ITV

Category: Kids

  • Sony Yay! launches Japanese anime series ‘Naruto’ on 15 August

    Sony Yay! launches Japanese anime series ‘Naruto’ on 15 August

    Mumbai: Sony’s kids channel Sony Yay! has announced the launch of the Japanese anime series Naruto on 15 August. It will air Monday through Friday at 8 p.m. With the first ever launch of Naruto in five languages, the channel aims to bring anime fans across all age groups closer to their favourite ‘Ninja’. This new addition leads to a significant expansion of the channel’s exhaustive and ever-growing toonverse.

    The show celebrates a style of Japanese anime and is based on a series of Masashi Kishimoto’s manga. The series will showcase a young boy’s resilience and undaunted quest to become the most powerful leader of his village.

    Sony Pictures Networks India, Kids’ Genre! business head Leena Lele Dutta said, “The popularity of anime is growing immensely in India. Our endeavour with Naruto is to take this popular series and add a multilingual offering that will help satiate the demand for anime lovers as well as increase its footprint through localization. With Naruto, Sony Yay! will cater to a larger audience of kids and young adults and further strengthen its leadership position.”

  • Nickelodeon US launches a content accelerator programme to help up-and-coming, underrepresented creatives

    Nickelodeon US launches a content accelerator programme to help up-and-coming, underrepresented creatives

    Mumbai: US kids broadcaster Nickelodeon has announced that to ensure that a variety of voices are being heard, it has created the Nick Content Accelerator. This is a programme that it says has been designed specifically for early-career, underrepresented creatives to pitch new live-action and animated series for its platforms.

    The broadcaster is partnering with Rise Up Animation and Ghetto Film School to solicit pitches for this programme. This programme is open to emerging professionals in the field of kid-focused content creation. The broadcaster added that it wants to hear from people of colour, creatives with disabilities, creatives in the LGBTQ+ community, or any other voices who have historically had limited or no access to the children’s television industry.

    Nickelodeon is accepting submissions for pitches in three categories, namely live action, big kid animation, and preschool/upper preschool, from 8 August 2022 until 30 September 2022.

    After reviewing the submissions, the top entries will move forward to Pitch Day (date TBD).

    The top applicants will meet with Nickelodeon development executives on Pitch Day to present their ideas. The selected creators will work directly with development executives and a creative mentor on honing their pitch over a few months [at the beginning of the year in 2023].

    Nickelodeon further explained that it is looking for unique big ideas that could be the next big show. It said these are some of the pillars that aspirants should be looking for in order for their show to be a big hit:

    Character-driven: Comedy at Nickelodeon comes from the characters. The broadcaster said that it always wants to see distinct and unique personalities who can drive the story and the comedy. Nickelodeon characters are memorable and iconic. They are the kinds of people you would want to be friends with.

    Irreverent comedy: Nickelodeon shows are often a little messy and left of centre. A Nickelodeon show can be any genre, but surprising comedy is always a part of its shows. Like slime, it is a little weird and a little messy!

    Authentic kid POV: It said that its series always shows life from a kid’s perspective and never talks down to kids. It wants to show what it’s really like to be a kid, and not just show a polished version of kid life. This is true even for shows with adult lead characters. For example, although SpongeBob is an adult who lives in his own home, he still has a very kid-like perspective on the world.

    Inclusive and all gender: When it speaks about authentic kid POV, it also wants to represent kids authentically as they are in the world. That means creating shows that represent the diverse world we live in. It also wants to create shows that all genders will love.

  • Funskool acquires licence to manufacture Chhota Bheem

    Funskool acquires licence to manufacture Chhota Bheem

    Mumbai: Indian domestic toy manufacturer Funskool India has acquired the licence to manufacture and distribute the action figure Chhota Bheem and other seven characters from the famed cartoon animation series.

    Funskool has obtained the licence to launch the series of action figures from Green Gold Licensing & Merchandising India.

    Green Gold Animation, which creates original Indian animation content has over the years transcended and established itself in licensing and merchandising, movie production and distribution, digital business, retail stores and events.

    The parties state that this move proves that India is moving towards being “Atma Nirbhar” in manufacturing of quality toys. Funskool said that it has been leading the way in pro-actively and consciously choosing to promote the “Make-In-India” programme and the acquisition of Chhota Bheem & Friends has been a step in the right direction.

