Friday, August 09, 2019

Papercutz Announces 'The Loud House #9: Ultimate Hangout' Graphic Novel

Nickelodeon and Papercutz have announced plans to release a ninth brand-new laugh-out-loud original The Loud House graphic novel inspired by Nickelodeon's hit animated series of the same name! Titled The Loud House #9: Ultimate Hangout, the graphic novel will be released in both hardback and paperback editions on Tuesday, April 28, 2020! Both editions are available for pre-order now on Amazon.com for $7.99 USD paperback; $12.99 USD hardcover.


The Loud House #9: Ultimate Hangout will also release in the UK the same day, with editions also now available for pre-order on Amazon.co.uk for £6.42 GBP paperback; £10.44 GBP hardcover.

In Loud House #9: Ultimate Hangout, when Mom takes Lori, Leni, Lynn, Luna, Luan, Lola, Lana, Lucy, Lisa, and Lily out for a special Mother-Daughters Day, Lincoln and his dad are left with the whole house to themselves! He quickly invites Clyde, Stella, and the gang over to enjoy this rare moment of unbridled freedom. But Lincoln can only enjoy his brief day as an “only child” for so long before he misses the hustle and bustle of the Loud House? Featuring stories by the Loud House creative team!

The Loud House #9: Ultimate Hangout Product details:

Age Range: 7 - 11 years
Grade Level: 2 - 3
Series: The Loud House (Book 9)
Hardcover: 64 pages
Publisher: Papercutz (April 28, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1545804060
ISBN-13: 978-1545804063
Product Dimensions: 6 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds

Additional upcoming The Loud House graphic novels include: The Loud House: A Very Loud Halloween on Saturday, October 26, 2019 (free for Halloween) and Loud House Volume 8: Livin’ La Casa Loud! (The Casagrandes special) on Tuesday, November 26, 2019!

More Nick: Eugenio Derbez, Ken Jeong and Melissa Joan Hart Join Cast of Nickelodeon’s All-New Animated Series 'The Casagrandes', Premiering October 2019!
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Nickelodeon Comics: October 2019 Solicitations

Here are all the action-packed comics and graphic novels inspired by hit Nickelodeon shows coming your way in September 2019 (and beyond)!

Nickelodeon Africa Announces NickFest Nigeria 2019

NICKELODEN AFRICA’S NICKFEST IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MALTINA RETURNS WITH THIRD EDITION


Nigeria’s biggest family festival, Nickelodeon NickFest Nigeria 2019, is set to hold its third edition in Lagos on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September 2019 at the Balmoral Convention Center, Federal Palace, Victoria Island, Lagos! Following a successful partnership in 2017 and 2018, Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa), leading provider of premium 360-degree entertainment is continuing to bring this fun family entertainment experience with Maltina.

Promising to be a captivating weekend for both kids and parents, this year’s NickFest Nigeria 2019 will involve plenty of singing and dancing and will feature Nickelodeon’s superstar characters in brand new live shows - The world’s most popular, irreverent sea sponge, SpongeBob SquarePants; Adventure Bay’s intrepid pups, Skye, Rubble, Marshall and Chase from Paw Patrol. Shimmer and Shine, the two genies who can solve any problem and for the very FIRST TIME in Nigeria the new and improved Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Commented Executive Vice President and Managing Director for VIMN Africa and BET International, Alex Okosi: “NickFest Nigeria 2019 provides an amazing opportunity to bring children and families together for an awesome festival filled with their favourite Nickelodeon characters, superstar musicians and other engaging entertainment. It is through our continued partnership with Maltina that we are able to bring this memorable experience again to Nigeria.”

NickFest Nigeria 2019 will welcome more than 6,000 children and families to the Federal Palace Hotel, transforming the venue into a bright orange Nickelodeon and Maltina wonderland, which will also feature Maltina’s Happy character. The two-day event will also feature The Celebrity Slime Challenge, where popular personalities are slimed green in an effort to raise both awareness and funds for children’s support through NGO (non-governmental organizations) projects in Nigeria.

Concluded Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Emmanuel Oriakhi: “We are very proud to partner with Nickelodeon to bring all the excitement of Nickfest Nigeria to the whole family. Nickfest is one of those events that the whole family can enjoy and is an event that nourishes those precious family moments.”

Tickets to NickFest Nigeria 2019 went on sale on Thursday 8th August 2019, and are available to purchase on www.afritickets.com. For more information on NickFest Nigeria 2019, visit the website www.nickelodeonafrica.com and follow Nickelodeon on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. You can also join the conversation using the hashtags #NickFestNG and #NickfestWithMaltina.

You do not want to miss this!

