Thursday, February 12, 2015

Nickelodeon And Fisher-Price Announce Brand-New "Blaze and the Monster Machines" Preschool Product Line; To Rollout Across The USA In August 2015

Original Nickelodeon and Fisher-Price Press Release via NickPress.com:

NICKELODEON AND FISHER-PRICE ANNOUNCE BRAND-NEW BLAZE AND THE MONSTER MACHINES PRESCHOOL PRODUCT LINE, BASED ON THE HIT TV SERIES

Product Line to Be Unveiled During American International Toy Fair in New York City



Pictured: L-R: Gabby, Blaze, AJ, Pickle, Crusher in BLAZE AND THE MONSTER MACHINES on NICKELODEON. Photo: Nickelodeon. ©2014 Viacom, International, Inc. All Rights Reserved

NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2015 – Nickelodeon and Fisher-Price, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc., announce today an all-new toy line based on the network's hit preschool series Blaze and the Monster Machines. Debuting at this year's New York Toy Fair, the lineup includes a die cast collection, vehicles, playsets and plush that are as fun and dynamic as the characters and adventures featured in the series. Products will be available at select retailers starting in May with full nationwide rollout in August.

Launched in October of 2014, Blaze and the Monster Machines is consistently the number-one preschool show in its time period on all TV and already is the top preschool series with boys 2-5. It is the first preschool show to comprehensively cover all areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) in every episode. Blaze and the Monster Machines follows Blaze and his eight-year-old driver, AJ. Together, Blaze and AJ have adventures that explore the physics of how things move; tackle problems through scientific inquiry and mathematics; and discover the parts needed to make everyday technologies work.

"We are excited to join forces with Fisher-Price on an innovative toy line that captures and conveys the roaring spirit of Blaze and the Monster Machines," said Manuel Torres, Senior Vice President, Global Toys and Publishing, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. "The new Blaze line is a great adaptation of the series' action and adventures that inspires kids to reimagine the property in a playful way."

"Bringing the Blaze toy line to life is the result of a fantastic collaboration with Nickelodeon centered on this very toyetic property that introduces STEM principles," said Steve LaBella, Senior Vice President, Fisher-Price Preschool. "We're thrilled to capture the exciting world of Axle City with die cast vehicles and playsets powered by the unique personalities and unstoppable actions of monster stunts and transformations."

Each action-packed episode of Blaze and the Monster Machines is filled with monster trucks, physical humor and upbeat original songs with lyrics that highlight a STEM concept such as adhesion, friction, force, trajectory and magnetism. The series, created by Jeff Borkin (Team Umizoomi head writer) and Ellen Martin (Bubble Guppies supervising producer), airs weekdays at 10:30 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon.

Highlights of the 2015 Blaze and the Monster Machines line from Fisher-Price includes:

Blaze and the Monster Machines™ Vehicle Assortment

These monster trucks feature big wheels and even bigger personalities. Capturing their signature styling, these die-cast vehicles are perfect for recreating races and spectacular stunts as seen on the television show. Each sold separately and subject to availability. Ages 3+

Available in Blaze, Crusher, Pickle, Zeg, Darington, Stripes, Starla, Blazing Speed Blaze, Mud Racin' Blaze and Big Horn Sheep

SRP: $4.99
Available Summer 2015

Slam & Go Assortment

It is race day and Blaze and the Monster Machines are ready for some high-octane action. Press down on these race-ready vehicles to watch them accelerate! Each sold separately and subject to availability. Available in Slam & Go Blaze, Slam & Go Crusher and Slam & Go Stripes

SRP: $9.99
Ages 3+
Available Summer 2015

Talking Blaze Assortment

Perfect for recreating the amazing adventures of Blaze and the Monster Machines™, with the help of sound waves, each of these freewheeling vehicles comes to life with phrases, awesome action sounds and authentic styling. Each sold separately and subject to availability. Ages 3+

Available in Talking Blaze, Talking Darington and Talking Zeg

SRP: $14.99
Available Summer 2015

Transforming Blaze Jet

Blaze can transform into just about anything including a jet plane. When you lift Blaze up, his jet wings automatically pop out and transform him from a road-ready monster machine to a high-flying hero who uses thrust to zoom into aerodynamic action. As kids make Blaze fly in jet mode, he will speak flightrelated phrases. Once his tires are back on the ground, he'll race back into Monster Machine mode with sounds and phrases to match. Ages 3+

