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Tag: Nickelodeon

  • Nickelodeon to launch its first theme park in US by 2008

    Nickelodeon to launch its first theme park in US by 2008

    MUMBAI: Viacom kid’s entertainment brand Nickelodeon and Mall of America have announced a partnership to set up the first-ever stand alone Nickelodeon theme park in United States by spring 2008. This initiative is also part of a re-branding initiative of the Mall’s seven-acre amusement park.

    SpongeBob, Dora, Diego & Jimmy to come alive at first Nickelodeon theme park in US
    An official announcement states that the construction will begin after the architectural plans are complete. Though the majority of the creative elements are in development, including the official name of the new park, one of the first rides to be introduced in the park is a roller coaster based the animated Nick series, Avatar: The Last Airbender. Construction is expected to begin in 2007.

    Nickelodeon will also aim to establish its largest retail presence in the world at Mall of America, with a brand new Nick store occupying more than 4,000 square foot space, offering consumers items such as branded tee-shirts, souvenirs, novelties and more. The network will also introduce healthy dining options throughout the parks’ eateries, in line with its four year old health and wellness pro-social initiative for kids and families, Let’s Just Play.

    Throughout the design and creative process, Mall of America and Nickelodeon will conduct research and gain feedback on different concepts and designs by working with an advisory panel of kid experts to weigh in on key decisions and issues, adds the release.

    Nickelodeon Recreation senior vice president Howard Smith. “We’re absolutely thrilled to expand our brand with our first stand alone Nickelodeon theme park and our largest retail presence in such a wonderful destination.”

    As part of the partnership, Nickelodeon will bring its top characters, interactivity, and its signature iconic green slime to Mall of America. The newly revamped park, and the first ever Nickelodeon theme park, will feature new rides, live shows, retail, games and entertainment, and food service establishments themed with top ranking network properties including: SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Danny Phantom, Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, The Backyardigans and many more. Costumed characters and live interactive entertainment from these Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. shows will also find a home at the Mall.

    Mall of America vice president business development Maureen Bausch. “We expect the newly themed park will draw even more new visitors from around the United States, as well as international travel markets.”

  • Nick US forms alliance with a zoo

    Nick US forms alliance with a zoo

     MUMBAI: Miami Metrozoo, one of the top 10 zoos in the US, the Zoological Society of Florida (ZSF) and US kids broadcaster Nickelodeon have entered into a five-year strategic alliance.

    Nick Jr.’s Go, Diego, Go! will be featured in the Zoo’s newest and largest exhibit, Amazon and Beyond.

    The partnership involves having Diego, a preschool show at the Zoo’s Amazon and Beyond exhibit, when it opens in late 2008. While the 27-acre tropical exhibit is under continued construction, until then, beginning spring 2007, Diego will make a temporary home at the Commercebank Children’s Zoo inside Miami Metrozoo, with special Nick Jr. programming and appearances.

    Nickelodeon executive VP marketing and worldwide partnerships Pam Kaufman says, “This is a truly unique and extremely fitting partnership of which we are thrilled to be a part. Diego is the perfect match for the Amazon and Beyond exhibit since his home on television is in the rainforest. This exhibit brings to life Diego’s sense of adventure and love of animals and science, and provides a tangible experience which kids can learn from, which is wonderful.”

    This exhibit of tropical American flora and fauna will be the largest of any zoo in the US. It will include more than 1,000 animals including harpy eagles, giant river otters (only the third Zoo in the US to house them), anacondas, and Orinoco crocodiles in different settings representing the flooded forest, Amazon forest, and clouded forest, among others.

    ZSF president and CEO Glenn Ekey says, “This high-profile partnership with Nickelodeon and one of the top preschool properties brings us closer to our goal of creating the best Zoo in the country. Children will be elated to see Diego everyday at the Zoo and we are making Amazon and Beyond one of the world’s most varied and comprehensive tropical exhibits .

