Tuesday, April 20, 2021

'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge' to Be Released on Nintendo Switch

Publisher Dotemu and developer Tribute Games in partnership with Nickelodeon today announced Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is bringing its classically inspired brawling action to Nintendo Switch. The news was part of Nintendo Indie World presentation and follows previous confirmation of the game coming to PC.


During the Nintendo Indie World Showcase, Tribute Games Co-Founder Jean-Francois Major and Dotemu CEO Cyrille Imbert confirmed the heroes in a half shell are chasing the Foot Clan to Switch before sharing new gameplay footage. The Turtles unleash radical special moves and gnarly combos in the footage, bashing foes throughout areas reminiscent of classic TMNT games such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time. Catch the side scrolling action by viewing the gameplay trailer:


The fully animated music video that precedes the gameplay stays lyrically faithful to the original opening theme song. The animation style is crisp and clean while also paying homage to the show's late 80's origins. It features action shots of the ninja turtles doing battle with classic enemies like Shredder, Bebop and Rocksteady, as well as seemingly unending spawns of Foot Clan soldiers. April O'Neil is sporting some fierce combat moves of her own in the opening sequence, along with Master Splinter. And, of course, there's plenty of pizza. At the end of the musical opening, the trailer seamlessly transitions into shots of actual gameplay that Switch owners will get to experience.

Back in March, the company previously debuted a 90-second reveal trailer featuring a high-action reimagining of the Nickelodeon show's original opening theme, followed by actual snippets of gameplay. The trailer revealed today, however, takes its time to focus specifically on what each ninja turtle brings to the table combat-wise. Leonardo can be seen unleashing a flurry of sword blows after charging his powers up by whomping on Foot Clan soldiers. Michelangelo turns into a whirlwind of nunchuck strikes after doing the same. A fully-charged Donatello is shown spinning around like a deadly ballerina, sending Foot Clan soldiers flying with his impressive bo-staff. Finally, a red-flashing Raphael saves a steaming-hot pizza by flinging enemies around with his sais. The last few seconds of the trailer showcase different levels such as an outdoor street brawl outside of a pizza shop; a vandalized news studio and its (also vandalized) fancy lobby; and a boss fight in an outdoor junkyard — all reminiscent of classic TMNT games such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time.

The gameplay trailer also focuses on the co-op aspect of the game. You can play with up to 3 friends, each one taking on the role of a turtle brother as you fight your way through the various levels to save the day. Features of the game announced by Dotemu promise "gnarly" 80's inspired game design, old-school gameplay combined with enhanced, modern-day mechanics and a "radical" new story mode.

The release date for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is still yet to be announced, but as of now it will be available on both Nintendo Switch and PC. Grab a slice and check out the new gameplay trailer above! COWABUNGA!

Official press release from Games Press via Gamasutra:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge Coming to Nintendo Switch, Kicks Shell in New Gameplay Trailer

PARIS (April 14, 2021) - Publisher Dotemu and developer Tribute Games in partnership with Nickelodeon today announced Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is bringing its classically inspired brawling action to Nintendo Switch. The news was part of Nintendo's Indie World presentation and follows previous confirmation of the game coming to PC.
 
During the Nintendo Indie World Showcase, Tribute Games Co-Founder Jean-Francois Major and Dotemu CEO Cyrille Imbert confirmed the heroes in a half shell are chasing the Foot Clan to Switch before sharing new gameplay. The Turtles unleash radical special moves and gnarly combos in the footage, bashing foes throughout areas reminiscent of classic TMNT games such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time. Catch the side scrolling action by viewing the gameplay here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GemOAwU-9fo
 
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge’s lively battles are backed by original music from Tee Lopes, a composer and arranger previously featured in Sonic Mania, League of Legends, and Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom among other releases. A sample of Lopes’ wickedly energetic melodies can be heard in today’s gameplay trailer.
 
Inspired by the Turtles’ iconic 1987 design, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge brings New York City’s most righteous ninjas to life with gorgeous pixel art that’d look right at home in your favorite retro arcade. From showdowns with infamous rivals like Bebop and Rocksteady to returns to signature locales like Dimension X, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is a bodacious celebration of classic TMNT beat-em-ups with its own modern touches.
 
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge joins two retro gaming experts: Dotemu, the developer and publisher known for faithful ports as well as impeccable remakes and continuations of beloved gaming series including Streets of Rage 4, the smash hit nominated for Best Action game at The Game Awards 2020, as well as the upcoming Windjammers 2 and highly lauded Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap; and Tribute Games, the studio behind retro-themed original IPs including Panzer Paladin, Flinthook and Mercenary Kings which embody the spirit of classic games in new experiences. Tribute Games also houses key talent behind the acclaimed Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game beat-em-up and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game released for Game Boy Advance in 2007.
 
For more TMNT gaming updates, visit Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge official site (https://www.shredders-revenge.com/), wishlist the game on Steam, follow @Dotemu and @TributeGames on Twitter, and join the Discord (https://discord.gg/gZPw59bEAZ).
 
# # #
 
About Dotemu
Dotemu is a French video game company specializing in modern releases of beloved retro games. Our mission is simple: give every gamer access to yesteryear’s classic video games on today's platforms, including PC, mobile, console and more. Working alongside the world’s most cherished and recognized publishers, the Dotemu team has published a number of global top-sellers across both PC and console including Streets of Rage 4, Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap, with additional development and publishing work on Windjammers 1 and 2, several games in the Ys series, and more.
 
Founded in 2007, Dotemu leverages its considerable technological know-how to maintain the original spirit of classic games while giving them a second life as rediscovered gems for a new generation of gamers.
 
About Tribute Games
Tribute Games is a studio developing and publishing video games with a focus on pixel art and classic game design. The Montreal-based studio has been steadily creating entertaining, challenging and retro-inspired games since 2011 using modern game development processes and technology. In 2020, Tribute Games announced the start of a publishing division to help smaller developers publish their game.

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(Photo: DotEmu, Tribute Games)

(Photo: DotEmu, Tribute Games)


How the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge Developers Are Reviving the Classic TMNT Gaming Experince

The classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles gaming experience is returning with Shredder's Revenge, a new game that Dotemu and Tribute Games announced in March. Nintendo confirmed that the game would come to the Nintendo Switch by showing it off during its Indie World showcase in April. Shredder's Revenge is built in the classic beat 'em up mold, drawing inspiration from old school Turtles games, including Turtles In Time, widely regarded as a peak-beat 'em up experience. ComicBook.com got in touch with some of the folks at Tribute and Dotemu who are working on Shredder's Revenge via email to discuss how it came to be and their hopes and plans for the game. Like any young person in the 1980s and early 1990s, the people working on Shredder's Revenge were caught up in Turtlemania.

"TMNT was a big part of my childhood – through the video games, of course, but I also have fond memories of watching the show on Wednesday afternoons with a bowl of cereal," says Cyrille Imbert, executive producer/CEO at Dotemu. "I also LOVED the toys, had lots of them and kept them for quite some time."

