ITV

Tag: Tom And Jerry

  • Will this ‘Arjun’ hit the bullseye?

    Will this ‘Arjun’ hit the bullseye?

    MUMBAI: Looks like ‘acche din’ are here for broadcasters in the kids’ genre (read Disney, Pogo, Cartoon Network, Nick, Sonic, Nick Jr.). There was a time when all one used to get to watch was Tom chasing Jerry on screen, Swat Kats fighting crime to save Megakat City from the evil clutches of Dark Kat or Popeye gulping down spinach to clobber Bluto and save Olive (not that we didn’t like these classics). But, it’s really heartening to see broadcasters lapping up original Indian IPs and going a step further by getting involved in the making as well.

     

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  • On road to the Cartoon ‘Always On’ Network

    On road to the Cartoon ‘Always On’ Network

    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network is taking its promise to reach children whenever they want and wherever they want rather seriously.

    The network has grandiose plans to be ‘Always On’ with customised new original and/or acquired programming for a range of platforms accessed by kids nowadays, including television, smart phones, computers, tablets, gaming devices and what have you.

    Turner International Asia Pacific chief content officer, Mark Eyers rightly puts it as, “To Cartoon Network, ‘Network’ means a portfolio of different experiences across a network of devices for a network of fans.”

    New programming

    As part of its strategy, Turner Broadcasting announced in February that Cartoon Network would air between 6.00 am and 8.00 pm, starting 31 March. Complementing the change in timing is a slew of new shows, both original and acquired. Here’s looking at them:

    Over The Garden Wall: Cartoon Network’s first animated mini-series, Over the Garden Wall is headlined by an all-star voice-cast including Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings Trilogy), Collin Dean (The War at Home) and Melanie Lynskey (Two and a Half Men).

    The ten-part fantasy about two brothers, Wirt and Greg, who find themselves trapped in a mysterious world, sees the duo travel through the strange land till they find their way home. Help comes from a wise old woodsman who provides directions and a bluebird named Beatrice. The series has a soundtrack full of Americana-influenced original songs. It is created by Pat McHale and produced by Cartoon Network Studios.

    Clarence: Created by Skyler Page, this new, original animated series about an optimistic boy who wants to do everything premieres Monday, 14 April at 7:00 pm. Clarence was conceived as part of the prolific shorts development programme at Cartoon Network Studios, which resulted in six original series: Regular Show, Uncle Grandpa, Steven Universe, Clarence, Over the Garden Wall and We Bare Bears.

    We Bare Bears: A comedy about three bear siblings, Grizzly, Panda and Ice Bear, each episode of We Bare Bears follows their awkward attempts at assimilating into human society. Whether they’re looking for food, trying to make human friends or scheming to become internet famous, it’s clear that it’s tough being a bear in a civilized world. Created by Annie Award-winner Daniel Chong (Toy Story of Terror!), the series is produced by Cartoon Network Studios.

    The Tom and Jerry Show: The iconic cat and mouse are back in The Tom and Jerry Show, a fresh take on the ageless classic. While preserving the look, characters and sensibility of the original, the new series offers a fresh perspective on the madcap, slapstick and never-ending battle between two of the most beloved characters of all time. The Tom and Jerry Show is produced by Warner Bros. Animation and will premiere Wednesday, 9 April at 5.30 pm.

    Be Cool Scooby-Doo!: Scooby and company are back but with a modern twist in this 22-minute animated comedy series from Warner Bros. Animation. With high school over and one last summer to live it up, the gang hits the road in the Mystery Machine, chasing fun and adventure. But monsters and mayhem keep getting in the way.

    (Disclaimer: Some of the shows mentioned may be available only in the US and not in the APAC region)

    Wabbit – A Looney Tunes Production: The hilarious, heroic and mischievous Bugs Bunny is back in this all-new series from Warner Bros. Animation. Comic shorts find the carrot-loving rabbit matching wits with (and getting the best of) classic characters like Yosemite Sam and Wile E. Coyote. There are brand new foes too… but Bugs gets a helping hand from new friends like Bigfoot and Squeaks the squirrel.

