MUMBAI: Nickelodeon and Summeripe Worldwide, Inc. have completed a new multi-year licensing agreement to bring Nickelodeon‘s popular characters, SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora The Explorer, to grocers in the US, on kid-friendly packages of peaches, plums and nectarines. The new Nickelodeon/Summeripe Worldwide agreements expands on the success of the licensing initiative launched by Nickelodeon in 2005 to encourage healthier diet and lifestyle choices for kids. Starting in the spring of 2007, Summeripe Worldwide will produce both loose and packaged offerings of yellow and white flesh peaches, nectarines, plums and pluots. Using its characters to entice kids to try healthy food alternatives is just one of the ways Nickelodeon has been working to encourage healthy, balanced lifestyles for kids. The network has committed $30 million in resources and 10 per cent of its air to health and wellness messaging through programming and PSA campaigns, states an official release. |
“Adding SpongeBob and Dora peaches, plums and nectarines to our successful assortment of Nickelodeon branded fruits and vegetables will make the produce aisle even more kid-friendly,” said Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products vice president Sherice Torres. “Nickelodeon is committed to encouraging kids to eat right and make healthy food choices.” Pat Steider, President of Summeripe Worldwide Inc. stated, “This partnership with Nickelodeon is a great step-forward for Summeripe. We as a company want to be an industry leader in creating exciting opportunities for parents and children to have healthy and delicious kid-sized fresh fruit products. Nickelodeon‘s importance in the minds and lives of children will accelerate our efforts of getting great tasting and nutritional fruit into children‘s daily diet.” Nickelodeon is in its fourth year of its pro-social initiative, “Let‘s Just Play.” In 2005, “Let‘s Just Play” entered into a partnership with The Alliance for a Healthier Generation to combat the spread of childhood obesity. The three organisations combined forces on a comprehensive media and public awareness campaign, encouraging young people to engage in healthy and active lifestyles. |
Category: TV Channels
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Nickelodeon & Summeripe Worldwide ink deal for character based grocery packaging in US
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Cartoon Network joins Brighter Minds Media for gaming title ‘Cartoon Network All-Stars’ in US
MUMBAI: Brighter Minds Media, Inc has announced an agreement with Cartoon Network, to release a new software title ‘Cartoon Network All-Stars’. The title consists of four computer games featuring characters from Cartoon Network original series such as The Powerpuff Girls, Ed, Edd n Eddy and Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends.
“Brighter Minds Media is a leader in children’s entertainment and educational products,” said Cartoon Network Enterprises VP of US Consumer Products Christina Miller. “We are pleased to be working with them to bring these innovative games to our fans in a new format.”
The games have been developed under the direction of Cartoon Network New Media, which is responsible for Cartoon Network’s Internet sites, mobile content and other entertainment products, informs an official release.
“Cartoon Network is the perfect addition to our portfolio of products,” said Brighter Minds Media CEO Vivian Antonangeli. “We are extremely excited about working together to offer games that are lots of fun at a great value to every family who loves the superb programming they see on television and wants to interact with their favorite characters.”
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Zee Sports to telecast 15 matches of Santosh Trophy
MUMBAI: Zee Sports will telecast the finals rounds of 61st Santosh Trophy comprising of quarterfinals, semi finals and finals from 14 October to 25 October.
In total 32 states and government institutions have taken part in this year’s tournament. The cluster leg of the 61st Santosh Trophy was held over the last month in Gurgaon and Faridabad.
Zee Sports business head Himanshu Mody says, “We are proud to be associated with the telecast of 61st edition of Santosh Trophy. Zee Sports has put in lot of hard work to present the Santosh Trophy in a viewer friendly format at viewer friendly times with in depth analysis. We are also, undertaking a holistic program to develop football from ground level to see India playing in major football tournaments around the world. We are sure that all this along with Zee Sports distribution strength will see football reach a new level.”
