ITV

Category: Kids

  • Q1-2016: Despite 4% drop in revenue, Zee Learn PAT up 11%

    Q1-2016: Despite 4% drop in revenue, Zee Learn PAT up 11%

    BENGALURU: The Essel Group’s education company Zee Learn Limited reported 11.1 per cent higher profit after tax (PAT) for the quarter ended 30 June, 2015 (Q1-2016) at Rs 3.96 crore (11.1 per cent margin) as compared to the Rs 3.56 crore (9.6 per cent margin) in Q1-2015. PAT in the current quarter was also 3.8 per cent higher than the Rs 3.81 crore (9.2 per cent margin) in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    Zee Learn’s Total Income from Operations (TIO) in the current quarter at Rs 35.79 crore was four per cent lower than the Rs 37.30 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter and 14.1 per cent lower than the Rs 41.69 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    Note: 100,00,000 = 100 Lakhs = 10 million = 1 crore

     

    Let us look at the other numbers reported by Zee Learn

     

    Zee Learn’s Total expenditure (TE) in Q1-2016 at Rs 29.14 crore (81.4 per cent of TIO) was 6.5 per cent lower than the Rs 31.17 crore (83.6 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2015 and 19.5 per cent lower than the Rs 36.18 crore (86.8 per cent of TIO) in Q4-2015. 

     

    The company’s marketing, advertisement and publicity expense (marketing expense) for Q1-2016 at Rs 4.68 crore (13.1 per cent of TIO) was 89.3 per cent (almost double) more than the Rs 2.47 crore (6.6 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2015, but 45.6 per cent lower (almost half) than the  Rs 8.6 crore (20.6 per cent of IO) in Q4-2015.

     

    Employee Benefit Expense (EBE) Q1-2016 at Rs 6.17 crore (17.2 per cent of TIO) was 8.3 per cent lower than the Rs 6.73 crore (18 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2015 but 17.2 per cent more than the Rs 6.05 crore (14.5 per cent of TIO) in the immediate trailing quarter. 

     

    In Q1-2016, Zee Learn’s operating cost at Rs 0.56 crore (1.6 percent of TIO) was 18 percent lower than  the Rs 0.68 crore (1.8 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2015 and 55.7 per cent lower (less than half) the Rs 1.25 crore (three per cent of TIO) in Q4-2015. 

     

    Other expense in Q1-2016 at Rs 7.69 crore (21.5 per cent of TIO) was 28.7 per cent higher than the Rs 5.98 crore (16 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2015 and 3.8 per cent more than the Rs 7.41 crore (17.8 per cent of TIO) in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    Zee Learn says that on 28 June, 2015 a fire occurred in one of the warehouses of the company at Bhiwandi near Mumbai and the inventory of educational material lying at the said warehouse amounting to Rs 1416.61 lakh got completely destroyed. Further, Zee Learn says that it has lodged a claim with the insurance company for the loss incurred. Pending the settlement of insurance claim, the loss is accounted as ‘Claims Receivables’ under other current assets to the extent of the above amount. On settlement of the claim by the Insurance company, the difference in loss claim and actual claim received, if any, will be charged to the statement of profit and loss account.

  • Bajrangi Bhaijaan to save the day with Chhota Bheem & Kris

    Bajrangi Bhaijaan to save the day with Chhota Bheem & Kris

    MUMBAI: In a partnership with POGO and Cartoon Network, Bollywood Superstar Salman Khan, will be seen defeating bad guys and giving tips on becoming a superstar in two brand new TV specials created especially for kids.

     

    Selfie Le Le Re with Kris and Salman will premiere on 18 July 2015 at 12PM on Cartoon Network and Bheem aur Bajrangi Bhaijaan will premiere on 19 July 2015 at 12PM on POGO. Both TV specials are complimented with contests that will give kids the opportunity to win exciting prizes including a chance to watch Bajrangi Bhaijaan before the rest of the world.