    Lego Ninjago – Masters of Spinjitzu: Continuing its robust partnership with The Lego Group, Cartoon Network will re-introduce viewers to the world of Ninjago – Masters of Spinjitzu with six new half-an-hour animated specials this year, followed by all-new episodes of the highly popular series in 2015.

    Sonic Boom: For over two decades, Sonic the Hedgehog has held his own as one of the world’s biggest gaming icons. This year, a new branch of the Sonic universe debuts titled Sonic Boom. With a new look for Sonic and friends, the franchise’s first-ever CG-animated television series will premiere on Cartoon Network, along with an extensive video game release of the same name. The Sonic Boom television series, co-produced by Sega and OuiDO! Productions, will debut on Cartoon Network in the 2014-15 season.

    Total Drama – Pahkitew Island: New island, new cast, but the same old disregard for human safety! The Total Drama series returns as Chris and Chef put the newest generation of contestants through the craziest challenges yet – all for a chance to win one million dollars! Total Drama Island is produced by Fresh TV.

    Numb Chucks: Woodchuck brothers Dilweed and Fungus didn’t always see themselves as mystical Kung Fu saviours till they stumbled upon an infomercial featuring the legend Woodchuck Morris’ mullet-fuelled motivational kung-fu video, The Way of the Chuck! With an endless supply of confidence but a limited supply of grey cells, and countless hours of watching the video, this dim-witted duo morph into The Numb Chucks!

    Beyraiderz: Sho, Jin and Leon find themselves trapped in a strange world that was once defended by the six mythic beasts that have now all but disappeared, leaving the world in ruins. It’s now up to the trio to uncover the hidden BeyRaiderz stadiums, fight the tourneys and bring the beasts back…

    According to Eyers, “The transformation is like with any other business model that works on a long-term perspective. All businesses must look at themselves every couple of years with respect to the current market environment.”

    OTT content

    Cartoon Network has always had unique content for the digital platform which compliments television content, be it shorts or games or extensions of the storytelling from the primary channel. “The viewer needs to have a compelling experience in the digital space that should leave him/her wanting to come back for more,” says Eyers.

    Here’s looking at the new originals that the OTT service of Cartoon Network will be showcasing:

    Angelo Rules (Season 2): For kids, life can be a daily battle, what with adults, siblings, teachers and rivals telling them what to do and what not to do et al. Well, it’s time for kids to take control and Angelo’s here to show the way! He observes and then comes up with elaborate strategies to wheedle, sweet-talk, con, and work around any adversary. Season two of this new series comes from TeamTo and Cake Entertainment.

    Detentionaire: Framed for a prank he did not play and punished with a full year of detention, high schooler Lee Ping sneaks out of detention to try and expose who was really behind the prank while avoiding being caught by the principal Barrage. After clearing his name, Lee again attempts to sneak out of Barrage’s upgraded detention room, discovering that a strange pyramid under the school has something to do with Lee’s key, the parents’ council and the blue tazwurms. There is more to the school than meets the eye! Created by animators Daniel Bryan Franklin and Charles Johnston, Detentionaire is distributed by Nelvana.

    Rocket Jo: Rocket Jo is an inventor-adventurer with the unique goal to get his jet-pack to send him flying in the air for good… without effect. But his valiant attempts are always a false dawn to the viewers’ great delight, as there are always failures, gags, explosions, falls, etc. Produced by Millimages and 2D3D, Rocket Jo works hard, drawing upon all his imagination, to make viewers, both children and parents, laugh.

    These apart, there will be other returning series on the network including Adventure Time, The Amazing World of Gumball, Ben 10 Omniverse, Grojband, Johnny Test, Legends of Chima, Mixels, Pokémon the Series: XY, Regular Show, Steven Universe, Teen Titans GO!, Tenkai Knights and Uncle Grandpa.

