ITV

Category: Kids

  • High levels of lead detected in ‘Powerpuff Girls’ necklaces in US

    High levels of lead detected in ‘Powerpuff Girls’ necklaces in US

    MUMBAI: The US Consumer Product Safety Commission, in co-operation with the firm named below, have announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. It has been detected that Cartoon Network’s Powerpuff Girls necklaces contain high levels of lead.

    An official statement issued by the Commission advises consumers to stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. They could return the recalled jewellry to the store where purchased for a replacement or contact the importer Rhode Island Novelty.

    Although no injuries have been reported yet, lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

    The recalled necklaces are multi-colored metal pendants that hang from a black cord. The pendants are in the shape of the head of one of three Powerpuff Girls cartoon characters, adds the release.

  • Nickelodeon to launch series ‘Mighty B’; ‘SpongeBob’ to return

    Nickelodeon to launch series ‘Mighty B’; ‘SpongeBob’ to return

    MUMBAI: Nickelodeon US has signed on a new animated series titled Mighty B, for which Saturday Night Live’s Amy Poehler will lend her voice and be involved in its production.

    Roped in for 20 episodes Mighty B will premiere in 2008. “Bessie represents the ever-optimistic spaz, who believes she can grow up to be a rock star, actress, politician and brain surgeon all at the same time,” said Poehler. “And as a person who knows absolutely nothing about animation, I am thrilled to be in such great hands over at Nickelodeon. I can’t wait to find out how they make those cool little people move around.”

    The channel has also given the go ahead for the sixth season of SpongeBob SquarePants, for which 13 episodes will be produced. This will thrust the show beyond its 100th episode.

    Strengthening the programming for the next year, Nickelodeon has also ordered for new episodes of El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera and Tak and the Power of Juju, which are slated to premiere in March and September 2007 respectively, states an official release.

    On making the announcements Nickelodeon Television executive vice president and general manager Tom Ascheim said, “It comes from the incredible comedic minds of Amy Poehler, Cynthia True and Erik Wiese, and is a fresh, creator-driven series about a hilarious character Amy created that we think kids are going to really love and connect with. And we are equally thrilled to be making another season of SpongeBob SquarePants — a series we hope to never stop making — as well as adding additional episodes of our upcoming series El Tigre and Tak.”

    Mighty B, SpongeBob SquarePants, El Tigre and Tak and the Power of Juju are Nicktoons Productions and are produced at the Nicktoons Studios.

  • Cartoon Network’s premiere of original film ‘Re-Animated’ makes network history

    Cartoon Network’s premiere of original film ‘Re-Animated’ makes network history

    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network premiered its first-ever original live-action and animation movie, Re-Animated recently scoring double-digit delivery and ratings gains across key demos in the US and setting a new performance record for the network’s top original movie ever with its target kids 6-11, according to preliminary data from Nielsen Media Research.

    According to an official release, Re-Animated, which was aired in the Friday, 8-10 pm slot, out-performed all of Cartoon Network’s earlier original movie offerings with its primary kids 6-11 demo, including Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends: Good Wilt Hunting (23 November 2006), Codename: Kids Next Door: Operation Z.E.R.O. (11 August 2006), Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends (13 August 2004), Party Wagon (27 Feburary 2004) and Samurai Jack: The Trilogy (10 August 2001).

    The two-hour adventure-comedy about a 12 year-old boy whose life is turned upside-down after an accident at an amusement park posted delivery and ratings increases of 28 per cent -47 per cent among kids 6 – 11 and kids 2-11 vs. the same time period last year.

    The results were even stronger among boys – 44 per cent-75 per cent delivery and ratings improvements vs 2005. Re-Animated also ranked as the No. 1 program of the week on Cartoon Network and the No. 1 program with kids 6-11 and 2-11 in its time period among all ad-supported basic cable, adds the release.

