Michael Boatman Replaces Duane Martin In The Nick At Nite Family Comedy Series Pilot "Instant Mom"

The entertainment news website Deadline.com is reporting the Nickelodeon / Nick At Nite News that the North American actor and writer Michael Boatman (who played the character 'Carter Heywood' in US sitcom "Spin City") is set to co-star opposite Classic Nickelodeon UK Star Tia Mowry (who portrayed 'Tia Landry' in the Classic Nick UK comedy series "Sister, Sister") in Nick @ Nite's upcoming pilot for the brand new Nick At Nite comedy show "Instant Mom". Michael Boatman replaces North American film and television actor Duane Martin who was originally cast in the role. The recasting decision was made after a recent table read for the sitcoms pilot episode. Nickelodeon ordered a pilot for the potential new Nick At Nite family comedy series "Instant Mom" in 2012:

Michael Boatman Replaces Duane Martin In Nick At Nite Comedy Pilot ‘Instant Mom’

EXCLUSIVE: I've learned that Michael Boatman is set to co-star opposite Tia Mowry in the Nick at Nite family comedy pilot Instant Mom. Boatman replaces Duane Martin who was originally cast in the role. The recasting decision was made after today’s table read. Written by Warren Bell and Jessica Butler loosely based on their real life, Instant Mom centers on a 25-year-old party girl (Mowry) who trades in cosmos for carpools when she marries successful doctor Charlie (Boatman), an older man with kids. Bell, Butler and Aaron Kaplan of Kapital Entertainment executive produce. Spin City alum Boatman, repped by Innovative and managed by Sanders/Armstrong/Caserta, recently recurred on CBS' The Good Wife and FX's Anger Management.

Nick Jr. UK Announces Plans To Show Brand New Episodes Of "Team Umizoomi" In January 2013 As Part Of A Special Premiere Week

Nick Jr. UK and Ireland has announced the Nick Jr. News in their new 'Team Umizoomi Premiere Week' promo/trailer which Nick Junior UK is currently airing (transcript below) that Nickelodeon UK and Ireland's preschool channel, Nick Jr. UK and Ireland, will be premiering and showing brand new episodes of Nickelodeon Preschools' popular CGI-animated (animated using computer-generated imagery) educational, musical preschool television series "Team Umizoomi" as part of a special "Team Umizoomi" Premiere Week programming stunt in January 2013 (transmission (TX) dates and times to be announced by Nick Jr. UK), as part of "January on Nick Jr. UK 2013"!

This January, Team Umizoomi take on four fluffy bunnies, three silly snowmen, two racing horses, and one crazy magic wand.

[Milli: Umiriffic!]

It all adds up to a week of brand new Team Umizoomi episodes, coming this January, on Nick Jr.!

Nick Jr. UK Announces Plans To Start To Show Brand New Episodes Of "Pocoyo" From Monday 14th January 2013

Nick Jr. UK and Ireland has announced the Nick Jr. News in their new "Hooray For Pocoyo" promo/trailer which Nick Junior UK is currently broadcasting on-air that Nickelodeon UK and Ireland's preschool channel, Nick Jr. UK and Ireland, will start to premiere and show brand new episodes of the popular animated preschool show "Pocoyo" from Monday 14th January 2013 (transmission (TX) time to be announced by Nick Jr. UK), as part of "January on Nick Jr. UK 2013"!

Nick Junior UK's brand new animated preschool series "Pocoyo" is set in a 3D space, with a plain white background and usually no backdrops, and is about a young boy dressed in blue, who is full of curiosity, and is narrated by Stephen Fry. In "Pocoyo", viewers are encouraged to recognise situations that Pocoyo is in, and things that are going on with or around him. The narrator usually speaks explicitly to the viewers and to the characters as well. Each character has its own distinctive dance and also a specific sound (usually from a musical instrument), and most episodes end with the characters dancing. Many episodes also involve parties.

Iconix Brand Group, Inc. Appoints Former Nickelodeon Consumer Products President Leigh Anne Brodsky To Managing Director Of Peanuts Worldwide And Iconix Entertainment

According to the following news article from Kidscreen, Peanuts Worldwide has hired former Nickelodeon Consumer Products President Leigh Anne Brodsky as their new Managing Directer (MD), effective immediately. Before leaving Nickelodeon in 2011, Leigh Anne Brodsky worked on a number of popular Nickelodeon shows, including "SpongeBob SquarePants", "Dora The Explorer", "Blue's Clues", as well as "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and "Beatrix Potter":

Leigh Anne Brodsky named new Peanuts Worldwide MD

Iconix Brand Group has appointed 20-year licensing professional and ex-Nickelodeon Consumer Products president Leigh Anne Brodsky as the new MD of Peanuts Worldwide, effective immediately.