Zee Sports will telecast the fifteen matches from the quarterfinals onwards of the 61st Santosh Trophy, live and exclusive from, Gurgaon starting 15 ctober. Zee Sports would be using a 10 camera set up to produce the telecast. The telecast package will include preview and review shows, half time match analysis and various studio programming. The coverage will involve more cameras, more replays, new commentators and a new graphic look. Zee Sports ace anchor Mayanti Langer will present the pre-match and a post match analysis along with football expert Novy Kapadia, informs an official release.
In line with Zee Sports promise to deliver international quality coverage of Indian football, legendary John Helm will be commentator along with Zee Sports anchor Debayan Sen for the Santosh Trophy.
To promote the tournaments a special section on Indian football will be created on Zee Sports website www.zeesports.co.in. This will provide soccer fans with the latest team news, match scores, statistics and player profiles, as well as exclusive player interviews and photo galleries. There will be interactive sections, which will include chat rooms, video clips of matches, online games, wallpapers and ring tones, the release adds.
The Schedule:
Haryana vs West Bengal – 14 October – 4:45 pm
Goa vs Punjab – 14 October – 7:00 pm
Kerala vs Tamil Nadu – 15 October – 4:45 pm
Maharashtra vs Karnataka – 15 October – 7 pm
Haryana vs Punjab – 16 October – 4:45 pm
West Bengal vs Goa – 16 October – 7 pm
Tamil Nadu vs Karnataka – 17 October – 4:45 pm
Maharashtra vs Kerala – 17 October – 7 pm
Haryana vs Goa 18 October – 4:45 pm
West Bengal vs Punjab – 18 October – 7 pm
Kerala vs Karnataka 19 October – 4:45 pm
Maharashtra vs Tamil Nadu 19 October – 7 pm
First Semi Finals – 21 October – 6:30 pm
Second Semi Finals – 22 October – 6:30 pm
Finals – 25 October – 7 pm -
Nickelodeon & Summeripe Worldwide ink deal for character based grocery packaging in US
MUMBAI: Nickelodeon and Summeripe Worldwide, Inc. have completed a new multi-year licensing agreement to bring Nickelodeon’s popular characters, SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora The Explorer, to grocers in the US, on kid-friendly packages of peaches, plums and nectarines.
The new Nickelodeon/Summeripe Worldwide agreements expands on the success of the licensing initiative launched by Nickelodeon in 2005 to encourage healthier diet and lifestyle choices for kids. Starting in the spring of 2007, Summeripe Worldwide will produce both loose and packaged offerings of yellow and white flesh peaches, nectarines, plums and pluots.
Using its characters to entice kids to try healthy food alternatives is just one of the ways Nickelodeon has been working to encourage healthy, balanced lifestyles for kids. The network has committed $30 million in resources and 10 per cent of its air to health and wellness messaging through programming and PSA campaigns, states an official release.
“Adding SpongeBob and Dora peaches, plums and nectarines to our successful assortment of Nickelodeon branded fruits and vegetables will make the produce aisle even more kid-friendly,” said Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products vice president Sherice Torres. “Nickelodeon is committed to encouraging kids to eat right and make healthy food choices.”
Pat Steider, President of Summeripe Worldwide Inc. stated, “This partnership with Nickelodeon is a great step-forward for Summeripe. We as a company want to be an industry leader in creating exciting opportunities for parents and children to have healthy and delicious kid-sized fresh fruit products. Nickelodeon’s importance in the minds and lives of children will accelerate our efforts of getting great tasting and nutritional fruit into children’s daily diet.”
Nickelodeon is in its fourth year of its pro-social initiative, “Let’s Just Play.” In 2005, “Let’s Just Play” entered into a partnership with The Alliance for a Healthier Generation to combat the spread of childhood obesity. The three organisations combined forces on a comprehensive media and public awareness campaign, encouraging young people to engage in healthy and active lifestyles.
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Star India locks in ‘KBC’ rights for next five years
MUMBAI: Star India’s iconic gameshow Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) is coming back – and for another five seasons, mind it.
