Tuesday, May 18, 2021

VIS, Ricardo Siri Liniers Set to Adapt ‘Wildflowers’ as First Title in Development Deal

Marking further dynamic expansion, ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) and Ricardo Siri Liniers, Argentina’s best known cartoonist and children’s book author-illustrator, have announced they will adapt Liniers’ latest graphic novel, Wildflowers.


The project rolls off a development deal between VIS, ViacomCBS’ global production arm, and Liniers that was announced by VIS Kids at Kidscreen Summit Virtual 2021 in February, which mentioned the “adaptation of an upcoming book.”

Wildflowers (Flores Salvajes) marks the final part of a beginning readers’ graphic novel trilogy begun by The Big Wet Balloon, Liniers’ U.S. debut in 2013, and continued by 2017’s Good Night, Planet.

All three are odes to Liniers’ own three daughters. “As soon as I took a photo of my three young daughters looking at the jungle in Yukatan, México, I began to imagine this book,” Liniers has said. The three graphic novels also pay tribute, however, to the more general joy of childhood play and its imaginative powers.

Published this April in the U.S. by Toon Books, and garnering upbeat reviews, Wildflowers is a wildly imaginative tale, spangled by magic realism and Argentine conflation of reality and fantasy. It centers on three young sisters on a magical island where the flowers can talk, and the only animal is a minute gorilla – unless dragons count as animals.

Delicately and quaintly illustrated with warm natural colors, Liniers’ naif style is countered by echoes of U.S. pop culture – here both Lost and Jurassic Park – from a cartoonist and illustrator who has described his style as “observational, dark, absurd, sweet and strange.”

Liniers’ use of water-color and ink recalls French 2D animation in his largest drawings, suggesting, as his remarks on the VIS deal, that Wildflowers may be bound for an animated makeover.

“I’m extremely excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with VIS and watch the story of Flores Salvajes develop into a completely new format with the work of great animators and talented writers,” Liniers said Monday.

“We are honored to be able to work with such a talented artist. Ricardo Liniers Siri’s work has gone beyond borders and has reached many diverse audiences,” said Federico Cuervo, Senior Vice President (SVP) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VIS Americas. “We look forward to bringing this incredible story to life and to developing more new and exciting projects together.”

The Big Wet Balloon made the cut of Parents Magazine’s Top Ten. Good Night, Planet won the Eisner Award for best comics for beginning readers. In 2018 Liniers had his first major exhibition of original artwork in the U.S at The Society of Illustrators in New York.

VIS Kids

The Liniers’ deal marks part of VIS’ ongoing and energetic drive into kids entertainment. This saw it launch VIS Kids, overseen by the highly respected Nickelodeon exec Nina Hahn, in October 2020.

The Feb. 2021 Kidscreen creator-talent deals include three-to-five long format animation projects from Star Wars and Small Axe actor John Boyega’s UpperRoom Productions; a first-look deal with Fred Seibert‘s FredFilms (Nickelodeon’s The Fairy OddParents); and a female-fronting adventure comedy from the U.K.’s Wildseed Studios.

Other Kids & Family Projects in Latin America

Regarding Latin America and the Latino U.S., at April’s MipTV singer-songwriter Marc Anthony and J.C. Acosta, president of VIS Kids and ViacomCBS Networks International Americas, confirmed Latina social media comedy of manners Liked. It follows on a first kids project between VIS and Anthony’s Magnus Studios, the pre-school Gloria Wants to Know It All, which is also produced by Juan José Campanella’s Mundoloco Animation Studios in Buenos Aires and Miami-based Lanugo Media. Also in the works is a new series called Marcelo, Marmelo, Martelo from a Brazilian creator, as well as musical series Funknautas.    

VIS Kids has also optioned the rights for ¡Socorro!, a children’s book from the late Argentine author Elsa Bornemann.

VIS at the L.A. Virtual Screenings: Black Narratives

One of the world’s fastest growing production forces, at the L.A. Virtual Screenings VIS has announced further expansive moves. One is also inclusive: Black Narratives, a Brazil-based Latin American writing room of black writers, which Cuervo said marks just the beginning of VIS’ efforts to create more diverse content that represents cultures worldwide.

The team of writers will be led by Marton Olympio. It also includes Renata Diniz, Eliana Alves Cruz, Estevão Ribeiro and Lidiane Oliveira. Projects to be developed include series, fiction and films. The writers will also “serve as diversity and inclusion consultants, providing valuable insights that align with the market’s evolving demands,” VIS announced.

‘The First of Us’

Signaling the return of fiction series to prime time on ViacomCBS’s Telefe in Argentina, The First of Us (El Primer de Nosostros) has gone into production, starring Locked Up’s Benjamín Vicuña. The show turns on a group of friends who discover that one of their members suffers a terminal illness. That news reawakens “a profound desire to rediscover their feelings and find the real purpose of being alive,” VIS and Telefe announced.

The show will also air on Paramount+, as VIS steps up its supply of key titles to the ViacomCBS premium SVOD service. More details of this move may form one talking point at the VIS Global Screenings, which take place on June 2.

Official ViacomCBS International Studios press releases:

VIS SIGNS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH RENOWNED CARTOONIST AND AUTHOR RICARDO SIRI LINIERS

MIAMI – MAY 17, 2021 – VIS, a division of ViacomCBS, signed a development agreement with renowned Argentine cartoonist Ricardo Siri Liniers. The deal includes the adaptation of his book, Flores Salvajes, a three-book series that pay tribute to childhood and imagination.

"We are honored to be able to work with such a talented artist. Ricardo Liniers Siri's work has gone beyond borders and has reached many diverse audiences," said Federico Cuervo, Senior Vice President, CEO of VIS Americas. "We look forward to bring this incredible story to life and to develop more new and exciting projects together."   

"I'm extremely excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with VIS and watch the story of "Flores Salvajes" develop into a completely new format with the work of great animators and talented writers," said Ricardo Siri Liniers.

Flores Salvajes tells the story of three sisters who decide to explore a mysterious island and the wild adventures they overcome, while the smallest sister does not want to be left behind. The book was inspired by a family picture Liniers took of his three young daughters looking upon the jungle in Yucatan, Mexico, reflecting children’s fantastic imagination.

