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Tag: SpongeBob SquarePants

  • 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.”

  • 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 launch series ‘Mighty B’; ‘SpongeBob’ to return

    Nickelodeon to launch series ‘Mighty B’; ‘SpongeBob’ to return

    MUMBAI: Nickelodeon US has signed on a new animated series titled Mighty B, for which Saturday Night Live’s Amy Poehler will lend her voice and be involved in its production.

    Roped in for 20 episodes Mighty B will premiere in 2008. “Bessie represents the ever-optimistic spaz, who believes she can grow up to be a rock star, actress, politician and brain surgeon all at the same time,” said Poehler. “And as a person who knows absolutely nothing about animation, I am thrilled to be in such great hands over at Nickelodeon. I can’t wait to find out how they make those cool little people move around.”

    The channel has also given the go ahead for the sixth season of SpongeBob SquarePants, for which 13 episodes will be produced. This will thrust the show beyond its 100th episode.

    Strengthening the programming for the next year, Nickelodeon has also ordered for new episodes of El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera and Tak and the Power of Juju, which are slated to premiere in March and September 2007 respectively, states an official release.

    On making the announcements Nickelodeon Television executive vice president and general manager Tom Ascheim said, “It comes from the incredible comedic minds of Amy Poehler, Cynthia True and Erik Wiese, and is a fresh, creator-driven series about a hilarious character Amy created that we think kids are going to really love and connect with. And we are equally thrilled to be making another season of SpongeBob SquarePants — a series we hope to never stop making — as well as adding additional episodes of our upcoming series El Tigre and Tak.”

    Mighty B, SpongeBob SquarePants, El Tigre and Tak and the Power of Juju are Nicktoons Productions and are produced at the Nicktoons Studios.

  • Nickelodeon to launch series ‘Mighty B’; ‘SpongeBob’ to return

    Nickelodeon to launch series ‘Mighty B’; ‘SpongeBob’ to return

    MUMBAI: Nickelodeon US has signed on a new animated series titled Mighty B, for which Saturday Night Live’s Amy Poehler will lend her voice and be involved in its production.

    Roped in for 20 episodes Mighty B will premiere in 2008. “Bessie represents the ever-optimistic spaz, who believes she can grow up to be a rock star, actress, politician and brain surgeon all at the same time,” said Poehler. “And as a person who knows absolutely nothing about animation, I am thrilled to be in such great hands over at Nickelodeon. I can’t wait to find out how they make those cool little people move around.”

    The channel has also given the go ahead for the sixth season of SpongeBob SquarePants, for which 13 episodes will be produced. This will thrust the show beyond its 100th episode.

    Strengthening the programming for the next year, Nickelodeon has also ordered for new episodes of El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera and Tak and the Power of Juju, which are slated to premiere in March and September 2007 respectively, states an official release.

    On making the announcements Nickelodeon Television executive vice president and general manager Tom Ascheim said, “It comes from the incredible comedic minds of Amy Poehler, Cynthia True and Erik Wiese, and is a fresh, creator-driven series about a hilarious character Amy created that we think kids are going to really love and connect with. And we are equally thrilled to be making another season of SpongeBob SquarePants — a series we hope to never stop making — as well as adding additional episodes of our upcoming series El Tigre and Tak.”

    Mighty B, SpongeBob SquarePants, El Tigre and Tak and the Power of Juju are Nicktoons Productions and are produced at the Nicktoons Studios.

  • MTV launches Nick block on Malaysian broadcaster TV9

    MTV launches Nick block on Malaysian broadcaster TV9

    MUMBAI: MTV Asia has launched a Nickelodeon block on Malaysia’s terrestrial television channel, TV9. Branded as Nick di 9, it will reach over seven million households in Malaysia.

    Nickelodeon’s properties include SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius. Dubbed in Bahasa Melayu, Nick di 9 will be aired daily for three hours from 3pm to 6pm. Now kids in Malaysia can also enjoy these award-winning pre-school shows including Blue’s Clues and Dora the Explorer on Mondays to Thursday; while from Friday to Sundays, they can look forward to hilarious fun with Nicktoons like SpongeBob SquarePants and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.

    TV 9 is Malaysia’s first free-to-air channel to provide an uninterrupted kids’ block 7 days a week. With the tagline Dekat di Hati, TV9 is the Malay channel targeting to Malays who strongly associate themselves with positive values.

    MTV South East Asia senior VP and GM Christopher James says, “At Nickelodeon, we put kids first in everything we do and with Nick di 9, we will be reaching out to Malaysian kids in the language that they speak. This mutually rewarding relationship with TV9 will help both parties to better reach out to kids and families in Malaysia.