    “Amazon and Beyond is a demonstration of the fundraising efforts of the ZSF as we partner with Miami Dade County to stretch the public’s commitment to the Zoo.”

    The Go, Diego, Go! presence within the Amazon and Beyond exhibit will include a regularly scheduled stage show, featuring Diego, a host, and various animals with handlers; Diego branded stamping stations at the animal exhibits; field journals that will be distributed to kids to customize as they learn about the animals; and integration of Diego into Zoo marketing collateral and educational materials that are distributed to schools. In addition, some of the animals within the Amazon & Beyond exhibit will be those that are featured in Go, Diego, Go!.

    Amazon and Beyond’s promise to be impressive is backed by the Zoo’s design firm Jones and Jones Architecture of Seattle who has designed many of the sections of the San Diego Zoo. The exhibit is funded by a combination of public and private donors, including the Building Better Communities general obligation bond and The Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond.

     

  • Nicktoons Unite! added to Sony Computer’s ‘Greatest Hits’ collection in US

    Nicktoons Unite! added to Sony Computer’s ‘Greatest Hits’ collection in US

    MUMBAI: THQ Inc., worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software, has announced that Nicktoons Unite! for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system has been added to Sony Computer Entertainment America’s ‘Greatest Hits’ collection.

    Nicktoons Unite! features characters from some of the popular Nickelodeon animated shows including SpongeBob SquarePants, Jimmy Neutron and Danny Phantom. It is now available at retailers throughout North America for the new suggested retail price of $19.99, informs an official release.

    “We are delighted with the phenomenal success of Nicktoons Unite! and the game’s recent achievement of this significant retail milestone,” said THQ senior vice president of sales and distribution Scott Guthrie. “The new reduced price point will allow even more families to interact with these beloved Nickelodeon characters from some of the top-rated animated kid’s television shows.”

    “The success of Nicktoons Unite! is a testament to the strength of the Nicktoons roster of amazing characters as well as the great creativity of THQ,” said Nickelodeon vice president of digital products Shaul Olmert. “It’s great to see the game and our characters embraced by gamers as an all-time favorite.”

    The Nicktoons video game originally launched in October 2005 and has shipped more than one million copies across multiple platforms worldwide, adds the release.

     

  • Nickelodeon to kick off ‘Slime Across America’ tour on 26 February

    Nickelodeon to kick off ‘Slime Across America’ tour on 26 February

     MUMBAI: Nickelodeon has announced the launch of “Slime Across America,” an interactive experience that will bring the network’s iconic green slime to kids across the country. The national tour, which will transport the slime via the Nickelodeon Slime Mobile, just in time for Nickelodeon’s 20th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards on 31 March, will kick off February 26 at the Nick Hotel in Orlando, Florida, and will carry out 20 slimings in 20 markets across the nation.

    In addition, after the Kids’ Choice Awards, the Slime Mobile will continue to another 30 markets to allow even more kids to have a first hand slime experience.
    America gets ready for Nickelodeon’s slime attack!

    An official announcement made by the network states that Nickelodeon’s Slime Across America experience and the 18-wheel Slime Mobile will feature various games and attractions including a Nick Live! Slime Edition interactive stage show, a user generated content station where kids can create content to submit to Nickelodeon for possible air on me:tv, the network’s new interactive day part, an audition area, music-themed activities such as Nickelodeon karaoke, Nickelodeon costume character appearances, product giveaways, and of course, the opportunity for kids to get slimed.

    In the driver’s seat of the Slime Mobile will be Nickelodeon’s own Pick Boy. Select stops will also feature special appearances by Nickelodeon talent and costume characters, and national and local celebrities.

    “Nickelodeon has a long and storied history with slime,” said Nickelodeon Marketing and Worldwide Partnerships Executive Vice President Pam Kaufman. “From You Can’t Do That on Television to the first celebrity sliming at the 1988 Kids’ Choice Awards, neon-green slime and Nickelodeon have been synonymous. So what better way to reconnect America with the green goo and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Kids’ Choice Awards than by painting the country with slime all year long?”

