Category: Kids

  • ‘Galli Galli Sim Sim’ comes to DD & Pogo; Literacy Yatra culminates in Mumbai













    MUMBAI: On the eve of World Literacy Day Turner‘s newest edition Galli Galli Sim Sim is all set to expand its outreach by launching the series on Doordarshan on 9 September during the Cartoon Network Duniya block on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. The pre-school television series will also air on Pogo at 8 am, with a repeat telecast at 4 pm, Monday to Friday, starting World Literacy Day- 8 September 2006.


    With the aim to make learning fun, Galli Galli Sim Sim promtes the philosophy “Seekhne ka Mastana Andaaz.” In connection with this and prior its launch on DD, the series has paved the way to create a nationwide awareness with the Galli Galli Sim Sim Literacy Yatra that kicked off on 15 August 2006. This initiative was strategically undertaken to spread its viewership before its entry into DD, thus attempting to access the most remote areas of the country.




    Galli Galli Sim Sim Literacy Yatra,
    is an educational initiative by Turner International India Pvt. Ltd (TIIPL) and Sesame Workshop, which was flagged off from New Delhi and culminated its journey in Mumbai today. Encompassing four states across the country including New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharastra, the Yatra is said to have travelled over 5000 kms attempting to reach out to as many children, empowering them with the educational objectives of the series.


    The Literacy Yatra arrived in Mumbai at the Guru Nanak Higher Secondary School, along with the adorable muppets Chamki and Googly from Galli Galli Sim Sim and actor Rahul Bose was given a cheerful welcome by the kids.



    TIIPL VP advertising and sales networks, India and South Asia Monica Tata said, “The uniqueness of Galli Galli Sim Sim lies in its 360-degree approach of combining the power of television and on-ground initiatives to spread education to children, aged two to eight in India. Galli Galli Sim Sim Literacy Yatra was our first on ground initiative to deliver the unique content of the television series to children who may not have access to television.


    “We are happy to announce that this Literacy Yatra was a success as we received a great response across different sections of society – from children as well as caregivers. We have already reached out to thousands of children through community screenings and with the launch of Galli Galli Sim Sim on Pogo and Doordarshan, we further hope to reach out to more and more children across the country.”


    With DD and Pogo being added to the roster, the show will continue to air on Cartoon Network at 1 pm. In addition, kids will also be able to catch Galli Galli Sim Sim on Saturday evenings in a segment called Sim Sim Shanivar from 4 pm to 6 pm starting 16 September on Pogo.


    Galli Galli Sim Sim set in an “Indian Galli” represents the reality of daily life for the widest possible range of Indian children and families. The series is targeted towards children between the age group of two to eight years, transcends socio-economic barriers and will feature animated segments and live-action films, with music, stories, and art drawn from various elements of Indian culture and regions of the country.


    Primarily to cater to Indian families and kids, the adorable residents, the Indian Muppets – Googly, Chamki, Aanchoo and Boombah, have been specially created with Indian characteristics and elements, along interesting and a well thought out human cast. In the first season, the series comprising 65 episodes of 30 minutes each will be aired in Hindi, with usage of some English words.


    Galli Galli Sim Sim is the Indian adaptation of the popular American series, Sesame Street. The series will help in developing social, emotional and cognitive skills in children, and become the catalyst to encourage children to pursue educational goals. It was born over 37 years ago as a new way to utilize the power of television to not only entertain, but to educate young children as well.


    Today, Sesame Street is the longest street in the world, reaching over 120 countries and serving as the largest informal educator. In India, Galli Galli Sim Sim will address topics such as early literacy, creative thinking and reasoning, family and community life, healthy habits and appreciating cultural plurality.

    Funding for the development phase of Galli Galli Sim Sim was provided through the generous support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Turner. Moving forward, the producers of the series will look to combine the strengths and resources of the public and private sectors for local development initiatives.


    Sesame Workshop is a nonprofit, educational organization making a meaningful difference in children‘s lives around the world. Founded in 1968, the Workshop changed television forever with the legendary Sesame Street. Today, the Workshop continues to innovate on behalf of children in 120 countries, using its proprietary research methodology to ensure its programs and products are engaging and enriching.


    Sesame Workshop is behind award-winning programs like Dragon Tales and Sagwa, The Chinese Siamese Cat and ground breaking multimedia productions in South Africa, Egypt and Russia. As a nonprofit organisation, Sesame Workshop puts the proceeds it receives from sales of Sesame Street, Dragon Tales and Sagwa products right back into its educational projects for children around the world.