PLEASE NOTE:

1. Tickets cost N5000 per person - ADULTS also require tickets for entry.

2. All children between 0 – 2 years old do not require tickets for entry.

3. Children under 12 years old will be admitted ONLY when accompanied by an adult.

4. Attendees need to bring their ID’s with them to the venue for verification.

NickFest Nigeria 2019 Dates and Times

From: Sat, Sep 28, 2019. 9:00 AM
To: Sun, Sep 29, 2019. 6:00 PM

For GENERAL NICKFEST ENQUIRIES, please call: +2348158135208 or whatsapp: +2348162295449 or send an email to nickfestlagos@vimn.com

For NICKFEST TICKET ENQUIRIES, please call/whatsapp: +2349036811777 or send an email to info@afritickets.com.

More Nick: Nickelodeon and Emerge Gaming Partner for 'NickX', a New Kid-Focused Competitive Gaming eSports Platform!

Source: BrandCrunch Nigeria; H/T: Daily Trust.
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'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Winner Monét X Change Working on New Animated Nickelodeon Show

Monét X Change, who recently became the first-ever black winner of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, has announced the exciting news that she's going to be part of a Nickelodeon show!


In an interview with EW.com, the 28-year-old North American drag queen, singer, and reality television personality from Brooklyn, New York revealed: "I have a Nickelodeon series I’m going to be a part of. I can’t really say what the project is, but it’s on Nickelodeon and comes out in 2020."

Update (5/23) - Monét X Change has revealed in an interview with Metro Weekly that the new Nickelodeon show she is currently working on is animated, and that she is currently in the studio recording lines for it!

Update (5/23) - Monét X Change has revealed in an interview with The Oprah Magazine that Nickelodeon is slated to announce her new animated series very soon!:

"Honestly, I don’t feel a whole lot has changed since winning. Being on Drag Race in general has afforded me amazing opportunities. I’m on a Nickelodeon cartoon series that will be announced really soon, and I’ve done Pepsi commercials with Cardi B. It’s getting me to think about one of my biggest dreams, which is having my own talk show—a goal of mine since I was a high schooler. To be a professional queen in New York City, it requires being a good host, and I love to talk. I love the drama of talk shows and the way of using your own comedy as a way to make people comfortable. [In May, she began hosting The X Change Rate as part of the Build series.]"

In addition to being crowned the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season four, along with fellow competitor Trinity The Tuck, who are now both being entered into the prestigious Drag Race Hall of Fame, Monét (whose real name Kevin Bertin) has also recently been seen in the Pepsi Super Bowl commercial with Cardi B, and is planning to release her debut EP Unapologetically, made in collaboration with artists who’ve clocked time with Whitney Houston, Justin Bieber, and Michael Jackson, on Friday, February 22, 2019!

I also have my EP and my visual album that people have been reacting to so positively. People are recognizing that I’m trying to take drag into the mainstream realm because in my heart of hearts I think drag is a magical thing, Monét told EW.com.

Monét wouldn't be the first star of RuPaul's Drag Race to cross over to Nickelodeon: RuPaul guest starred in an episode of Nickelodeon's hit CG-animated preschool series Bubble Guppies in 2015, in which he voiced RuPearl, a fashionable sea snail that serves as a ringside boxing announcer.

Check out Monét's super interview with Entertainment Weekly in full on EW.com!

More Nick: Nickelodeon Embarks on New Direction with its Biggest, Most Wide-Ranging Content Slate Ever | Nick Upfront 2019!

Originally published: Monday, February 18, 2019.

Additional sources: Wikipedia (I, II), Billboard, Google.co.uk.

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Nickelodeon USA Acquires Rights to 'LEGO Jurassic World: The Secret Exhibit' Special; 'Legend of Isla Nublar' Mini-Series

Nickelodeon USA has acquired the rights to LEGO Jurassic World: The Secret Exhibit, a brand-new two-part LEG0-themed CG-animated television special inspired by the hit Jurassic Park franchise, and LEGO Jurassic World: Legend of Isla Nublar, a mini-series that follows up the events of The Secret Exhibit!


In LEGO Jurassic World: The Secret Exhibit, with the grand opening of Jurassic World’s new super-secret dinosaur exhibit just days away, only one thing is missing - the dinosaurs! In order to get the job done, Simon Masrani (Dhirendra) enlists his newly-hired assistant, Claire Dearing (Britt McKillip), to ensure the new attraction opens on time…or else. Unfortunately, Owen Grady (Ian Hanlin), the animal behaviorist Claire hired to deliver the dinosaurs, is late. From a runaway Gyrosphere, hang gliding with a Pteranodon, to a high-speed game of chicken with a T-Rex, Owen’s mission turns out to be far more difficult than anyone could have imagined. It’s the very beginning of Claire and Owen’s epic adventure, in LEGO ® Jurassic World: The Secret Exhibit.

Inspired by the Jurassic World Lego toyline, LEGO Jurassic World: The Secret Exhibit acts as a prequel to the 2015 film Jurassic World, and originally aired on NBC in the United States on November 29, 2018.

