Wednesday, April 07, 2021

Paramount Plus Adds 'Rise of the TMNT' Season 1

Update (4/7) - Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles season one (20 episodes) is now available to stream on Paramount+!


COWABUNGA! Nickelodeon's official Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Twitter account has announced the Turtley Awesome news that Paramount+, the all new streaming service from ViacomCBS, will be adding Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles season one "later this month"! The official TMNT Twitter account later explained that the series hadn't been added yet as it was "delayed", but promises that season 1 will be coming very soon! 


Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is Nickelodeon's 2D-animated follow up to the network's CG-animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. Premiering in 2018 and running for two seasons, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is an action-comedy series follows the band of brothers as they discover new powers and encounter a mystical world they never knew existed beneath the streets of New York City.


The series stars the voice talent of Omar Benson Miller (Ballers) as Raph, a jagged-shelled snapping turtle; Ben Schwartz (Parks and Recreation) as Leo, a red-eared slider turtle; Josh Brener (Silicon Valley) as Donnie, a soft-shell turtle; Brandon Mychal Smith (You're The Worst) as Mikey, a box turtle; Kat Graham (The Vampire Diaries) as April O'Neil, a street savvy native New Yorker; Eric Bauza (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) as Splinter, father figure and sensei to the Turtles; and WWE Superstar John Cena as the villainous, Baron Draxum.

Rise of the TMNT will join the 2003 TMNT animated series on the platform.

Netflix will also be releasing Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie very soon. The Nickelodeon pic picks up the turtles when a mysterious stranger arrives from the future with a dire warning. Leo is forced to rise and lead his brothers, Raph, Donnie, and Mikey in a fight to save the world from a terrifying alien species…the Krang! The movie is directed by Ant Ward, Andy Suriano. The film sees the series' voice cast reprise their respective roles, and will also feature the voice of Haley Joel Osment.

More Nick: Nickelodeon Readies Next Chapter of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with All-New CG-Animated Theatrical Release Produced By Point Grey Pictures!

Please note that NickALive! may earn a commission if you sign up to Paramount+ using the link provided.

Originally published: Friday, April 2, 2021 at 22:56 BST.

Additional source: ASF /@CartoonLover2604.

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SpongeBob Happy Meal Toys Now Available at McDonald's in Switzerland

SpongeBob Schwammkopf Happy Meals are now available at McDonald's restaurants in Switzerland! There are two new SpongeBob toys to collect each week!


McDonald's Schweiz (CH) | SpongeBob Schwammkopf Werbung | Apr. 2021 | Dervinci
Jetzt in jedem McDonald's Happy Meal.
Jeden Woche zwei neue Geschenke. Solange Vorrat.




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Video Game Chapa Vs. Flappy Bird 'Danger Goes Digital' Ep.2 | Danger Force

Video Game Chapa Vs. Flappy Bird 'Danger Goes Digital' Ep.2 | Danger Force


On episode 2 of Danger Goes Digital, Chapa is now in the video game world with her super hero team. Video Game Chapa has to fly past a ton of sleeping birds to get to the next level with Bose. Uh oh, The Toddler is here too!

Watch Henry Danger and Danger Force everywhere you find Nickelodeon!

Make sure to subscribe to the brand-new Henry Danger/Danger Force YouTube channel! Up the (You)Tube!: https://at.nick.com/HenryDangerYouTube

More Nick: Nickelodeon Renews 'Danger Force' and 'Young Dylan'; Orders More Episodes of 'Side Hustle'!

Originally published: Wednesday, April 6, 2021.

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Holocaust Remembrance Day | TeenNick Israel

זיכרון בסלון | ערב יום השואה בערוץ טין ניק
ערוץ טין ניק


לרגל יום הזיכרון לשואה ולגבורה נפגוש אנשים מיוחדים ששרדו את השואה ונשמע את סיפור הגבורה שלהם | רביעי, ערב יום השואה, בשעה 18:00 בערוץ טין ניק

#טיןניק #זיכרון_בסלון
Nickelodeon TeenNick

זיכרון בסלון - מארחים את חנה גופרית | טין ניק
ערוץ טין ניק


תיעוד יוצא דופן של מפגש בין חנה, ניצולת שואה שמספרת את סיפורה לקהל צעיר. איך זה לגדול כילדה בשואה, מה הציל את חייה וכיצד מגיבים הילדים במפגש לסיפור המרגש.
וגם ביצוע מיוחד של רוני דלומי. 

אורחת: חנה גופרית
משתתפים: מור עזריה, הדר אידלסון, אמה שור, סופי שור, תמר חכים, ינון מלדה, עידן נועם, יאיר נבון, עמית גולדרייך, ליה בלין, גיא גולדברג, מתן דסה

זיכרון בסלון - מארחים את מאיר ברנד | טין ניק
ערוץ טין ניק


תיעוד מרגש של מפגש בין מאיר, ניצול שואה שמספר את סיפור חייו לקהל צעיר. איך זה לגדול כילד בשואה, כיצד שרד והסוף המפתיע של סיפרו האישי, ואיך הילדים הגיבו לסיפורו יוצא הדופן.
וגם ביצוע מיוחד של רוני דלומי.