    “The launch of Nick di 9 as a Bahasa Melayu block is a significant development in the overall expansion of the brand across South-East Asia”

    TV9 COO Bukhari Che Muda says, “Responding to the Government’s call to put Bahasa Melayu as the first spoken language in Malaysia, TV9 has taken the initiative to dub all Nick’s cartoons into Bahasa Melayu. This cartoon lineup being dubbed in Bahasa Melayu is the best way of educating kids to speak in their first language. Now TV9 kids can truly enjoy their favorite cartoon characters, singing and laughing along with them in the same language”.

  • Google to distribute ad supported MTV content

    Google to distribute ad supported MTV content

    MUMBAI: Media company Google has inked a deal with US media conglomerate Viacom.

    The online search behemoth will distribute clips of MTV’s shows that contain advertising to other web sites.

    Media reports state that sites that are part of Google’s AdSense Network will get MTV’s content. Google, Viacom and the AdSense partners will split revenues derived from the tie-in of advertising and content.

    The content will include SpongeBob SquarePants and Laguna Beach. The move will give Viacom a much broader reach than traffic to its own Web Sites. Google now uses the AdSense network to place paid-search ads for advertisers.

  • PlayFirst releases ‘SpongeBob SquarePants Diner Dash’ for the Macintosh

    PlayFirst releases ‘SpongeBob SquarePants Diner Dash’ for the Macintosh

    MUMBAI: PlayFirst, a publisher of casual games announced the Macintosh-compatible version of the chart-topping SpongeBob SquarePants Diner Dash — the popular casual game combining Nickelodeon’s star from Bikini Bottom and the gameplay of the original Diner Dash.

    Already a hit with the PC audience on PlayFirst.com and Nick Arcade, SpongeBob SquarePants Diner Dash features the same classic game mechanic and fast-paced fun of the original game with the characters from the Emmy-nominated series and sponge-worthy storylines.

    PlayFirst’s Diner Dash has become one of the most popular games on the web with more than 100 million plays worldwide. The original hit game follows Flo as she grows her fledgling diner into a five-star restaurant, satisfying customers of all types along the way.

    Launched in July 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has been the most watched animated series for kids on television for the past six years. SpongeBob SquarePants is consistently one of the top rated kids’ shows on television. More than 60 million viewers tune into the show each month.

    SpongeBob SquarePants Diner Dash is free to try for 60 minutes or purchase for $19.95. It can be downloaded on a Mac or PC version from www.playfirst.com/game/spongebobdash. The PC version is also available for download on www.nickarcade.com.

  • Viacom’s Q1 revenues up 12 per cent to $2.37 bn

    Viacom’s Q1 revenues up 12 per cent to $2.37 bn

    MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Viacom has reported a 12 per cent rise in revenues at $2.37 billion for the first quarter ended 31 March 2006.
    Eight per cent of the revenue increase was attributable to the acquisition of DreamWorks on 31 January 2006. The growth in revenues reflects a seven per cent increase in the cable networks segment, and a 25 per cent rise in the entertainment segment, including DreamWorks.

    Ad revenues, which accounted for 36 per cent of total revenues in the quarter, increased three per cent versus first quarter last year, while affiliate fees, representing 21 per cent of total revenues, increased by nine per cent.

    Feature film exploitation accounted for 34 per cent of total revenues, an increase of 26 per cent. Ancillary revenues, which accounted for nine per cent of total revenues for the quarter ended 31 March 2006, increased 14 per cent versus 2005 first quarter results.

    In the cable networks segment, US channels revenues were up six per cent. This was partially offset by a decline in international ad revenues of 13 per cent due principally to lower ad spending and change in channel format in the first quarter of this year in Germany.

    Affiliate fees were up nine per cent in the first quarter of 2006 with subscriber increases and rate increases both contributing to the growth. Subscriber increases were led by distribution growth at domestic channels including Digital Suite, MTV2, Tempo and Noggin, which added an aggregate of over 40 million subscribers.

    In addition Logo, which launched on 30 June 2005, now has 20 million subscribers. Rate increases were strongest among MTV Networks core channels, led by Nickelodeon and MTV. Ancillary revenues were up 15 per cent in the first quarter of 2006, driven primarily by a 36 per cent increase in home video/DVD sales, higher syndication fees resulting from the availability of South Park as well as other licensing and merchandising revenues contributing to the improved performance versus 2005.