The return of KBC was revealed this evening by Star Entertainment India CEO Sameer Nair at an Ad Club function in Mumbai. Nair disclosed that Star had locked in the rights to KBC for a period of five years (2007 to 2011). Nair also stated that Star was in talks to sign on an advertiser who would commit to all five seasons of the show.
Star Plus first launched KBC in 2000 with superstar Amitabh Bachchan in the anchor’s seat. The tremendous success of the show inspired the channel to bring it back in August 2005, with the second season KBC Dviteeya. The game show has been delivering good numbers for the channel before it got pulled out after 61 episodes due to Bachchan’s illness. Big B, who originally committed to shoot 85 episodes, was unable to continue shooting after his hospitalisation.
Celador, the UK-based format producer, owns the original version of KBC, ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’.
The Big Q of course is whether Star will be able to “lock kiya jaye” the Big B. That looks highly unlikely at this juncture so the next Big Q is who could be the possible choice to step into Bachchan’s considerably large (not just in terms of foot size) shoes?
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Star Plus applies ‘Kids’ formula on weekends with ‘Lucky’
MUMBAI: Star Plus, which surprised many by inducting the supernatural genre in its crucial weekday prime time band, is at it again.
After launching Antariksh in the Monday – Thursday 8 pm band, the channel has now slotted a kids show Lucky in its Saturday 8 pm slot.
“After launching Antariksh in the weekday 8 pm primetime slot, we are now excited to offer yet another show on the same timeslot on Saturdays for our younger viewers. Lucky is an out and out adventure story packaged with a heavy dose of fun and entertainment. The effort is to rope in the kids group, which has now become a key TV viewing segment,” states Star India EVP Deepak Segal.
Produced by Sagar Arts Productions, Lucky is is directed by Nisser Parvej and the cast includes Lucky played by Gautam Rhode; Inder Mohan Sharma played by Gyan Prakash Sharma; captain Paswan played by Banwarilal Jhol & AJ i.e. Acharya Joshi played by Anang Desai, as per an official release.
It’s a story about a young man – Lucky, who runs a fake antique shop in Chor Bazaar and has the simplest ways of living, that is conning people by selling them fake antiques and actually making them believe, that the artifacts are genuine. Lucky is a street smart, confident and intelligent character, who loves life the way it comes until he gets to know about the Rakshak’s who were born for protecting sacred and priceless treasures and that now he is going to be the chosen one: the fifth Rakshak, the release adds.
As Lucky is awaiting its launch, Star Plus is keenly looking forward to the Tam numbers that Antariksh would throw up in its opening week. And the anxiety is justified as the supernatural show counters Zee TV’s 8 pm soap Banoo Main Teri Dulhann.
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Time Warner to sell AOL Internet business in UK
MUMBAI: Time Warner will sell its AOL Internet business in the UK for $688 million to mobile phone retailer Carphone Warehouse Group.
Completion is subject to EU competition authority clearance and is expected to take place by 31 December 2006.
Under the agreement, Carphone Warehouse will acquire AOL’s Internet access customer base in the UK as well as the supporting management and infrastructure (the “Access” business). For its part, AOL will provide co-branded portal, content and other audience services and will manage the online advertising sales for Carphone Warehouse’s combined broadband customer base through a revenue-sharing agreement, according to a company statement.
The total cash consideration is £370m, of which £250m will be paid on completion and the balance paid in three instalments over the following 18 months. The consideration is being funded by an extension of existing bank facilities.
The transaction is due to complete by 31 December 2006 and is subject to EU competition authority clearance. At this stage it is anticipated that the acquisition will increase current year pre-tax profits by approximately £10m (subject to completion by 31 December 2006), and next year’s pre-tax profits by £30-40m.
Carphone operates the MViva mobile Internet portal. The deal gives the company a broadband customer base of about 2 million customers, vaulting it to third place among UK broadband service providers. AOL will continue to manage online advertising sales for the service and will share in those revenues.
Commenting on the acquisition, Carphone Warehouse CEO Charles Dunstone said: “The acquisition of AOL’s UK Internet access business is transformational for our broadband business. This deal gives us significant scale to complement the rapid organic growth of our free broadband proposition. In addition, the joint development of AOL’s already successful audience platform will bring us new advertising and content revenues in a proven and low risk manner.”