    Funskool India CEO R Jeswant said, “We are excited to add Chhota Bheem to our well established manufacturing and distribution capabilities. Our existing scale and distribution network establishes an ideal platform to achieve the full potential of Chhota Bheem in India and will address the significant unmet needs of the portfolio of products.”

    Green Gold Animation executive director & COO Samir Jain said, “When it comes to manufacturing high quality and toxin free toys for children, there is no substitute for Funskool in India. We are immensely pleased with licensing Funskool India with manufacturing and distributing Chhota Bheem and another seven action figures. With its expansive distribution network prowess, we are confident that Chhota Bheem Action figures will reach to every child in the country.”

  • Nickelodeon partners with Ayush Ministry to promotes physical & mental well-being on Yoga Day

    Nickelodeon partners with Ayush Ministry to promotes physical & mental well-being on Yoga Day

    Mumbai: Viacom18’s Nickelodeon take ‘Yoga Day’ celebrations a notch higher by bringing back its flagship campaign #YogaSeHiHoga and induct thousands of kids into the blissful world of Yoga. The kids entertainment channel partners with Ayush Ministry for the initiative.

    As a part of the campaign, Nickelodeon is geared up to engage kids across the country through an array of on-air creatives establishing the benefits of yoga in a relatable manner. In addition to this, the campaign will witness fun interactivity where kids stand a chance of getting featured on TV by sharing their yoga poses online. All kids have to do is to log on to nickindia.com and upload a photo or video of them doing Yoga!  Moreover, kids’ favourite

    Commenting on associating with Nickelodeon for third year in a row, the Ministry of Ayush joint secretary Kavita Garg said, “Over the last two years, children have experienced high-stress levels and have been living a sedentary lifestyle, making it imperative to help them get back to their routine and instill positive energy through the power of yoga. We are extremely pleased with Nickelodeon’s initiative year-on-year helping tiny tots inculcate healthy habits at a young age through innovative formats. We truly believe our association with Nickelodeon will truly help induct kids about the essence of bringing balance in human relationships with Yoga, by leveraging the affinity of their favourite Nicktoons!”

    Speaking on bringing back the initiative, Viacom 18 Kids TV Network head marketing Sonali Bhattacharya said, “Nickelodeon has always believed in engaging kids through meaningful initiatives that bring about a positive behavioural change in them. With #YogaSeHiHoga, we aim to imbibe the life changing benefits of yoga in kids from a very early age. It is our privilege to associate with the AYUSH Ministry, year-on-year, who actively advocate the importance of having a healthy mind and body. With a commitment towards our young audiences, this year too, we look forward to inspiring kids to lead a more relaxed and stress-free life, be it physically, mentally or emotionally.”

    The Nicktoons have been actively advocating the benefits of yoga, inspiring kids towards a healthier and balanced life. In 2019, the campaign saw Motu & Patlu perform yoga with prime minster Narendra Modi along with 40,000 people at Prabhat Tara Ground and partnered with Mumbai’s biggest Yoga event – ‘Yoga by the Bay’, attended by over 10,000 yogis with Nicktoons Shiva& Rudra in attendance. Last year, owing to the pandemic, Nickelodeon celebrated ‘Yoga Day’ virtually in partnership with the AYUSH Ministry and highlighted the importance of building a healthier immune system. The digital partnership was extensively promoted through interactive posts, and videos, followed by a nationwide contest that reached out to over 6,30,000 mothers and kids through digital mediums and received 3000+ entries under the Yoga contest hosted on the brand platform. To ensure wide spread awareness and to promote yoga ahead of International Yoga Day, Nickelodeon will drive engagement for #YogaSeHiHoga this year via a robust influencer marketing campaign, the entire Nickelodeon franchise on-air and on digital as well as on its social media channels.

  • Cartoon Network launches a new initiative ‘Redrawing India’

    Cartoon Network launches a new initiative ‘Redrawing India’

    Mumbai: Cartoon Network has launched an initiative called ‘Redrawing India’. This announcement is part of Cartoon Network’s new brand promise ‘Redraw Your World’, which aims at empowering children to think outside the box, and to own & hone their abilities. It is celebrating inclusivity, creativity, and entertainment through music, new content, activations, and brand collaborations. The Redrawing India Series is taking that thought ahead by spotlighting real kids and their stories.