"As a kid of the '80s, I grew up playing with Turtles action figures and watching the TMNT animated show in my Turtles pajamas," says Jean-Francois Major, the CEO of Tribute Games. "I would spend every summer in Florida where my parents would bring us to Grand Prix Race-O-Rama, which was arcade heaven. I spent all my tokens on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade game. However, at the time, I never managed to beat it in one sitting.

"When Turtles in Time came out, I was, unfortunately, a Genesis owner. My next-door neighbor was lucky enough to pick it up. I remember spending every school lunch break at his house playing the game. That is when the phrase 'Big Apple, 3 A.M.' was engraved in my head. I still get goosebumps hearing it to this day."

It's hard to imagine a better team to revitalize the TMNT beat 'em up experience than Dotemu. The French developer and publishing studio is hot off their successful revitalization of another iconic beat 'em up franchise with Streets of Rage 4, which the studio released last year.

"Simple and fun games are timeless. It's just that sometimes we… forget about them," Imbert explains when asked about the studios' continued fascination with beat 'em ups. "But many of us did not; we just feel the need to see them return while reminding everyone how good they were. We want to also show how well they can fit in the current gaming world if they strike the right balance between legacy and modernity."

While Tribute Games wasn't a part of Streets of Rage 4, the team shares a love of the beat 'em up genre. They also have members who worked on the game that some fans consider the Turtles' last great beat 'em up experience and another game considered a modern classic of the genre.

"While Tribute had no input on the amazing Streets of Rage 4, a few of our founding team members had the chance to work on TMNT for Gameboy Advance and Scott Pilgrim back at Ubisoft," says Major. "Beat 'em ups are like an old bike you haven't ridden in a long while. They're super easy to pick up and feel comfortable. And the experience is always amplified when shared with friends."

Like the Turtles themselves, the origin of Shredder's Revenge sounds like something from a comic book. Dotemu and Tribute were both pitching Nickelodeon to get the rights to make a new TMNT game. However, they soon realize that they shouldn't be working against each other but joining forces.

"Nickelodeon came to us after the launch of Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap," Imbert recalls. "They liked our work on that title and wanted to know if we would be interested in working with them on one of their licenses. When I saw TMNT in the list, it just started to make sense. Later I learned that Tribute Games was also pitching Nickelodeon on a similar project. I knew Tribute Games were veteran developers with a very solid lineup and that their work is perfectly in line with what we love at Dotemu. So for me, it was clear as water; instead of working against each other, we should work together! So I contacted Jonathan [Lavigne, Tributes Games' co-founder] and Jean-François, and we talked a bit, which confirmed our common vision and love for TMNT. We joined forces to present a united project concept, and Nickelodeon liked it. Now here we are!"

Major adds, "The fit just made so much sense, and we felt joining forces would make our pitch all that more compelling. And now that the news is out, I'm confident in saying this was the right move to make."

Reviving a classic game franchise or genre can be tricky business. Developers who don't pay appropriate homage to what came before will earn the scorn of retro fans, but not updating the game to meet today's expectations risks disappointing modern audiences. Major explained how they're approaching that challenge.

"The toughest part in reviving old memories is striking the perfect balance between old and new," he says. "If you've ever played an old game you used to love 30 years ago today, you probably noticed your memories were somewhat skewed. The challenge lies in returning as close to those memories as possible while adding all the new quality of life features modern gamers are accustomed to. A great example of this is how in the old Turtles games, if you weren't perfectly aligned with your target, your hits would not connect. Today, we need to implement systems that will try to figure out what you intended to do and slightly align your character for you, so the hit connects.

"We feel the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles games from the '80s, and early '90s were the games to beat in that era," he continues, expanding on Tribute's hopes for Shredder's Revenge. "They changed the landscape in a big way. Our goal is to go back to those golden days and give everyone a chance to relive the excitement that came with throwing Foot Soldiers to the screen or tossing Bebop and Rocksteady on their butts with a few friends."

Major also touched on another risk inherent in reviving an older franchise: what if it turns out that the people making the new game are the only ones who miss the old games? Luckily, the response to the Shredder's Revenge announcements has helped assuage those fears.

"You always wonder if you are the only one screaming for a throwback," Majors says. "It's something we've been meaning to do for such a long time, but you wonder 'are we the last ones left with this feeling?' I think the reaction to the news mostly confirmed the timing is right. All the social media testimonies we've heard over the past weeks prove there is a shared passion for this to happen. We're not so alone in this crazy pursuit after all! It puts a big smile on my face to read every comment and suggestion. As Turtles fans ourselves, we share the same level of excitement, and I personally can't wait to show off more."

In closing, Imbert tells fans, "Thanks, everyone, for your support and super awesome feedback. We will do our very best to meet your expectations. Quality takes time, so please bear with us!"

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge releases later this year.

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Originally published: Wednesday, April 14, 2021.

Source: Collider.

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Little Sunny Bite Launches Garfield Fashion Range in Japan

Nick News Mini: The Tokyo-based fashion brand Little Sunny Bite from designer Yoppy has collaborated with ViacomCBS Consumer Products to launch a range of apparel and accessories inspired by the beloved orange cat, Garfield (のガーフィルド), and his girlfriend Arlene!


The line spans cardigans and camisoles, long tees, and mini bags in a variety of colours and sizes, all featuring images and iconography inspired by the iconic brand.

The Garfield x Little Sunny Bite collection is available to shop now at https://littlesunnybite.com/collections/all-item.






Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon Japan and Garfield News and Highlights!

Nickelodeon Brazil to Air 'Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years' Sneak Peek on Friday 23rd April 2021

Nickelodeon Brazil (Brasil) will be treating fans to a spongeriffic first look at Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years, Nickelodeon's first-ever SpongeBob SquarePants spin-off on Friday 23rd April 2021 at 18:00! Similar to the sneak peek earlier this month on Nick USA, the episode scheduled to air is "Sugar-Squeeze!/Tag, You're It" (#102). The news follows Paramount+ adding the first six episodes of the series in March.


Additionally, Nickelodeon Brasil will host a interactive SpongeBob-themed Nick Master Game, in which fans can tune into Nick weekdays from 15:00 between Monday 26th - Friday 30th April 2021 and interact with programming via nickelodeon.com.br and dedicated apps.

The sneak peek of Kamp Koral and Nick Master Game are part of Nickelodeon's Abrilíssimo da Nick programming stunt.


Nickelodeon exibe Kamp Koral, primeiro spin-off de Bob Esponja

Nesta sexta-feira, 23 de abril, às 18h, a Nickelodeon vai exibir o segundo episódio inédito do (novíssimo!) spin-off do Bob Esponja, Kamp Koral. Com 6 episódios no total, a animação completa está disponível no serviço de streaming da ViacomCBS, Paramount+.