     

    Giving some valuable acting tips, Salman said, “Sabse pehle toh zaroori hai accha aur saccha hona. Thodi bohot acting aani chahiye. Bollywood mein comedy, drama aur emotion sab hona chahiye.”

     

    Kids can also be a part of this memory by participating in the Selfie Le Le Re with Kris and Salman contest on 18 July 2015 only on Cartoon Network. All they have to do is tune-in to the special and answer the contest question. One lucky kid will get to click a selfie with Kris.

     

    Bheem aur Bajrangi Bhaijaan – 19 July 2015 at 12PM

     

    This 90 minute special on POGO will see Salman Khan drawing parallels between his character in the film and superhero Chhota Bheem – both equally loved by kids across the country. They both do good, help people in need, always stand up for the right thing and are heroes to millions.

     

    Also watch out for Salman and Bheem’s funky dance moves in a special music video that will also air on POGO.

     

    That’s not all! POGO is giving 100 lucky kids a chance to watch Bajrangi Bhaijaan before its release in theatres! All kids have to do is participate in the contest currently running everyday (till 14 July) on POGO at 12PM.

     

    Commenting on Bheem and his character in the movie Khan said, “Jab Bheem hain mere paas, toh darne ki kya hai baat. Bheem aur Bajrangi Bhaijaan mushkil safar bhi lenge kaat, nahin chodenge doston ka saath.”

  • Turner Broadcasting & Warner Bros. sign global multi-series deal for Boomerang

    Turner Broadcasting & Warner Bros. sign global multi-series deal for Boomerang

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting and Warner Bros. the two Time Warner companies have decided to deepen their ongoing partnership with a global agreement that will build on the company’s two-network strategy by strengthening the pipeline of original content being developed for the recently rebranded Boomerang.

     

    The agreement, which represents the first-ever original content being developed exclusively for Boomerang, includes nearly 450 half-hours of programming from Warner Bros. Animation. The content will premiere on all Boomerang channels worldwide and on some Cartoon Network channels internationally, along with potential crossover with Turner Broadcasting’s Pogo and Toonami in Asia, and Boing and Cartoon Network in other territories.

     

    The partnership also extends Boomerang’s access to the classic animation portfolio from the Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Warner Bros. Animation collection, a total of 3,500 titles. Drawing upon the vast resources of the world’s largest animation library which includes contemporary classics from Cartoon Network Studios, Boomerang’s on-air schedule will continue to feature timeless favorites like Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes and Scooby-Doo!, programming that has multi-generational appeal and great co-viewership.

     

    “Turner Broadcasting has a very strong kids and family business around the world and our exciting new partnership with Warner Bros. presents a number of new opportunities that will help strategically grow the Boomerang brand,” said Cartoon Network president and general manager, Boomerang adult swim Christina Miller. 

     

    “Through this expanded relationship with our corporate partners, we will create new content that will engage fans across a variety of screens and platforms and further grow these timeless franchises that we’ll leverage not only across Boomerang but also our global kids and family portfolio of businesses,” added Miller.

     

     Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Digital Series president Sam Register said, “With the television landscape becoming more and more crowded, we are extremely fortunate to have one of the largest animation libraries, with some of the world’s most iconic and revered characters, and to be embarking on this important new partnership with Turner and Boomerang. This deal presents an exciting creative opportunity to explore this vast collection, to develop new and compelling programming based on these beloved characters, and to introduce them to new generations of families.”

     

    Premiering this autumn will be the first of Boomerang’s new original series from Warner Bros. Animation. Bunnicula is an all-new animated comedy series based on the bestselling children’s book of the same name. The series follows the paranormal comedy adventures of Bunnicula the vampire rabbit, who – instead of drinking blood – drains the juice of carrots and other vegetables to boost his supernatural abilities. Be Cool Scooby-Doo! is an all-new 22-minute animated comedy series featuring the Scooby gang, back with a modern comedic twist on the beloved classic. This time, the gang is working as hard to solve their own personal problems as they are to solve the endless, mind-bending mysteries that await them. In Wabbit – A Looney Tunes Production, Bugs Bunny is starring in all-new shorts that find the iconic carrot-loving rabbit matching wits against – and getting the best of – classic characters like Yosemite Sam and Wile E. Coyote, along with brand new foes.