Nickelodeon USA will premiere LEGO Jurassic World: The Secret Exhibit Part 1 on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. (ET/PT)!

Nick has also acquired LEGO Jurassic World: Legend of Isla Nublar, a 13-episode mini-series that follows up the events of The Secret Exhibit!

Set in 2012, three years before the events of the Jurassic World movie, LEGO Jurassic World: Legend of Isla Nublar picks up where the story left off from LEGO Jurassic World: The Secret Exhibit. Newly hired animal behaviorist Owen Grady and Assistant Manager of Park Operations Claire Dearing team up on Isla Nublar to deal with everything hectic life around the Jurassic World park throws their way. And “everything” includes runaway dinosaurs, ongoing construction to expand the park, tourists everywhere unpredictable tropical weather, and an impulsive boss! Plus, a mysterious saboteur with surprising ties to the park’s past is on a quest to find a legendary treasure and destroy Jurassic World forever! What could possibly go wrong? Everything.

The news was announced in the August 2019 issue of Licensing Expo.

Nickelodeon has yet to announce a premiere date for the all-new LEGO Jurassic World series.

The news follows Nickelodeon debuting LEGO City Adventures, a brand-new CG-animated series set in the world of LEGO City, in June 2019.

More Nick: Nickelodeon USA to Premiere 'Middle School Moguls' in September 2019!

H/T: Special thanks to @kancsn01 for the news!; Sources: Jurassic Outpost, Zap2it TV Listings; Additional sources: YouTube Movies, Wikipedia, IMDb.
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CBS All Access Adds Children’s Programming to the Service

Official CBS Corporation Press Release:

CBS All Access Adds Children’s Programming to the Service

Exclusive Original Series plus Library of More Than 1,000 Episodes
of Children’s Programming to Premiere Late 2019
Exclusive Original Series Include “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”
and “Danger Mouse” with More to Be Announced Prior to Launch


August 8, 2019 – CBS All Access, CBS’ digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, today announced plans to bring children’s programming to the service including exclusive original series and more than 1,000 episodes of library programming, marking CBS All Access’ first venture into children’s content. CBS All Access will begin rolling out its children’s programming later this year.

CBS All Access has teamed up with DHX Media and Boat Rocker Studios to license its first two original children’s series, ordering new seasons of DHX Media’s CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS, produced with Sony Pictures Animation, and Boat Rocker’s new DANGER MOUSE, produced with BBC Children’s Productions. In addition, CBS All Access will add more than 1,000 episodes of library children’s programming including the classic original DANGER MOUSE series from Boat Rocker Studios and titles from DHX Media like the classic INSPECTOR GADGET, THE ADVENTURES OF PADDINGTON BEAR, MADELINE and HEATHCLIFF.

“Based on the age and demographics of our subscriber base, with an average age of 44, we see a significant opportunity to invest in children’s programming and provide even more value for subscribers with new originals and a world-class library of programming, specifically catered to our subscribers’ children,” said Marc DeBevoise, President and COO, CBS Interactive. “We have already acquired two originals and look forward to adding even more prior to launch to further expand our children’s library. This is the latest addition to our expanding content offering at CBS All Access, following our recently announced plans to further diversify our original programming with documentary and unscripted content in addition to our growing roster of flagship series like STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, THE GOOD FIGHT and THE TWILIGHT ZONE.”

About CBS All Access:

CBS All Access is CBS’ direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service. CBS All Access gives subscribers the ability to watch more than 10,000 episodes on demand – spanning exclusive original series, CBS Television Network’s primetime, daytime and late night shows, plus classic TV hits – as well as the ability to stream local CBS stations live across the U.S. CBS All Access’ original series include THE GOOD FIGHT, THE TWILIGHT ZONE, STRANGE ANGEL, TELL ME A STORY and NO ACTIVITY, as well as the upcoming INTERROGATION, WHY WOMEN KILL and THE STAND. CBS All Access is also the exclusive domestic home to STAR TREK: DISCOVERY and the upcoming STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS and STAR TREK: PICARD featuring Sir Patrick Stewart. CBS All Access also includes the ability to stream CBS Interactive’s other live channels, CBSN for 24/7 news, CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis, and ET Live for entertainment coverage.

The service is currently available online at CBS.com, on mobile devices via the CBS app for iOS and Android, and on Roku Players, Apple TV, Chromecast, Android TV, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Fire TV, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Amazon Prime Video Channels. Versions of CBS All Access have now launched internationally in Canada and Australia (10 All Access), with unique but similar content and pricing plans. For more details on CBS All Access, please visit https://www.cbs.com/all-access.

