ITV

Category: Kids

  • Nickelodeon fights competition in kid‘s space

    MUMBAI: Close on the heels of the announcement of a new head, Nickelodeon now boasts of entering the ratings game as the second longest watched channel amongst kids over the last three weeks (Week 40 to Week 42, daypart 07:00 – 22:00, 4-14 ABC, HSM1L+ markets).


    The latest Tam data suggests that specific to this week (ie.Week 42, 15 – 21 October) Nick has squeezed itself into the second spot with timespent/viewer (TS/V) as being 162.05 minutes. However, the timespent/universe (TS/U), tells a different story as Nick slips to the fifth position with 22.2 minutes.


    Hungama TV heads the pack, while the Disney Channel has overtaken the two players from the Turner stable, Cartoon Network and Pogo.



    What‘s interesting, is that for same period (Week 42) Nick has held 0.41 TVRs outrunning the Southern leader Toon Disney (0.30 TVRs) and is not trailing too far behind Pogo which has clocked 0.46 TVRs.


    Nick appears to be heading for happier times as it also claims the leadership position among all kids‘ channels in the younger kids category as time spent is pegged at 228 minutes (Week 42, daypart 07:00 – 22:00, 4-9 ABC, HSM1L+ markets). This category has seen a growth in GRPs of 83 per cent (From 84 in Week 39 to 154 in Week 42).


    Additionally, over the past four weeks (Week 39 to Week 42) the time spent per individual on Nick has risen 74 per cent, while GRPs have risen 62 per cent to 86 (from 53 in Week 39 to 86 in Week 42), the channel claims.


    Putting up a firm fight, the key properties that seem to be propelling this growth include Ninja Hattori, The Munnabhai Show and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron.

  • Nicktoons forays into Sci-fi with ‘Skyland’

    MUMBAI: Nicktoons Network, Nickelodeon‘s 24-hour animation network, delves into the sci-fi realm for the first time with Skyland, an animated adventure series that will premiere Saturday 18 November at 9 pm.


    The series employs the latest in animation technology by using motion capture, CGI, 2D and key frame animation to create cutting-edge television.


    The premiere of Skyland will kick off with the hour-long special (that sneak-peeked globally in January) followed by an all-new, half-hour episode at 10 pm during the 3 Headed Monster programming block. Season one, which consists of 13 episodes, will air Saturdays at 9 pm on Nicktoons Network.


    “Nicktoons Network continues to be the hub for animation fans to tune in and find unique, diverse and technically advanced shows like Skyland,” said, Nicktoons Network vice president and general manager Keith Dawkins. “In addition to its rich visual style and stunning imagery, Skyland is an epic, sci-fi action adventure of good verses evil — universal story lines kids have loved for ages,” he added.



    Skyland, produced by Method Films and created by Emmanuel Gorin, Alexandre de la Patelliere and Matthieu Delaporte, follows a heroic brother, Mahad and his telekinetic younger sister, Lena, as they search for their parents in a new world order. The year is 2251 and the earth has been shattered into millions of blocks that now drift aimlessly in orbit around the Earth‘s core known as Skyland.


    The Sphere, led by a power-mad ruler with telekinetic powers named Oslo, has installed a dictatorship that controls water distribution, now a precious resource. Skyland‘s young heroes along with the pirate resistance, try to free their mother from Oslo‘s evil grasp and destroy the dreaded Sphere.


    The hour-long special, Dawn of A New Day, introduces Mahad and Lena as they are faced with their biggest challenge yet when their mother is forced to sacrifice herself and be captured by the evil Sphere in order for her children to run to freedom.


    In the premiere episode Manipulations, the sibling duo fights against the enemy when a solar phenomenon has unusual effects on Seijin powers. This allows a sect of the Sphere to take control of Dahlia, a strong member of the pirates, in effort to learn the coordinates of the pirate hideout.


    Nicktoons Network offers a 24- hour schedule featuring programming such as the Nicktoons Network Animation Festival, Kappa Mikey, Thumb Wrestling Federation, Corneil and Bernie and Martin Mystery, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Jimmy Neutron.

  • Mattel unveils ‘Batman’ action figures, vehicles & gadgets

    MUMBAI: Mattel has launched an exclusive range of action figures, vehicles and gadgets based on the Warner television series: The Batman.