  • Disney Channel snaps up Amitabh Bachchan’s animated series ‘Astra Force’

    Disney Channel snaps up Amitabh Bachchan’s animated series ‘Astra Force’

    MUMBAI: Graphic India and Disney Channel have joined hands with Amitabh Bachchan to produce a 52-episode animated series titled Astra Force. 

     

    The series created by Bachchan and Graphic India CEO Sharad Devarajan is slated to air on Disney Channel India in 2017.

     

    “I am truly excited to be collaborating with my friends Devarajan at Graphic India and Siddharth Roy Kapur at Disney to launch this exciting new superhero series, Astra Force,” said Bachchan. “In the same way animation from other markets has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, it’s now India’s time to create new heroes and animated shows to spark the imaginations of children all across the world.”

     

    A funny and fast-paced, action-adventure series, filled with laughs and thrills, it tells the story of a mythical hero from a distant world, who was stranded on Earth millions of years ago after an epic space battle.

     

    When eight-year old brother and sister twins accidentally awaken the mythical superhero from his long hibernation, they must teach him about our modern world and join Astra to save the universe from a new wave of giant monsters and intergalactic threats. If monsters weren’t enough, Astra’s new young friends also have to hide the superhero from their parents and deal with Astra’s insatiable hunger for modern desserts after an eternity spent in hibernation.

     

    “At Disney, we believe in showcasing great stories with compelling characters that are loved by our audiences. It is imperative to get the local texture right for any story to resonate and emotionally connect with the viewers. With Bachchan associating with Graphics India and Disney Channel India on Astra Force, we will be bringing an interesting facet to storytelling in the local animation space,” said Disney India managing director Siddharth Roy Kapur.

     

    “Bachchan is a real life superhero to millions, including myself, so it’s no surprise that he is the perfect person to become immortalized in this new animated avatar,” added Devarajan. “The opportunity to collaborate with Bachchan on Astra Force is made that much stronger by partnering with Disney, a company whose creativity and storytelling I have admired all my life.”

     

    Devarajan is the producer of the series along with Graphic India SVP creative Jeevan J. Kang who is overseeing visual development, character design and art for the project. Graphic’s previous animated superhero, Chakra The Invincible, was created with Stan Lee (co-creator of Spider-Man, Iron Man and The Avengers) and received over 30 million views globally on Rovio’s ToonsTV platform available through the Angry Birds app.

     

    In addition to the partnership with Disney Channel India, Graphic India will also be launching the character in a series of digital and print comic books available through a special Facebook comic app through Bachchan’s large social media following.

  • Nickelodeon acquires BBC’s new ‘Teletubbies’ series for US

    Nickelodeon acquires BBC’s new ‘Teletubbies’ series for US

    MUMBAI: Nickelodeon has acquired the exclusive US broadcast and on-demand rights for the new Teletubbies series for broadcast on its Nick Jr. channel.

     

    Nickelodeon has also taken all 365 classic Teletubbies episodes from the original series for Noggin, its new mobile subscription service for preschoolers. The series has been commissioned by CBeebies in the UK.

     

    DHX Media, an international player in the creation of content for families and children licensed the show to Nickelodeon.

     

    DHX Media SVP distribution Josh Scherba said, “There has been overwhelming international interest in the new Teletubbies series, and appetite for the classic episodes remains exceptionally strong. With Nickelodeon on board for the US, as well as CBeebies in the UK and further deal announcements pending, we are building incredibly strong foundations for the next-generation Teletubbies.”