    Re-Animated tells the story of about a seventh-grader Jimmy Roberts (Dominic Janes, ER) who requires an emergency brain transplant after a collision with a park trolley while visiting the famous Gollyworld theme park. Gollyworld doctors give him the frozen brain of the famous cartoonist Milt Appleday (comedy veteran Fred Willard). Now, wherever Jimmy goes he sees all of Milt Appleday’s cartoon characters in the real world. Actors Paul Reubens, Tom Kenny, Ellen Greene and Brian Posehn lend their voices to the Appleday cartoon characters that come to life for Jimmy.

  • High levels of lead detected in ‘Powerpuff Girls’ necklaces in US













    MUMBAI: The US Consumer Product Safety Commission, in co-operation with the firm named below, have announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. It has been detected that Cartoon Network‘s Powerpuff Girls necklaces contain high levels of lead.


    An official statement issued by the Commission advises consumers to stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. They could return the recalled jewellry to the store where purchased for a replacement or contact the importer Rhode Island Novelty.



    Although no injuries have been reported yet, lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.


    The recalled necklaces are multi-colored metal pendants
    that hang from a black cord. The pendants are in the shape of the head of one of three Powerpuff Girls cartoon characters, adds the release

  • Nickelodeon to launch series ‘Mighty B’; ‘SpongeBob’ to return

    Nickelodeon to launch series ‘Mighty B’; ‘SpongeBob’ to return

    MUMBAI: Nickelodeon US has signed on a new animated series titled Mighty B, for which Saturday Night Live’s Amy Poehler will lend her voice and be involved in its production.

    Roped in for 20 episodes Mighty B will premiere in 2008. “Bessie represents the ever-optimistic spaz, who believes she can grow up to be a rock star, actress, politician and brain surgeon all at the same time,” said Poehler. “And as a person who knows absolutely nothing about animation, I am thrilled to be in such great hands over at Nickelodeon. I can’t wait to find out how they make those cool little people move around.”

    The channel has also given the go ahead for the sixth season of SpongeBob SquarePants, for which 13 episodes will be produced. This will thrust the show beyond its 100th episode.

    Strengthening the programming for the next year, Nickelodeon has also ordered for new episodes of El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera and Tak and the Power of Juju, which are slated to premiere in March and September 2007 respectively, states an official release.

    On making the announcements Nickelodeon Television executive vice president and general manager Tom Ascheim said, “It comes from the incredible comedic minds of Amy Poehler, Cynthia True and Erik Wiese, and is a fresh, creator-driven series about a hilarious character Amy created that we think kids are going to really love and connect with. And we are equally thrilled to be making another season of SpongeBob SquarePants — a series we hope to never stop making — as well as adding additional episodes of our upcoming series El Tigre and Tak.”

    Mighty B, SpongeBob SquarePants, El Tigre and Tak and the Power of Juju are Nicktoons Productions and are produced at the Nicktoons Studios.

  • Toonz Animation inks MoU with Kinfra to acquire 6 acres













    MUMBAI: Animation studio, Toonz Animation India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kinfra to acquire 6 acres of land.


    The MoU was signed between, Toonz Animation CEO P. Jayakumar and Kinfra managing director A.S. Suresh Babu, at a function organised in connection with the Ficci seminar on animation, gaming and visual effects.



    The Kinfra Film and Video Park, which expands to 75 acres, will accommodate the animation and gaming SEZ, which will spread out to 25 acres, informs an official release.


    Minister of Industries, Elamaram Kareem, who was present at the venue, remarked that the best motivation for potential investors is to witness success stories. “Let me take one such case – Toonz Animation India is an achievement that Kerala is proud to showcase. It is indeed surprising that one of India‘s leading animation studios is based out of the south-western corner of the country and not in any of the big metro cities”, he added.


    While signing the MoU, Jayakumar expressed his excitement at moving into the company‘s own campus at Kinfra said that they would completely relocate themselves with in a year. “We are indeed happy at the prospect of expanding ourselves and moving into a new campus. The new campus would house both the Animation studio and the Academy Division of Toonz. The added attraction would be the new Gaming division of the company which is slated to hit the scene soon.”