  • Disney deal: UTV receives first tranche of Rs 692 mn


    In July this year, Disney had entered into an agreement to acquire 100 per cent of United Home Entertainment LTD (Hungama TV) at an enterprise valuation of $30.5 million and purchase equity stake of 14.9 per cent of expanded capital in UTV Software Communications LTD, at a consideration of $ 14 million. So, UTV would get a combined $ 44.5 million from the stake sale.


    In pursuance to the deal, UTV has now allotted 34, 00,000 equity shares of Rs 10 each at an issue price of Rs 192.50 per share to Disney. The approval for the same was granted by the members at their annual general meeting held on 24 August, 2006, as per an official release. Disney also announced the allotment of 19, 49,360 warrants to Ronnie Screwvala, founder and promoter of UTV.


    Also read:
    Walt Disney to buy out Hungama TV, take 15% stake in UTV

  • Disney deal: UTV receives first tranche of Rs 692 mn

    Disney deal: UTV receives first tranche of Rs 692 mn

    MUMBAI: UTV Software Communications has received Rs 692 million as the first tranche of payment from The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia) Pte Ltd. With this transaction, the strategic investment into UTV from The Walt Disney Company stands executed.

    In July this year, Disney had entered into an agreement to acquire 100 per cent of United Home Entertainment LTD (Hungama TV) at an enterprise valuation of $30.5 million and purchase equity stake of 14.9 per cent of expanded capital in UTV Software Communications LTD, at a consideration of $ 14 million. So, UTV would get a combined $ 44.5 million from the stake sale.

    In pursuance to the deal, UTV has now allotted 34, 00,000 equity shares of Rs 10 each at an issue price of Rs 192.50 per share to Disney. The approval for the same was granted by the members at their annual general meeting held on 24 August, 2006, as per an official release. Disney also announced the allotment of 19, 49,360 warrants to Ronnie Screwvala, founder and promoter of UTV.

  • Disney unveils character-themed digital cameras ‘Disney Pix’ in the US

    MUMBAI: Disney Consumer Products, the merchandising segment of The Walt Disney Company has launched a new line of Disney Pix digital cameras specifically designed for kids and tweens.

    Available in a variety of styles and character-themed designs for all ages, the new Disney Pix line features digital cameras, camcorders and peripherals that allow young users to shoot, edit, print and share their own digital photographs.

    “Today’s kids expect photography to be digital and see film as antique. They want to see their photos instantly, share them digitally, and modify them in all sorts of creative ways. The Disney Pix line was designed specifically to let this new generation use photos to unleash the power of their imaginations,” said Disney Consumer Products, Global Electronics vice president Chris Heatherly.

    The starting price for the range is $19.99. Disney’s imaging products also come with the Disney Pix software, designed to inspire a child’s creativity and imagination. This proprietary, interactive and easy-to-use editing software suite allows users to customise their photos with Disney characters, stamps, frames and more. A video editing version is also available for digital camcorder products, informs an official release.

    “Until now, digital cameras have been too complicated for kids and have generally been priced out of reach. The Disney Pix line delivers the functionality and creative play that kids are looking for in a variety of stylish designs at affordable price points that parents can say `yes’ to,” adds Heatherly.

    Designed by Disney in partnership with its manufacturer, Digital Blue, the Disney-themed designs include Disney Chrome, High School Musical, Pirates of the Caribbean, Cars, Little Mermaid, Disney Princess and Tinker Bell.

    The new Disney Pix line features eight products including:

    — Disney Pix Micro Digital Camera: An ultra-small camera (6.5″w x 10″h x 2.5″d) for easy, on-the-go pictures — perfect to hang from a backpack or handbag. Features CIF digital resolution, storage capacity of 24 photos, status LCD display, requires 1 AAA battery (not included) and comes with camera strap and Disney Pix software CD-ROM. (SRP $19.99)

    — Disney Pix Click Digital Camera: Loaded with many options, this camera features a 1″ color LCD screen, VGA digital resolution (640 x 480), stores up to 200 photos, a 2X digital zoom, built-in auto flash, TV output (NTSC/PAL compatible), requires 2 AA batteries (not included). The Disney Pix Click comes with a camera strap, Disney Pix(TM) software CD-ROM, USB cord and two interchangeable face plates with stylish character graphics. (SRP $49.99)

