the UK and Ireland, featuring top shows such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Loud House. More information is available at nicktoons.co.uk. Nicktoons is available on Sky 606, Virgin 717 and through BT Vision.
The Nickelodeon Network is a top-performing commercial kids TV network in the UK and Ireland with Nickelodeon channels available in over 13 million cable and satellite homes. Having launched in 1993 Nickelodeon UK comprises seven dedicated entertainment channels for kids aged 4-15 and their families, and is a joint venture between Viacom International Media Networks and BSkyB.
About Channel 5
Channel 5 launched as Britain's fifth public service channel in March 1997 and has been owned by Viacom International Media Networks since September 2014. Channel 5, 5STAR, 5USA and Spike reach 4 in 5 of the UK viewing public each month with a broad mix of popular content for all the family across entertainment, documentaries, sport, drama from the UK and US, films, reality, comedy, children’s and news. My5 is a new service allowing viewers to watch content online for free from Channel 5, 5STAR, 5USA, and Spike.
Welcome to the first part of NickALive!'s special Nickelodeon at San Diego Comic-Con 2018 News Round-Up! In celebration of Nickelodeon attending Comic-Con International: San Diego 2018, below is a selection of news and highlights from the second day of Nick at SDCC '18, plus a few extras! Enjoy!
It’s time for the What’s in the Box Challenge with your favorite YouTubers and Nick stars ✨!! Watch as Alex Wassabi, Daniella Perkins, Owen Joyner, Lilimar Hernandez, The Merrell Twins, Andre “Black Nerd”, and Adelaine Morin try to guess what’s in the box from VidCon! Be sure to catch more of your favorite shows and stars on Nickelodeon!
#TBT to when Sam (Jennette McCurdy) meets Cat (Ariana Grande) for the first time. Be sure to stick around for a bonus Sam & Cat clip featuring Sam & Cat's final scene together at the end! Catch more of your favorite shows on Nickelodeon!
Piper (Ella Anderson) devises a genius plan involving Henry (Jace Norman) in order to get a cute boy's attention… unfortunately, it doesn’t go as smoothly as she hoped in this super clip from Henry Danger episode "Meet Cute Crush"! 📱 Catch more Henry Danger on Nickelodeon!
Which words start with the letter Y? Watch this special alphabet video featuring characters from your favourite shows including PAW Patrol, Fresh Beat Band of Spies and Shimmer and Shine!
Watch all your favourite Nick Jr. friends everyday on Nick Jr.! For more magical Nick Jr. activities and games visit NickJr.co.uk and download the Nick Jr. Play app!
Outright Games and Nickelodeon Announce PAW Patrol: On a Roll for Consoles and PC
GET READY FOR A RUFF RUFF RESCUE! THE NEW TITLE BASED ON THE POPULAR NICKELODEON ANIMATED SERIES LAUNCHES OCTOBER 2018
London –July 19, 2018 – Worldwide video game publisher, Outright Games, in partnership with Nickelodeon, announced its newest title, PAW Patrol: On a Roll, a new game for PlayStation®4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch™, Nintendo 3DS™ and PC that will be available worldwide this October. Based on Nickelodeon and Spin Master Entertainment’s hit animated preschool series, PAW Patrol:On a Roll includes 16 daring adventures featuring all eight beloved heroic rescue pups and Ryder.
“For many kids, PAW Patrol is the first show they become true fans of; we are happy to introduce kids and families to the joy of video games by creating a game that allows kids to join their favorite characters and save the day,” shares Terry Malham, CEO of Outright Games. “PAW Patrol: On a Roll is a fun way for every member of the family to get involved in the Pup’s rescue mission!”
No job is too big, no pup is too small! The PAW Patrol is ready to save the day in Adventure Bay on 16 exciting rescue missions. Players use each pup’s unique abilities to rescue friends and keep their community safe. Eight awesome Adventure Bay locations include Farmer Yumi’s Farm, Jake’s Mountain, a desert canyon, under the waves and more. Get ready for fun puzzle-platforming action with all the pups of the PAW Patrol that is PAWfect for kids of all ages.
