Wednesday, November 20, 2019

MTV’s 2020 +1theVote Campaign Harnesses the Power of Friendship to Ignite the Country’s Largest Voting Bloc

MTV’s 2020 +1theVote Campaign Harnesses the Power of Friendship to Ignite the Country’s Largest Voting Bloc

Campaign sets sights on the 60% of eligible voters who have never been invited to register

Initiative marks first national effort to open new polling sites on college campuses and in local communities

Find out more: plus1thevote.com

November 19, 2019 10:57 AM Eastern Standard Time


NEW YORK--MTV is harnessing the power of friendship to ignite the most powerful voting bloc in the country. The global youth brand, whose impact on youth turnout dates back to “Choose or Lose,” today announced its 2020 +1theVote campaign. This year-long initiative will target first-time voters – including the four million who will turn 18 before the election – to help make voting a part of their personal identity and an experience to be shared with friends.

MTV’s +1theVote builds on its successful 2018 midterm campaign, which unleashed a powerful coalition of talent, nonprofit and corporate partners that encouraged young people to vote with a friend. Two months post-launch, the AP cited a 20% increase in young people who were “extremely likely” to bring a friend to the polls.

The campaign also marks the first national effort to open new polling sites across the country on college campuses and in local communities.

“It’s astounding that tens of millions of eligible voters have never been invited to register,” said Brianna Cayo Cotter, MTV’s Senior Vice President, Social Impact. “We know that once people vote 2-3 times, it becomes a habit and our goal is to celebrate this coming of age ritual and turn them into lifelong voters.”

Gen Z and Millennials have an opportunity to outnumber the Boomer generation for the first time in a presidential election. As the most-watched non-sports U.S. cable network in primetime with 18-34 year-olds, MTV will use all of its platforms – linear, digital, social and live events – to reach them through the following programs:

  • +1 AMBASSADORS: MTV will partner with artists and influencers who will be voting in their first Presidential election to inspire their fans to register and vote. Confirmed Artists include: AJ Mitchell, Lil Tjay, Polo G, PRETTYMUCH, Why Don’t We, and Yvng Swag.
  • +1 THE SHOWS: Together with leading civic engagement experts, MTV has developed a first-of-its-kind workshop to support content creators in effectively integrating voting messages into their programming. MTV is working with Creative Artists Agency’s Foundation to make that training available across the industry.
  • +1 THE PROMS: In partnership with When We All Vote, Rent the Runway, artists, and other brands, MTV will sponsor high school proms hosting innovative registration drives as part of their big night.
  • +1 THE LINES: Through a partnership with HeadCount, MTV will register first-time voters in line across MTV’s wide footprint of events including the VMAs, Movie & TV Awards and SnowGlobe, a three-day music festival, as well as tapings of from Wild ‘N Out to Singled Out.
  • +1 THE POLLS: In conjunction with the Alliance for Youth Organizing, Campus Vote Project, and Students Learn Students Vote, MTV will launch the first-ever national effort to open polling sites in county jails and on college campuses to give voters easier access to the polls.


Additionally, MTV is reimagining the voting experience at the polls by creating installations and events to make the moment more memorable and social.

Digital animation here, download here
Hi-res photos here

ABOUT MTV

MTV is the leading global youth media brand in 180 countries, reaching 450 million households in nearly 30 different languages across every platform. A unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), MTV operations span cable and mobile networks, live events, theatrical films and MTV Studios

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

Press release via Business Wire; H/T: Reuters, BusinessGhana.
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Ariana Grande, Matt Bennett and Elizabeth Gillies Host Mini 'Victorious' Reunion

It's a Victorious reunion!


Ariana Grande reunited with her former co-stars Elizabeth Gillies and Matt Bennett during her Sweetener Tour stop in Atlanta on Tuesday, November 19!

The 26-year-old singer and the 26-year-old actor threw it back to their Nickelodeon days by performing their hit "Give It Up" from the show. Bennett sang "I Think You're Swell" from the series live on stage, and fans lost it.

"The best moment of my life @lizgillz," Grande wrote on Instagram Stories alongside footage of their duet.

Bennett, 28, also took the State Farm Arena stage to play a little guitar.

Gillies and Bennett joined Grande again during her finale performance of "Thank U, Next", in which the trio walked alongside each other, and the three posed together backstage.

The celebs also posted photos of the mini-reunion on Instagram.

"I love u forever," Grande wrote underneath Gillies' pic. "U sang sang sang."

"The most special show to me yet. Truly," Grande wrote on her Twitter. "Love u. This was too much to process and don’t know what to say yet but so grateful and thrilled. Love u forever @LizGillies @MattBennett."

Back on Instagram Stories, Grande also sent her love to her other Victorious costars who couldn't make it, tagging Victoria Justice, Leon Thomas, Daniella Monet, and Avan Jogia. "Look how special this is," she wrote. "We love you and wish you all could have been here tonight."

