Monday, March 23, 2015

Nickelodeon To Release Episodes Of 2003 Series Of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" On DVD; To Give "Pulverizer Power" DVD Wide Release

TVShowsOnDVD.com is reporting the Turtley Awesome news that, following NickToons USA airing the 2003 series of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", produced by 4Kids Entertainment and Mirage Studios, in December 2014, Nickelodeon will be releasing six episodes of the 2003 series of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" on two DVD's, "NYC Showdown" and "Search for Splinter", on Tuesday 9th June 2015!:
When four pet turtles were bathed in ooze, they began to mutate and became the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Raised in New York City sewers by their foster father and martial-arts Master Splinter, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael wage war against crime. They stop evildoers in all forms, whether barbaric gangs, lowlife crooks, deranged cyborgs, or even the crime syndicate The Foot, led by their archrival, The Shredder.

The search is on in this totally rad value-pack! A Mousers attack has separated the Turtles from their master! But they get more than they bargained for when their search for Splinter leads them to a building connected with their mutation. Also, it's total Turtles action when Leo, Raph, Donnie, and Mikey return to New York with one goal in mind: to destroy the Shredder once and for all. And this battle promises to be a fight to the finish!

The classic 2003 series of the hot Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise returns to DVD with Volume 1 and Volume 2. Each single-disc volume includes 3 first season episodes filled with all the ninja action and comic-book adventure that TMNT fans love...released in time for summer and available at hot, low value pricing!
Additionally, Nickelodeon and Paramount will be giving their "Pulverizer Power" TMNT DVD, was exclusively at Wal-Mart during Summer 2014, a wide release on Tuesday 9th June 2015! The DVD will feature three related Pulverizer-themed episodes from Nickelodeon's hit 2012 "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" series - "The Pulverizer" (Season 1), "The Pulverizer Returns!" (Season 1), and "Mutagen Man Unleashed" (Season 2, featuring a mutated Pulverizer):
It's three episodes packed with non-stop crime-fighting action and hilarity. First, the Turtles encounter their very first fanboy, a teenager who dresses up in a costume to fight crime as...The Pulverizer! Then, The Pulverizer is back, and this time the Turtles actually want his help to battle Shredder and stop him before he creates a mutant army. Finally, Donnie's attempts to invent a cure for the mutated Pulverizer are interrupted when the lovesick teenager escapes and terrorizes April as Mutagen Man!
You can find the cover art for all three of Nickelodeon's upcoming "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" DVD's below:


Additional source: Toon Zone forums member Storm Eagle.
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Viacom International Media Networks Names June Yeoh Senior Director Of International Program Sales For Asia

Original Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Asia Press Release via VIMN Asia's official Pressroom:

VIACOM INTERNATIONAL MEDIA NETWORKS NAMES JUNE YEOH SENIOR DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM SALES FOR ASIA

SINGAPORE, 23 MARCH 2015 – Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) announced today that June Yeoh has been appointed Senior Director of International Program Sales in Asia.


In this position, which she will assume on 7 April 2015, Yeoh will report to Caroline Beaton, VIMN's Senior Vice President for International Program Sales and will be based in Singapore. She will oversee all of VIMN Asia's international program sales across Greater China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia; the company's brand portfolio in Asia includes MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Comedy Central.

"I'm pleased to have June Yeoh return to Viacom given her extensive experience working across different portfolios of the TV industry and her stellar track record of sales success," said Beaton. "We're confident Yeoh will be an invaluable team player as we take our brands and international program sales in Asia to the next level."

Yeoh brings with her more than 12 years of experience in the TV industry, having covered Channel, Content and Distribution. Before joining VIMN, Yeoh was Manager of TV Content Distribution and Format Sales at BBC Worldwide Southeast Asia since 2011. She was responsible for the sales of BBC Worldwide's programs and formats catalogs to all terrestrial, Pay and digital platforms in Southeast Asia. Prior to that, she worked at Bloomberg LP, CNBC International and at MTV Asia.

