ITV

Category: Kids

  • Lincoln Butterfield to debut R.I.P. M.D. at NATPE 2009

    MUMBAI: Lincoln Butterfield Animation is set to debut R.I.P. M.D. at next month’s NATPE ’09 Market & Conference. The new animated series concept, which takes a comical look at the real-life problems of monsters, comes from animation producer Mitch Schauer, creator of The Angry Beavers.



    “When Mitch initially shared the R.I.P. M.D. concept with us, we knew that we needed to develop this unique series. We believe the global television landscape is ripe for a new, somewhat twisted and—more than anything—fun monster story, and we look forward to introducing NATPE attendees to our newest animation concept next month, said Lincoln Butterfield co-founder Robert Hughes.



    Adding further, Schauer said, “When you look at the issues people face in every-day life, wouldn’t the same hold true in the monster world? I mean, who doesn’t have problems? In R.I.P. M.D., monsters get hurt, sick and depressed just like humans, and this series finds humor and a fun protagonist to help them.”



    R.I.P. M.D. follows the adventures of Ripley Plimpt, an ordinary boy whose life turns upside-down when he discovers that monsters are not only real, but are also in need of his unique services. After he finds and repairs the broken wing of a tiny vampire bat, he is accepted into the monster world as friend, confidant and protector. To monsters around the world, Ripley simply becomes known as R.I.P. M.D. – monster doctor.

  • Toei Animation appoints TCL Germany as merchandising broker

    MUMBAI: Toei Animation has appointed The Licensing Company Germany GmbH as the merchandising broker for Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball GT.



    According to the agreement, The Licensing Company Germany GmbH will handle Germany, Austria, German-speaking Switzerland. The Licensing Company will have all merchandising rights for the brand with the exception of toy, video game, publishing and Lamincards categories.



    “The Licensing Company ranks among one of the international market’s most prolific licensing organizations and brings to its representation of Dragon Ball an outstanding track record of licensing success and a deep commitment to our brands,” said Toei Animation Co International Department director Kanji Kazahaya.



    With 508 episodes, the Dragon Ball phenomena follows Goku’s quest (main character in the series) to become the strongest martial artist in the universe and his search for the seven magic Dragon Balls in a saga that encompasses three parts – Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT.



    Dragon Ball adapts Japanese big success comics of the same title by Akira Toriyama. Since this animated series produced in 1986, this has continued broadcast in major European countries.

  • NetDragon and Disney to launch ‘Disney Fantasy Online’

    MUMBAI: China-based online game developer and operator NetDragon Websoft and The Walt Disney Company‘s Interactive Media Group will launch their first multiplayer online role playing game “Disney Fantasy Online” in Spring 2009.



    The “Disney Fantasy Online” are immersed in a Disney-themed central world, created on themes of magic, adventure and romance with non-playing Disney character hosts such as Mickey and Friends, preparing and training the gamers for the vast adventures that lie ahead. As gamers explore, complete quests, and level-up, they have the opportunity to acquire virtual items to personalise the gaming experience and enable them to explore additional worlds more extensively.



    “Disney is committed to providing gamers in China with the ultimate digital entertainment destination. Our characters and stories endure across generations, platforms and now immersive online experiences,” said Walt Disney Greater China executive vice president and managing director Stanley Cheung.



    “We are very pleased to be cooperating with NetDragon, to create a unique, fun, and brand-new entertainment experience for gamers,” Cheung added.

  • 4Kids Ent unveils new broadcast sales for Chaotic

    MUMBAI: On the heels of Mipcom 2008, 4Kids Entertainment has finalised licensing agreements with broadcasters in France and the UK for the first season of Chaotic.


    Produced in high definition, the series chronicles the adventures of two teenage boys who discover a fascinating trading card game that transports them into a multidimensional world of action and adventure.



    4Kids Entertainment specialises in the creation, development, production, broadcasting, distribution, licensing and manufacturing of children’s entertainment products.



    Chaotic (Season One) is scheduled to launch on Gulli TV in France, Rede TV in Brazil and Jetix in the UK, beginning first quarter 2009.



    The property’s second season, Chaotic: M’Arrillian Invasion, has also been renewed by Teletoon in Canada and Jetix in Latin America.



    According to 4Kids Entertainment executive vice president International Brian Lacey, broadcast sales of the series in Germany, Italy and other markets are expected to close by end of the calendar year.



