ITV

Category: Kids

  • ‘Ghatothkach’ is the next character in animation

    ‘Ghatothkach’ is the next character in animation

    NEW DELHI: The success of animation films ‘Pandavas’, ‘Hanuman’ and ‘Shri Krishna’ has made filmmakers realize that Indian audiences accept characters from our epics.

    And it is also clear that the character has to be someone with either superhuman powers or extraordinary guts. Expectedly, the next animation film features Ghatothkach, son of Bhim and Hidimbi from the ‘Mahabharata’ as the hero.

    ‘Ghatothkach’- Master of Magic, lovingly called “Ghattu”, is about the magical escapades of Bhim’s son. The film will not only have magic, action, romance, comedy, and fantasy and but also foot-tapping songs.

    The film has been directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao who has been the director of several internationally acclaimed films, experimenting with unique subjects and platforms over a span of 50 years and across 60-odd films in his career. He is known for his innovative children’s films “Little John” and “Son of Alladin” a 3-D animated film. Other films include the dialogue-less film ‘Pushpak’ with Kamal Hassan and Amala, ‘Appu Raja’ again with Kamal Hassan, and ‘Mayuri’ on Sudhachandran’s own story.

    Shemaroo’s Vice-President Heren Gada said in a statement here that ‘As a content house, creation of content is the next step of us. In line with this strategy, we have ventured into creation of live-action and animation among other content. We look to bring unique entertainment genres across the various platforms that audience will love to consume.’

    Smita Maroo, Vice-President of the Animation Division at Shemaroo, said: ‘we were looking for some innovative project when we came across Director –Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. Mr. Rao mentioned that he was directing “Ghatothkach” which was under production at the Hyderabad-based Sun Animatics. The character of Ghatothkach and the script brought out the inner child in us and we were totally fascinated’.

     

  • Nicktoons Unite! added to Sony Computer’s ‘Greatest Hits’ collection in US

    Nicktoons Unite! added to Sony Computer’s ‘Greatest Hits’ collection in US

    MUMBAI: THQ Inc., worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software, has announced that Nicktoons Unite! for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system has been added to Sony Computer Entertainment America’s ‘Greatest Hits’ collection.

    Nicktoons Unite! features characters from some of the popular Nickelodeon animated shows including SpongeBob SquarePants, Jimmy Neutron and Danny Phantom. It is now available at retailers throughout North America for the new suggested retail price of $19.99, informs an official release.

    “We are delighted with the phenomenal success of Nicktoons Unite! and the game’s recent achievement of this significant retail milestone,” said THQ senior vice president of sales and distribution Scott Guthrie. “The new reduced price point will allow even more families to interact with these beloved Nickelodeon characters from some of the top-rated animated kid’s television shows.”

    “The success of Nicktoons Unite! is a testament to the strength of the Nicktoons roster of amazing characters as well as the great creativity of THQ,” said Nickelodeon vice president of digital products Shaul Olmert. “It’s great to see the game and our characters embraced by gamers as an all-time favorite.”

    The Nicktoons video game originally launched in October 2005 and has shipped more than one million copies across multiple platforms worldwide, adds the release.

     

  • animation Xpress Team















    NEW DELHI: The second core committee meeting of the Telecomm 2007, held on Friday, has narrowed down the theme of this year‘s Summit and Exhibition (November1-3, Mumbai) as either “Role of telecom and IT: changing lifestyles”, or “Role of telecom and IT as economic multiplier.”


    The theme, either way, would be consumer-centric. This is a broad consensus that emerged at the meeting, which also decided on having eight conference sessions.


    These would be E-governance (including education, health, etc.); two sessions on the more complex issues of New Generation Network and WiMax; another two sessions on the emerging technology of IPTV / mobile TV, with emphasis on content provider; spectrum and infrastructure sharing; need for a new telecom policy initiative; and investment opportunities and challenges in the sectors.