    Ficci Kerala State Council chairman and The Muthoot Group chairman MG George Muthoot and Ficci adviser Krishnan Kalra were also present at the occasion

  • Pogo Amazing Kids Awards crowns little achievers; to air on Pogo & Cartoon Network on 17 Dec













    MUMBAI: The third edition Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2006 (PAKA) kicked off in Mumbai on 10 December crowning the winners with a trophy, citation and a child benefit policy worth Rs 5, 00, 000. The Pogo Kids Awards category recognises the extraordinary achievements of Indian kids across eight categories including Artist, Dancer, Entertainer, Musician, Leader, Sports, Genius and Singer.


    The awards ceremony will be simulcast on Pogo and Cartoon Network on 17 December at 7:30 pm.


    The final eight winners from the 24 finalists were decided upon based on votes received from kids across India. The twenty four finalists had been selected through detailed assessment by an executive jury comprising Kiran Bedi (for Leader), Shakuntala Devi (for Genuis), Shantanu Moitra (for Musician), Bose Krishnamachari (for Artist), Kunal Kohli (for Entertainer), Anita Ratnam (for Dancer), Charu Sharma (for Sports), Vasundhara Das (for Singer) and Derek O‘ Brien who judged all the categories with the panel.



    The gala affair included performances by Bollywood super star Preity Zinta and Shaimak Davar‘s Junior Dance Company, as well as the talented finalists from this year‘s Awards.


    Speaking on the occasion, Turner Entertainment Networks Asia, Inc (TENA) senior vice president and general manager Ian Diamond said, “Being a channel especially created for Indian kids, it is only befitting that Pogo salutes young achievers of this great nation. With Pogo Amazing Kids Awards providing these gifted children a platform to showcase their talent, we do hope that in some way we can become catalysts in their future success. I am glad that this year the final winners of POGO Amazing Kids Awards were chosen by kids themselves and there can be no greater success than by being recognised as truly amazing by one‘s own counterparts.”



    The winners of Pogo Amazing Kids Awards include:
    Felicitated by Mona Singh, Pallavi Mazumdar from Kolkata won the Pogo Amazing Kid – Artist. Pallavi has won the National Balshree Award 2005 for Art. Her chef d‘oeuvre also includes – winning ‘Design a Stamp Contest‘ by Ministry of Communication and IT and a medal in the Asian Children Art Contest 2002.


    Rajkumari Sanathoi from Imphal, Manipur, who is the winner of National Balshree Award 2004, was declared Pogo Amazing Kid – Dancer and was presented the award by Pogo hosts Chinu, Niall and Rob.


    5 year-old Muskan Vijay from Gwalior was given the title- Pogo Amazing Kid – Entertainer by Anupam Kher. She has been under 11 Maharashtra Skating Champion and has also made a record by skating under 45 Tata Sumo cars.


    13 year-old Akrit Jaswal from Chandigarh was crowned Pogo Amazing Kid – Genius by Ian Diamond. This young genius completed his primary education (class 10) at the age of 7. His achievements includes – conducting an independent surgery of post burn contracture of a burnt hand at 7, winning National Child Award for exceptional Achievement in the field of Medical Research in 2004. This little whiz kid is presently studying in his Second year, B Sc at Punjab University!!


    Shravya M from Hyderabad received the Pogo Amazing Kid – Leader Award from Priya Dutt. Shravya is an active environmentalist bringing awareness about conservation of the environment.


    K Sathyanarayanan from Chennai, was awarded Pogo Amazing Kid – Musician by Sivamani. This little Mozart has excelled Keyboard playing and completed grade eight from Trinity College of Music at the age of 10. Touring the world with 280 concerts, he has also released several albums and received various awards.


    Aaron D‘souza from Bangalore has not only won seven international awards in swimming but has also created seven national records. He received Pogo Amazing Kid – Sports Award by Manav Gohil.


    While Vignesh Chandrashakhar from Chennai was selected by A R Rahman to sing “Yeh Tara Who Tara” in Swades. He was given the title – Pogo Amazing Kid – Singer by acclaimed singer Babul Supriyo.