    The Future

    Later this year, Cartoon Network will introduce a unique user experience to the mobile marketplace when it launches a new digital initiative called ‘Cartoon Network Anything’. A fast-paced micro-network, Cartoon Network Anything will serve as an ever-growing stream of fun and funny content for mobile phones and other small-screen mobile devices. Users will be able to enjoy games, activities, trivia and clips, each lasting an average of 10 to 15 seconds. These diverse pieces of content will be randomised, and fans will be able to move to the next piece by simply swiping their screens, resulting in entertainment that feels both immediate and infinite.

    In addition to bringing a first-of-its-kind mobile offering to fans, Cartoon Network Anything will also provide unique sponsorship opportunities for Cartoon Network’s business partners. A perfect platform for native advertising, the platform will invite innovative advertising and sponsored content that suits the medium and feel organic to the overall micro-network.

    “In today’s time and age, people will pay for the experience. One of the most powerful experiences that anyone could have is the gift of laughter or humour. And so for us, it’s more about being true to comedy and bring in that surprise that will continue to remain our secret and doubling up on unique, character-driven comedy on whichever platform we are,” ends Eyers.

  • Parle Biscuits Meets Tom and Jerry

    Parle Biscuits Meets Tom and Jerry

    MUMBAI: The Indian biscuit industry is set to witness a new innovation as two of the world’s most iconic brands come together to offer a product never seen before in the market. Parle Products, India’s largest biscuit manufacturer, has joined hands with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to introduce a biscuit range with Warner Bros.’ beloved animated characters Tom and Jerry, that have entertained many generations. For Mumbai-based licensing enterprise, Dream Theatre Pvt. Ltd, this ranks among its top merchandising quests.

    The initiative will see Parle Products introduce a new range of its popular Milk Shakti Milky Sandwich biscuits embedded with Tom and Jerry’s faces. Carrying all-new packaging, these biscuit packs will be available in the market in two sizes – 60 grams and 120 grams, costing Rs 10 and 20 respectively.

    The launch of these exciting biscuits will be followed by a post-launch television commercial. With Parle on board, the product is poised for longevity in the biscuit segment. The move assumes much significance for being the first of its kind in the market, and with the INR 21,213 crore biscuit industry watching, Parle’s dominant position will earn an extra ring of innovation.

    Sharing his views on the announcement, Mr. Jiggy George, Founder and CEO of Dream Theatre Pvt. Ltd. offered, “This deal spells good news for the licensing industry. Tom and Jerry aren’t just animated characters – they have an instant ‘happiness appeal.’ We are very excited about the Parle Milk Shakti Milky Sandwich – Tom and Jerry association, a unique tie-up that brings together the strengths and acumen of Parle Products, the largest biscuit player in India, and the immense popularity of Tom and Jerry, among young and old alike!”


    Mr. Pravin Kulkarni, General Manager, Marketing, Parle Products adds, “Tom and Jerry, with a classic legacy, have a lot of fans amongst both kids and adults in India. To get Warner Bros.’ Tom and Jerry on board is definitely a landmark for Parle. We have associated with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to bring Parle Milk Shakti Milky Sandwich – Tom and Jerry biscuits to consumers everywhere and delight them!”

    “We’re pleased to mark WBCP’s entry into India’s food and beverage market by partnering with Parle Products for Parle Milk Shakti Milky Sandwich – Tom and Jerry biscuits,” said Preston Kevin Lewis, Managing Director – Australia, New Zealand & India for Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “This new partnership allows us to bring the most popular animated brand in India to consumers in a fun new way.”

  • Tom And Jerry, Scooby Doo creator Joseph Barbera passes away

    Tom And Jerry, Scooby Doo creator Joseph Barbera passes away

    MUMBAI: Animation icon Joseph Barbera who created popular characters like Tom And Jerry and Scooby Doo passed away at the age of 95.

    He was also part of the famous Hanna-Barbera team.

    Born in the Little Italy section of New York City, New York, on March 24, 1911, Barbera and his partner William Hanna (who passed away in March of 2001) created hundreds of beloved cartoon characters during their 60-plus-year partnership. They enjoyed one of the most enduring and successful relationships in entertainment history and together created some of the world’s most recognisable and beloved characters including Tom and Jerry, Huckleberry Hound, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Scooby-Doo and Yogi Bear among many others.