Features:
Ryder and all eight PAW Patrol pups, including Everest & Tracker
16 daring adventures set in eight Adventure Bay locations
Special pup abilities that need to be used for each rescue
Playing as two different pups per mission
PAW Patrol: On a Roll will release in October 2018 for PlayStation® 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch™, Nintendo 3DS™ and PC. For more information, please visit www.OutrightGames.com
ABOUT NICKELODEON
Nickelodeon, now in its 39th 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, digital, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon is one of the most globally recognized and widely distributed multimedia entertainment brands for kids and family, with 1.2 billion cumulative subscriptions in more than 500 million households across 170+ countries and territories, via more than 100+ locally programmed channels and branded blocks. Outside of the United States, Nickelodeon is part of Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc.
ABOUT OUTRIGHT GAMES
Founded in 2016, and based in the UK and US, Outright Games is a family business making family entertainment. We are passionate about creating great games with quality licenses, as we understand the value of brands, and the relationships they share with consumers. We use our expertise to create high-quality video games, combined with our ability to distribute on a global scale. Wherever the Outright Games logo is found, you can feel assured that the game will be suitable and fun for the whole family to play together.
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Outright Games and Nickelodeon, in partnership with BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe, will releasePAW Patrol: On a Roll, locally titled PAW Patrol: Im Einsatz, in Germany on Friday 26th October 2018.
Thomas will travel to exciting places around the world in an all-new full length feature film, Big World! Big Adventures!™ The Movie, coming soon to Nick Jr. USA!
Hot Topic Launches Lisa Frank® x SpongeBob SquarePants Collection
LOS ANGELES, July 18, 2018 – Hot Topic today announced a colorful collaboration from Lisa Frank, the iconic brand best known for its bright whimsical stickers and stationery, and Nickelodeon’s equally iconic sea sponge, SpongeBob SquarePants. The Lisa Frank x SpongeBob collection features a mash-up of popular characters from the worlds of Lisa Frank and SpongeBob SquarePants, including Hollywood Bear™, Markie the Unicorn™, Patrick Star and SpongeBob himself. The assortment includes tie-dye tops for guys and girls, a holographic rainbow drawstring bag, brightly colored dad cap, limited-edition button set, stickers and more! Prices range from $5 – $35 and is available now exclusively in Hot Topic stores and online at hottopic.com.
“SpongeBob is an energetic and optimistic character that squarely connects with the energy and vibrancy of the Lisa Frank brand. Along with our retail partner, Hot Topic, it’s a match made in rainbow heaven!” says Lisa Frank.
“Pop culture icons SpongeBob SquarePants and Lisa Frank unite for the first time in a collaboration that nostalgic dreams are made of,” adds Jose Castro, SVP Fashion and Lifestyle Licensing and Global Collaborations, Viacom/Nickelodeon Consumer Products. “Fans of all ages are going to love this imaginative collection of apparel and accessories which is only available for a limited time at Hot Topic.”
The Lisa Frank x SpongeBob collection for Hot Topic includes:
Apparel
Lisa Frank x SpongeBob Girls Tank & Shorts Sleep Set, $34.90
Lisa Frank x SpongeBob Girls Unicorn Pullover, $32.90
Lisa Frank x SpongeBob Girls Gumball Knotted Tee, $24.90
Lisa Frank x SpongeBob Girls Krabby Patty Tie-Dye Tee, $24.90
Lisa Frank x SpongeBob Guys Rainbow Tie-Dye Tee, $24.90
Lisa Frank x SpongeBob Guys Pink Pocket Tee, $22.90
Accessories & Gifts
Lisa Frank x SpongeBob Holographic Drawstring Bag, $15.90
Lisa Frank x SpongeBob Dad Cap, $14.90
Lisa Frank x SpongeBob 4-count Button Set, $6.99
Lisa Frank x SpongeBob Sticker Sheet, $6.99
Lisa Frank x SpongeBob Iron On Patch, $4.90
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About Hot Topic
Hot Topic, headquartered in City of Industry, CA, was the first retailer to make alternative apparel and accessories available at malls across the country. Today, Hot Topic is the fandom haven for guys and girls obsessed with music and all things pop culture. Founded in 1989, Hot Topic operates 692 stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico and an online store at hottopic.com. For more information, visit hottopic.com and follow @hottopic on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.
