Nickelodeon Junior France Acquires Broadcast Rights To First Two Seasons Of Guru Studio's "Justin Time"

The children's entertainment and media news website Kidscreen is reporting the Nickelodeon France News that Nickelodeon France's preschool channel, Nickelodeon Junior France, has picked up the TV broadcast rights to the first two seasons of the animated preschool television series "Justin Time", which follows the adventures of Justin and his imaginary pals Olive and Squidgy as they set off on adventures in time, from Toronto, Canada-based Guru Studio:

Nick Jr. France joins list of Justin Time broadcasters

Toronto, Canada-based Guru Studio has sold the first two seasons of its preschool series Justin Time to Nick Jr. France as well as season two to Disney Australia, YLE Finland, and Hop! Channel Israel.

Season one of Justin Time already airs in more than 70 countries on broadcasters such as Sprout and NBC Kids, Disney Junior (Canada), Disney (Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy and Canada), SRTL (Germany), Discovery (Latin America), Discovery Familia (Spanish USA), Nick Jr. (France),Tiny Pop (UK), and Hop! Channel (Israel), among others.

The series follows the adventures of Justin and his imaginary pals Olive and Squidgy as they set off on adventures in time.

The acquisitions follows Guru’s recent move to significantly expand its 2D animation and interactive content businesses with a 40% staffing increase.

Tags: Guru Studio, Justin Time, Nick Jr. France, preschool TV

UK's Dreamtex Partners With CPLG To Produce New Superhero Bedding Line Based On Saban's "Power Rangers"

The licensing business news website Licensing.biz is reporting the "Power Rangers" news that to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Saban Brands' iconic "Power Rangers" franchise, the British home textiles firm Dreamtex has secured a deal with Copyright Promotions Licensing Group (CPLG), Cookie Jar's full-service international licensing agency, who represents the Power Rangers brand in Benelux, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the UK, to produce a Power Rangers bedding line. Launching during Summer 2013, the range will initially include polycotton bedlinen, with further products following in the autumn.

In the article, below, Andy Downie, the commercial director at Dreamtex, also hints at Nickelodeon channels across Europe may be planning to start to premiere and show the latest "Power Rangers" series, "Power Rangers Megaforce", from Summer 2013!:

Dreamtex adds Power Rangers

Firm secures deal with CPLG for new bedding line.

Home textiles firm Dreamtex is continuing to grow its portfolio, with its latest deal being with CPLG to produce Power Rangers bedding.

Launching in the summer, the range will initially include polycotton bedlinen, with further products following in the autumn.

The Power Rangers brand joins the likes of Skylanders, WWE, Angry Birds and The Trash Pack in Dreamtex's portfolio.

"Power Rangers is an iconic kids brand and is a welcome addition to our collection," said Andy Downie, commercial director at Dreamtex. "Kids love the action and excitement that the show delivers and the timing of the deal is perfect with the launch of the new season, Power Rangers Megaforce, which marks the 20th anniversary of the franchise."

Tags: cplg, dreamtex, power rangers, saban brands

Nickelodeon And Viacom Consumer Products UK Team Up With GB Eye For New Range Of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Merchandise

The licensing industry news website Licensing.biz has announced the Nickelodeon UK news that Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products UK (NVCP UK) has signed a exclusive licensing agreement with GB Eye, the UK's leading poster supplier, to produce a range of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" posters, stickers, badges and tattoos based on Nickelodeon's brand new hit CGI-animated television series! As part of their upcoming TMNT merchandise line, GB Eye will be producing a 61x91.5cm Maxi Poster called "Shellheads" which will be priced at GBP£3.99 and will be available in GB Eye's FSDU's which hold up to 56 posters:

GB Eye prepares to launch Turtles merch

Posters, stickers, badges and tattoos coming soon.

GB Eye has signed a deal with Nickelodeon that allows it to produce official Turtles posters and merchandise.