אורח: מאיר ברנד
משתתפים: מור עזריה, הדר אידלסון, אמה שור, סופי שור, תמר חכים, ינון מלדה, עידן נועם, יאיר נבון, עמית גולדרייך, ליה בלין, גיא גולדברג, מתן דסה

Originally published: Monday, April 05, 2021.

Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for April 6, 2021 | Nickelodeon

Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for April 6, 2021 | Nickelodeon

Rugrats, provided to Creators Syndicate by Nickelodeon, based off the popular animated television series has been created for children and family's to laugh and enjoy together.

Follow these comics and their take on real episodes of the show and their own spin on hilarious adventures.

Read more Rugrats comic strips!: https://www.creators.com/features/rugrats

More Nick: First Look: Nickelodeon's All-New Animated 'Rugrats' Reunites Members of the Original Voice Cast to Reprise Roles!

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First Look at Captain Kathryn Janeway in 'Star Trek: Prodigy' Unveiled

FIRST LOOK IMAGE OF CAPTAIN KATHRYN JANEWAY IN PARAMOUNT+ ANIMATED SERIES STAR TREK: PRODIGY REVEALED

Voiced by Kate Mulgrew, Janeway Will Serve as the Star Trek: Prodigy Starship's Built-in Emergency Training Hologram In Original Series From CBS Studios' Eye Animation Studios and Nickelodeon

News Revealed by Series Executive Producers Kevin and Dan Hageman During Paramount+'s Virtual First Contact Day Panels


April 5, 2021 - Paramount+ today released a first look image of Captain Kathryn Janeway in its upcoming all-new animated kids' series STAR TREK: PRODIGY. Kate Mulgrew (Star Trek: Voyager) reprises her role as Janeway, who will serve as the STAR TREK: PRODIGY starship's built in emergency training hologram. The news was revealed by series executive producers Kevin and Dan Hageman during today's virtual global First Contact Day panels. The Hagemans also revealed that the series takes place in the year 2383, after the events of Star Trek: Voyager, and in the Delta Quadrant. Developed and produced by Nickelodeon and CBS Studios, STAR TREK: PRODIGY will premiere on Paramount+ in the U.S. later this year.


The free First Contact Day virtual panels will be available to view on-demand on Paramount+'s YouTube Channel and on Paramount+ in the U.S., following their initial airing on StarTrek.com/FirstContact today from 12:00-2:45 PM, PT/3:00-5:45 PM, ET.

Developed by Emmy(R) Award-winners Kevin and Dan Hageman (Trollhunters and Ninjago) the CG-animated series STAR TREK: PRODIGY is the first Star Trek series aimed at younger audiences and will follow a motley crew of young aliens who must figure out how to work together while navigating a greater galaxy, in search for a better future. These six young outcasts know nothing about the ship they have commandeered - a first in the history of the Star Trek Franchise - but over the course of their adventures together, they will each be introduced to Starfleet and the ideals it represents.


STAR TREK: PRODIGY is from CBS' Eye Animation Productions, CBS Studios' new animation arm; Nickelodeon Animation Studio, led by President of Animation, Ramsey Naito; Secret Hideout; and Roddenberry Entertainment. Alex Kurtzman, Heather Kadin, Katie Krentz, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth will serve as executive producers alongside co-showrunners Kevin and Dan Hageman. Ben Hibon will direct, co-executive produce and serve as the creative lead of the all-new animated series. Aaron Baiers will also serve as co-executive producer. Production of STAR TREK: PRODIGY is overseen for Nickelodeon by Claudia Spinelli, Senior Vice President, Animation Development and Kelley Gardner, Vice President, Current Series Animation.


About Paramount+:

Paramount+, a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service from ViacomCBS, combines live sports, breaking news, and a mountain of entertainment. The premium streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. The service is also the streaming home to unmatched sports programming, including every CBS Sports event, from golf to football to basketball and more, plus exclusive streaming rights for major sports properties, including some of the world's biggest and most popular soccer leagues. Paramount+ also enables subscribers to stream local CBS stations live across the U.S. in addition to the ability to stream ViacomCBS Streaming's other live channels: CBSN for 24/7 news, CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis, and ET Live for entertainment coverage. For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlus on social platforms.