Kamp Koral é a primeira produção derivada de Bob Esponja. A animação é uma série original em CG que leva a audiência de volta ao tempo em que os personagens icônicos da Fenda do Biquíni se encontraram pela primeira vez em um acampamento de verão. Eles constroem fogueiras, caçam águas-vivas, exploram a natureza e criam fortes laços de amizade.

Além disso, o canal irá oferecer o jogo Nick Master Game, no site oficial da Nick (nickelodeon.com.br) a partir de 26 de abril. O jogo, temático do Bob Esponja, convida o público a participar, de segunda a sexta-feira, às 15h, com seus dispositivos e interagir com a programação do canal diretamente na TV através de curiosidades dos momentos dos episódios exibidos. É diversão em dobro, tudo junto ao mesmo tempo!

Programação faz parte do Abrilíssimo da Nick, especial que contou com estreias incríveis no mês de abril para curtir com toda a família, incluindo a segunda temporada de Spyders, o lançamento da série Side Hustle e Santiago dos Mares, no Nick Jr.

SERVIÇO – ABRILÍSSIMO

Nickelodeon

Kamp Koral – 2º episódio

Estreia: sexta-feira, 23 de abril, às 18h.

Spyders – 2ª temporada

Exibição Regular: toda segunda-feira, às 19h.

Side Hustle

Exibição Regular: toda segunda-feira, às 20h.

Bob Esponja – Nick Master Game

Interação: a partir do dia 26 de março, de segunda a sexta-feira, sempre às 15h.

Nick Jr.

Santiago dos Mares

Exibição Regular: toda segunda-feira, às 18h30.

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KAMP KORAL: NICKELODEON TENDRÁ UNA EMISIÓN ESPECIAL DEL SPIN-OFF DE BOB ESPONJA

Nickelodeon Latinoamerica ha anunciado que emitirá el segundo episodio de Kamp Koral: ¡los primeros años de Bob Esponja! este viernes 23 de marzo a las 8:00 PM COL/CHI/ARG, 9:00 PM VEN/MEX como parte de una emisión especial para promocionar la serie de Paramount+.

La proyección especial de los episodios "Sacazúcar / Toma, las traes" se repetirá el sábado (a las 02:00 PM COL/CHI, 03:00 PM VEN, 01:30 PM MEX, 08:30 AM ARG)  y el domingo (a las 08:00 PM COL, 09:00 PM VEN, 10:00 AM MEX, 01:30 ARG).

En "Sacazúcar" los campistas conocen a dos narvales campesinos llamados Narlene y Nobby, que les dan una agradable sorpresa. Mientras en "Toma, las traes" durante un día lluvioso, Bob Esponja y sus amigos se entretienen bajo techo en un turbulento juego de la traes.

El primer spin-off de Bob Esponja es una producción original de Paramount+ y los 6 episodios de la primera temporada ya están disponibles en la plataforma de streaming, con su respectivo doblaje venezolano y elenco.

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KAMP KORAL: NICKELODEON FARÁ EXIBIÇÃO ESPECIAL DO SPIN-OFF DE BOB ESPONJA

A Nickelodeon anunciou que irá exibir o segundo episódio de Kamp Koral: Bob Esponja, primeiros anos! nessa sexta (23), às 18h. A exibição especial dos episódios “Suco Doce / Peguei, Tá com Você” ganhará reprise no sábado, às 15h, e no domingo, às 14h30.

O primeiro spin-off de Bob Esponja é uma produção original Paramount+ e os 6 episódios da primeira temporada já estão disponíveis na plataforma de streaming.

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Brazilian Actor Ana Lucia Menezes Passes Away, Aged 46

The Brazilian actor Ana Lucia Menezes, who provided the voices of Sam Puckett and Susie Ovelha (Susie Sheep) on the Brazilian-Portuguese dubs of iCarly and Peppa Pig, respectively, sadly passed away today (Tuesday 20th April 2021) in Rio de Janeiro after suffering a stroke last week. She was 46.

Photo: Instagram.

Obituary (obituário) via CNN Brasil:

Morre Ana Lucia Menezes, dubladora de 'Peppa Pig' e 'iCarly'

Dubladora de 45 anos foi vítima de um Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) e estava internada

A atriz e dubladora Ana Lucia Menezes, de 45 anos, morreu nesta terça-feira (20) vítima dos danos de um Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) ocorrido na semana passada. Ela chegou a ser submetida a cirurgias e estava internada desde o ocorrido, mas não resistiu. 

A filha da dubladora, Bia Menezes, publicou uma mensagem nas redes sociais confirmando a morte. A informação sobre o óbito veio a público acompanhada de uma homenagem à mãe. 

"Esse texto estava preparado desde sexta, eu já sabia. Você não voltou pra mim. Mas voltou para sua casa. seu lar. sua morada ao lado do nosso Pai. E estou grata a Deus por isso, grata a Deus por te levar para os braços Dele, grata a Deus por FAZER, não foi do nosso jeito, mas foi da maneira mais perfeita possível, como tudo que Ele faz (sic)", diz o texto.

 "Você escreveu uma história aqui, e eu terei a obrigação de continuá-la porque sei que seria exatamente como você gostaria que eu fizesse. Você lutou até o último minuto, agora é hora de descansar e usufruir do que Deus preparou para Ti. Eu te amo e sempre te amarei, até a eternidade (sic)", finaliza.

Dentre os personagens interpretados por Ana estão Sam Pucket, da série da Nickelodeon ''iCarly"; Lupita, do seriado mexicano "Rebelde" e a ovelha Suzy, de Peppa Pig.

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Morre dubladora de “Peppa Pig”, Ana Lúcia Menezes

A atriz e dubladora, Ana Lúcia Menezes, morreu nesta terça-feira (20). Após sofrer um acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), no último dia 13, a atriz que tinha 45 anos, precisou ser internada num hospital do Rio de Janeiro, onde precisou passar por uma cirurgia de emergência.

A filha da dubladora, Bia Menezes, confirmou a informação através da sua página pessoal no Instagram. Na legenda, comovente, ela disse que já estava esperando pela notícia e que o texto já estava preparado. “Esse texto estava preparado desde sexta, eu já sabia. Você não voltou pra mim. Mas voltou para sua casa. seu lar. sua morada ao lado do nosso Pai”, escreveu.

Bia, que também é atriz e dubladora, ainda falou no texto que vai continuar a história que a mãe escreveu aqui, se referindo aos trabalhos realizados por Ana Lúcia. “Você escreveu uma história aqui, e eu terei a obrigação de continuá-la porque sei que seria exatamente como você gostaria que eu fizesse. Você lutou até o último minuto, agora é hora de descansar e usufruir do que Deus preparou para Ti”, disse.

A série de desenho animado, “Peppa Pig” , estreou em 2004 e fez o maior sucesso, conquistando, principalmente o público infantil. Além de “Peppa”, Ana fez outros diversos trabalhos também conhecidos, dublando a voz de Tonya em Todo Mundo Odeia o Chris, de Rory Gilmore em Gilmore Girls, e de Sam em iCarly, além de ser a voz oficial de Maite Perroni (Rebelde) e Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia!, Mank) no Brasil, entre outros..