SRP: $24.99
Available Summer 2015

Monster Dome Playset

It is race day at the Monster Dome and crafty Crusher will stop at nothing to beat Blaze even if that means building a chomping Sharkbot. This super-speedy track set can be configured into multiple layouts so race fans can recreate all the action and adventure of Blaze and the Monster Machines™! Create side-by-side races between Blaze and Crusher or customize your set into champion courses of your choice. Two launchers will give the Monster Machines the speed and momentum they need to race around the track and perform spectacular stunts. Launch the trucks up a ramp and into a 360° loop or speed through the ring of fire. The set includes die-cast Blaze and Crusher vehicles but you can add to the adventure with even more of Axle City's heroes! Fisher-Price® Blaze and the Monster Machines™ vehicles sold separately and subject to availability. Ages 3+

SRP: $29.99
Available Summer 2015

Super Stunts Blaze

Rev up this Monster Machine to see Blaze use balance as he performs side-wheelies, back-wheelies and even a 360° spin on his rear tires. Just like this big-wheeled hero does on the television show, Super Stunts Blaze can accelerate into action with Blazing Speed and he will rear back into position before racing off in a Blaze of glory. Blaze's mouth, side flame and boosters light up and come to life with interactive phrases. Blaze asks kids to rev him up for full speed, celebrate with a high tire, and even make a pit stop to get ready for more super stunts! Ages 3+

SRP: $39.99
Available Fall 2015

About Nickelodeon

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

About Fisher-Price

In 1931, Herman Fisher and Irving Price embarked on a journey to change the toy industry. Their goal: creating playthings that inspire a child's development. More than 80 years later, Fisher-Price remains deeply rooted in the belief that play is the way children learn best. To this day, understanding the importance of play in building a child's skills is the fundamental principle, as the company strives to enrich the lives of families with young children around the globe. United by the passion for a child's safe care and development at each age and stage, the people of Fisher-Price work tirelessly to bring families the best toys and baby products in the world. Some of the company's best-known brands include Laugh & Learn®, Little People®, Power Wheels®, and Imaginext®, and it's also a leading developer of character-based toys for children's programming such as Thomas & Friends™, Dora and Friends: Into the City!, and Jake and the Never Land Pirates. Fisher-Price is a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT). For more information, visit www.fisher-price.com (U.S.) and www.fisher-price.ca (Canada) or connect with Fisher-Price on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products Announces First International Retail Partnership For "SpongeBob by Beatrix Ong" Collection With French Concept Store Colette

Original Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) Press Release via Viacom International Media Networks' (VIMN) UK & Ireland Press Centre:


NICKELODEON & VIACOM CONSUMER PRODUCTS ANNOUNCES FIRST INTERNATIONAL RETAIL PARTNERSHIP FOR "SPONGEBOB BY BEATRIX ONG" COLLECTION WITH FRENCH CONCEPT STORE COLETTE

Luxury collection set to launch in store Late Spring/Summer 2015

London / Paris – 12 February 2015 – Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) has announced that one of the world's iconic and original concept stores colette - located in Paris, France – will become the first retail partner to launch brand new fashion collection "SpongeBob by Beatrix Ong" in store and online. Born from a high-fashion collaboration between NVCP and acclaimed London-based designer, Beatrix Ong MBE, the collection targeting both men and women will include a range of luxury SpongeBob SquarePants accessories, home wares and a selection of apparel.


Colette will be the first retailer to debut the collection internationally in late spring/summer 2015, before it launches across Europe, Asia and North America. The full collection will include tote bags, make up bags, shirts, tees, shoes and dresses.

"It's a fantastic honour to partner with one of France's most popular and iconic fashion stores to debut the 'SpongeBob By Beatrix Ong' collection," said Mark Kingston GM & SVP Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products EMEA & Australia. "Beatrix Ong is an incredible designer who has perfectly captured the fun, fashion and frivolity of SpongeBob. We look forward to unveiling this unique collection at colette very soon."

Sarah Andelman, Creative Director, colette said, "Beatrix Ong's SpongeBob collection in toile de jouy is a perfect fit for Colette. We are very happy to welcome it to the rue Saint-Honoré."

Apparel prices will range between £90 and £200 (GBP).

About Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP):

Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) oversees all merchandising and retail operations for Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the world's leading multimedia entertainment companies and home to such powerhouse brands as Nickelodeon, MTV, Paramount Pictures and Comedy Central.
With a diverse portfolio spanning animation, preschool, student and youth-oriented licenses, NVCP is committed to providing key partner development and innovative marketing solutions, ensuring the highest quality product offering across some of the world's most powerful TV and entertainment properties, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

About Colette

Spanning three levels, colette customers are invited to encounter the colette experience, which comprises a never ending assortment of fashion, high-tech, arts, street-wear, beauty and waters. Through chance encounters, travels and discoveries, new products and new brands are consistently greeted at colette. Exclusivities, pre-releases, limited editions, established designers, new talents and even forgotten labels...a unique approach combining modernity, originality and upmost quality. This is the colette spirit: an inimitable mix and match, modeled after its customers, and bringing people together. Reactive, determined, influential and passionate, visionary and spontaneous, these are perhaps keywords to describe colette.

