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Tag: Anu Sikka

  • Nickelodeon India delivered a stellar quarter with engaging educational campaigns

    Nickelodeon India delivered a stellar quarter with engaging educational campaigns

    Mumbai: Nickelodeon India concluded a remarkable July-September quarter with innovative, pan-India campaigns that touched the lives of kids across the country. Despite it being a non-festive quarter, the brand’s immersive engagements—from bustling cities to local communities ensured its presence wherever kids are. Through on-ground and digital campaigns, Nickelodeon reaffirmed its position as the ultimate destination for kids by consistently delivering moments of joy and learning.

    Nickelodeon’s ability to leverage key topical moments transformed special days into extraordinary experiences, sparking creativity and connection among kids across India. For Teacher’s Day, under the #FeatureYourTeacher campaign, Nicktoons Chikoo and Bunty visited Parvarish Special School and Ryan International School in Delhi, engaging kids and celebrating their mentors. On Friendship Day, Chikoo and Bunty brought excitement to Shrimad Rajchandra Divine Touch School in Ahmedabad, as part of the #ToastYourDost campaign. In Chennai, Nickelodeon partnered with Space Kidz India to offer an educational space exploration experience, led by Abhimanyu from Abhimanyu Ki Alien Family. Additionally, the release of the movie – Motu Patlu and Mission Kung Fu Kid saw Motu and Patlu delighting kids through interactive storytelling sessions and local tours in the city of Ahmedabad, blending entertainment with meaningful engagement.

    Commenting on Nick’s ability to engage kids across the board, Viacom18 business head of Kids TV Network Anu Sikka said, “At Nickelodeon, we aim to create experiences that do more than entertain—they inspire learning, growth, and joy. This quarter, we successfully deepened our engagement with kids through immersive experiences and collaborations that left a lasting impact. As we look ahead to the festive season, we are excited to continue partnering with brands and stakeholders, on both national and hyperlocal levels, to deliver enriching and meaningful value propositions.”

    This quarter also marked the expansion of Nickelodeon’s School Contact Program in key focus markets, engaging thousands of kids in schools through interactive and creative experiences. Nicktoons brought learning and laughter to kids, strengthening the brand’s on-ground presence.

    The success of these campaigns shines through in the growing number of sponsors and partners who have joined forces with Nickelodeon, driven by the brand’s deep connection with kids. Leading names such as Yipee, Complan, MamaEarth, Dr. Oetker, Babool, Kellogg’s, Ghadi, Huggies, Mammy Poko Pants, Ryan International School, Space Kidz India, and Shrimad Rajchandra Divinetouch, among others, have embraced Nickelodeon’s mission to provide value-driven entertainment that resonates with kids.

    Further underscoring Nickelodeon’s impact, its partnership with Fevicreate Idea Labs, Pidilite’s annual art and craft competition, recently earned the prestigious ANN Award for “Best Live Action Program” in the Kids’ category. This achievement highlights the brand’s leadership in delivering content that captivates and educates kids, both on and off-screen.

    Ryan International School principal Sheetal Labru said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Nick for this year’s Teacher’s Day celebration. The celebration brought a fresh and engaging approach to honouring educators, making the day truly memorable. The interactive activities, where students guided their teachers through fun challenges, showcased the special bond between them. We’re proud to see our students express their gratitude in such creative ways.”

    “At Shrimad Rajchandra Divinetouch, we are committed to creating a global community of purpose-driven individuals by delivering values through engaging and immersive formats. Our approach is to make learning enjoyable, impactful, and therefore, easy to internalise for young children. This Friendship’s Day, we’re thrilled to join hands with Nick to celebrate the special bond of friendship, combining our vision with a fun and memorable activity” Added, Shrimad Rajchandra Divinetouch trustee Sapna Shroff.

    Space Kidz India Founder and CEO Dr Srimathy Kesan said, “Here at Space Kidz India, our aim is to inspire and engage children in the wonders of space science and technology. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Nick, the pioneers in their space, where we aim to further ignite curiosity and encourage the next generation to reach for the stars. By combining entertainment with education, we hope to make learning about space accessible and exciting for children everywhere. Nick’s Abhimanyu is a prodigy in himself, it was a great experience having him at the centre, taking kids through his world.”

    As we approach the festive quarter, Nickelodeon is set to deliver more excitement and value to kids and brands alike. With major events lined up for Children’s Day, Diwali, Christmas, and New Year, the stage is set for grand-scale activations that will engage children across India. Brands have a unique opportunity to be part of these memorable experiences and connect with young audiences in impactful ways.