Needless to say, fans were pretty excited to see the stars back together.

Liam Hemsworth's (Ghostbusters: Answer the Call) new girlfriend Maddison Brown was in the crowd and shared her own photo from the night on her Instagram. Brown and Gillies are co-stars on The CW's Dynasty, which shoots in Atlanta. "LIVING LEGENDS" the actor wrote on Instagram.

After all, it had been a while since viewers saw these three together.

Prior to the show, Grande teased on her Twitter that something big was happening at her Atlanta Sweetener concert last night, and she wasn't overselling it.

As fans will recall, Grande played Cat Valentine on the hit Nickelodeon comedy series while Gillies played Jade West. As for Bennett, he played Robbie Shapiro.

The show ran from 2010 to 2013.

Watch the videos to see footage of the reunion and enjoy the trip down memory lane!





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liz was on stage for thank u, next i am crying

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GUYS THIS IS THE GREATEST THING TO EVER HAPPEN

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As a reminder, Ariana Grande and Elizabeth Gillies originally sang "Give It Up" on Victorious NINE years ago! It's crazy to see how far they've both come:


And here's a throwback of Bennett's character serenading Grande's character with "I Think You're Swell":


ICYMI: Victorious is now available on Netflix!

From MTV News:

ARIANA GRANDE MADE IT SHINE WITH A VICTORIOUS REUNION AT HER ATLANTA SHOW

SEE HER PERFORM ALONGSIDE LIZ GILLIES AND MATT BENNETT <3 Earlier this month, Netflix added all four seasons of Victorious to its streaming platform, giving fans of the beloved Nickelodeon series a surprise blast from the past. But on Tuesday night (November 19), Ariana Grande kicked the nostalgia up a few notches by staging a mini Victorious reunion that proves the Hollywood Arts High alumni have still got it. At the Atlanta stop of her Sweetener World Tour, Ari welcomed former co-stars Elizabeth Gillies (Jade) and Matt Bennett (Robbie) to the stage for a pair of special duets. The real showstopper was her and Gillies reprising their epic banger "Give It Up," which, yes, still slaps. Watch them belt those high notes in the fan-shot clips [above]. "The best moment of my life @lizgillz," Grande wrote on Instagram alongside footage of their performance. As for Bennett, he jammed out to the Victorious theme song, "Make It Shine," with fans in the pit, before getting onstage to sing "I Think You're Swell" with Grande. It was, indeed, swell.

Gillies and Bennett, of course, are still tight with Grande — they both made cameos in her "thank u, next" video last year. And at Tuesday's show, they joined their Grammy-nominated BFF onstage for her encore performance of the chart-topper.

Grande's Atlanta show was a big deal, as it marked her return to the stage after falling ill and canceling her November 17 show in Lexington, Kentucky. Thankfully, she seemed to be feeling much better in ATL, so fingers crossed she makes it through the final few weeks of her tour happy and healthy.

And before you go, here's a cute snap of Cat, Robbie, and Jade, for all your nostalgic pleasure.


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More Nick: Nickelodeon Reportedly in Talks with Jamie Lynn Spears to Revive 'Zoey 101'!

Source: E! News, ELLE, Seventeen.com; Additional source: Wikipedia; H/T: Special thanks to @NotMrNostalgia for the news!
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon, NickRewind and Victorious News and Highlights!

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Announces Key Leadership Changes, Elevates OTT and Studio Businesses

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Announces Key Leadership Changes, Elevates OTT and Studio Businesses

Pierluigi Gazzolo, Appointed President, OTT International & Viacom International Studios

Juan “JC” Acosta Promoted to President of VIMN Americas

November 20, 2019 01:00 PM Eastern Standard Time


MIAMI--Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) announced today that Pierluigi Gazzolo, President of VIMN Americas and Executive Vice President of Nickelodeon International, has been appointed President of OTT International and Viacom International Studios (VIS), signalling the increasing importance of VIMN’s OTT and Studio businesses. Gazzolo will report to David Lynn, President & CEO of VIMN.

In this role, Gazzolo will initially focus on accelerating the rollout of Pluto TV across international markets, starting with a major launch across Latin America in early 2020. In addition, Gazzolo will further establish VIMN’s premium D2C products in partnership with distributors. He will also be responsible for creating an integrated Viacom International Studios operation, managing original content creation assets across ViacomCBS internationally. This new structure will enable the company to accelerate the creation of original content across international markets, consistent with the ViacomCBS mission of becoming one of the world’s pre-eminent content companies.

Gazzolo will be responsible for establishing Viacom’s international business strategies, product offerings and operations for these critical growth areas of the business in all international markets. He will work closely with Marc DeBevoise, Chief Digital Officer for ViacomCBS and President and Chief Executive Officer of CBS Interactive and Tom Ryan, CEO and Co-Founder of Pluto TV to expand the company’s digital strategy to the international market.