Liniers has published more than 30 books. His work as an illustrator and cartoonist ranges from film posters and wine labels to covers for The New Yorker. His original works and paintings have been showcased in San Pablo, Rio de Janeiro, Lima, and Madrid. In 2018 he had his first major exhibition of original artwork in the U.S at The Society of Illustrators in New York City. The notorious author currently resides in the United States

For more information about VIS, find out more here or our social networks Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

About ViacomCBS International Studios

Introduced in 2018, ViacomCBS International Studios is a division of ViacomCBS Networks International that includes the production of content for ViacomCBS brands and platforms, including Paramount+, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, Channel 5, Network 10, VIS, Telefe, Ananey and Porta Dos Fundos and for third parties, as well as sales and distribution of original productions, co-productions, formats sold for local adaptations and pre-packaged content. In 2020, VIS KIDS was launched to promote the expansion of the studio's global children's content pipeline. The content that ViacomCBS International Studios produces covers all genres, from childhood to action and animation for young adults and live realities, as well as soap operas, dramas, short and long-running comedy formats and feature film productions.

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MIAMI, 17 DE MAYO DE 2021 – VIS, una división de ViacomCBS, anunció la firma de un acuerdo con el prestigioso historietista, ilustrador, pintor y editor argentino Ricardo Siri Liniers para adaptar su obra literaria Flores Salvajes, la serie de tres libros con los que el autor rinde un homenaje a la infancia y la imaginación.

“Es un honor para el estudio poder trabajar con un artista tan talentoso que trasciende fronteras y llega a públicos tan diversos. Estamos muy ansiosos por darle vida a esta increíble historia, además de generar nuevos proyectos en conjunto”, sostuvo Federico Cuervo, vicepresidente senior, director general de VIS Americas.

“Estoy ilusionado de ver crecer esta historia en nuevos espacios de la mano de talentosos animadores y escritores”, dijo Ricardo Siri Liniers.

El libro narra la historia de tres hermanas, que se embarcan en una aventura para explorar una isla misteriosa y la más pequeña de la familia no quiere que la dejen atrás. La inspiración para este cuento fue una fotografía que Liniers les tomó a sus tres hijas pequeñas, mirando la selva en Yucatán, México, refleja el asombro por la imaginación de los niños durante la infancia.

El autor lleva publicado más de 30 libros. Sus trabajos como ilustrador y dibujante varían desde afiches de películas y etiquetas de vinos hasta tapas para la prestigiosa revista “The New Yorker”. Además, originales de sus trabajos y pinturas se exhibieron en ciudades como San Pablo, Rio de Janeiro, Lima y Madrid. En 2018 tuvo su primer gran muestra de originales en EEUU en “The Society of Illustrators” en la ciudad de Nueva York. Actualmente reside en Estados Unidos.

Para más información sobre VIS, encuentre más información aquí o nuestras redes sociales Instagram, Facebook y Twitter.

Acerca de ViacomCBS International Studios

Introducido en 2018, ViacomCBS International Studios es una división de ViacomCBS Networks International que incluye la producción de contenidos para marcas y plataformas ViacomCBS, incluyendo Paramount+, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, Channel 5, Network 10, VIS, Telefe, Ananey y Porta Dos Fundos y para terceros, así como ventas y distribución de producciones originales, coproducciones, formatos vendidos para adaptaciones locales y contenido prefascado. En 2020, VIS KIDS se lanzó para promover la expansión de la canalización global de contenido para niños del estudio. El contenido que ViacomCBS International Studios produce, abarca todos los géneros, desde la niñez hasta la acción y animación para adultos jóvenes y realities en vivo, así como telenovelas, dramas, formatos de comedia cortos y de larga duración y producciones de largometrajes.

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Original source: Variety; Additional source: Kidscreen.

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'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Skins to Return to Smite Alongside New Azula Pele

One of the most mind-blowing crossovers in recent memory just got better!


If you liked Smite’s original six Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra-inspired skins, then get excited because there’s a seventh. A new Pele skin inspired by Avatar’s Azula is on its way, Hi-Rez announced today.

Last July, the Smite community was surprised to learn of a partnership between Hi-Rez Studios and Nickelodeon. This partnership led to the introduction of an Avatar: The Last Airbender-themed battle pass. The pass included six skins, two for Merlin, Skadi, and Susano. Each skin was a full-on transformation into a character from the Avatar Universe. When you use either of the Aang-inspired Merlin skins, for example, it looks as if you’re literally playing as Aang.

Thanks to Hi-Rez and Nickelodeon, another God is set to get an Avatar-themed transformation. Pele has a new skin on the way inspired by the Princess of the Fire Nation, Azula. You’ll be able to terrorize Aang across the Battlefield of the Gods just like Azula did all across the Earth Kingdom.


As an added bonus to the debut of Azula, all of the previous Avatar-inspired skins will once again be obtainable in Smite’s Update 8.5:

- Zuko & Zuko Blue Spirit Susano
- Aang & Avatar Aang Merlin
- Korra & Avatar Korra Skadi

Since these skins were only available through the battle pass, they’ve been locked away through chests—but not anymore.

Though Hi-Rez hasn’t revealed any pricing information about the returning skins, the team says we can expect more details with the update show debuting on Wednesday, April 28 at 2pm CT on the studio's Twitch channel, https://www.twitch.tv/smitegame.

Update (5/18) - The skin is available at a 20% off discount for the first two weeks of availability.

Official H-Rez Studios press release:

Out Now in SMITE: New Monstercat Battle Pass, Azula from Avatar, Plus God Reworks

[...]


Avatar: The Last Airbender returns to SMITE on the heels of last year’s immensely successful crossover.

Azula Pele is an all-new high-fidelity God skin, based on the princess of the Fire Nation from Nickelodeon’s hit series. The skin is available at a 20% off discount for the first two weeks of availability.

Simultaneously, all existing Avatar skins are available once again – a first since their memorable release last Summer.

[...]

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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!

Originally published: Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 19:02 BST.

NickALive! will earn a commission if you sign up to the Paramount+ streaming service using the links provided in this post. Thankyou for supporting NickALive!.

Original source: Dot Esports; Additional sources: Game Freaks 365, Invision Game Community.

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Nickelodeon Spain and Lanjarón Partner for 'The Loud House' Water Bottles

Lanjarón, a mineral water brand from Danone, has partnered with ViacomCBS Consumer Products (VCP) to launch a range of Lanjarón Kids water bottles inspired by Nickelodeon's hit animated series The Loud House!


The partnership will see Lincoln Loud and his family and friends, illustrated by The Loud House creative director Amanda Rynda, feature on the packaging Lanjarón Kids water bottles, which have been specially designed for children. The range is available on shop shelves now.

Lanjarón previously teamed up with Nickelodeon in 2019 to launch a SpongeBob range of water bottles to celebrate the property's 20th anniversary and again in April this year for a Garfield collection. The ranges aim to promote healthy hydration for children with products specially designed for them.