About the Star Trek Universe on Paramount+:

The Star Trek Universe on Paramount+ includes current and upcoming seasons of the original series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, STAR TREK: PICARD, the animated series STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS and the upcoming STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS and STAR TREK: PRODIGY, the first Star Trek series aimed at younger audiences. The Star Trek Universe on Paramount+ also includes all 726 episodes from the six classic Star Trek series and a selection of Star Trek films. For additional info on and photography from Paramount+'s STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, STAR TREK: PICARD, STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS, STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS and STAR TREK: PRODIGY, please click here.

About CBS Studios:

CBS Studios is one of the world's leading suppliers of entertainment programming with more than 70 series currently in production for broadcast and cable networks, streaming services and other emerging platforms. The Studio's expansive portfolio spans a diverse slate of commercially successful and critically acclaimed scripted programming, genre-defining franchises including the ever-growing "Star Trek" universe, award-winning late night and daytime talk shows, and an extensive library of iconic intellectual property.

About Nickelodeon:

Nickelodeon, now in its 41st 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 brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC).

Facebook: @StarTrekonPPlus, @StarTrek, @ParamountPlus Twitter: @StarTrekonPPlus, @StarTrek, @ParamountPlus Instagram: @StarTrekonPPlus, @StarTrek, @ParamountPlus #StarTrekProdigy #FirstContactDay

###

How Kate Mulgrew Changed The Animated Janeway On Star Trek: Prodigy | First Contact Day | Paramount+


Kate Mulgrew (Kathryn Janeway, Star Trek: Voyager) tells host Mica Burton that she wanted to modify the initial version of the animated Janeway for Star Trek: Prodigy. After going back and forth with Creators Kevin and Dan Hageman for months, there was one part of her face they agreed to change. Stream full episodes of Star Trek: Voyager and other series in the Star Trek Universe on Paramount+.

During today's panel, Mulgrew and the Hagemans discussed how Star Trek: Prodigy will appeal to younger viewers and the influence that Mulgrew had on the design of her animated counterpart- and the changes she wanted to make:

 "This show is really for younger kids. As somebody who grew up watching certain shows that spoke to me as a kid, but then also spoke to my parents so that my parents could watch it with me, I think that speaks very much to one of the things that Trek does right. Families watch it together. A parent can watch it with their children. And this show is going to be for our youngest audience so far, but I think given the scope and scale of it it's not really going to look like anything you've seen before in that we have a really cinematic approach to what we're doing,' said Kurtzman.


Originally published: Monday, April 5, 2021 at 23:03 BST.

Press release via TheFutonCritic.com; Additional source: Bleeding Cool.

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Ava | Vision Board For America | Nickelodeon

Thank you, Ava, for sharing your Vision for America with us. Tell me what yours is 🧡


Visit NickHelps.com for more!




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'Moo's the Boss' Promo | Side Hustle | Nickelodeon

Don't miss a legendary new Side Hustle, followed by a brand new Drama Club and an all new Unfiltered, Saturday, April 10 from 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT), only on Nickelodeon!


In the brand new Side Hustle episode "Moo's the Boss," Lex (Jules LeBlanc), Presley (Jayden Bartels) and Munchy's (Isaiah Crews) favorite hangout, the MicroMooery, is set to close for the weekend, so the kids offer to run it and keep it open! (#114)




Originally published: Sunday, April 04, 2021.

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ViacomCBS Publicly Opposes Georgia Voting Rights Law

ViacomCBS has taken a stance in opposition to the Georgia voting rights law that restricts voting access, making it the first major entertainment media corporation to do so and part of a group of vocal big businesses that include Delta and Coca-Cola.


“We unequivocally believe in the importance of all Americans having an equal right to vote and oppose the recent Georgia voting rights law or any effort that impedes the ability to exercise this vital constitutional right,” reads the statement. “Increasing voter access and civic engagement is one of ViacomCBS’ core social impact pillars and we will continue to educate the public on the importance of an open and fair voting system through our programming and extensive partnerships with grassroots organizations that promote and increase participation in elections.”

ViacomCBS, the parent corporation of Nickelodeon, CBS, MTV, VH1, BET and a wide range of other networks, has numerous shows that are currently in various stages of production in Georgia: Nickelodeon's Tyler Perry's Young Dylan and Counting Stars, The CW’s Dynasty, Black Lightning, Naomi, and Powerpuff Girls, BET’s Long Slow Exhale, Black Ink Crew, and Tales, MTV’s Floribama Shore, and VH1’s Love & Hip Hop Atlanta, and TI and Tiny. CBS’s MacGyver just wrapped production there for the season.

Filmmaker Tyler Perry said the law, which limits ballot drop boxes and requires state-issued ID for absentee voting, “harkens to the Jim Crow era.”  While some filmmakers and actors are boycotting production in the state, ViacomCBS is not planning to pull any of its productions from Georgia. Georgia Democrat and voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams, in a USA Today op-ed, said that she believes boycotts are not necessary just yet, calling them “complicated affairs that require a long-term commitment to action.”