Yeoh holds an honor's degree in Communications from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

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About Viacom International Media Networks

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is comprised of many of the world's most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, MTV LIVE HD, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, Paramount Channel, and more. Viacom brands are seen globally in more than 3.2 billion households in approximately 170 territories and 37 languages via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties. Keep up with VIMN news by visiting the VIMN PR Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/VIMN_PR. For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com, the Viacom blog at blog.viacom.com and Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/Viacom.

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Viacom International Media Networks Promotes Syahrizan Mansor To Vice President Of Nickelodeon In Asia

Original Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Asia Press Release via VIMN Asia's official Pressroom:


VIACOM INTERNATIONAL MEDIA NETWORKS PROMOTES SYAHRIZAN MANSOR TO NEW ASIA VICE PRESIDENT OF NICKELODEON

SINGAPORE, 19 MARCH 2015 – Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) announced today that Syahrizan Mansor has been promoted to Vice President of Nickelodeon in Asia.


In this position, which she assumes with immediate effect, Syahrizan will be responsible for the Nickelodeon Brand across Greater China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. She reports to Mark Whitehead, VIMN's Executive Vice President and Managing Director for Asia and is based in Singapore.

"Syahrizan's strategic programming and acquisition decisions, creative and engaging on-air promotional work over the years have really contributed to the growth of Nickelodeon. I'm thrilled she will now bring the same creative energy and experience into her new role as we continue to grow the Nickelodeon Brand in Asia, which still has significant scope to expand its presence in Asia," said Whitehead.

A 15-year veteran in VIMN and with nearly two decades of experience in the TV industry, Syahrizan was most recently the Senior Director of Programming for Nickelodeon Asia, where she was responsible for programming, acquisitions and on-air promotions for Southeast Asia channels on both Pay TV and free-to-air platforms. Before joining VIMN, Syahrizan was with MediaCorp's previous TV12 in Singapore.

Syahrizan holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from Murdoch University, Australia.

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About Viacom International Media Networks

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is comprised of many of the world's most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, MTV LIVE HD, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, Paramount Channel, and more. Viacom brands are seen globally in more than 3.2 billion households in approximately 170 territories and 37 languages via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties. Keep up with VIMN news by visiting the VIMN PR Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/VIMN_PR. For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com, the Viacom blog at blog.viacom.com and Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/Viacom.

[...]

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Kerry Taylor Appointed As Viacom International Media Networks UK's First Ever Chief Marketing Officer

Original Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) UK and Ireland Press Release via the Viacom UK and Ireland Press Centre:


KERRY TAYLOR APPOINTED AS VIMN UK'S FIRST CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

MTV UK's Jo Bacon to lead Channel 5 rebrand reporting to Taylor

Tweet this: MTV's Kerry Taylor and Jo Bacon to oversee Channel 5 rebrand


London, 19th March 2015 – Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has appointed Kerry Taylor as the first ever Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for its operations managed out of the UK, with an immediate brief to oversee a creative rebranding of Channel 5 during the course of 2015.

The company has also confirmed the appointment of Jo Bacon, MTV UK's VP, Marketing and Communications, to take on additional responsibility for marketing at Channel 5, and lead the planning and execution of the rebrand reporting to Taylor.

Joint has been appointed as strategic agency for the rebrand of Channel 5.

Taylor and Bacon will work closely with Channel 5's Chief Operating Officer, Paul Dunthorne, and Programme Director, Ben Frow, on the rebrand, which follows the completion of VIMN's takeover of Channel 5 and is scheduled to be delivered by the end of the year. Channel 5 has performed strongly under its new ownership; it was the only major commercial free-to-air network to grow share of viewing amongst all individuals, 16-34s and ABC1s in 2014 and also year-to-date in 2015.