Nueva colección de Lanjarón Kids, inspirada en Una Casa de Locos

Compuesta por ocho diseños distintos de packs de botellas en formato 33 centilitros, con tapón sport
REDACCIÓN ARAL Martes, 18 de mayo de 2021

Los Loud serán los protagonistas del nuevo lanzamiento de la marca.

La familia Loud, protagonista de la serie de Nickelodeon creada por Chris Savino, Una Casa de Locos, ilustra la nueva colección de botellas de Lanjarón Kids, la gama de productos especialmente diseñada para niños y niñas, disponible ya en los lineales. La marca de agua mineral natural cuenta con Lincoln y sus hermanas y amigos, ilustrados por la directora creativa Amanda Rynda como protagonistas de la colección. 


La colección está compuesta por packs de ocho botellas en formato de 33 centilitros y cuenta con el tapón sport característico de la gama infantil de Lanjarón, que evita el derrame durante el consumo de agua. El producto se ha lanzado al mercado con un PVP recomendado 0,46 euros por unidad, es decir, 2,76 euros por el pack de seis unidades. Cada pack está inspirado en un personaje de la serie, desde Lincoln hasta la dulce Leni, pasando por la misteriosa Lucy o Clyde McBride, el mejor amigo del protagonista, entre otros.

Esta nueva licencia, parte del portfolio de propiedades de ViacomCBS Consumer Products (VCP), se suma a la colección de la marca centrada en el fomento de la hidratación saludable para los más pequeños con productos especialmente pensados y diseñados para ellos.

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Lerai Rakoditsoe's 5 Reasons to Watch NickMusic | Africa's 1st Kids Music Show - NickToons | DStv

Lerai Rakoditsoe's 5 Reasons to Watch NickMusic | Africa's 1st kids music show - NickToons | DStv


After school will never be the same again! Watch NickMusic every weekday at 16:25 on NickToons! To find out more, visit: http://nickalive.blogspot.com/2021/04/nickelodeon-africa-names-changemaker.html
.
Tough day or just having a bout of that crazy energy? Shake it off and shake things up with brand-new music show NickMusic where we count down the freshest and coolest tunes topping the music charts both here in Mzansi, and internationally as well. 

Lerai Rakoditsoe may have her 5 reasons to watch NickMusic, but we have our own too!

Each 30-minute episode includes the Top 10 music videos out right now. It’s all your favourite music and now we're making it family-friendly too. You could dance along to Costa Titch’s Areyeng, DJ Stokie’s Superman, and even Omah Lay’s Lo Lo. We're covering every continent and every music genre. Get your sleepover invites ready because we're headed for a non-stop dance party. The show also has super fun and interactive games that you can play with the whole fam - everyone will have the best time! 

Your fabulous host Lerai Rakoditsoe says "whether you’re young or old, NickMusic is the place to be! So, Mom, Dad and kids, put on your dancing shoes, it’s going to be 30 minutes of laughter, fun and pure delight".

Catch Lerai Rakoditsoe on NickMusic every weekday at 16:25 on NickToons (ch. 308) here: https://bit.ly/3brnxWe


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French Fries | Sounds Familiar | Nick Jr. in Spanish

Papas fritas | Suena Familiar | Nick Jr. en Español


A todes les niñ@s les da una etapa donde no quieren comer otra cosa que no sea un platillo que aman. Aprende a lidiar con esas etapas y cómo poder hacer que coma más cosas.


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'Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers' Announcement Trailer | Spanish Version | Outright Games

Below is the Spanish (Español) version of Outright Games' Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers announcement trailer! To watch the English version of the trailer, and to find out more about the game, click here.

Blaze y Los Monster Machines Corredores de Ciudad Axle | Tráiler de anuncio ESPAÑOL


En sus marcas, prepárense para correr con Blaze, Pickle, Crusher y sus amigos, en un campeonato de alta velocidad para hasta 4 jugadores de todas las edades. ¡Blaze and the Monster Machines Axle City Racers llega a @Nintendo #Switch @PlayStation , @Xbox & #PC este octubre! 🏁🚙 


#BlazeAxleCityRacers
#BlazeCorredoresdeCiudadAxle

From LOS40:

EL PRIMER JUEGO DE BLAZE Y LOS MONSTER MACHINES LLEGARÁ EN OTOÑO

Una de las series de animación infantil más queridas, disponible para PC y consolas en otoño

Abrochaos los cinturones para disfrutar una carrera única en la vida. Outright Games, la editora líder de productos de ocio para toda la familia, acaba de anunciar su colaboración con Nickelodeon para el lanzamiento de un nuevo juego de carreras titulado Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers. El juego está basado en la exitosa serie de Nickelodeon para preescolares y se pondrá a la venta en otoño para Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox y en versión digital para PC.

Los fans de Blaze y los Monster Machines podrán acompañar al increíble monster truck Blaze y a su amigo y conductor AJ para vivir la acción de primera mano. Juntos, vivirán diferentes aventuras en compañía de sus amigos Pickle, Darington, Zeg, Starla, Stripes e incluso el tramposo Crusher. Además, los jugadores podrán recorrer las coloridas calles de Ciudad Axle mientras intentan ganar el campeonato de carreras.

Los pequeños corredores podrán elegir a uno de los siete personajes principales de la serie para participar solos en un campeonato, o bien enfrentarse a sus amigos o familiares en una pantalla dividida para cuatro jugadores.

Un juego perfecto para niños que incluye funciones educativas para aprender sobre matemáticas o ciencias, así como un piloto automático con sencillos controles opcionales para los más pequeños. Usa aceleradores especiales y haz volteretas y trucos increíbles en circuitos tan molones como Carrera hasta la roca del Águila, Acrobaciamania y muchos más. Personaliza a tus personajes y activa las habilidades especiales exclusivas de cada personaje para ser el mejor corredor. Jugad juntos en una pantalla dividida para cuatro jugadores.

En la serie animada para preescolares Blaze y los Monster Machines, el molón monster truck Blaze y su intrépido amigo de ocho años, AJ, viven un sinfín de aventuras en las que estudian cómo se mueven las cosas, solucionan sus problemas utilizando el método científico y las matemáticas, y descubren qué cosas hacen falta para que la tecnología que nos rodea funcione siempre correctamente. Todos los episodios de la serie están plagados de aventuras, monster trucks, humor científico y alegres canciones originales cuyas letras contienen conceptos tan especializados como: adherencia, fricción, fuerza, trayectoria y magnetismo.

Terry Malham, CEO de Outright Games, ha declarado lo siguiente: "Estamos muy contentos de que por fin Blaze tenga un videojuego, así como de poder seguir colaborando con Nickelodeon para darle vida a otros personajes increíbles. Nos encanta la serie de televisión y sabíamos que se adaptaba perfectamente a los productos que hacemos, porque no solo se puede disfrutar con familiares y amigos, sino que además nos permite enseñarles a los niños cosas sobre ciencias, automovilismo o tecnología. ¡Esperamos que os guste!".