ViacomCBS has engaged in civic engagement initiatives in recent years, such as BET’s “Reclaim Your Vote” campaign to “aid Black citizens against suppression tactics and ensure their votes count,” and MTV’s grant program that focused on youth voter turnout and led to a $160,000 investment in 16 grassroots organizations in Georgia that aimed to educate and mobilize young voters.


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Groundbreaking Coalition of Media Companies and Mental Health Experts Unite to Tackle Growing Mental Health Crisis

Groundbreaking Coalition of Media Companies and Mental Health Experts Unite to Tackle Growing Mental Health Crisis

Coalition to harness the power of media and storytelling, kicking off at a Mental Health Storytelling Summit which will take place the first week of May annually

Industry partners include MTV Entertainment Group, ViacomCBS, The Walt Disney Company, Amazon Studios, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Endeavor Content and other leading media companies

Expert partners include USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, The JED Foundation, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and top mental health leaders and organizations coming together to transform mental health representation in entertainment


NEW YORK--April 06, 2021--In recognition of the powerful role storytelling can play in addressing our nation’s mental health challenges, a coalition of leading media companies and experts is joining forces to change the narrative on mental health.

National suicide rates have increased substantially over the past two decades, with a recent spike amongst young people. Since the start of COVID-19, depression, anxiety, and mental health challenges have been on the rise, leading some experts to call mental health the “second pandemic”. This data reinforces that changing the conversation about mental wellness and suicide prevention has never been more important—and the entertainment sector has a key role to play.

Created in partnership with the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative at the University of Southern California and a newly formed Expert Advisory Council featuring over a dozen leading mental health experts and organizations, the Mental Health Storytelling Coalition includes the leading forces in entertainment.

Industry leaders, creators, and celebrities will kick off this collaboration at the Mental Health Storytelling Summit the first week of May which will include inspiring conversations, case studies, workshops and more.

The coalition will also unveil a first-of-its-kind comprehensive Mental Health Media Guide which provides best practices and evidence-based recommendations to support storytellers at any phase in the production process, across topics and genres.

The Industry Advisory Council includes: Amazon Studios, Anonymous Content, AwesomenessTV, BET, CAA Foundation, CBS, CMT, Comedy Central, Endeavor Content, MTV, NBCUniversal, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, SHOWTIME®, Spotify, Sony Pictures Entertainment, STARZ, The Ad Council, The Walt Disney Company, UTA Foundation, ViacomCBS, and VH1.

The Expert Advisory Council includes: Active Minds, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, Born This Way Foundation, Entertainment Industries Council, National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Council for Behavioral Health, SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education), The Boris L. Henson Foundation, The Jed Foundation, The Trevor Project, Vibrant Emotional Health (administers of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline), Dr. Jessi Gold, Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, and Dr. Michael Lindsey.

“Media has enormous influence over how we collectively perceive and understand the most difficult issues in our society,” said Bob Bakish, President & CEO of ViacomCBS. “The mental health crisis impacts people of all demographics and geographies, and as content creators, it’s our responsibility to use our assets – through our stories, platforms and reach – to take action. Our ability to come together as an industry to meaningfully shift the narrative around mental health can transform the lives of people everywhere.”

“The mental health crisis is the silent pandemic that has been on an alarming rise for the last decade and we are so thankful to our partners for joining us in this coalition to unleash the power of storytelling to help shatter the stigma around mental health,” said Chris McCarthy, President of MTV Entertainment Group. “As storytellers, we have the opportunity to represent the continuum of mental health and empower people to help themselves and each other, because mental health is health.”

“It is a privilege and responsibility to help shine a light on the importance of mental health through stories and shows including ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ ‘black-ish,’ ‘Love, Victor’ and ‘A Million Little Things’ that run on our broadcast networks and streaming platforms,” said Craig Erwich, President, ABC Entertainment and Hulu Originals. “Feeling seen and understood is a powerful step toward seeking solutions, and we will continue to lean into the power of our storytelling and platforms to show support, raise awareness and change the narrative around mental health.”

“We were lucky to have formed a long term partnership with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Dr. Christine Moutier and other mental health experts throughout 4 seasons of 13 Reasons Why and can share first hand how rewarding and crucial these connections are. We are committed to making more content that both promotes empathy and awareness around mental health while also normalizing and humanizing the valid experiences of those who live with mental illness. Now more than ever, content must continue to shine a light on the varied ways mental health impacts our lives and the lives of those we love & help show audiences that they are not alone,” said Joy Gorman Wettels, Partner at Anonymous Content

“Television and film are powerful mediums that can inspire cultural change. CAA is proud to support the Mental Health Storytelling coalition, and the artist community, in its efforts to reshape mental health representation on screen,” said Joel Lubin, CAA Board Member & Co-Head of Motion Pictures

“As we continue to navigate these unprecedented and challenging times, it is important now more than ever to amplify the conversations surrounding mental health, and NBCUniversal is proud to partner alongside these incredible industry and expert voices for this groundbreaking initiative,” said Janine Jones-Clark, Executive Vice President of Inclusion – Talent & Content, Film, TV & Streaming, NBCUniversal. “The Mental Health Media Guide will be an invaluable industry tool as it’s our responsibility as content creators to ensure authentic portrayals of mental health given the impact our narratives and characters can have on audiences.”