David Lynn, President of VIMN UK, Australia and Central and Eastern Europe, said: "Kerry is Viacom's outstanding UK-based marketer and her and Jo's appointment to oversee the rebrand of Channel 5 demonstrates how we're combining the best talent and assets of both businesses. Their task will be to capture changing perceptions about the brand amongst lighter viewers as Channel 5 continues to improve programme range and quality and its ratings performance under Ben's direction."

As Chief Marketing Officer for VIMN's pan-regional operations managed out of the UK, reporting to Lynn, Taylor will additionally have marketing oversight of VIMN's pay TV brands – Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Channel, Spike and BET – in more than 30 countries, including the UK and Ireland, Russia, Hungary and Australia.

About Kerry Taylor

As SVP, General Manager, MTV for VIMN UK, Kerry Taylor has successfully managed the evolution of the core MTV channel to offer a mix of music and general entertainment programming, while expanding MTV's bouquet of music channels.

As a result of changing its programming mix, the core MTV channel more than doubled its average audience amongst 16-34s in the UK between 2010 and 2014 and was named Entertainment Channel of the Year at the Broadcast Digital Awards in 2012. MTV UK's growth has been driven by an increasing number of original productions commissioned by Taylor and her team, including reality series, Geordie Shore and Ex on the Beach.

Under Taylor's stewardship, MTV's portfolio of music channels has also expanded and, in 2014, was the UK's most popular music broadcaster for the seventh year running.

Taylor first joined MTV's parent company, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), as Vice President, Marketing, Creative & Consumer Press for MTV UK & Ireland in September 2007. In this role, she successfully spearheaded the launch of entertainment channel VIVA on the Freeview platform, via a high profile marketing campaign ('Up Your Viva'). Prior to joining MTV, Taylor was Director, Marketing & On-Air for Living TV, Bravo, Challenge and Trouble at Virgin Media. During this time, she played a key role in repositioning Living TV, which resulted in the channel being awarded Broadcast Channel of the Year in 2006. She has also worked at the BBC and for Star TV in Hong Kong.

About Jo Bacon

Jo Bacon joined VIMN as VP, Marketing and Communications for MTV UK in January 2012 and has helped oversee one of the most successful periods in its history, with the core MTV channel more than doubling its average audience amongst 16-34s between 2010 and 2014. Bacon's MTV UK marketing team was named Best In-house Social Media team at the Social Media Communications Awards in 2013.

Prior to joining MTV UK, Bacon was Head of Content and Client Services Director at Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R between 2003 and 2011, where she led the multi award-winning BBC account as Business Director with responsibility for all pan-BBC marketing initiatives including the Olympics 2012 campaigns and the launch of the BBC iPlayer. She also ran global businesses including Bacardi and Virgin.

About VIMN

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), is comprised of many of the world's most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Channel, Channel 5 in the UK, VH1, VIVA, COLORS, Spike, Game One and Tr3s: MTV, Música y Más. Viacom brands are seen globally in more than 3.2 billion households in approximately 170 territories and 40 languages via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties. Keep up with VIMN news by visiting the VIMN PR Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/VIMN_PR.

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First Look At Mitchell Kriegman's Brand-New "Clarissa Explains It All" Book "Things I Can't Explain"

To celebrate the 24th anniversary of Nickelodeon USA premiering the very first episode of the hit Classic Nickelodeon series "Clarissa Explains It All" on 23rd March 1991, Entertainment Weekly has unveiled a exclusive first look at "Things I Can't Explain", the upcoming novel that follows heroine Clarissa Darling as a woman in her mid-twenties. In addition to the exclusive cover reveal, EW held a exclusive interview with author and "Clarissa" creator Mitchell Kriegman, who hints as to what we should expect from "Clarissa" — and that what she goes through in the book is a lot darker than anyone we saw on the Nickelodeon show!:
Take a first look at the grown-up Clarissa Darling novel 'Things I Can't Explain'

It's fitting that on the 24th anniversary of the first airing of Clarissa Explains It All we get a first look at Things I Can't Explain, the upcoming novel that follows Clarissa Darling as a woman in her mid-twenties. In addition to the exclusive cover reveal below, author and Clarissa creator Mitchell Kriegman gives us hints as to what we should expect from Clarissa—and what she goes through is a lot darker than anyone we saw on the Nickelodeon show.