    The series’ global broadcast lineup already includes: Jetix (U.S.), Teletoon (Canada), TEN Network (Australia), RTBF (Belgium), SIC (Portugal), MNet (South Africa), and Kids Central (Singapore) among others.



    In the United States, the Chaotic series airs weekends on TheCW4Kids and is available for VOD viewing on the Comcast, Cox and Bresnan cable systems. The show’s second season, Chaotic: M’Arrillian Invasion, airs on Fox during the 4KidsTV four-hour Saturday morning program block.



    4Kids partnered with Teletoon Canada and Bardel Entertainment to produce the high definition, 3D CGI animation series.

  • Spacetoon Media to launch kids channel on 14 January

    MUMBAI: Kids Media India (KMI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Dubai-based Spacetoon Media, is launching a Hindi kids channel in India on 14 January.


    “Spacetoon is launching on 14 January. The company has completed all the necessary requirements to put up the channel on air,” says a source close to the development.



    Targeted at the age group of 4 to 12 years, the Hindi kids channel will be a mix of animation and live action.



    The free-to-air (FTA) kids channel, has got its distribution in place, says the source.


    Spacetoon India has roped in Yazdi Sodawaterwala as India distribution head of the channel. He comes in from Broadcast Initiative Limited (Live India and Mi Marathi), where he was vice president distribution.



    Based out of Mumbai, Sodawaterwala will be reporting directly to Spacetoon India MD and CEO Rajiv Sangari.


    As reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, KMI, which is in the process of launching a kids channel in India, has a fund requirement of Rs 1 billion over three years.


    KMI has already received Rs 780 million from its parent company, Spacetoon Media Group.


    Spacetoon Media runs Spacetoon TV, a kids entertainment cartoon channel, since March 2000. The channel transmits in more than 22 countries throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Indonesia and Korea.

  • Amway’s Nutrilite lauches online campaign to generate Rs 7.5 million for kids

    MUMBAI: Nutrilite, an Amway brand, has launched an online campaign One By One (OBO) featuring AC Milan striker and Ronaldinho (brand ambassador of Amway‘s Nutrilite range of wellness products) with an aim to raise up to Rs 7.5 million for underprivileged children.


    The campaign starts from 1 December and will run till 31 May ’09 on EveryKickCounts.com.



    As a part of the campaign, upon visiting EveryKickCounts.com, viewers will be asked to pass a virtual soccer ball to friends via email or popular social networking sites such as Facebook and Orkut. All “kick” emails can be tracked on the website so that fans can follow their efforts of goodwill around the globe, along with a real-time donation ticker that compiles contribution totals.



    “With each mail, a contribution is made to Amway‘s OBO campaign for children, by Amway Corporation, US,” says Amway Opportunity Foundation (AOF) chairman Bill Pinckney. AOF will be the recipient of funds generated by “kicks” initiated in India. Under the OBO campaign, AOF extends support to 52 orphanages and institutions for underprivileged and differently-abled children.

  • BBC Worldwide to showcase new products in trade events

    MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the UK pubcaster BBC, is set to participate in the 2009 UK trade buying events Spring Fair and Toy Fair. BBC Worldwide claims to head towards these events with a “host of new brands and products.”


    The licensor says that it has made it easy to find all BBC licensed merchandise in one place at Spring Fair with a dedicated stand to promote and exhibit products from key licensees.


    At Toy Fair in January 2009, BBC Worldwide will be supporting all existing licensees and scoping the market for new opportunities for their new brands.



    New to launch this year is the In the Night Garden Crayola arts and crafts range from Vivid Imaginations and nursery toys from Golden Bear.



    The brand also looks at the outdoor market with furniture and outdoor play items from Martin Yaffe, wooden toys from Danjam and outdoor range and playtents from Worlds Apart.



    BBC Worldwide will also be presenting their new ‘monsters‘ style guide – a creative focussing on ‘monster‘ characters from the show, which will offer more opportunities for product development for key licensees across 2009.


    Meanwhile, Strictly Come Dancing is a new addition to BBC Worldwide‘s licensed product portfolio.



    As far as Top Gear is concerned ‘Wow! Stuff‘ will exhibit their new range of gifts for “dads and lads.” The ‘Wow! Stuff‘ stand will host a branded Top Gear area, showcasing new products such as remote control vehicles, novelty gifts and desktop toys, all due to hit retailers next year. The Top Gear range is extended with calendars from Danilo, stationery and tableware from DNC and Top Trumps from Winning Moves.