It is producing posters, stickers, badges and tattoos based on the popular TV show Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

"An all new animated series of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is now showing on TV and proving to be more popular than ever before," read a statement.

"GB eye will soon have all the products you need to keep up with demand, so watch this space."

The 61x91.5cm Maxi Poster is priced at £3.99 and will be available in GB Eye's FSDU's which hold up to 56 posters.

Tags: gb eye, turtles

Also, below is GB Eye's official announcement announcing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles news from GB Eye's official blog on gbeye.com:

Turtle Power!

Rising from the sewers, 4 fun-loving and hard-fighting brothers, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, strive to master the martial arts, build unlikely friendships and protect their family, their city and the world from ever-increasing threats.

When the original animated series burst onto the scene in 1987, this pizza-loving, butt-kicking quartet were an instant success, spawning action figures, several live-action films, and shouts of “Cowabunga!” from kids everywhere. 25 years later, and Nickelodeon have refreshed the awesome foursome for a whole new generation. With the help of martial arts master, Splinter, and best friend, April O’Neil, the brothers fight to protect New York City from the Kraang, a race of evil aliens, and ninja criminal overlord, Shedder.

GB eye’s range of posters and merchandise is coming soon!

posted in Export News, Latest News, UK News

Nicktoons UK To Start To Show New CGI-Animated Series "Max Steel" In April 2013

The licensing business news website Licensing.biz is reporting the Nickelodeon UK news that that Nick UK's animation and action channel, Nicktoons UK and Ireland, will start to premiere and show the 26-episode CGI-animated science fiction–action series "Max Steel" in April 2013, as part of "April on Nicktoons UK 2013"!
Max Steel is an intelligent superhero with a wicked sense of humor. Maxwell McGrath is just an ordinary teen until he starts to generate Turbo Energy, an extraordinary super power that he has trouble controlling. Fortunately, he meets an alien life form named Steel. With Steel's help Max learns to harness his Turbo Energy and use his powers for good. In fact, Max actually works with his mom to save the planet from the forces of evil! Max Steel is one part high school sophomore and one part alien warrior. Once combined, Max and Steel become a wisecracking duo playing off one another's distinctive personality traits and quirks. Their comedic banter is always in good fun with a positive spin.
During the past decade, Max Steel has become the number one boys brand in Latin America and now Mattel is expanding the brand globally.

To complement the "Max Steel" television series, Mattel, Inc., the world's largest toy company, is planning to release a wide range of toys, games and other licensed merchandise based on the show, with the first figures based on Mattel's new mega franchise hitting stores worldwide this August.

Mattel has also kicked off a global marketing campaign for Max Steel with the launch of maxsteel.com, a new interactive website which serves as the headquarters for the world's most powerful superhero and enables fans to join in with the hero's adventures. The site allows users to meet the character, take on villains in the game Max Steel: Hero's Journey, watch online streaming videos, discover secrets and unlock Steel by signing up to the game. The online experience will also include five virtual tournaments taking place throughout the year, where fans can join pre-assigned teams to win badges, trophies and points:

Max Steel website kick-starts global campaign

Mattel's boys action hero franchise to make Nickelodeon debut in April.

Mattel has kicked off a global marketing campaign for Max Steel with the launch of maxsteel.com.

The interactive website enables boys to join in with the hero's adventures.

The site allows users to meet the character, take on villains in the game Max Steel: Hero's Journey, watch videos, discover secrets and unlock Steel by signing up to the game.

The online experience will also include five virtual tournaments taking place throughout the year, where fans can join pre-assigned teams to win badges, trophies and points.

During the past decade, Max Steel has become the number one boys brand in Latin America and now Mattel is expanding the brand globally.

Driven by a range of toys, games and other licensed merchandise, the first figures based on Mattel's new mega franchise will hit stores worldwide this August.

Mattel's Boys Marketing Manager, Drew Crockett, said: "This is just stage one of our extensive marketing programme to introduce boys to Max Steel.

"The new site really brings the brand to life and with its great content; it will keep boys coming back to the site again and again."