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From PowerUps:

Blaze y Los Monster Machines llegarán quemando rueda a consolas y PC en otoño

Abrochaos los cinturones para disfrutar una carrera única en la vida. Outright Games, la editora líder de productos de ocio para toda la familia, acaba de anunciar su colaboración con Nickelodeon para el lanzamiento de un nuevo juego de carreras titulado Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers. El juego está basado en la exitosa serie de Nickelodeon para preescolares y se pondrá a la venta en otoño para Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox y en versión digital para PC.

Los fans de Blaze y los Monster Machines podrán acompañar al increíble monster truck Blaze y a su amigo y conductor AJ para vivir la acción de primera mano. Juntos, vivirán diferentes aventuras en compañía de sus amigos Pickle, Darington, Zeg, Starla, Stripes e incluso el tramposo Crusher. Además, los jugadores podrán recorrer las coloridas calles de Ciudad Axle mientras intentan ganar el campeonato de carreras.

Los pequeños corredores podrán elegir a uno de los siete personajes principales de la serie para participar solos en un campeonato, o bien enfrentarse a sus amigos o familiares en una pantalla dividida para cuatro jugadores.

Características principales:

PERFECTO PARA NIÑOS: Incluye funciones educativas para aprender sobre matemáticas o ciencias, así como un piloto automático con sencillos controles opcionales para los más pequeños.
QUEMA RUEDA: Usa aceleradores especiales y haz volteretas y trucos increíbles en circuitos tan molones como Carrera hasta la roca del Águila, Acrobaciamania y muchos más.
ELIGE TU ESTILO: Personaliza a tus personajes y activa las habilidades especiales exclusivas de cada personaje para ser el mejor corredor.
CORRE CON AMIGOS: Jugad juntos en una pantalla dividida para cuatro jugadores.

Blaze y Los Monster Machines

En la serie animada para preescolares Blaze y los Monster Machines, el molón monster truck Blaze y su intrépido amigo de ocho años, AJ, viven un sinfín de aventuras en las que estudian cómo se mueven las cosas, solucionan sus problemas utilizando el método científico y las matemáticas, y descubren qué cosas hacen falta para que la tecnología que nos rodea funcione siempre correctamente. Todos los episodios de la serie están plagados de aventuras, monster trucks, humor científico y alegres canciones originales cuyas letras contienen conceptos tan especializados como: adherencia, fricción, fuerza, trayectoria y magnetismo.

Estamos muy contentos de que por fin Blaze tenga un videojuego, así como de poder seguir colaborando con Nickelodeon para darle vida a otros personajes increíbles. Nos encanta la serie de televisión y sabíamos que se adaptaba perfectamente a los productos que hacemos, porque no solo se puede disfrutar con familiares y amigos, sino que además nos permite enseñarles a los niños cosas sobre ciencias, automovilismo o tecnología. ¡Esperamos que os guste!.

Terry Malham, CEO de Outright Games

Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers estará disponible para Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox y en versión digital para PC.

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'Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers' Announcement Trailer | Russian Version | Outright Games

Below is the Russian (русский) version of Outright Games' Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers announcement trailer! To watch the English version of the trailer, and to find out more about the game, click here.

Вспыш и чудо-машинки Гонщики Эксл Сити | анонсирующий трейлер RUSIA


Приготовьтесь к гонкам с Блейзом, Пиклем, Крашером и друзьями в скоростном чемпионате для 4 игроков всех возрастов! Blaze and the Monster Machines Axle City Racers выходит на @Nintendo #Switch @PlayStation , @Xbox и #PC в октябре этого года! 🏁🚙 

 
#BlazeAxleCityRacers


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'Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers' Announcement Trailer | French Version | Outright Games

Below is the French (Français) version of Outright Games' Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers announcement trailer! To watch the English version of the trailer, and to find out more about the game, click here.

Blaze and the Monster Machines Pilotes de Moteur City | Bande Annonce FRANCE


À vos marques, préparez-vous à faire la course avec Blaze, Pickle, Crusher et leurs amis, dans un championnat à grande vitesse pour jusqu'à 4 joueurs de tous âges ! Blaze et les Monster Machines Axle City Racers arrive sur @Nintendo #Switch @PlayStation , @Xbox & #PC en octobre ! 🏁🚙 

 
#BlazeAxleCityRacers
#BlazePilotesdeMoteur City


[CP] Blaze et les Monster Machines Pilotes de Moteur City

Attachez vos ceintures et préparez-vous pour la course de votre vie ! Outright Games, l’un des plus grands éditeurs mondiaux de divertissement interactif familial, vient d’annoncer en partenariat avec Nickelodeon la sortie d’un tout nouveau jeu de course de kart, Blaze et les Monster Machines Pilotes de Moteur City. Basé sur la série jeunesse à succès de Nickelodeon, le jeu sortira cet automne sur Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox et PC digital.

Les fans de Blaze et les Monster Machines peuvent rejoindre l’incroyable monster truck Blaze, son ami et pilote AJ et tous leurs copains Pickle, Darington, Zeg, Starla et Stripes (et même Crusher le tricheur !) pour filer à toute allure dans les rues colorées d’Axle City et tenter de gagner le championnat de course.

Les joueurs peuvent incarner l’un des sept personnages disponibles pour participer au championnat en solo, jouer en famille ou encore avec des amis en mode 4 joueurs avec écran partagé.

Fonctionnalités clés :

 PARFAIT POUR LES ENFANTS : inclut des fonctionnalités éducatives et des commandes simplifiées en option pour aider les plus jeunes à piloter leur bolide.

●    UNE PLUIE DE BONUS : utilisez des bonus de vitesse et réalisez des cascades sur des circuits rocambolesque comme Race to Eagle Rock, Stuntmania et bien d’autres encore.

●    CHOISISSEZ VOTRE STYLE : modifiez votre personnage et activez vos capacités uniques pour surclasser vos concurrents.

●       JOUEZ ENTRE AMIS : jouez en mode 4 joueurs avec écran partagé.

Dans la série animée Blaze et les Monster Machines, l’incroyable monster truck Blaze et AJ, son ami et pilote âgé de huit ans, vivent des aventures palpitantes qui abordent des sujets éducatifs (physique du mouvement, problèmes scientifiques et mathématiques, technologie des objets du quotidien, etc.). Chaque épisode aborde avec humour la physique et propose un concentré d’action rythmé par des courses de monster trucks et des chansons entraînantes dont les paroles portent sur un sujet éducatif tel que l’adhésion, la friction, la force, la trajectoire et le magnétisme.