“The depiction of mental health and suicide in popular entertainment serves as a valuable opportunity to change the landscape of people’s understanding around these critical topics. A wealth of research related to suicide prevention reveals that the way suicide is portrayed through storytelling can have positive or negative impacts on viewers, especially for those who may already be in a vulnerable state. By providing Safe Storytelling Guidelines and educating content creators, we can enhance their ability to creatively tell whatever stories they want to tell, and to do so safely. What’s more, by portraying everyday characters who proactively care for their mental health, and showing a world in which help is available (whether the characters themselves may realize it or not), entertainment can help create a culture that is smart about mental health,” said Dr. Christine Moutier, chief medical officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

“It is absolutely critical to give storytellers the tools they need to ensure that portrayals of mental health are inclusive, authentic, and safe, and that production teams work in an environment where mental health is valued,” said Dr. Stacy L. Smith, Founder of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. “With the Mental Health Media Guide, the coalition of experts, and the Mental Health Storytelling Summit, creative professionals will have access to information in a new capacity to positively influence the media landscape.”

“At Active Minds, our mission is centered on changing the conversation and culture around mental health. But this can't happen in a vacuum. We need the support, collaboration, and creativity of other stakeholder and media organizations, which is why we are thrilled to participate in the Expert Advisory Committee," said Margo Collins, chief marketing and development officer of Active Minds. "Creating real, tangible change in the ways we view mental health requires a new way of seeing, hearing about, and interacting with it. We're excited to work with the Committee to bring new ideas around mental health into the conversation on a larger scale."

“The past year has presented unprecedented challenges, weighing heavily on communities across the country,” said Heidi Arthur, Chief Campaign Development Officer at the Ad Council. “We are honored to be part of this critical and collaborative effort to share the best practices, messaging, tips and tools that will help millions of people struggling with mental health issues.”

“Our work at Born This Way Foundation is deeply rooted in the lived experiences of young people. We believe that fostering and modeling healthy discussions about mental health helps bridge the gap between the resources that exist and the young people who desperately need them," said Maya Smith, Executive Director of Born This Way Foundation. "We're so proud to be part of the group of changemakers shifting the conversation and helping our youth connect with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive, not just survive.

“Entertainment Industries Council, (EIC) encourages artists in the entertainment industries to be the message and the messenger. When you can see it, you can be it; when you hear it, you can say it. Mental health issues and substance use disorders are treatable. Stories provide powerful opportunities to see and hear possibilities for health and wellness,” said Marie Gallo Dyak, President/CEO, Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. (EIC)

“We know entertainment media has a powerful impact on how we perceive and address emotional health, but too many aspects of the mental health continuum and groups facing unique struggles aren’t represented in the current storytelling landscape,” says Courtney Knowles, Senior Media Advisor for The Jed Foundation. “JED is proud to be part of a coalition that reflects the diversity and scope of expertise needed to expand representation, amplify impact and change lives.”

“Through its portrayal of people with mental health and addiction challenges, the entertainment industry plays an enormous role in how the public perceives people living with these conditions,” said Chuck Ingoglia, president and CEO of the National Council for Behavioral Health. “Sharing stories about mental health or substance use challenges is an important step toward improving the public’s understanding and reducing the stigma real people with these conditions face every day. And those stories must be accurate. Mental illness and addiction are real, common and treatable – recovery is possible. We look forward to working with the new coalition to ensure a more thoughtful portrayal of people with mental illness and addictions so we can separate fact from fiction.”

“The entertainment community plays a key role in strengthening mental wellness and suicide prevention," said Colleen Carr, director of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention housed at the Education Development Center. "Content creators are uniquely positioned to connect with and educate audiences through accurate stories that highlight hope, help, wellness, and resiliency. The Mental Health Media Guide is a powerful tool to support the creative community in developing compelling and life-saving storylines."

“How mental health is portrayed in film, television and other popular media deeply impacts the public discourse about and perceptions of people with mental illness,” said Glenn O’Neal, Chief Communication Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness. “We’re proud to collaborate on this project so that the diverse experiences of people with mental health conditions are accurately represented, reducing stigma and discrimination.”

“In a ground-breaking collaborative effort, art and science are joining forces to help advance the way we communicate about mental health, substance use and suicide prevention,” said Dr. Dan Reidenberg, Executive Director of SAVE.org. “The new Mental Health Media Guide will help shape future generations’ understanding, acceptance of and need for care of our mental health and wellness. It will save lives.”

