Sunday, February 15, 2015

Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Mutate And Roll Into The 2015 North American International Toy Fair

Original Nickelodeon and Playmates Toys Press Release via PRNewswire:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutate And Roll Into The 2015 North American International Toy Fair

Playmates Toys to Debut All-New 2015 Offerings Featuring Cool Mutations and One-of-a-Kind Die-cast

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Feb. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresh off a wildly successful 2014 in which the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures were ranked the #1 selling toy according to the NPD Group, Playmates Toys, the company behind the popular toy line, is thrilled to reveal its all-new 2015 offerings during North American International Toy Fair. Inspired by season 4 of Nickelodeon's hit TV series, Playmates Toys will introduce its biggest extension to date in the line called Mutations, extensions to the successful Half Shell Heroes preschool line and a new die-cast segment called T-Machines; in addition to new action figures, vehicles, role play and playsets. The new Turtles lineup will be on display from February 14-17, 2015 in booth #761.

"As the Turtles continue to be one of the hottest brands, we're excited to introduce toy segments that bring all-new levels of play to the Turtles world," said Karl Aaronian, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Playmates Toys. "For example, kids will now be able to recreate the Turtles' mutation, transform an action figure into a playset, or roll through the sewers and streets with the new die-cast vehicle collection."

"After five years of an incredible partnership, we are excited to be working with Playmates Toys on what is now the most sought-after toy property, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," said Manuel Torres, Senior Vice President, Global Toys and Publishing, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. "The new toy segments we're launching will elevate the Turtles' popularity even more to fans around the world."

Highlights of the 2015 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line from Playmates Toys include the following:


Mutations Segment
Kids can now recreate the Turtles mutation story over and over again with the Pet Turtle to Ninja Turtle action figures. Fun and easy, kids can transform the four Heroes from pet turtles to 5.5", fully articulated Ninja Turtle action figures, each coming with their signature weapons and ready to fight evil everywhere!


With Mix & Match Mutations, kids can find out how it looks if the Turtles had Metalhead's power, Shredder's armor, Tiger Claw's stripes and Splinter's quick reaction hands. Kids can mix and match the heads, arms, legs and torsos of the fully articulated 4.5" tall action figures to create hundreds of different mutations.


A 24" Leonardo ninja turtle transforms into a complete Sewer Lair Playset with the 24" Leonardo Turtle to Playset. This set provides hours of Ninja fun with nine different rooms and over 30 features including spring activated surprises, false floors and so much more.

The Turtles can easily transform to different modes with the new assortment of Mutations vehicles. They can transform from fight to flight mode, tearing up the terrain or speeding through the skies with the Quad Rotor, which transforms from a motorcycle to a quad copter and includes exclusive Cloud Cruisin' Leo figure and with the Tri-Flyer, which transforms from an AT-3 to a jet and includes exclusive Jet Jammin' Raph. Additionally, the Turtle Turbo Charger allows kids to transform the Turtles from speed mode into battle mode. The vehicle features spring-fired mutant missiles and the hood can be lifted for battle mode.


T-Machines Segment
T-Machines is an all-new collection of die-cast vehicles and playsets, providing a unique play environment for kids. The fast-rolling vehicles feature a die-cast chassis, flashy rims and an action-posed, non-removable figure driving each vehicle. The 1/50 scale vehicles are available in an assortment of single-packs, as well as 2 and 4-pack vehicle sets. Also included in the world of T-Machines is the Shell Launcher, which gives a powerful boost to all of kids' T-Machines vehicles.

Additional vehicles in the collection include the T-Machines Sound Vehicles, which allow kids to hear the engines roar, tires squeal and their favorite Ninja Turtles scream out battle cries. Each 1/50 scale vehicle plays 10-15 different sound effects. Featuring over 30 phrases and sound effects, kids can let the party begin with another vehicle, Leo's Audio Tuner Party Van. Kids can push the 1/24 scale Party Van to hear Leo speak at different speeds and volumes, adjusting to how fast or slow the vehicle is pushed. For even more fun, kids can continually push Leo back and forth to listen as he audio tunes his words!