As President of VIMN Americas, Gazzolo is credited for driving the extraordinary growth of VIMN’s business in the region and was responsible for the expansion of the business through the acquisition of Telefe and Porta dos Fundos. During his tenure, Gazzolo led the transformation of VIMN Americas, including establishing its non-linear presence through innovative multiplatform products and services such as Paramount + and Noggin and working with the Pluto TV team to launch 11 Pluto Latino channels to the US Hispanic market earlier this year – which has since grown to 22 channels and 4,000 hours of Spanish and Portuguese content.

Under Gazzolo’ s leadership, Viacom International Studios (VIS) was launched following the 2016 acquisitions of Telefe and then Porta dos Fundos. Synergies recognized by those acquisitions enabled the launch of VIS first in the Americas in 2018 and then in the UK, Europe and Asia in 2019. In 2019 VIS Americas revenues grew by 57%.

David Lynn commented: “Pier is a uniquely dynamic executive and has an unrivalled track record of growing revenues for the entire VIMN ecosystem. Pier’s vision and leadership in acquiring and integrating both Telefe and Porta dos Fundos for the Americas business was a step-change for Viacom in the region and enabled the creation of a studio business, not just for the Americas, but for all of Viacom International. Additionally, Pier’s leadership in the streaming and OTT space has driven subscriber growth and established VIMN as a key player in OTT in the region partnering with MVPD’s and mobile operators. I’m confident that Pier will apply the same vision and rigor to launching these key business lines for ViacomCBS internationally as we continue to super serve our distribution partners.”

Pierluigi Gazzolo added: “With ViacomCBS’ position as one the world’s most important content creators and distributors, it’s an extraordinary moment to help drive the expansion of both Pluto TV and OTT internationally, which is the fastest growing part of the video business; and at the same time, create a unified international studio for Viacom – when the demand for content has never been greater.”

VIMN Americas Leadership

Juan (“JC”) Acosta, currently Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer of VIMN Americas, will be promoted to President of VIMN Americas, effective January 3rd, 2020. Acosta will report to David Lynn, President & CEO of VIMN.

Lynn commented: “JC’s understanding of the entertainment industry, strategic expertise and deep knowledge of both VIMN and the international television market make him ideally suited for his new role. JC’s tenure with VIMN and impact on the business to date, will ensure both a seamless leadership transition and a continued growth trajectory for our Americas operations. JC played a key role in the transformation of the VIMN Americas business, integrating and managing Telefe and Porta dos Fundos, and is ideally equipped to take VIMN Americas through its next stage of growth.”

JC Acosta commented: “I couldn’t be more excited to take on this role. It’s been my privilege to partner with Pier during such a transformational period for our business. The VIMN Americas team is expert in driving value through its ability to adapt to the ever-changing media landscape through innovation, content entrepreneurship, and passion. I look forward to continuing to work with them and our partners as we create and distribute winning content, products and experiences for the region.”

In his new role, Acosta will be responsible for VIMN operations for Latin America, spanning Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, as well as Canada and the US Hispanic market. He will be tasked with the ongoing expansion of VIMN’s portfolio and products in the region, including its multiplatform business, global studio and content distribution and licensing efforts and TV channels (MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Paramount Channel, and Telefe, Argentina’s leading free-to-air broadcaster) and digital portfolio (including Porta Dos Fundos).

As Chief Operating Officer of the Americas cluster since 2015, JC has been responsible for the region’s brand portfolio and monetization across all platforms and lines of business throughout Latin America, US Hispanic and Canada. As well as overseeing strategic service areas such as Finance, Strategy & Operations, Production/Studios, Research and Emerging Business.

JC has been with VIMN for 13 years, having first joined the company in 2007 as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of VIMN Americas. Since that time, Acosta has served in a variety of roles leading to his current role as EVP Chief Financial Officer & Executive in Charge of Production. Acosta has worked across a range of areas of the VIMN Americas business and was a key partner to Gazzolo, as COO of the America business as they designed and implemented the integration of Telefe and Porta dos Fundos.

About Pierluigi Gazzolo

In addition to his role as President of VIMN Americas, Gazzolo is also the Nickelodeon brand lead for all markets outside of the U.S., with its centralized Programming, Marketing, Creative, Consumer Products and International Program Sales teams reporting into him.

Prior to his current role as President of VIMN Americas, Gazzolo was Chief Operating Officer of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) from 2011 - 2014, during which time he reported to Robert Bakish. Gazzolo was appointed COO of VIMN following his tenure as COO for MTV Networks International (MTVNI) - commencing in 2009 - for which he established a new level of integrated operations. During that time, he was instrumental in developing a global content-based partnership with Rainbow Group. Subsequent to this partnership, Viacom Inc. acquired a minority interest in Rainbow Group, of which Gazzolo is a board member.

