Category: Kids

MUMBAI: Viewers of kids’ television have shown a shift in their character preference, from the start of 2010 till now.

As per the latest Ormax Media’s Small Wonders study conducted in October, Doraemon and Chhota Bheem now rank as the No 1 and No 2 favourite television characters among the 6-14-year-olds across seven cities in India.

Interestingly, Jerry, who was the most favourite character in the last track conducted earlier this year, has lost a 49 per cent share to be displaced to the third position. Doraemon and Chhota Bheem have both seen a 40 per cent growth in their individual shares. 
 
Among kids whose preferred channels were GECs (instead of kids channels), the top three favourite characters were Inspector Daya (CID), Daya (Tarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma) and Anandi (Balika Vadhu).

Small Wonders, a six-monthly kids’ study conducted by media research and consulting firm Ormax Media, is a syndicated study that ranks kids’ favourite characters on television, along with reasons for the same.

The study is conducted among kids in seven cities – Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow and Jalandhar. Around 2000 kids across SECs ABC are interviewed in every track.

Ormax Media claims that findings from Small Wonders can be used by channels as programming and communication inputs for their own characters. “The study also gives an overall understanding of the types of characters that are working, with reasons, thus giving an insight into the evolving traits and trends over a period of time,” the company said.

The subscribers of the report get the overall ranking of all characters, with reasons for preference, market and TG differences.

MUMBAI: Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organisation behind the television show Sesame Street has announced that Laura Smith and Palak Solanki have joined as VP of Formal Learning and VP of Business Planning and Analysis respectively.
Smith will report to executive VP of Education, Research and Outreach Dr. Lewis Bernstein, while Solanki will report to chief strategy and administrative officer Susan Kolar.
 
Smith will help the Workshop define and provide a transformative educational experience for pre-schoolers in formal classrooms and centers across America using Sesame Street‘s educational assets. His work will focus on how Sesame Street can best provide effective and delightful instructional materials for children, professional development for teachers, and new ways to engage parents and families to learn together at home.

The responsibilities include conducting research and analysis to inform strategic direction, coordinating a cross-functional project team to design and launch key programmes and securing internal and external support and investment from diverse audiences.

Solanki will be responsible for identifying and developing long term strategic business opportunities and evaluating potential acquisitions and other investments. In addition, she will be responsible for facilitating company-wide strategic planning activities and conducting business analysis for key initiatives and ventures.

Sesame Workshop president and CEO Gary E. Knell says, “We are thrilled to add Laura Smith and Palak Solanki to our team as part of our efforts to expand Sesame Workshop‘s educational reach by providing quality content for children in schools and communities. Laura and Palak will be shaping new paths for the Workshop in today‘s environment where the models for education and business are evolving with the success of digital technologies.”
 
 

MUMBAI: India’s four major kids entertainment channels, Cartoon Network, Pogo, Disney and Nick are all set to dish out special shows, movies and events for their target audience on Children’s Day.
Around 14 per cent of India’s population is below the age of 14 and Children’s Day comes as a great opportunity for channels to gain as many TRPs as possible. The kids channels are, thus, leaving no stone unturned to keep the little ones engaged.

Cartoon Network will premiere its first Indian-made original series, Roll No. 21, a contemporary take on the adventures of Lord Krishna as Kris, who would be coping with teachers, homework and friends without using his power. Season 1 of the serial comprises 13 episodes and will be shown every Sunday at 5 pm.

Said South Asia, Turner International India VP and deputy general manager–Entertainment Networks, Monica Tata, “It is a moment of great pride for Turner as we launch ‘Roll No. 21’, our first Cartoon Network Original series from India. Under the aegis of its overall vision to promote the medium it has helped nurture local talent through acquisitions, marketing and extending expertise to partner production houses and aid in the creation of home-grown heroes such as Chhota Bheem. Moving forward, as part of its Desi Toons strategy, Turner is committed to develop and create its IPs. Post the successful launch of the Pogo original series Kumbh Karan in June this year, we are delighted to introduce Roll No. 21 on Cartoon Network.”
 
On its part, Pogo, will be presenting a special episode of M.A.D on 14 November at 10.30 am. The programme will have Rob, the popular host of the show, treating kids by creating a unique big picture, along with 25 lucky children, using packs of Britannia treat Chocodecker and Jim Jam.

The telecast will be followed by the premiere of the animated feature Chhota Bheem vs. Aliens at 12 noon. The film has Chhota Bheem in a new avatar.

Disney has also lined up shows and movies, especially for the young ones. The channel will be showing two films, Tarzan – The Wonder car and The Incredibles, back-to-back at 11.30 am and 2.00 pm respectively. The channel will also air back-to-back episodes of Phineas and Ferbs from 5 to 7.30 pm, followed by the telecast of back-to-back episodes of Guzura from 7.30 to 9.30 pm.