What year will it be in the new novel?

The new novel—Things I Can't Explain—takes place in the present. The novel picks up Clarissa's life in her mid-twenties because it's the most interesting moment to see where she’s been and where she's going. It's why I say it's a re-imagining of Clarissa. Things I Can't Explain resets her story from a new moment.

I know the pop culture freaks and math geeks out there will pull out their calculators and say Clarissa would be older. After all Melissa has grown up and is—well—in my imagination she's still 14. Although I quite like talking to her these days. She's got it all together.

Clarissa was always a forward thinker. (I remember those self-programmed computer games!) How will she adopt new technologies or trends to express herself?

Clarissa was so far ahead of the curve that she's not particularly obsessed with her tech. She partakes and all her girlfriends certainly do. It's not a backlash or anything, but there's a bit of a Luddite in her, a love of old things—like actual newspapers made of ink and wood pulp, but she's pragmatic. The book fills in the historical background. Sam, it turns out is the really old-fashioned one when it comes to new tech.

Are there adult problems that fans of the '90s show will be surprised to see Clarissa go through?

That's all she goes through. The tween years, which Clarissa was pretty good at explaining, are long gone and she's entered the world of new issues that are pretty unexplainable. Those adult problems looked way simpler from at fourteen-year-old girl perspective. After all fourteen-year-old girls know everything. That said—who actually grows up anymore? Or at least who doesn't think that deep down inside their chewy center they aren't still a kid?

Ferguson's future either looked amazing (business tycoon?) or abysmal. What's going on with him?

Yep, it's either amazing or abysmal. Actually it's both. Ferg has a pretty big arc in this book. He's almost reborn in a way. I can't wait to see what happens to him next.

Where is Sam?

That's a damn good question. We all want to know! Most of all Clarissa. It's definitely a mystery. But for now I'd say there's a lot of Sam in this book in ways that are pretty meaningful. I've been interested for a long time in what Sam was thinking all those years and I think we'll finally get a deeper sense of that.

Also, a bonus question: People have been fascinated by the fact that Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins wrote for Clarissa. Was there any indication back then that she'd become this YA superstar?

Suzanne Collins was always Suzanne Collins—it's incredibly flattering that people make the causal connection between Clarissa and Katniss. I once saw some fan fiction that envisioned Clarissa as a superhero and that kind of opened my mind to the connection fans have in mind. But I pretty much think we were all lucky to have worked with Suzanne and all the credit for her success belongs to her! But I do have to admit, I hope Suzanne finds time to read this book! I'm pretty much officially dying to know what she thinks of it!
A huge Happy Birthday to the cast and crew to "Clarissa Explains It All"!

To celebrate, I've embedded a couple of fantastic "Clarissa Explains It All" videos below for everyone to enjoy!:

Clarissa Explains it All (1991) Season One Opening Theme:



Behind the Scenes of Clarissa Explains It All at Nickelodeon Studios in Orlando at Universal Studios, Florida (1993):


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Televisa Picks Up Over 496 Hours Of Nickelodeon Content

Bella and her Bulldog teammates are headed to Mexico, courtesy of a multi-series package deal between Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) and the Mexican free-to-air (FTA) broadcaster Televisa!


Televisa has picked up the rights to the first season of "Bella and the Bulldogs" as part of the larger deal, which will see Televisa airing more than 496 hours of Nickelodeon content across their network starting April 2015!

The deal includes hit Nickelodeon animated series "Penguins of Madagascar" (season two), "Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (season three), as well as "SpongeBob SquarePants", "Dora the Explorer" and "The Fairly OddParents", and live-action shows, including the first seasons of "Sam & Cat", "Haunted Hathaways", "Henry Danger" and "Max & Shred". Televisa will also air "The Thundermans" seasons one and two, "iCarly" season four, and the Nickelodeon original TV movies "Tripwrecked", "Fairly Odd Summer", "Splitting Adam" and "Santa Hunter's Holiday Movie" ("Santa Hunter's").

