Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for June 26, 2024 | Nickelodeon

Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for June 26, 2024 | Nickelodeon

Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for June 26, 2024 | Nickelodeon

Stream the classic Rugrats series on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!

Rugrats, provided to Creators Syndicate by Nickelodeon, based off the popular animated television series has been created for children and family's to laugh and enjoy together.

Follow these comics and their take on real episodes of the show and their own spin on hilarious adventures.

Read more Rugrats comic strips!: https://www.creators.com/features/rugrats

More Nick: Paramount+ Renews 'Rugrats' For Season 3!

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Variety to Honor Ramsey Naito, Nick Park and 10 Animators to Watch Class

Variety and Nickelodeon are joining forces again for this year’s “10 Animators to Watch” event in Los Angeles. The July 10 in-person cocktail party and awards ceremony will celebrate creators in the animation space who are leaving their marks on the industry.  

Variety 10 Animators

The event coincides with Variety’s 10 Animators to Watch feature in the July 10 issue, spotlighting the most exciting rising voices in animation. The profiles will dive into the honorees’ creative process and highlight what new projects we can expect to see from them in the future.  

Along with the “10 Animators to Watch” class, Variety will honor Ramsey Naito, President of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation, with the inaugural Executive Impact in Animation award. Variety will also honor Nick Park, director of the upcoming Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl movie, with the 2024 Creative Impact in Animation award.

The event, presented by Nickelodeon, will also celebrate the 25th Anniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants, one of the most widely distributed properties in Paramount history, seen in more than 180 markets, translated in 30+ languages, and averaging more than 90 million total viewers every quarter. 

“We are so excited to join Variety again to honor the outstanding artists and creative voices that shape our incredible industry. Thank you, Variety, for your partnership in celebrating another year of animation,” said Ramsey Naito, President, Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation.

Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!


Originally published: June 26, 2024.

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MTV News Website Goes Dark, Archives Pulled Offline

Paramount Global also has removed content from CMT’s site

MTV News

More than two decades’ worth of content published on MTVNews.com is no longer available after MTV appears to have fully pulled down the site and its related content. Content on its sister site, CMT.com, seems to have met a similar fate.

In 2023, MTV News was shuttered amid the financial woes of parent company Paramount Global. As of Monday (June 24), trying to access MTV News articles on mtvnews.com or mtv.com/news resulted in visitors being redirected to the main MTV website.

The now-unavailable content includes decades of music journalism comprising thousands of articles and interviews with countless major artists, dating back to the site’s launch in 1996. Perhaps the most significant loss is MTV News’ vast hip-hop-related archives, particularly its weekly “Mixtape Monday” column, which ran for nearly a decade in the 2000s and 2010s and featured interviews, reviews and more with many artists, producers and others early in their careers.

Former MTV News staffers posted on social media about the website shutdown and the scrubbing of the archives. “So, mtvnews.com no longer exists. Eight years of my life are gone without a trace,” Patrick Hosken, former music editor for MTV News, wrote on X. “All because it didn’t fit some executives’ bottom lines. Infuriating is too small a word.”

“sickening (derogatory) to see the entire @mtvnews archive wiped from the internet,” Crystal Bell, culture editor at Mashable and one-time entertainment director of MTV News, posted on X. “decades of music history gone…including some very early k-pop stories.”

“This is disgraceful. They’ve completely wiped the MTV News archive,” longtime Rolling Stone senior writer Brian Hiatt commented. “Decades of pop culture history research material gone, and why?”

Last week, Paramount Global’s CMT website similarly pulled its repository of country-music journalism dating back several decades.

Reps for MTV did not respond to Variety's requests for comment Monday.

Some observers noted that MTV News articles may be available through internet archiving services like the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine, but according to Hiatt older MTV News articles do not show up via Wayback Machine.

In May 2023, Paramount Global shut down MTV News — which had already been severely downsized by layoffs in recent years — coming amid a 25% reduction in workforce across the Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks groups in the U.S. The group is headed by president-CEO Chris McCarthy, who in late April was named one of the three co-CEOs running Paramount Global’s “Office of the CEO.”

MTV News began in the late ’80s with The Week in Rock, a show hosted by Kurt Loder, who became the first MTV News anchor.

Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!


Originally published: June 26, 2024.