    Barbera worked as a New York banker until the 1930’s when Collier’s Magazine published some of his hand drawn “comics.” After studying art at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, Barbera honed his animation skills at the Van Beuren animation studios in New York. It wasn’t until 1937 when Barbera was hired by MGM as as an animator and writer that he met William Hanna, whom MGM had also just hired as a director and story editor. Hanna’s precise comedic timing and ability to manage top creative talent were the ideal complement to Barbera’s strong animation skills and storytelling instincts.

    The pair’s first collaboration at MGM was entitled Puss Gets the Boot, which led to the creation of the immortal Tom and Jerry. The duo won tremendous acclaim in the 1940s when their cartoon cat and mouse danced alongside Gene Kelly in the motion pictures Anchors Aweigh and Invitation to Dance and alongside Esther Williams in Dangerous When Wet. Over the years, Tom and Jerry have been honored with seven Academy Awards.

    Concerned by the advent of television, MGM eliminated the studio’s animation department and, suddenly unemployed, Hanna and Barbera decided to make cartoons directly for the small screen. In 1957, twenty years after the birth of Tom and Jerry, Hanna-Barbera Studios opened its doors as one of the first independent animation studios to produce series television.

    The fledgling studio’s first production was Ruff and Reddy followed by The Huckleberry Hound Show in 1958. The lovable blue canine became an immediate hit and won Hanna-Barbera its first Emmy Award, marking the first time an animated television series had been honored with an Emmy. The studio’s next series Quick Draw McGraw premiered in 1959 and showcased the lanky, Stetson-wearing horse on two legs, ol’ Quick Draw McGraw himself. The series also introduced America to Jellystone Park’s most famous bears, Yogi and Boo Boo, and the mischievous mice, Pixie and Dixie.

    Breaking new ground became a tradition at the Hanna-Barbera Studios. In 1960, the team created television’s first animated family sitcom, The Flintstones, a series marked by a number of other firsts — the first animated series to air in primetime, the first animated series to go beyond the six or seven-minute cartoon format, and the first animated series to feature human characters. “The Flintstones” ran for six years and went on to become the top-ranking animated programme in syndication history, with all original 166 episodes currently seen in more than 80 countries worldwide.

    Fred, Wilma, and Pebbles Flintstone, along with Betty and Barney Rubble are some of Hanna-Barbera’s most celebrated classic characters and have spawned spin-off television series, specials and feature films. Hanna and Barbera served as executive producers of 1994’s The Flintstones feature film and even made a cameo appearance. The Flintstones soon paved the way for other primetime cartoons including The Jetsons, Top Cat and The Adventures of Jonny Quest.

    Another popular offering from Hanna-Barbera featured a cowardly Great Dane named Scooby-Doo, who eventually made his own place in television history. The popular series Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? remained in production for 17 years and maintains the title as television’s longest-running animated series. In 2002, the character returned with an all-new series aptly-titled What’s New Scooby-Doo? The popular snack-eating canine has inspired a pair of live-action feature films, and an ongoing series of direct-to-video movies that now numbers in double-digits. As further testament to the character’s everlasting appeal, the new series Shaggy & Scooby-Doo Get a Clue! currently airs on the block Kids’ WB! on US broadcaster The CW.

    In addition to their animated series, Hanna-Barbera also produced animated feature films including the award-winning Charlotte’s Web and Heidi’s Song a full-length animated musical based on Johanna Spyri’s classic novel Heidi.

    After nearly 50 years of making animation magic, Barbera and his partner William Hanna were elected by their peers to the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Hall of Fame in 1994. During his 80s and even in his 90s, Barbera continued to report to his office regularly, taking an active role in the creation of new Hanna-Barbera projects.

    In 2000, Cartoon Network in the US launched the Boomerang Network. This was created specifically as a showcase for the Hanna-Barbera library. The cable network airs animated programmes thus bringing the delights of the Hanna-Barbera legacy to new generations.

    Barbera wrote his autobiography My Life In Toons in 1994. He is survived by his wife Sheila, and his three children by a previous marriage — Jayne, Neal and Lynn.