    The new Batman collection promises to unleash a whole new wave of excitement amongst the fans of the Caped Crusader. From an assortment of action figures to the 10″ jumbo-sized action figures and the versatile 3-in-1 Batjet Vehicle, it consists of the complete range of toys and accessories all kids and collectors.


    Of course, no Batman Toy range would be complete without the Batmobile. This all new highly detailed Batmobile comes with lights and sounds, fires projectiles and is the perfect vehicle for the Gotham Guardian, informs an official release.


    Commenting on the launch Mattel Toys (I) Pvt. Ltd managing director Sanjay Luthra said, “Batman has been imbedded in the psyche of boys for generations. He is the original self-made superhero, and it is that essential humanity that kids can relate to. The linkage between entertainment properties and toys are increasingly becoming stronger and Mattel‘s objective is to stay ahead of the race by launching an array of products which are faithful representatives of all aspects of the property. We aim to bring the imaginative and action-filled world of The Batman alive for all fans across the country.”


    The Batman range from Mattel Toys will be available across all leading shopping malls, toys and departmental stores across the country and will be priced between Rs. 299 to Rs. 1499.

  • Disney’s ‘My School Rocks’ gears up for National roll out in November

    MUMBAI: Following the global success and drawing inspiration from Disney Channel‘s original movie High School Musical, Disney in India is set to introduce a country wide interschool group-dance competition ‘My School Rocks.‘


    Walt Disney Television International (India) executive director – programming and production Nachiket Pantvaidya said, “Disney Channel programming reflects real kids‘ lives, their aspirations and dreams. ‘My School Rocks‘ is all about encouraging kids to express themselves while learning the value of teamwork. As in the movie High School Musical, this contest is about believing in yourself and following your dreams.”


     


     



    The last date for schools to register with the Disney Channel is 10 November. Participating schools will choreograph a dance sequence on the High School Musical hit song ‘Ho ek hi aim‘ and appear for auditions at select locations in cities across India. Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan would then shortlist five finalists from the entries received. Disney Channel will air vignettes of these five performances in December and the final winner will be decided based on audience polls by Disney Channel viewers and Saroj Khan‘s evaluation of the teams, informs an official release.


    The winning group will star in a special music video, which will be choreographed by the Khan that will premiere on Disney Channel on 25 December 2006.


    Nachiket added, “High School Musical has created rating highs across the globe. Its popularity among Indian audiences symbolizes the popularity of Disney Channel‘s contemporary and universally relevant content. ‘My School Rocks‘ contest is an effort, in the context of the movie, to provide Disney Channel viewers delightful moments to be enjoyed with the peer group and the entire family.”


    Audition dates across select cities in India include:
    – Amritsar: 9 November
    – Kolkata and Delhi: 15 and 16 November
    – Mumbai: 16 and 17 November
    – Ahmedabad: 17 November


    Khan and Nachiket today visited the Father Agnel School, Gautam Nagar, New Delhi to congratulate the school on being the first to register in this all-India event.


    Saroj Khan said, “Being associated with kids through a Disney Channel event is definitely a very different experience. I am extremely excited about this dance contest and am looking forward to meeting and dancing with a lot of kids! The uniqueness of the event is in its philosophy of self-expression and that‘s a beautiful thing to teach our kids today.”


    The foot tapping music of High School Musical was rendered in Hindi by industry stalwarts Sunidhi Chauhan, Naresh Kamath, Shweta Pandit, Neuman Pinto, and directed by John Stewart, programmed by DJ G and John Stewart. The on-ground events include the ‘My School Rocks‘ school contact program across 650 schools in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Amritsar where principals and art teachers are being briefed about the contest. They are being presented with the ‘My School Rocks‘ kit complete with the VCD, lyric sheets, dance moves etc.


    My School Rocks is being presented by Cadbury Bournvita in association with Reynolds Pens, Nippo Batteries, Candyman Cofitino, Peppy and Pizza Corner.

  • Cartoon Network & Pogo toons shake a leg with kids

    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network and Pogo hosted a ‘Fun Day Out‘ for Mumbai kids giving them an opportunity to meet their favourite toon stars including Johnny Bravo, Noddy, Dexter, Dee Dee, Popeye and Scooby Doo on 29 October 2006.