Time Warner chairman and CEO Dick Parsons said: “This agreement completes the restructuring of our AOL Europe businesses that both advances AOL’s strategic transition to an advertising-supported business model and underscores Time Warner’s commitment to shaping its portfolio of assets to drive the greatest growth possible. On both fronts – as well as across our company – we’re successfully building critical momentum to the benefit of our shareholders. As a leading provider of audience services in Europe, AOL will be better positioned than ever to continue to grow a cohesive online advertising business across a region that’s key to our future progress.”
AOL’s Carphone deal follows an announcement that Neuf Cegetel, the French telecommunications network operator, plans to sell an 18.5 per cent stake in its business in order to raise around $957 million to fund its acquisition of AOL’s French Internet access business. Time Warner will also sell AOL Germany’s Internet business to Telecom Italia for $870 million.
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Virgin Comics to produce ‘Secrets of the Seven Sounds’
MUMBAI: Sir Richard Bransons’ Virgin Comics, LLC and Kahani World, Inc. an independent animation company based in Toronto, Canada, have teamed up to co-produce Secrets of the Seven Sounds, a full length animated feature for kids (seven & above age group), inspired by Ramayana.
In addition to action, adventure and fantasy, Secrets of the Seven Sounds challenges tradition by asking us to consider what it might really be like to be the little brother of the Chosen One? Seven Sounds tells the story of the handsome, naturally gifted, and love-struck Prince Ram whose destiny has chosen him to rescue Princess Sita (the object of his affections) and save the world from the villainous lord Ravan. But the real hero of Seven Sounds is of course, Lux – prince Ram’s 11 year-old little brother – the family’s insightful and often-overlooked intrepid fighter, states an official release.
“The Ramayan continues to be the bedrock of India’s cultural identity in ways that no other myth can claim,” says Deepak Chopra, best-selling author and chairman of Virgin Comics. “The Seven Sounds’ animated film is a marvelous way to share this story and inspire children around the world.”
Secrets of the Seven Sounds is already in an advanced stage of development; full production begins in just seven weeks. The feature is in collaboration with Virgin Comics co-founders, Deepak Chopra and Shekhar Kapur (director of Four Feathers, Bandit Queen and the 8-time Oscar nominated Elizabeth) and is based on an original story by Gotham Chopra, Sharad Devarajan and Jeevan Kang. The animated feature will be brought to market in the summer of 2007, the release adds.
“Our comics and film stories are infused with characters and mythic sensibilities that resonate with audiences around the globe,” says Virgin Comics CEO Sharad Devarajan. “Kahani World shares our vision and understands the importance of epic storytelling. Together we are uniquely positioned to produce an exceptional animated feature, and adapt the film for global merchandising, graphic novels and promotional campaigns.
Virgin Comic’s chief creative officer Gotham Chopra concluded: “It’s about time the world is exposed to the rich mythology we have stored up in our vaults in India and Asia. With Kahani, we are excited to be bringing one of the greatest Indian legends, re-fashioned, to the world, and in doing so create new planetary myths that people every where can enjoy. This is just the start!”
“Kahani is focused on creating and producing world-class animation brands that become icons in India, resonate throughout Asia, and also appeal to the audiences around the world,” says animation veteran, CEO and president of Kahani World Inc and Executive Producer of Secret of the Seven Sounds,Biren Ghose. “We aim to put a new spin on storytelling, blending stories that may have an ‘Indian DNA’ but which thrive in the contemporary context and culture of the global kidizen! Virgin Comics and Virgin Animation have succeeded in straddling the East – West paradigm with equal excellence and are an inspiration and benchmark for what Kahani seeks to achieve as a company.”
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After Europe, India where Time Warner focus is: Parsons
MUMBAI: So-called restrictive legislations or not, India is a market that no mass product company can ignore. World’s biggest media company Time Warner is no exception.