About Lisa Frank
The Lisa Frank brand, created in 1979, is a magical world made up of iconic, whimsical and colorful characters and designs. By standing out instead of blending in, Lisa Frank inspires girls and women alike to follow their dreams. Find Lisa Frank on Instagram (@lisa_frank), Facebook (facebook.com/lisafrankofficial) and Twitter (@lisafrank).
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 39th 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, digital, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number-one-rated kids’ basic cable network for 22 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, VIAB).
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Fans attending Comic-Con International: San Diego 2018 can also pick up a exclusive Lisa Frank x SpongeBob Pouch from Nickelodeon's SDCC 2018 booth!
Lisa Frank® x SpongeBob SquarePants Collection Look Book:
Here's a Double Dare dose of Marc Summers to brighten your day 😂
Double Dare is back, bigger and slimier than ever before! Fans can catch brand-new episodes of Double Dare, weekdays at 8:00pm ET/PT, only on Nickelodeon USA!
Hosted by digital creator and actress Liza Koshy, Nickelodeon's Double Dare revival sees a new generation of fans compete in the messiest and most physically challenging competition of their lives. Bringing together new fans and the iconic game show’s millennial audience from the ‘90s, original series host Marc Summers returns to give color commentary on the challenges, lending his vast knowledge of the game and expertise to each episode.
Nickelodeon’s new Double Dare will also spill off of the screen and into the real world this summer, connecting to fans both old and new in a series of forthcoming location-based live experiences. There will be opportunities for fans to play Double Dare in a on-the-ground version all summer long at Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America in Minneapolis.
Lincoln & Clyde are always ready for adventure! Catch the brand-new The Loud House "Crimes of Fashion"; Scales of Justice" (#314) this Friday at 7:30p/6:30c, right before Kids' Choice Sports 2018, only on Nickelodeon USA!
In the brand-new The Loud House "Crimes of Fashion", When Leni gets fired from her job due to missing scarves, Lincoln and Clyde (as Ace Savvy and One-Eyed Jack) take on the case! Then later, in "Scales of Justice", Lana springs into action when she learns her favorite fish are in jeopardy of losing their home to construction!
Originally published: Thursday, July 19, 2018.Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon and The Loud House News and Highlights!
Get pumped for Kids' Choice Sports by catching Olympian Chloe Kim and NBA player Andre Drummond going head to head on a special episode of Double Dare, premiering Thursday 19th July 2018 at 8:00pm ET/PT, only on Nickelodeon USA!
In the brand-new Double Dare sports stars special "Board Bombs vs. Team Over Your Head" (#112), it's athlete vs. athlete as Olympian Chloe Kim and her partner take on NBA player Andre Drummond and his teammate!
Click here to find out how to win signed Double Dare T-shirts autographed by Liza Koshy or Marc Summers!
Hosted by Chris Paul, Houston Rockets’ point guard and former NBA All-Star MVP, Kids’ Choice Sports 2018 is the only show where kids celebrate their favorite athletes and the year’s most unforgettable sports moments in a superstar sports showdown. Airing Friday, July 20, at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on everywhere you find Nickelodeon, Kids’ Choice Sports 2018 will be taped live on Thursday, July 19, from Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. Voting is open NOW! Visit KCS2018.com to vote for your sporting heroes, plus the latest KCS 2018 news and info!
Originally published: Sunday, July 15, 2018 at 6:49pm BST.Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon, Double Dare and Kids' Choice Sports 2018 News and Highlights!
Remember When | Cooking with Chris Farley | All That
Remember when Chris Farley took Randy's kitchen by storm?
Watch all your '90s Nickelodeon favorites on NickSplat, your late-night destination for your favorite childhood Nickelodeon cartoons and live-action shows! NickSplat doesn't question football-shaped heads, but embrace them - along with Reptar bars, a Big Ear of Corn, orange soda, and even slime for Pete (and Pete's) sake. Make your slime-covered Nickelodeon childhood dreams come true every night at 11 PM ET/PT, only on TeenNick USA! #NickSplat!
Originally published: Wednesday, July 18, 2018.Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon and NickSplat News and Highlights!