In her new role, Brodsky will head up global business for the iconic Peanuts property, including the launch of the recently announced 2015 feature film from Twentieth Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios.

Her additional responsibilities include overseeing and growing the Iconix Entertainment division.

She was most recently an acting member of the Board of Directors at Jakks Pacific and president of L.A.B Licensing and Branding.

Prior to these positions, Brodsky served as the president of Nickelodeon Consumer Products, where she worked on a number of hit kids IPs including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora The Explorer, Blue’s Clues, as well as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Beatrix Potter.

She also previously worked on the Peanuts property as an executive with United Media Enterprises. Peanuts Worldwide is a joint venture with Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates.

Tags: Iconix Brand Group, Iconix Entertainment, Leigh Anne Brodsky, Peanuts Worldwide

Also, below is a Iconix Brand Group, Inc. Press Release announcing the news from PRNewswire:

Iconix Brand Group, Inc. Appoints Leigh Anne Brodsky To Managing Director of Peanuts Worldwide And Iconix Entertainment

NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Iconix Brand Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: ICON) today announced it has appointed Leigh Anne Brodsky to the position of Managing Director of Peanuts Worldwide, a joint venture with Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates. In her new role, which is effective immediately, Brodsky will oversee the global business for the Peanuts property, including the launch of the recently announced 2015 feature film from Twentieth Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios. She will also oversee and develop the Iconix Entertainment division as well as seek out properties for the Company's growing portfolio of brands.

" Leigh Anne is a highly regarded strategic thinker, with a track record in identifying and developing entertainment properties and delivering impeccable results," said Neil Cole , President and Chairman of Iconix Brand Group. "As we continue to build our global Peanuts business, her experience and leadership will be invaluable. We also believe she can successfully build a stable of entertainment based properties with potential new revenue streams that will expand our business."

A licensing professional for more than 20 years, Brodsky is well known for her role as President at Nickelodeon Consumer Products, where she built the division into the world's number-one TV-based licensing business. Those properties included SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora The Explorer, Blue's Clues, Comedy Central's South Park, and MTV's Jersey Shore, as well as several strategic acquisitions that she initiated such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Beatrix Potter . Earlier in her career, she worked with such iconic entertainment properties as Saturday Night Live, Lassie and Garfield. Brodsky has been recognized by the industry for her leadership and expertise and in 2011 was selected for induction into the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association's (LIMA) Hall of Fame, which honors a very select group of licensing veterans who have made unique and outstanding contributions to the business. Most recently, she has been an acting member of the Board of Directors at Jakks Pacific, a Board Member of the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation and President of L.A.B Licensing and Branding, a global consulting group dedicated to identifying consumer-led, innovative business opportunities for its clients in the areas of branding, strategic planning, programming, production, marketing, and consumer products.

"I'm excited to take a leadership role with the beloved cast of Peanuts once again," said Brodsky, who previously worked on the property as an executive with United Media Enterprises. "I'm also delighted to work with Neil Cole and the Iconix team to build upon their powerful portfolio of global brands."

PEANUTS Worldwide

The PEANUTS characters and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide LLC, a joint venture owned 80% by Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and 20% by members of the Charles M. Schulz family. Iconix Brand Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ICON) owns, licenses and markets a growing portfolio of consumer brands including CANDIE'S (R), BONGO (R), BADGLEY MISCHKA (R), JOE BOXER (R), RAMPAGE (R), MUDD (R), MOSSIMO (R), LONDON FOG (R), OCEAN PACIFIC (R), DANSKIN (R), ROCAWEAR (R), CANNON (R), ROYAL VELVET (R), FIELDCREST (R), CHARISMA (R), STARTER (R), WAVERLY (R), ZOO YORK (R), and SHARPER IMAGE (R). In addition, Iconix owns interests in the ARTFUL DODGER (R), ECKO (R), MARC ECKO (R), ED HARDY (R) MATERIAL GIRL (R), PEANUTS (R), and TRUTH OR DARE brands. The Company licenses its brands to a network of leading retailers and manufacturers that touch every major segment of retail distribution from the luxury market to the mass market in both the U.S. and worldwide. Through its in-house business development, merchandising, advertising and public relations departments Iconix manages its brands to drive greater consumer awareness and equity.

CONTACT:
Melissa Menta
mmenta@peanuts.com
212-293-8506
SOURCE Iconix Brand Group, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://iconixbrand.com/.

