Tuesday, August 06, 2019

Viacom to Acquire 'Garfield' for Nickelodeon Portfolio

Viacom to Acquire Garfield for Nickelodeon Portfolio

Nick Plans to Develop New Garfield Content for All Platforms and Consumer Products for a New Generation of Fans


Nickelodeon plans to develop new Garfield content for all platforms and consumer products for a new generation of fans. Image Credit: Paws, Inc.

NEW YORK--Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B), through one of its subsidiaries, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Paws, Inc., the entity holding global intellectual property rights to the Garfield and the U.S. Acres (a.k.a. Orson’s Farm) franchises--including corresponding rights related to content, consumer products, and location-based experiences. The acquisition is expected to close in the upcoming weeks.

The acquisition of Garfield is part of Nickelodeon’s strategy to be the home for the biggest franchises kids and families love, and it expands Nickelodeon’s growing portfolio of influential properties that already includes SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the forthcoming Blue’s Clues & You!, the first-ever SpongeBob spinoff, Kamp Koral, and all-new animated Star Trek and Paddington series.

Nickelodeon also recently revived its iconic '90s sketch series All That, as well as partnered with LEGO and YouTube influencer “Ryan,” the central figure in the online series “Ryan ToysReview”, to launch two new series, LEGO City Adventures and Ryan's Mystery Playdate.

Said Nickelodeon’s President, Brian Robbins: “This acquisition marks another step in our evolution toward being kids’ first stop for the best new content and characters, so we’re incredibly happy to have Garfield join our growing roster of globally loved franchises and to introduce this cool cat to a new generation of fans.”


Following completion of the acquisition, Nickelodeon plans to develop a new Garfield animated television series. Global merchandising rights to Garfield will be managed by Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products (VNCP), including the property’s existing portfolio of licensees. Garfield creator Jim Davis will continue to produce the Garfield syndicated comic strip as he has done since creating the lazy feline since 1976. The cartoon has chronicled the life of the eponymous cat, his owner Jon Arbuckle and Odie the dog, as well as various friends. Known for his love of lasagne and coffee and his disdain for Mondays, Garfield has spawned a slew of movies and TV shows - Garfield and Friends in the 1980s and '90s on CBS and the CG-animated The Garfield Show on Cartoon Network from 2009 to 2012 — and a pair of feature films, Garfield: The Movie (2004), a live-action/animated hybrid in which the corpulent cat was wryly voiced by Bill Murray (Ghostbusters), opposite Breckin Meyer’s Jon, and Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties (2006) and three straight-to-video sequels. The property has received four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program for the animated specials Garfield on the Town, Garfield in the Rough, Garfield’s Halloween Special and Garfield’s Babes and Bullets. Garfield and Friends previously aired on Nickelodeon USA between 1997–2000.

“Great content is core to the strength of our brands, and Garfield is a beloved character that continues to be part of the cultural zeitgeist with universal resonance across all ages,” said Sarah Levy, Chief Operating Officer of Viacom Media Networks. "The acquisition of Paws, Inc. provides another opportunity for Viacom to leverage our platforms to extend the global reach of iconic IP.”

Pam Kaufman, President of VNCP, added: “Garfield is a global evergreen franchise that is a natural fit with Nickelodeon and our portfolio of iconic properties. With fans around the globe that span both kids and adults, we are excited to ignite Garfield into a multi-generational consumer products juggernaut and further deliver on VNCP’s ‘Every Age, Every Aisle’ mission.”

Financial terms were not disclosed, but the character is said to generate millions of dollars a year in merchandise alone.

Created by cartoonist Jim Davis, Garfield is the most widely syndicated comic strip in the world (Guinness World Records), and the franchise spawned movies, TV shows, stage shows and merchandise. Garfield has received four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program, and Davis was inducted into the Licensing Hall of Fame in 1998.

Davis said: “I’ve always tried to make people laugh with humor that is classic and appealing to both kids and adults. I’m delighted that Garfield is going to be placed in the capable hands of the folks at Nick. They know how to entertain and will be great stewards for the franchise. I am also excited to continue to do the thing that gets me out of bed every morning…the comic strip!”