Kids’ Choice Sports is the summer’s slimiest showdown! But are you a Kids’ Choice Sports All Star? Or will you get traded? Put your skills to the test NOW!
Who else is watching Kids' Choice Sports THIS Friday night on Nickelodeon?!
Hosted by Chris Paul, Houston Rockets’ point guard and former NBA All-Star MVP, Kids’ Choice Sports 2018 is the only show where kids celebrate their favorite athletes and the year’s most unforgettable sports moments in a superstar sports showdown. Airing Friday, July 20, at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on everywhere you find Nickelodeon, Kids’ Choice Sports 2018 will be taped live on Thursday, July 19, from Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. Voting is open NOW! Visit KCS2018.com to vote for your sporting heroes, plus the latest KCS 2018 news and info!
Howl, oink, chirp and vroom!!!! Let’s make some noise for Nickelodeon being the home of your favorite animated TV shows like Peppa Pig, PAW Patrol, Top Wing, and Blaze and the Monster Machines! Check out this video to catch some of our favorite friends celebrating the good news – the arrival of new episodes every weekday morning on Nickelodeon! Peppa, George, Marshall, Skye, Swift, Penny, Blaze and AJ are all jumping for joy because there’s only one place to watch the latest animated cartoon adventures – and that's by tuning in every weekday morning at 8am, only on Nickelodeon! 🐷🐶🐤🚗
Kids can watch their favorite Nick Jr. shows weekdays on Nickelodeon and all week long on the Nick Jr. channel: http://nickjr.com/tvschedule/
Preschoolers can watch full episodes online, play games, and discover silly surprises in the free Nick Jr. App and at NickJr.com: iTunes | Google Play | Amazon.
Telefónica Media Networks has signed an agreement with Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) The Americas to become the exclusive advertising representative for the TV channels and digital platforms of Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central and Paramount Channel in the Peruvian market.
“We are pleased with this agreement. The contents of Viacom are highly appreciated by the Peruvian audience," said José del Valle, CEO of Telefónica's Latin American media networks operations.
Telefónica Media Networks represents the advertising sales of the main groups of international TV networks in Peru. In May, the company announced an agreement with Turner.
In addition, the company also represents the sales the advertising spaces of Gol Perú and its 4 original channels: Movistar Deportes, Movistar Plus, Movistar Music and Movistar Series.
In additional Viacom International Media Networks news, Viacom has promoted Lee Sears to Senior Vice President (SVP) of Viacom Velocity International.
He was previously Vice President (VP) of Trading and Sales, focusing on multi-platform entertainment brands such as Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central.
Pocket.watch Caps Year Of Explosive Growth By Closing $15M Series B Investment Round With Viacom Taking Lead
As part of a strategic investment, pocket.watch and Viacom will partner to develop and produce long and short form content, extend pocket.watch's advertising reach and capabilities and identify future kid creators and talent for digital and tv
Sarah Levy, COO of Viacom Media Networks, to join pocket.watch's Board
LOS ANGELES, July 18, 2018 -- Pocket.watch, the kids media brand that celebrates the new digital stars, franchises and formats that kids love today, announced the close of its $15M Series B, led by Viacom, with participation from new and existing investors including Greycroft's Tracker fund and UTA Ventures.
In addition to Viacom's strategic investment, pocket.watch has entered into a wide-ranging commercial agreement with the media company encompassing content, advertising and talent.
Pocket.watch and Viacom have already engaged in a variety of content initiatives together including developing Skoogle, the kids sketch comedy show created by and starring Nickelodeon alum Kenan Thompson (All That, Kenan & Kel, Good Burger), for Nickelodeon while Paramount Players has purchased a pitch from pocket.watch for a feature film currently known as The Unboxing Movie. In connection with the agreement, the companies have further formalized a process for collaborative development and expect to work together on a number of content projects over the coming year.
Albie Hecht, who was the original executive behind many of Nickelodeon's iconic series in the '90s, including Nick's classic kids sketch show All That, in which Thompson rose to fame, will serve as Executive Producer with the Nickelodeon alum. Co-producers Josh Server, who also starred on All That, and Mason Gordon will executive produce. In a statement, the inspiration for the show’s format was described as “the ‘never too young’ entrepreneurial spirit that is encouraging kids everywhere to start their own businesses at any age. And have a blast doing it!”
