First Episode Of New Show "Dance Academy" Achieves Great Ratings For Nickelodeon UK!

The Nickelodeon UK Press Office has announced the fantastic Nickelodeon UK News in Tweet (post) on their official Twitter profile page (@NickelodeonUKPR) that the debut episode of Nick UK's brand new Australian teen-oriented television drama series "Dance Academy", "Learning To Fly - Part 1", which the British and Irish version of the popular children's channel premiered at 6.30pm on Monday 11th February 2013 (and repeated one hour later at 7.30pm on their plus one (+1) timeshift channel, Nickelodeon +1) achieved high ratings for Nickelodeon UK and Ireland, with the episode gaining the largest opening audience for a brand new show on Nickelodeon since 2011!:

#DanceAcademy premiered yesterday with the largest opening audience for a brand new show on Nickelodeon since 2011

Watch brand new episodes of "Dance Academy" every Monday to Friday at 6.30pm (replayed at 7.30pm on Nick+1)!

What do you think about Nickelodeon's brand new show, "Dance Academy"? Let NickALive! know on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, and/or Facebook!

Nickelodeon UK's brand new show "Dance Academy" is a Australian drama series that follows small-town girl Tara Webster (portrayed by Australian actress and dancer Xenia Goodwin) as she pursues her dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer at the fictitious National Academy of Dance. After 15-year-old Tara spins her way into the best school in the country, she is positive her life will be spectacular. But unfortunately, while she's lucky to have been born with an athleticism almost perfectly suited for ballet, she's far behind in her training.

In addition to the intense work out schedules and her troubles on the dance floor, Tara soon realizes it takes a lot more to survive than just dancing at this school - a spiteful roommate, first-time heartbreak and homesickness blend together to make this dream more difficult to achieve than she initially thought.

Throughout the series, while learning ballet, Tara Webster also learns contemporary and hip-hop dance, alongside fellow students Katrina Karamakov (played by Alicia Banit), Ethan Karamakov (Tim Pocock), Samuel "Sammy" Lieberman (Tom Green), Abigail Armstrong (Dena Kaplan) and Christian Reed (Jordan Rodrigues).

"Dance Academy" is produced by Werner Films Productions in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Screen Australia, Film Victoria, Film New South Wales and ZDF for Germany. Series (season) one of "Dance Academy" debuted on the Australian public television channel ABC1 on 31st May 2010. Series two premiered on Australian Broadcasting Corporation's children's public television channel ABC3 on 12th March 2012, and a brand new third season (series 3) is currently in production and is expected to premiere on Australian TV during mid-2013. Nickelodeon USA's TeenNick Network also picked up the broadcast rights to the series in February 2012.

Saban Brands And USAopoly Partner To Produce Power Rangers 20th Anniversary Editions Of The Popular Monopoly And Trivial Pursuit Board Games

Saban Brands has announced the "Power Rangers" News in the following Press Release, from PRNewswire, that the company and USAopoly have announced their collaboration for the upcoming Power Rangers Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit board games to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the iconic franchise! USAopoly unveiled the first look of the box tops for the Power Rangers editions of each game at the 2013 American International Toy Fair in New York, USA:

Saban Brands And USAopoly™ Partner To Produce Power Rangers 20th Anniversary Editions Of Monopoly® And Trivial Pursuit®

NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Saban Brands and USAopoly today announced their collaboration for the upcoming Power Rangers Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit board games to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the iconic franchise. USAopoly has unveiled the first look of the box tops for the Power Rangers editions of each game this week at the American International Toy Fair in New York.

(Download image - Power Rangers Monopoly Packaging: Box Top Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130212/NY58600-a )

(Download image - Power Rangers Trivial Pursuit Packaging: Box Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130212/NY58600-b )

(Download image - Saban's Power Rangers 20th Anniversary Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130207/NY56178LOGO )
The Power Rangers 20th Anniversary Edition of Monopoly will allow players to buy, sell and trade iconic locations spanning the entire history of the Power Rangers brand including The Command Center, The Power Chamber, Rita Repulsa's Moon Palace and more. The game is for 2-6 players and recommended for ages 8+.

Saban Brands ran a poll last week on the official Power Rangers Facebook page where thousands of fans voted for which final game token they wanted to be included in the Monopoly game. Options included Goldar, Mighty Morphin boots or the Angel Grove Juice Bar cup with straw. The winner will be revealed on Facebook, along with the other 5 tokens in the game leading up to the release of the game this summer.