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R.I.P. Ana Lucia Menezes, January 22, 1975 - April 20, 2021

Nickelodeon Russia to Premiere New Influencer-Led Game Show 'Hero at Home'

Nickelodeon Russia (Россия) has announced the launch of Hero at Home (Герой дома), a brand new game show produced locally by Nickelodeon Россия and XO Production, a team of influencers led by Herman Chernykh!


Unique in its format, the series is comprised of 15 x 22-minute episodes, each of which is dedicated to one of the popular vloggers from the XO Team: Eva Miller, Binet Senn, Максу Слакису, Чане and others.



Each episode begins with the hero waking up in an unfamiliar space, where they are met by the host of the show, Andrei Ray, and is asked to go through several challenges hidden behind three doors. For every challenge the vlogger passes, they're awarded points. In the 15th and final episode, all the contestants will meet face-to-face and take part in the final challenge, which will determine who will win the title "Hero of the house".


Герой дома will premiere on Nickelodeon Россия on Saturday 27th February 2021 at 17:00 MCK, with new episodes airing weekends at  17:00 MCK.

From TV Mag:

Премьера шоу «Герой дома»

«Герой дома» – новое игровое шоу, произведенное Nickelodeon Россия совместно с XO Production – командой инфлюенсеров под руководством Германа Черных. Уникальное в своем формате шоу включает в себя 15 серий по 22 минуты, каждая из которых посвящена одному из популярных блогеров: Еве Миллер, Бинет Сенн, Максу Слакису, Чане и другим. Эпизод начинается с того, что герой просыпается в незнакомом для себя пространстве, где его встречает ведущий шоу Андрей Рэй и предлагает пройти через несколько испытаний, спрятанных за тремя дверями, за прохождение которых герою начисляются баллы. В 15-м, финальном эпизоде все участники встретятся лицом к лицу, чтобы пройти итоговый челлендж и узнать, кто же станет Героем дома. Смотрите премьеру шоу «Герой дома» с 27 февраля в 17:00 по выходным на канале Nickelodeon Россия.

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From srsly.ru:

Участники XO Team снимутся в новом шоу на телеканале Nickelodeon

Развлекательные диджитал-форматы участники тикток-хауса XO Team уже давно освоили: в июле 2020 года они начали снимать веб-сериал «Тайна дома XO» в тиктоке, а в ноябре запустили на ютьюбе собственное реалити-шоу Xo Team: Reality. Теперь же блогеры решили выбраться за пределы виртуального пространства — они станут героями нового телешоу.

Проект получит название «Герой дома». Он будет выходить на телеканале Nickelodeon с 27 февраля. Какие-либо подробности грядущей премьеры пока неизвестны, но, судя по тизеру, опубликованному в инстаграме, участниками станут Лиза Василенко, Ева Миллер, Герман Черных, Марк Макаров, Чана Ник, Макс Немцев, Кристи Крайм, Бинет Сенн, Коля Пак и другие. В проморолике для каждого из героев указаны характеристики силы и ловкости, как будто они являются персонажами видеоигры. Как эти параметры помогут тиктокерам на съемках шоу, пока не ясно. 

«Герой дома» станет не первым проектом, в котором участники XO Team появятся в ближайшее время. Часть мужской половины блогерского объединения снялась для обложки февральского номера Elle Girl, и, как рассказал SRSLY фэшн-директор журнала Игорь Ерин, уже скоро тиктокеры станут участниками недавно запущенного редакцией «Шоу маминой подруги» на ютьюбе. Тимуру Сорокину, Максу Немцеву, Владу Хошину и Володе XXL предстоит погрузиться в «мир девушек» и сыграть с Темой Пименовым в игру, напоминающую «Правду или действие», где им нужно будет отвечать на личные вопросы и выполнять различные задания. В двух уже вышедших эпизодах Андрей Ноилс, Влад Левский, Влад Беренич и Макс Мерш красили ногти, ходили на каблуках, делали макияж Пименову и фанатке, тестировали восковые полоски для эпиляции, исполняли танец живота и надевали женскую одежду. 

Другие тикток-хаусы тоже не отстают и исправно радуют поклонников новым контентом, а некоторые даже возрождают некогда успешные, но забытые проекты. Артур Бабич из Dream Team House, к примеру, пообещал вернуть совместное с Даней Милохиным скетч-шоу «Лолик и Болик», и даже опубликовал в тиктоке несколько тизеров. Однако есть один нюанс: шоу выйдет только тогда, когда Бабич поставит новый личный рекорд и преодолеет отметку в 10 млн подписчиков в тиктоке. Сейчас на платформе коротких видеороликов на него подписано 9,2 млн человек, так что ждать осталось недолго. Напомним, что премьера абсурдного мини-сериала от участников Dream Team House состоялась осенью 2020 года — проект тогда получил немало положительных отзывов. 

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Official Nickelodeon Russia Press Release:

NICKELODEON РОССИЯ ЗАПУСКАЕТ ШОУ СОБСТВЕННОГО ПРОИЗВОДСТВА «ГЕРОЙ ДОМА» С УЧАСТИЕМ ИНФЛЮЕНСЕРОВ

02.03.2021

27 февраля на Nickelodeon Россия — премьера игрового шоу собственного производства «Герой Дома», произведённое телеканалом совместно с XO Team, командой инфлюенсеров во главе с Германом Черных.

Каждый эпизод шоу посвящен одному из участников популярного блогерского дома XO Team, суммарное количество подписчиков которых превышает 27 миллионов человек. Помимо блогеров в шоу примут участие и специальные гости, личности которых пока хранятся в секрете.

Перед главным героем каждого эпизода стоит задача пройти три испытания и заработать как можно больше баллов. Вместе с Андреем Рэй, ведущим шоу, инфлюенсеры попадают в мистическое место с тремя дверьми, за которыми скрываются испытания разной сложности. За каждое задание начисляются баллы. От количества собранных баллов будет зависеть, кто победит в финальной схватке и получит звание «Герой Дома».

Перед каждым испытанием герою выпадает случайный бонус — суперспособность персонажа Nickelodeon. Так, например, ум главной героини мультсериала «Мой шумный дом» Лизы Лауд позволит справиться со сложной задачей, а благодаря способности Губки Боба Квадратные Штаны впитывать воду можно увеличить свой вес почти в два раза. Однако участникам стоит быть осторожными, ведь бонусы могут как упростить прохождение испытания, так и сделать его невозможным.

Всего в эфире телеканала выйдет 15 серий по 22 минуты, а каждую неделю участники шоу будут проводить конкурсы в Instagram и ВКонтакте среди своих подписчиков и разыгрывать призы. Все эпизоды будут доступны на YouTube канале Nickelodeon Россия после премьеры, где еще можно будет посмотреть, как снималось шоу, а также увидеть, как и где живут блогеры.