    Nickelodeon India continues to redefine kids’ entertainment by building meaningful, lasting connections across touchpoints. With thousands of kids engaged through on-ground experiences and innovative partnerships, the brand remains committed to delivering moments that spark imagination, foster learning, and create memories that stay with kids long after the fun is over.

  • Stick with Nick: The ultimate destination for kids

    Stick with Nick: The ultimate destination for kids

    Mumbai: Nick India continues to solidify its position as the premier kids’ entertainment brand with the launch of the innovative ‘Stick with Nick’ campaign. This latest campaign underscores Nick’s commitment to seamlessly integrate into the lives of its young audience, providing a rich, multi-platform entertainment experience.

    For over a decade, Nick has been the go-to brand for kids’ entertainment in India, with beloved shows like Motu Patlu, Chickoo Aur Bunty, and Rudra creating a unique space for kids to call their own. Beyond television, Nick offers a comprehensive entertainment ecosystem, integrating television, digital platforms, and on-ground experiences. The brand’s embrace of new technologies has solidified its relevance in the kids’ entertainment sector.

    At Nick, commitment to innovation and engaging content remains unwavering. Viacom18 business head – kids TV network Anu Sikka stated, “Nick is dedicated to creativity and great content, making it the top choice for millions of kids and families. Our brand’s wide reach and appeal make it a favourite not only among kids but also for partners looking to connect with young audiences. This new campaign aims to give kids an amazing experience with their favourite Nick toons in unique ways. It’s a clear example of our commitment to bringing joy and excitement to kids’ lives while offering a valuable platform for brands.”

    The ‘Stick with Nick’ campaign is live on-air with a watch and win contest, where kids will get a chance to win exciting specially curated gifts that ‘money can’t buy’. Furthermore, Nick enhances its television content with a strong digital presence through its OTT platform JioCinema. With Centerfruit as presenting partner, the campaign is set to create a whole lot of fun, along with powered by partner Camel and associate partners Catch and MamyPoko Pants.

    Commenting on the association, Perfetti Van Melle India marketing director Gunjan Khetan said “Centerfruit is excited to partner with Nick for the ‘Stick with Nick’ campaign. Nick’s extensive reach and universal appeal align wonderfully with Centerfruit’s vibrant and playful brand ethos. This collaboration contributes to our pursuit of bringing joy and excitement to our consumers. Together, we aim to create memorable moments for children across India.”

    Talking about the collaboration, Kokuyo Camlin Ltd chief strategy and marketing officer Rishi Kakar said, “Camel is excited to join forces with Nick for the Stick with Nick campaign. We look forward to a successful collaboration that enriches the lives of kids and families alike.”

    Strategic partnerships to give kids an on-ground experience include an association with MyFroyoLand, where Nick has curated an exclusive “Nick Specials” menu featuring flavors like Nick Chikoo Bunty Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Nick Motu Patlu Cotton Candy. Additionally, a collaboration with Birdy’s introduces limited edition cake flavors such as Nick Chikoo Bunty New York Cake and Nick Motu Patlu Dutch Truffle Cake, available across food delivery platforms and Mumbai stores.

    The brand has activated a robust social media strategy that includes integrated posts and campaigns across all major platforms and features over 120 influencers maintaining a strong connection with its audience. Moreover, recognizing the importance of physical interactions, Nick executes extensive mall branding and takeovers in key urban markets that allow kids to experience the magic of their favourite Nick Toons in real life. Moreover, innovative digital strategies include hyper-realistic CGI ads and interactive experiences, such as AR filters on Instagram and a hyper-casual game on the Nick website, engaging the digital-native generation.

    Nick’s ‘Stick with Nick’ campaign exemplifies the brand’s role as the ultimate destination for kids. By creating a multifaceted entertainment ecosystem that spans television, digital platforms, social media, gaming, and on-ground activations, Nick ensures it remains an integral part of kids’ lives. As Nick continues to innovate and engage, it reaffirms its dedication to bringing joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments to young audiences everywhere. Stay tuned and join the adventure as Nick continues to build a vibrant and inclusive universe for kids.

  • Fevicreate Idea Labs 2024 Art & Craft Competition: Winners announced

    Fevicreate Idea Labs 2024 Art & Craft Competition: Winners announced

    Mumbai: Pidilite, through its Fevicreate initiative, proudly announces the winners of the Fevicreate Idea Labs Annual Art & Craft Competition 2024. This national event, which combines science with art and craft, drew participation from over 1.3 lakh students representing 500+ schools across India, showcasing groundbreaking projects in Space Exploration, Endangered Species & Conservation, and Ocean Life.