Max Steel will be making its 26-episode debut on Nickelodeon's Nicktoons this April.

Tags: mattel, max steel

Nickelodeon And Viacom Consumer Products Promotes Ron Johnson And Mark Kingston To New Executive Roles

The children's entertainment and media news website Kidscreen is reporting the Nickelodeon Consumer Products News that Nickelodeon, the worlds leading kids' brand, has promoted Ron Johnson to the position of Executive Vice President (EVP) of Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products for Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), which will put him at the helm of Viacom's international consumer products operations. Effective April 1, Johnson will lead VIMN's consumer product business across retail, operations, creative development, licensing, recreation, promotions and marketing. He will be based in New York and will report to Pierluigi Gazzolo, Chief Operating Officer (COO), VIMN. Reporting to Ron Johnson will be Mark Kingston, who has been promoted to General Manager (GM) and Senior Vice President (SVP) for NVCP Europe, Middle East, Africa & Australia, VIMN. He will oversee VIMN's consumer products operations in these key markets and will remain based in London, UK. Kingston has already been spearheading the company’s pan-European retail efforts and CP operations in the UK, Russia, and Australia:

Viacom International appoints new consumer products head

Ron Johnson has been promoted to EVP, Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products for Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), which will put him at the helm of Viacom’s international consumer products operations.

Effective April 1, Johnson will lead VIMN’s consumer product business across retail, operations, creative development, licensing, recreation, promotions and marketing. He will be based in New York and will report to Pierluigi Gazzolo, COO, VIMN.

Johnson first joined Viacom in 2010 as SVP of Walmart Retail Development for Nickelodeon Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP). He went to lead NVCP’s global retail business for all retail accounts as well as manage all e-commerce and seasonal licensing.

Reporting into Johnson will be Mark Kingston, who has been promoted to GM and SVP for NVCP Europe, Middle East, Africa & Australia, VIMN. He will oversee VIMN’s consumer products operations in these key markets and will remain based in London, UK. Kingston has already been spearheading the company’s pan-European retail efforts and CP operations in the UK, Russia, and Australia.

Michael Connolly, former SVP at NVCP and leader of the international division, left the company last month to pursue new opportunities.

Tags: Mark Kingston, Nickelodeon Consumer Products, Ron Johnson, Viacom International Media Networks

Also, from Licensing.biz:

Mark Kingston steps up at Nickelodeon

Now GM and SVP for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Australia; Ron Johnson becomes EVP for NVCP.

Viacom International Media Networks has announced a number of high level changes in its Consumer Products team.

Mark Kingston (pictured) has been promoted to general manager and senior vice president for NVCP Europe, Middle East, Africa and Australia. He will now oversee VIMN's consumer products operations in these key markets.

Kingston will report into the new EVP for Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products, Ron Johnson.

Effective from April 1st, Johnson will lead all of Viacom's international consumer products operations. He will be based in New York.

"We're thrilled to have Ron take on this leadership role in overseeing VIMN's consumer products business," said Pierluigi Gazzolo, COO at VIMN. "He possesses first hand knowledge of our global CP operation, as well as extensive experience across global retail partnerships, holistic franchise management and product innovation.

"We're also excited about the newly expanded position that Mark will be taking on, as it further reinforces the strength of our regionally led consumer products organisation."

Tags: nickelodeon consumer products, viacom international media netwo

Also, from Indiantelevision.com:

Ron Johnson is Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products executive VP

MUMBAI: Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has appointed that Ron Johnson as Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) executive VP.

From 1 April, Johnson will lead all of Viacom’s international consumer products operations. He will be based in New York and will report to VIMN COO Pierluigi Gazzolo.

Gazzolo said, “We’re thrilled to have Ron take on this leadership role in overseeing VIMN’s consumer products business. He possesses first-hand knowledge of our global CP operation, as well as extensive experience across global retail partnerships, holistic franchise management and product innovation.