    In addition, Sudev N M from Chennai was chosen as the lucky winner of the Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2006 Vote and Win contest‘ and was the winner of an exclusive, Dilip Chhabria custom designed car.


    Ecouraging Indian kids to voice their choice, the Pogo Voice Awards yet again enabled children across India to choose their favourite celebrity icons amongst nominees in various award categories.


    The winners of Pogo Voice Awards this year are Hrithik Roshan (Most Amazing Actor – Male, for Krrish), Priyanka Chopra (Most Amazing Actor – Female, for Krrish), Krrish (Most Amazing Film), Special Effects in Krrish (Most Amazing Moment in a film), Masti Ki Pathshala (Most Amazing Song, from Rang De Basanti), Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ (Most Amazing Foreign Movie), Paresh Rawal (Most Amazing Comedian, for Phir Hera Pheri), and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Most Amazing Sports Hero, Cricket). Five lucky kids chosen out of 1, 23,000 votes won the fabulous opportunity of attending the in-studio grand finale of the Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2006.


    POGO Amazing Kids Awards this year boasts of an all new format with a nineteen episode series and for the first time, included audience interactivity nationwide. the show was hosted anchor/VJ Mini Mathur along with POGO anchors, Niall, Chinu and Rob. Derek O‘Brien & Associates Pvt. Ltd, headed by quiz master Derek O‘Brien who managed the entire selection and search process for Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2006.


    The sponsors for Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2006 were Horlicks and Parle G (Presenting Sponsors), Kissan, Big Babol, Reynolds, Gini & Jony, Nestle Munch (Associate Sponsors) and Zee News, FUN Cinemas, Bright Advertising Agency (Media Partners).

  • Pogo Amazing Kids Awards crowns little achievers; to air on Pogo & Cartoon Network on 17 Dec

    Pogo Amazing Kids Awards crowns little achievers; to air on Pogo & Cartoon Network on 17 Dec

    MUMBAI: The third edition Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2006 (PAKA) kicked off in Mumbai on 10 December crowning the winners with a trophy, citation and a child benefit policy worth Rs 5, 00, 000. The Pogo Kids Awards category recognises the extraordinary achievements of Indian kids across eight categories including Artist, Dancer, Entertainer, Musician, Leader, Sports, Genius and Singer.

    The awards ceremony will be simulcast on Pogo and Cartoon Network on 17 December at 7:30 pm.
    The final eight winners from the 24 finalists were decided upon based on votes received from kids across India. The twenty four finalists had been selected through detailed assessment by an executive jury comprising Kiran Bedi (for Leader), Shakuntala Devi (for Genuis), Shantanu Moitra (for Musician), Bose Krishnamachari (for Artist), Kunal Kohli (for Entertainer), Anita Ratnam (for Dancer), Charu Sharma (for Sports), Vasundhara Das (for Singer) and Derek O’ Brien who judged all the categories with the panel.

    The gala affair included performances by Bollywood super star Preity Zinta and Shaimak Davar’s Junior Dance Company, as well as the talented finalists from this year’s Awards.

    Speaking on the occasion, Turner Entertainment Networks Asia, Inc (TENA) senior vice president and general manager Ian Diamond said, “Being a channel especially created for Indian kids, it is only befitting that Pogo salutes young achievers of this great nation. With Pogo Amazing Kids Awards providing these gifted children a platform to showcase their talent, we do hope that in some way we can become catalysts in their future success. I am glad that this year the final winners of POGO Amazing Kids Awards were chosen by kids themselves and there can be no greater success than by being recognised as truly amazing by one’s own counterparts.”

    The winners of Pogo Amazing Kids Awards include:
    Felicitated by Mona Singh, Pallavi Mazumdar from Kolkata won the Pogo Amazing Kid – Artist. Pallavi has won the National Balshree Award 2005 for Art. Her chef d’oeuvre also includes – winning ‘Design a Stamp Contest’ by Ministry of Communication and IT and a medal in the Asian Children Art Contest 2002.