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Paramount Global Co-CEOs Reveal Bankers Hired To Sell Assets; Discuss Path Forward at Town Hall

After rejecting Skydance’s offer to merge two weeks ago, Paramount Global new co-CEO troika of Brian Robbins, George Cheeks and Chris McCarthy told a packed company town hall of 500 at the studio’s Melrose Lot Paramount Theater what progress has been made since the annual shareholders meeting three weeks ago, and what the company’s path will be going forward. In sum, bankers have been hired to explore the sale of “certain Paramount owned assets” per Cheeks, while layoffs are on the horizon as the conglom looks to achieve a half billion in cost savings.

George Cheeks, Brian Robbins, Chris McCarthy and Shari Redstone
George Cheeks, Brian Robbins, Chris McCarthy and Shari Redstone | Matt Sayles/CBS /Paramount/Viacom/Deadline

Paramount Global controlling shareholder Shari Redstone was not part of Tuesday's (June 25) town hall, Deadline reports, which clocked about an hour with 15 to 20 minutes of Q&A.

The Town Hall was originally scheduled three weeks ago but was delayed when it appeared the entertainment conglomerate was seriously weighing an offer from David Ellison’s Skydance.

At the top of today’s town hall, Robbins exclaimed, “We’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the challenges of all the M&A speculation surrounding our company. We know what a difficult and disruptive period it has been. And while we cannot say that the noise will disappear, we are here today to lay out a go-forward plan that can set us up for success no matter what path the company chooses to go down.”

The trio were frank with employees about cuts and the elimination of duplicated jobs that will occur. This was one of the three pillars of Paramount Global’s plan to ratchet up profits. The conglom says it is transforming the cost base of the company with work underway across corporate functions like legal and corporate marketing. The execs trumpeted that while revenue spiked by 13% between 2018 and 2023, OIBDA declined 61% over the same period.

McCarthy added, “Let me be clear….a 61% decline in profits is simply unacceptable…..we need to act now to reverse this trend.”

Cheeks emphasized that the conglom has definite plans to unload “certain Paramount owned assets” and has “already hired bankers to assist us in this process – and we’ll use the proceeds to help pay down debt and strengthen our balance sheet.” One asset that will likely be sold-off is BET, which has reportedly been operated largely autonomously from the rest of Paramount Global.

The trio echoed what they mentioned earlier at the annual shareholders meeting: that a plan is underway to find a strategic partner for Paramount+, especially as they try to make up for linear declines at the company. In regards to accomplishments made since that announcement, McCarthy specified that was in “International – we are advancing talks with potential partners that will significantly transform the scale and economics of the service making it profitable and driving long term value. This approach could also serve as a model for the U.S.” 

Former Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish was acknowledged at the town hall for his efforts at the company.

There’s been a lot going on in Paramount land. This Friday, the studio releases the third installment in their blockbuster A Quiet Place series, A Quiet Place: Day One with an eye at a $42M, possibly even $50M start. The world premiere for that John Krasinski production is tomorrow in New York City. Nickelodeon is also celebrating SpongeBob SquarePants' landmark 25th anniversary this summer.

Amid news following the shareholder meeting earlier this month that the studio is looking for a joint venture partner on streaming service Paramount+, it was announced that a price hike would take effect, with and without a Showtime tier, later this summer. In sum, the Showtime plan upticks by a buck to $12.99/month for both existing and new customers, while the monthly cost of the Paramount+ Essential plan will shoot up $2 to $7.99/month for all new subscribers. The Paramount+ Limited Commercial Plan is increasing $1 to $7.99 for current subs. 

Comments today by the three co-CEOS echoed and expanded on talk at the company’s recent shareholders meeting and a memo to staff where they described plans, including streamlining, cost cuts, divesting some businesses and prioritizing others. 

The town hall had been delayed in the midst of merger talks. It comes after Paramount recently emerged from an M&A scrum with David Ellison’s Skydance that had staff and senior executives on edge for months. Protracted negotiations ended with a thud earlier in June when Par’s controlling shareholder Shari Redstone pulled out at the eleventh hour and her family holding company National Amusements saying the sides hadn’t been able to reach mutually acceptable terms. Paramount shares hit an all-time low in the wake, falling below $9. They’ve perked up a bit since and are changing hands today at about $10.

Redstone didn’t address the troops today.