     

    The timeless, unique and much-loved Teletubbies are re-imagined for a new generation in 60 brand new episodes for 2016, starring costume characters Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po. With rewarding rituals, sound play, and physical comedy, new-generation Teletubbies will build upon many familiar and beloved features of the original series, but offer some exciting and surprising new developments too. With the Teletubbies landscape replaced and replicated by a beautiful, detailed model that will be enhanced via CGI, there will be freedom to apply large doses of creative imagination to Teletubbies stories. The wonderful new world of the Teletubbies will resonate with young preschoolers, reflecting child development and learning in a stimulating and contemporaneous manner.

     

    Teletubbies first launched in March 1997 and became one of the most successful global children’s brands of all time. It has reached over one billion children to date and the original episodes have aired in over 120 territories in 45 different languages. It was the very first western pre-school property to air on China’s CCTV reaching an audience of 300 million children.

  • Dreamworks Animation & Spin Master to re-launch ‘Noddy’ franchise

    Dreamworks Animation & Spin Master to re-launch ‘Noddy’ franchise

    MUMBAI: DreamWorks Animation and Spin Master have entered into an exclusive licensing relationship in which Spin Master will serve as the master toy licensee for the re-launch of the iconic preschool franchise Noddy.

     

    Alongside the all-new television series, Noddy, Toyland Detective, a wide range of toys including figures, playsets, vehicles, games and more, are slated to hit shelves in fall 2016.

     

    “Our portfolio of licensed properties has grown immensely in recent years and we are thrilled to be welcoming a true legacy franchise like Noddy to the Spin Master family. Noddy already has deep heritage throughout Europe and we know he will continue to captivate children around the world. It goes without saying that we can’t wait to introduce a new generation to the adventure and wonder that Noddy can bring to play time,” said Spin Master executive vice president of global licensing Adam Beder.

     

    Created by renowned children’s author Enid Blyton in 1949, Noddy has followed a little boy and his friends on a series of adventures around the colorful world of Toyland. In the upcoming series, Noddy has a refreshed look and a newly established role as Toyland Detective, in which he’ll show children how to investigate their world and make their own discoveries as he looks for clues to mysteries in each episode. Noddy will take audiences on adventures through new lands like the fantastical Fable Fields and the delightful Animal Acres, introducing new characters and locations along the way.

     

    “Spin Master is the perfect partner for our reintroduction of Noddy. Noddy has a rich legacy around the world, and we know a whole new generation of children will be excited to join the new Noddy on his many adventures onscreen and off,” added DreamWorks Animation head of international consumer products Jonathan Baker.

     

    Commissioned by France Television, Noddy, Toyland Detective is produced by Gaumont Animation in association with DreamWorks Animation Television and slated to premiere on France 5 in spring 2016. Gaumont Animation will distribute the series in France and French-speaking Europe. DreamWorks Animation owns Noddy and retains additional global distribution rights and manages licensing and merchandising for the property.

  • Cartoon Network readies new ‘Powerpuff Girls’ & ‘Ben 10’ series for 2016

    Cartoon Network readies new ‘Powerpuff Girls’ & ‘Ben 10’ series for 2016

    MUMBAI: New series of Cartoon Network’s The Powerpuff Girls featuring Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup as well as Ben 10 are slated for a global launch in 2016.

     

    Cartoon Network has unveiled the first look of character artwork featuring the original arbiters of girl power. It also includes a new television series, produced by Cartoon Network Studios, and a full licensing program that will roll out across all domestic and international regions.

     

    The new series will be executive produced by Nick Jennings, who won an Emmy Award for his work on Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time. Bob Boyle, creator of Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!, will co-executive produce. Rounding out the creative team is a diverse group of talented artists and writers, many of whom grew up watching the original series and come with a special affinity for the characters and overall project.

     

    On the other hand, Ben 10, the new animated series, based on the successful franchise about an alien-powered kid hero, is being produced by Cartoon Network Studios and will premiere on Cartoon Network in the autumn of 2016. Man of Action will executive produce for Cartoon Network Studios and John Fang is on board as supervising producer. 