Премьера шоу «Герой Дома» пройдет на телеканале Nickelodeon Россия 27 февраля в 17:00 по московскому времени, а новые эпизоды будут выходить в эфир каждые выходные в 17:00 по московскому времени c повтором в 10:30.

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КТО ПОЛУЧИТ ЗВАНИЕ “ГЕРОЙ ДОМА”: ФИНАЛ ШОУ NICKELODEON РОССИЯ С УЧАСТИЕМ БЛОГЕРОВ ХО TEAM

15.04.2021

Кто получит звание “Герой Дома”: Финал шоу Nickelodeon Россия с участием  блогеров ХО Team
17 апреля в эфир телеканала Nickelodeon Россия выйдет финальный эпизод первого сезона шоу «Герой Дома» с блогерами команды XO Team , премьера которого состоялась в феврале этого года. На протяжении 14 серий инфлюенсеры соревновались за титул «Герой дома», и в субботу мы наконец узнаем имя победителя.

В течение двух месяцев команда XO Team проходила задания на силу, выносливость и сообразительность в телевизионном эфире. Зрители могли наблюдать, как герои готовили огромную пиццу, показывали свою физическую подготовку в испытаниях со спиннером размером с надувной бассейн и пытались разбить 10 арбузов за две минуты.

В съемках приняли участие двенадцать блогеров и два специальных гостя. Так, в последних сериях главными героями эпизодов стали Дима Билан и талантливая исполнительница Lidus, которая вместе с ребятами из XO Team сделала кучу сумасшедших селфи и пыталась построить башню из панкейков высотой в один метр. В выпуске с Димой мы увидели, как он выполнял задания на ловкость и концентрацию. Он также упомянул когда ждать его новый трек.

Также на официальном YouTube-канале Nickelodeon Россия выходили ролики, где блогеры рассказали про забавные моменты со съемочной площадки. Гэри провёл экскурсию по дому, в котором живёт команда XO, а Ева Миллер показала свою комнату и продемонстрировала коллекцию косметики.

Напоминаем, что все уже вышедшие выпуски шоу и рум-туры с участниками “Герой Дома” можно посмотреть на YouTube-канале Nickelodeon Россия, а финальный эпизод выйдет в эфире телеканала уже в эти выходные. В нем все участники соберутся вместе, а зрителей будут ждать новые неожиданные сюрпризы.

Смотрите финал шоу на Nickelodeon Россия 17 апреля в 17:00 по московскому времени и узнайте, кому же повезет получить звание «Герой Дома».

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Больше Nick: BLACKPINK, BTS, THE WEEKND И БЛОГЕРСКИЕ ДОМА: NICKELODEON ОБЪЯВИЛ НОМИНАНТОВ ПРЕМИИ KIDS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2021!

Originally published: Tuesday, February 23, 2021.

Additional source: Alamy.

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ViacomCBS Expands NickToons' Presence in Russia and Neighbouring Countries

ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), a unit of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAC) has announced that it is rapidly expanding the presence of Nickelodeon's NickToons channel in Russia and neighbouring countries!


Nicktoons became available on on MegaFon and NetByNet in Russia on January 1, 2021, and on NTV-Plus and Orion in Russia, as well as on Magticom and Silknet in Georgia on April 1, 2021. Nicktoons will also launch on Er-Telecom on June 1, 2021, and will also broadcast on a large number of regional networks.

Elena Balmont, Senior Vice President (SVP) of ViacomCBS Networks International in Russia, CIS, Baltic States, Ukraine and Georgia said "We are very pleased that NickToons is now available to an even larger number of viewers in several countries. The expansion of the channel's broadcasting is a response to audience demand for quality animated series and films. ViacomCBS leads the world in animated content production and is actively strengthening its linear TV business in Russia, and children's brands are among our most successful and fastest-growing segments."

NickToons is part of the ViacomCBS family of children's TV channels, which has consistently demonstrated excellent ratings and positive growth dynamics. In 2020, the audience share of ViacomCBS children's TV channels grew by 27% compared to 2019[1]. NickToons' audience share grew even stronger year-over-year, by 77%[2].

NickToons broadcasts cartoons 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which will appeal to boys and girls of primary and secondary school age. Animated hits such as Penguins of Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness and Avatar: The Legend of Aang are available exclusively on the channel. The NickToons library also features a wide selection of Nickelodeon content, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Loud House. More than 400 hours of animated series are available to viewers each year, including up to 160 new episodes.

ViacomCBS Networks International also announces that Spike TV will cease broadcasting in Russia on June 1, 2021. This decision reflects ViacomCBS' focus on its flagship brands in order to realise their full potential on a global scale.

[1] Source: Mediascope, TV Index+, 01.01.19 - 31.12.19; 01.01.20 - 31.12.20, 05:00-29:00, Russia, cities 100.000, share %, audience 4+

[2] Source: Mediascope, TV Index+, 01.01.19 - 31.12.19; 01.01.20 - 31.12.20, 05:00-29:00, Russia, cities 100.000, share %, audience 6-15

Official ViacomCBS Russia press release:

VIACOMCBS УСИЛИВАЕТ СВОИ ПОЗИЦИИ В СЕГМЕНТЕ ДЕТСКОГО ТВ В РОССИИ

На фоне растущего спроса на качественный анимационный контент ViacomCBS Networks International расширяет вещание телеканала NickToons в России и близлежащих странах

19.04.2021

С 1 января 2021 года NickToons доступен в сетях Мегафон и NetByNet, а с 1 апреля 2021 года – в сетях «НТВ-Плюс» и «Орион» в России, а также Magticom и Silknet в Грузии. С 1 июня телеканал смогут посмотреть абоненты оператора «Эр-Телеком». Помимо этого, NickToons будет вещать в большом количестве региональных сетей – их список можно найти на сайте.

Елена Бальмонт, старший вице-президент ViacomCBS Networks International в России, странах СНГ, Балтии, Украине и Грузии: «Мы очень рады, что NickToons теперь доступен еще большему числу зрителей сразу в нескольких странах. Расширение вещания телеканала – ответ на запрос аудитории на качественные анимационные сериалы и фильмы. ViacomCBS занимает лидирующие позиции в мире в производстве анимационного контента и активно укрепляет свой бизнес линейного ТВ в России, а детские бренды – среди наших самых успешных и быстрорастущих сегментов».

NickToons входит в семейство детских телеканалов ViacomCBS, которое стабильно демонстрирует превосходные рейтинги и позитивную динамику роста. В 2020 году доля аудитории детских телеканалов ViacomCBS выросла на 27% по сравнению с 2019 годом[1]. Доля аудитории NickToons за год выросла еще сильнее – на 77%[2].