Sources: Kidscreen, TV Kids.
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Meet Sun Hi, Corki, Jodi And Caleb From Nickelodeon's Brand-New Show "Make It Pop"

To celebrate Nickelodeon USA starting to premiere and show the networks brand-new original comedy series "Make It Pop" weekdays at 7:00pm (ET/PT) from Monday 6th April 2015 in a special one-month event, Nick USA has unveiled four fantastic "Make It Pop" videos featuring each character in Nick's all-new show introducing themselves, which you can watch in the online streaming video clips below!

Make It Pop | Sun Hi Selfie | Nick



Meet Sun Hi, a girl bound and determined to be music’s next superstar. And her bandmates can come along for the ride too, I guess. See how it all pans out on the premiere of Make It Pop, coming April 6 at 7/6c on Nickelodeon USA!

Make It Pop | Corki Selfie | Nick



Meet Corki—she’s shy, studious, and she’s got a secret crush. Learn all about it on Make It Pop, premiering April 6 at 7/c on Nickelodeon USA!

Make It Pop | Jodi Selfie | Nick



Meet Jodi, a fashion designer, dancer, and XO-IQ member. She doesn’t know what’s the band will get in to next, but she promises that whatever it is, they’re going to look good doing it. Don’t miss the premiere of Make It Pop, April 6 at 7/c on Nickelodeon USA!

Make It Pop | Caleb Selfie | Nick



Caleb Davis is the literal heartbeat of XO-IQ, and, luckily for him, what he lacks in smoothness, he makes up for in rhythm. Don’t miss the premiere of Make It Pop, April 6 at 7/c on Nickelodeon USA!


Pictured: (L-R) Jodi (Louriza Tronco), Sun Hi (Meghan Lee) and Corki (Erika Tham) in the new live-action series, Make It Pop, coming to Nickelodeon in the 2015-16 season. Photo Credit: Nickelodeon. ©2015 Viacom International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Meet Sun Hi, Jodi and Corki - three very different girls living in one shared room. Don’t miss the premiere of Make It Pop, premiering April 6 at 7/6c on Nickelodeon, the home of the Kids' Choice Awards!

"Make It Pop" is a brand-new comedic, music-infused daily strip about three unique girls who come together to start their own K pop- inspired band. Randomly selected to room together at boarding school, three freshman girls – bookish Corki (Erika Tham), fashion forward Jodi (Louriza Tronco), and social media maven Sun Hi (Megan Lee) – meet and bond over music. With the help of fellow boarding school classmate and DJ hopeful, Caleb (Dale Whibley), the girls grow from roommates to bandmates as their band, "XO-IQ", becomes a school-wide sensation and they compete for a place in the upcoming school musical.

The series, which will feature original songs and performances in every episode, is co-created by Thomas W. Lynch and Nick Cannon and produced by DHX Media. "Make It Pop" is executive produced by Lynch and Cannon, together with Steven DeNure and Anne Loi for DHX Media. DHX Media will also handle global distribution and brand management for "Make It Pop", as well as merchandising and licensing through appointed agency, Copyright Promotions Licensing Group Ltd. (CPLG).

YTV in Canada will debut the series during Summer 2015.
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Karisma Hotels & Resorts and Viacom International Media Networks Sign Landmark Agreement to Develop Nickelodeon Hotels

Original Nickelodeon, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) and Karisma Hotels & Resorts Press Release via Business Wire:

Karisma Hotels & Resorts and Viacom International Media Networks Sign Landmark Agreement to Develop Nickelodeon Hotels

Luxurious Family-Friendly Hotel Collection to Deliver Nickelodeon-Style Vacations, Debuting with Properties in the Dominican Republic and Mexico

March 23, 2015 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time


MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Karisma Hotels & Resorts and Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ:VIAB) (NASDAQ:VIA), are pleased to announce the signing of a landmark agreement to develop Nickelodeon Hotels1. A Gourmet Inclusive® collection of luxurious family-friendly properties, Nickelodeon Hotels will represent the first and only international hotels for Nickelodeon, one of the most globally recognized and widely distributed multimedia brands for kids.