    Another focus of BBC Worldwide‘s adult brands is Torchwood with new licensee Get Retro exhibiting its range of five inch action figures at the Fair.

  • Endemol, Teshkeel to co-produce children’s animation shows

    MUMBAI: Television format creator and distributor Endemol has partnered with Kuwait-based publishing group Teshkeel Media to bring to life a new animated series based on its superhero comic books, The 99.


    The 99 comic book series launched in 2006 and is illustrated and scripted by former and current Marvel and DC Comics writers and artists whose credits include X-Men, Spider-Man, Superman, Iron Man, Batman and Power Rangers.


    The comics have been endorsed by the international media. They are distributed widely throughout the Middle East, South Asia and Indonesia. THE 99 will soon make its debut on millions of water bottles licensed by Nestle Waters. Further, the first of six The 99 Village theme parks is due to open in Kuwait in early 2009.



    Endemol COO Marco Bassetti says, “We are looking forward to partnering with Teshkeel to bring to life this popular comic book series, which has been well received in the Middle East, South Asia and Indonesia. The comic has captured the imaginations of young people and we hope to achieve equal success internationally with the animated series.”


    Teshkeel Media founder CEO Dr Naif Al Mutawa, who also created The 99 said, “It’s rare that an idea born of a social premise can become even more successful as a business. But when THE 99 comics premiered to the acclaim of the worldwide media and the delight of the children they were created to entertain, that is just what happened.


    Bringing The 99 to homes around the world through its animated stories will fully implement the power of an idea whose time has come. And doing this in partnership with Endemol, a true world leader in worldwide syndicated television, will ensure our success.”


    Production for the series will be overseen by Endemol UK, with animation to be completed in India and post production in the UK. Endemol International will have worldwide TV, online, mobile and DVD distribution rights to the original property.

  • Nick unwraps December specials

    MUMBAI: Nickelodeon will deliver a bounty of presents to make kids and tweens merry throughout the month of December.


    The slate includes seven new seasonal specials and an array of what it calls holiday favourites.



    In the spirit of the season, Nick reunites Drake Bell and Josh Peck — for a two-hour original TV movie, Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh which will air on 5 December.


    Then spreading more chuckles and cheer, the kids network delivers toonful Yuletide premieres of Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! on the same day, The Wonder Pets! on 8 December and The Fairly OddParents on 12 December.


    On 13 December Nick unwraps new back-to-back holiday episodes of the shows iCarly, True Jackson, VP and The Naked Brothers Band.


    At once a comic adventure and a poignant story for the season, Merry Christmas, Drake and Josh guest-stars Henry Winkler and MMA fighter Kimbo Slice respectively. And on a merry, musical note headliner Drake Bell rings in the season – and engages the foster kids and his band — with renditions of the songs Jingle Bells and The 12 Days of Christmas.


    A trio of holiday special episodes of iCarly, True Jackson, VP and The Naked Brothers Band will light up Nick‘s airwaves on 13 December. iCarly‘s iChristmas leads off with a take-off of the Christmas classic It‘s a Wonderful Life. Carly angrily wishes she had a ‘normal‘ brother after Spencer‘s magnetic tree sculpture catches fire, incinerating the presents beneath it.


    Mitch the angel appears to show her what her life would be like with a buttoned-up brother.

  • Hypercity brings Nat Geo toys

    MUMBAI: Mumbai’s retail store HyperCity is selling a range of educational toys from National Geographic that are designed to stimulate the interest and imagination of children.



    Introduced for children above eight years of age, these toys motivate children to learn facts and reap developmental benefits as they play. They are aimed at encouraging kids to think creatively and learn through scientific experimentation.


    Starting from Rs 599 onwards, these toys build the imagination of kids contributing to the development of their mind and body. A refreshing change from existing toys, this range involves kids in innovative activities and discovery of new things.


    The range includes various kits and gear including human eye and human heart kit, electronic lab telescope and microscope, nature exploring kit, and other innovative toys. Worth checking at HyperCity are dinosaur toys, crystal growing kit, volcano and earthquake set, planetarium kit, interactive globes etc that help kids build an interest towards science.


    Designed to give a new dimension to learning, these toys engage kids and assist in their overall development. Creating a new niche, these toys are a must-have for children who want to experiment and take learning a step forward.