About DHX Media Ltd.:

DHX Media Ltd. (TSX: DHX; NASDAQ: DHXM) is a global children’s content and brands company, recognized for such high-profile properties as “Peanuts,” “Teletubbies,” “Strawberry Shortcake,” “Caillou,” “Inspector Gadget,” and the acclaimed “Degrassi” franchise. One of the world’s foremost producers of children’s shows, DHX Media owns the world’s largest independent library of children’s content, at 13,000 half-hours. It licenses its content to broadcasters and streaming services worldwide and generates royalties through its global consumer products program. Through its subsidiary, WildBrain, DHX Media operates one of the largest networks of children’s channels on YouTube. Headquartered in Canada, DHX Media has offices worldwide. Visit us at: dhxmedia.com.

About Boat Rocker Media:

Boat Rocker Media is a global entertainment company that creates, produces and exploits premium media content for all platforms, and develops brands and IP for worldwide monetization. Boat Rocker Studios, the content, distribution, and brands arm of the company consists of the following content groups: Temple Street, Crooked Horse, Proper, Insight Productions, Matador Content, Boat Rocker Kids & Family (including Radical Sheep), and a partnership with Industrial Brothers. Boat Rocker Ventures investments include: Untitled Entertainment, Jam Filled Entertainment, MarcoPolo Learning, Serial Box, The Outline, and CAA Creative Labs.

A selection of Boat Rocker’s recent projects includes: The Next Step (Family Channel, CBBC), Orphan Black (BBC AMERICA, Space), Lip Sync Battle (Paramount Network), Kingdom Force (CBC), Iron Chef Canada (Food Network), Killjoys (Syfy, Space), The Amazing Race Canada (CTV), Knight Fight (History), Vintage Tech Hunters (Discovery), X Company (CBC), Masterchef Canada (CTV), The Loud House (Nickelodeon), Bitz & Bob (CBeebies) and Danger Mouse (CBBC). For more information on Boat Rocker Media, please visit www.boatrocker.com and connect via (Twitter) or (Facebook).

* * *

More Nick: Nickelodeon and CBS Television Studios Announce New Animated 'Star Trek' Series!

H/T: TVKIDS.
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Blue's Clues & You | A New Friend for Blue 🐾 Nick Jr.

Blue's Clues & You | Picking Blue's New Friend 🐾 Nick Jr.



Nickelodeon searched all over the world for the perfect host of Blue's Clues & You, the network's upcoming revival of its beloved preschool series Blue’s Clues. Over 3,000 people auditioned to be Blue's new human friend, a part which eventually went to TV newcomer Joshua Dela Cruz! In this PAWsome video, Blue’s Clues co-creators Traci Paige Johnson and Angela C. Santomero reveal why Josh is the perfect person to help reintroduce this iconic show to a new generation of kids! The video also features scenes from Josh's audition as well as behind-the-scenes footage!

Check out Blue's Clues & You!, the all new series coming this November to Nick Jr.! Click the following link for more info!: http://nickalive.blogspot.com/2019/05/nickelodeon-unveils-first-look-at-blues.html

More Nick: Nickelodeon Announces First Licensing Partners for 'Blue’s Clues & You!'!
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Nickelodeon USA to Premiere 'Middle School Moguls' in September 2019

Nickelodeon USA will start to premiere Middle School Moguls, a series of four brand-new CG-animated half-hour specials, in September 2019!


Middle School Moguls is inspired by the concept created by Gina and Jenae Heitkamp, who also serve as co-executive producers. The specials chronicle the ambitions of four new friends striving to create their own companies while attending Mogul Academy, an entrepreneurial school where kid-business dreams come true. They follow students Valeria (voiced by Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez), Winnie (Daniella Perkins, Knight Squad, Blurt!), Celeste (Jade Pettyjohn, School of Rock) and Yuna (Haley Tju, Bella & the Bulldogs), who are empowered by Mogul Academy to test their business creativity, innovation and grit, but being a kid boss comes with grown-up challenges so they’ll have to think outside of the box and “mogulize” if they want to make their big dreams a reality.

Additional voice cast includes Tim Gunn (Project Runway) as Wren, a non-binary teacher in the Mogul Academy Fashion Branch, and Jane Lynch (Glee, iCarly) as Victoria Steele, the Headmaster of Mogul Academy. Additional casting news to come.

Update (8/9) - To celebrate the all-new series, Just Jared Jr. has unveiled a super first-look at the show, which you can watch here on JustJaredJr.com!


“We’re thrilled to partner with Gina and Jenae Heitkamp to bring Middle School Moguls to life on screen and to showcase authentic stories that speak to today’s generation of ambitious kids,” said Chris Viscardi, who was Nickelodeon's Senior Vice President (SVP) of Animation Production and Development at the time of the announcement in September 2018. Chris (The Adventures of Pete and Pete, Sanjay and Craig, KaBlam!) has since moved into a producer role for the network, overseeing the creation of feature-length animated content for both Nickelodeon and third-party digital and linear platforms.