     

    The meeting, chaired by former BSNL CMD Prithipal Singh, has sent the recommendations to the chairperson, who will finalise the issues and the main theme.


    Most of the speakers followed the initial argument of Satya Narayan Gupta, chief regulatory advisor (SAARC region) of BT Global Services, who said that the theme has been more or less settled by the government, with the I&B minister‘s slogans of 2007: Year of Broadband and Trai‘s slogan of 2007: Year of the Consumer.


    What emerged at the Core Committee meeting, in which indiantelevision.com was also an invitee, is a fair merger of the two slogans, as is reflected in the theme as well as the special attention, in the form double sessions, for the topics of NGN and WiMax and two for IPTV and mobile TV.


    There was considerable discussion on the lack of enough data and services not reaching the people in the languages they understand. In fact, one speaker pointed out that the Edusat, created at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore, is yet to achieve its basic targets.

     

    Indra Mohan, president of India-tech, an industry association for international techno-economic cooperation, said that there was need for technology that can bridge the two Indias: urban and rural.


    In fact, Sanjeev Kumar Seth, Deputy Director General (Commercial), BSNL, bluntly asserted that all the talk about teledensity of 11 in India is a distorted image, and especially in rural India, it will not be more than 2.


    NK Mohapatra of Midas Communication Technologies Pvt Ltd said there is a failure in adequate data generation, and held that in the absence of a proper data delivery system, telecom would become a bottleneck.


    Mohaopatra also raised the important point of why financing agencies are not investing in telecom infrastructure business. He said that these institutions have shown a remarkable reluctance in investing, because they must have realised that the returns are much too low.


    Mohapatra raised the issue of ferreting out what ails investment, and this was supported by many industry leaders attending the meeting, leading to the decision on a full session on challenges and opportunities in investment in the sector.


    Prithipal Singh pointed out also to the vast expansion of the telecom sector, and yet, stressed that there were too many problems in customers getting adequate service. “The mobile service quality in the second phase of the mobile sector growth is not at all what the first phase had given,” he said.


    The organisers also announced the rates for sponsorship in four categories: Diamond (Rs seven lakh); platinum (Rs 4.5 lakh); gold (Rs 3‘5 lakh) and silver (three lakh).


    The organisers have asked the participants to give written notes on specific topics under the issues for discussion at the conference, and also suggest names of the experts who would head the various discussions.

     

  • Lifebuoy and ‘Krrish’ star Hrithik Roshan entertain kids













    NEW DELHI: As part of their ongoing promotional campaign ‘Lifebuoy Main Bhi Krissh‘, HLL brought together the movie‘s super hero Hrithik Roshan to meet up with ten lucky contest winners. Lifebuoy had tied up with the movie Krrish, for joint promotion.


    The little stars had a fun filled evening playing games, painting cards for Hrithik, solving puzzles and interacting with the star. The kids also had an opportunity to be photographed with Hrithik and receive memorabilia from the Krrish hero.














    Talking about the promotional campaign, HLL marketing manager Punit Misra revealed that Lifebuoy stands for encouraging the hero within us. The germ of the idea began with the thought that super hero Krrish turns into a hero as soon as he puts on the mask, thus the synergy between Lifebuoy & the movie was born. Similarly, bathing with Lifebuoy would give the children unlimited protection against germs.


    The Krrish superhero Hrithik Roshan said that he was delighted with the successful response from the “Lifebuoy Main Bhi Krrish” promotion. He also thanked Lifebuoy for this unique opportunity to meet the little stars.


    Misra also added “The “Lifebuoy main bhi Krrish” promotion had an over whelming response, receiving more than thirty thousand entries, out of which ten lucky winners were chosen. The chosen winners were from different parts of India, as far as Amritsar, Vijayawada, Ahmedabad, Kolhapur etc, traveled to Mumbai from their respective locations to meet their favourite hero. We are over whelmed by the enthusiasm & response received by the kids that we received for this promotion.”