While Disney XD will present special episodes of Kick Buttowski – Suburban Daredevil from 9 am to 12.30 pm and Dennis and Gnasher from 3 pm to 5 pm, Nick will gift the Nick Landmark gift card to every kid who sends the SMS ‘I love Nick’ to 56882. This will be shown between shows as teasers during commercial breaks on 13 and 14 November.
 

MUMBAI: In February 2011, kids broadcaster Disney Channel will debut Disney Junior, a new multiplatform brand devoted to children aged 2-7 and their families globally.
Disney Junior will invite parents and grandparents to join their children in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, both classic and new, while incorporating specific learning and developmental themes.

New series that will air include Jake and the Never Land Pirates, an animated adventure combining new and classic Disney characters Captain Hook and Smee (“Peter Pan”); a series of Disney Poetry Shorts which showcases poems for children set against classic Disney animation.
 
There will also be two short form series, Mickey Mousekersize and Special Agent Oso: Three Healthy Steps, to encourage healthy lifestyles for preschoolers and families. Babar and the Adventures of Badou will be an updated version of Babar. The show will introduce King Babar‘s energetic eight-year-old grandson, Badou, and friends as they explore the world of Celesteville.

Tinga Tinga Tales is an animated adventure inspired by traditional African animal folktales and the art of Tanzania. Playhouse Disney shows like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny will also be part of Disney Junior.

Disney Channels Worldwide president Carolina Lightcap said, “Disney Junior differentiates itself by placing a focus on story and character, the hallmarks of Disney since its inception. We‘ll take memories of the Disney experience, held by generations of parents and kids, and bring them to life on TV and beyond, with elements that encourage early childhood learning, wrapped in strong emotionally connected storytelling.

“We will showcase classic Disney characters in new ways, and we are equally committed to creating new original characters that we hope will become the classics of the future.”
 

MUMBAI: Hyderabad-based DQ Entertainment has signed two equity and distribution co-production agreements for its 3D TV series The Jungle Book and The New Adventures of Peter Pan, a 3D stereoscopic TV seies, with PT MetropolitanTelevision (B-Channel), Indonesia.

DQE concluded both the contracts with B Channel during the recent visit of DQE CMD and CEO Tapas Chakravarti to Jakarta. The channel confirmed participation as an equity and distribution co-producer for the first season of the under-production Jungle Book TV series and The New Adventures of Peter Pan under the terms of the agreement.
 
B Channel will contribute towards the global budget of Euro 10 million for the 52 x 11’ TV series of the Jungle Book as well as towards the global budget of Euro 10 million for 26×22’ minutes of The New Adventures of Peter Pan.

The Indonesian channel has been granted the rights for free TV/free VOD/IPTV & home video distribution for that country. The channel will be entitled to a royalty against DQE’s distribution revenues for their equity participation.

Says DQE CEO and Chairman Tapas Chakravarti, “ Our strategy of producing and distributing iconic content has received further validation and financial backing through B Channel’s commitment to both Jungle Book and Peter Pan. The Indonesian market is one of the fastest growing consumers of animated content and merchandising in the Asean region and B channel’s reach is unparralled.”

MUMBAI: Hyderabad-based DQ Entertainment has signed a home video distribution deal with Play Records Marketing & Distribution Ltd (Play Records), Israel for its 3D animated TV series, The Jungle Book.

Under the terms of the agreement, Play Records has been awarded the home video distribution rights for the 52, eleven-minute TV series of The Jungle Book in Israel over a period of three years for which the company will receive a minimum guarantee as upfront payment for the license. It will also be entitled to a royalty on future sales during the license period.
 
DQE chairman and CEO Tapaas Chakravarti said, “Play Records are leaders in home video distribution market in Israel and it is only logical for us to associate with them for an iconic and classic property like The Jungle Book. This deal falls perfectly in line with our global plans and is strategically very important for us since it will pave the way for more revenue opportunities in this region. We believe that this is the beginning of a long lasting and mutually beneficial collaboration with Play Records.”

The Jungle Book has already been sold in multiple countries around the world for broadcasting, licensing and distribution. This is the first time DQE has entered the strategically important home video distribution market in Israel .

The home video distribution market in Israel has steadily increased its output and is increasingly embracing digital animated content. Play Records is a leading home video distributor in this region and already holds image rights for other popular digital brands.

DQE has previously announced a broadcasting deal with Noga Communication for The Jungle Book in Israel.
 

MUMBAI: Pogo has announced the launch of Season 8 of the multi-award winning show M.A.D that starts beaming from 24 October every Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

In the new season, Rob, the favourite anchor of kids‘ TV, takes them on a fun-filled, interactive, creative journey, transforming ordinary materials into inspiring works of art with his MAD twist.
In each episode kids discover new styles that are easy, exciting and for everyone to try and enjoy. Peppered with new segments and newer ways of looking at art, the show once again encourages kids to open up their minds and grab their dreams.  
 