    — Disney Pix Max Digital Camera: Fully loaded with high performance options for optimum picture taking, features a three Mega Pixel digital resolution, a 1.5″ color LCD screen that allows users to view their photos enhanced with Disney images utilizing innovative digital custom photo frames available directly on the screen. Also includes a 4X digital zoom, expandable memory card slot, built-in auto flash, TV output (NTSC/PAL compatible), requires 2 AA batteries (not included). The Disney Pix Max comes with a camera strap, Disney Pix(TM) software CD-ROM and a USB cord. (SRP $79.99)

    — Disney Princess Digital Movie Maker: Girls can now star in their very own Disney Princess movie with this new digital camcorder featuring 32MB of built-in memory, 640 x 480 video resolution and a built-in microphone. With easy-to-use Disney Pix software included, girls can edit their own videos and add music, animation, sound effects, titles and credits. The Disney Princess Digital Movie Maker comes with a wrist strap, a docking station, Disney Pix software CD-ROM and a USB cord. (SRP $79.99)

    — Disney Keychain Digital Brag Book: The perfect way to share your photos on the go, this ultra-small digital photo album keychain features a 1.1″ LCD screen and stores up to 50 photos. The Disney Keychain Digital Brag Book comes with a USB cord and requires two AAA batteries (not included). (SRP $29.99)

    The Disney Pix line is available at retailers in the US including Target, Best Buy, Circuit City, Limited Too, Claire’s, Toys ‘R’ Us, KB Toys, Ritz Camera among others, adds the release.

  • ‘Galli Galli Sim Sim’ comes to DD & Pogo; Literacy Yatra culminates in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: On the eve of World Literacy Day Turner’s newest edition Galli Galli Sim Sim is all set to expand its outreach by launching the series on Doordarshan on 9 September during the Cartoon Network Duniya block on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. The pre-school television series will also air on Pogo at 8 am, with a repeat telecast at 4 pm, Monday to Friday, starting World Literacy Day- 8 September 2006.

    With the aim to make learning fun, Galli Galli Sim Sim promtes the philosophy “Seekhne ka Mastana Andaaz.” In connection with this and prior its launch on DD, the series has paved the way to create a nationwide awareness with the Galli Galli Sim Sim Literacy Yatra that kicked off on 15 August 2006. This initiative was strategically undertaken to spread its viewership before its entry into DD, thus attempting to access the most remote areas of the country.

    Galli Galli Sim Sim Literacy Yatra, is an educational initiative by Turner International India Pvt. Ltd (TIIPL) and Sesame Workshop, which was flagged off from New Delhi and culminated its journey in Mumbai today. Encompassing four states across the country including New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharastra, the Yatra is said to have travelled over 5000 kms attempting to reach out to as many children, empowering them with the educational objectives of the series.

    The Literacy Yatra arrived in Mumbai at the Guru Nanak Higher Secondary School, along with the adorable muppets Chamki and Googly from Galli Galli Sim Sim and actor Rahul Bose was given a cheerful welcome by the kids.

    TIIPL VP advertising and sales networks, India and South Asia Monica Tata said, “The uniqueness of Galli Galli Sim Sim lies in its 360-degree approach of combining the power of television and on-ground initiatives to spread education to children, aged two to eight in India. Galli Galli Sim Sim Literacy Yatra was our first on ground initiative to deliver the unique content of the television series to children who may not have access to television.

    “We are happy to announce that this Literacy Yatra was a success as we received a great response across different sections of society – from children as well as caregivers. We have already reached out to thousands of children through community screenings and with the launch of Galli Galli Sim Sim on Pogo and Doordarshan, we further hope to reach out to more and more children across the country.”

    With DD and Pogo being added to the roster, the show will continue to air on Cartoon Network at 1 pm. In addition, kids will also be able to catch Galli Galli Sim Sim on Saturday evenings in a segment called Sim Sim Shanivar from 4 pm to 6 pm starting 16 September on Pogo.

    Galli Galli Sim Sim set in an “Indian Galli” represents the reality of daily life for the widest possible range of Indian children and families. The series is targeted towards children between the age group of two to eight years, transcends socio-economic barriers and will feature animated segments and live-action films, with music, stories, and art drawn from various elements of Indian culture and regions of the country.

    Primarily to cater to Indian families and kids, the adorable residents, the Indian Muppets – Googly, Chamki, Aanchoo and Boombah, have been specially created with Indian characteristics and elements, along interesting and a well thought out human cast. In the first season, the series comprising 65 episodes of 30 minutes each will be aired in Hindi, with usage of some English words.