    In its fourth year, the competition invited 16 finalists to Mumbai for the final round, where they competed live using a variety of art and craft materials, including Fevicreate boxes filled with Pidilite products. The themes were Marine Life for ages 9-14 years and the Solar System for ages 5-8 years. Projects were judged on creativity, innovative use of materials, scientific principles used, adherence to the theme, and overall presentation. Padma Shri Mylswamy Annadurai, an esteemed Indian space scientist and former ISRO Director, served as the chief jury member. Kashyap Gala, Senior Vice President of Consumer Products Business at Pidilite was also present at the event as a jury member.

    Winners in the 5-8 years or the ‘Little scientists’ age group include Hetvi Vaswani from MPS International, Jaipur, Rajasthan, and Bhani Gupta from St. Marks Senior Secondary Public School, Delhi, who both secured first place. Rama Anannya from Sri Chaitanya School Ameerpet, Hyderabad, Telangana, won second place, while Devanshi Sehgal from D.A.V High School, Ambala, took third place. In the 9-14 years ‘Young Innovators’ age group, Harshita Nopani from St. Xavier’s High School, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, claimed first place. Kanithi Swathi from D.A.V Centenary Public School, Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, secured second place, and Ifra Siddique from National English School, Kolkata, West Bengal, took third place.

    The final round was covered in episodes aired on prominent Viacom 18 network channels, Nickelodeon and Sonic. They will also be available on Jio Cinemas after June 24th.

    ISRO former director Padma Shri Mylswamy Annadurai expressed, “As a jury member of the Fevicreate Idea Labs competition, I am truly inspired by the creativity and ingenuity displayed by these young minds. At a time when education is evolving, it’s crucial to embrace the ‘learning by doing’ philosophy to drive STEM education. This competition exemplifies how art and science can come together to spark innovation and curiosity to approach and solve a given problem. The projects presented by these talented students are not only impressive but also a testament to the power of hands-on learning. I congratulate all the participants and winners for their remarkable efforts and encourage them to continue exploring and innovating.”

    Pidilite senior vice president of consumer products business Kashyap Gala remarked, “At Fevicreate, we wholeheartedly support the concept of ‘learning by doing.’ Today’s bright and curious minds thrive on challenges, and educators are continuously seeking innovative ways to teach them. School boards and NEP guidelines advocate for ‘Art-Integrated Learning,’ emphasizing that more learning should take place through art and craft. Fevicreate is dedicated to fostering this approach. The 16 creative young minds selected from across 65 cities and 1.3 lakh students are a testament to our commitment to ‘learning by doing.”

    Commenting on the association, Viacom18 Business head of Kids TV Network Anu Sikka said “Nick, as the ultimate destination for kids’ entertainment, is thrilled to join forces with Pidilite, the leader of arts and crafts innovation, for the innovative Fevicreate Idealabs Finale event. Nick’s extensive reach and influence in the children’s entertainment sector enable partner brands to connect with kids on a large scale, providing unique opportunities for collaboration. We are constantly seeking partnerships that enhance creativity and encourage exploration and learning. This contest embodies our dedication to nurturing the imaginative minds of tomorrow and offers a platform for Pidilite to showcase its innovative products to a broad, engaged audience.”

    Top winners received scholarships of Rs 1 lakh, Rs 75,000, and Rs 50,000 for first, second, and third places, respectively. Additional awards included runner-up prizes, trophies, certificates for schools with high participation, 22 city-level winners and special hampers for top students from schools with over 200 participants.

  • Nickelodeon bolsters programming with the launch of global hit ‘The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj’ in India

    Nickelodeon bolsters programming with the launch of global hit ‘The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj’ in India

    Mumbai: Nickelodeon, India’s No. 1 destination for kids’ entertainment, continues to push the envelope and set new benchmarks in the dynamic kids’ category through immersive and relatable storytelling. In line with the network’s commitment to successfully identifying white spaces and filling them, Nickelodeon has yet again filled another need gap in the kids’ category. With a robust content library of genre-defining IPs like Motu Patlu, Shiva, Rudra, Pinaki & Happy – The Bhoot Bandhus, Chikoo Aur Bunty, Abhimanyu Ki Alien Family and many more, Nickelodeon is all set to debut its maiden co-production with Nickelodeon International – The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj – in India. Starting October 15th, the new-age comedy will air every Saturday-Sunday at 1pm.