The milestone deal includes plans to debut Nickelodeon Hotels with the opening of Nickelodeon Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic in late 2016. A second Nickelodeon Hotel will open in Mexico shortly thereafter. Karisma Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning luxury hotel collection, which owns and manages properties in Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe.

"We are ecstatic to partner with Viacom International Media Networks on the creation of Nickelodeon Hotels, a collection that will embody our shared commitment to deliver family-friendly experiences that are as fun as they are unforgettable," said Mandy Chomat, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Karisma Hotels & Resorts. "Karisma Hotels & Resorts' focus on elevated carefree vacations and exceptional service combined with the adventurous spirit and playfulness that define Nickelodeon are sure to make Nickelodeon Hotels destinations unlike any other for guests of all ages."

Nickelodeon Hotels will feature the Gourmet Inclusive® Experience, a vacation carefully catered to guests that prefer quality over quantity. From the presence of favorite Nickelodeon characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to resort attractions and entertainment, Nickelodeon Hotels will be the ultimate upscale spot for memory making, family vacations. Accommodations at Nickelodeon Hotels will be spacious and relaxing, easily welcoming families of all sizes into a comfortable and luxurious retreat.

"We are eager for our fans to experience Nickelodeon Hotels, which we are confident will raise the bar for family vacations and incredible fun in coveted tropical destinations," said Gerald Raines, Senior Vice President, Global Nickelodeon Recreation Partnerships. "Our agreement to develop Nickelodeon Hotels with Karisma Hotels & Resorts gives us an opportunity to expand upon our existing partnership and to provide an all-encompassing Nickelodeon style-experience that the entire family can engage in and enjoy."

Nickelodeon Hotels is the second offering from partners, Karisma Hotels & Resorts and Viacom. It follows news of the Nickelodeon Experience at Azul Hotels, by Karisma, debuting at Azul Beach Hotel, Azul Sensatori Hotel, and Azul Fives Hotel in the Riviera Maya, Mexico in summer 2015.

To stay updated and learn more about Nickelodeon Hotels and the Nickelodeon Vacation Experiences at Azul Hotels by Karisma, please visit www.karismahotels.com.

About Karisma Hotels & Resorts:

Karisma Hotels & Resorts, an award-winning luxury hotel collection which owns and manages properties in Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe, comprises an impressive portfolio including El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, Azul Hotels & Villas by Karisma, Generations Resorts by Karisma, Allure Hotels by Karisma and Karisma Hotels Adriatic. Properties have been honored with the industry's top accolades including Conde Nast Traveler's "Top 100 Hotels in the World," Conde Nast Traveler's "Top 30 Hotels in Cancun," TripAdvisor® Traveler's Choice "Best Hotels for Romance," and AAA's "Four Diamond Award." Karisma has received worldwide recognition for its creative approach to hospitality management and product innovations. For reservations and a full list of Karisma properties, please visit www.karismahotels.com.

About Nickelodeon:

Nickelodeon is one of the most globally recognized and widely distributed multimedia entertainment brands for kids and family. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company's portfolio includes television programming and production around the world, plus special events, consumer products, digital offerings, recreation, books, feature films and pro-social initiatives. Nickelodeon's brands reach 1.1 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 160 countries and territories, via more than 80+ locally programmed channels and branded blocks. Outside of the United States, Nickelodeon is part of Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

About Viacom International Media Networks:

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), is comprised of many of the world's most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Channel, Channel 5 in the UK, VH1, VIVA, COLORS, Spike, Game One and Tr3s: MTV, Música y Más. Viacom brands are seen globally in more than 3.2 billion households in approximately 170 territories and 40 languages via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties. Keep up with VIMN news by visiting www.twitter.com/VIMN_PR.

