ITV

Category: Kids

  • Nickelodeon’s Best Player to start shooting from 24 October
















    MUMBAI: Nickelodeon has signed two of its artistes Jerry Trainor and Jennette McCurdy of its earlier hit series iCarly to star in a original television film, Best Player.



    The film that centers on two cyber athletes who inadvertently learn that the real world can be just as exciting and rewarding as a virtual one will start shooting on 24 October in Vancouver for a 2010 premiere on Nickelodeon.

    Said Nickelodeon Executive vice president, original programming and development Marjorie Cohn,” Best Player is a funny and compelling story about online gaming taken to the extreme.”

    This movie gives Jerry Trainor and Jennette McCurdy a new platform in which to showcase their talent and our audience will love seeing them star in these new comedic roles, adds Cohn.


    The film has Quincy (Jerry Trainor), a thirty-something baggage handler by day and online video game master by night. Perfectly happy to live in a tricked-out basement in his parents‘ home, Quincy has dedicated his life to being the best cyber multi-player athlete online.


    But Quincy‘s world gets turned upside down when his parents decide to sell their house and move to Florida. His only chance to maintain his “perfect” life is to enter a tournament introducing a brand-new video game — Black Hole — and win the prize money to buy his parents‘ house. As the current multi-player champion, Quincy thinks it‘s a done deal… until he encounters Prodigy (Jennette McCurdy), who threatens to annihilate him.


    Best Player is executively produced by Jessica Horowitz, Lauren Levine and Marjorie Cohn, the people behind Nickelodeon‘s Spectacular! Damon Santostefano has directed the film from a screenplay by Rich Amberg.

  • CBBC embarks on a series of global adventures













    MUMBAI: BBC‘s kids channel CBBC has announced a slew of new programmes with an aim to help children understand and be inspired by the world around them.





    CBBC controller Damian Kavanagh says, “Not only do we cover international events and news stories through programmes such as Blue Peter and Newsround, but we hope these brand new series will open the eyes of British children and inspire them to think about the world around them.”


    In Hai! Karate – Journey To Japan, five children from across the UK, pair up with one of their parents to embark on a journey to Japan, the home of karate. The 10-part series from CBBC will air next year.
    Narrated by wildlife presenter Steve Backshall and CBBC‘s Barney Harwood, Natural Born Hunters, takes a look at some of the most supreme predators in the animal kingdom.

    Drawing from the BBC‘s Natural History Unit‘s archive this 13-part series looks at how some of the most lethal creatures in the wild survive a typical day, relying on their instincts, speed, and tactics is often not enough, and luck can mean the difference between life and death. This show also airs next year.


    Serious adventure series returns next year to take CBBC viewers on an expedition to Tanzania in East Africa. Serious Explorers: Livingstone retraces the footsteps of the great 19th century explorer David Livingstone. The series will follow eight young adventurers as they journey through the heart of Africa, on a month-long adventure of a lifetime, living together, and learning from each other.


    Also returning to CBBC is the series, 8, which continues in the New Year with Safari 8.


    Barney‘s South America is a 26-part series which takes a humorous approach to looking at the natural world.

  • Nick sports new look this Diwali
















    MUMBAI: Kids entertainment channel Nick has decided to adorn a new look from tomorrow, coinciding with the festive season.



    The channel will be embellished with refreshed packaging, sound and graphics to lure more kids this Diwali onwards.


    “Keeping pace with the kids, we will have a complete refreshed look through newly designed music and graphics from Diwali,” says Nick India SVP and GM Nina Elavia Jaipuria.


    The channel has also kicked off the second season of its “Lets Just Play” month-long campaign. As part of the initiative, which encourages kids to go out and play, Nick will host a one-day channel blackout on 7 November.


    “To expand kids‘ engagement with the Nick brand beyond the television space, we are also working on a variety of contests and promotions for Children‘s day and Christmas,” Jaipuria adds.


    The channel will also launch the new show, Back to the Barnyard, and Barnyard, a movie based on the series, in December.

  • CN redesigns site to better promote network shows














    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network Digital has announced the redesign of its official site and the launch of the Star Wars: The Clone Wars Game Creator, which gives fans a chance to build their own part of the Clone Wars universe and share it with other gamers on CartoonNetwork.com.



    The official site has been redesigned to better promote network shows and optimise advertising, in addition to showcasing its 200 free-to-play online games, video and interactive content.


    Said Cartoon Network Digital VP Kitric Kerns, “We‘ve evolved the design of CartoonNetwork.com to give more access to the breadth of content we offer, including hundreds of games, videos and community functionality that gives users a voice.”

  • Florence Jackson is first child to design UK coin

















    MUMBAI: The British Broadcasting Corporation‘s childrens channel CBBC‘s show Blue Peter has announced that nine-year-old Florence Jackson from Bristol is the winner of the Royal Mint‘s ‘Design a 50p Coin‘ competition.