     

    Cartoon Network’s fresh take on Ben 10 will center upon a new animated series re-introducing the energetic, fun-loving, 10-year-old Ben Tennyson. At the core of the new Ben is a healthy serving of action, excitement, and all-around fun. Featuring many new and fan-favorite aliens, the series kicks off with the adventures of Ben, his cousin Gwen, and Grandpa Max as they travel the country during summer vacation. When Ben finds the mysterious Omnitrix, a world of alien superpowers opens up to him.

     

    Talking about The Powerpuff Girls, Cartoon Network chief content officer Rob Sorcher said, “It has been wonderful to see this new show team bring such passion and positive creative spirit to this iconic property. We know that fans of every age will appreciate this new take on saving the world before bedtime.”

     

    On Ben 10, Sorcher said, “We decided it was time to introduce Ben to a new generation of kids. Ben 10 has been an overwhelming success story across all media platforms, and we know kids around the world will be eager to see the reinvention of this beloved character.”

     

    To support the worldwide launch in 2016, Cartoon Network is assembling an all-star roster of licensing partners to create a full consumer products program for the franchise. Spin Master will anchor the program, creating a line of toys including plush, figures and playsets, dolls and more available worldwide in autumn 2016.

  • The Quint inks JV with Da Vinci Media to launch edutainment channel

    The Quint inks JV with Da Vinci Media to launch edutainment channel

    MUMBAI: Raghav Bahl’s digital news platform The Quint and Da Vinci Media have inked a 50:50 joint venture to launch the latter’s television channel Da Vinci Learning in India.

     

    Continuing with its commitment to provide the best in educational entertainment, Da Vinci Media’s association with The Quint will effectively amplify the channel’s presence across the country along with developing widespread and integrated relationships with media and advertisers.

     

    With this move, the company aims develop a foothold in the Indian television market prior to its launch and create awareness about the content it will offer to its Indian audience.

     

    The venture will target 6 -12 year olds and their parents.

     

    Da Vinci Media founder & CEO Ferdinand Habsburg said, “We are delighted to partner with Raghav Bahl and his organization The Quint, a company renowned for its strong media presence. We are confident that this engagement will definitely help us carve a strategic roadmap to increase visibility in the Indian market. We aim to provide innovative and engaging educational content to children helping them to think productively while simultaneously developing their thinking, reading and self -confidence skills througha meaningful and fun experience.”

     

    Bahl added, “While Da Vinci Media brings expertise in the programming content, this JV helps us to further expand, drive synergies  and diversify our media portfolio. The Quint will aid consumers in accessing Da Vinci Media’s Da Vinci Learning channel’s content through our distribution capacity.”

  • Netflix to launch four new original animated series for kids

    Netflix to launch four new original animated series for kids

    MUMBAI: Netflix will premiere four new animated shows, adding to its line-up of original television series for kids.

     

    The shows range from action adventure stories Kulipari: An Army of Frogs and Edgar Rice Burroughs Tarzan and Jane to preschool shows Cirque du Soleil – Luna Petunia and Puffin Rock. Each show will launch all of its episodes at the same time around the world.

     

    “We couldn’t’ be more excited to be partnering with such a diverse group of creative talent on these new Netflix series for kids. The flexibility of our platform allows us to continually bring the best TV shows from around the world to our members, and these titles compliment and extend what we currently offer – particularly for preschoolers and grade school adventure fans,” said Netflix VP of global independent content Erik Barmack.

     

    In addition to the new original titles, Netflix is also adding three new first-run exclusive series for kids to enjoy. The award-winning Russian phenomenon, Masha and the Bear, will premiere this August in the United States. This month, Canadian animation company Nelvana Studios introduces The Day My Butt Went Psycho to grade-school kids in the US, UK, and Mexico. And Elias, the little rescue boat from the popular Norwegian preschool series of the same name, is now streaming exclusively on Netflix in US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand.

     

    Cirque du Soleil – Luna Petunia will launch in Fall 2016, Edgar Rice Burroughs Tarzan and Jane along with Kulipari: An Army of Frogs ill launch later this year, whereas Puffin Rock will air on Netflix from 1 September, 2015.