From 2009-2011, Gazzolo was President of MTV Networks Latin America (MTVNLA). Under his leadership, MTVNLA saw double-digit growth year on year as a result of operational and creative excellence, driven by more original productions and the expansion of the company’s linear and digital offerings. He re-invented the traditional telenovela format starting with Nickelodeon’s hugely successful series Isa TKM, Isa TK+, as well as three seasons of the highly successful Grachi, which later led to the English-language adaptation, Every Witch Way for Nickelodeon US.

Gazzolo holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Florida International University, where he was honoured as Alumni of the Year in 2011. Born in Italy and raised in El Salvador, Gazzolo speaks English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese fluently.

About Juan Acosta

As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for VIMN Americas, Acosta oversees VIMN’s extensive portfolio of brands including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and Paramount Channel in Latin America and Canada, Telefe in Argentina, Porta dos Fundos in Brazil, and Tr3s in the U.S. Hispanic market.

He also has financial oversight of the entire VIMN Americas organization and oversees the company’s Revenue Strategy, Multiplatform Strategy and Business Development divisions, as well as the Viacom International Studios Americas, which is charged with the development, production and global distribution of the company’s combined portfolio of content.

Previously, Acosta was SVP, CFO and Executive-in-Charge of production, playing a key role in structuring multi-layered production deals and financials to include executing co-production agreements, negotiating distribution rights, integrating pro-social media partners, driving non-linear partnerships, and leveraging fiscal tax incentives. Acosta was instrumental in establishing the company’s co-production model utilizing investments from non-linear partners, distributors, NGOs and government ministries in key markets.

With expertise in studio/production, distribution, consumer products, program sales, Acosta was formerly Director of Finance for NBC Universal/Telemundo Network Group, where he was responsible for the financial reporting, budgeting/forecasting, and compliance for Telemundo Studios and its corporate entities. He also previously held positions at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and the Walt Disney Company.

A native of Miami, Acosta is a Certified Public Accountant for the State of Florida and holds a Bachelor of Accounting Degree and a MBA from Florida International University.


David Lynn, President and CEO of Viacom International Media Networks, will oversee the ViacomCBS's international media networks, including Network 10 in Australia


Juan “JC” Acosta, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of VIMN Americas, will serve as President of VIMN Americas


Pierluigi Gazzolo, President of VIMN Americas and Executive Vice President of Nickelodeon International, will serve as President of OTT International and Viacom International Studios

About Viacom International Media Networks

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), is comprised of many of the world’s most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Paramount Channel, alongside a number of key local brands including Channel 5 (UK) and Telefe (Argentina). Viacom brands reach more than 4.3 billion cumulative subscribers in 180+ countries via nearly 300 locally programmed and operated TV channels and a range of digital media and mobile TV properties, in more than 40 languages. For more information about Viacom visit www.viacom.com.

Important Information About the Pending Merger Between CBS and Viacom and Where To Find It

In connection with the pending merger between CBS Corporation (“CBS”) and Viacom Inc. (“Viacom”), CBS has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333‑234238) (the “Registration Statement”) that includes a joint consent solicitation statement of CBS and Viacom and that also constitutes a prospectus of CBS (the “joint consent solicitation statement / prospectus”). The Registration Statement was declared effective by the SEC on October 25, 2019. Viacom and CBS commenced mailing the definitive joint consent solicitation statement / prospectus to Viacom stockholders and CBS stockholders on or about October 28, 2019. This communication is not a substitute for the joint consent solicitation statement / prospectus or Registration Statement or any other document which CBS or Viacom may file with the SEC. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF CBS AND VIACOM ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, WHICH INCLUDES THE JOINT CONSENT SOLICITATION STATEMENT / PROSPECTUS, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PENDING MERGER AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the Registration Statement, which includes the joint consent solicitation statement / prospectus, and other documents filed with the SEC by CBS and Viacom through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov or by contacting the investor relations department of CBS (+1-212-975-4321 or +1-877-227-0787; investorrelations@CBS.com) or Viacom (+1-212-846-6700 or +1-800-516-4399; investor.relations@Viacom.com).

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute an offer to subscribe for, buy or sell, or the solicitation of an offer to subscribe for, buy or sell, or an invitation to subscribe for, buy or sell any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, invitation, sale or solicitation would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law.