NickToons круглосуточно транслирует мультфильмы, которые будут интересны мальчикам и девочкам младшего и среднего школьного возраста. Эксклюзивно на телеканале можно посмотреть такие анимационные хиты, как «Пингвины из Мадагаскара», «Кунг-фу Панда» и «Аватар: Легенда об Аанге». Кроме того, в библиотеке NickToons – широкая подборка контента Nickelodeon, в том числе «Губка Боб Квадратные Штаны», «Черепашки-ниндзя» и «Мой шумный дом». Ежегодно зрителям доступно свыше 400 часов мультсериалов, в том числе до 160 новых эпизодов.

Также ViacomCBS Networks International сообщает, что трансляция телеканала Spike в России будет прекращена до 1 июня 2021 года. Это решение отражает фокус ViacomCBS на флагманских брендах медиахолдинга с целью полной реализации их потенциала в глобальном масштабе.

[1] Источник: Mediascope, TV Index+, 01.01.19 – 31.12.19; 01.01.20 – 31.12.20, 05:00-29:00, Россия, города 100.000, доля %, аудитория 4+

[2] Источник: Mediascope, TV Index+, 01.01.19 – 31.12.19; 01.01.20 – 31.12.20, 05:00-29:00, Россия, города 100.000, доля %, аудитория 6-15

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Больше Nick: НА KIDS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2021 УСТАНОВЛЕН МИРОВОЙ РЕКОРД ПО ОБЛИВАНИЮ СЛАЙМОМ!

Originally published: Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

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'The Bureau of Magical Things' Season Two Promo

Get set for more magical adventures and mysteries in The Bureau of Magical Things season two, coming soon to Nickelodeon! Check out the spellbinding promo below!:


The Bureau of Magical Things season two (20 episodes) continues the adventures of Kyra, a teenage girl who acquired magical powers when caught in a clash between an elf and a fairy. In this new series, when Kyra and Darra embark on a quest to find a legendary lost temple, Kyra’s orb magic accidentally awakens a dangerous object causing fairy and elf magic to malfunction. As the danger escalates, Kyra must risk everything to deal with a threat that endangers the entire magical world and brings her own identity into question.

Season two will see the show's original cast return, led by Kimie Tsukakoshi (The Family Law) as Kyra. Siblings Elizabeth Cullen and Julian Cullen (Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan) return as elf brother and sister on screen. Mia Milnes and Rainbow Wedell (Jiva) also headline as fairies. Jamie Carter plays Kyra’s human friend and now a member of ‘The Bureau’, while Arnijka Larcombe-Weate returns as Kyra’s problematic bestie oblivious to the magical world. Joining the cast in season two is Miah Madden, who will portray Tayla.

The young cast are joined by experienced actors Christopher Sommers (Sweet ToothThe Water Diviner), Nicholas Bell (Mission Impossible IIWanted), Steve Nation (Neighbours) and this season introduces Tasneem Roc (HarrowRakeReef Doctors).

Julian Cullen and Kimie Tsukakoshi in ‘The Bureau of Magical Things.’ (Photo credit: Mark Taylor)

The Bureau of Magical Things season two was commissioned by Network 10, German public broadcaster ZDF and ViacomCBS-owned kids’ network Nickelodeon.

Production on The Bureau of Magical Things season two commenced in February 2020, however, filming in Brisbane and the Gold Coast was halted at the end of March due to the Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Filming for the second season of The Bureau of Magical Things later resumed on the Gold Coast from Monday 29th June 2020.

Julian Cullen as Darra on The Bureau of Magical Things' first day back in production under COVID safe protocols. Image credit: Mark Taylor

The first season of The Bureau of Magical Things screened in over 170 territories and received the AACTA Award for Best Children’s Program in 2018.

When The Bureau of Magical Things season two was first announced in November 2019, producer Jonathan M. Shiff said, “Australian children, like children all around the world, love fantasy, mystery and adventure. It’s wonderful to build on the success of the first series with a story more magical and more epic as our young heroes seek answers to their mystery not only in Australia but across South East Asia. The extraordinarily talented Queensland cast and crew, plus the stunning local locations continue to help us to achieve the highest quality production values for a global audience.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, whose Government has supported the series through Screen Queensland said, “We are delighted to welcome back another season of The Bureau of Magical Things to Queensland. This production will film on the Gold Coast and Brisbane from February to June 2020 and create more than 200 jobs for cast and crew. Queensland continues to be the location of choice for major screen productions including The Bureau of Magical Things that will showcase our world-class screen industry capability and stunning locations. My government is proud to continue to support the screen industry because it creates jobs, boosts tourism and promotes our international reputation. I look forward to the next season of The Bureau of Magical Things.”

Camera operator Brad Hunt shooting on The Bureau of Magical Things' first day back in production under COVID safe protocols. Image credit: Mark Taylor

Screen Australia’s Head of Content, Sally Caplan said, “Jonathan M. Shiff has time and time again proven his ability to create enchanting children’s television and The Bureau of Magical Things has not only gained critical acclaim but has also captured the imaginations of children around the world. We’re thrilled to support the second season from the talented creative team who will bring this next magical adventure to life.”

Fred Burksen, President & CEO, ZDF Enterprises, said, “We have been working with Jonathan and his team for so many years, we consider them family. Side by side, we have managed to put smiles on the faces of children in almost every country on Earth. We are delighted that our extremely successful partnership with Jonathan M. Shiff Productions will now be continued with the second season of The Bureau of Magical Things.”


The Bureau of Magical Things season 2 is a Jonathan M. Shiff Productions project for Network 10, ZDF and Nickelodeon. Major production investment from ZDF Enterprises, Screen Queensland and Screen Australia. It is presold to Network 10 Australia, German public broadcaster ZDF and Nickelodeon, and is distributed worldwide by ZDF Enterprises.

ABOUT JONATHAN M. SHIFF PRODUCTIONS

Jonathan M. Shiff Productions is a world leader in live-action children’s fantasy drama with credits including the global smash hit H2O – Just Add Water and its spin off Mako Mermaids. In 2018, Jonathan was awarded a World Screen Kids’ Trendsetter Award in recognition of his leading contribution to the international television industry and for driving innovation in children’s programming. The first season of The Bureau of Magical Things is an international hit and is being viewed around the world via Network Ten, ZDF Germany and Nickelodeon worldwide. The series went on to win the AACTA Award for Best Children’s Program, plus the international 2019 Kidscreen Award Best New Series Tweens/Teens.

Jonathan M. Shiff Productions award winning content has screened in over 170 countries worldwide entertaining an audience of hundreds of millions and showcasing Queensland locations and lifestyle. Their Mako Mermaids series became the first ever Netflix Original live-action series for children. Graduates of Shiff’s productions include Liam Hemsworth and Margot Robbie, both seen as younger actors in The Elephant Princess. H2O stars Phoebe Tonkin (Bloom, Safe Harbour) and Claire Holt moved onto the US series The Vampire Diaries and its sequel The Originals; their co-star Luke Mitchell to The Code, Blindspot and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. They are amongst an impressive list of those who learned their craft and the business of filmmaking on Mr. Shiff’s sets.