Rounding out the line is a variety of playsets, including the Sewer Gas Station, Garage & Lair, Turtles' Revenge and Race to the Sewer playsets. Compatible with all the T-Machines vehicles, the playsets include tunnels, lifts and other features for kids to roll and battle their vehicles. They can also be snapped together to create a bigger T-Machines play environment.

Half Shell Heroes Preschool Segment
The Half Shell Heroes segment, which successfully launched last year, is sized just right for smaller preschool hands. The collection features brighter colors, softer expressions and safe play features, allowing kids as young as three to experience open-ended imaginative play with the whole family of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles heroes and mutants.

Extensions to the line include the introduction of new 2.5" action figure characters including Baxter Fly, Slash and Tiger Claw, as well as an assortment of new vehicles that each come with a 2.5" action figure. The line also features toys that bring fun to the tub, including Bath Tub Squirters and Bath Tub Vehicles. Young Turtle fans can even become their favorite Ninja Turtle with the new Soft Foam Electronic Talking Role Play sets and the Soft Training Shell.

About Playmates Toys
With a history of nearly 50 years, Playmates Toys is today among the most well-respected and innovative marketing and distribution companies in the global toy industry with a proven history in the creation of imaginative products as well as the development and management of profitable, long-term brand franchises. Key brands include today's #1 selling male action brand TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES. From its offices in Hong Kong and California, Playmates designs, develops, markets and distributes its products in over 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.playmatestoys.com or http://facebook.com/playmatestoys.

About Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Since its launch in 2012, Nickelodeon's all-new CG-animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has re-energized these iconic characters of this wildly popular franchise. Currently in its third season, the series is seen in over 170 countries and territories, and translated in over 50 languages. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles follows four mutant turtles—Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo—trained in the art of ninjutsu by their mutant rat sensei, Master Splinter, who teaches the turtles to battle evil from the New York City sewers. Executive produced by Ciro Nieli and Brandon Auman, the series is created at Nickelodeon Animation Studios in Burbank, Calif.

The Paramount Pictures feature film premiered Aug. 8, 2014, landing at #1 opening weekend with $65MM. To date, the film has grossed $477MM worldwide and a sequel is set to be released in 2016.

About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 35th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 20 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

SOURCE Playmates Toys

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Oni Press Hints They're Planning To Launch A "Invader ZIM" Comic Series

The North American independent comic book publisher Oni Press has hinted in a image posted on their official Tumblr blog that they may soon be launching a comic book series based on Nickelodeon's cult animated series "Invader ZIM"!

In the image, below, Oni Press has written "Doom is Coming" on top of a purple background, two themes used on the show, using the font used in the credits of "Invader ZIM". Oni Press also mentions in their post that more news will be announced on Friday 20th February 2015! Jhonen Vasquez, the creator of "Invader ZIM", also retweeted the news on his official Twitter profile page, @JhonenV:



Stay tuned for more - 2/20/15

Source: ToonZone forum member Dudley.
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Sakar Renews Nickelodeon License, Launches New Dora, SpongeBob and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Toys & Electronics

Original Nickelodeon and Sakar International, Inc. Press Release via PRNewswire:

Sakar Renews Nickelodeon License, Launches New Dora, SpongeBob and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Toys & Electronics


NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- TOY FAIR -- Global youth electronics leader Sakar International today announced the renewal and worldwide expansion of its long-standing licensing partnership with Nickelodeon. As part of the deal announced today at the 2015 Toy Fair New York, Sakar will launch new lines of Dora and Friends, SpongeBob SquarePants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles products this spring, all with a totally refreshed design based on the latest character iterations.


"We've had a terrific partnership with Nick over the last five years delivering electronic toys, accessories and more featuring some of the most beloved characters in the industry," said Liza Abrams, VP of licensing for Sakar. "With Dora's new look, the new SpongeBob movie now in theaters and the latest Turtles movie still reaching new audiences, these products are perfectly timed to cater to a whole new generation of Nick fans."