“Kids today are learning about entrepreneurial opportunities at a much younger age. They want to start their own business and make business playful and empowering. They believe nothing is unattainable. Middle School Moguls taps into this entrepreneurial movement – building businesses based on kids’ unique skills, boundless inventiveness and taking action to pursue their passions.”

Check out Gina and Jenae Heitkamp's awesome interview with Thrive Global, in which they announce the exciting news, below!:

Gina and Jenae Heitkamp of GenGirl Media: “With Middle School Moguls we started a movement to introduce the empowering idea of entrepreneurship and being your own boss to a younger generation.”

I think that idea for us is truly Middle School Moguls. It’s introducing the empowering idea of entrepreneurship and being your own boss to a younger generation. Whether that’s running and Etsy store or being the CEO and founder of a media company, it’s about creating your own reality. And one amazing thing about the next generation of business moguls is that they have a focus on giving back. It’s no longer just about profits, it’s also about changing the world for the better — and we focus on that in the show.


I had the pleasure to interview Gina and Jenae Heitkamp. Gina Heitkamp is the Chief Executive Officer and Jenae Heitkamp is the Chief Innovation Officer of GenGirl Media, Inc., an entertainment company that creates engaging television programming and captivating “Me Media” toys that focus on the fun and whimsy of childhood while keeping in mind today’s tech and media savvy kids. The Heitkamp entrepreneurs and sisters are Co-Creators and Executive Producers of “Middle School Moguls,” a new CG-animated series of television specials premiering on Nickelodeon in September 2019. The TV specials chronicle the ambitions of four new friends attending Mogul Academy, an entrepreneurial school where kid-business dreams come true. They follow students Valeria, voiced by Olympic gold medal gymnast Laurie Hernandez); Winnie, voiced by Daniella Perkins (“Knight Squad”); Celeste voiced by Jade Pettyjohn (“School of Rock”) and Yuna voiced by Haley Tju, (“Bella & the Bulldogs), who are empowered by Mogul Academy to test their business creativity, innovation and grit. Actress Jane Lynch (“Glee”) plays Victoria Steele, the Headmaster of Mogul Academy. Tim Gunn (Project Runway) as Wren, a non-binary teacher in the Mogul Academy Fashion Branch. “Middle School Moguls” was conceived a when Jenae was working as a school counselor in Los Angeles inner-city schools. Jenae decided that she wanted to make stories and toys with fun characters for young girls that also were inspirational. She pitched the idea to Gina, who was working on her master’s degree in business at the University of California, Irvine. The sisters entered the idea into the University of Irvine’s business plan competition and were the first female team in the University’s history to be awarded the grand prize. With the awarded seed money, they created their first product — Middle School Mogul dolls (formally called iBesties). By 2016 the idea had blossomed into a book and doll line for Target. With the success of the dolls came an offer in 2018 from Nickelodeon, to expand the brand into animation programming. Prior to co-founding Gengirl Media, Inc., Gina built her own go-to-market consulting company, Creative Kick-Off. She consulted on product and technology launches for a wide range of businesses. During her undergraduate education she worked on the U.S. product launches of Red Bull and Vitaminwater. Jenae Heitkamp, Chief Innovation Officer, has a background as a marriage and family therapist. She received her bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton and went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Southern California, in addition to a certificate in play therapy.

Thank you so much for joining us Gina and Jenae! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
We grew up in a working-class neighborhood. Our dad worked for a machine manufacturer and our mom was a special education teacher’s aide. We lived in a two-bedroom apartment and always shared a room. There were many other kids living in the apartment complex and our best childhood memories were playing with all the kids in the common spaces. So much of our imagination and storytelling came from those experiences. Our entrepreneurial spirit was born there too. We made up dances with the other kids and charged the neighbors to watch us. We also sold lemonade, of course.

Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
It was really a thousand tiny steps. With Middle School Moguls, we wanted to share this entrepreneurial “you can do it” message with kids, and at first it was a book. From there we thought, “How can we elevate a book?” The answer was to make a doll. Then we thought, “How can we make a great doll?” Through research and trial and error we found out. Next, we wondered how we could reach as many kids possible. The answer was selling into big box stores. Finally, we asked ourselves how we could get the message out even further, and the answer was children’s media. We just kept asking ourselves questions, then finding the answers. We both pinch ourselves daily when we realize how far we’ve come.

Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Creating animation is actually really interesting in itself. Coming into the industry, we didn’t have any knowledge of how the production end of media worked. It has been incredibly interesting to be involved in every step of the process from storyboarding to working with the composer on the score. One of our favorite parts was working with casting to find the best young moguls to represent the characters in the brand. We are beyond thrilled to have such amazing people voicing our characters.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When we first decided to make a doll, we hired a toy engineer and worked with her for months to create what we thought was the perfect rendering of a doll. We then found someone on Craigslist with a 3D printer and sent him the file. The doll was printed in plastic and we glued a tiny wig to her head. We were so proud of that doll. One day, on the way to a big pitch, we stopped for lunch and left her on the dashboard. When we got back in the car she was completely melted. Needless to say, she didn’t end up attending the meeting with us! In that experience, we learned that sometimes it’s best just to laugh at your mistakes. Honestly, we still crack up every time we see a photo of that first melted doll.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
We are so excited about Middle School Moguls airing this September on Nickelodeon! We have other stuff in the pipeline, but Moguls will always be our first baby.

I’m very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
Jenae speaking — I’ve spent my career working with kids in diverse neighborhoods and my own children are bi-racial/bi-cultural. I want all of kids to feel seen, heard and represented. Growing up my favorite show was Different Strokes because they lived in an apartment like I did. Now that I’m older I realize it was a penthouse and that’s pretty different. But I remember feeling that connection at the time.

We recently attended a symposium where the speaker said, “The easiest place to change the nation’s narrative is in movies and television. Since it’s imaginary we can change the narrative tomorrow if we want.” That was so powerful to hear.

Gina speaking — There have been many studies that show that media has an important role in shaping identity and confidence even at a young age. That is one of the reasons we worked with the Geena Davis Institute for Gender in Media on Middle School Moguls. Our aim was to show as much representation as possible so that our viewers can each find a character to relate to and be inspired by.

Another reason it is so important to have diversity represented in children’s media is to increase empathy and reduce stereotypes. Early exposure to diverse characters can help reduce future prejudices. We hope that we can have a hand in creating children’s media, like Middle School Moguls, that help kids to grow up to be open-minded, accepting adults.

From your personal experience, can you recommend three things the community/society/the industry can do help address some of the diversity issues in the entertainment business?

1. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas or stories. Even if you don’t have the experience, still share it and you might be surprised who it resonates with.

2. Support shows and media that are inclusive in meaningful ways.

3. Continue the conversation by asking questions just like this one.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.

1. Not everyone is going to be nice (and that’s ok!). When we were doing our Kickstarter we got our first press. We were shocked reading some of the negative comments. It was our first experience being public with our idea and we tried to respond to people’s negativity with thoughtful answers. Finally, we learned to just let it go, but admittedly it took awhile.

2. Some of the biggest mistakes will make the funniest stories. There are so many things that seemed dramatic at the time that now we laugh about. When we give talks our mistakes are actually some of our favorite things to talk about because they’re so cringe-worthy.

3. Work with people you like. This seems obvious but everyone we work with or partner with, we genuinely like. Even if there’s a bigger more well-known company, we’ll partner with a smaller one if we get along with them better. For example, when our dolls were being warehoused our little warehouse threw us a welcome party when the shipping container arrived. They had balloons, banners and everything! It is still one of the more touching memories. It makes everything better when you have a good, supportive team.

4. Have good contracts. We’re both naturally very trusting people and often go on people’s word. We’ve learned along the way how important having things in writing actually is.

5. Enjoy the ride. Mothers are often told to enjoy every moment because it goes so fast, yet we don’t see entrepreneurs being given the same advice. We wish someone would’ve told us that we’re in for the ride of our lives and to hold and tight and enjoy.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
For other entrepreneurs, I would say to give it six more months. There were so many times we felt stuck but then six months later we were in a totally different place.

You are people of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I think that idea for us is truly Middle School Moguls. It’s introducing the empowering idea of entrepreneurship and being your own boss to a younger generation. Whether that’s running and Etsy store or being the CEO and founder of a media company, it’s about creating your own reality. And one amazing thing about the next generation of business moguls is that they have a focus on giving back. It’s no longer just about profits, it’s also about changing the world for the better — and we focus on that in the show.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Jenae speaking — There are so many but Michael Connolly, from Retail Monster, comes to mind. We had heard Michael, who comes from the entertainment industry, speak at a convention in Vegas. We went up to him after he spoke and pitched our idea. We had nothing but a business card; no drawings, nothing written down, nothing. He called us the next week and told us he liked our idea. We were on cloud nine. We kept in touch and a couple years later, when our dolls were being sold in Target he introduced us to Nickelodeon.

Gina speaking — For me it’s not so much a person that helped but an institution. We came up with the idea for Middle School Moguls while I was getting my MBA at the University of California, Irvine. We ended up entering the idea in the business plan competition and winning the grand prize. The prize money was enough to get our first doll prototype made. After that, the university offered us free work space, mentorship and even introduced us to our first investors. I am so grateful for all of the wonderful people there that still help our business grow to this day.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Jenae speaking — I have so many, but there was one in particular when I was trying to decide if I should leave my job/career to pursue making Middle School Moguls. It was a hard decision because I had a child already and it meant upheaval, moving, less money etc. Around that time I saw a quote that said “Jump and the net will appear,” and that did it for me.