In an era when kids are prone to binge-watching their way through one series and moving quickly on to something else, kids’ outlets need to expand their content libraries, said Nickelodeon’s top executive in a recent interview. “I think today we need to make a volume of quality franchises,” Nickelodeon president Brian Robbins told Variety in February. “We need to keep a constant number of new shows coming, and not necessarily make one show with 80 episodes.”

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 40th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).

About Viacom

Viacom creates entertainment experiences that drive conversation and culture around the world. Through television, film, digital media, live events, merchandise and solutions, our brands connect with diverse, young and young at heart audiences in more than 180 countries.

For more information on Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com. Keep up with Viacom news by following us on Twitter (twitter.com/viacom), Facebook (facebook.com/viacom) and LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/viacom).

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More Nick: Nickelodeon Embarks on New Direction with its Biggest, Most Wide-Ranging Content Slate Ever | Nick Upfront 2019!

Based on a Nickelodeon Press Release via Business Wire; H/T: Anime Superhero Forum /@RoyalRubble; Additional sources: @Daffyrocks, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Kidscreen, Animation Magazine, Den of Geek.

Originally published: Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at 18:18 BST.
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BRICKLIVE NEC to Host the Midlands First PAW Patrol Brick Models

BRICKLIVE NEC to host the Midlands first PAW Patrol brick models

PAW Patrol heads to the NEC


PAW Patrol fans will be able to meet their favourite characters this Autumn – as BRICKLIVE in partnership with Nick Jr. hosts the Midlands first PAW Patrol toy brick models. This amazing news follows the recent announcement of BRICKLIVE’s 5 year agreement with Nickelodeon to produce toy brick characters from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr.’s favourite hit TV shows.

The stunning spectacle, featuring 21 of your favourite characters and buildings from the hit Nick Jr. show, will be built by BRICKLIVE from brightly coloured toy bricks and placed in the PAW Patrol Zone between 31 October and 3 November. Are you all ears? Characters Chase, Marshall, Skye and the PAW Patrol gang will take centre stage amongst all the fan favourite BRICKLIVE content.

BRICKLIVE at the NEC - welcoming Nick Jr. as the official Show Partner - will be the first venue in the Midlands to host the official PAW Patrol brick models, with the pups ranging in size from 75cm to 120cm high. The models will also feature a 2m tall Lookout Tower using over 65,000 bricks; and a selfie-zone of Marshall’s Fire Truck using a whopping 160,000 bricks.

A brick-fact-finding mission related to the PAW Patrol models will be running during the 4-day event meaning families will be able to explore their favourite characters and children will be able to enter a free competition once the mission is complete.

Virginia Monaghan, Vice President (VP) Marketing, Commercial and Events, Nickelodeon UK and Northern and Eastern Europe, said: “BRICKLIVE is the perfect partner for creating a new way to celebrate our much loved characters. The scale of the models is so impressive – we can’t wait for PAW Patrol fans to meet the pups’ toy brick counterparts in Birmingham at this world famous exhibition venue, the official Midlands launch for the pups.”



BRICKLIVE in partnership with Nick Jr. will take place from 31 October – 3 November and boasts lots of new and exciting interactive zones around the incredible PAW Patrol zone. New features include BRICKLIVE Ocean, RC Off-road racers, Master Builder workshop and Marble hills to name but a few. Alongside these new zones are fan favourites; Race Ramps, Adventure Mountain, Brick Pits, themed build zones and much, much more. It truly is the ultimate family day out.

People can keep up with the latest BRICKLIVE news by searching #BRICKLIVE on Twitter and Instagram, or join the BRICKLIVE Facebook page for event details and updates. More details of each of the activities will also be listed on www.bricklive.co.uk

© 2019 Spin Master. Viacom International Inc. Copyright © Brick Live Group Limited. All rights reserved. Brick Live Group Limited is an independent producer of BRICKLIVE and is not associated with The LEGO Group. LEGO® is a trademark of LEGO Juris A/S.