"After years of mental health experts, nonprofits, and advocates working with the entertainment industry, there is still significant room to improve the fair, accurate, and inclusive portrayal of mental health narratives in media. As the entertainment industry continues to include more storylines around LGBTQ youth, mental health, conversion therapy, and suicide, it's important to reflect and validate these experiences without being sensational, and to showcase hope, resilience, and help-seeking. We're grateful to be part of a changemaking coalition that worked to bring the Mental Health Storytelling Summit and Mental Health Media Guide to life, and to help provide ongoing guidance and resources to media and entertainment industry leaders,” said Amit Paley, CEO & Executive Director for The Trevor Project, the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people

“Good storytelling has the power to shape the way we talk about mental health in this country---normalizing it, providing education around it, and helping those with mental illness, particularly those in underrepresented groups, feel seen and less alone, and hopefully less afraid to show up in my office for treatment. It is critical that experts and the media work together to create true and lasting cultural change, and there is no better time than now,” said Dr. Jessi Gold, MS, MD, Assistant Professor and Director of Wellness, Engagement, and Outreach in the Department of Psychiatry at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine

“Stories of hope can save lives,” says Kimberly Williams, President & CEO of Vibrant Emotional Health. “The pandemic has had, and will continue to have, a significant impact on our mental health. By coming together to change the conversation about mental health, this coalition of storytellers encourages and empowers other people to seek support and tell their story, particularly younger generations."


Originally published: Wednesday, April 7, 2021.

Press release via Business Wire.

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Marshall Ellis Performing Arts Center in Orlando, Fl. Presents 'The SpongeBob Musical'

Marshall Ellis Performing Arts Center Presents THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL

Debuting on Broadway in December 2017, The SpongeBob Musical received 12 Tony Award nominations in 2018.

Program runs July 19-31, 2021
Rehearsals Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm
Performances July 30 & 31 at 7:00pm


Orlando, Florida - The Marshall Ellis Performing Arts Center and the ME Performing Arts Theatre Program are proud to announce their partnership with the Orlando Artists Guild, beginning with their summer youth production of The SpongeBob Musical at the ME Theatre on July 30 and 31. This is a youth production open to students in grades 5 through 12. After paying tuition, audition information will be sent to you to submit virtually. The rehearsals and performances will be in person.

The company will be following CDC Covid-19 guidelines.

The ME Performing Arts Center has staged 6 productions for their youth theatre program over the past year. They will be the first theatre program in Central Florida to stage The SpongeBob Musical. The production will be appropriate for all audiences and feature high-energy sequences. 

The SpongeBob Musical is based off the popular animated television series, SpongeBob SquarePants, which is currently airing its thirteenth season on Nickelodeon. Debuting on Broadway in December 2017, The SpongeBob Musical received 12 Tony Award nominations in 2018.


The Orlando Artists Guild represents a growing number of accomplished actors, directors, dancers, and other theatre arts professionals. The Orlando Artists Guild will introduce additional directors and faculty to the ME Performing Arts Center Theatre Program youth shows while also bringing additional productions to the ME Theatre, which is the only theatre space in Central Florida to work in tandem with a dance school.

For SpongeBob's Creative Team:
Bryan Jager & Jarrett Poore as Co-Directors
Joni Newman as Assistant Director/ Stage Manager

Additional information on the Marshall Ellis Performing Arts Center Theatre Program and the upcoming production of The SpongeBob Musical can be found here.

The Original Broadway Cast Recording is available now from Masterworks Broadway wherever music is sold and streamed: https://spongebobmusical.lnk.to/SpongebobMusicalRecording

Each track is available on YouTube, and so you don't need to go searching for them, I've made a blog featuring each track: https://spongebobmusical.blogspot.com.

More Nick: Concord Theatricals Acquires Licensing Rights for Nickelodeon's Broadway Hit 'The SpongeBob Musical'!

Original source: Broadway World Orlando.

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Hot Topic's New 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Gear Includes An Appa Backpack

A new collection of apparel and accessories based on the iconic Nickelodeon animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender has flown into Hot Topic, and this amazing Appa mini backpack ($49.90) is one of the items up for grabs. It features a front zipper pocket, 3D ears and horns, and fuzzy sky bison fur.


Ever since the very start of the beloved Nickelodeon series, Appa has been a key part of Team Avatar. Acting as both the group's main means of transportation and a beloved family member, Appa won over fans' hearts from the first moment he appeared alongside Aang in the Avatar: The Last Airbender pilot. Much like Aang himself when it comes to the airbenders, Appa is the last flying bison in the world.