About Beatrix Ong MBE

London-based designer, Beatrix Ong has won her critical acclaim, an MBE on Her Majesty The Queen's 2011 New Year's Honours list, in recognition of her services to British Fashion, an A-list celebrity following and the receipt of the Freedom of the City of London in 2012. An alumni of Central St Martins, she began a career in fashion in earnest, her star ascended extremely quickly - from a fashion intern for Harpers Bazaar in New York to creative director of Jimmy Choo (a job she won aged only 22). In 2002, Beatrix Ong launched her eponymous shoe range, which quickly garnered significant attention and became available in Liberty, Harrods, Saks Fifth Avenue, Harvey Nichols and Dover Street Market (of which she developed an exclusive collection for). Her collections landed her a place on the Independent's Top 10 Leading Shoe Designers list, alongside Manolo Blahnik; as well as the nickname 'The New Choo'.

Beatrix Ong is growing further as a creative hub with Ong entering into as varied projects including film, retail, and technology collaborations as well as continuing her success as a renowned shoe designer, launching a new concept collection in Autumn 2015. www.Beatrixong.com

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Nickelodeon UK To Premiere The 2015 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards On Sunday 29th March 2015

Nickelodeon UK, the number one commercial kids TV network in the UK, has today announced the very exciting KCA News in the following press release that Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK will premiere and show the Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards 2015, "Nickelodeon's 28th Annual Kids' Choice Awards", which will be hosted by the multi-talented singer/songwriter and actor Nick Jonas, on Sunday 29th March 2015 at 5:00pm (repeated at 6:00pm on Nickelodeon +1), giving Nick's UK and Irish audiences the opportunity to see all of the slime and star action less than 24 hours after the live US show, which will take place in Los Angeles' legendary 'Fabulous' Forum for the first-time ever on Saturday 28th March 2015! Additionally, also for the first-time ever, the 2015 "Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards" will be shown on Channel 5 on Sunday 5th April 2015!


Nickelodeon UK will announce the UK hosts who will bring all the Orange Carpet action and gossip to viewers in the UK and Ireland on Friday 13th February 2015.

The presenting international sponsors of the 2015 "Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards" are Heelys, Why Walk? and Dreamworks' comedy movie, "HOME". The UK sponsors are Nickelodeon Land at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and The Nick App.

Original Nickelodeon UK Press Release:

POP SUPERSTAR NICK JONAS TO HOST THE 2015 NICKELODEON'S KIDS' CHOICE AWARDS

- The all-star, slime-splattered event airs in the UK on Sunday 29th March at 5:00pm -


London, 12th February 2015 – Multi-talented singer/songwriter and actor Nick Jonas is set to host the 2015 Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards. Jonas revealed his hosting duties on Wednesday in a video released over Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. UK audiences can catch the annual orange carpet event on Sunday 29th March at 5:00pm, the show will also be repeated on Channel 5 on Sunday 5th April. This year, for the first time, Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards will take place at L.A.'s 'Fabulous' Forum.

Nick Jonas is set to release his debut self-titled solo album in the UK on 2nd March 2015, with his number one U.S. hit single "Jealous" to be released later this month. Whilst recording his album, Jonas has also appeared in gritty U.S. television show Kingdom. With no signs of slowing down in 2015, Jonas will be joining Iggy Azalea on her 'Great Escape' tour in the U.S. this April and will also appear in FOX's upcoming horror comedy series Scream Queens.

Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards is a celebration of kids' favourite stars across the worlds of film, television, sports and music and offers a front-row seat to stunts, slime and celebrities. On Friday 13th February Nickelodeon UK will announce its UK hosts who will bring all the orange carpet action and gossip to UK viewers.

Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards will roll out across the globe within hours of airing live in the United States, Canada and Australia, giving kids around the world the opportunity to tune into their local Nickelodeon channel to enjoy the show. Voting for Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards will span six continents across 19 localised voting sites in addition to Twitter hashtag voting (#KCA) giving kids across the world the chance to decide who takes home a coveted blimp.

The presenting international sponsors of the 2015 Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards are Heelys, Why Walk? and Dreamworks' comedy movie, HOME. The UK sponsors are Nickelodeon Land at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and The Nick App.

Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards is produced by Nickelodeon Productions in association with Done + Dusted. Ian Stewart and Hamish Hamilton of Done + Dusted, Jay Schmalholz and Shelly Sumpter Gillyard are executive producers.