Gina speaking — In the beginning of Middle School Moguls, as it was gaining traction, I dealt with a lot of imposter syndrome. I didn’t feel like we should be having success and reaching these great goals because we had no experience or training in the industry. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and for something to go terribly wrong. At some point in the journey I heard the quote, “Why not me? Why not now?” and it really resonated with me. I still use it as an affirmation to this day.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Jenae speaking — Oprah all the way. I love that she has used her voice to place positive, empowering messages into the world.

Gina speaking — I would love to have a private breakfast with Shonda Rhymes. She is a social justice advocate and one of the most creative and dynamic showrunners of all time. I’d love for us to one day become the Shonda Rhymes of children’s media.

How can our readers follow you on social media?
Online they can be found at GenGirl Media http://www.gengirlmedia.com and on Instagram @gengirlmedia, Facebook @gengirlmediainc and LinkedIn at GengirlMedia, inc

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More Nick: Nickelodeon Embarks on New Direction with its Biggest, Most Wide-Ranging Content Slate Ever!

Originally published: Monday, August 5, 2019.
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon and Middle School Moguls News and Highlights!

What Did You Think of 'Dora and the Lost City of Gold'? | Nick Fan Poll

Dora’s going on her biggest adventure yet in Dora and the Lost City of Gold, inspired by Nickelodeon's beloved animated preschool series Dora the Explorer, in theatres today! What did you think of the brand-new movie? Vote in the poll and sound off in the comments below! Come on, vámonos!

Get Ready For Kids’ Choice Sports 2019 With Michael Strahan! + Sneak Peek | Nickelodeon

Get Ready For Kids’ Choice Sports 2019 With Michael Strahan! | Nick



Don’t miss Kids’ Choice Sports, when it all goes down, August 10th at 8/7c, only on Nickelodeon! Click the following link for more info!: http://nickalive.blogspot.com/2019/07/nickelodeon-announces-kids-choice.html

Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports 2019 Sneak Peek | ThePostGame



Dwyane Wade and USWNT star Megan Rapinoe are special honorees at Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Sports show that premieres 8 p.m. ET/PT Saturday August 10. In the meantime, check out exclusive sneak peek of Rob Gronkowski, Lindsey Vonn, Trae Young, PK Subban and Nyjah Huston in the Smash-n-Splash event.

More Nick: Nickelodeon Announces Kids’ Choice Sports 2019 Winners!
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BFFs Annie LeBlanc & Jayden Bartels Answer It ALL! 🤗 57 Questions at SlimeFest | Nickelodeon

BFFs Annie LeBlanc & Jayden Bartels Answer It ALL! 🤗 57 Questions at SlimeFest | Nick



Get ready to find out everything you could ever want to know about Annie LeBlanc & Jayden Bartels in this rapid-fire interview! How did they meet? What’s their most embarrassing moment? And most importantly… What are their thoughts on garden gnomes!? Comment on YouTube with what else you want to know about Annie & Jayden and catch more of your favorite shows on Nickelodeon.

Do you have a question for Annie and Jayden? Drop it in the comments on YouTube! 💯

More Nick: Nickelodeon Heads to The ATL for 'Slime City'--First-Ever Immersive Slime Experience!
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Times All That Took It Too Far! 🤪 #TBT | All That Official

BFFs Annie LeBlanc & Jayden Bartels Answer It ALL! 🤗 57 Questions at SlimeFest | Nick



All That takes things pretty far for a laugh. Check out some of these amazing moments from Gabrielle Green as Literally Liza, Ryan Alessi and Lex Lumpkin as the Pranklers, Lori Beth Denberg as Miss Hushbaum, Kel Mitchell as Coach Kreeton, and Nathan Janak as a boy with a fork in his back. What’s your favorite over-the-top moment? Let me know in the comments below! Catch more All That on Nickelodeon!

Subscribe to the official All That YouTube channel!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6UzskfVDPkJ5aSe755ZGgQ

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'Amor' + 'Sunny Day Friendship' 🎵 Nick Jr. Songs in English & Spanish | Canticos

'Amor' + 'Sunny Day Friendship' 🎵 Nick Jr. Songs in English & Spanish | Canticos



Canticos classic nursery rhyme sing-along videos are the perfect tool for learning words and songs in two languages (English and Spanish). Learn 'Amor' and enjoy Nick Jr.’s 'Sunny Day Friendship' Song featuring Sunny Day, Doodle, & more!

What is YOUR favorite song to sing? 🎵

More Nick: Nick Jr. Live! "Move To The Music" U.S. Theatrical Tour To Debut Fall 2019!