    Rajkumari Sanathoi from Imphal, Manipur, who is the winner of National Balshree Award 2004, was declared Pogo Amazing Kid – Dancer and was presented the award by Pogo hosts Chinu, Niall and Rob.

    5 year-old Muskan Vijay from Gwalior was given the title- Pogo Amazing Kid – Entertainer by Anupam Kher. She has been under 11 Maharashtra Skating Champion and has also made a record by skating under 45 Tata Sumo cars.

    13 year-old Akrit Jaswal from Chandigarh was crowned Pogo Amazing Kid – Genius by Ian Diamond. This young genius completed his primary education (class 10) at the age of 7. His achievements includes – conducting an independent surgery of post burn contracture of a burnt hand at 7, winning National Child Award for exceptional Achievement in the field of Medical Research in 2004. This little whiz kid is presently studying in his Second year, B Sc at Punjab University!!

    Shravya M from Hyderabad received the Pogo Amazing Kid – Leader Award from Priya Dutt. Shravya is an active environmentalist bringing awareness about conservation of the environment.

    K Sathyanarayanan from Chennai, was awarded Pogo Amazing Kid – Musician by Sivamani. This little Mozart has excelled Keyboard playing and completed grade eight from Trinity College of Music at the age of 10. Touring the world with 280 concerts, he has also released several albums and received various awards.

    Aaron D’souza from Bangalore has not only won seven international awards in swimming but has also created seven national records. He received Pogo Amazing Kid – Sports Award by Manav Gohil.

    While Vignesh Chandrashakhar from Chennai was selected by A R Rahman to sing “Yeh Tara Who Tara” in Swades. He was given the title – Pogo Amazing Kid – Singer by acclaimed singer Babul Supriyo.

    In addition, Sudev N M from Chennai was chosen as the lucky winner of the Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2006 Vote and Win contest’ and was the winner of an exclusive, Dilip Chhabria custom designed car.

    Ecouraging Indian kids to voice their choice, the Pogo Voice Awards yet again enabled children across India to choose their favourite celebrity icons amongst nominees in various award categories.

    The winners of Pogo Voice Awards this year are Hrithik Roshan (Most Amazing Actor – Male, for Krrish), Priyanka Chopra (Most Amazing Actor – Female, for Krrish), Krrish (Most Amazing Film), Special Effects in Krrish (Most Amazing Moment in a film), Masti Ki Pathshala (Most Amazing Song, from Rang De Basanti), Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ (Most Amazing Foreign Movie), Paresh Rawal (Most Amazing Comedian, for Phir Hera Pheri), and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Most Amazing Sports Hero, Cricket). Five lucky kids chosen out of 1, 23,000 votes won the fabulous opportunity of attending the in-studio grand finale of the Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2006.

    POGO Amazing Kids Awards this year boasts of an all new format with a nineteen episode series and for the first time, included audience interactivity nationwide. the show was hosted anchor/VJ Mini Mathur along with POGO anchors, Niall, Chinu and Rob. Derek O’Brien & Associates Pvt. Ltd, headed by quiz master Derek O’Brien who managed the entire selection and search process for Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2006.

    The sponsors for Pogo Amazing Kids Awards 2006 were Horlicks and Parle G (Presenting Sponsors), Kissan, Big Babol, Reynolds, Gini & Jony, Nestle Munch (Associate Sponsors) and Zee News, FUN Cinemas, Bright Advertising Agency (Media Partners).

  • Nick unveils two animated shows ‘Go Diego, Go!’ & ‘Perman’

    Nick unveils two animated shows ‘Go Diego, Go!’ & ‘Perman’

    MUMBAI: In line with its plans to ramp up the programming Nick has launched two shows – Go Diego, Go! and Perman in India. While Go, Diego, Go! is an international show from the Nickelodeon library, Perman is a Japanese acquisition.

    Continuing its onslaught, the channel has introduced a spate of 13 new shows since the beginning of this year. Go, Diego, Go!, is a half-an-hour animated show for young kids, that will air at 10 am every Sunday while Perman, is aimed at the 4-14 year age-group and will air at 7 pm from Monday to Friday.