Originally published: Monday, April 19, 2021 at 20:13 BST.

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The Origin of Nickelodeon's 'Hey Arnold!'

While playing around with the strangely-shaped characters in the Penny cartoons on Pee-wee's Playhouse, Craig created a football-shaped-headed kid.


If you look back at the history of Nickelodeon, it's pretty hard to deny the network's effect on pop culture. Not only did it launch the careers of the likes of Ariana Grande and a number of other stars, but the network also created a number of original shows that have contributed great joy to an entire generation. This, of course, includes Hey Arnold!

Craig Bartlett's Hey, Arnold! had 100 episodes in five seasons that aired from 1996 to 2004. There were also two spin-off movies, merchandise, and, most importantly, a massive and dedicated fanbase that came out of the show. But how exactly was Craig inspired to create a series about a football-shaped head kid who got himself into all sorts of trouble with his grandparents and his friends? Here's the truth about the origin of Hey, Arnold! and spoiler alert... it involves another childhood icon.

Photo: Nickelodeon Ooze News Archive

Pee-wee Herman Created Hey, Arnold! ... Sort Of

According to an interview by Vox, animator Craig Bartlett got his start creating the Penny cartoons on the children's show, Pee-wee's Playhouse. There was no bigger children's entertainer in the late 1980s than Paul Reubens and his strange man-child Pee-wee Herman. So, Craig getting a job animating the claymation segment of the show, which was a huge opportunity for him.

While playing around with the strangely-shaped characters in the Penny cartoons on Pee-wee's Playhouse, Craig created a football-shaped-headed kid... Yep... Arnold. Who was named after his wife's uncle.

According to a video on the history of Hey, Arnold!, the idea for the football-shaped head came to Craig just because it was an easy shape for him to mold out of clay. He put the eyes far out on the sides of the head because it gave the character, " a cool, sort of, Buddha-like look."


Out of this playful experimentation, Craig produced three shorts for the Penny cartoons that featured the Arnold character, "Arnold Escapes From Church" being the most famous.

Of course, Craig didn't quite know that playing around with clay would result in him creating one of the most beloved and memorable animated characters of the 1990s. But, he did know that adding Arnold into the Penny cartoons was worthwhile.


Pitching Ideas To Nickelodeon Fell Flat So Craig Had To Come Up With Something

As Craig felt more comfortable in his creativity, he decided he wanted to branch out and create a series of his own. This is what encouraged him to take meetings with Nickelodeon and pitch producer Mary Harrington a variety of ideas. All of these ideas had nothing to do with Arnold and none of them resonated with Mary and Nickelodeon.

So, Craig, as well as his creative partners, was feeling a little desperate. This is what caused someone to suggest that Mary take a look at the Penny cartoons from Pee-wee's Playhouse, just to get a better understanding of what Craig could do. Turns out, she loved them... Specifically, she loved Arnold. She then asked Craig what ideas he had for Arnold.

The only thing Craig had on Arnold, outside of the stuff on the Penny cartoons, was a comic panel that he did for Simpsons Illustrated. It featured Arnold 'jolting awake from a dream' screaming his guts out.

This strange comic strip was ultimately what sold Nickelodeon on doing an entire series based on a character that Craig created by accident. At the time, Craig was pitching the idea as a "Charlie Brown for the '90s". Funnily enough, this seemed to be an apt comparison.

Craig was also interested in exploring more adult themes, or, at the very least, themes that kids could actually relate to. Especially kids growing up in the lower-class parts of Portland, Seattle, and New York, which are the cities the show is based on. He also didn't want to let his characters off the hook by the end of the episode, like most children's cartoons did (and still do). He wanted to show real consequences and not 'wrap everything up in a nice bow'.

"[We were] making a show about a sensitive kid that really reflected emotionally what it’s really like to be a kid," Craig Bartlett said in an interview with Vox. "You’re kind of powerless. The adults run everything, and you don’t really have a say, where you have to make your own world."

This meant that the fun moments in the show would often have a harsher reality that allowed his characters to grow and learn from. But that didn't mean that it wasn't filled with fantasy and adventure.

"That was very much how my childhood was," Craig explained of his beloved show. "I just sort of had a huge inner life, because I didn’t think anyone knew or cared what I was doing. So I just kind of made up a dream world."


Craig Bartlett on the Dinosaur Train Movie

Earlier this week, PBS Kids and Universal premiered Dinosaur Train: Adventure Island, a feature-length animated film based on the long-running animated series, which will screen again tomorrow at noon ET/PT, and Friday at 8 a.m. ET/PT and again at 3:30 p.m. A chance to go bigger, spend more time and money on the animation, and for fans of the series to see the world and its characters in a different way. It's hardly the first time that Craig Bartlett, the series' creator, has brought one of his shows to the world of features (remember Hey Arnold!?), but given the audience this show is intended for, it's a whole different thing.

Could we get more of these movies? According to Bartlett, there's a decent chance.

Bartlett joined ComicBook to discuss the movie, why he felt it was time to expand, and what's next.

Obviously, Dinosaur Train has been around for years at this point? Is it possible this is really the first feature film?

Yeah, this is the first Dinosaur Train movie. And you know that Dinosaur Train has been around since, we went on the air in September, of 2009. So we're in our 12th year, and this is a project, the Dinosaur Train movie, that was started a couple of years ago. And we made it with Universal, who plans to stream it after the PBS window.

So I guess the obvious question, whenever something like this happens is, what is the impetus for getting it out of the comfort zone of what you do every week, and into this bigger format?

That is what it is. It is a bigger and bolder format. And always the question is, "Why would you take that from the small screen, and go big?" And it was because Universal, in their wisdom, declared a Dinosaur Train to have been around long enough and with a large enough audience that knows it, to be a "classic property." The meeting, when I first met with Universal just to talk about the fact that they were interested in us making a Dinosaur Train movie, I was just so happy. I was like, "Oh my God, something that I've created is now a classic property."

Having been around for 12 years, that is one of the fun things. We record the show up in Vancouver, very near where I grew up on the Washington State side of Canada. We'd go up to Vancouver a lot, and so going up there to record, it's kind of like going home for me, because I've been living in LA now for more than 30 years, for my career. And so, I love going back to Vancouver. It's one of my favorite places in the world.

I went to my high school in Anacortes, Washington for a Career Day. They invited me, they said, "Would you come in and speak at our Career Day, and talk about your career?" And I got up there and the principal gave me a little intro, and was kind of reading my resume to the kids. She said, "Well, he's probably best known for a show on Nickelodeon called Hey Arnold!" And then she said, "More recently, he created a show called Dinosaur Train." And the crowd went wild. The high schoolers, the Anacortes High schoolers were much more tuned in to Dinosaur Train, than Hey Arnold! So I thought, "Oh great. I just need a few more years and we can finally go down to Comic-Con and have panels for these guys." We're just sort of waiting for that audience to grow up, old enough to be following that stuff.