    Jackson will be the first child in British history to design a circulation coin.

    Her winning design depicts the high-jump, celebrating the Olympic and Paralympic discipline of Athletics. The design will feature on millions of 50 pence coins in people‘s change next year.









    Florence won the opportunity to see her design appear on 50p coins after she took part in one of Blue Peter‘s most important competitions, beating over 17,000 other entries.


    Said Florence, “I am so excited. It was a real surprise to win. I‘d never entered a Blue Peter competition before but really wanted to take part because I love drawing. I chose the high-jump because I‘d watched it on TV before and thought it looked fun. It was amazing to visit the Royal Mint and see my picture turned into a coin. I can‘t wait to see it in my pocket money!”

     

    Commented Blue Peter editor Tim Levell, “Blue Peter prides itself on epic competitions but Florence‘s achievement is perhaps the most significant in Blue Peter‘s history. Her design will not only go into circulation next year but – as the first coin designed by a child – will end up in museums for thousands of years to come. The fun and vitality of her drawing won over all the judges and is a clear and well-deserved winner.”


    Florence was joined by Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis and Blue Peter presenter Andy Akinwolere at the Royal Mint to strike her first coin.


    Lewis said, “Florence has done all Olympians and Paralympians proud. Her design is simple and effective and I‘m honoured to say that I saw it first. Florence is a very deserving winner and her coin is a great illustration of how everyone can be a part of London 2012.”

  • WBCP partners Bloomingdale to launch merchandise based on DC Comics













    MUMBAI:Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP), the licensing and merchandising arm of Warner Bros (WB) entertainment company, has partnered with Bloomingdale, a US-based upscale department store and launched merchandise based on the popular DC Comics.




    The products will be available from 14 October. The launch also marks 75th anniversary of DC Comics.In addition, DC Comics has released comic book to be showcased exclusively by Bloomingdale‘s during this initiative.







    The collection is priced at $30 for a pair of Psycho Bunny socks to $225 for a Jack Spade tote and will be available in all stores with Men‘s and Young World departments. Select merchandise will also be featured on Bloomingdales.com.

    “DC Comics super heroes are timeless icons that have long inspired the world of fashion. We are delighted that Bloomingdale‘s, an American cultural icon with a venerable reputation in retail, will exclusively kick-off the 75th anniversary celebration with innovative shops and exclusive products perfectly suited to the characters of DC Comics,” said WBCP president Brad Globe.


    Additionally, Bloomingdale‘s flagship store will highlight the DC Comics 75th anniversary collection, beginning in early November.


    Said, Bloomingdale‘s VP of fashion direction Kevin Harter, “Collaborating with WBCP to provide our customers with new and exclusive products inspired by the world of DC Comics is what the Bloomingdale‘s shopping experience is all about.”

  • Disney to premier ‘High School Musical 3’ this Diwali
















    MUMBAI: Disney‘s popular tween franchise – High School Musical is set to bring a musical fare this Diwali for all Disney Channel viewers.



    The channel will host the television premier of High School Musical 3: Senior year on 18 October at 11 am.


    High School Musical 3:Senior Year will feature Troy played by Zac Efron, Gabriella played by Vanessa Hudgens, Sharpe played by Ashley Tisdale, Ryan played by Lucas Grabeel, Chad played by Corbin Bleu and Taylor played by Monique Coleman.








    Directed and choreographed by Emmy Award winner Kenny Ortega, the film is produced by Bill Borden and Barry Rosenbush with Don Schain serving as co producer. Peter Barsocchini has penned the screenplay.


    Says Walt Disney Television International India associate director programming Devika Prabhu, “Club High School Musical will help fans interact more closely with their favourite stories and content from HSM. With the Mega Premier of HSM 3: Senior year, as the cornerstone of our offerings, this October will be the ultimate HSM experience for our viewers.”

  • Game based on ‘Cars Race-O-Rama’ hits the shelves
















    MUMBAI: THQ Inc, a developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software, has developed a game based on Disney-Pixar‘s Cars Race-O-Rama.



    Available in North America, Cars Race-O-Rama is priced at $39.99 (Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation3 system), $29.99 (PSP and DS) and $19.99 (PlayStation 2).

    Cars Race-O-Rama will also feature multiplayer mini-games based on Disney-Pixar‘s Cars Toons, a series of animated shorts that are currently being aired on the Disney Channel.

    The game rated as ‘E‘ for everyone, enables players to partner with games characters such as Lightning McQueen and Chick Hicks in ‘Radiator Springs‘ as they prepare their academy of student racers to compete in the Race-O-Rama racing series.


    The game also offer players to unlock special racing kits for Lightning McQueen, allowing them to better manoeuver brand new, action-packed tracks.