    A first-of-its-kind animated series, ‘The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj’ revolves around the escapades of two cousins, Sammy and Raj who possess a unique and mysterious time-altering app. With the extraordinary ability to pause, rewind and fast-forward time itself, Sammy and Raj embark on a series of amusing adventures as they attempt to tackle various issues. However, their well-intentioned efforts often end up causing a delightful blend of uproarious chaos and comedic situations. In each episode, Sammy and Raj encounter fresh and entertaining challenges, all while utilising their time-altering app to cleverly manoeuvre through the hurdles that come their way.

    Speaking on the partnership with Nickelodeon International, Viacom18  head – creative, content, and research, Kids TV Network, Anu Sikka said, “The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj is a collaborative testament between Nickelodeon International and us to deliver diverse, inclusive top-quality content for our young audiences. Filled with humour, this story of time travel is a fresh and unparalleled addition to our slate. We are confident that this show will grow to become an instant favourite, reaffirming our commitment to kids and the category.”

    Paramount’s global kids & family group VP – International production and development Chris Rose said, “The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj is the successful result of our partnership with Viacom18. Thanks to an extensive collaboration and strong teamwork, we managed to create a powerful story that explore differences between Eastern and Western sensibilities. The team in India was key to creating the story line and defining the characters for a kids’ show which gives audiences a taste of Indian culture, while capturing universal storylines that appeal to all audiences.”

    Supporting the launch of The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj is a robust multi-screen marketing plan across the Nickelodeon franchise, with a strong push on social media and various other digital platforms, games, connected tv, and influencer collaborations. Taking the plan a step forward, is an innovative AR filter which will transport kids in time by altering their appearance and is sure to draw equal attention from kids as well as brands.

  • Colors Tamil launches kids’ special segment ‘Nick Neram’

    Colors Tamil launches kids’ special segment ‘Nick Neram’

    Mumbai: Colors Tamil is all set to woo young viewers with the launch of ‘Nick Neram,’ a kids’ special segment from the house of Nickelodeon. As a part of this special initiative, the channel will air two brand new animated series “Golmaal Jr” and “Rudra: Boom Chik Chik Boom” every Monday to Friday at 5 p.m and 5:30 p.m respectively, starting 24 January. 

    “After the success of our current shows, we are elated to introduce two animated series in our lineup,” said Colors Tamil business head Rajaraman S. “While all our fiction and non-fiction shows have been popular among the Tamil viewers, we are now confident that Nick Neram will help us gain prominence among children as well. We are certain that this fresh, relevant, localised and compelling segment is another landmark for Colors Tamil in its journey to becoming the most preferred family entertainment channel in the Tamil entertainment space.”

    Created by Bollywood director Rohit Shetty, “Golmaal Jr” is inspired by his comedy film series “Golmaal.” On the other hand, “Rudra: Boom Chik Chik Boom” narrates the story of a nine-year-old magician who is learning to harness his supernatural powers, the channel said in a statement. “Viewers can also tune in to Voot Kids to watch these shows,” it added.

    “Tamil is an important market for our kids’ cluster and Colors Tamil’s popularity will help us establish a deeper relationship with our existing viewers while attracting the new ones with home-grown content that is relatable,” commented Viacom 18 head of creative, content and research for kids TV network Anu Sikka. “We are excited about this integration with Colors Tamil and will continue to synergise and explore similar possibilities going forward.” 

  • Chikoo and Bunty’s universal appeal will drive co-viewability for Nick: Anu Sikka

    Chikoo and Bunty’s universal appeal will drive co-viewability for Nick: Anu Sikka

    Mumbai: Kids’ entertainment franchise Nickelodeon is all set for the launch of its 11th animated IP “Chikoo Aur Bunty.” Starting 18 October, the 11-minute episodic series will bring alive the epic sibling banter and the playful rivalry between them through the story of the two brothers Chikoo and Bunty, who live with their parents and a playful and intelligent dog Barfi. The channel has roped in Philips, Pediasure, and Flipkart shopsy as sponsors for the upcoming launch.

    Nickelodeon witnessed a successful last year on the back of its tenth IP launch and the lockdowns boosting viewership for the kids category. The growth story continues unchallenged in 2021. Overall, the Nickelodeon franchise including Nick, Sonic, and Nick Jr. had the highest network share of 33 per cent over Disney’s (26) and Turner’s (17) and reach of 50 million over Turner (34) and Disney (32) as per Barc data (India U+R, 2-14 NCCS ABC, Week 14-38’21, 07-23hrs). According to Ormax Small Wonders, August 2021, five out of the top ten characters and eight of 20 belong to Nick.

    Entering into the spooky comedy space, Nickelodeon came up with the animated series ‘Pinaki & Happy – The Bhoot Bandhus’ on Sonic in November 2020. The show which commands 30 per cent of Sonic’s viewership today was a runaway hit among kids, consistently appearing in the top 10 highest rated slots of the category every week since its launch.