Hey Arnold! is already like that, right? I'm old enough that I missed it on broadcast but became familiar with it via Comic Con and all the fans.

Wow. There you go. When you think about it, that's sort of after-market, isn't it? I can't believe how interactive it is now, with the fan base of Hey Arnold! that are ranging in age from 20s to 30s.

When we made it in the first place, of course that was in the mid '90s, when we went on the air with it, but our audience was too young, and the internet was in its infancy. There wasn't a lot of interaction; I didn't hear from the fans. And now, people who are 30 years old went through, got their educations, maybe became animators or journalists, and are incredibly articulate. So, it's really fun to talk about these things, as the audience grows up.

Dinosaur Train comes from the Jim Henson Company. I have to assume, even though you have had, just a spectacular degree of success in your career, I have to assume that there had to be something special about going in and getting a show green-lit at the Jim Henson Company.

It absolutely was. The whole thing was such a, kind of a sweetheart deal, because I had come to work for the Hensons. And I don't know, have you ever been to their lot, in Hollywood? They're on the old Charlie Chaplin lot, which then, after it was the Charlie Chaplin Studios, A&M Records bought it. It has an incredible story, history, of being the lot where all kinds of great '60s and '70s and '80s records were made. And then, the Hensons bought it about 2000, and they used the stage -- it has the original Chaplin stage -- to do their motion capture and stuff. So, it's a great, such a cool space. I love it so much. It's kind of haunted; there's ghosts there. It's just, it's a wonderful place.

I was already there, and I knew Linda Simensky from PBS, I've known her for about... A long time. Since the beginning of Rugrats, when she worked for Nickelodeon. And Linda said, "I know you have an idea for a preschool show, Dinosaur Train." I had told her that much.

And she had set herself up at PBS, and said, "I'm finally, kind of got the lay of the land here. And the shows that are being made now at PBS, are going to be my shows. And so I'm ready for you to bring me your Dinosaur Train idea. You're already at Henson." Henson was already doing Sid the Science Kid for PBS, and so, they were really happy to have the Henson Company back with their brand. And so, it was a really beautiful collaboration, between all of us.

I am also of the age where I have kids who not only have watched and enjoyed Dinosaur Train, but my oldest son was born like six months after you premiered. So, my kids don't know a world where this show didn't exist. Does that make the idea of a movie feel kind of inevitable?

There is something to that. I think what happens is, you make kind of a critical mass of shows, of TV. And then that usually is the question, "Well, where do we go from here? Do we just keep trying to figure out a way to keep making episodes, or do we take it to the next level?" So, that is what happened. And it did seem inevitable. It was really fun too, for our studio. It's animated in Singapore, by a company names Sparky, and they've done it since the start. And we have a great relationship with them. And they were always asking that of us, too. Like, "When are we going to make a feature?"

That idea, where we can kind of just crank it up a little bit, and make the level of lighting and art direction and resolution that much better? The characters are all just a little bit more refined, just a notch higher resolution than they had before. And we got to do a lot of really fun stuff with the movie that it was possible because you can take your time telling a story. Telling long form stories is a treat, if you've been making 11 minute cartoons for years.

So not to go from "what's next?" to "what's next?" PBS has a decade of experience with Curious George and stuff, where making a feature doesn't mean you leave the air; they can coexist. It's not a state change."

You're right. And that's a really good example, when I had my first meeting with a Universal, the Curious George model was what our conversation was even based on. And you're right. It means you get to expand. You can even have both of them happen simultaneously, and have a unit of people working on each one. To us, it was, each time we get another season order, we're hoping, "What can we do to keep Dinosaur Train going for years? Things for the kids to keep tuning in, to see. That will keep interest up, in the show?"

So, this movie is a really big deal. I think we have maybe one more episode, a Father's Day special, from Season Five. This will be the hundredth half hour of Dinosaur Train, that's been aired. That will air in June, but other than that, for now there's nothing new. So this movie will be one of those things that helps keep the franchise alive.

And as somebody who's been doing this for a while, do you ever get the feeling that like, "Okay, maybe it's time to start wrapping up?" Or do you feel like, with kids' stuff, especially you can kind of go more or less indefinitely?

The latter, because also, it's a science show. And I love that aspect of making educational TV for PBS, for the little ones, because unlike say, Hey Arnold!, Dinosaur Train is based on a solid paleontology curriculum, which is a very active... We're right on the bleeding edge of dinosaur discoveries. Our science consultant, Dr. Scott Sampson. Man, he's out there digging up new species of dinosaur. In the time that we were making the show, we have featured at least five or six of Scott's own discoveries, and turned them into cartoon characters. I mean, can you imagine how fun for Scott?

And he, [inaudible 00:12:28] summer, he was usually... Usually we work, we kind of work year round, but Scott usually in the summer, would kind of disappear. And go, usually in the Badlands, he likes to dig in Utah around Grand Escalante and in the Badlands of, I think Montana, the Dakotas. And, he dug up, in Utah, a kind of Ceratopsian called Kosmoceratops that had 15 kind of curving horns around its head. It's insane, it was the most decorative animal, ever, because they considered those horns to be decoration. And so, it was a kind of, it was a superlative. And he dug up something that was completely superlative and shocking and new. And, it was intact. I mean, they pulled this whole head, fossil, out of the ground. And that was just like, happening.

And I said, "Well, how soon can we turn them him into a cartoon?" And so, he said, "Well, wait until September," because they have to write a paper and present it. That's how it becomes official. He said, "You've got to wait until September, and then you can do it." And so, we started designing it, and we made him the mayor of Laramidia. Mayor Kosmoceratops. So, it's very fun. It keeps it alive. It keeps me in it. And I feel like it's still, as long as there are new discoveries, there's always going to be something to write about.

And I also, it's just in my nature, the stuff that I created, Dinosaur Train and Ready Jet Go, and Hey Arnold!, they have that advantage to me that there's something personal in it. There's always a character that I really identify with. In the case of Dinosaur Train, it's Buddy. And it's fun to write. I do not get tired of it, and I don't really see an end to it. It's really more, I'm always waiting for the next order of these things, for me to just keep going.

I feel like Hey Arnold! was a show that was very much of its time. And it felt like conflict was the engine. A lot of the time, a whole episode could be driven by these kids having conflict. You don't really see that as much on your newer shows. Is that just a matter of prefereence? Or was that something that you exorcised, or am I overthinking?

No, I think it's a really good point. I don't think you're overthinking it. When you think about it, the worldview that we presented in Hey Arnold! was a more conflicted worldview. It was a little darker. Disappointment was one of the through-lines, and the idea that kids can try to make a difference, but it's going to be a tiny difference. And when I went to make preschool shows, Dinosaur Train and Ready Jet Go, we were playing for a younger audience, and so we purposefully made it a sunnier worldview, where the conflicts are lighter because it's a younger audience.

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

Original source: The Things.

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