“Ron’s expertise in global retail will prove invaluable in his new position, as we deepen and form new partnerships with retailers and licensees around the world and build on the strong momentum that we are seeing in our CP business.”

Mark Kingston has been promoted to NVCP Europe, the Middle East and Africa GM, senior VP and will oversee VIMN’s consumer products operations in these markets. Kingston will report to Johnson and VIMN MD, executive VP UK, Australia and Eastern Europe and International Content Distribution Dave Lynn.

Gazzolo added, “We’re also excited about the newly expanded position that Mark will be taking on, as it further reinforces the strength of our regionally led consumer products organisation.

“Mark has already been spearheading our pan-European retail efforts and CP operations in the UK, Russia, and Australia to great success. By extending his purview to include all pan-European CP deal-making, which also includes Middle East, North Africa and Australia, we are streamlining efficiencies to better position us to meet the demands of critical, high growth markets and create more compelling and valuable opportunities for partners.”

Viacom Announces $550 Million Debt Offering

Viacom Inc., the parent company of the Nickelodeon brand, has announced the news in the following Press Release, from PRNewswire, that Viacom announced on Monday 11th March 2013 that the company has agreed to sell $300 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.250% senior notes due 2023 at a price equal to 99.148% of the principal amount thereof (the "Senior Notes") and $250 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.875% senior debentures due 2043 at a price equal to 99.474% of the principal amount thereof (the "Senior Debentures"). The sale of the Senior Notes and the Senior Debentures is expected to close on Thursday March 14, 2013. Viacom is intending to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, the repayment of outstanding indebtedness and the repurchase of shares under its share repurchase program:

Viacom Announces $550 Million Debt Offering

NEW YORK, March 11, 2013 /Viacom Press Release via PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA) today announced that it has agreed to sell $300 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.250% senior notes due 2023 at a price equal to 99.148% of the principal amount thereof (the "Senior Notes") and $250 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.875% senior debentures due 2043 at a price equal to 99.474% of the principal amount thereof (the "Senior Debentures"). The sale of the Senior Notes and the Senior Debentures is expected to close on March 14, 2013.

(Download Image - Viacom Inc. Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110811/NY51392LOGO )
Viacom intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, the repayment of outstanding indebtedness and the repurchase of shares under its share repurchase program.

The joint book-running managers for the offering are BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and RBC Capital Markets, LLC.

Viacom's senior unsecured debt is currently rated BBB+ by Standard & Poor's and Fitch, and rated Baa1 by Moody's Investors Service.

The terms and conditions of the Senior Notes and the Senior Debentures are set forth in a prospectus, which can be obtained by contacting Viacom Investor Relations at 1-800-516-4399 or by written request to Viacom Inc., 1515 Broadway, 52nd Floor, New York, New York 10036, Attn: Investor Relations.

About Viacom

Viacom is home to the world's premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms in over 160 countries and territories. With media networks reaching approximately 700 million global subscribers, Viacom's leading brands include MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, BET, CENTRIC, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV Land, SPIKE, Tr3s, Paramount Channel and VIVA. Paramount Pictures, America's oldest film studio and creator of many of the most beloved motion pictures, continues today as a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. Viacom operates a large portfolio of branded digital media experiences, including many of the world's most popular properties for entertainment, community and casual online gaming.
For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains both historical and forward-looking statements. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectations concerning future results, objectives, plans and goals, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others: the public acceptance of the Company's programs, motion pictures and other entertainment content on the various platforms on which they are distributed; technological developments and their effect in the Company's markets and on consumer behavior; competition for audiences and distribution; the impact of piracy; economic conditions generally, and in advertising and retail markets in particular; fluctuations in the Company's results due to the timing, mix and availability of the Company's motion pictures and other programming; changes in the Federal communications laws and regulations; other domestic and global economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting the Company's businesses generally; and other factors described in the Company's news releases and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to its 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K and reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document, and the Company does not have any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

SOURCE Viacom Inc.

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