This is evident from the fact that chairman and CEO of Time Warner,Richard Parson, sees India as a priority international market after Europe for his organisation.
At a time when Asia’s biggest market China has stringent media regulations making it difficult for non-Chinese companies to operate there, liberal India is the next haven for Western business houses.
“Time Warner in the US is such a large player. Where are we going to get growth from?” Parson was quoted by worldscreen.com as saying at an interaction with journalists at Mipcom in France on Wednesday.
According to Parson, “The first place we are going to look at is Europe. They are developed economies, established platforms, and there’s an orientation towards Western content. We are focused on Europe and the emerging markets of India and China, in that order.”
Though media has speculated on investments in India by Time Warner, but the company has preferred to keep a low profile.
At present, Time Warner’s biggest exposure to India is through a 26:74 joint venture with Zee Telefilms, called Zee Turner Ltd, for distribution of TV channels in India.
With over 30 channels in its bouquet, in certain markets within India Zee Turner has beaten Star and Discovery-Sony TV One Alliance in terms of subscription.
Zee Turner is targeting a turnover of Rs 4 billion by March 2007, signifying a revenue growth of 30-35 per cent compared to last financial year.
Through some of its group companies – Turner’s three satellite TV channels CNN, Cartoon Network and Pogo, Warner Bros. Movies based in Mumbai, Zee Turner and also a small outfit of AOL in Bangalore – Time Warner has an
adequate presence in India.But it would be nowhere near as lucrative or penetrative as competitor Rupert Murdoch’s Star.
In 2004 when Parson came on a flying visit to India, he did indicate at a party thrown for India’s business elites that Time Warner would like to set up a business process outsourcing unit (reason not known) here also.
Presently, Time Warner is slightly worried over the fate of a court mandated ban on airing ‘A’ certified movies by movie channels in the Mumbai market.
The ban affects Indian and foreign film channels, including HBO in which Time Warner has interest.
Meanwhile, speaking at length about his company’s plans in Europe at Mipcom, Parson did not rule out a cable acquisition in Europe.
“We all believe cable is the winner over time,” Parsons was quoted in media reports as saying.
“We look at everything. It’s a big issue. Cable will win in the US but maybe not outside the US since the infrastructure is not there. We look, we evaluate on price, you never know,” he added.
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Virgin America signs on Disney, Fox, Paramount & Warner Bros for in-flight content
MUMBAI: Virgin America, the new U.S. start-up airline has announced a collection of launch studio partners for its in-flight entertainment (IFE). The airline has reached individual agreements with Disney, Fox, Paramount Pictures and Warner Brothers to provide theatrical content at every seat and on every flight.
Although details of the deals are not being disclosed, the agreements will provide Virgin America’s guests with the best in motion picture and television entertainment. The airline’s industry onboard entertainment will offer its customers ‘pay-per-view’ movies, live TV via satellite, a wide array of audio music entertainment including the ability to compile individual audio playlists, a broad selection of popular electronic games, and even meals on-demand, informs an official release.
“Our partnerships with Disney, Fox, Paramount, and Warner Brothers are helping us redefine the travelling experience as it exists for airline customers today,” said Virgin America director inflight entertainment and partnerships, Charles Ogilvie. “Our guests will be able to pick from the latest and greatest Hollywood has to offer and enjoy their entertainment selections on their own schedule from the comfort of their seat.”
“Disney is happy to be part of the Virgin America team’s challenge to redefine the inflight entertainment experience,” said Disney Non-Theatrical Distribution senior vice president, Linda Palmer. “All arms of this studio are excited about Virgin America taking flight!”
“Interactive entertainment is a space that Paramount is excited about. Being members of the Virgin America launch team is something that we are excited about and is an important milestone as the U.S. domestic industry progresses toward more interactive inflight entertainment,” said Paramount non-theatrical distribution senior vice president Joan Filippini.
The airline previously announced entertainment partners including CoKinetic Systems Corporation, IMS, Inflight Canada, Pace Communications, Panasonic Avionics, Spafax, and Wunderman. A new addition to team is the New York-based Anomaly agency.