Cautionary Notes on Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “would,” “may,” “target,” similar expressions and variations or negatives of these words. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about the consummation of the pending merger and the anticipated benefits thereof. These and other forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements, including the failure to consummate the pending merger or to make any filing or take other action required to consummate such transaction in a timely matter or at all. Important risk factors that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (i) the pending merger may not be completed on anticipated terms and timing, (ii) a condition to closing of the pending merger may not be satisfied, (iii) the anticipated tax treatment of the pending merger may not be obtained, (iv) the potential impact of unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, costs, expenses, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition and losses on the future prospects, business and management strategies for the management, expansion and growth of the combined business after the consummation of the pending merger, (v) litigation relating to the pending merger against CBS, Viacom or their respective directors, (vi) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the pending merger, (vii) any negative effects of the announcement, pendency or consummation of the pending merger on the market price of CBS’ or Viacom’s common stock and on CBS’ or Viacom’s operating results, (viii) risks associated with third party contracts containing consent and/or other provisions that may be triggered by the pending merger, (ix) the risks and costs associated with the integration of, and the ability of CBS and Viacom to integrate, the businesses successfully and to achieve anticipated synergies, (x) the risk that disruptions from the pending merger will harm CBS’ or Viacom’s business, including current plans and operations, (xi) the ability of CBS or Viacom to retain and hire key personnel and uncertainties arising from leadership changes, (xii) legislative, regulatory and economic developments, (xiii) the other risks described in CBS’ and Viacom’s most recent annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and (xiv) management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors.

These risks, as well as other risks associated with the pending merger, are more fully discussed in the joint consent solicitation statement / prospectus included in the Registration Statement. While the list of factors presented here and the list of factors presented in the Registration Statement are considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Consequences of material differences in results as compared with those anticipated in the forward-looking statements could include, among other things, business disruption, operational problems, financial loss, legal liability to third parties and similar risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on CBS’ or Viacom’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations, credit rating or liquidity. Neither CBS nor Viacom assumes any obligation to publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.

From The Hollywood Reporter:

Viacom International Taps Pierluigi Gazzolo to Lead Streaming Push

The company veteran's promotion signals "the increasing importance" of its studio and streaming businesses, the firm says.
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) on Tuesday said that it has promoted Pierluigi Gazzolo, president of VIMN Americas and executive vp Nickelodeon International, to the new role of president of OTT International and Viacom International Studios.

The company said that the appointment of the 26-year Viacom veteran to the new role, ahead of the planned completion of Viacom's merger with CBS Corp. in early December, signals "the increasing importance of VIMN’s studio and OTT business." Gazzolo will report to David Lynn, president and CEO of VIMN.

In his new role, Gazzolo will initially focus on accelerating the rollout of Pluto TV across international markets, starting with its launch across Latin America in early 2020. He is also charged with further establishing VIMN’s direct-to-consumer products, such as Paramount+, in partnership with distributors.

"He will also be responsible for creating an integrated, Viacom International Studios operation, managing original content creation assets across ViacomCBS internationally," the company said. "This new structure will enable the company to accelerate the creation of original content across international markets, consistent with the ViacomCBS mission of becoming one of the world’s pre-eminent content companies."

The appointment will see the executive roll out in more foreign markets a content and distribution strategy that has driven growth in Viacom's Latin American unit. Gazzolo is, for example, credited with boosting the firm's reach beyond linear TV in the region through such streaming services as Paramount+ and Noggin and also worked on the launch of Pluto Latino channels targeting U.S. Hispanics earlier this year. Under his leadership, the company also launched Viacom International Studios (VIS) following the 2016 acquisitions of Argentinean broadcaster Telefe and Brazilian YouTube comedy channel Porta dos Fundos. "Synergies recognized by those acquisitions enabled the launch of VIS first in the Americas in 2018 and then in Europe, including the U.K., and Asia in 2019," Viacom said.

"Our strategy has been an incredible driver of growth in Latin America and one that now David [Lynn] and Bob [Bakish] want me to replicate internationally," Gazzolo told THR. "I am excited to partake in this transformation that ViacomCBS will have internationally. These areas [streaming and Viacom International Studios] are definitely going to be a driving force for growth for ViacomCBS internationally."

In a statement, he also highlighted: "It’s an extraordinary moment to help drive the expansion of both Pluto TV and OTT internationally, which is the fastest growing part of the video business; and at the same time, create a unified international studio for Viacom — when the demand for content has never been greater."

Gazzolo will also work closely with Marc DeBevoise, who was recently tapped as chief digital officer for ViacomCBS and president and CEO of CBS Interactive, and Tom Ryan, CEO and co-founder of Pluto TV, to expand the merged company’s digital strategy to the international market.

He said Tuesday that it was too early to say whether the CBS All Access streaming service could get rolled out in foreign markets or whether CBS content could be added to Viacom streaming services abroad. "The role has just been created, and I will work very closely with the folks at CBS, but the intent is always to utilize our global content as much as possible," he said.