    Galli Galli Sim Sim is the Indian adaptation of the popular American series, Sesame Street. The series will help in developing social, emotional and cognitive skills in children, and become the catalyst to encourage children to pursue educational goals. It was born over 37 years ago as a new way to utilize the power of television to not only entertain, but to educate young children as well.

    Today, Sesame Street is the longest street in the world, reaching over 120 countries and serving as the largest informal educator. In India, Galli Galli Sim Sim will address topics such as early literacy, creative thinking and reasoning, family and community life, healthy habits and appreciating cultural plurality.

    Funding for the development phase of Galli Galli Sim Sim was provided through the generous support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Turner. Moving forward, the producers of the series will look to combine the strengths and resources of the public and private sectors for local development initiatives.

    Sesame Workshop is a nonprofit, educational organization making a meaningful difference in children’s lives around the world. Founded in 1968, the Workshop changed television forever with the legendary Sesame Street. Today, the Workshop continues to innovate on behalf of children in 120 countries, using its proprietary research methodology to ensure its programs and products are engaging and enriching.

    Sesame Workshop is behind award-winning programs like Dragon Tales and Sagwa, The Chinese Siamese Cat and ground breaking multimedia productions in South Africa, Egypt and Russia. As a nonprofit organisation, Sesame Workshop puts the proceeds it receives from sales of Sesame Street, Dragon Tales and Sagwa products right back into its educational projects for children around the world.

  • Sunfeast and Hungama TV join hands for ‘The Sunfeast Open Ball boy/Ball Girl Contest 2006’













    MUMBAI: Sunfeast and Hungama TV have announced ‘The Sunfeast Open Ball boy/Ball Girl Contest 2006‘. This contest will give children across the country a chance to be the ball boy/girl in a match played on center court during the Sunfeast Open tournament to kick off in Kolkata from 18 – 24 September 2006.


    To participate in the contest kids will have to answer a
    question that will be aired on Hungama TV till 15 September. It appears that the question will be related to India‘s top woman‘s tennis player. Correct responses will give five lucky winners a chance to participate as ball boys/ ball girls at the tournament.


    What‘s more, these five kids will also be featured on Ten Sports and Hungama TV, in addition to receiving special training for this role at the Jaidip Mukerjea Tennis Academy promoted by former India tennis ace and Tournament director for Sunfeast Open, Jaidip Mukerjea.


     



    Contestants can enter the contest by sending their answers either by SMS to 6767888 or email to sunfeastopen@itc.in.


    Besides providing the kids with an opportunity to rub shoulders with International Tennis Stars, it is also an attempt to promote the game in India.


    ITC Foods Ltd. divisional chief executive Ravi Naware said, “Sunfeast‘s association with sports was to foster love for the game and groom generation next for keener participation in sporting activities. It is our constant endeavor to connect with our audiences by providing constant interface between the tournament and the audiences in order to form a strong connect and create a sense of ownership for the tournament among viewers.”


    Further commenting on the association Hungama TV COO Zarina Mehta said, “Hungama TV always believes in empowering, engaging and entertaining kids through various touch points, both on-air and off-air. This unique initiative with Sunfeast is an opportunity to provide a wholesome experience of both our brands by giving our consumers an access to their role models and enabling them to get a step closer to their aspirations.


    Touted as South Asia‘s biggest sporting spectacle, the Sunfeast Open 2006 is Tier III WTA (Women Tennis Association) event with prize money of US$ 170,000. It will be played at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata from 18 to 24 September 2006. The tournament is being brought to Kolkata by Globosport, the sports management company owned by Mahesh Bhupathi, under the auspices of the Government of West Bengal.

  • ‘Barbie as Rapunzel’ to premiere on Cartoon Network on 10 Sept















    MUMBAI: As part of the month long ‘Barbie special‘, Cartoon Network will premiere the animated movie Barbie as Rapunzel on Sunday 10 September at 12 noon. In conjunction with the ‘Barbie‘ theme this is the second Barbie blockbuster being aired on the network during the month.


    The story revolves around the life of Rapunzel, who is believed to have the most beautiful radiant hair the world had ever seen. She lived as a servant of Gothel, a jealous scheming witch who kept her hidden deep in a forbidden forest, guarded by the enormous dragon Hugo and surrounded by an enchanted glass wall.



    However, in a twist of fate, Rapunzel‘s discovery of a magic paint brush leads her on a journey that will unravel a web of deception, bring peace to two feuding kingdoms and ultimately lead her to love with a handsome Price Stefan. She succeeds with the help of Penelope, the least intimidating dragon.