    The six children from across India were chosen by Cartoon Network because of how differently they are leading change, one cause and innovation at a time. From music and environment to sports & technology, these inspiring young minds are breaking down barriers, redefining dreams and are recognised nationally & globally for their bold and defining actions. Their unique and equally diverse stories of redrawing India are showcased through a video series on Cartoon Network’s social platforms – Instagram, Facebook and YouTube – encouraging kids around India to step ahead and redraw their world. The Redrawing India Series further solidifies the ethos of the ‘Redraw Your World’ anthem launched earlier in May, that celebrates the individuality and diversity of kids through music.

    Commenting on the campaign, Cartoon Network and POGO South Asia Network Head Abhishek Dutta said, “‘Redrawing India’ is a catalyst that will show every child that they too have the power to redraw their world. India is brimming with talent, and kids are its future. We hope that this video series will ignite passion in India’s young minds to identify and nurture their unique abilities and dreams.”

     

  • Nickelodeon’s Sonic brings the international show ‘The Smurfs’ to India

    Nickelodeon’s Sonic brings the international show ‘The Smurfs’ to India

    Mumbai: The popular international show, The Smurf is making a debut on Sonic, part of India’s leading kids’ entertainment franchise Nickelodeon. The show will start on 13 June 2022 from Monday to Sunday at 11:30 am.

    Created by Belgian comic book writer Pierre Culliford, also known as Peyo, in 1958, The Smurfs reside in a community of small, blue, human-like characters who live in mushroom-shaped houses in a forest.

    Pulling out all stops for the launch of ‘The Smurfs’ is a robust multi-screen and multi-touchpoint marketing plan that is sure to engage young audiences. The highly innovative promotional plan will leave no stone unturned in reaching out to kids. A fun-filled robust digital plan will include initiatives such as fun mashups and reels, contests leading up to Global Smurfs day, innovative posts, AR filters & gaming to transport the kids into the ‘Smurf’ world. 

    Ensuring maximum excitement, Global Smurfs Day will be celebrated on 25-26 June through on-ground activations in malls. Visitors will also get a chance to participate in fun games. Taking the overall marketing initiative, a step forward, Sonic has also partnered with select renowned QSR brands. With influencers on board, a new AR filter for The Smurfs will be created to further establish the characters.

    Speaking about bringing The Smurfs to India, Viacom18 kids TV network head of creative, content & research Anu Sikka said, “Sonic since its inception, has successfully grown to become an entertainment hub with engaging stories, endearing characters and a solid kids’ connect. We have consistently catered to our young viewers’ evolving preferences with innovative entertainment and immersive storytelling. Bringing internationally acclaimed ‘Smurfs’ will further bring variety and scale to Sonic’s growing content library. With this launch, we hope to further add depth to our programming strategy and fulfil our mission of entertaining kids.”

    Rising through the ranks, Sonic, since its inception has engaged and entertained kids with stories that bring happiness to their lives. Sonic has always introduced young viewers to storylines and characters that are engaging and relatable. By bringing The Smurfs to Indian television after forty years, Sonic aims to cater to the audience with content that continues to raise the bar. The show will feature popular characters, including Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy, Hefty, Clumsy, and others, embarking on new adventures full of humour, heart, and high-stake action. 

  • Sony YAY! partners with KidZania to begin pet rescue agency

    Sony YAY! partners with KidZania to begin pet rescue agency

    Mumbai: Sony YAY! has partnered with KidZania, an award-winning global edutainment theme park to launch a unique pet rescue agency.

    With this, Sony YAY! aims to empower kids to love and secure animals. At the Pet Rescue Agency KidZania Mumbai, kids will get to play a role as “rescue agents” and go on an adventure of finding and rescuing pets in KidZania city.

    With the help of exciting cues and indicative maps, kids will learn about the nitty-gritty of pet-rescuing operations alongside gaining knowledge about the diverse breeds and kinds of pets. The team-based activity will see kids be sharp and alert to follow set instructions as well as seek out clues to the whereabouts of the missing pets.