    Talking about the shows Nick vice president and general manager Nina Jaipuria said, “The launch of these new shows in line with our programming strategy of not only bringing the shows that are ‘entertaining’ but also ‘safe-for-kids-viewing’. Over the last 1 year, Nick has become the preferred destination for kids looking for ‘masti’ and ‘comedy’ and I am sure that both Perman as well as Go, Diego, Go! will further strengthen this association.”

    Go, Diego, Go! is a half-hour animated show, starring Diego Marquez, Dora the Explorer’s cousin. Diego is an 8-year-old animal rescuer who loves nature and has the ability to talk to animals. An entertaining play-n-learn show, Go, Diego, Go helps kids understand and appreciate animal life in habitats other than their own. So, as Diego goes about locating and rescuing animals, he keeps talking about them – their names, physical attributes as well as their habitats, thus informing kids about animals and their unique life in a manner that makes this an exciting learning experience. Every animal on ‘Go, Diego, Go!’ is researched and its traits authenticated by a renowned science education consultant.

    Perman, a classic animation series, is also a half-hour show created by the Japanese duo Fujiko Fujio (also responsible for Nick’s programme Ninja Hattori). It tells the story of a gang of kids – two boys, a girl and monkey who are elected by a mysterious masked man (named Super Perman) to be the protectors of their city. The main protagonist is Mitsuo who is the leader of this gang. All the members of the group own a special ‘Perman Kit’ comprising a helmet with ear-caps giving them super strength, a magical cape that allows them to fly, an emblem button with a ‘P’ that they use as a communicator and their own robots that have the special ability to transform themselves into exact replicas of the kids at the press of a button. This classic animation show, a super hit in Japan, promises loads of masti and fun.

  • Nick unveils two animated shows ‘Go Diego, Go!’ & ‘Perman’













    MUMBAI: In line with its plans to ramp up the programming Nick has launched two shows – Go Diego, Go! and Perman in India. While Go, Diego, Go! is an international show from the Nickelodeon library, Perman is a Japanese acquisition.

    Continuing its onslaught, the channel has introduced a spate of 13 new shows since the beginning of this year. Go, Diego, Go!, is a half-an-hour animated show for young kids, that will air at 10 am every Sunday while Perman, is aimed at the 4-14 year age-group and will air at 7 pm from Monday to Friday.



    Talking about the shows Nick vice president and general manager Nina Jaipuria said, “The launch of these new shows in line with our programming strategy of not only bringing the shows that are ‘entertaining‘ but also ‘safe-for-kids-viewing‘. Over the last 1 year, Nick has become the preferred destination for kids looking for ‘masti‘ and ‘comedy‘ and I am sure that both Perman as well as Go, Diego, Go! will further strengthen this association.”

    Go, Diego, Go! is a half-hour animated show, starring Diego Marquez, Dora the Explorer‘s cousin. Diego is an 8-year-old animal rescuer who loves nature and has the ability to talk to animals. An entertaining play-n-learn show, Go, Diego, Go helps kids understand and appreciate animal life in habitats other than their own. So, as Diego goes about locating and rescuing animals, he keeps talking about them – their names, physical attributes as well as their habitats, thus informing kids about animals and their unique life in a manner that makes this an exciting learning experience. Every animal on ‘Go, Diego, Go!‘ is researched and its traits authenticated by a renowned science education consultant.

    Perman, a classic animation series, is also a half-hour show created by the Japanese duo Fujiko Fujio (also responsible for Nick‘s programme Ninja Hattori). It tells the story of a gang of kids – two boys, a girl and monkey who are elected by a mysterious masked man (named Super Perman) to be the protectors of their city. The main protagonist is Mitsuo who is the leader of this gang. All the members of the group own a special ‘Perman Kit‘ comprising a helmet with ear-caps giving them super strength, a magical cape that allows them to fly, an emblem button with a ‘P‘ that they use as a communicator and their own robots that have the special ability to transform themselves into exact replicas of the kids at the press of a button. This classic animation show, a super hit in Japan, promises loads of masti and fun.