    Operating income in the cable networks segment rose by eight per cent to $621.1 million in the first quarter of 2006 from $577.5 million in the first quarter of 200. Higher revenues were partially offset by a seven per cent increase in operating expenses.

    The increase in operating expenses primarily reflected higher programming costs across domestic channels for shows including The Daily Show and The Colbert Report which air on Comedy Central; acquired movies and Fresh Baked Video Games at Spike; Next, Making the Band and Laguna Beach at MTV; Miss America Pageant on CMT and Lil’ Kim, Countdown to Lockdown and CollegeHill at BET.
    Increases for these shows were partially offset by the non-renewal of the WWE package at Spike and the ending of Osbournes and Newlyweds – Nick and Jessica on MTV.

    Home entertainment revenues increased by $48.5 million, or 13 per cent to $421.8 million, inclusive of DreamWorks library titles contribution of $74.4 million. Other home video releases for the first quarter 2006, such as Hustle & Flow, Yours, Mine & Ours and Elizabethtown underperformed 2005 releases including Collateral, SpongeBob SquarePants and Without A Paddle.

    Television license fees increased by 30 per cent to $220.4 million, including $55.6 million of DreamWorks related revenues which accounted for all of the increase. Worldwide theatrical revenues in 2006 increased by 50 per cent or $39.5 million to $118.9 million. DreamWorks titles She’s the Man, Munich and Match Point added $42.6 million in the quarter, partially offset by declines as Failure to Launch and Last Holiday, in theaters in the first quarter of 2006, underperformed 2005 titles including SpongeBob SquarePants, Lemony Snicket and Coach Carter.

    Ancillary revenues increased by 78 per cent to $63.8 million driven primarily by increased revenues related to the rental of studio space.

    Commenting on the result, Viacom executive chairman Sumner M. Redstone said, “The exceptional businesses and strong brands of Viacom are very well-positioned as we move into an increasingly multi-platform environment. Looking ahead, we believe we can create long-term value for our shareholders and outperform the industry as we deliver our content in more ways than ever before to even larger audiences.”

    Added Viacom president, CEO Tom Freston, “There’s great excitement and momentum at Viacom. First off, we completed our first quarter as a new, focused and more nimble company. We closed the acquisition of DreamWorks and sold the library, continued to make strong progress in the execution of our digital strategy and hit many all-time viewership highs at MTV Networks and Bet Networks. We did face some challenges in the overseas ad market, but we have already taken steps that we believe will put that business back on track to deliver on its growth potential.

    “Overall we’re pleased with the way our company performed, and are continually working to ensure that investors fully realize the success of our strong brands, film, cable and digital content and multiplatform opportunities. I’m very comfortable with our progress and our outlook, and am confident that we’ll meet our 2006 goals.”

  • Kids’ channels line up hot fanfare as summer beckons

    Kids’ channels line up hot fanfare as summer beckons

    MUMBAI: Summer is just around the corner and no doubt kids’ channels have a lot of programming goodies up their sleeves. Movies, live action, animation, contests and much more… it’s all there on Cartoon Network, Pogo, Hungama TV, Disney Channel, Toon Disney and Nick.

    What’s more… comedy seems to be the flavour for the holidays with Pogo, Hungama TV and Nick introducing special comedy shows for the summer.

    Pogo started its summer special programming with Pogo Funny Side-Up, featuring new episodes of Takeshi’s Castle, voiced by some of the winners of the Great Indian Laughter Challenge show.

    Pogo will also launch another new original, live-action production on Pogo following our two summer launches last year, M.A.D. and Bam! Bam! Bam!… Gir Pade Hum.

    On the other hand, Cartoon Network will see the launch of more Indian animation shows and a network premiere of a Beyblade full length movie – Beyblade, The Movie: Fierce Battle in Cartoon Network Theatre.

    Other highlights include, Beylade Marathon – 3…2…1 Hojaye Shuru, which will air every Sunday from 4 – 8 pm. Apart from that, Raja Hindustani – a special one hour block of Indian animation – began on the channel from 16 April and airs every Sunday at 11 am.

    Also new episodes of Tom & Jerry Tales will be aired on Sundays at 10 am. The new series in the Toonami block include Pokemon: Advanced, Beyblade G Revolution and a new show called One Piece. Yet another new show in the Half Ticket Express block called Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs will also be aired in summer.

    Turner International India Pvt. Ltd managing director Anshuman Misra said, “Summer is an important time for Cartoon Network and Pogo. We have some of the best programming mix lined up for Indian kids during these holiday months. New original productions, new family shows and blockbuster movies will mark their debut during the April – July period.”