  • Eating unhealthy – Blame it on television













    MUMBAI: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published their findings on the link between unhealthy eating habits amongst children and television viewing.
    The research study states that watching television disrupts children‘s‘ normal response to food , that is, they will eat more while they‘re sitting in front of the tube, whether or not they‘re really hungry.



    These data, combined with those from other studies, support recommendations to reduce television watching and restrict eating while watching television as part of a healthy lifestyle,” University at Buffalo Dr. Jennifer L. Temple concludes.
    Temple and her team looked at how television affected ‘habituation to food cues‘.Simply stated it means that when a person consumes food repeatedly, he will eventually lose interest in it and his stomach will signal that it is full. ‘Non- food stimuli‘ or watching television can disrupt this process. Children are distracted when they watch television and do not know when their hunger is satisfied.
    Given that kids tend to eat high-calorie foods when watching television, snacks in front of the tube have the potential to “profoundly” affect how many calories children consume, even if the time they spend snacking is short, the researchers note.

  • Eating unhealthy – Blame it on television

    Eating unhealthy – Blame it on television

    MUMBAI: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published their findings on the link between unhealthy eating habits amongst children and television viewing.

    The research study states that watching television disrupts children’s’ normal response to food , that is, they will eat more while they’re sitting in front of the tube, whether or not they’re really hungry.

    “These data, combined with those from other studies, support recommendations to reduce television watching and restrict eating while watching television as part of a healthy lifestyle,” University at Buffalo Dr. Jennifer L. Temple concludes.

    Temple and her team looked at how television affected ‘habituation to food cues’.Simply stated it means that when a person consumes food repeatedly, he will eventually lose interest in it and his stomach will signal that it is full. ‘Non- food stimuli’ or watching television can disrupt this process. Children are distracted when they watch television and do not know when their hunger is satisfied.

    Given that kids tend to eat high-calorie foods when watching television, snacks in front of the tube have the potential to “profoundly” affect how many calories children consume, even if

  • Nickelodeon to kick off ‘Slime Across America’ tour on 26 February















    MUMBAI: Nickelodeon has announced the launch of “Slime Across America,” an interactive experience that will bring the network‘s iconic green slime to kids across the country. The national tour, which will transport the slime via the Nickelodeon Slime Mobile, just in time for Nickelodeon‘s 20th Annual Kids‘ Choice Awards on 31 March, will kick off February 26 at the Nick Hotel in Orlando, Florida, and will carry out 20 slimings in 20 markets across the nation.


    In addition, after the Kids‘ Choice Awards, the Slime Mobile will continue to another 30 markets to allow even more kids to have a first hand slime experience.








    America gets ready for Nickelodeon‘s slime attack!

    An official announcement made by the network states that Nickelodeon‘s Slime Across America experience and the 18-wheel Slime Mobile will feature various games and attractions including a Nick Live! Slime Edition interactive stage show, a user generated content station where kids can create content to submit to Nickelodeon for possible air on me:tv, the network‘s new interactive day part, an audition area, music-themed activities such as Nickelodeon karaoke, Nickelodeon costume character appearances, product giveaways, and of course, the opportunity for kids to get slimed.



    In the driver‘s seat of the Slime Mobile will be Nickelodeon‘s own Pick Boy. Select stops will also feature special appearances by Nickelodeon talent and costume characters, and national and local celebrities.


    “Nickelodeon has a long and storied history with slime,” said Nickelodeon Marketing and Worldwide Partnerships Executive Vice President Pam Kaufman. “From You Can‘t Do That on Television to the first celebrity sliming at the 1988 Kids‘ Choice Awards, neon-green slime and Nickelodeon have been synonymous. So what better way to reconnect America with the green goo and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Kids‘ Choice Awards than by painting the country with slime all year long?”