The Trivial Pursuit Power Rangers 20th Anniversary Edition allows fans to show off their Ranger knowledge by acing over 1,800 questions from six categories spanning the two decades of Power Rangers. Questions about Power Rangers gear, villains, quotes, plot lines and more are included. This game is for 2-6 players and recommended for ages 12+.

For the Trivial Pursuit edition, Saban Brands engaged the Power Force, a select group of Power Rangers enthusiasts, to help develop the trivia questions for the upcoming game. Saban Brands received thousands of questions from these 20 Power Force members, and each participant will receive credit in the game.

"There is such a nostalgia factor not only with Power Rangers but with the history of Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit games as well," said Elie Dekel , President of Saban Brands . "That's why we thought it would be fun to get the Power Rangers fans involved with the creation of these games. With this year marking 20 years of the franchise, it couldn't be a better time for this collaboration."

The 20th Anniversary Edition of Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit board games will be available at specialty retailers this summer for the SRP of $39.95.

For more information please visit www.usaopoly.com and www.powerrangers.com.

About Saban's Power Rangers

Saban's Power Rangers franchise is the brainchild of Haim Saban , creator and producer of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers hit series that launched in 1993. Following its introduction, Power Rangers quickly became the most-watched children's television program in the United States and remains the No.1 live-action kids series on television. The series follows the adventures of a group of ordinary young people who "morph" into superheroes and save the world from evil. It is seen in more than 150 markets around the world, translated into numerous languages, and is a mainstay in the most prominent international children's programming blocks. The Power Rangers franchise is celebrating its 20th Anniversary throughout 2013, which started with the launch of its newest season Power Rangers Megaforce on Nickelodeon and other broadcasters worldwide. Power Rangers LLC, which licenses and merchandises the Power Rangers brand, is an affiliate of Saban Brands . For more information, visit www.powerrangers.com.

About Saban Brands

Formed in 2010 as an affiliate of Saban Capital Group, Saban Brands (SB) was established to acquire and develop a world-class portfolio of properties and capitalize on the company's experience, track record and capabilities in growing and monetizing consumer brands through content, media and marketing. SB applies a strategic transmedia management approach to enhancing and extending its brands in markets worldwide and to consumers of all ages. The company provides full-service management, marketing, promotion and strategic business development for its intellectual properties including comprehensive strategies unique to each brand, trademark and copyright management and enforcement, creative design, retail development, direct-to-consumer initiatives and specialized property extensions. SB is led by a superior management team with decades of experience in media, content creation, branding, licensing, marketing and finance. For more information, visit www.sabanbrands.com.

ABOUT USAOPOLY

USAopoly, Inc., (http://USAopoly.com) is a leading game manufacturer in the specialty market offering the world's best-known games (under license from the Entertainment & Licensing Division of Hasbro) and an innovating game developer of party games like Telestrations.

SOURCE Saban Brands

RELATED LINKS
http://www.sabanbrands.com.

Also, from Kidscreen:

Saban debuts new Julius Jr. and Power Rangers goods

Fisher-Price will serve as the Saban Brand’s global master toy licensee for the newly announced Julius Jr. property, while Saban’s Power Rangers brand heads for Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit board games.

Fisher-Price will produce a multi-product toy line based on the new Julius Jr. preschool series, which will air on Nick Jr. this year. Inspired by the Paul Frank family of characters and its monkey, Julius, the products will include play sets, plush, role play toys and more for the global marketplace.

Older kids, meanwhile, will get USAopoly’s Power Rangers Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit games that will celebrate the brand’s 20th anniversary.

The Monopoly game will allow players to buy, sell and trade locations spanning the history of the Power Rangers brand including The Command Center, The Power Chamber, Rita Repulsa’s Moon Palace and more.

Saban Brands ran a poll last week on the official Power Rangers Facebook page, where thousands of fans voted for which final game token they wanted to be included in the Monopoly game. The winner will be revealed on Facebook, along with the other five tokens in the game, leading up to the game’s release this summer.

Aimed at kids ages 12 and up, the Trivial Pursuit Power Rangers 20th Anniversary Edition will ask more than 1,800 questions from six categories.