    Homegrown kids channel Hungama TV too has a robust summer lineup in store for kids. The channel has acquired a couple of Japanese animation shows.

    In March, the channel already launched Dragon and FiFi & the Flower Tots in the pre-school band. The preschool band has now been renamed Toon Toon Toon.

    The other two bands that the channel will introduce are the Toon Blast band and a two and a half hour comedy band called Ha Ha Ha Hungama.

    The Toon Blast band will air new seasons of Yu-Gi-Oh! and Sonix X. In addition Hungama TV will launch the anime version of one of the most successful Japanese merchandise Amdriver, which has a futuristic storyline of a fight of good v/s evil. Yu-Gi-Oh! will air at 5 pm, Amdriver at 5.30 pm and Sonic X at 6 pm from Monday to Friday.

    The Ha Ha Ha Hungama band will tickle the funny bone with a new show Kochikame at 2.30 pm from Monday to Friday. “This show is the longest running hilarious slapstick comedy in Japan about an inefficient cop who is good in his heart but otherwise is good for nothing,” informs Hungama TV COO Zarina Mehta.

    Another show called Peep and the Big Wide World will also be launched in this band and will air at 3 pm from Monday to Friday. This is a series featuring three birds – a chicken called Peep, a robin called Chirp and a duck called Quack. The story revolves around close friends and their fun and exploration in their neighborhood. Apart from unique humor it also imbibes a positive attitude and inquiry skills that promise to provide inspirational programming for kids.

    “We have always managed to get the best of content for our audience. The shows that are due to launch in April have truly delightful visual appeal offering kids a 360-degree entertainment parameter that will definitely make their vacation a roll-a- costar ride at home,” says Mehta.

    And that’s not all… Hungama TV is also planning a large scale ground event to coincide with a big show launch. But the channel is keeping it tightly under wraps for now at least!

    Coming to Disney Channel, one thing to look out for here is the Oscar-winning ‘fishy’ movie Finding Nemo. The channel will premier the movie in Hindi on 25 June. The film follows the comedic and eventful journeys of two fish – Marlin and his son Nemo. Disney Channel will go the whole hog to promote Finding Nemo including a watch-and-win contest around movie trivia, which will be aired during breaks. Viewers can send in their entries through SMS and IVRS to win cool Nemo merchandise.

    Apart from that, the channel will also air the first Indian animation movie – Hanuman, to which it recently acquired the telecast rights for three years from Sahara One Media and Entertainment Ltd. Hanuman will launch in May on Disney Channel as an eight episode series and will be aired at 9 am on weekends.

    What’s more, the channel will build a 360 degree multi media campaign around all new episodes of That’s So Raven!. On 15 April, Hatim – the saga of a strong and courageous Prince of Yemen will launch on Disney Channel at 6 pm on weekdays.

    Apart from that, the preschool content destination, Playhouse Disney is being further strengthened with the launch of Mickey Mouse Club House. The show will launch on 6 May at 8.30 am on weekends.

    The Walt Disney Television International (India) director programming and production Nachiket Pantvaidya says, “This summer we have an exciting line-up of content for kids. We believe in showcasing a mix of the best local kid’s content and the best international content from the Disney stable. Hits like Hanuman, Finding Nemo and That’s So Raven will draw older kids to Disney Channel.”

    Live action, preschool programming and comedy will rule the roost on Nick. The first in line is a live action comedy show called Drake & Josh. The show revolves around a pair of diametrically opposite step-brothers and will premiere as part of an April Fool’s Day stunt on 1 April.

    Another new show Avatar will be launched in May. This new animated show is about a 12 year old boy who is master of all four elements and must stop the ruthless Fire Nation from conquering the world.

    Nick has also acquired a couple of preschool shows called Peppa Pig and Dougie in Disguise, which will also launch in May. While Peppa Pig revolves around a family of pigs, the Spanish acquisition Dougie in Disguise is about an ordinary kid who plays with sticker albums that come to life through his imagination. Apart from these, Nick has also lined up another new preschool show in June.

    “Summer vacations will be huge on Nick with an enormous programming bonanza rolling out. Starting 1 April, we’re premiering a show called Drake & Josh, which is a live action comedy and also showing a Nick Dhoom double bill on weekends featuring a whole hour of top shows,” says Nick India vice president and general manager Hema Govindan.

    Speaking on the preschool shows Govindan adds, “Preschool is doing very well and becoming a focus for us so we’re expanding our Nick Jr. preschool block. We’re also doing Monday Marathons of hit shows like Kenan & Kel and SpongeBob SquarePants, which means eight hours at a stretch of these shows.”