The rest of the new items in Hot Topic's Avatar: The Last Airbender lineup include t-shirts, tank tops, skirts, and sweatpants with designs that range from chibi characters to elements symbols. You can shop the entire collection right here - the vast majority of items are 20% off at the time of writing.

Hot Topic's new Avatar: The Last Airbender gear comes at an exciting time for fans.

The past year has seen quite the Avatar renaissance, and it's only going to get bigger from here. The animated series debuted on Netflix last year, leading to a boom in views as fans new and old flocked to the service to watch it. Avatar was Netflix's most-watched animated kids' show for 2020, and sequel series The Legend of Korra was also popular when it arrived months later.

Back in February, Nickelodeon announced the creation of Avatar Studios, a branch designed exclusively to create new shows and films set within the Avatar Universe world. Their first project will be an Avatar animated movie, which will reportedly begin production later this year. All of this is taking place while Netflix is still in development on their live-action Avatar series, something that has been in the works since 2018. Fans can even expect some Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra titles to launch for Free Comic Book day this year.

With Avatar now appearing more relevant than ever, it's no surprise Nickelodeon is moving forward with new projects set within its world.  In other words, there's a lot of Avatar-related content on the way in the next few years, so fans better get ready.

Whether Appa will factor into any of the projects emerging from Avatar Studios remains to be seen, though he and Aang were the only character to have been glimpsed for Netflix's series. Way back when the live-action Avatar show was first announced, the streamer released some concept art of Appa's design. Seeing as he's a vital part of Avatar: The Last Airbender and will also require some CGI, it's important that any attempt at bringing the series into live-action form gets Appa just right. The jury's still out on Netflix's show, especially now that the franchise's co-creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are no longer involved, but at least the above backpack really nails his cuddly look.

You can keep tabs on all of the latest news from the world of Aang, Korra, and their fellow benders right here.


For those who are unfamiliar, Avatar: The Last Airbender was originally created by Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko for Nickelodeon in 2005. The series is set in world people can manipulate the elements of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air, and they lived peacefully in different regions until one of the regions started a world war.

One master who can manipulate all four elements, dubbed the "Avatar," had been able to prevent this war, but disappeared soon after. 100 years later, a new Avatar named Aang awakens and sets out on a journey to master all the elements in order to bring peace to the land once more. The Legend of Korra takes place takes place 70 years after the events of its predecessor, following the next Avatar, a young girl named Korra from the Southern Water Tribe.

Both series continue in success ongoing graphic novel series published by Dark Horse.

Watch Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra on Paramount+ and Netflix!

Subscribe to the NEW official Avatar: The Last Airbender YouTube channel!: https://at.nick.com/AvatarSubscribe

More Nick: Nickelodeon Establishes Avatar Studios; Announces Animated 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Movie!

Original sources: ComicBook.comScreenRant.

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Flair Leisure, Just Play Unveil 'Blue's Clues & You!' Toy Lines; Set to Be Released in the U.K. in July 2021

Flair Leisure Products has announced the PAWsome news that they'll be releasing their pup-tastic Blue's Clues & You! toy line in the U.K. on Thursday 1st July 2021! The range will span action figures and playsets, dolls and playsets, plush, and preschool roleplay, with each item in the range inspired by Nickelodeon's beloved preschool series of the same name.


"Bring home your favourite friends from the Nickelodeon hit preschool show with our Blue’s Clues & You range of fun feature plush, collectible figures, playsets and themed role play toys, just like the show, to help your little clue-finder use their mind, take a step at a time, and do anything that they want to do. Launching trade-wide July 1st 2021," reads the line's official synopsis. For more information about Flair Leisure Products' upcoming Blue’s Clues & You! range, visit https://www.flairgp.co.uk/bluescluesandyou.

Blue's Clues & You! Peek-a-Boo Plush - Blue
Blue's Clues & You! Peek-a-Boo Plush - Magenta
Blue's Clues & You! Collectible Figure Set
Blue's Clues & You! Deluxe Play-Along Figure Set
Blue's Clues & You! Surprise Figures
Blue's Clues & You! Take-Along Friends Set
Blue's Clues & You! Blue's House Playset
Blue's Clues & You! Light-Up Microphone
Blue's Clues & You! 2 sided Handy Dandy Notebook
Blue's Clues & You! Sing-Along Guitar
Blue's Clues & You! Mail Time with Mailbox
Blue's Clues & You! Ultimate Handy Dandy Notebook

Blue's Clues & You! Dance-Along Blue

To celebrate launch of the new range, Toy World Magazine talked to Nicola Bergot, Flair's commercial director, and Charlotte Rodgers, marketing manager for the Just Play brand, about why the property is a such a good fit, and what retailers can expect from the launch range in their April 2021 issue!

Just Play was announced as Global Master Toy partner for Blue's Clues in 2020; what does the property offer from a product development perspective?