Tags: Fisher-Price, Julius Jr., Power Rangers, Saban Brands, USAopoly

Saban Brands And Fisher-Price Launch Strategic Partnership To Create Toys Based On Nick Jr. USA And Australia & New Zealand's Brand New Animated Preschool Series "Julius Jr."

Saban Brands has announced the Nickelodeon News in the following Press Release, from PRNewswire, that Fisher-Price Inc., the leading manufacturer of infant and preschool toys and a subsidiary of Mattel, will be the global master toy licensee for the company's newly announced "Julius Jr." property. "Julius Jr." is a brand new animated preschool series slated to launch on Nick Jr. USA and Nick Jr. Australia & New Zealand in 2013, and is inspired by the Paul Frank family of characters and its iconic monkey, Julius. Fisher-Price plans to produce a full range of products including playsets, plush, role play toys and more for the global marketplace:

Saban Brands and Fisher-Price® Launch Strategic Partnership to Create Julius Jr. Toys

Fisher-Price will produce multi-product toy line based on new preschool animated series to air on Nick Jr. in 2013

NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Saban Brands announced today that Fisher-Price Inc., the leading manufacturer of infant and preschool toys and a subsidiary of Mattel, will be the global master toy licensee for the company's newly announced Julius Jr. property. Julius Jr. is an animated preschool series slated to launch on Nick Jr. in 2013, and is inspired by the Paul Frank family of characters and its iconic monkey, Julius. Fisher-Price plans to produce a full range of products including playsets, plush, role play toys and more for the global marketplace.

(Download image - Julius Jr. Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130204/NY53555LOGO )
Saban Brands ' new property follows the adventures of a young version of Julius. Julius Jr. is a funky monkey with a penchant for invention. Together with his best pals, Worry Bear, Sheree, Clancy and Ping, they build a playhouse out of a simple cardboard box. But when they walk inside, to their surprise and delight, they discover that ordinary objects magically come to life and amazing adventures are just a door away. Julius Jr. proves every day that the best inventions are the ones that help your friends.

"As we introduce audiences everywhere to this new entertainment property, based on the well-known Paul Frank brand and its characters, it is exciting to partner with a true leader in the toy industry, and a company that knows preschool brands better than anyone," said Elie Dekel , President of Saban Brands . "We are confident this exciting partnership with Fisher-Price will help us take the Julius Jr. brand in innovative directions."

"We're thrilled to be a part of this exciting new platform for the Paul Frank brand of characters that will delight preschoolers and parents alike," said Susie Lecker , Senior Vice President of Marketing, Fisher-Price Friends. "When preschoolers tune into the new Julius Jr. series, they will instinctively want to expand these adventures through play. Our product offerings will ignite children's imaginations so they can create their own magical Julius Jr. adventures at home."

About Julius Jr.

Julius Jr. is an animated preschool series based on the Paul Frank family of characters. Our hero, Julius Jr., is a funky monkey with a penchant for invention. Together with his best pals, Worry Bear, Sheree, Clancy and Ping, they build a playhouse out of a simple cardboard box. But when they walk inside, to their surprise and delight, they discover that ordinary objects magically come to life and amazing adventures are just a door away. Julius Jr. proves every day that the best inventions are the ones that help your friends. A property of Saban Brands , Julius Jr. will air on Nick Jr. in the U.S. in 2013. Visit SabanBrands.com for more information.

About Saban Brands

Formed in 2010 as an affiliate of Saban Capital Group, Saban Brands (SB) was established to acquire and develop a world-class portfolio of properties and capitalize on the company's experience, track record and capabilities in growing and monetizing consumer brands through content, media and marketing. SB applies a strategic transmedia management approach to enhancing and extending its brands in markets worldwide and to consumers of all ages. The company provides full-service management, marketing, promotion and strategic business development for its intellectual properties including comprehensive strategies unique to each brand, trademark and copyright management and enforcement, creative design, retail development, direct-to-consumer initiatives and specialized property extensions. SB is led by a superior management team with decades of experience in media, content creation, branding, licensing, marketing and finance. For more information, visit www.sabanbrands.com.