Nous sommes ravis de voir enfin Blaze dans son propre jeu vidéo et de donner vie à tous les personnages attachants de la série dans le cadre de notre partenariat avec Nickelodeon. Nous sommes de grands fans de la série télévisée, qui a vraiment tout pour faire un excellent jeu vidéo : elle est non seulement drôle et idéale pour toute la famille, mais elle enseigne également des rudiments scientifiques, technologiques et mécaniques aux enfants. Nous espérons que vous vous amuserez en jouant à notre nouveau titre ! - Terry Malham, PDG d’Outright Games

Blaze et les Monster Machines Pilotes de Moteur City sera disponible prochainement sur Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox et PC digital.

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'Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers' Announcement Trailer | German Version | Outright Games

Below is the German (Deutsch) version of Outright Games' Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers announcement trailer! To watch the English version of the trailer, and to find out more about the game, click here.

Blaze Und Die Monstermaschinen Reifenhausen - Rennfahrer | Trailer ankündigen DEUTSCHLAND


Auf die Plätze, fertig machen zum Rennen mit Blaze, Pickle, Crusher und Freunden, in einer Hochgeschwindigkeitsmeisterschaft für bis zu 4 Spieler jeden Alters! Blaze and the Monster Machines Axle City Racers kommt diesen Oktober für @Nintendo #Switch @PlayStation , @Xbox & #PC! 🏁🚙 


#BlazeAxleCityRacers
#BlazeReifenhausenRennfahrer

From ntower:

Blaze und die Monster-Maschinen: Reifenhausen-Rennfahrer rast im Herbst auf die Nintendo Switch

Soeben kündigten Outright Games und Drakhar Studio in einer Pressemitteilung die zukünftige Veröffentlichung von Blaze und die Monster-Maschinen: Reifenhausen-Rennfahrer an, welches in den kommenden Herbstmonaten für den PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 und die Nintendo Switch erscheinen wird. Dabei handelt es sich um einen Videospielableger der beliebten Animationsserie Blaze und die Monster-Maschinen, welche insbesondere den Vorschulkindern technisches Grundwissen vermitteln möchte – ausgestrahlt wird die Serie hierzulande auf dem Sender Nickelodeon.

Allerdings steht in Blaze und die Monster-Maschinen: Reifenhausen-Rennfahrer das dort vermittelte Grundwissen weniger im Fokus. Hierbei handelt es sich vielmehr um ein klassisches Rennspiel für Kinder und Fans der Serie. Hier können die Spieler die bekannten Rennwagen von Blaze, Starla, Pickle und Crusher durch die unterschiedlichen Strecken manövrieren und an verschiedenen Grand Prix teilnehmen – entweder allein oder bis zu vier Spieler im Splitscreen-Modus Des Weiteren wird es auch eine optionale Steuerung geben, mit welcher insbesondere jüngeren Spielern der Einstieg erleichtert werden soll. Blaze und die Monster-Maschinen: Reifenhausen-Rennfahrer erscheint am 01.10.2021 im Nintendo eShop sowie als Handelsversion für die Nintendo Switch. [...]

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'Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers' Announcement Trailer | Portuguese Version | Outright Games

Below is the Portuguese (Português) version of Outright Games' Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers announcement trailer! To watch the English version of the trailer, and to find out more about the game, click here.

Blaze and the Monster Machines Pilotos da Cidade Axle | Trailer de Anúncio BRA/PT


Aos seus lugares, prepare-se para correr com Blaze, Pickle, Crusher e amigos, num campeonato de alta velocidade para até 4 jogadores de todas as idades! Blaze and the Monster Machines Axle City Racers está a chegar a @Nintendo #Switch @PlayStation , @Xbox & #PC este Outubro! 🏁🚙 

#BlazeAxleCityRacers
#BlazePilotosdaCidadeAxel


Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers | Outright Games anuncia novo jogo de karts em parceria com Nickelodeon

Aperta o cinto de segurança para o passeio de uma vida com Outright Games, a principal editora de entretenimento interativo familiar, em parceria com a Nickelodeon, que anunciaram hoje um novo jogo de karts Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers. Baseado na série de sucesso da Nickelodeon na pré-escola, o jogo será lançado este Outono para a Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox e PC em formato digital.

Os fãs de Blaze and the Monster Machine podem tornar-se parte da acção juntando-se ao incrível camião monstro Blaze e ao seu amigo e motorista AJ enquanto estes partem em aventuras com os seus amigos Pickle, Darington, Zeg, Starla, Stripes, entre outros, em torno das ruas coloridas de Axle City numa missão para ganharem o campeonato de corridas.
 
Aqui podes assumir o campeonato como uma das sete personagens distintas ou jogar com amigos e familiares num total de quatro jogadores a correr pela vitória.

Principais características de Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers:
● Perfeito para crianças – Inclui características educacionais STEM e unidade automática com controlos simples opcionais para jogadores mais jovens;
● Power Up – Usa aumentos de velocidade, e realiza acrobacias e truques em torno de pistas incríveis como Race to Eagle Rock, Stuntmania e muito mais;
● Escolhe o teu estilo – Personaliza as personagens e activa as suas habilidades de únicas para superar a competição;
● Compete com amigos – Joga até 4 quatro jogadores no modo de ecrã dividido.

Lê mais:  Xbox | 10 motivos para adquirires uma consola da Microsoft!

Na série pré-escolar animada pela CG Blaze and the Monster Machines, o incrível camião monstro Blaze e o seu piloto de oito anos, AJ, têm aventuras que exploram a física de como as coisas se movem; abordam problemas através da investigação científica e da matemática; e descobrem as peças necessárias para que as tecnologias do dia-a-dia funcionem. Cada episódio repleto de acção é preenchido com camiões, humor físico e canções originais com letras que destacam um conceito STEM como adesão, atrito, força, trajetória e magnetismo.

“Estamos emocionados por Blaze estar finalmente num videojogo e estamos encantados por continuar a nossa parceria com a Nickelodeon para dar vida a mais um conjunto de personagens amadas”, disse o CEO da Outright Games, Terry Malham. “Adoramos o programa de TV e sabíamos que seria o ajuste perfeito para um dos nossos títulos. Não só é por ser divertido e poder ser apreciado como uma família ou com amigos, estamos igualmente entusiasmados com os elementos educativos que ensinam ciência, tecnologia e automobilismo às crianças e esperamos que todos gostem!’.

Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers tem lançamento previsto para este Outono para Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox e PC em formato digital.

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Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for May 17, 2021 | Nickelodeon

Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for May 17, 2021 | Nickelodeon



The all new CG-animated Rugrats series premieres Thursday, May 27, exclusively on Paramount+!