    An inspiring and magical tale, Barbie as Rapunzel touches every girl with the message that with courage and imagination, anything is possible. With Ken co-starring as Prince Stefan and with a host of endearing supporting characters, this exciting new Barbie adventure is also a story of romance and highlights the importance of friendship and loyalty.


    The movie has been produced using computer generated animation and features a song by Samantha Mumba and music by London Symphony Orchestra.

     

  • ‘Barbie as Rapunzel’ to premiere on Cartoon Network on 10 Sept

    ‘Barbie as Rapunzel’ to premiere on Cartoon Network on 10 Sept

    MUMBAI: As part of the month long ‘Barbie special’, Cartoon Network will premiere the animated movie Barbie as Rapunzel on Sunday 10 September at 12 noon. In conjunction with the ‘Barbie’ theme this is the second Barbie blockbuster being aired on the network during the month.

    The story revolves around the life of Rapunzel, who is believed to have the most beautiful radiant hair the world had ever seen. She lived as a servant of Gothel, a jealous scheming witch who kept her hidden deep in a forbidden forest, guarded by the enormous dragon Hugo and surrounded by an enchanted glass wall.

    However, in a twist of fate, Rapunzel’s discovery of a magic paint brush leads her on a journey that will unravel a web of deception, bring peace to two feuding kingdoms and ultimately lead her to love with a handsome Price Stefan. She succeeds with the help of Penelope, the least intimidating dragon.

    An inspiring and magical tale, Barbie as Rapunzel touches every girl with the message that with courage and imagination, anything is possible. With Ken co-starring as Prince Stefan and with a host of endearing supporting characters, this exciting new Barbie adventure is also a story of romance and highlights the importance of friendship and loyalty.

    The movie has been produced using computer generated animation and features a song by Samantha Mumba and music by London Symphony Orchestra.

  • ‘Barbie as Rapunzel’ to premiere on Cartoon Network on 10 Sept

    MUMBAI: As part of the month long ‘Barbie special’, Cartoon Network will premiere the animated movie Barbie as Rapunzel on Sunday 10 September at 12 noon. In conjunction with the ‘Barbie’ theme this is the second Barbie blockbuster being aired on the network during the month.

    The story revolves around the life of Rapunzel, who is believed to have the most beautiful radiant hair the world had ever seen. She lived as a servant of Gothel, a jealous scheming witch who kept her hidden deep in a forbidden forest, guarded by the enormous dragon Hugo and surrounded by an enchanted glass wall.

    However, in a twist of fate, Rapunzel’s discovery of a magic paint brush leads her on a journey that will unravel a web of deception, bring peace to two feuding kingdoms and ultimately lead her to love with a handsome Price Stefan. She succeeds with the help of Penelope, the least intimidating dragon.

    An inspiring and magical tale, Barbie as Rapunzel touches every girl with the message that with courage and imagination, anything is possible. With Ken co-starring as Prince Stefan and with a host of endearing supporting characters, this exciting new Barbie adventure is also a story of romance and highlights the importance of friendship and loyalty.

    The movie has been produced using computer generated animation and features a song by Samantha Mumba and music by London Symphony Orchestra.
     

  • Animax to air ‘Inu Yasha: ‘The Castle beyond the looking glass’ on 2 September

    Animax to air ‘Inu Yasha: ‘The Castle beyond the looking glass’ on 2 September

    MUMBAI: By popular demand the blockbuster animation movie Inu Yasha: The Castle beyond the looking glass is back on Animax’s Saturday Night movie band Ani-Flix. The movie will air on 2 September at 7 pm.

    The Castle beyond the looking glass commences with Naraku’s defeat while Inu-Yasha and his friends finally get on with their lives. While Inu-Yasha and Shippo continue their search for Shikon shards; Kagome goes back to school when not helping Inu-Yasha out; Miroku visits Mushin back in his village, and Sango goes off travelling with her brother, informs an official release.

    However, this peace does not last too long as another enemy far more dangerous than Naraku emerges. Kaguya, the self-proclaimed ‘Princess of the Heavens’, is freed from the magical mirror imprisoning her, and as she slowly regains her powers, it is only a matter of time before she stops the flow of time, and plunge the world into an eternal night of the full moon.

    Once again, Inu-Yasha, along with Kagome and the others, must come together to fight this new threat. But can they really defeat an enemy who is able to control time itself? And will Inu-Yasha stand a chance against Kaguya when her spells rob him of his humanity? These queries will be answered on Saurday night.