The Skydance deal proved complicated since it involved a sale of her controlling stake in Par, then a merger of the two companies. Shareholders put up a fuss. There were said to be other issues beyond the economic terms of the deal, such as whether Paramount should hold a vote of minority shareholders, and how the company would be run until the transaction closed.

Redstone is now said to be considering two simpler options that would involve only a change in control, with her selling her National Amusements stake. Edgar Bronfman Jr., backed by Bain Capital, had expressed interest, as had a consortium of investors led by producer Steven Paul.

Whether and when Redstone makes a move depends in large part on NAI’s finances. The holding company took a hit when Paramount reduced its dividend. And it also owns the National Amusement movie theater chain, which has been struggling with the rest of the industry and selling off real estate.

NAI has about $200 million outstanding on its term loan following a $35 million prepayment in March. Big ratings agency S&P last month estimated adjusted EBITDA of negative $40 million in 2024 and FOCF of negative $50 million (respectively, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and free operating cash flow). “We believe this means the company’s capital structure is currently unsustainable due to roughly $18 million in annual cash interest payments,” it said.

“If there is no transaction consummated at Paramount before the maturity of NAI’s term loan at the beginning of May 2025, we expect the company would likely need to sell a portion of its Paramount stock to repay the debt or extend its maturity.”

Some Wall Streeters speculated that Redstone might sell a chunk of her Paramount holding, but not all, to raise cash to make debt repayments.

Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!


Originally published: June 26, 2024.

H/T: Variety; Additional source: Cambridge Dictionary.

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‘South Park’ Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone to Receive Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

The assembly of entertainment icons across motion pictures, television, live theater/performance, radio, recording and sports who will next year receive Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame have been announced by the Walk of Fame Selection Panel of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Selected from hundreds of nominations, the Class of 2025 includes household names in animation: Trey Parker and Matt Stone, creators and executive producers of South Park.

Matt Stone and Trey Parker, Cast of 'South Park'
Almost three decades since debuting their game-changing animated adult comedy, Matt Stone and Trey Parker [ph. c/o South Park Studios] continue to lambast current events and pop culture through the 'South Park' series and its special events on Paramount+ like 'The Streaming Wars'.

As announced by presenters Niecy Nash, Jimmy Jam and Joe Mantegna, Parker and Stone will receive their Star in a dual ceremony; date to be announced. The duo are being recognized in the Television category.

In addition to Parker and Stone, 2025 recipients also include: The B-52s, who provided one iteration of the Rocko's Modern Life theme song, in the Recording category; Alan Cumming, the current narrator of The Tiny Chef Show, in the Live Theatre/Live Performance category; and The Nanny star Fran Drescher and science guy Bill Nye in the Television category.

Matt Stone and Trey Parker met at the University of Colorado in Boulder, connecting over a shared love of British comedy pioneers Monty Python. While students, they created the stop-motion paper cut-out animated shorts known collectively as The Spirit of Christmas (1992/95), which would evolve into South Park. The animated series premiered August 13, 1997, and its rapidly gained popularity spawned an animated feature film, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, in 1999. The film earned an Oscar nomination (with Parker and Stone making a splash on the red carpet by recreating famous looks from Jennifer Lopez and Gwyneth Paltrow), as well as a Los Angeles Film Critics Award, a New York Film Critics Award and an MTV Movie Award. South Park, the longest-running scripted cable series in TV history, has been renewed on Comedy Central through 2027 and an unprecedented 30th season. The series and special event exclusives including the recent End of Obesity are available to stream on Paramount+ (click here for a free trial!).

Beyond South Park, Parker and Stone co-created the live-action sitcom That’s My Bush! (2001) and feature films including Cannibal! The Musical (1993), BASEketball (1998), the marionette action spoof Team America: World Police (2004) and the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon (2011). Parker also voice starred in Illumination’s Despicable Me 3 as Balthazar Bratt and collaborated with Pharrell on the original song “Hug Me.”

See the full list of 2025 Hollywood Walk of Fame honorees at walkoffame.com.

Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!


Originally published: June 26, 2024.

Original source: Animation Magazine.

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Netflix Unveils New Teaser Art for ‘Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie’

Buckle Up: Netflix continues its countdown to the launch of the eagerly awaited new SpongeBob SquarePants adventure, Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie, unveiling a couple of rootin’ tootin’ teaser posters featuring Sandy and SpongeBob wearing belt buckles. Produced by Nickelodeon Movies with animation services by Pipeline Studios in Ontario (The Tiger’s Apprentice, Dora series), the CG feature film will premiere August 2 on the streamer.

Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie

Logline: When Bikini Bottom and all its denizens are suddenly scooped out of the ocean, Sandy Cheeks and SpongeBob SquarePants journey to Texas to save the town from a villainous plot.

Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie

Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie

The movie is directed by Liza Johnson (episode director on Dead to Me, Silicon Valley, A Series of Unfortunate Events) from a teleplay by series veteran Kaz (SpongeBob SquarePants) and Tom Stern (The Andy Milonakis Show, Saul of the Mole Men), based on the SpongeBob SquarePants series created by Stephen Hillenburg.

The voice cast features series regulars Carolyn Lawrence as Sandy, Tom Kenny as SpongeBob, Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs, Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick, Mr. Lawrence as Plankton and Rodger Bumpass as Squidward; joined by Wanda Sykes as Sue Nahmee; Johnny Knoxville as Randy Cheeks; Craig Robinson as Pa Cheeks; Grey Delisle as Ma, Granny, Rowdy and Rosie Cheeks; Ilia Isorelýs Paulino as Phoebe and Matty Cardarople as Kyle.

The news comes as SpongeBob SquarePants is celebrating its milestone 25th anniversary. In addition to Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie, Netflix recently announced plans to premiere Plankton: The Movie in 2025, and Paramount is slated to release The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants in theaters on December 19, 2025.


Watch the SpongeBob SquarePants Universe, including Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years and The Patrick Star Show on Nickelodeon and Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com.


Listen to The SpongeBob Musical here!

CALLING ALL GOOFY GOOBERS! (ROCK!) Are ya ready for a deep dive into the world of SpongeBob SquarePants? The SpongeBob YouTube channel is THE PLACE for all fan-favorite SpongeBob moments! Subscribe now at https://www.youtube.com/SpongeBobOfficial!


Originally published: June 26, 2024.

Source: Animation Magazine; H/T: Special thanks to @KeydalisColo for the news!

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How Did I Tell My Parents? | Ray's Story | Pride | TeenNick Israel

גאווה בטין ניק: איך סיפרתי להורים שלי? | הסיפור של ריי | טיןניק
ערוץ טין ניק


לכבוד חודש הגאווה, גאים להציג: ספיישל מיוחד שבו בני ובנות נוער מגיעים.ות לאולפן יחד עם אחד ההורים לשיחה על היציאה מהארון ועל התהליך שעברו יחד מאז. ערוץ טין ניק מתרגש לאפשר לצופינו בני הנוער להקשיב, ללמוד ולהתחבר - תכירו את איליי ואמא.

► הרשמו לערוץ טין ניק: https://bit.ly/3PRkZEn
► טין ניק באינסטגרם: https://www.instagram.com/teennickisrael
► אפליקציית ניק: https://bit.ly/2RFUqSh
► אתר ניק: http://www.nick.co.il

More Nick: The Jim Henson Company Works with Paramount's Ananey Studios to Develop 'The Season Keepers', A New Animated Series Inspiring 'Climate Hope'!

#טיןניק

Additional source: Ray,

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How Did I Tell My Parents? | Daniel's Story | Pride | TeenNick Israel

גאווה בטין ניק: איך סיפרתי להורים שלי? | הסיפור של דניאל | טיןניק
ערוץ טין ניק


לכבוד חודש הגאווה, גאים להציג: ספיישל מיוחד שבו בני ובנות נוער מגיעים.ות לאולפן יחד עם אחד ההורים לשיחה על היציאה מהארון ועל התהליך שעברו יחד מאז. ערוץ טין ניק מתרגש לאפשר לצופינו בני הנוער להקשיב, ללמוד ולהתחבר - תכירו את איליי ואמא.

► הרשמו לערוץ טין ניק: https://bit.ly/3PRkZEn
► טין ניק באינסטגרם: https://www.instagram.com/teennickisrael
► אפליקציית ניק: https://bit.ly/2RFUqSh
► אתר ניק: http://www.nick.co.il

More Nick: The Jim Henson Company Works with Paramount's Ananey Studios to Develop 'The Season Keepers', A New Animated Series Inspiring 'Climate Hope'!

#טיןניק

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, RedditInstagramFacebookGoogle NewsTumblrvia RSS and more for the latest Pride Month on Nickelodeon Israel and TeenNick News and Highlights!