Also, from Deadline:

Leigh Anne Brodsky To Oversee Peanuts Worldwide And Iconix Entertainment

Iconix Brand Group has named Leigh Anne Brodsky managing director of Peanuts Worldwide, its joint venture with Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates. The move comes following October’s announcement of an animated feature film based on the Peanuts gang that will be made by 20th Century Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios. Brodsky will oversee the global business for the Peanuts property and the launch of the film that’s set for a November 25, 2015 release. She will also oversee and develop the Iconix Entertainment division which is eyeing expansion through entertainment-based properties. The company’s portfolio currently largely consits of consumer brands. Brodsky was formerly president of Nickelodeon Consumer Products.

Also, from Licensing.biz:

Iconix welcomes Leigh Anne Brodsky

Exec takes on the role of MD of Peanuts Worldwide, overseeing the global business.

The Iconix Brand Group has picked licensing industry veteran, Leigh Anne Brodsky, as the new MD for Peanuts Worldwide.

Brodsky (pictured) - who boasts over 20 years in the licensing business - will oversee the global business for the Peanuts property, including the launch of the 2015 film from 20th Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios.

Brodsky will also oversee and develop the Iconix Entertainment division, as well as seek out properties for the company's growing portfolio.

Brodsky is best known in the business for her role as president at Nickelodeon Consumer Products. Most recently, she has been an acting member of the board of directors for Jakks Pacific, as well as president of L.A.B Licensing and Branding.

She also previously worked on the Peanuts property as an executive with United Media Enterprises.

"I'm excited to take a leadership role with the beloved cast of Peanuts once again," Brodsky commented. "I'm also delighted to work with Neil Cole and the Iconix ream to build upon their powerful portfolio of global brands."

Cole - who is president and chairman of Iconix Brand Group - added: "Leigh Anne is a highly regarded strategic thinker, with a track record in identifying and developing entertainment properties and delivering impeccable results. As we continue to build our global Peanuts business, her experience and leadership will be invaluable."

Also, from C21Media:

Peanuts gets new MD

Peanuts Worldwide, the US joint venture formed in 2010 between Iconix Brand Group and Charles M Schulz Creative Associates, has appointed a former Nickelodeon exec as its MD.

Effective immediately, Leigh Anne Brodsky will oversee the global business for the Peanuts property, which Iconix is currently looking to grow following the announcement of a feature film, set for release in 2015.

Brodsky will also develop the Iconix Entertainment division, seeking out properties for the company’s growing portfolio of brands, which include Dilbert and Fancy Nancy. Brodsky previously worked on the Peanuts property as an executive with United Media Enterprises.

A former president at Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products, Brodsky is credited with initiating several strategic acquisitions at the company, including the recent reboot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

She left the position in September 2011, becoming an acting member of the board of directors at Jakks Pacific and President of L.A.B Licensing and Branding.

Since 2001, ABC has been the US home of the classic Peanuts cartoon holiday specials, where they will air till at least 2015. There’s no word yet on whether the TV series is getting a revival.

Nico Franks
08-01-2013
©C21Media

TAGS: Appointments
GENRES: Children's, Entertainment
SHOWS: Peanuts
PEOPLE: Leigh Anne Brodsky
COMPANIES: Blue Sky Studios, Charles M Schulz Creative Associates, Iconix Brand Group, Iconix Entertainment, Peanuts Worldwide, Twentieth Century Fox
SECTIONS: C21Kids
COUNTRIES: US

Nick Jr. UK Unveils Their Brand New Look For 2013!

Nickelodeon UK and Ireland's preschool brand, Nick Jr. UK and Ireland, the UK's most popular commercial preschool brand, has today (Monday 7th January 2013) launched their brand new channel rebrand, which features a brand new look, which includes brand new on-air presentation (Nick Jr. idents (station ID's), promo endboards and channel bumpers), and a brand new network strapline across their preschool channels, Nick Jr., Nick Jr.+ 1 and Nick Jr. 2, as part of "2013 on Nick Jr. UK"!

Nick Jr. UK's new branding showcases the strong roster of preschool programming available on the network including "Peppa Pig", "Dora the Explorer", "Bubble Guppies", "Team Umizoomi" and "Tickety Toc", and features characters from popular Nick Jr. UK shows in imaginative garden-like settings. Nick Jr. UK's new branding also features the new network strapline of "Every day's an adventure". Nick Jr. UK's latest brand new look is based on and part of Nickelodeon's global update of the Nick Junior brand.

To complement the refreshed feel of the on-air identity of Nick Jr., Nick Jr. UK's official website, Nickjr.co.uk, has also been updated with a new 'Grown ups' section dedicated to parents. Within the online area users can find editorial articles under the 'You Time' section, a new 'Fun Finder' that allows parents to quickly find games and activities through selecting characters and activity type, as well as collating all of the Nick Jr. apps and upcoming events in dedicated sections. Parents are also able to tailor the content on the site by personalizing and saving preferences in the 'My Nick Jr.' section.

The launch of Nick Jr. UK's 'Everyday’s an Adventure' will be supported with a marketing and PR campaign, which will launch in early spring and run across the year.