1 "Nickelodeon Hotels" is a working title.

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Azul Hotels by Karisma Introduces Nickelodeon Experience

Original Nickelodeon, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) and Karisma Hotels & Resorts Press Release via Business Wire:

Azul Hotels by Karisma Introduces Nickelodeon Experience

Gourmet Inclusive® Resorts Attract Favorite Nickelodeon Characters to Paradise for Special Vacation Experiences that Excite Kids and Families

March 23, 2015 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time


MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Karisma Hotels & Resorts is pleased to introduce the Nickelodeon Experience at Azul Hotels by Karisma, a premier collection of family-friendly Gourmet Inclusive® properties in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Debuting at Azul Hotels by Karisma in summer 2015, the Nickelodeon Experience – representing a landmark collaboration between Nickelodeon, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ:VIAB) (NASDAQ:VIA), and Karisma Hotels & Resorts – will bring playful twists to unforgettable family vacations.

With the Nickelodeon Experience, parents will have the chance to be heroes to their kids, giving them a unique opportunity to see Nickelodeon characters including Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The journey will begin with custom kids' check-ins, Nickelodeon Concierges, a Nick Toy Lending Library, and special Nickelodeon themed amenities and will continue with character dining opportunities, character meet and greets, and the themed Azulitos Playhouse by Nickelodeon.


"We are thrilled to partner with Azul Hotels by Karisma to bring upscale fun to all ages," said Gerald Raines, Senior Vice President, Global Nickelodeon Recreation Partnerships. "The touch points and authenticity behind Karisma's Gourmet Inclusive® vacations combined with Nickelodeon's iconic characters are sure to make for lots of laughs and quality time among families."

"Nickelodeon is a favorite of families around the world and we are very excited to present unique ways for kids and their parents to embark on vacation adventures alongside Dora, Boots, SpongeBob, Patrick, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," said Rafael Feliz Jr., Corporate Brand Manager at Karisma Hotels & Resorts. "The Gourmet Inclusive® Experience at Azul Hotels by Karisma is centered on creating memorable moments. We can't wait to take it to the next level, mixing special with silly to satisfy every craving."


Playfulness in Paradise

Prepare to start playing upon arrival. Kids will be handed a Slime smoothie and will be happily entertained with an iPad that enables them to journey through the Nickelodeon Experience, and play games. All the while, parents may check-in while enjoying a complimentary glass of champagne and cool towel.

Throughout their stays, guests may find themselves face-to-face with SpongeBob SquarePants or Dora the Explorer, high-fiving Michelangelo on the way to the pool, and catching a glimpse of Boots or Patrick while waiting to be seated for dinner. Such surprise encounters will keep kids on their toes and smiling throughout their stays. Further, scheduled Meet & Greets and Photo Opps will be available for private bookings and once weekly on the Nickelodeon Orange Carpet.

Nick Knack Packs

Families will have the opportunity to purchase Nick Knack Packs upon booking their stays for an additional fee. The Nick Knack Packs will include a variety of branded, age appropriate products that enhance the kids overall experience. Plus, parents will feel at home as these elements will be incorporated in a modern way, perfectly pairing Nickelodeon's brand with the luxury feel of Azul Hotels by Karisma.

Foodie Fun with Friends

Who says you can't play with your food? The Nickelodeon Experience will include an array of innovative and downright funny food and beverage options. Featuring quality ingredients and a la carte dining – cornerstones of the Gourmet Inclusive® Experience at Azul Hotels – each themed restaurant will reflect the brand with unexpected colors, imaginative food samples, Slime Smoothies, and characters realized through tropical fruits and vegetables. Families will be able to sign up for special Character Breakfasts where adults and children alike can enjoy a nutritious, fun breakfast while dancing and taking photos with SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. A great way to start the day at Azul Hotels by Karisma!