    Speaking on this, Sony Pictures Networks India, Kids’ Genre head of marketing Sujoy Roy Bardhan said, “Pet welfare is extremely close to my heart. At Sony YAY! It has been our constant endeavour to empower kids and further serve the purpose of reaching out to our audiences. The launch of the Pet Rescue Agency not just helps us to take another step in the same direction, but also helps us inculcate the right approach into the future citizens of the country.”

    Talking about this partnership, KidZania India chief partnership officer Prerna Uppal said, “KidZania has always envisioned providing children with an all-rounded multi-dimensional edutainment that contributes to the overall growth of their personality. By partnering with Sony YAY!, a brand that believes in business with purpose, we not only aim at enabling children to explore what it is like being a pet rescuer but also instil in them values like care and compassion as well as a sense of responsibility towards pets. We believe that inculcating such crucial values at a young age can go a long way in empowering kids to build a better world for themselves in the future.”

    Cyrus Broacha added, “Animals are man’s best friends, and I am very happy to see Sony YAY! taking the initiative to bring awareness towards their safety and security. With this initiative, I hope the kids develop more empathy towards animals and bring a positive change at large towards animal welfare”

  • Nickelodeon joins hands with United Nations on ‘World Environment Day’

    Nickelodeon joins hands with United Nations on ‘World Environment Day’

    Mumbai: On the momentous occasion of World Environment Day 2022, Nickelodeon, the kids’ entertainment channel has joined forces with the United Nations in India for a flagship campaign.

    Reducing carbon footprint

    With the intent to save our mother earth from the global environmental crises, the leading kids’ entertainment collaboration with the United Nations in India will raise awareness on ways to reduce carbon footprint. It will emphasize the importance of protecting the planet and aims to highlight the need to reset the balance with nature through individual actions.

    The campaign will create engagement across social media to motivate kids to take up a green heart pledge and adopt different ways to address climate change.

    Nickelodeon’s creative communication will deliver the fundamental message of collective climate action with an emphasis on ‘Yeh Planet Hum Sabka Ghar Hai’.

    Spreading awareness about saving the planet

    As a part of this campaign, Nickelodeon’s Nicktoons brings two inspiring stories to spread the message of ‘Yeh Planet Hum Sabka Ghar Hai’. The first story titled ‘Kaagaz Ka Ghar’, throws light on human-wildlife conflict while the second story ‘Paani Ka Ghar’ emphasizes marine and plastic pollution. With ‘Yeh Planet Hum Sabka Ghar Hai’, both the stories showcase kids taking the initiative to become climate heroes and bringing about positive change by teaching adults important climate action lessons.

    Speaking on the association, Viacom18 head – of Hindi mass entertainment and kids tv network Nina Elavia Jaipuria said, “Nickelodeon has always focused on empowering kids in the most meaningful ways through innovative initiatives. With a strong belief that these dynamic young minds are the true change agents of society, we felt kids must understand the importance of a greener future. We are very proud to join hands with the United Nations on World Environment Day. With the might of our franchise and our adorable Nicktoons, we will bring alive the message of #OnlyOneEarth to as many kids and parents as possible.”

    Commending the initiative, UN resident coordinator in India Shombi Sharp said “This World Environment Day, the UN in India is excited to launch a partnership with Nickelodeon, empowering and inspiring children to become climate champions from an early age. The entertainment industry has the power to influence the largest youth generation in history for positive change. Through this partnership, we hope to give a platform to creative young minds to be the drivers of climate action and tackle the triple planetary crisis. When children lead, families and societies follow, and when India leads the world succeeds.”

  • Kids prefer consuming content on television rather than OTT, says a study conducted by Sony YAY!

    Kids prefer consuming content on television rather than OTT, says a study conducted by Sony YAY!

    MUMBAI: Currently, 57 percent of kids prefer television while only 10 per cent receive their entertainment via OTT. 33 percent of kids prefer to watch both television and OTT. Younger kids prefer television while older kids with more access to OTT platforms lean towards it. There exists a clear geographical divide in kids’ preference for OTT entertainment where only 81 percent of kids surveyed in southern India preferred OTT as opposed to 56 percent of kids surveyed in eastern India.

    Kids entertainment channel Sony YAY! has released its latest survey titled, SearchLight’22. This decodes the lives and habits of Indian Kids, in collaboration with Kantar Research. The psychometric profiling by the survey presents findings that highlight various trends across eight cities in the country.