    Nickelodeon will broadcast several of the slimings on me:tv from 5 to 7 p.m. ET/PT, beginning 11 March through 31 March. In addition, the Orlando kick-off event will be featured as part of TeeNick on 11 March.

    The Slime Across America Tour will make 20 stops leading up to Nickelodeon’s 20th Annual Kids Choice Awards, and approximately another 30 stops beginning 1 April 2007, and continuing throughout the year.

    After the Kids’ Choice Awards, Nickelodeon will utilize the Slime Across America Tour to support network events such as SpongeBob SquarePants “Friend or Foe” in April, among others. The network will support Slime Across America with a series of on-air spots that will drive fans to http://www.nick.com/slime, which features a schedule of stops, activities, games and more. Nickelodeon’s GoCityKids website will also offer tour information.

     

  • Viacom partners with online global TV distribution platform Joost

    Viacom partners with online global TV distribution platform Joost

    MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Viacom and broadcast-quality Internet television service Joost have announced that Viacom will be a key content partner.

    It will offer a range of brands and programming for free to consumers on the Joost distribution platform.

    Under the agreement, Viacom’s divisions – MTV, Bet and Paramount Pictures – will provide television and theatrical programming on the Joost platform. Founded by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis who were behind Skype, Joost is powered by an Internet platform that enables premium interactive video experiences while guaranteeing copyright protection for content owners and creators. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

    Joost will allow users to have free access to thousands of programs and channels not readily available on the Web. Through Joost, viewers can watch programming from many of Viacom’s brands on their computers through a customizable platform with advanced television viewing features such as links that lead to more information or related websites based on the content; and a variety of plug-in applications, such as instant messaging, message boards, and news tickers.

    Currently available in limited beta, Joost combines TV and the internet by offering viewers a TV-like experience. Joost is the first online, global TV distribution platform, bringing together advertisers, content owners and viewers in an interactive, community-driven environment, according to an official release.

    MTV will offer shows, both past and present, including Laguna Beach, Beavis and Butthead, Real World. Comedy Central will feature episodes from Stella, CCP’s and Freak Show. Nickelodeon, CMT: Country Music Television, MTV2, Logo, Spike TV, mtvU, and Gametrailers.com will also provide content.

    VH1’s offerings will include episodes of Flavour of Love, Surreal Life and I Love New York.

  • MTV, Adobe showcase mobile applications at 3GSM conference

    MTV, Adobe showcase mobile applications at 3GSM conference

    MUMBAI: At the 3GSM World Congress in Spain US broadcaster MTV Networks and Adobe Systems are previewing new mobile media applications featuring exclusive MTV Networks programming and leveraging Adobe Flash technology.

    The mobile media applications, available later this year, will deliver music, comedy and entertainment content from the MTV, VH1, Logo and Comedy Central brands directly to handsets that support Adobe FlashCast.

    The new FlashCast channels are the latest example of the ongoing alliance between Adobe and Viacom. Last year the two companies announced that Adobe would serve as the preferred technology provider for rich media authoring tools and interactive online video solutions for Viacom’s extensive array of television, motion picture and digital properties.

    In September, a number of new casual games based on franchises like Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and MTV’s Pimp My Ride were published as part of the Shockwave Minis launch using Adobe’s Flash Lite technology. Additionally, several of MTV Networks’ broadband channels – including COMEDYCENTRAL.com, MTV.com, VSPOT at VH1.com, LOADED at CMT.com, LogoOnline, and TurboNick at Nick.com – have since standardised on Flash technology to deliver streaming video.

    MTV Mobile Media senior VP Greg Clayman says, “The MTV, VH1, Comedy Central and Logo FlashCast channels that we are jointly demonstrating at 3GSM are indicative of the rich experiences that can be created on the handset when the power of programming meets the power of technology. With FlashCast technology, we’re able to create innovative mobile experiences that allow our viewers to connect with the music, comedy and entertainment programming they love.”