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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Scarlett Johansson Receives Sliming During 2021 MTV Movie & TV Awards Acceptance Speech

Scarlett Johansson received the Generation Award at the 2021 MTV Movie & TV Awards, and her husband, Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update host Colin Jost, congratulated his wife in true Nickelodeon style.

Scarlett Johansson got slimed by her husband during the MTV Awards Sunday night. MTV

Yes, he slimed her.

Johansson expressed shocked when a smiling Jost poured green slime over her head as she concluded her virtual acceptance speech, in a move reminiscent of the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.

"What the fu*k," Johansson exclaimed.

"MTV, you got slimed," said Jost.

"That's Nickelodeon," Johansson blurted.

"I'm very, very sorry," he said, as he promised to "get a towel."


Although it was the MTV Movie and TV Awards, Colin has half-right, as the awards were simulcast on Nickelodeon.

Like many viewers at home, Johansson wondered exactly where he got the slime. "Amazon," Jost responded. 

Johansson was honored with the Generation Award at Sunday's show. The award celebrates "beloved actors whose diverse contributions to both film and television have turned them into household names," a press release read.

MTV

MTV

MTV

MTV

MTV

The Marriage Story actor joined a roster of actors who previously received the award including Sandra Bullock, Jim Carrey, Reese Witherspoon, Adam Sandler, Tom Cruise, Will Smith and even Johansson's Marvel costars Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation).

Johansson and Jost are no strangers to Nickelodeon. In 2004, Johansson starred in The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie in 2004, lending her voice to Mindy, the daughter of King Neptune. Meanwhile, Jost wrote for Nicktoons' popular animated series Kappa Mikey. His brother, Casey, is a writer and a producer for the hidden camera show Impractical Jokers.

"Thank you so much to my fans for riding the way with me and supporting my career so I can continue to have the good fortune to pursue the job that is my passion, and I realize what an absolute gift it is to have the opportunity to do what I love," Johansson said in her earnest speech. "I couldn't do it without your continued support."

The celeb couple announced their nuptials in October through a post on the Instagram page for Meals on Wheels America. The post showed a picture of a Staten Island Ferry with the words "Jost Married" across the image.

The couple met through Saturday Night Live: Johansson, 35, has hosted multiple times since 2006; Jost, 38, joined the show as a writer in 2005 before becoming head writer and Weekend Update co-anchor, opposite Michael Che.

Try Paramount+ for free today at paramountplus.com!


Source: USA Today, People.

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Musician Charlie Kogen Reveals How He Sold a Song to Nickelodeon's 'School of Rock'

Multi-talented musician Charlie Kogen, ’23, has revealed in an interview with The Stanford Daily how he sold a song to Nickelodeon's hit comedy series, School of Rock!:




[TSD]: Talk more about the process of how you got a song sold to School of Rock on Nickelodeon.

[CK]: Well, my dad is a television writer and producer. At the time, he was working on School of Rock, a TV series based on the movie. The show always featured music, and at one point, I had written a song called “I Will Never Be Your Guy,” which my dad showed to some people on the show. They really wanted to use it. I was only 13 at the time, and I loved the song so much I didn’t want to give it up. I decided I would write another song that they could use that kind of sounded like the one they liked. In the end, I wrote a song called “You Make Me Smile.” In the episode, it was sung by the character Lawrence at a school talent show, and he was trying to woo a girl in his Spanish class. However throughout the performance, there are all these stage antics and things that go awry and undercut the sweetness of the song. It was still pretty cool to see something I wrote on TV.


You can read The Stanford Daily's super interview with Charlie in full on stanforddaily.com.

School of Rock is available to stream on Paramount+. Try it free today at paramountplus.com.


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ViacomCBS to Host Virtual Upfront Event on May 19, 2021

ViacomCBS and Disney have staked out familiar ground during mid-May for their upfront pitches to advertisers, but early signs indicate that 2021 will see continued rethinking of the annual ad-buying ritual, Deadline reports.


The ViacomCBS event will be held on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, in virtual form due to ongoing Covid-19 (coronavirus) restrictions on travel and public gatherings. The single-day event follows a two-day edition last year, which was held May 18 and 19. This year’s upfront will highlight the offerings of the full network portfolio, from CBS to cable networks like Nickelodeon and MTV as well as streaming platforms. CBS All Access will be rebranded next month to Paramount+.

Disney, meanwhile, is making some significant shifts even as it preserves its presence in the traditional broadcast upfront week, adding a tech showcase on February 23 and a “development event” on March 23. The company will host a virtual upfront on May 18, which has long been the date when an ABC-led event took place in New York’s Lincoln Center. But it has also added two lead-up events, creating three points of contact with advertisers and other partners, and also ending the involvement of Hulu in the NewFronts. Hulu, which was jointly run by Disney, Fox and NBCUniversal before Disney took full control of the streaming service, was among the early standard-bearers at the NewFronts since the showcase started in 2009.

The Hulu presentation will be folded into the May 18 event hosted by Disney Advertising Sales. In addition to Hulu, it will feature ABC, ABC News, Disney Channels Worldwide, Disney Digital, ESPN, ESPN+, Freeform, FX Networks and National Geographic.

The Disney Platform Technology Showcase on February 23 will aim to highlight Disney’s technology investments and approach to data, measurement, ad experiences and transactions with marketers. The March 23 event will focus purely on programming.

NBCUniversal has not identified a date as of yet for its conventional upfront. Its recently added what it plans to be an annual element in its approach, a tech-style event called “One21” that will showcase the full capabilities across Comcast, NBCU and Sky.

Fox and the CW, the other broadcast networks with a presence during the mid-May spate of presentations traditionally held in fabled New York, are still finalizing their plans. Especially coming off a turbulent 2020 and facing deep uncertainties about the  but they are increasingly looking to disrupt the traditional spring upfront timing and September-to-May programming emphasis. The pattern took shape decades ago in part due to automakers launching new car models each fall.

The TV ad business, which is collectively worth at least $60 billion a year, has been in flux due to rising streaming adoption, cord-cutting and declining ratings. Those trends have all accelerated during Covid-19, with ad dollars shifting to streaming. NBCU launched Peacock last year as an ad-focused entry into streaming, while Hulu’s ad business has added billions to the service’s subscription revenues. WarnerMedia plans to introduce an ad-supported tier of HBO Max this year.

Momentum has been building for the TV industry to formally adopt a calendar-year approach to upfront selling and TV ratings, which is a direction media sales teams have already been moving in recent years.