About Fisher-Price

Fisher-Price, Inc., a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) located in East Aurora, N.Y., is the leading brand of infant and preschool toys in the world. The company's legacy of high quality toys has enhanced early childhood development for more than 82 years. Some of the Company's best-known "classic" brands include Little People®, Power Wheels® and Imaginext®. Fisher-Price is also a leading developer of baby gear products (infant swings, bouncers, high chairs), as well as a wide array of character-based toys inspired by high quality children's programming such as Dora the Explorer™, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Thomas & Friends®. The Company's website, www.fisher-price.com, as well as its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/fisherprice provide valuable information and resources to parents and grandparents around the world.

SOURCE Saban Brands

RELATED LINKS
http://www.sabanbrands.com.

Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Wins Two Awards At The Toy Industry Association's 2013 Toy Of The Year Awards!

The Toy Industry Association Of North America has announced in the following press release, from PRNewswire, the Nickelodeon News that Nickelodeon's brand new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" has been awarded two awards at the prestigious 13th annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards, the "Oscars" of the toy industry, which took place at the Plaza Hotel, kicking off the 110th American International Toy Fair! Playmates Toys' Shellraiser vehicle won the 2013 Toy of the Year award for "Boy Toy of the Year", a award which recognises an outstanding toy developed for boys of any age, and Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" won the TOTY 2013 award for Property of the Year, which recognizes a toy property that has had the greatest success spreading its brand throughout the industry! Congratulations Nickelodeon, Playmates Toys and to everyone who won a 2013 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Award!:

The Year's Finest Toys and Games Unveiled at "OSCARS®" of the Toy Industry

LEGO® Friends from The Lego Group Grabs Coveted "Toy of the Year" Title;

LeapPad2™ by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. Bestowed Inaugural "People's Choice" Award

NEW YORK, Feb. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds of toy executives and guests from around the world gathered in New York City this evening to honor the year's top toys and industry icons at the 13th annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards and Toy Industry Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

A Toy Industry Association (TIA)-administered event in support of the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF), the "Oscars" of the toy industry took place at the Plaza Hotel, kicking off the 110th American International Toy Fair. Throughout the evening, TOTY Awards were presented across 12 categories – from e-Connected and Innovative to Educational and Outdoor. [FULL LIST OF CATEGORY WINNERS BELOW]

In addition, the overall "Toy of the Year" award was presented to LEGO Friends (The Lego Group), while LeapPad2 (LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.) received the inaugural "People's Choice" award.

Interspersed with the presentation of the TOTY Awards were two inductions into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame: Judith (Judy) Ellis , Chair of the Toy Design Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and the late Russell (Russ) Berrie , Founder of Russ Berrie Inc. The new inductees join a distinguished roster of 59 other luminaries who have been inducted into the Hall since its establishment in 1985.

"The TOTY Awards are a joyous way to kick off Toy Fair week," said Carter Keithley , TIA President. "This event honors the creativity and innovation of the toy industry while supporting the philanthropic work of our very own Toy Industry Foundation (TIF), which brings the gift of play into the lives of needy children around the world."

Award winners were selected with the input of consumers (on ToyAwards.org), retailers (mass and specialty), media and members of the toy industry. The five ballots – open from November 19, 2012, to January 13, 2013 – were weighted and used to determine the category winners, with the exception of the "People's Choice" award which was selected exclusively by consumers who voted on ToyAwards.org.

And the winners are...

* Recognizing an outstanding toy that inspires creative play through various forms of activity, the
Activity Toy of the Year was presented to LEGO® Friends (The LEGO Group)

* Recognizing an outstanding toy developed for boys of any age, the Boy Toy of the Year was presented to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shellraiser (Playmates Toys)

The Shellraiser delivers all the power needed for the Turtles to hit the road together and take command. Up to eight Core Action Figures can fit inside. The Shellraiser includes a spring loaded cannon and a side door that sends kids’ favorite heroes in a half shell flying out with 360 degree Ninja flip-kicking action.

MSRP: $29.99
AGE: 4+



* Recognizing an app-cessory or other physical toy that interacts with a smartphone, tablet or gaming device the e-Connected Toy of the Year was presented to Skylanders Giants™ (Activision Publishing, Inc.)

* Recognizing an outstanding toy that helps children develop special skills and knowledge through play, the Educational Toy of the Year was presented to LeapPad2™ (LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.)

* Recognizing an outstanding children's board, card, CD-ROM or electronic game, the Game of the Year was presented to Perplexus Epic™ (PlaSmart Inc.)