"The combination of Sakar's electronics with our globally popular Dora, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and SpongeBob has led to some of the most in-demand, on-trend items available," said Manuel Torres, Senior Vice President, Global Toys and Publishing, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. "We're incredibly happy to continue this great partnership with Sakar."

Sakar's new Nick lineup includes:

* Dora and Friends clock radio-molded Bluetooth speaker and password journal, projection flashlight, a microscope and flashlight explorer pack and more. Now of school-going age, Dora and her new group friends are sporting an updated look, with seven all-new programming specials set to run through Fall 2016.

A top 10 pre-school show for ages 2-5, Dora and Friends celebrates learning through discovery. With its learning-based, multicultural content, Dora and Friends boasts 71% awareness and 88% purchase interest among moms. The new product launches will be accompanied by exclusive retail initiatives at Target for Spring 2015 and the "Off to Preschool" program at Walmart for Back to School 2015.

* SpongeBob SquarePants earbuds, plush headphones, smartphone and tablet cases and molded karaoke machines. Celebrating the theatrical debut of The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water last week, these new products are designed for SpongeBob fans young and old. While the series is the #1 animated show for kids age 2-11, one-third of its audience is comprised of adult fans ages 18-49.

With the SpongeBob movie debut supported with a major retail push at Walmart, Target, Toys 'R Us and Meijer, these new Sakar products will leverage the brand momentum throughout 2015.

* Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action cameras, headphones, karaoke boom box and phone cases. Fresh off last summer's Michael Bay epic action adventure, and with a TMNT 2 coming to theaters in Summer 2016, the heroes in a half shell have become the #1 action figures at retail, amassing an 18 percent market share in the boy's toy sector and over $3 billion in global retail sales.

The #1 show on cable for boys ages 2-11, the animated television series has also had a refresh, featuring a smoother, more modern look with advanced CGI-animation graphics. Now in its third season, the fourth installment of this latest iteration debuts this fall.

For more information about Sakar's new line of Nickelodeon products due in-store this Spring and Summer, visit Sakar at Booth #1717 during the 2015 Toy Fair New York going on now through February 17, or visit www.sakar.com.

About Sakar International

Sakar International, Inc. is a leading provider of consumer electronics and accessories. With a rich heritage of technology innovation since 1977, Sakar has developed a global presence by consistently evolving alongside technology to develop on-trend, cutting-edge products. Sakar licenses over 40 major entertainment brands and has maintained a diverse portfolio of product offerings, including: digital cameras, video recorders, karaoke machines and small appliances, along with audio, tablet, camera, smartphone and computer accessories.

Sakar is the parent company to Vivitar, a full-spectrum consumer tech company specializing in the production of tablets, cameras, camcorders, mobile accessories, and health and wellness products. Sakar is headquartered in Edison, New Jersey, with additional offices in the United Kingdom, Canada, Latin America, Australia, Hong Kong and China.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 35th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 20 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

SOURCE Sakar International, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.sakar.com

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ALEX BRANDS Announces Licensing Agreement with Nickelodeon

Original Nickelodeon and ALEX BRANDS Press Release via PRNewswire:

ALEX BRANDS® Announces Licensing Agreement with Nickelodeon

Licensed characters including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora and Friends and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to be featured on products marketed by ALEX BRANDS®


FAIRFIELD, N.J., Feb. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- ALEX BRANDS® today announced that it has signed a licensing agreement with Nickelodeon to manufacture, distribute and market a broad array of products based on popular characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora and Friends and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. ALEX BRANDS® is a family of brands, which includes ALEX TOYS® , POOF®, SLINKY®, SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER®, IDEAL®, ZOOB®, BACKYARD SAFARI®, ZILLIONZ®, CITIBLOCS® and recently acquired SHRINKY DINKS®.

The multi-year agreement covers multiple brands from ALEX BRANDS® including ALEX TOYS® and Shrinky Dinks® and product categories such as craft kits and bath toys. ALEX BRANDS will launch more than 30 new Nickelodeon products during the 112th Annual North American International Toy Fair which runs from February 14th – 17th at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City (Booth #2131/2231). The items will be available to consumers starting in late Summer 2015.

"Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora and Friends and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are not only beloved by children, they have an emphasis, as we do, on placing children first and on educating and motivating children through play," said Neil Friedman, President and CEO, ALEX BRANDS®. "We are extremely pleased and excited to be partnering with Nickelodeon across a broad array of our brands and product lines."

"ALEX BRANDS® is an excellent partner for Nickelodeon because their properties match our characters' ability to inspire creativity and the power of imagination in kids," said Manuel Torres, Senior Vice President, Global Toys and Publishing, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. "We are incredibly happy to bring Dora and Friends, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and SpongeBob SquarePants into ALEX BRANDS'® portfolio through this multi-year deal."

The collective ALEX BRANDS® toy line, sold worldwide, includes more than 2,000 high quality products spanning the diverse categories of preschool and infant toys, games, magic sets, seasonal toys, role play items, science kits, construction sets, craft & activity kits, bath toys, art supplies and Made in USA products from POOF®, SLINKY® and SHRINKY DINKS®.

ALEX BRANDS® is a portfolio company of Propel Equity Partners, a private equity firm focused on investing and creating value in leading consumer brands. Propel Equity Partners acquired POOF-SLINKY® in July 2012, FUNDEX GAMES® in December 2012, ALEX TOYS® in May 2013, ZOOB® in September 2013, Summit Products LLC and CITIBLOCS® in May 2014, and SHRINKY DINKS® in December 2014.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 35th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 20 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

About ALEX BRANDS®

The ALEX BRANDS® family of brands is comprised of some of the most iconic, recognizable and award winning toys in the industry today. With a commitment to helping children become more active and develop their imagination and creativity, ALEX BRANDS offers toys and kits for children of all ages. Award-winning ALEX TOYS® offers high quality toys, art supplies and craft activity kits that inspire creative expression. POOF® is the world's leading brand of foam sports balls, many of which are Made in USA. Iconic SLINKY® has been the quintessential toy of fun and imagination since 1945. SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER® offers a range of challenging and entertaining educational activity-based science kits. The IDEAL® brand is the classic brand of nostalgic fun in a variety of games, activity kits, magic sets and classic toys. Award-winning ZOOB® building sets, which can move after they are put together, allow for truly interactive creations. BACKYARD SAFARI® is the leader in essential field gear for outdoor role play and exploration. ZILLIONZ® has helped children better understand the value of money for almost 20 years. CITIBLOCS® is a line of high-quality, precision cut wood construction blocks. SHRINKY DINKS® is a globally recognized toy brand offering a wide variety of products and play patterns based upon plastic sheets that can be cut, colored and then shrunk and hardened into an endless amount of original designs.

For more information about ALEX BRANDS®, please visit www.alexbrands.com.

About Propel Equity Partners

Propel Equity Partners, LLC is a private equity firm focused on investment in branded consumer products businesses. Based in Greenwich, CT, Propel Equity Partners provides its portfolio companies with strategic and operational support to enable more efficient operations and accelerated sales growth. The firm believes in building value by partnering with existing management teams and by energizing brands and invigorating new product innovation. For more information visit www.propelequity.com.

SOURCE ALEX BRANDS

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Vandor Adds Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob SquarePants" License And Six New Product Categories

Original Vandor, LLC Press Release via PRNewswire:

Vandor Adds Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants License And Six New Product Categories

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Vandor, LLC, an industry leader in the design and marketing of licensed consumer goods, recently welcomed Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants to its roster of pop icon licenses, as well as six new product categories to its Winter 2015 Catalog.

As Vandor's newest license, SpongeBob SquarePants will ensure that its wide range of licensed properties continue to appeal to consumers across all generations. The character-driven cartoon chronicles the adventures of SpongeBob, an incurably optimistic and earnest sea sponge, and his undersea friends. As the most widely distributed property in Viacom history, SpongeBob is seen in over 185 countries and translated in more than 50 languages.