Charlotte: The show and all the accompanying content, whether on its hugely successful global YouTube channel or on the Blue's Clues & You! Bedtime Stories podcast, is all about pre-school readiness, giving children a voice with an overriding theme of friendship. Blue is a pre-school-aged puppy herself, so preschoolers find the show hugely relatable, and they can all learn together with the help of the presenter, Josh. The toy range is very closely linked to all the concepts seen in the show and reflects the interactive nature of it too. For example, the toy line offers kids their very own Handy Dandy Notebook, while the role-play segment allows them to follow the paw print clues to find out what Blue wants to do. The role-play collection also supports the development of storytelling skills, while the collectible figures and play sets are great for fostering imaginative play.

What makes Just Play a good fit for Blue's Clues?
Nicola: Just Play has an enviable history of creating fantastic products. From plush to play sets and role-play, Just Play demonstrates an eye for detail in creating show-to-shelf products that enable children to emulate their heroes, play like their most beloved TV characters do, and replicate the stories they see on their favourite TV programmes. The company has an excellent reputation for developing licensed toys that capture kids' imaginations, having brought recent hits to market such as PJ Masks, Spirit, Doc McStuffins and Ryan's World. The show-to-shelf concept is important to children, and Just Play's new range perfectly interprets Blue's Clues & You! in a way fans will love.

What will the launch range comprise? And when will it hit shelves?
Charlotte: The launch range comprises high quality plush, a selection of feature plush and, of course, plenty of figures, play sets, and all the most recognisable role-play items from the show. The range launched in the US in the final quarter of 2020 and has already achieved No. 1 new licence globally for 2020. We can see what consumers are reacting most positively to over in the US, and we are using consumer feedback and sales data to ensure that our UK range features all of the most popular lines, plus a few different items which we know are perfect for UK consumers. Peek-A-Blue and Peek-A-Boo Magenta are stand out items in the US, and we believe they will be equally strong here in the UK. We will support these toys with kid- and parent-targeted creatives, as well as media activity.

What new products can we expect to see later on this year?
Charlotte: We will be introducing Dance Along Blue, who dances either faster or slower depending on the tempo at which the child plays their guitar; Blue also moves her feet and ears and wiggles her bottom to the Blue's Clues music, which kids are sure to find funny. The Blue House Playset is the perfect place for kids to play with all their Blue's Clues & You! collectible figures. This set features a number of built-in clues and surprises that really tap into the concepts and themes kids see in the show.

How else do these toys reflect the core themes from the show?
Charlotte: Children can enjoy finding and tracking clues with their very own Handy Dandy Notebooks or even playing Josh's guitar just like he does in the show. The Mailbox lets children post their own letters and clues, and then retrieve them. It also plays recognisable sounds and phrases from the show to add to the fun.

What marketing support will the Blue's Clues range benefit from?
Charlotte: The range will be supported by a strong 360-degree marketing campaign. We have developed a number of creatives that cover a wide variety of items from the toy line and have been made with parents in mind, as well as children. We will also be ensuring that parents, gifters and fans of the show are seeing our ranges not only on their TV screens but also on their favourite VOD platforms, across YouTube, and in their social media feeds. We'll also have some high profile faces showing off our favourite items. Finally, to ensure that online shoppers convert to purchase, we will be investing in the bottom part of the funnel too. We will also be partnering with Nickelodeon to bring this new brand to life with on-air, online, print and in-store activity planned.

How will Flair be supporting its retail partners this year?
Nicola: In addition to Blue's Clues & You!, we have some great new Just Play ranges and standout items in our autumn/winter line, from our new range of Disney Doorables to a new master toy line for Disney Mickey & Minnie, which will be hitting shelves in the second half of this year. In addition, we have a strong range of evergreen items - Disney Princess, Doc McStuffins, Barbie, and Slinkyas well as a new role-play range of Love, Diana products that is just about to launch.

We have many exciting new ranges coming through from our GP Flair portfolio too. Godzilla Vs Kong Action Figures will support this year's new movie, and we'll be launching some strong arts & crafts lines too. IDO3D is being relaunched alongside the ideal line for the younger crafter, Jewel Secrets, and new additions to our Sneak Artz range.

We will continue to support our range of classic retro best-sellers, Plasticine, Spirograph, Mr Frosty and Stickle Bricks, and we are introducing Sevi, an educational range of wooden toys. We are also excited to be bolstering our portfolio with the luxurious plush range from Trudi.

We have certainly done a lot of learning over the past year, and we have become more nimble and adaptable in the process. We will be taking this learning into post-lockdown life to maximise opportunities and ensure that they deliver the biggest impact for us and for all our retail partners going forwards.

We would also like to say thank you to all our suppliers, agencies and retail customers for supporting us and being so flexible since life changed a year ago. We are confident that great toys will always prevail; we have some great new launches and plans for autumn/winter and beyond.

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