Azul Parties Featuring Your Favorite Characters

Guests celebrating something special will have the option to add a Nickelodeon twist to any event, from birthday parties and family reunions to weddings. Nick Concierges can ask guests' favorite characters to make an appearance as part of an existing celebration to create an extraordinary Azul Party featuring Dora the Explorer, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, or SpongeBob SquarePants. Following a brief performance to their theme songs, characters will meet and greet with all party guests. Azul Parties can be booked for an additional fee.

Azulitos Playhouse by Nickelodeon

Home base for the Nickelodeon Experience at Azul Hotels will be the Azulitos Playhouse by Nickelodeon, offering a kids club that includes multi-purpose rooms, favorite characters, signature activities, themed water play areas, and modern playground structures with rope climbs, jungle gyms, and teeter totters. Azulitos Playhouse staff will be expertly trained in the Nickelodeon way, ensuring indoor and outdoor surprises for kids of all ages.

Azul Hotels by Karisma will also offer Nickelodeon retail shops, where parents and kids can find their favorite Nickelodeon products, including vacation essentials and memorable mementos, perfect for take home souvenirs for friends and family back home.


A collection of Gourmet Inclusive® properties in the Riviera Maya, Mexico, Azul Hotels by Karisma, comprised of Azul Beach Hotel, Azul Sensatori Mexico, and Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma, are designed to keep all members of the family happy and engaged. Providing something for everyone, Azul Hotels by Karisma boast kids and teen clubs, splash parks, movie nights with popcorn, suites for two adults and three young children, guaranteed connecting suites for older kids, adults-only swimming and lounging areas, and nightly entertainment.

Standard rates at Azul Hotels by Karisma begin at $309 per adult, per night with two children including the Gourmet Inclusive® Experience with complete a la carte dining, premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, full-service concierge, and 24-hour room service. A la carte pricing for select elements of the Nickelodeon Experience starts at $250 for private birthday parties (up to 10 people), $145 for weddings and other private group events, $49 per person for Nick Knack Packs, and $17 per person for character breakfasts.

Reservations can be booked through a GI Vacation Consultant, or by calling Azul Hotels at 1-866-527-4762, or by visiting www.karismahotels.com.

To stay updated and learn more about the Nickelodeon Experience at Azul Hotels by Karisma, debuting in summer 2015, please visit: www.karismahotels.com/nickelodeonexperience.

About Karisma Hotels & Resorts:

Karisma Hotels & Resorts, an award-winning luxury hotel collection which owns and manages properties in Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe, comprises an impressive portfolio including El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, Azul Hotels & Villas by Karisma, Generations Resorts by Karisma, Allure Hotels by Karisma and Karisma Hotels Adriatic. Properties have been honored with the industry's top accolades including Conde Nast Traveler's "Top 100 Hotels in the World," Conde Nast Traveler's "Top 30 Hotels in Cancun," TripAdvisor® Traveler's Choice "Best Family Resort in the World," and "Best Hotels for Romance," and AAA's "Four Diamond Award." Karisma has received worldwide recognition for its creative approach to hospitality management and product innovations. For reservations and a full list of Karisma properties, please visit www.karismahotels.com.

About Nickelodeon:

Nickelodeon is one of the most globally recognized and widely distributed multimedia entertainment brands for kids and family. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company's portfolio includes television programming and production around the world, plus special events, consumer products, digital offerings, recreation, books, feature films and pro-social initiatives. Nickelodeon's brands reach 1.1 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 160 countries and territories, via more than 80+ locally programmed channels and branded blocks. Outside of the United States, Nickelodeon is part of Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

About Viacom International Media Networks:

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ:VIAB, VIA), is comprised of many of the world's most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Channel, Channel 5 in the UK, VH1, VIVA, COLORS, Spike, Game One and Tr3s: MTV, Música y Más. Viacom brands are seen globally in more than 3.2 billion households in approximately 170 territories and 40 languages via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties. Keep up with VIMN news by visiting www.twitter.com/VIMN_PR.

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