    Nickelodeon will broadcast several of the slimings on me:tv from 5 to 7 p.m. ET/PT, beginning 11 March through 31 March. In addition, the Orlando kick-off event will be featured as part of TeeNick on 11 March.


    The Slime Across America Tour will make 20 stops leading up to Nickelodeon‘s 20th Annual Kids Choice Awards, and approximately another 30 stops beginning 1 April 2007, and continuing throughout the year.


    After the Kids‘ Choice Awards, Nickelodeon will utilize the Slime Across America Tour to support network events such as SpongeBob SquarePants “Friend or Foe” in April, among others. The network will support Slime Across America with a series of on-air spots that will drive fans to http://www.nick.com/slime, which features a schedule of stops, activities, games and more. Nickelodeon‘s GoCityKids website will also offer tour information.

     

  • Cookie Jar Ent. inks deals with North American broadcasters for ‘Magi-Nation’













    MUMBAI: Cookie Jar Entertainment has forged a deal with Kids‘ WB! on The CW in the US, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and Radio-Canada to be the North American broadcast homes for the new original series Magi-Nation, from the action-adventure brand Coliseum. The networks will broadcast the show‘s first 26 episodes.

    “We are pleased to have placed ‘Magi-Nation‘ with some of the top broadcasters in children‘s entertainment,” said Cookie Jar Entertainment president and COO Toper Taylor. “The addition of ‘Magi-Nation‘ to our growing library of action-adventure shows demonstrates Cookie Jar‘s commitment to expanding our creative and balanced portfolio of quality programs for kids of all ages.”



    “With the multi-platform capabilities of ‘Magi-Nation,‘ the series will organically extend its animated adventures – and Kids‘ WB! branded entertainment – far beyond the television screen,” said Kids‘ WB! senior vice president and general manager Betsy McGowen.


    A Cookie Jar and Daiwon (South Korea) co-production, Magi-Nation follows the adventures of 15-year-old Tony Jones, whose world is forever changed when he is mystically transported into Magi Nation – a beautiful world far beyond imagination that was created millennia ago by a powerful race known as the Magi. Here Tony meets Edyn and Strag, two young Magi heroes in training, who help him discover his vast new magical environment. Magi-Nation is based on the “Magi-Nation” game originally developed and published by Interactive Imagination Corporation, informs an official release.


    “I‘m thrilled to have ‘Magi-Nation‘ on the CBC. There is so much strength and appeal in a great fantasy adventure for school-aged kids. I can‘t wait to see them get immersed in this property,” said CBC Children‘s and Youth Programming creative head Kim Wilson.


    A multi-platform entertainment brand, kids will enter the world of Magi-Nation this fall via the 2-D animated television series, where they can follow the adventures of the three young Magi heroes. From there, fans can experience the continuing action of Tony Jones, Edyn and Strag via mobile and internet platforms as they navigate their way through environmental obstacles and confront the constant challenges and creatures that threaten the vitality of the 12 precious Moonlands of Magi Nation.

  • Cookie Jar Ent. inks deals with North American broadcasters for ‘Magi-Nation’

    Cookie Jar Ent. inks deals with North American broadcasters for ‘Magi-Nation’

    MUMBAI: Cookie Jar Entertainment has forged a deal with Kids’ WB! on The CW in the US, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and Radio-Canada to be the North American broadcast homes for the new original series Magi-Nation, from the action-adventure brand Coliseum. The networks will broadcast the show’s first 26 episodes.

    “We are pleased to have placed ‘Magi-Nation’ with some of the top broadcasters in children’s entertainment,” said Cookie Jar Entertainment president and COO Toper Taylor. “The addition of ‘Magi-Nation’ to our growing library of action-adventure shows demonstrates Cookie Jar’s commitment to expanding our creative and balanced portfolio of quality programs for kids of all ages.”

    “With the multi-platform capabilities of ‘Magi-Nation,’ the series will organically extend its animated adventures – and Kids’ WB! branded entertainment – far beyond the television screen,” said Kids’ WB! senior vice president and general manager Betsy McGowen.