    Adobe senior VP mobile and device solutions Al Ramadan says, “Viacom is at the forefront of defining great mobile experiences and we are excited that our partner is choosing Flash to make it happen.

    “The first results of our partnership can be seen in our booth at 3GSM demonstrating our commitment to working closely together in the future to advance the innovation of mobile experiences.”

    Adobe’s FlashCast is a client-server solution that delivers mobile data experiences. Building applications with FlashCast technology gives MTV another option to quickly and easily extend the reach of its premium programming to the handset, connecting viewers with their favorite content wherever they are. The MTV FlashCast channel, for instance, features artist interviews, features and breaking stories from MTV News, as well as news for the game community.

    The VH1 application features the Best Week Ever blog and VH1 news; the Logo channel features its popular NewNowNext blog as well as programming from the recently acquired 365 Gay, After Ellen and After Elton web sites; and the Comedy Central FlashCast application features jokes, Booty Call pick-up lines, What’s Your Sign horoscopes and more.

  • ‘Dora The Explorer’ is the number one toy license in the US

    ‘Dora The Explorer’ is the number one toy license in the US

    MUMBAI: US kids brand Nickelodeon has announced that its lead licensed property and preschool character Dora the Explorer continues to make toy and licensing history.

    According to industry experts, The NPD Group, holiday 2006 sales propelled Dora intothe number one slot as the year’s top toy license. At Toy Fair in the US a number of key licensees including master toy partner Fisher-Price will showcase an expanded range of Dora the Explorer products that encompasses new play patterns and broader price points.

    Nickelodeon welcomes to Toy Fair four new additions to its toy partner line-up with the introduction of new licensees CDI/Jakks, MegaBloks, RC2 and Imperial Toy. From construction toys to role play and novelty toys, these companies will introduce a wide range of toys entering more channels of distribution than ever before with brands like Go, Diego, Go!, SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Backyardigans leading the way.

    These industry leaders join Nickelodeon’s growing network of licensees committed to supporting the imagination and creativity of children worldwide.

    Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products president Leigh Anne Brodsky says, “Nickelodeon, with top-selling mega brands like Dora the Explorer, is the dominant force in pre-school licensed toys. With the highest ranked preschool shows on commercial television, we’re expanding our properties in new directions and bringing kids more of the characters they love. Last year’s launches of Go, Diego Go!, The Backyardigans and Avatar had great success and this year’s Toy Fair will continue their momentum.

    “The popularity for everyone’s favorite, SpongeBob, is at an all-time high and we’re excited about the launch of Hasbro’s Operation SpongeBob SquarePants. It’s a marriage of two classics that go together like peanut butter and jelly.”

    Dora the Explorer is in her fifth year of licensed product with more than $5.3 billion in retail sales under her belt. Dora has made the transition from top seller to global mega brand. Dora product will be making a big splash at this year’s Toy Fair. The property led 2006 sales with Fisher-Price’s Dora Talking Cash Register and Fairy Wishes Dora seen as two of the most popular toys of the season. This year’s line-up is anticipated to be Dora’s
    biggest ever.

    In 2007, the franchise is looking to hit new heights with added products and play patterns including make-believe dress-up, role play and building sets. New products include Dora Let’s Get Ready Vanity. It features fiesta adventure
    cards, bilingual interactive phrases and object recognition. Then there is Sparkle And Twirl Mermaid Dora. This toy looks to puts a new ‘spin’ on the character. When kids put Dora into her special shell base, she magically starts to twirl around, her arms raise, her tail magically grows, and sound effects will play as she transforms into a magical mermaid.

    The Talking Friendship Adventures Dora is a life-sized 34 inch tall doll who can speak 70 bilingual interactive phrases. Dora Friendship Adventure Game is a Dora focussed adventure and environment for Fisher-Price’s new Smart Cycle, which encourages an active, healthy lifestyle for kids. Smart Cycle is an innovative plug-and-play toy that combines physical play with learning for preschoolers. The Dora Friendship Adventure Game lets kids pedal and steer their “on-screen vehicle” through both active and learning- focussed Dora play modes.