    Aimed at engaging viewers in activities beyond the scope of television the ‘Cartoon Network and Pogo Fun Day Out‘ had the adorable cartoon characters render a local flavour to the event as they danced to popular chartbusters, urging the kids to also join in with them.


     


     


    In addition to catering to the kids, games were also organised for the entire family. On-stage games such as ‘Dance Like Noddy‘ and ‘Pogo Trivia‘, tested the skills and knowledge of not only the children, but also the elders. Special Cartoon Network and Pogo games were also organised beyond the stage including puzzles like ‘Back Where They Belong‘, ‘Knock Down The Villian‘, ‘Play Smarter‘ and ‘Tiny TV Play Area,‘ informs an official release.


    Kids also got a chance to show off their beyblading skills with ‘Beyblade‘ games. While other games like the ‘M.A.D (Music, Art and Dance) Fan Club‘ allowed kids to scribble and draw their messages on a large canvas.


    The gala day came to an end with 20 lucky kids hogging the opportunity to shake hands with Bob the Builder, Scooby and Noddy while the winners of the various games pocketed Cartoon Network and Pogo goodies as prizes

  • Cartoon Network & Pogo toons shake a leg with kids

    Cartoon Network & Pogo toons shake a leg with kids

    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network and Pogo hosted a ‘Fun Day Out’ for Mumbai kids giving them an opportunity to meet their favourite toon stars including Johnny Bravo, Noddy, Dexter, Dee Dee, Popeye and Scooby Doo on 29 October 2006.

    Aimed at engaging viewers in activities beyond the scope of television the ‘Cartoon Network and Pogo Fun Day Out’ had the adorable cartoon characters render a local flavour to the event as they danced to popular chartbusters, urging the kids to also join in with them.

    In addition to catering to the kids, games were also organised for the entire family. On-stage games such as ‘Dance Like Noddy’ and ‘Pogo Trivia’, tested the skills and knowledge of not only the children, but also the elders. Special Cartoon Network and Pogo games were also organised beyond the stage including puzzles like ‘Back Where They Belong’, ‘Knock Down The Villian’, ‘Play Smarter’ and ‘Tiny TV Play Area,’ informs an official release.

    Kids also got a chance to show off their beyblading skills with ‘Beyblade’ games. While other games like the ‘M.A.D (Music, Art and Dance) Fan Club’ allowed kids to scribble and draw their messages on a large canvas.

    The gala day came to an end with 20 lucky kids hogging the opportunity to shake hands with Bob the Builder, Scooby and Noddy while the winners of the various games pocketed Cartoon Network and Pogo goodies as prizes.

  • Mattel unveils ‘Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses’ dolls, playsets & consumer products

    MUMBAI: One month after Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses premiered on Cartoon Network, the movie now comes alive as Mattel Toys India (Pvt.) Ltd has launched the entire of Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses dolls, playsets and other consumer products.


    The movie portrays Barbie and her sisters love for dance, team spirit, togetherness and art. The new range of Barbie dolls from Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses, are designed to be interactive dance partners, allowing girls to bring alive Ballet movements.


    The toy line-up comprises of ‘Barbie as Princess Genevieve Theme Doll‘ whose skirt can spin and lights up. Barbie‘s sister ‘Kelly as the Dancing triplets‘, can spin when charged and the ‘Let‘s Dance Barbie as Princess Genevieve‘ doll, allows girls to dance with Barbie doll in three different ways, informs an official release.



    Speaking on the launch of ‘Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princess‘ dolls and playsets, Mattel Toys India managing director Sanjay Luthra said, “This holiday, we‘re excited to launch a toy line that drives back to the movie‘s cornerstone themes – princess and dance – delivering an inspiring and imaginative play experience that only Barbie can provide to girls.”


    ‘Barbie in The 12 Dancing Princesses Let‘s Dance!‘ doll is inspired by Barbie as Princess Genevieve. In addition there are two interactive wrist bands and one shoe clip which can be used to show Barbie doll new dance moves. The doll‘s arms are controlled by Infra Red and the leg is controlled by Radio Frequency technology. The Barbie doll wears a beautiful gown and comes with a removable base. It is priced at Rs. 3999.