     

    Netflix has a dedicated section for kids under 12 years old featuring dozens of original series for kids as well as TV shows and movies from great partners such as PBS, Disney Channel, DreamWorks Animation, Mattel, Hasbro, LEGO and Scholastic – all in a commercial free environment.

  • Disney looks to exploit ‘Arjun’ across platforms; launches merchandise, mobile game

    Disney looks to exploit ‘Arjun’ across platforms; launches merchandise, mobile game

    MUMBAI: Eyeing a bigger share of the merchandising and gaming pie, Disney India has now expanded its product offering by launching a mobile game and merchandise for its television series Arjun: Prince of Bali.

    Launched about three weeks back, Disney’s first local animation property Arjun: The Prince of Bali, developed in association with Green Gold Animation has tasted success in its first series and is back again to engage kids through a new range of merchandise and a game inspired by the show.

    While in the first season of the show, one episode a week was aired, the second season will have two new episodes, which will air every Thursday and Friday at 3 pm.

    Speaking about the same, Disney India VP and head content and communication media networks Vijay Subramaniam said, “Disney Channel in India tells uniquely tailored stories through great characters. The first season of Arjun gained immense popularity amongst our young viewers and we saw the potential to give them more opportunities to enjoy the story while continuing to entertain with the second season on the channel. Arjun inspired merchandise and a game will provide kids with a stronger and deeper engagement with their favourite local stories.”

    Green Gold Animation founder and managing director Rajiv Chilaka added, “The audience has always got to see the princess in all Disney movies and series and probably for the first time the Indian audience will witness the Prince of Disney. It is a flamboyant character and we intend to showcase a lot of comedy, action and adventure with this show.”

    The show’s second series continues to narrate the story of Prince Arjun of Bali and will focus on his coming of age journey as he now matures into a valiant prince while continuing to master newer techniques and strategies of warfare. The new series also explores the relationships with his friends and family and brings to light the jovial and lively side to the warrior prince.

    The runner game around the show is set in the kingdom of Bali and is developed by Disney India’s Interactive division, Indiagames. The mobile game has features like weapon upgrades to make characters stronger as the levels progress.

    “With an interesting storyline, beautiful landscapes and popular local characters, the Arjun series makes for an interesting game play. By integrating elements from the show and building on the character traits in the game, we were looking at giving fans an opportunity to interact with Arjun and his friends beyond the show and create an all immersive gaming experience for them,” said Disney India VP and head interactive Sameer Ganapathy.

    The consumer products around the show will be extended across a range of products from toys, back to school merchandise, apparel to stationery. Toys also include figurines, bow and arrow set and more. In addition to this, plans are also afoot to develop school supplies such as school bags, lunch boxes, water bottles, note-books and home decor with bed sheet sets, cushions and mugs.

    With 26 episodes of 22 minutes each, the series will go on for 13 weeks. Post that, Disney Channel will either add more episodes or bring in the show’s next season.

    Speaking about the launch of merchandise, Disney India VP and head consumer products Abhishek Maheshwari said, “Kids today adore local animation and want to own a piece of their favourite character on their everyday products. The popularity of the Arjun series and the appeal of its characters amongst kids have inspired an entire range of interesting consumer products. Each character possesses a unique characteristic which can be leveraged very well across categories.”

    When queried about launching the merchandising at this stage of the local animation series, Ganapathy said, “The success of the first series made us come up with merchandising and a mobile app. Another reason is that we wanted to engage kids in as many ways as possible, so after the show they can get along with the game and engage with us.”

    “The IP holds a lot of potential and that is the reason why we got into merchandising and a mobile game at this stage of our local animation. Disney’s strategy has always been to cater to multiple platforms and that’s what we want to do with Arjun as well,” Maheshwari added.

    Currently, the app has a sizable number of downloads on the Google Play Store. The app will also be made available on the Windows and iOS platform soon.