Vandor's six new product categories include foldable shopper totes, 14 oz. Tritan water bottles, insulated totes, heat reactive ceramic travel mugs, ceramic goblets and 24 oz. acrylic travel cups; more than 85 new products that brandish the company's A-list celebrities.


SpongeBob SquarePants™ 18 oz. Oval Ceramic Mug

Completely unique to the marketplace, the space-saving shopper totes are lightweight and fold down to fit in a conveniently-sized snappable pouch. The insulated totes are specially designed to keep contents cool or warm for extended periods of time. Both are eco-friendly.


SpongeBob SquarePants™ 18 oz. Tritan Water Bottle

Also added to the 2015 winter line up is merchandise for the highly anticipated Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron movie. Included is a large shopper tote, 20 oz. ceramic mug, tin tote and 18 oz. acrylic travel cup.


SpongeBob SquarePants™ Large Tin Tote

Vandor also expanded its popular sport-style Tritan water bottles with a new 14 oz. size sporting five different designs, each featuring one of Vandor's legendary licenses. The BPA-free bottles are made from high-quality durable Eastman Tritan™ copolyester, have spill-proof flip top lids and their double-walled design prevents condensation and keeps drinks cold.


SpongeBob SquarePants™ Small Recycled Shopper Tote

All of Vandor's new products will be on display at major gift markets and industry shows throughout the year, including Toy Fair 2015 in New York this February and Chicago's International Housewares Show in March. For more information or to receive a 2015 catalog, visit www.vandorproducts.com, call 1-800-755-5966 or email sales@vandorproducts.com.

About Vandor, LLC – Where Legends Live!

For more than 55 years, Vandor has been making retro cool with the creation of hip and functional products for fans of all ages. We pride ourselves on setting new standards in the design and marketing of licensed consumer goods that uphold the integrity of legendary properties. With an A-list roster of evergreen cultural icons – including Star Wars, Elvis Presley, Marvel Comics, Hello Kitty, Doctor Who, Marilyn Monroe, Peanuts, My Little Pony and many more – Vandor delivers a variety of innovative, trendsetting products that appeal to all generations. Vandor creates about 150 new designs annually and distributes all its products through major national retailers and e-tailers, as well as the independent giftware channel. Vandor has headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, with offices in Hong Kong, China and the Philippines. For more information: http://www.vandorproducts.com or 1-800-755-5966.

SOURCE Vandor, LLC

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"The Haunted Hathaways" Wins Award At The 2015 Writers Guild Awards

The Writers Guild of America has announced the fantastic Nickelodeon News in a press release on their official website, WGA.org, that Nickelodeon's hit original live-action comedy series "The Haunted Hathaways" has won a award at the 2015 Writers Guild Awards!


The "Haunted Hathaways" episode "Haunted Heartthrob" won the "Children's Script - Episodic and Specials" award of the 2015 WGA Awards, a awards ceremony which recognizes outstanding achievement in television, new media, news, radio, and promotional writing during 2014, beating off stiff competition from the "Girl Meets 1961" episode of the Disney Channel series "Girl Meets World"! The "Haunted Hathaways" episode "Haunted Sisters" was also nominated for the "Children's Script - Episodic and Specials" WGA 2015 award.

In the "Haunted Hathaways" episode "Haunted Heartthrob", written by Bob Smiley, Taylor (Amber Montana) develops a crush on a boy, Scott Tomlinson (JT Neal), at school, but he doesn't feel the same way about her, so Taylor plans a way for her crush to notice her. Meanwhile, Frankie (Breanna Yde) and Meadow MacIntosh (Juliette Angelo) seek revenge when they believe Scott ignores Taylor's affections for him. "Haunted Heartthrob", the fourth episode of season two, premiered on Nick USA on Saturday 6th September 2014.

The winners of the 2015 WGA Awards were honored at the 2015 Writers Guild Awards which took place on Saturday 14th February 2015 at simultaneous ceremonies in Los Angeles, California and New York City, New York.

You can find a full list of 2015 Writers Guild Awards winners here on the Writers Guild of America's official website, WGA.org.

A huge congratulations to Nickelodeon and the cast and crew of "The Haunted Hathaways"!
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