    In addition, players can also modify Lightning McQueen`s wheels, rims, hood, side skirt, rear bumper, spoiler and paint with special customisation features giving Lightning a personalised style.

  • CN, Pogo lay out festive goodies for kids

    CN, Pogo lay out festive goodies for kids

    MUMBAI: With the onset of the festive season, Turner‘s kids entertainment channels Cartoon Network and Pogo have lined up special programming blocks for their young viewers.

    Starting 14 October, Cartoon Network will present a special block called ‘Maximum Pataka‘ showcasing Indian animation-movies such as Prahlad, Bal Ganesha, Dashavatar, Eklavya – The Invincible and Ghatotkach.

    Meanwhile, Pogo will launch the themed franchises – Lights Camera Pogo! Di Wah Wah Li and Lights Camera Pogo! Chhoti Diwali & Badi Diwali.

    While under the former block, the channel will feature movies such as Return of Hanuman, Immortal Hanuman and Hanuman, the latter will include movies like Balkhand, Ravan: The Demon King, Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama and Ravan Mahayodhya.

    The season will also see the network launch new shows to up its viewership rate.

    Says Turner International India director – programming South Asia Krishna Desai, “Festive months are high viewership months and we always schedule and launch some of our best programming during these time-periods. Thus, Cartoon Network will see new shows such as Jhakaas Zorori and the animated adventures series Batman: The Brave and The Bold.”

    Jhakaas Zorori, showcasing the adventures of a scheming fox named Zorori, will premiere on 19 October and air Monday-Thursday. Batman: The Brave and The Bold will roll out on 24 October and will be telecast every Saturday at 11:30 am.

    Adds Desai , “Pogo will present the brand new season 7 of the critically acclaimed show M.A.D, starting 11 October, on Sundays at 9 am. Additionally, it will host the world premiere of the animation series – The Adventures Of Hanuman – on 25 October, Sundays at 10 am.”
     

    To further heighten the festive spirit, Cartoon Network will be hosting a special Diwali contest called ‘Cartoon Network Popcorn Maximum Pataka.‘ As part of the contest, crackers will appear as bugs on TV screens during the movies aired under the Diwali special block ‘Maximum Pataka.‘ Each bug will have a unique code attached to it, every time it appears.

    Elaborates Desai, “Kids will have to call or SMS the code when they see it which will keep adding points to their numbers. Prizes will be given out on a daily basis as well as at the end of the contest. The kid who scores the maximum for all five movies will stand a chance to win the grand prize.”

    Post this, extending the festive celebrations, Pogo will organise a fun contest to promote its popular movie franchise ‘Lights Camera Pogo‘ in December.

  • ITV Studios Global Ent to take ‘Pocoyo’ across Asia













    MUMBAI: ITV Studios Global Entertainment and Zinkia have announced new multiple international television deals for the popular animated children‘s series, Pocoyo.




    The new agreements will span English and Spanish language broadcasters in the US and across Asia.






    The newly announced TV agreements have been inked with Univision for Spanish-language broadcast in the USA, which has acquired Pocoyo season one and two and the Pocoyo Space Circus Special; WGBH Boston, which has acquired season one and two for English speaking syndication to the American Public Television (APT) market and Playhouse Disney, which has re-licensed season one and two for broadcast across Asia.


    Univision Network senior VP, programming and promotions Otto Padrón said, “We are very excited to welcome Pocoyo to his new Univision home and have him be part of our ‘Planeta U‘ children‘s programming block. We are certain that Hispanic families across the United States will fall in love with this delightful character.”


    Says ITV Studios Global Entertainment director, worldwide merchandising and licensing Aysha Kidwai, “The new TV agreements will significantly and positively impact the scale and reach of Pocoyo‘s potential, spanning both English and Spanish language in the USA, these deals will create tremendous opportunities for new and exciting pre-school product lines.”


    The TV agreements were brokered by Marina Lum-Kang, SVP – brand extensions at ITV Studios, Giles Ridge, head of brand & product development and James Ross, regional director – Asia at ITV Studios Global Entertainment, Otto Padrón, SVP, programming and promotions at the Univision Network, Kate Taylor at WGBH.


    Pocoyo television rights are distributed internationally by ITV Studios Global Entertainment (excluding Spain, Portugal, Italy and Latin America which are handled by Zinkia) and is present in more than 100 territories worldwide.


    Zinkia MD brand and business development Maria Doolan says, “Pocoyo is a quality property, packed with music, dance, fun and adventure, which allows kids to learn through laughter. We‘re delighted that ITV Studios has secured these new international TV deals and confident that Pocoyo will grow from strength to strength.”


    Pocoyo is an animated adventure series for pre-school children, starring an inquisitive character called Pocoyo. The show encourages children to interact with the series, promoting creativity, self-awareness and self-confidence by learning through laughter and play.