“Kenan Thompson is a comedic genius,” said Hecht in a statement. “At Nickelodeon, I witnessed first-hand Kenan and his fellow cast members’ ability to turn everyday scenarios into hilarious adventures. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to once again reteam with Kenan and bring premium sketch comedy to a new generation of fans.”
Skoogle will feature Thompson as the voice of the titular Skoogle, an Siri/Alexa-like digital assistant for kids who has been created to help with their daily problems. Along with his cast of kid entrepreneur inventors, Skoogle will satirize everything from service apps to streaming entertainment to social media. The series marks the first major series production for pocket.watch.
Ryan ToysReview
Viacom will also significantly expand pocket.watch's ad sales reach. Viacom will bring the best from both companies together through this exclusive partnership by packaging pocket.watch branded video inventory with Nickelodeon inventory to create unparalleled advertising reach across digital and traditional platforms.
The companies are also working on a variety of talent initiatives including jointly identifying up and coming talent and creators where the companies are aligned and can bring their unique expertise and resources together for 360 degree talent partnerships. Pocket.watch creator partners will also be invited to a variety of Viacom events including the Kids' Choice Awards.
Sarah Levy, COO of Viacom Media Networks, will join pocket.watch's Founder and CEO, Chris M. Williams, on the pocket.watch Board with a third Board member to be named by Williams in the coming weeks.
"We started pocket.watch with the understanding that kids today consume entertainment in entirely new ways and in order to reach them, brands have to go to where they are and celebrate the things they love," said Chris M. Williams, CEO of pocket.watch. "In just a little over a year since pocket.watch's launch, we've seen our business grow exponentially and we are thrilled that a legendary media company like Viacom shares our enthusiasm and chose to lead our Series B and partner with us to help bring our new and powerful approach to audiences around the world."
The latest investment in pocket.watch caps off an explosive year of growth for the kids media brand. Since launching in March 2017, pocket.watch has amassed a number of marquee television, film, apparel, toy, game and book deals that are poised to bring the pocket.watch brand to consumers globally while growing their original IP and creator partner brands including Ryan ToysReview, the largest YouTube channel based in the U.S. and one of Time Magazine's 25 most influential people on the internet, EvanTube, JillianTube, HobbyKidsTV and CaptainSparklez into full-scale franchises on par with the biggest media properties in the children's entertainment universe.
Starting next month, pocket.watch will begin to rollout long-form content featuring their original IP and creator partner brands to top streaming networks, will introduce an extensive line of toys and apparel featuring one of their most well-known creator partners to major retailers nationwide, and will debut Watch this Book!, the first in a series of books released under the pocket.watch Books imprint through Simon Spotlight, a division of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Sarah Levy, COO of Viacom Media Networks, said, "Pocket.watch's unique and comprehensive approach to celebrating the new digital stars of today makes them an outstanding partner for Nickelodeon and our unmatched connections with kids around the world through video, digital and real-world events. It's great to be in business with them and we are excited to be expanding our relationship with such an innovative new media brand."
Pocket.watch has raised $21MM since launching in March 2017 and currently boasts over one billion monthly views across twenty YouTube channels, with a combined subscriber base of over 34 Million.
Pocket.watch is the virtual entertainment headquarters for kids. It is a new media brand that lives everywhere they live and celebrates the new digital stars, franchises and formats that they love today. The company boasts a growing portfolio of franchises that includes some of the largest kids and family YouTube brands in the world alongside original characters and talent that the company has extended into premium series, retail merchandise and books. Pocket.watch was founded in March 2017 by Chris M. Williams and is located in Culver City, CA where it maintains an office and studio. The management team is made up of studio veterans and visionaries from traditional and digital entertainment including former Nickelodeon Entertainment president Albie Hecht (GUTS, Kids' Choice Awards), Jon Moonves and David B. Williams. Investors include Viacom, Greycroft, Third Wave Digital and United Talent Agency (UTA), as well as notable strategic angels including Les Moonves, Robert Downey Jr. (Team Downey) and Jon Landau.
Update (7/19): Williams discussed pocket.watch’s new funding via email with L.A. Biz, including how his company will use the money, how Viacom evolved into an investor, and what their strategic partnership will entail.