* Recognizing an outstanding toy developed for girls of any age, the Girl Toy of the Year was presented to LEGO® Friends (The LEGO Group)

* Recognizing an outstanding toy developed for infants and toddlers up to 36 months, the Infant/Toddler Toy of the Year was presented to Tranquil Turtle™ (Cloud b)

* Recognizing an outstanding toy that combines innovation and play value, the Innovative Toy of the Year was presented to Digital Light Designer (Crayola)

* Recognizing an outstanding toy that is designed for outdoor play, the Outdoor Toy of the Year was presented to The Original Big Wheel™ (Kids Only, Inc., a division of JAKKS Pacific, Inc.)

* Recognizing an outstanding toy developed for preschool-aged children (ages 3-5) the Preschool Toy of the Year was presented to Doc McStuffins "Time For Your Check-Up" Doll (Just Play)

* Recognizing a property that has had the greatest success spreading its brand throughout the industry, Property of the Year was presented to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Nickelodeon)

Considered one of the most popular kids’ television programs of the 1980s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a classic, global property created in 1984 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. The property has translated into a significant consumer products business—with DVDs, video games, toys and more--that has generated billions of dollars at retail.



* Recognizing an outstanding toy that is distributed primarily through specialty toy retailers, the Specialty Toy of the Year was presented to LEGO® Architecture (The LEGO Group)

Descriptions of each TOTY-nominated toy and links to each manufacturer's website can be found online at ToyAwards.org. The finalists were selected from nearly 650 products and properties submitted for consideration. Nomination committees comprised of academics, journalists, toy trend experts, play therapists, toy inventors & designers, and toy retailers narrowed the field to the slate of 84 finalists.

Event sponsors for the evening were JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (diamond level), Dallas Market Center and UL (silver level); Coyne PR, Keller & Heckman, Freeman and LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. (bronze level); and Locker, Greenberg & Brainin and Sequence Events (friends).

For more information, please visit ToyAwards.org or the Toy Industry Hall of Fame website.

About the Toy Industry Association (TIA) (www.toyassociation.org)

TIA is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and bringing toys and youth entertainment products to kids of all ages, representing more than 600 companies who account for approximately 85% of domestic toy sales. Toy safety is the number one priority for the toy industry. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety and works with government, consumers and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.

About the Toy Industry Foundation (www.toyindustryfoundation.org)

While other organizations provide food, shelter and support services to children and their families, the Toy Industry Foundation sees to it that these children have toys and opportunities to play in an attempt to restore both fun and a sense of normalcy to their lives. The Foundation currently fulfills its mission through core programs including The Toy Bank™ and grants to organizations whose missions are in line with that of the Toy Industry Foundation. The first industry-wide program of its kind, The Toy Bank receives donations of newly manufactured toys from members of the toy industry and distributes them through local charities to underserved, at-risk and homeless children throughout the United States and around the world.
SOURCE Toy Industry Association

RELATED LINKS
http://www.toyassociation.org.

Nickelodeon UK Unveils First Teaser Trailer For "House Of Anubis" Season 3! (Video)

To celebrate Nickelodeon UK and Ireland starting to premiere season three of Nickelodeon's hit mystery drama series "House Of Anubis", dubbed "The Reawakening" soon, as part of Nick UK & Eire's premiere of the brand new episode of the popular Nickelodeon comedy series "Victorious" called "The Warehouse" (also known as "Wanko's Warehouse"; the episode title is rumoured to have been changed due to it sounding like the British swear word) and Nick UK's brand new Australian teen-oriented television drama series "Dance Academy" on Monday 11th February 2013, Nickelodeon UK released the first teaser trailer/promo (online streaming video clip and transcript below) to promote that Nickelodeon UK & Ireland will start to show House Of Anubis Season 3 soon! Although not confirmed, Nickelodeon UK is expected to start airing the third season of "House Of Anubis" in March / April 2013 as part of the Easter school holidays:

Narrator: The secret...

[Fabian Rutter, played by Nickelodeon Star Brad Kavanagh: Something is reawakening.]

...goes beyond...

[Unidentified female character: This house speaks.]

...these walls.

[Unidentified male character: A great danger is about to be released.]

The House of Anubis Season 3, coming soon, only on Nickelodeon.

Stay tuned to NickALive! for the latest Nickelodeon House of Anubis News! Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, and/or Facebook!