From WrapPro:

Upfront Week Lowdown: TV Networks Fight for Relevance as Streaming Dominance Grows

TV network chiefs prepare to sell themselves a year after streaming swallowed the bundle

For years during May’s Upfront Week, television network executives have trotted out stars to sell advertisers on why good old-fashioned linear TV is the best place to spend marketing dollars. That pitch has become harder to make as the number of linear viewers has dwindled and the companies that own those networks have reorganized to prioritize streaming.

But this year, they might not even try.          

What was once the enemy is now being welcomed as the roommate. Over the last year of pandemic-accelerated changes in the industry, there has been an explosion of streaming services, many owned by the same companies that run NBC, ABC, CBS and some of big cable networks that will take the virtual stage this week. Those companies (at least those with prized streaming services) are now the ones pushing the migration of ad dollars toward digital.

"What we're trying to do is persuade advertisers to bring more of their investments over to our streaming services," one network executive told TheWrap. "We feel like there is a lag in terms of the investment pattern."

Streaming is still dominated by the likes of Netflix and Amazon, along with the biggest newcomer in Disney+. All three of those services, plus Apple TV+ and HBO Max, do not feature advertising. But there has been a rise in ad-supported streaming, whether through free services like the Fox-owned Tubi or Pluto TV, which is owned by ViacomCBS. NBCUniversal launched Peacock, a streamer that has both free and paid ad-supported options, and ViacomCBS supersized CBS All Access into Paramount+. WarnerMedia is debuting an ad-supported version of HBO Max next month.

All told, there were 6 million fewer households subscribed to some sort of cable or satellite package by the end of 2020, representing a 7.3% loss. The percentage of U.S. homes subscribed to a cable package fell to around 60%, a level not seen since the early 1990s.

That shift from linear to streaming is happening quicker than many imagined. Disney now gets nearly as much ad revenue from Hulu as it does it from its broadcast and cable networks. In its most recent quarter, the company's direct-to-consumer business brought in $717 million in ad revenue, while its broadcasting segment (ABC plus its owned and operated local TV stations) drove $722 million and cable networks like ESPN and Freeform garnered $711 million.

"I would say the vast majority of marketers, either presently or will in the future, get to a place where they're making no meaningful distinction" between linear and digital TV content, said Brian Wieser, global president of business intelligence for GroupM, one of the biggest media buying firms. "At the end of the day, if it's premium professionally produced content, it's not any different whether it's delivered through a connected TV, or if it's delivered through a traditional linear environment."

However, Wieser noted that despite the decline of the bundle roughly 80 million homes still subscribe to cable or satellite. But the writing is definitely on the wall. "There's a consumer migration going on; viewing patterns are changing. And, yes, they have grown and that has very much accelerated," the executive said. "But the reality is that it's not yet at parity with broadcast television."

Wieser argues that parity will probably never come, in the sense that broadcast distribution will always have the widest reach. "To view content that's delivered through an internet-connected device will always require a subscription to some service, unless you're imagining a world of municipal Wi-Fi, where cities just give it away.”

A+E Networks is one of the larger media companies that isn't tied to some kind of streaming service, but Peter Olsen, the company's executive vice president of ad sales, argues that's not necessarily a bad thing. For one, it makes A+E a content arms dealer — ask Sony how profitable that business can be — with its shows carried on multiple platforms. "We have content on Peacock; we have content on Discovery+; we have content on Hulu," Olsen said. "We think, in the long term, we can win. Because we're not placing all of our bets on one platform or on one thing."

Few network executives are better primed to straddle the line between the old and new model than Nickelodeon president Brian Robbins, who founded AwesomenessTV, one of the first successful YouTube channels. Especially with Paramount+ and Pluto TV in house, he said it's more important for Nickelodeon to become a brand rather than a singular network.

"Linear cable television is still our biggest reach vehicle today - we reach more kids through linear than anyplace else. But the truth is, we also know that kids are consuming content in many different ways on many different platforms," Robbins told TheWrap. "The brand was bigger than just linear television.

Despite the subscription losses, Olsen said the pace of decline is starting to slow, giving hopes that some sort of equilibrium will soon be reached. “We actually are seeing, year-to-date, a slowing of the subscription decline," he said. "There’s been kind of a market slowing versus the last two years. So, yes, continued migration, continued disruption, but at a slower pace."

Last year's upfront season was hammered by the pandemic, which erased ad budgets and rendered sectors like movies and travel virtually nonexistent. Typically, around $8 billion to $10 billion in ad spending is committed for the five main broadcast networks during each upfront period. That final number can be lower, however, since the figure represents commitments and not spending, which can be deflated if ratings guarantees are not met.

At the same time, Nielsen is reeling from the disclosure that it may have been undercounting viewers during the COVID era, which has enraged the TV networks who have complained for years that their viewers were already being undercounted.

Discovery CEO David Zaslav blasted Nielsen earlier this week during the MoffettNathanson Media & Communications Summit. "We’re dealing with this antiquated system of measurement that advertisers love because they can rely on something that fundamentally undercounts all of us. As great as our industry is, we haven’t been able to get Nielsen to get their act together.”

The good news for 2021 is that, overall, ad revenue is going to bounce back, one top media buyer believes.

Magna Global predicts that overall ad revenue for media companies will rise 6.4% to $240 billion this year, an increase from projections at the end of 2020. Digital ad formats will take two-thirds of total advertising sales for the first time, though national TV advertising is set to increase 3.4%. Some of that will no doubt rely on NBCUniversal's broadcast of the Tokyo Olympics & assuming that they are still held.

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Originally published: Thursday, February 11, 2021.

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The Rusty Krab Experience Brings SpongeBob Mania to Houston, Texas

The Krabby Patty formula is one of TV’s best-kept secrets.

The Rusty Krab Experience is a SpongeBob SquarePants-themed pop-up restaurant and bar in downtown Houston.

It’s the burger of choice for the citizens of Bikini Bottom, the fictional home of SpongeBob SquarePants. The cartoon icon is a fry cook at the Krusty Krab, where he serves them daily and thwarts attempts by nemesis Plankton to steal the recipe.

A Houston, Texas pop-up has cracked its own Krabby Patty formula. And it isn’t quite so mysterious. It includes a beef patty, American cheese and a wondrously soft bun. (Bacon and a fried egg cost extra.)

It's not a faithful recreation, however, as the real Krabby Patty has no animal protein in it.

You can get it, and meet SpongeBob himself, through Aug. 1 at the Rusty Krab Experience, an interactive pop-up and restaurant in downtown Houston. It opened in April and has since been extended multiple times because of its popularity. Kids are welcome, of course, but it’s a 21-and-older party after 9 nightly, where they use sentence enhancers such as <dolphin noise> and <dolphin noise>.