Earlier this week, Nickelodeon fans received some exciting news when plans for a Rugrats TV revival and live-action movie featuring CGI characters were announced. Details about both projects are still pretty scarce, though we do know that the live-action film is scheduled for a Friday, Nov. 13, 2020 release date. But that still leaves a lot of unanswered questioned — like who among the original voices will return to their iconic roles? Thanks to a recent interview conducted by TMZ, it appears as though the original voice behind Angelica Pickles will be in the Rugrats reboot, or that seems to be the plan, at least, though nothing official has been announced just yet.
Speaking with Cheryl Chase, who voiced Angelica Pickles, Tommy's menacing older cousin, throughout the original show's nine-season run and three movies, the outlet learned that the network has already reached out to her about coming back to reprise the role, but the details and logistics of it all still need to be sorted out. "All I can say is, I got an email yesterday and I did talk to Nickelodeon and they said that there was a deal that was signed yesterday and everything, it's in the very early stages of development," Chase told TMZ via video chat. "There's no stories yet. There's no crew yet, but there is a deal in place and that's what I was told and that they would be contacting me in the future."
Granted, that doesn't necessarily guarantee that she'll be joining the cast, but it's definitely a good sign. After all, why wouldn't the network want her to return? The more members of the original cast who can come back to wreak baby havoc on the world, the better. (In case you haven't noticed, fans can't get enough of '90s nostalgia these days.)
For her part, Chase admits that she would be "honored" to return to the role of Angelica in any capacity so that she can help introduce the series (and her character) to future generations. "It's a family show," she states in the video. So while her return isn't set in stone, it feels like almost a given that the job is hers. Angelica simply wouldn't have it any other way.
This won't be the first show the network is bringing back into our lives. 2017 saw the debut of a Hey Arnold! TV movie, while an Are You Afraid of the Dark? movie as well as Rocko's Modern Life and Invader ZIM reboot specials and a Blues Clues revival are all currently in the works. It was only a matter of time before Rugrats received the same sort of revival treatment. “Rugrats is hands-down one of the most celebrated cartoons in TV history, and we are thrilled for a whole new audience to meet these iconic characters in brand-new adventures,” Sarah Levy, the Interim President at Nickelodeon said in the statement announcing the news. “What was true in 1991 when the original show premiered is still true today: kids are fascinated with the world of babies. We can’t wait for today’s kids to meet Tommy, Chuckie and pals.”
Brian Robbins, President of Paramount Players, added in the statement: “Kids who grew up with Tommy Pickles and the Rugrats crew will now be able to share that experience with their own children."
But while fans will be able to look forward to seeing a ton of familiar faces in the reboot, they'll also be introduced some new characters as well that'll help make the revival a new show of its own. Needless to say, there's a lot to be excited about, whether you're a returning fan or someone who's brand new to the series.
Pittsburgh, PA - The International Champions Cup comes to Pittsburgh next week on Wednesday, July 25.
The matchup will feature S.L. Benfica (Portugal) and Borussia Dortmund (Germany).
To find out more about the event, Corporate Communications Manager at Heinz Field, Nick Sero, joined KDKA Radio on Wednesday.
He first tells listeners about the teams who will be competing in the match.
“S.L. Benfica is like the Yankees of Portugal, they've won every league title, they've won every tournament imaginable, and are constantly the top team in Portugal,” Sero said.
He said their opponent, Borussia Dortmund is, “known for finding those next big superstars; one of those superstars fans can hopefully expect to see is Christian Pulisic; a top men's player for the United States and a Hershey native.”
The event is something different and all kinds of people will be in attendance.
“It's going to be cool for kids who just started playing and for the die-hard soccer fans. It's just something new that you’re not used to in Pittsburgh.” Sero tells KDKA.
There will also be activities for young kids. Sero said.
“Nickelodeon will be in on the action, so there's a lot more for the kids to enjoy on Art Rooney Ave; games, get slimed if you want.”
The International Champions Cup holds 28 matches across 14 cities, and Pittsburgh is one of them.
Gates will open at 6:30pm and the match is set to start at 8:00pm. Visit heinzfield.com for more information.