    Meanwhile Nick says that Go, Diego, Go! toys launched in 2006 with success. Nickelodeon will expand the merchandising program greatly this year to include new die-cast vehicles, wood toys, building sets and water toys. In 2006 Diego’s Talking Rescue Center became one of the most sought after holiday toys and earned ‘Best Toy’ accolades from Parents Magazine, Family Fun Magazine and the New
    York Daily News. The Go, Diego, Go! Live tour, which will visit 50 markets across the US.

    SpongeBob SquarePants has made more than $6.3 billion in retail sales to date. SpongeBob SquarePants Nick says is the most-watched kids show in history. Nick says that the show’s and merchandise success is largely due to appeal that cuts across gender and age groups. No competitive brand has the appeal and scope of the one and only SpongeBob SquarePants.

    One product that will be launched is the Operation SpongeBob SquarePants. This is an updated version of the classic board game with a distinct Bikini Bottom twist — and the original games signature lights and buzzers. Bringing the two hits together is a perfect fit.

     

  • Nickelodeon inks footware licensing deal with Crocs, US

    Nickelodeon inks footware licensing deal with Crocs, US

    MUMBAI: Crocs, Inc. has announced that it has entered into a creative licensing agreement with Viacom’s kids channel Nickelodeon, and will introduce an exclusive, limited edition line of footwear incorporating Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants characters. The new line will be available at select U.S. retail locations in summer 2007.

    Crocs CEO Ron Snyder stated, “We are thrilled to partner with Nickelodeon, as we bring the favorite network for kids together with kid’s favorite footwear. Crocs will be launching a new line of exciting footwear for our young customers featuring characters. Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants are a great fit with Crocs and we see this licensing agreement as a fantastic opportunity to connect with our target consumers, and grow our brand and business.”

    “Nickelodeon is a big fan of Crocs and we are delighted to bring this innovative partnership and our new footwear products to consumers just in time for summer,” said Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products senior vice president/soft goods Hal Snik. “When you combine the fun of Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants with a colorful and irresistible product like Crocs, moms and kids are sure to respond.”

  • Nickelodeon’s president Cyma Zarghami meets president Bush to discuss child obesity

    Nickelodeon’s president Cyma Zarghami meets president Bush to discuss child obesity

    MUMBAI: Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group president Cyma Zarghami, joined president Bush and the first lady at the White House to discuss the current effort towards the fight against childhood obesity on 1 February. They joined by other food and beverage industry and entertainment executives and CEOs, the Ad Council and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
    Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group president Cyma Zarghami

    The meeting stemmed from the recent announcement by HHS, the Ad Council, Dreamworks SKG, Nickelodeon, and others about the launch of a new series of public service advertisements designed to help prevent childhood obesity featuring characters from the movie Shrek.

    Nickelodeon will premiere the Shrek “Be A Player” PSA on 1 February at 8 pm. ET/PT and air it throughout the year as part of the network’s on-going “Let’s Just Play” campaign, which strives to encourage kids and families to make healthy lifestyle choices, informs an official release.

    “Nickelodeon is honored to be a part of this forum today, and to be able to discuss with the President and First Lady, and many leaders in the food, beverage and media industries, how we can all work together to further the solution to childhood obesity,” said Zarghami. “We’ve taken great strides as a company to encourage healthy lifestyles among kids, and we’re pleased to see so many corporations collaborate to move the needle on this issue.”