    On the advertising front, Nickelodeon claims to be the leader commanding a 35 per cent revenue share for FY21. The channel has seen a proliferation in the categories of advertisers coming on board, especially owing to the recent trend of co-viewership wherein kids are joined by young parents and other family members in watching animated shows. While FMCG continues to dominate the genre, e-commerce and F&B brands are also picking up in comparison. The overall kids’ category, though, continues to be under-indexed despite accounting for seven per cent of total TV viewership which had shot up to nine per cent during the pandemic.

    Indiantelevision.com caught up with Viacom18, head – creative content and research for kids’ TV network, Anu Sikka to discuss her content strategy that has propelled Nick to success. 

    Creating new characters and stories

    With shows such as ‘Happy & Pinaki – The Bhoot Bandhus’, ‘Ting Tong’, ‘Golmaal Jr.’, ‘Motu Patlu’, ‘Shiva’, ‘Rudra’ and others, Nickelodeon boasts 700+ hours of content and over 1500 episodes across genres including a slice of life, slapstick, magic, action-adventure, and spooky-comedy, among others. As a brand that recognises the importance of localised content that’s appealing to Indian kids, ‘Chikoo aur Bunty’ will be another addition to Nick’s shows in the slice of life genre where the concept of sibling rivalry has not been explored earlier. 

    Sikka tells us that the two key factors that are considered before coming up with any new IP, character or show at Nick are ‘how relatable is it for kids’ and ‘does it fire up or capture their imagination’. In the case of ‘Chikoo aur Bunty’, says Sikka, “the sibling rivalry being an everyday, unending saga in every family, the relatability factor is going to be very high. It is not just the story of these two characters, but that of every kid.”

    Nick credits its success to the fact that it owns all its IPs that are developed by its team of young professionals. The brand relies on the power of observation to find new characters and plots which are then mapped onto the white spaces in content.

    Sikka shares that the strategy of translating these observation-based concepts into the first few episodes and then tweaking them based on feedback from children has worked well for the brand. Commenting on whether the advertising potential of the characters and plots is factored in during the development stages, she adds, “The primary purpose for us is to create a successful show. Once you have these characters becoming popular with the audience then it can lend to various other things such as video games, advertising, and endorsements.”

    Popular formats

    Nick has content ranging from 60-second shorts to 90-minute TV movies. The shows are mostly seven, 11, and 22 minutes. There are mini-movies of 45 minutes and longer ones of 60, 75, and 90 minutes.

    This ensures a variety of content, “all of which is enjoyed by kids, although the 11-minuters are most popular with them” according to Sikka. “Majority of the shows on Nick are 11-minute stories. While the character and backdrop of a series stay the same, each one is an independent story. Even when two 11 minuters are played out in a 22-minute slot, the track we follow is independent, and not linear. The idea is that kids who do not have the patience to sit for long can walk in any time and enjoy the content that’s available.”

    These 11-minuters have also shown the highest repeat value with kids, as compared to 22- minute stories. “Children are used to watching stories that are crisp. 11-minuters allow you to create a script where you are able to tell the stories effectively while doing justice to all elements. For instance, for our chase comedy ‘Pakdam Pakdai’ seven minutes is perfectly justified, but if you have to tell a story that has more than one element such as humour and action, 11 minutes is the perfect duration,” Sikka adds.

    Changing viewership trends

    Viewership for the kids category is quite fluid and seasonal, with the prime time depending heavily on the kids’ school calendars. However, with children staying home during the pandemic, the time band from 8 am to 1-2 in the afternoon witnessed a substantial boost.  This also holds for vacation times when more content is watched in the morning and afternoon, rather than in the evening.

    As schools re-open in a staggered manner across the country, Sikka informs that she and her team are closely observing the developments and planning lives accordingly. “For now as we sail in both the boats, we are ensuring original content in the morning, followed by an immediate repeat in the evening time band. We will make scheduling changes as needed.”

    Another important and very positive trend that picked up steam during the pandemic years was that of co-viewership happening on the channel. Sikka hopes that with the exception of toddlers who will find it difficult to comprehend the new dialogue-heavy comedy, ‘Chikoo aur Bunty’ will drive this trend forward with its across-the-board appeal. 

  • Nickelodeon announces its 11th animated IP ‘Chikoo Aur Bunty’

    Nickelodeon announces its 11th animated IP ‘Chikoo Aur Bunty’

    Mumbai: Kids’ entertainment franchise Nickelodeon has announced the launch of its 11th animated IP “Chikoo Aur Bunty,” which is based on the inseparable relationship between siblings. 