    The research derives its findings between educational and personal development and also entertainment preferences. It offers a deep dive into India’s young audiences aged between 7-14 years. It also undertakes region-wise bifurcation of the data, considering India’s geographical and cultural diversities, to highlight the preferred activities of kids from region specific markets.

    On OTT platforms kids consume cartoons and animation content the most followed by music, educational/informational shows, hindi and regional movies and stand up comedy shows.

    The journey from blackboards to keyboards is what kids witnessed through the pandemic, thus, to understand their learning preferences, SearchLight’22 sheds a few insights-

    – Kids favoured online classes over offline classes due to rewatch option of online classes (29 percent), the comfort of home (28 percent), followed by the ability to attend classes they usually can’t physical (16 percent) and save time (15 percent)

    – The top five activities participated by kids during the pandemic were tuition classes (76 percent), art & craft (24 percent), followed by sports (19 percent), dancing (18 percent) and singing (19 percent)

    – The majority of respondents wishes for lessons to be held online (63 percent) while the rest wanted to go back to the pre-pandemic style of offline teaching (37 percent)

    – Edutech platforms which rose to prominence during the lockdown saw that only 6percent of respondents had Edutech subscriptions while 7 percent respondents had not subscribed but attended Edutech classes. However, 39 percent had opted to use YouTube videos to learn concepts while 48 percent were not aware of the existence of Edutech platforms

    With kids being limited to their homes owing to movement restrictions due to the pandemic, gaming became an essential part of kids’ entertainment. The following insights were inferred from the survey:

    – One out of two kids enjoyed gaming on their phone

    – Free games were core to their consumption

    – 53 percent preferred to play solo while 44 percent were included in multiplayer games with friends and only 4 percent played multiplayer games with strangers

    With the SearchLight’22 Decoding Lives and Habits of Indian Kids, Sony YAY! said that it takes a step closer to understanding the dynamic and evolving preferences and habits of Kids. The study also provides a comprehensive look at how multiple verticals of education, entertainment, gaming and merchandising affects kids and shape their opinions or preferences. This foundational study explores newer avenues to get to know kids better.

    The survey was carried out in association with Kantar IMRB from October – November’ 2021 to understand consumption habits of kids across the country. The survey was further conducted across eight cities with 982 kids and 316 parents.

    Sony Pictures Networks India business head-kids genre Leena Lele Dutta said, “As a brand practice, we constantly aim to follow an approach to “Explore” and understand our young audiences and their dynamic choices to deliver a wholesome experience across the platforms. With the release of Searchlight’2022, we are happy to present our learnings to the industry at large and assist in understanding this dynamic Target Group better”.

  • Gubbare to premiere its first 3D show ‘Roro Aur Hero – Bhoot Mast Zabardast’

    Gubbare to premiere its first 3D show ‘Roro Aur Hero – Bhoot Mast Zabardast’

    Mumbai: As summer vacations are just around the corner, IN10 Media Network’s kids entertainment channel Gubbare is all set to launch an inventive and laughter-filled original. To entertain its target audience, the channel will present the premiere of its first 3D show “Roro Aur Hero – Bhoot Mast Zabardast.”

    The show will air everyday starting 24 April at 12 pm-5 pm on Gubbare in Hindi, English, Tamil, and Telugu.

    With the exclusive launch of the show, the channel will enter the metaverse to give children an experience to be part of the magical world. It will allow users to create virtual avatars and enter the space and enjoy the title song video along with show characters. The viewers can also engage with the show via special games, filters, and gifs created around the theme.

    Keeping in mind the changing content consumption pattern, the show will also be available on the network’s OTT platform Epic On.

    With this show, Gubbare forays into the naughty-magical-friend genre. The show revolves around a ten year old mischievous boy Roro and his twelve year old “ghost” friend Hero. As Roro attracts problems and gets into complex situations, Hero comes to his aid as a goofy saviour, who uses his powers to make things easier but instead makes the situations messier! The two come together as a ‘zabardast’ duo to get out of the chaos.

    Speaking about the show, Gubbare AVP-content Brian D’costa said, “After the launch of our first original, Akki Jaanbaaz, in the action genre, we wanted to strengthen our character-verse. “Roro Aur Hero – Bhoot Mast Zabardast” will be our first-ever 3D show that will add a new genre to our library. At Gubbare, we always try to raise the stakes.”