Armed with simple art tools like a pencil, paintbrush, colours and paper, Season 8 of M.A.D will take kids on a creative joyride and help them explore the world of possibilities through art- from new and easy painting techniques, to fun and exciting paper crafts. Playing with shadows and silhouettes, recycled boxes and bottles, this season includes several new segments such as ‘Draw it Now‘, ‘Challenge Rob‘ and ‘M.A.D in Motion‘, a new animation segment and more.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, M.A.D. host Rob said, “The new season is a personal favourite of mine. Between the M.A.D production and creative teams and I, we have really put together an extremely fresh season for kids. Taking cognizance of kids‘ feedback, we have developed new segments such as ‘Draw it Now‘ where kids can draw along with me as well as a fun segment titled “Challenge Rob”!

“And of course as always to make the M.A.D experience even bigger and better is this season‘s Big Picture, we will be creating the most innovative, over the top bicycles from scratch! So hop on board and get set for an art adventure like no other. Because MAD hai, toh sab cool hai!”

MUMBAI: Hyderabad-based DQ Entertainment has signed a broadcast acquisition deal for one of its properties by Noga Communications Ltd., Israel‘s leading independent television producer and broadcaster.
As per the agreement, Noga will hold the rights to broadcast The New Adventures of Peter Pan for the region of Israel utilising multiple channels over a four-year period.

The New Adventures of Peter Pan, is a 26×22 3D stereoscopic animated TV series being produced with a global budget of approximately ?10 million in high-end 3D stereoscopic CGI that is likely to be broadcast by the beginning of 2012.

The series is being produced by DQE and France-based Method Animation in association with France Televisions and ZDF Group, Germany, as co-production partners.
 
Said DQE chairman and CEO Tapas Chakravarti, “Noga‘s reach in the region is unquestioned and they are the perfect partner to showcase this high quality iconic property. This deal will provide further impetus in monetizing our content across different platforms and verticals in this region. This property has a tremendous brand value and we are confident that the broadcast on Noga‘s channels will provide us the visisbility and reach for the correct target audience for our content.”

Noga broadcasts programmes through its channels ‘The Children Channel‘, ‘Channel 8‘ and ‘Logi Channel‘. The company has extensive brand presence within the Israeli market to multifaceted entertainment.

DQE screened the high-definition trailers of The New Adventures of Peter Pan at the recently concluded Mipcom in Cannes that was well received by the audience that included many leading industry and media personnel.

MUMBAI: Cartoon Network has announced that DreamWorks Animation‘s ‘How to Train Your Dragon TV’ show will be coming to the network globally from 2012.
The film on which the show is based grossed $493.2 million at the worldwide box office and has been released on DVD and Blu-ray on 15 October.
 
Turner‘s Animation, Young Adults and Kids Business president, COO Stuart Snyder says, “Great characters and captivating story telling along with state of the art animation is what we love giving our audience. The How to Train Your Dragon weekly series definitely falls into that category of giving our viewers around the globe something they can‘t find anywhere else on television and DreamWorks Animation is a proven leader in taking this art form to the next level.”

DreamWorks Animation COO Ann Daly adds, “How to Train Your Dragon has already captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the world and we are thrilled to join together with Cartoon Network to expand on this amazing movie in a television series of its own. It is incredibly exciting to be able to bring viewers deeper into the world of dragons and tell new stories each week inspired by our characters from the film.”

The show deals with Hiccup who is a young Viking who defies tradition when he befriends one of his deadliest foes — a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, the unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both of their worlds.

In the ‘How to Train Your Dragon‘ television series on Cartoon Network, the characters and worlds originally created for the big screen will be explored and further developed in a number of ways that will be revealed over time. TV audiences will be taken on original, new adventures with Hiccup and Toothless every week.

MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide‘s international pre-school channel, CBeebies, has acquired two titles from DHX Media – Grandpa In My Pocket and dirtgirlworld – for its global feeds.
From early next year the first three seasons of Grandpa In My Pocket will air for the first time in Asia, Africa and Poland. dirtgirlworld will debut in Africa and Poland.
 
BBC Worldwide Channels VP acquisitions Bun Scrase-Dickins says, “These are both great titles, hugely popular with kids in the UK, and we are delighted to be able to bring them to our young viewers around the world.” dirtgirlworld is a music-filled series which mixes live action, animation and photo-collage to explore nature. Dirtgirl‘s backyard is full of bizarre insects, underground tunnels and performing stunt bugs, and together with a host of larger-than-life characters, she inspires four-to-six-year-olds to have fun in their gardens.

Grandpa In My Pocket is a comedy drama featuring a Grandpa with a magic shrinking cap that only his grandson Jason knows about. When he puts the cap on, Grandpa shrinks and creates comic mayhem, but with teamwork, Grandpa and Jason always manage to save the day.