    Powered by Phillips, in association with Pediasure and Flipkart shopsy, “Chikoo Aur Bunty” will bring alive the epic sibling banter and the tug of war between them that happens in every family using tongue-in-cheek comedy starting 18 October from Monday to Friday at 10 a.m on Nickelodeon, said the statement.

    “Nickelodeon has always stayed ahead of the curve by introducing kids to characters that are loved and adored. We have consistently catered to our young viewers’ evolving preferences with innovative entertainment, immersive storytelling and enhanced engagement experiences,” said Viacom18 head – Hindi mass entertainment and kids TV network Nina Elavia Jaipuria. “Continuing to lead the dynamic kids’ space is a testimony of our thought-through business and content strategies. With the launch of ‘Chikoo Aur Bunty,’ we will add further width and depth to our portfolio of Made in India IPs and provide impetus to our mission of entertaining kids and creating an evolved kids ecosystem.”

    Set in a middle-class home, “Chikoo Aur Bunty” is the story of two brothers who live with their parents and a playful and intelligent dog Barfi. The 11-minute episodic series will feature the sportive rivalry between the two brothers competing for affection and goodies, even as they devise means to avoid being reprimanded by their parents for all their mischief at home. The lyrics for the show’s music video are written by Gulzaar.

    The launch of “Chikoo Aur Bunty” will be accompanied by a multi-screen and multi-touchpoint marketing plan to draw equal attention from brands as well as kids. The sibling duo will capture kids’ imagination across the entire franchise through creative promos across platforms on GEC’s, music, movies and regional TV channels, through interaction on popular OTT apps as well as with curated content on short-form content apps, the channel said.

    Driving interactivity will be a Sibling Squad of popular influencers from across India with dance challenges, a virtual watch party, and fun games and interactions. In addition, customised “Chikoo Aur Bunty” digital games, AI filters on social media, GIFs and stickers and other exciting activities on all social media platforms will engage the youngsters, it added.

    “At Nickelodeon, our journey with local content kicked off almost a decade ago. The success of our past IPs reinforces our commitment and drive to serve our young audience with content that continues to raise the bar,” added Viacom18 head – creative content and research for kids TV network Anu Sikka. “The launch of our new IP ‘Chikoo aur Bunty’ will showcase a realistic representation of the relationship between two siblings who compete for the smallest of things but love each other equally. We look forward to enthralling kids with this unique concept of sibling rivalry and unlimited dose of comedy.”

    Nickelodeon has also partnered with Belgian Waffles, Smoking Joe’s and New York Burrito Company for the IP launch wherein these outlets will allow users to order specially curated “Chikoo Aur Bunty” offerings such as Chikoo and Bunty combo pack, Chikoo Bunty Pizza combo, and Chikoo and Bunty meal.

  • Our aim is to always create screen agnostic content: Viacom18’s Anu Sikka

    Our aim is to always create screen agnostic content: Viacom18’s Anu Sikka

    KOLKATA: The pandemic has been an epoch changing event for most adults, but it has also had a significant impact on children, too. A year of being confined to their homes later, the world is no longer their oyster, but has shrunk to the small screen – their window to the unseen and unknown domain outside. No wonder that kids are consuming more content across all mediums, be it traditional modes or new age platforms. With summer vacation set to start amid partial lockdowns across the country, young viewers will tune in to TV more than ever.

    To tap into the increased demand in April-June quarter, Nickelodeon recently unveiled a robust summer slate for kids. “This is a crucial time for the audience as well as the broadcasters because the viewership usually tends to be highest during this particular period. We have come up with the biggest ammunition that we can think of to roll out in this particular quarter,” said Viacom18 kids cluster content programming and strategy head Anu Sikka.

    The network has come up with new episodes of all the series that have been doing exceptionally well on both Nick and Sonic. Hence, the new line-up includes new episodes of old favourites like Motu Patlu, Rudra, Golmal Jr., Pinaki and Happy – The Bhoot Bandhus, and Ninja Hatori. Though it relaunched Zig & Sharko on Sonic in the last quarter of 2020, it is not ruling out fresh episodes for this show as well. The summer line-up also includes mini movies around popular cartoon characters.

    Last year, viewership for kids channels hit the roof when lockdown kicked in. While the ratings started returning to normal as things opened up, they are rising again now and are on course to reach the usual summer peak. 

    “In this era of uncertainty, we are trying to ensure when a child comes to watch Nick or Sonic, they should get that feeling of continuity that nothing has changed for them. So, there’s at least one aspect of life that remains unchanged for them,” Sikka added.