Available in 14 million homes, Nickelodeon is the place where kids rule and features top shows such as Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards, Sam & Cat, Victorious, SpongeBob SquarePants and iCarly. Launched in 1993, Nickelodeon brings hit international and locally-produced entertainment content to audiences in the UK and Ireland. Viewers can also watch Nickelodeon in high definition through Nickelodeon HD and have the opportunity to catch up with the schedule through Nickelodeon +1. Exclusive games, behind the scenes clips, show information and more are available on nick.co.uk and the dedicated Nick app where viewers can find exclusive content updated daily. Viewers can watch Nickelodeon on Sky, Virgin, TalkTalk, BT Vision, YouView, VUTV on Freeview and on UPC in the Republic of Ireland.

The Nickelodeon Network brings the best in kids content to the UK and Ireland with Nickelodeon channels available in over 14 million cable and satellite homes. Having launched in 1993 Nickelodeon UK comprises seven dedicated entertainment channels for kids aged 4-15 and their families, and is a joint venture between Viacom International Media Networks and BSkyB.

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Platinum-Selling Artist Nick Jonas Tapped to Host Nickelodeon's 28th Annual Kids' Choice Awards

Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids and families, has announced and confirmed the exciting news in the following press release, from Business Wire, that multi-talented singer/songwriter and actor Nick Jonas is set to host "Nickelodeon's 28th Annual Kids' Choice Awards", airing live from L.A.'s legendary 'Fabulous' Forum for the first-time ever on Nick USA on Saturday, March 28 (8-9:30 p.m. ET/PT, tape delayed for West Coast)! Jonas, one of the most popular artists with kids, revealed his hosting duties via a video released over Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Click here to view the video announcement.


The 2015 "Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards" will roll out in international markets within hours of airing live in the United States, Canada and Australia, giving kids around the globe the opportunity to tune into their local Nickelodeon channel to enjoy the show. Voting for the 2015 KCAs will span six continents across 19 localized voting sites in addition to Twitter hashtag voting (#KCA) giving kids practically everywhere the chance to decide who takes home a coveted blimp!

Original Nickelodeon Press Release:

Platinum-Selling Artist Nick Jonas Tapped to Host Nickelodeon's 28th Annual Kids' Choice Awards

Show Airs Live Saturday, March 28 at 8pm (ET/PT) from the "Fabulous" Forum in Inglewood, CA.

Photo credit:James Dimmock/Nickelodeon (C)2015 Viacom International, Inc. All Rights Reserved

February 12, 2015 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time



Photo credit: James Dimmock/Nickelodeon (C)2015 Viacom International, Inc. All Rights Reserved

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Multi-talented singer/songwriter and actor Nick Jonas is set to host Nickelodeon's 28th Annual Kids' Choice Awards, live from L.A.'s legendary 'Fabulous' Forum for the first-time ever on Saturday, March 28 (8-9:30 p.m. ET/PT, tape delayed for West Coast). Jonas, one of the most popular artists with kids, revealed his hosting duties via a video released over Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Click here to view the video announcement.

Nick Jonas released his debut self-titled solo album on November 11, 2014 via Island Records. The album's double-platinum smash single "Jealous" soared to the No. 1 position on the U.S. Radio charts, and peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 which set the tone for his sultry second U.S. radio single "Chains." While recording, he was also shooting the gritty television show Kingdom, which was picked up for two additional seasons on DirecTV's Audience Network. Showing no signs of slowing down in 2015, Jonas will be joining Iggy Azalea on her Great Escape tour this April, and will also appear in FOX's upcoming horror comedy series Scream Queens.

Nickelodeon's 28th Annual Kids' Choice Awards is a celebration of kids' favorite stars across the worlds of film, television, sports and music. As only Nickelodeon can, Kids' Choice Awards offers a front-row seat to stunts, slime and celebrities. This year's telecast will premiere across Nickelodeon's three television networks (Nickelodeon, TeenNick, Nicktoons) and stream live on Nick.com and the Nick App. Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 2015 Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards will roll out in international markets within hours of airing live in the United States, Canada and Australia, giving kids around the globe the opportunity to tune into their local Nickelodeon channel to enjoy the show. Voting for the 2015 KCAs will span six continents across 19 localized voting sites in addition to Twitter hashtag voting (#KCA) giving kids practically everywhere the chance to decide who takes home a coveted blimp.

Presenting sponsors of Nickelodeon's 28th Annual Kids' Choice Awards are Amazon Fire HD Kids Edition, General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch™, Gogurt® & Fruit Snacks, Hasbro DohVinci, and Walmart. Associate sponsors are Bounty®, Capri Sun, McDonald's®, Nintendo and Toyota.

Nickelodeon's 28th Annual Kids' Choice Awards is produced by Nickelodeon Productions. Jay Schmalholz, Shelly Sumpter Gillyard and Andrew Llinares are executive producers. Ben Thursby is co-executive producer.

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

Media outlets can access information for Nickelodeon's 28th Annual Kids' Choice Awards by logging onto NickKCApress.com.

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