"Pier is a uniquely dynamic executive and has an unrivaled track record of growing revenues for the entire VIMN ecosystem," said Lynn. "Pier’s vision and leadership in acquiring and integrating both Telefe and Porto dos Fundos for the Americas business was a step-change for Viacom in the region and enabled the creation of a studio business, not just for the Americas, but for all of Viacom International. Additionally, Pier’s leadership in the streaming and OTT space has driven subscriber growth and established VIMN as a key player in OTT in the region, partnering with [pay TV distributors] and mobile operators. I’m confident that Pier will apply the same vision and rigor to launching these key business lines for ViacomCBS internationally as we continue to super serve our distribution partners."

Juan "JC" Acosta, currently executive vp and COO of VIMN Americas, will take over Gazzolo's role as president of VIMN Americas, effective Jan. 3. He will also report Lynn.

Discussing his vision for Viacom International Studios, Gazzolo told THR on Tuesday: "I believe that premium content continues to be very important, and people are expecting to watch high-quality content. The beauty about international is that we have production models that can show you high-quality content, but the cost is not necessarily going to be horrific as we have the ability to use our production hubs around the world and find more efficient ways. In Latin America, we have built about 900 hours of content."

One key strategy will be "to take local hits" and localize them for other markets. Dramedies, such as Telefe comedy 100 Days to Fall in Love, which has scored various local versions, including an English-language remake for Showtime, have been a focus in scripted fare for his team, but tastes and demand constantly evolve, he said.

Streaming services will also be tailored to regional needs, said Gazzolo. "From a content point of view, we will have global content and local content, so the content strategy is going to be very different in different markets depending on the appetite and the business models we have in those markets," he said.

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From Forbes:

Viacom Promotes Gazzolo, Acosta To Bolster Latin America And International OTT Business

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) sees great potential in its Latin America and international OTT and Studio business. As part of its continued global expansion efforts, the company today announced key leadership changes.

Pierluigi Gazzolo, President of VIMN Americas and EVP of Nickelodeon International, is being elevated to President of OTT International and Viacom International Studios (VIS) and Juan “JC” Acosta, currently EVP and COO of VIMN Americas, will be upped to President of VIMN Americas, effective January 3, 2020. Both executives will report to David Lynn, President & CEO of VIMN.

According to the company, this new structure will help accelerate the creation of original content across international markets and signals the increasing importance of VIMN’s OTT and Studio business.

In his new role, Gazzolo will initially focus on accelerating the rollout of Pluto TV across international markets, starting with a major launch across Latin America in early 2020. He'll also be responsible for creating an integrated, Viacom International Studios operation, managing original content creation assets across ViacomCBS internationally.

As President of VIMN Americas, Gazzolo is credited for driving the growth of VIMN’s business in the region, overseeing the acquisition of Telefé and Porta dos Fundos which led to the launch of Viacom International Studios (VIS). That division's revenues grew by 57% in 2019.

Gazzolo led the transformation of VIMN Americas by establishing its non-linear presence through innovative multiplatform products and services such as SVOD service Paramount + and Noggin.

This is how Gazzolo explains the company's strong push for video-on-demand subscription services that can capitalize on Viacom's content: "SVOD penetration rate is 26% in Mexico, the highest in the region, according to DATAXIS. There is a lot of room to grow in Latin America and we are always trying to evaluate the best strategies to leverage our content libraries, as well as our content deals. We see this as additional growth to our current distributions deals with our MVPDs partners."

In April, Gazzolo also helped launch Pluto TV Latino, targeting the U.S. Hispanic market.

"Pier is a uniquely dynamic executive and has an unrivaled track record of growing revenues for the entire VIMN ecosystem. Pier’s vision and leadership in acquiring and integrating both Telefe and Porta dos Fundos for the Americas business was a step-change for Viacom in the region and enabled the creation of a studio business, not just for the Americas, but for all of Viacom International," states Lynn.

With Gazzolo's move to a much larger role, Acosta will be responsible for VIMN operations for Latin America, spanning Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, as well as Canada and the U.S. Hispanic market. He'll be tasked with the expanding VIMN’s portfolio and products in the region, including its multiplatform business, global studio and content distribution and licensing efforts and TV channels (MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Paramount Channel, and Telefe, Argentina’s leading free-to-air broadcaster) and digital portfolio (including Porta Dos Fundos).

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More Nick: Nickelodeon Assembles Writing Team for New Animated 'Star Trek' Series!

Additional source: Media Moves.
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Pluto TV Adds Nick Movies, Nick Games and Pocket.Watch Channels to Line-Up

Pluto TV, Viacom's ad-supported free streaming service, has today, Tuesday, November 19, 2019, added nine new channels to its lineup, including two Nickelodeon-branded channels!


Nick Movies Channel (714): With Nick Movies, fans will find a 24/7 feed of hit Nickelodeon movies such as Splitting Adam, Blurt!, Swindle, Big Time Movie and the Best Player. It's currently unknown whether Nick Movies is limited to television movies, or also includes theatrical Nickelodeon Movies.