    There has been marked shift in content consumption trends too in recent times. Earlier, children were not willing to accept new characters or it could take a substantial amount of time for them to do so. But Sikka highlighted that this behaviour has changed over the last two years. Today, audiences are keenly on the look-out for new series and characters. However, the success of new shows lies in effective storytelling and good animation, she remarked.

    For instance, Pinaki and Happy – The Bhoot Bandhus was produced without following tried and tested methods; but on the back of unique content, it has done well and has climbed to the top five shows in the category within the past six months, mentioned Sikka.

    Over the past ten years, another major change that has taken place in the industry is the emergence of indigenous content. “I don’t think there is any broadcaster who can think of success without creating Indian characters, and local Indian shows. Every channel which had success has been on the back of locally produced content,” stated the content programming head, adding, “Indian animation industry, the broadcasters in the kids’ category have adapted to this change extremely fast.”

    Given the success of the genre, major OTT platforms have also started investing in the kids segment. Many industry experts have predicted that this trend would increase pressure on broadcasters. But Sikka is not worried about competition from OTTs. First, kids are not particularly interested in OTT exclusive content, said she; second, the network ensures that its popular characters, shows are present in all the spaces that draw young viewers.

    “Our aim is to always create screen agnostic content. It does not matter where the child is consuming the content. I truly believe as a content maker, if your story is strong, if your content is strong, if the children like the characters you have developed, they will watch it no matter the platform. Nick-Sonic shows do well across all the platforms, whether they’re watched on Nick or Sonic or Voot Kids, or YouTube channel of Nick,” Sikka signed off.

  • Nick announces 10th indigenous IP, ‘Pinaki & Happy – The Bhoot Bandhus’

    Nick announces 10th indigenous IP, ‘Pinaki & Happy – The Bhoot Bandhus’

    MUMBAI: Continuing the rich legacy of being India’s leading kids’ entertainment franchise in the category, Nickelodeon has sustained the number one rank for the sixth year in a row. After achieving immense success with other home-grown IPs like Motu Patlu, Pakdam Pakdai, Shiva, Rudra, amongst others, Nickelodeon is all set to venture into yet another untapped space. Post the resounding success of nine IPs, the franchise is now set to introduce the first ever spooky-comic series in the category with the launch of their tenth Indigenous IP -Lego presents Pinaki & Happy- The Bhoot Bandhus on Sonic.

    Produced by Tavrohi Animation, the show is fast paced, entertaining, spooky, combined with comedy which will take the young viewers on an adventurous joy ride starting 9 November at 11:30 am.

    Taking the kids into a new world of fun, the show will portray an unusual family of ghosts, who adopt the central character of the show – Pinaki and raise him as one of their own. The high-octane comedy combined with some “Bhootbaazi” will take the viewers on a laughter ride with mysterious and hilarious stories of Pinaki & Happy- The Bhoot Bandhus. The show will illustrate daily adventurous of Pinaki & Happy as the fun unfolds when the bhoot world meets the real world. The show is directed by Ankur Chauhan. Legendary lyricist Gulzaar has once again scripted lyrics for the title track of the show and the music is created by Simaab Sen. The unique spooky-comic, home-grown animated show from the house of Nickelodeon will further strengthen the franchise’s diverse content portfolio. With over 700 hours of content the franchise today has the largest, immersive and the most versatile local content library in the category. The coming year will see further scaling of the content library with over 100 + hours of content, expected to be added through new episodes and made for television movies.

    Viacom18 Hindi mass entertainment and kids TV Network head Nina Elavia Jaipuria said, “Kids are at the center of our universe and understanding their evolving preferences and catering to their diverse entertainment needs is at the core of all our initiatives. With each passing year, we have identified white spaces and brought alive clutter breaking and pioneering series that have gone on to be category game changers and favorites amongst all our stakeholders -kids, parents and advertisers ensuring that we are the most loved No1 kids entertainment brand in the country. With the launch of our new show Pinaki & Happy- The Bhoot Bandhus on Sonic, we are set to once again enthrall our young viewers with an immersive and unmatched entertainment experience.”

    Viacom18 Kids TV Network content head Anu Sikka said, “With the launch of our new show Pinaki & Happy- The Bhoot Bandhus, we are expanding our already popular programming catalogue to keep our young audience entertained. Each character and their traits are so carefully crafted that I’m confident that the Bhoot Bandhus will be thoroughly loved by the kids. The show promises to take kids into a new world of fun bringing to them first of it’s spooky-comedy series which takes them on a laughter ride when the bhoot world meets the real world. Over the years our adorable toons have formed an unbreakable bond with kids through the stories they tell and we are confident that our young viewers will surely embrace the new characters  and make them a part of their daily lives.”