    The combination of ‘Barbie as the Princess Genevieve‘ doll and ‘Kelly doll‘ – Special Giftsets for this holiday season will be priced at Rs.1499. While Barbie as Princess Genevieve Doll is also available separately for Rs.999 and the Triplet Kelly Dolls Assortment available separately for Rs.599.


    Other features that are part of the new range include ‘Dancing Twin Sisters Dolls‘, ‘Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses Magical Dance Castle‘, an ‘Expandable Horse and Carriage‘, the ‘Older Sisters Doll Assortment‘ and ‘Barbie in The 12 Dancing Princesses Princess Vanity‘.


    What‘s more, to celebrate this range and promote dance as a form of art for young girls, Mattel Toys India has tied-up with dancing school SDIPA – Shiamak Davar‘s Institute of Performing Arts, to teach, groom and polish the dancing skills of 36 young lucky fans, across all India winners of the “Barbie Flights of Fantasy contest” being run at Shoppers‘ Stop key outlets and Toy stores in all metros. Along with the opportunity to learn dance, two lucky winners will also win an exotic Malaysian holiday package from Quantum Travels.

  • Nick, CBBC competing for channel of the year at the Bafta Awards

    MUMBAI: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) has announced the nominees for the British Academy Children‘s Film and Television Awards. The show takes place on 26 November, 2006.


    CBBC, CBeebies, Nickelodeon UK and Nick JR UK are competing for the channel of the year trophy. For film of the year the nominees are The Choronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, Pirates Of The Carribean: Dead Man‘s Chest and Wallace And Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit.


    For best entertainment show the nominees are The Basil Brush Show, Raven, Top Of The Pops Reloaded and Tricky TV – Vanessa


    In addition children below the age of 16 can vote for their favourite film. The nominees include Cars,
    Chicken Little and The Chronicles Of Narnia

  • Dreamworks, Nick announce tie-up to bring big screen properties to TV


    MUMBAI: US kids brand Nickelodeon, is working with DeamWorks Animation to make television shows based on the films Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda.


    Media reports state that the Madagascar show will chronicle the adventures of its penguin characters — Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private.


    Nick will handle the day-to-day development of the series, but plans to outsource the actual CG production. DreamWorks‘s Jeffrey Katzenberg was quoted in Variety saying that these two projects are likely just the first of what will be future partnerships between Nickelodeon and Dreamworks, which have been in the works since DreamWorks was acquired by Paramount last December


     

  • Classic TV show ‘Fraggle Rock’ to make the transition to the big screen

    MUMBAI: The Jim Henson Company now confirms what millions of internet fans have speculated.


    The company is developing a film about the Fraggles, stars of the 1980‘s television show Fraggle Rock. In India the show used to air on Doordarshan.



    The untitled film will for the first time take Gobo, Wembley, Mokey, Boober and Red on an adventure outside of Fraggle Rock where they will interact with the strange beings in “outer space” (also known as humans). The treatment is being written by author Ahmet Zappa who will also executive produce the project with Brian Henson and Jason Lust. Jim Henson Company co-CEO Lisa Henson will produce.


    Henson said, “Fraggle Rock has remained a favorite project at our Company and has certainly continued to be loved by its many devoted fans. So we are thrilled to begin work on this project. With its message of celebrating diversity and its ambitious goal of promoting world peace, now is the perfect time to embark on a new Fraggle adventure.”


    Zappa says, “I‘m very excited to be working with The Jim Henson Company on this project. So much of my childhood was spent watching Fraggle Rock. I never missed an episode. I am also really looking forward to using music to tell the story; it played such a central role in the original series and truly helped create the Fraggle Rock that we know and love today.”


    Fraggle Rock premiered on HBO in 1983 and over five seasons garnered multiple awards and a global fan following. The show was created by Jim Henson as an international co-production and was adapted for each territory to meet the needs of its audience. By showing cooperation and conflict resolution among the different inhabitants of the Rock (the Fraggles, the Doozers and the Gorgs), the show taught the concepts of mutual respect and peace.


    Recently, devoted fans petitioned online for a DVD release of the series. The season one box set exceeded expectations and its incredibly strong consumer response led to the successful season two release.