Nick Jr. UK's official Twitter (@NickJRUK) and Facebook profile pages have also started to use Nick Junior UK's brand new design.

Below is Nickelodeon UK's Press Release announcing the exciting Nick Jr. UK News:

Nickelodeon UK turns every day into an adventure on Nick Jr.

London, UK – 7th January, 2013 - Nick Jr., the UK’s most popular commercial preschool brand in cable and satellite homes, has unveiled a new look and network strapline across its Nick Jr., Nick Jr.+ 1 and Nick Jr. 2 channels. Live from this morning, the new branding will showcase the strong roster of preschool programming available on the network including Peppa Pig, Dora the Explorer, Bubble Guppies, Team Umizoomi and Tickety Toc. The new branding will also articulate the new network strapline of ‘Every day’s an adventure’.

“’Every day’s an adventure’ perfectly encapsulates the key learning style of our preschool audience and all of the core Nick Jr. programming with its strong sensibilities of imaginative learning and exploration. In addition to providing a strong basis for viewers navigating across the network, the new branding will also act as the framework for additional content that could be added to the Nick Jr. channels,” said Tina McCann, Managing Director of Nickelodeon UK. “This refresh gives us an opportunity to build upon our success with family audiences and better align our preschool and parental offering across both on air and online platforms.“

On air - New interstitials featuring recognizable and beloved Nick Jr. characters in imaginative garden-like settings will act as channel navigation. Day parting will remain a consideration across the preschool suite of channels with interstitials and programming reflecting the waking, active, napping and bedtime rhythms of the preschool audience. The New Year will see additional short-form content including the musical The Go!Go!Go! Show and Big Block SingSong as well as the imaginative Cardboard Box Adventures debut across the network. Guess How Much I Love You - The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare, based on the celebrated books by Sam McBratney will also premiere on Nick Jr. in early 2013.

Digital - In addition to the refreshed feel of the on air identity of Nick Jr., Nickjr.co.uk has also been updated with a new ‘Grown ups’ section dedicated to parents. Within the online area users can find editorial articles under the ‘You Time’ section, a new ‘Fun Finder’ that allows parents to quickly find games and activities through selecting characters and activity type, as well as collating all of the Nick Jr. apps and upcoming events in dedicated sections. Parents are also able to tailor the content on the site by personalizing and saving preferences in the ‘My Nick Jr.’ section.

The launch of ‘Everyday’s an Adventure’ will be supported with a marketing and PR campaign, which will launch in early spring and run across the year.

Nick Jr., with its sister channel Nick Jr. 2, is the most popular commercial pre-school entertainment brand in cable and satellite homes. Launched in 1999 as the world's first channel dedicated to pre-school children, Nick Jr. broadcasts hit shows including Dora the Explorer, Peppa Pig, Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom, Bubble Guppies and Olive the Ostrich. In 2009 Nick Jr. won BAFTA Children's Channel of the Year. More information on programming as well as clips, games and exclusive downloadable content is available at nickjr.co.uk Viewers have the opportunity to catch up with the schedule through Nick Jr.+1. Nick Jr. is available on Sky 615, Virgin 715, through BT Vision and TalkTalk channel 318.

Launched in 1993, Nickelodeon UK comprises seven dedicated award-winning entertainment channels for kids aged 2-12 and is a joint venture between MTV and BSkyB Networks. The Nickelodeon Network is a top performing commercial kids TV network in the UK and the Nickelodeon channels are available in over 14 million cable and satellite homes.

Also, from The Drum:

New identity and strapline developed for Nick Jr

A new look and network staple has been developed for preschool cable and satellite station Nick Jr.

The branding went live this week, and will run alongside e network strapline 'Every day's an adventure' both of which, were developed in the US.

On air promotional activity has been developed by the channel's UK in-house creative communications team, including the use of new interstitials feature characters from the channel such as Peppa Pig, Dora the Explorer and Tickety Toc.

The UK website has also been updated to add the identity and a new Grown Ups section which offers parents advice on games and activities to undertake with their child.

"'Every day's an adventure' perfectly encapsulates the key learning style of our preschool audience and all of the core Nick Jr. programming with its strong sensibilities of imaginative learning and exploration. In addition to providing a strong basis for viewers navigating across the network, the new branding will also act as the framework for additional content that could be added to the Nick Jr. channels," said Tina McCann, managng director of Nickelodeon UK. "This refresh gives us an opportunity to build upon our success with family audiences and better align our preschool and parental offering across both on air and online platforms."

Marketing and PR activity will also run in Spring featuring the strapping, again developed in-house, with media planning and buying from UM.

Category Design, Marketing
Location UK
Tags Nick Jr, UM, Dora the Explorer