Nick Games Channel (726): With Nick Games, fans will find a 24/7 feed of classic Nickelodeon game shows like Figure It Out, All In With Cam Newton, Crashletes, Paradise Run, Soccer Superstar and more. This channel is sure to delight fans of Nick GAS (Games and Sports for Kids)!

The two new Nick channels join Nick Pluto TV and Nick Jr. Pluto TV on the AVOD platform.

In addition to the two new Nickelodeon channels, Pluto TV also added three new youth-skewing channels:

Pluto TV Kids Animation (Ch. 709): Watch full-length animated features on this funny, thrilling, and exciting channel! Turn down the lights, grab some popcorn and tune in to Pluto TV Kids Animation. Movies include: The Adventures of Tin Tin, The Wild Thornberry’s Movie and Babar King of Elephants.

Pluto TV Tween Channel (726): With Pluto TV Tween, viewers will get shows targeting teens like Flipper: The New Adventures, Rocket’s Island, and more. Pluto TV Tween will offer comedy-driven content to for the years “between childhood and adolescence,” such as Deadtime Stories and Sleepover.

Pocket.Watch Channel (742): With Pocket.Watch viewers will get a collection of kid-friendly videos from the YouTube Family HobbyKids TV. Here fans will find videos on toys, games, challenges, and more! Plus, join HobbyPig, HobbyFrog, and HobbyBear in their new animated adventure series, HobbyKids Adventures!

Also joining the Pluto TV line-up today is:

Comedy Central Crank Yankers (channel 419): A channel airing a 24/7 feed of the Crank Yankers TV show.

TODAY Channel (253): The TODAY channel gives you the best of NBC’s TODAY show with highlights and rewinds from past TODAY show episodes.

Court TV Channel (287): Do you miss the classic Court TV channel? It is back but now free over the air and streaming online with Pluto TV. Here you can coverage of all the most significant court cases happening right now.

Sports Grid Channel (517): With Sports Grid, you get a look at some of the biggest sporting events and all the information you need to wager on them.

The Pluto TV app is completely free and features more than 200 channels that are always changing. Pluto TV is currently available on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, iOS, and Android. When Viacom bought Pluto TV, the company added Viacom content, along with building partnerships with major networks. You can now watch content from channels including Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., MTV, and Comedy Central for free, along with curated channels from CNN, NBC News, CBSN, the NFL, and more. Spanish-speaking programming is also available via Pluto TV Latino. For more information, visit http://pluto.tv.

More Nick: Viacom Expands Pluto TV Access to Android Devices in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the UK!

Originally published: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 20:38 GMT.

Original source: Cord Cutters News; Additional source: Kidscreen.
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Jamie Lynn Spears May Have Just Confirmed That a 'Zoey 101' Reboot Is In the Works

Could it be?!

Jamie Lynn Spears is adding some fuel to the fire when it comes to rumors of a Zoey 101 reboot. The actor who starred on the beloved Nickelodeon series from 2005 to 2008, posted a cryptic photo on her Instagram page that has fans speculating that a reboot could be in the works.


Jamie took to Instagram on Wednesday (November 13) night with a photo of a page in a script where most of the dialogue was crossed out except for two critical details. One line read, "Gimme that bacon." While another character's name was in full view: Sean. Fans of the show will recall that bacon was a central and hilarious theme throughout the shows four seasons, and while there was no character named Sean, Zoey's love interest was curly-haired Chase played by Sean Flynn.

View this post on Instagram

🥓💬

A post shared by Jamie Lynn Spears (@jamielynnspears) on


That's not all! Paul Butcher (aka Zoey's little brother Dustin) commented on the post with "Somethings coming":


And then there was this comment from Chris Massey AKA Michael!


There is a possibility that Jamie was posting a throwback photo of a script from her glory days as Zoey Brooks, but it seems like she's got a little more up her sleeve.

Earlier this year, there was some speculation that a reboot was in the works. While none of the cast confirmed it, Jamie did have a hilarious response on social media. "Yo, Nickelodeon have your people call my people," she replied on Instagram.

The reboot/revival is rumored to focus on Zoey's life 10 years later, where she'd have a couple kids in the show, just like real life.

In July some of the cast - Sean, Victoria Justice, Matthew Underwood, Paul Butcher, Christopher Massey, Erin Sanders and Abby Wilde - and show creator Dan Schneider got back together for a reunion as well. Unfortunately, Jamie wasn't there because she was busy filming Sweet Magnolias in Atlanta. When the cast tried to FaceTime her, unfortunately, she was already in bed. "Not only did I miss the reunion, but I also missed the FaceTime, because I'm lame and fell asleep...." she wrote on social media. "Thank y'all for the video and hope to see y'all very soon."

Here's to hopefully seeing a lot more Zoey in 2020! Get your pear phones ready!