    Participants, along with Zarghami, included: Indra Nooyi, CEO, PepsiCo, Inc.; Marc Belton, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Health, Brand and New Business Development, General Mills; Peggy Conlon, President and CEO, The Advertising Council; Alexander “Sandy” Douglas, Jr., President and COO, Coca-Cola North America; Roger Enrico, Chairman of the Board, DreamWorks Animation SKG; Ivelisse Estrada, Senior Vice President, Corporate and Community Relations, Univision Communications, Inc.; Lance Friedmann, Senior Vice President, Global Health and Wellness and Sustainability, Kraft Foods, Inc.; Jeff Montie, Executive Vice President of North America, Kellogg Company; Tom Seddon, CEO, Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust; and Don Thompson, President, McDonald’s USA.

    More than 10 million school-age children in the United States are now considered overweight. The proportion of overweight kids tripled among adolescents over the last 25 years, and nearly doubled for children ages 6 to 12. This increases their risk for adult heart disease and diabetes, lowers life expectancy, and creates additional health-care costs. The Federal government spends more than $600 million annually to fight obesity, adds the release.

    The channel claims to have committed more than $30 million and 10 percent of its non-programmed airtime to health and wellness messaging. This year marks the fifth year of Nickelodeon’s “Let’s Just Play” pro-social initiative, which is a multi-media campaign that empowers kids to recapture the spirit and benefits of active play for themselves and their communities. The campaign builds on

    Nickelodeon’s connecting with kids through all its lines of business including online, magazines and on-air messaging. Over the past two years, Nickelodeon has also awarded approximately $2.5 million in grants and through its “Let’s Just Play Giveaway” to schools and after-school programs to help provide resources that will create and expand opportunities for physical play.

     

  • Nickelodeon unveils virtual community playground ‘Nicktropolis’

    Nickelodeon unveils virtual community playground ‘Nicktropolis’

    MUMBAI: Nickelodeon, a division of Viacom Inc.’s MTV Networks, has launched new kid-targeted virtual community titled Nicktropolis on 30 January. It promises to offer visitors multi-media experience giving them an opportunity to engage in a virtual world filled with web-based activities.

    According to an official release issued by the company, (at Nicktropolis, available at http://www.nicktropolis.com/ or through http://www.nick.com/), kids will have their own virtual community where they will have the opportunity to play games, watch video, explore Nickelodeon-branded and original environments, interact with other kids or Nickelodeon characters in real time, and create their own personalized 3D rooms.

    “Virtual worlds like Nicktropolis are part of our strategy to bring immersive, relevant entertainment experiences to our audiences wherever they are, and to build communities around our content across every kind of platform,” said MTVN chairman and CEO Judy McGrath. “The virtual worlds we’ve been building across our networks give the fans of our brands the high level of interaction they want with one another, and with the content itself.”

    Kids enter Nicktropolis by assuming an “avatar” that they design and personalize, choosing from an array of hairstyles, skin tones and clothing styles. Once a user selects a destination, the avatar appears in the particular environment and can move around simply by clicking where he/she wants to go.

    “Nickelodeon has a deep connection with kids, and Nicktropolis is built from our knowledge that kids’ interest in social networking is all about gaming,” said Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group president Cyma Zarghami. “Nicktropolis serves as a one-of-a-kind multimedia virtual entertainment playground for kids that allows them to watch video from our immense library of programming, play games, interact with our characters and safely communicate with each other through controlled chat.”

    The site offers a 3D environment consisting of four main areas containing multimedia experiences, gaming, and opportunities to personalize their space, create video play lists of their favourite Nickelodeon content, and interact in a safe, community environment. Additionally, the company states that Nicktropolis incorporates numerous safety features to ensure kids’ virtual playground experience is as safe as possible. Participation in Nicktropolis relies entirely on the anonymous registration system, which does not allow kids to divulge personal, identifiable information, adds the release.

    Nickelodeon’s Nicktropolis is MTV Networks’ latest move in serving its audiences through original online and wireless content across all of its brands. This follows from Nickelodeon’s latest research study, Living in a Digital World (2006), which found that 86 per cent of kids 8-14 are gaming online; more than half (51 per cent) are watching TV shows and videos online; 37 per cent are instant messaging and 12 per cent are participating in chat rooms.