Owner Sam Chand says he got the idea from his 9-year-old daughter, a huge SpongeBob fan. The same space, next to Capitol Lofts, hosted a Harry Potter pop-up in October and one inspired by The Office earlier this year.

“People loved it, and we just kept on going,” Chand, a former nightclub owner, told the Houston Chronicle. “It was something I was willing to jump into and experiment and see how it works.”

More than food

The Rusty Krab is, no surprise, his most successful pop-up to date. SpongeBob SquarePants debuted in 1999 and quickly grew into a worldwide phenomenon, appealing equally to kids and adults. It is Nickelodeon’s highest-rated program and the fifth-longest-running animated series on U.S. television. Three feature films have been released, and it was adapted into a critically acclaimed Broadway musical. The show has so-far generated $13 billion in merchandise revenue.

The Rusty Krab menu includes everything from chum (chicken) nuggets to pizzas to SpongeBob-themed drinks. Brunch includes chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits and French toast. Condiments come in sea-inspired pastel colors.

A Krabby Patty is one of the options at the Rusty Krab. Joey Guerra / Joey Guerra

But food isn’t the attraction here. It’s the venue itself, a dual-level marvel of color and detail. Bright-pink jellyfish accent the walls. You can pose inside a boat or on a stationary bike. And you can sit for your own “Bottom of Bikini” driver’s license photo.

Rapper Los Fidel, a self-proclaimed “Nickelodeon and SpongeBob enthusiast,” came from Connecticut with his girlfriend to visit the Rusty Krab. The entire trip cost them about $1,000.

“It was worth every penny,” he says. “If you’re from the area, you should definitely go. It was the best day ever.”

An ‘artistic adaptation’

It’s a clean, inviting space. Current COVID-19 guidelines include socially distanced tables and a maximum capacity of 100 guests per time slot. (Normal occupancy is 240.) Guests scan QR codes on tables for menus, and they’re also in large lettering on the wall. Couches, handrails and interactive exhibits are disinfected between time slots. Guests can remove masks for photos but must wear them when not seated.

Shelby Polite, Alina Briones and Sesley Polite pose for selfie photos in front of the main entrance sign at The Rusty Krab Experience, a Spongebob-themed restaurant and event space in the old Bird Dog Saint location Monday, May 10, 2021 in Houston, TX. Michael Wyke / Contributor

A meticulous re-creation of SpongeBob’s home includes his living area and bedroom, where you can pose for Instagram-worthy snaps. SpongeBob himself pops in regularly for photos with fans.

“The kids simply go bananas over that,” Chand says.

The Rusty Krab, however, is “not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Nickelodeon, or the SpongeBob brand directly,” according to a disclaimer. Instead, it’s dubbed an “artistic adaptation recreation of an amazing series that added value to our childhood.”

That explains the slight difference in names. Rusty Krab, not Krusty Krab; Bottom of Bikini, not Bikini Bottom.

This isn’t the first SpongeBob-inspired eatery. Other Krusty Krab-inspired restaurants have opened in the Palestinian territory, Costa Rica and Moscow. Much closer to home, a Texas federal judge stopped a Houston company from opening a restaurant called the Krusty Krab in Kemah in 2018, citing trademark infringement.

It’s so far been smooth sailing for the Rusty Krab. Reservations are optional but strongly suggested and must be booked in addition to purchasing tickets for specific two-hour slots. It offers birthday packages and daily scavenger hunts, along with weekly karaoke, trivia and cosplay nights.

Inside the main dining room, it’s a loud and lively atmosphere. SpongeBob SquarePants clips play on multiple screens. DJ Brody pumps out sing-along hits from Lizzo, Bruno Mars and Outkast. Waitstaff bops along to “The Cupid Shuffle.” When the DJ plays “Wobble,” a young girl dances excitedly alongside her mom.

The Rusty Krab Experience

Hours: 4-11 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 4 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-1:30 a.m. Saturdays, 4-11 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 1

Where: 711 Main, Ste. 100

Details: $30 ages 15 and older, $20 kids ages 5-14, free for kids under five years old; does not include food and drinks; reservations are strongly suggested; 21 and up after 9 p.m.; therustykrabexperience.com

“The most important thing for me is for people to have fun here. They spend a lot of money to come through. We have people traveling from out of state just to experience this,” Chand says. “I want them to be satisfied with the photo ops, the exhibits, the interactive games, the food and drinks — the whole enchilada.”

Or, more appropriately, the whole Krab Patty.

The Rusty Krab Experience is a SpongeBob SquarePants-themed pop-up restaurant and bar in downtown Houston.

Presumably, Sol Yousefi and Leslie Montemayor have better luck than SpongeBob ever does in obtaining a driver’s license. Michael Wyke / Contributor

The Rusty Krab Experience is a Spongebob Squarepants-themed
pop-up restaurant and bar in downtown Houston.

Myriam Martinez and Lee Castro take selfies in front of the main entrance
at the Rusty Krab Experience, a Spongebob-themed restaurant and
event space in the old Bird Dog Saint location. Michael Wyke / Contributor

Owner Sam Chand says his 9-year-old daughter, a SpongeBob SquarePants fan, was the inspiration behind the Rusty Krab Experience. Michael Wyke / Contributor

Rossi Valero poses on the recreated SpongeBob bedroom as Jeremy Schneider shoots her photo at The Rusty Krab Experience, a Spongebob-themed restaurant and event space in the old Bird Dog Saint location Monday, May 10, 2021 in Houston, TX. Michael Wyke / Contributor

The Rusty Krab Experience is a SpongeBob SquarePants-themed pop-up restaurant and bar in downtown Houston.

DJ Brody spins in front of the menu during the dinner hour at The Rusty Krab Experience, a Spongebob-themed restaurant and event space in the old Bird Dog Saint location Monday, May 10, 2021 in Houston, TX. Michael Wyke/Contributor

Watch SpongeBob SquarePants on Nickelodeon and The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On The Run & Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years on Paramount+!
Listen to The SpongeBob Musical here!: https://spongebobmusical.blogspot.com

SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated is now available on PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices!

CALLING ALL GOOFY GOOBERS! (ROCK!) Are ya ready for a deep dive into the world of SpongeBob SquarePants? The SpongeBob YouTube channel is THE PLACE for all fan-favorite SpongeBob moments! We’re serving up everything from legendary scenes to remixes of classic songs to deep dives into Bikini Bottom lore. Be sure to check back every week for Music Mondays, Wumbo Wednesdays, and Flashback Fridays! Subscribe now at https://www.youtube.com/SpongeBobOfficial!

Shop SpongeBob!: https://www.spongebobshop.com - SpongeBob face masks now available, with ALL proceeds going to charity!


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