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More Nick: Nick Jr. UK to Host 'PAW Patrol' 'PAWSOME SUMMER' Super Fan Event During Summer 2019; 'PAW Patrol' Pop-Up Channel in September 2019!

H/T: Express & Star.
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Igloo Debuts Limited-Edition SpongeBob SquarePants Playmates Coolers

Original Igloo Products Corp. Press Release via Business Wire:

Igloo Debuts Limited-Edition SpongeBob SquarePants Playmates Coolers

Splash into Bikini Bottom with Igloo’s Playmate® collaboration with SpongeBob SquarePants

August 06, 2019 11:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time


KATY, Texas--Igloo Products Corp. (“Igloo”), the industry leader in coolers, is excited to announce their new collaboration with Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products (VNCP) and Nickelodeon’s iconic character, SpongeBob SquarePants. Nickelodeon is commemorating 20 years of SpongeBob SquarePants this year, and in celebration, VNCP is expanding product collaborations for their beloved character.

“For the last 45 years, the trusted Igloo Playmate coolers have evolved to showcase quintessential imagery, colors and graphics. Generations of cooler users have grown to love this iconic ice chest for its grab-and-go convenience and dual-access secure lid opening. Our collaboration with SpongeBob was a perfect match – just like him, Igloo Playmate is known for its iconic and recognizable shape!” said Brad Blankinship, Vice President of Marketing for Igloo Coolers.

With the signature style of the Playmate®, the collaboration features bold graphics that are quintessential to the show:

  • Limited-Edition SpongeBob Rainbow Playmate Elite - 16 QT Cooler
  • Limited-Edition SpongeBob CloseUp Playmate Pal -7 QT Cooler
  • Limited-Edition SpongeBob Surprise Playmate Mini - 4 QT Cooler

Jose Castro, Senior Vice President, Softlines and Global Collaboration, Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products added: “SpongeBob has always been synonymous with celebrations. As we kick off our tribute to 20 years of SpongeBob, fans can truly have the Best Summer Ever with their new limited-edition SpongeBob Igloo cooler.”

This collection will be available for purchase Summer 2019 with select retail partners and at www.igloocoolers.com.

About Igloo Products Corp.

Texas-based Igloo Products Corp. is an international designer, manufacturer, and marketer of coolers, drink containers and supporting accessories. For 70 years, the Igloo brand has been synonymous with quality, durability and innovation since originating the cooler category in 1947 and remains the number one cooler brand worldwide today. Offering more than 500 different products, Igloo products are sold by more than 110 thousand retail storefronts around the world.

About Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products

Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products (VNCP) 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 Network, Paramount Pictures and Comedy Central. With a diverse portfolio spanning animation, preschool, youth and adult licenses, VNCP 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, PAW Patrol and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

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More Nick: Nickelodeon Marks 20 Years of "SpongeBob SquarePants" with the "Best Year Ever"!
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Nickelodeon to Host 'The Casagrandes' Panel & Screening at the 2019 PaleyFest Fall TV Preview in Calif.; Free 'The Casagrandes' Screening in New York

Nickelodeon is set to premiere The Casagrandes, the network's upcoming animated The Loud House spin-off which will follow Ronnie Anne and her chaotic multi-generational family in Great Lakes City, in October 2019, and to celebrate, Nickelodeon will be hosting a special The Casagrandes preview at the 2019 PaleyFest Fall TV Preview Lineup!


The preview, titled "Nickelodeon Presents The Casagrandes: Sunday, September 15, 2019", will take place on Sunday, September 15, 2019, will feature a special early screening of an episode of the new series, and offer a panel with show talent including Izabella Alvarez, Carlos Alazraqui, Sonia Manzano, executive producer Mike Rubiner and supervising directors Alan Foreman and Miguel Puga! The preview will take place at the Paley Center in Beverly Hills, California.

Taking place between September 5-15 at the Paley Center in Beverly Hills, the 13th annual PaleyFest Fall TV Previews will feature new shows from the fall 2019 television season, including CBS’ All Rise, the CW’s Nancy Drew, Spectrum’s Mad About You revival and ABC’s Mixed-ish, as well as returning favorites from broadcast, cable and streaming services.