Kids can watch their favorite Nick Jr. shows weekdays on Nickelodeon and all week long on the Nick Jr. channel: http://nickjr.com/tvschedule/

Preschoolers can watch full episodes online, play games, and discover silly surprises in the free Nick Jr. App and at NickJr.com. Stream Nick Jr. for free in the Nick Jr. App on Roku and Apple TV or download full episodes for offline viewing on iTunes or Google Play.

You can also download premium apps featuring your child's favorite Nick Jr. shows on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon, including Nick Jr. Draw and Play and Nick Jr. Let’s Learn!

Watch more Nick Jr. everyday for FREE on Nick Jr. Pluto TV!

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Kenan Thompson RETURNS To All That… No One Notices 😬 | All That

Kenan Thompson RETURNS To All That… No One Notices 😬



Kenan Thompson reunites with Kel Mitchell, Josh Server, Kevin, and the Big Ear of Corn on a brand-new All That – along with Buttercup, the most famous horse in sketch comedy. But what happens when the cast (Ryan Alessi, Reece Caddell, Kate Godfrey, Gabrielle Green, Nathan Janak, Lex Lumpkin and Chinguun Sergelen) doesn’t recognize him? What was your favorite moment from the new episode? Let me know in the comments below! Catch more All That on Nick!

Want more Kenan Thompson? You can subscribe to the NickRewind channel right here: https://at.nick.com/NickRewindSubscribe

Nathan Cancels Texting & Other Things He HATES! 🤯 All That



Nathan Janak has cancelled a lot of stuff on 'Cancelled with Nathan' – but he wants to double super cancel texting. Find out why in this scathing takedown. What’s your favorite ‘Cancelled’ moment? Let me know in the comments below! Catch more All That on Nickelodeon!

What do YOU think Nathan should cancel next?! ❌

The New All That Is In Sicko Mode & DESTROYYYYYYS! 🔥 Nick



The newest All That brings the sickest sick day ever with Lex Lumpkin parodying Travis Scott & Drake’s Sicko Mode! Plus Kate Godfrey returns as Marie Kiddo to destroy her principal’s office, and Nathan cancels text messages! The whole cast (Ryan Alessi, Reece Caddell, Kate Godfrey, Gabrielle Green, Nathan Janak, Lex Lumpkin, and Chinguun Sergelen) rocked this episode! What was your favorite sketch? Let me know in the comments below! Catch more All That on Nick!

Which sketch is YOUR favorite?! 💯

Marie Kiddo Trashes The Principal’s Office! 😜 All That



Kate Godfrey returns as Marie Kiddo to trash anything that doesn’t spark joy for her principal (Lex Lumpkin). What was your favorite DESTROY moment? Let me know in the comments below! Catch more All That on Nick!

She's back!....to DESTROY!!! Comment below if Marie Kiddo is one of your favorite characters! 💥

Queen Bee Knows What YOU Need! 🐝 Bed, Bath & Beyoncé | All That



Gabrielle Green keeps slaying it as the Queen herself, Beyoncé! She’s selling robotic vacuums, mountable toothbrush-holders, and more! What else do you think they sell at Bed, Bath & Beyonce? Let me know in the comments below! Catch more All That on Nick!

❗I HAVE TO KNOW❗ What is YOUR favorite Beyoncé song?!

How to Ask Someone Out at a Dance 😳 w/ T@$#!eigh & Trad | All That



Bro! T@$#!eigh (Ryan Alessi) and Trad (Gabrielle Green) are about to turn this school dance on its head! Will they get together? Did they just break up? What is going on?! Featuring Reece Caddell, Kate Godfrey, Lex Lumpkin, Chinguun Sergelen and Nathan Janak as Brad. What was your favorite moment? Let me know in the comments below! Catch more All That on Nick!

What was YOUR favorite sketch from this week's episode of ALL THAT?! 💛

JoJo Siwa Performs Her NEW Song 'Bop' on All That! 👩‍🎤 | Nick



JoJo Siwa performs her new song “Bop” on All That! It’s a party on All That cus JoJo Siwa and her dancers are bringing “Bop” to the All That Stage! She brought the house down! Who else do you want to see on the All That stage? Let me know in the comments below! Catch more All That on Nick!

Who do YOU want to see perform on All That?! 🎤

“BOP!” - JoJo Siwa LIVE PERFORMANCE on "ALL THAT”!! | Its JoJo Siwa



What did you think of this weeks new episode of All That? Vote in the poll here!: http://nickalive.blogspot.com/2019/08/what-did-you-think-of-all-new-all-that.html

Subscribe to the official All That YouTube channel!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6UzskfVDPkJ5aSe755ZGgQ

More Nick: Nickelodeon Orders Up All That-Inspired Good Burger Pop-up with Team Behind Viral Saved by The Max!

Originally published: Sunday, August 04, 2019.
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