    A Cookie Jar and Daiwon (South Korea) co-production, Magi-Nation follows the adventures of 15-year-old Tony Jones, whose world is forever changed when he is mystically transported into Magi Nation – a beautiful world far beyond imagination that was created millennia ago by a powerful race known as the Magi. Here Tony meets Edyn and Strag, two young Magi heroes in training, who help him discover his vast new magical environment. Magi-Nation is based on the “Magi-Nation” game originally developed and published by Interactive Imagination Corporation, informs an official release.

    “I’m thrilled to have ‘Magi-Nation’ on the CBC. There is so much strength and appeal in a great fantasy adventure for school-aged kids. I can’t wait to see them get immersed in this property,” said CBC Children’s and Youth Programming creative head Kim Wilson.

    A multi-platform entertainment brand, kids will enter the world of Magi-Nation this fall via the 2-D animated television series, where they can follow the adventures of the three young Magi heroes. From there, fans can experience the continuing action of Tony Jones, Edyn and Strag via mobile and internet platforms as they navigate their way through environmental obstacles and confront the constant challenges and creatures that threaten the vitality of the 12 precious Moonlands of Magi Nation.

  • Nickelodeon to kick off ‘Slime Across America’ tour on 26 February

    Nickelodeon to kick off ‘Slime Across America’ tour on 26 February

     MUMBAI: Nickelodeon has announced the launch of “Slime Across America,” an interactive experience that will bring the network’s iconic green slime to kids across the country. The national tour, which will transport the slime via the Nickelodeon Slime Mobile, just in time for Nickelodeon’s 20th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards on 31 March, will kick off February 26 at the Nick Hotel in Orlando, Florida, and will carry out 20 slimings in 20 markets across the nation.

    In addition, after the Kids’ Choice Awards, the Slime Mobile will continue to another 30 markets to allow even more kids to have a first hand slime experience.
    America gets ready for Nickelodeon’s slime attack!

    An official announcement made by the network states that Nickelodeon’s Slime Across America experience and the 18-wheel Slime Mobile will feature various games and attractions including a Nick Live! Slime Edition interactive stage show, a user generated content station where kids can create content to submit to Nickelodeon for possible air on me:tv, the network’s new interactive day part, an audition area, music-themed activities such as Nickelodeon karaoke, Nickelodeon costume character appearances, product giveaways, and of course, the opportunity for kids to get slimed.

    In the driver’s seat of the Slime Mobile will be Nickelodeon’s own Pick Boy. Select stops will also feature special appearances by Nickelodeon talent and costume characters, and national and local celebrities.

    “Nickelodeon has a long and storied history with slime,” said Nickelodeon Marketing and Worldwide Partnerships Executive Vice President Pam Kaufman. “From You Can’t Do That on Television to the first celebrity sliming at the 1988 Kids’ Choice Awards, neon-green slime and Nickelodeon have been synonymous. So what better way to reconnect America with the green goo and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Kids’ Choice Awards than by painting the country with slime all year long?”

    Nickelodeon will broadcast several of the slimings on me:tv from 5 to 7 p.m. ET/PT, beginning 11 March through 31 March. In addition, the Orlando kick-off event will be featured as part of TeeNick on 11 March.

    The Slime Across America Tour will make 20 stops leading up to Nickelodeon’s 20th Annual Kids Choice Awards, and approximately another 30 stops beginning 1 April 2007, and continuing throughout the year.

    After the Kids’ Choice Awards, Nickelodeon will utilize the Slime Across America Tour to support network events such as SpongeBob SquarePants “Friend or Foe” in April, among others. The network will support Slime Across America with a series of on-air spots that will drive fans to http://www.nick.com/slime, which features a schedule of stops, activities, games and more. Nickelodeon’s GoCityKids website will also offer tour information.