    Pivoting the media mix to the new normal, the marketing campaign will leave no stone unturned in reaching out to kids through all possible screens. The show launch will be supported by a robust promotion plan across all platforms, which will include an aggressive TV plan within the Viacom18 network and outside the network.In addition to the high blitz television promotions, the launch will be promoted on cable channels, DTH, OTT platforms, music streaming apps amongst others. There are various innovations lined up on the digital front, including tons of quirky communication on YouTube. There would be a high decibel influencer campaign reaching out to the digital audience. The promotions will also extend to schools through an expansive virtual school contact programme.  Further adding to the experience will be fun Bhoot Bandhus inspired digital games, contests, AR filters, virtual dance face offs and series of engaging and interesting on-line interactivity that will transport kids into a world of escape.

    With a perpetual spirit to innovate, Nickelodeon has always identified white spaces and launched characters that are kid’s favourite today. With the launch of Pinaki & Happy- The Bhoot Bandhus, the Nickelodeon franchise has been true to its repute of being a pioneer and has plugged another entertainment white space in the spooky-comic genre.

  • Viacom18’s global push with international animation series

    Viacom18’s global push with international animation series

    MUMBAI: Entertaining kids on television is not a child’s play. Many an Indian broadcaster will agree. But Viacom18 owned Nickelodeon India has managed to do it well by bringing to life iconic characters like Motu Patlu, Gattu Battu, Shiva and Rudra amongst several others. Now the kids broadcaster is making its biggest bet: teaming up with its international associate Nickelodeon International to co-produce a new 2-D  animation series targeted at two to 14-year-olds all over the world.

    Titled The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj, it is slated to roll out on Nickelodeon’s international channels in 2021.

    “The UK and the US are two nations that produce a lot of animation content. India is the only region other than these two which has scaled up its original IP animation production capability,” says Viacom18 content & research Kids TV network creative head Anu Sikka. “When the UK team approached us, we thought as so many productions are happening in India why not do something from India. The idea was to create an IP and a show which works across the globe.”

    Read more news on Viacom18

    And that’s why it took the teams from the two companies which included – Sikka and Nickelodeon VP animation Chris Rose – two years to crack the project. Sikka brainstormed with her Indian colleagues to come up with the basic concept, which was then fine-tuned and honed jointly with the Nickelodeon International team. “We have incorporated India’s cultural nuances in the show in order to make it more endearing for both Indian and international audiences,” reveals Sikka.

    The writers room for The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj is now located in the US under head writer Jordan Gershowitz’s supervision. Creatives are being supervised by both the UK and Indian creative teams with the animation being done at Big Animation’s Pune studio.

    Read more news on Nickelodeon

    The channel is using Frame.io for better connectivity as well to clear assets and storyboards. Sikka highlights that due to the pandemic, the entire process slowed down. According to her, the studio has gradually picked up the pace and arranged software and necessary equipment for employees sitting at home. She says: “Luckily for kid's content and animation, we did not require any shoots, so our work didn’t stop. Yes, initially the challenge was to coordinate with everyone, there were internet connectivity issues at some places. There were initial hiccups but now we are back on track. Pre-production work that also includes conceptualisation and writing went at a rather swifter pace.”

    Sikka says that while the IP of the new series lies with Viacom18, distribution will be done by Nickelodeon International in the territories where it can be sold. Of course, the first telecast right will lie with all Nickelodeon channels. She says her  primary focus is to launch the show on a larger scale, and then depending on the traction the channel will look further into distribution and licensing.

    She points out that English dubbing will be done in both India and the UK, but the dubbing of the content in Hindi and other regional languages will be completely homegrown. She further adds, a movie franchise could also be in the works – just like Motu Patlu –  depending on The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj’s popularity.

    Animated shows on Indian television are budgeted at between Rs 12-25 lakh for a 2D series and Rs 22-35 lakh for a 3D one. Sikka was loathed to reveal the budget of the co-production. But industry sources reveal that it might be in multiples of what Indian shows can command.

    The news about the co-production has warmed many an animation industry veteran’s heart. Says one of them: “This is so good. There was a time when India was known for outsourcing and not for original IPs. But recent efforts like Mighty Little Bheem by Green Gold on Netflix and Vaibhav Studios’ Lamput on Cartoon Network has made waves globally and are telling a different story about India’s animation prowess.”

    The hope, amongst most industry professionals is that The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj will take that story of animation further into its next chapter.