As an added bonus, the Paley Center in New York will host free PaleyFest Fall TV Previews screenings in Our HD Theater September 6-8, with Nickelodeon hosting a special screening of The Casagrandes on Sunday, September 8, 2019 at 3:45 p.m. Tickets for FREE screenings open for reservations starting at noon ET to Supporting/Fellow/Patron Members of Paley Center and Citi® Cardmembers 8/6 & 8/7; Individual Members and Citi Cardmembers 8/8; General Public 8/9.

“We’re very excited to have the opportunity to showcase the culture, humor and heart of Nickelodeon’s The Casagrandes at PaleyFest Fall TV Previews,” said Rubiner. “The Paley Center for Media is the perfect place to introduce the talented voice actors and production team who bring this series about a multi-generational Mexican-American family to life.”

Below is the full information about Nickelodeon Presents The Casagrandes preview!:

Nickelodeon Presents The Casagrandes: Sunday, September 15, 2019
1 PM: Preview reception
1:30 PM: The Casagrandes preview screening and conversation

Featured talent from The Casagrandes includes:
Izabella Alvarez, “Ronnie Anne Santiago”
Carlos Alazraqui, “Carlos ‘Tio’ Casagrande”
Sonia Manzano, “Rosa ‘Abuela’ Casagrande”
Alan Foreman, Supervising Director
Miguel Puga, Supervising Director
Mike Rubiner, Executive Producer

Tickets to PaleyFest Fall TV Preview Lineup 2019 go on sale to Supporting/Fellow/Patron Members of the Paley Center and Citi® Cardmembers on 8/6 & 8/7; Individual Members and Citi Cardmembers 8/8; General Public 8/9. Includes reception, panel, and screenings.

The Casagrandes will follow Lincoln Loud's best friend Ronnie Anne and her brother Bobby Santiago as they adjust to their new life in Great Lakes City, where they now live with their big, loving and chaotic multi-generational family, the Casagrandes. In the series, Ronnie Anne’s new life promises to be an adventure, especially now that she lives under one roof with her grandparents, aunt, uncle, cousins, and a sass-talking parrot. As if that weren’t enough excitement, she lives over the family-run Mercado, which is a gathering place for everyone in the neighborhood.

The Casagrandes will feature the voice talent of Izabella Alvarez (Westworld) as Ronnie Anne, Carlos PenaVega (Big Time Rush) as Bobby, Carlos Alazraqui (Rocko's Modern Life, The Fairly OddParents) as Carlos, Roxana Ortega (The League) as Frida, Alexa PenaVega (Spy Kids) as Carlota, Jared Kozak (Born this Way) as CJ, Alex Cazares (The Boss Baby: Back in Business) as Carl; Ruben Garfias (East Los High) as Hector, “Abuelo;” Sonia Manzano (Sesame Street) as Rosa, “Abuela;”, Sumalee Montano (Nashville) as Maria, Leah Mei Gold (Legion) as Sid Chang, Lexi Sexton as Adelaide Chang, Eugenio Derbez (Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Overboard) as Dr. Santiago, Ken Jeong (Wonder Park, Dr. Ken) as Mr. Stanley Chang, and Melissa Joan Hart (Clarissa Explains it All, Sabrina the Teenage Witch) as Mrs. Becca Chang.

The Casagrande family was first introduced in the The Loud House special, “The Loudest Mission: Relative Chaos.” The family appeared throughout the third season of The Loud House and recently had a five-episode arc in season four of The Loud House, with crossover episodes also planned in season five. The Casagrande family has helped The Loud House garner acclaim, including two Imagen Awards.

The Casagrande family, along with their pets, also recently moved into the it The Loud House game app, Loud House Ultimate Treehouse.

More Nick: Eugenio Derbez, Ken Jeong and Melissa Joan Hart Join Cast of Nickelodeon’s All-New Animated Series 'The Casagrandes', Premiering October 2019!

Sources: Variety, Deadline.
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