Update (11/20) - From Seventeen.com:

Zoey 101's Paul Butcher Confirms the Cast Is Working on Something 'Immensely Cool'

He both teases what a revival could look like and discusses his new song called "Nothing."

It feels like only yesterday the Zoey 101 stars were drinking Blix and driving around PCA on Jet Xs, but one look at Paul Butcher, who played Dustin Brooks, reminds you just how much time has passed since the Nickelodeon show ended. A little over eleven years, to be exact.

If fans weren't already aware how grown up Zoey's little bro is when the mega reunion happened this past summer, they will soon. Seventeen.com chatted with Paul about his new song, "Nothing," and the (second) Zoey 101 reunion that is totally happening this week.

First things first: That cryptic photo of a script with lines blocked out Jamie Lynn Spears (Zoey) posted on Instagram is definitely referencing an upcoming reunion. While it's not a full-on revival, like some people suspected, it's tied to something exciting the cast is planning.

"I’m not going to say exactly what it’s for, but things are definitely happening," Paul told Seventeen.com.

It was announced Nickelodeon and Netflix struck a major deal, but whatever the cast has cooking isn't connected to that. "Yet," Paul teased.

This mysterious reunion will involve tons of Zoey 101 cast members, unlike the viral "What Did Zoey Say?" YouTube video that only featured Sean Flynn (Chase) and Christopher Massey (Michael) from the OG cast.

While there is currently no official revival confirmed — no contracts have been signed or anything at the time of this writing — the cast has a fun idea for how they'd want to continue the exploits of PCA's finest.

Here's what an official Zoey 101 revival could look like.
Paul said that during the summer reunion, Sean shared his idea for what the characters could be up to today, and it is WILD.

For starters, Zoey is pulling a Lizzie McGuire 2.0 and not currently dating the guy she's meant to be with: Chase. In fact, Zoey is divorced and Chase is still low-key pursuing her. They've somehow maintained their friendship (in the hell that is dating culture, this is impressive!) despite Zoey getting married and later divorced.

Meanwhile, Logan now owns his dad's production business, and both Michael and Quinn work for him. Quogan shippers, fear not: Logan and Quinn still have feelings for each other, but things are dicy because Logan is technically Quinn's boss.

And perhaps the strangest plot is that Dustin and Lola are DATING now. Both are famous singers, and the fact they're dating "weirds out" Zoey.

"Did we used to date and are now broken up and it’s fun tension, or are we dating and maybe we break up on the show?" Paul said. "These [ideas] are literally just us talking. They’re not anything concrete."

But they could be, if Nickelodeon is looking for its next revival idea. The network already brought back the likes of Hey Arnold!, Legends of the Hidden Temple, Rocko's Modern Life, Invader Zim, All That, Are You Afraid of the Dark? and Dora the Explorer within the past few years. Based on how ecstatic fans got from both "What Did Zoey Say?" and the summer reunion, it's as clear as Chase's love for Zoey that people want to see more escapades from these characters.

Dustin growing up to be a singer is art imitating life.
Paul has been serenading people for years and he really blew up on the internet when his covers of songs by Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, and Zayn went viral.

But he doesn't only do covers. He's created several original songs, including "Blood,"Ain’t Hurtin Nobody," and his newest tune called "Nothing."

The song, which dropped November 15 and is available on all streaming platforms, was the result of a negative experience Paul had in the music industry. "'Nothing' is just about coming out of a low place, trying to find the silver lining in all things and keep going — and how hard it can be," Paul said. "It doesn’t really resolve into a happy ending or anything, because sometimes it feels like it won’t, but that doesn’t mean it won’t."

It's a track Paul hopes resonates with people who think they are alone in their feelings, only to realize how that isn't the case.

Interestingly, when I first heard the song before speaking with Paul, I thought it was a breakup anthem, which Paul says it can totally be.

"It’s going to mean something different to every single person, and that’s what I want. I didn’t want to make it solely and very clearly about [one thing]. I wanted it to be personalized for everyone."

Inspired by musicians such as Billie Eilish, Justin Timberlake, Zayn, Halsey, and Harry Styles, Paul makes sure his music has a purpose, "a little more of a meaning."

His artistic persona is understandably much different from his Nickelodeon character's personality. Whereas Dustin is upbeat and goofy, Paul's music goes in another direction. "I feel like all my songs are ... a little bit darker, emotional, interesting."

Paul plans to release more music in early 2020, so be on the lookout. While he currently has enough tracks to create an EP or full album, he's going to continue releasing his songs as singles for now.

If we do get an official, full-length Zoey 101 revival, fingers crossed Paul will be able to sing as Dustin on it!

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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More Nick: Nickelodeon Reportedly in Talks with Jamie Lynn Spears to Revive 'Zoey 101'!

Originally published: Friday, November 15, 2019.

Original source: E! News; Additional sources: BuzzFeed, Life & Style.
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