Playmates Toys Appoints Character Options For Distribution of All-New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Toys in the UK & Ireland

Playmates Toys appoints Character Options for distribution of All-New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys

A Classic TMNT range will launch for Easter 2023, followed by a line based on Paramount Picture’s highly anticipated animated feature film, set for release in summer 2023.

Paramount Consumer Products are pleased to announce that Playmates International Company Limited (“Playmates”), has announced the appointment of Character Options as the exclusive distributor in the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland of Playmates’ all-new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) product line.

This reimagined range of action figures, accessories, vehicles, role play toys and novelties will launch worldwide in Summer 2023 prior to the premier of Paramount Pictures new CG animated TMNT feature film – produced by Seth Rogen’s Point Grey Pictures and directed by Jeff Rowe (The Mitchells vs the Machines).

Stephanie Bailey, Vice President (VP) of Global Toys at Paramount Consumer Products, commented: “We are thrilled to have such a strong UK distribution partner on board for the Playmates line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys. Our decision to work with Character Options is based on their proven performance within the category, along with their innovative marketing efforts. I’m confident we’ve partnered with the right distributor to service the UK market and that our combination of great content and toys will engage and resonate with fans of all ages.”

William Tran, executive director of Playmates Toys Limited commented, “For the past 2 years, we’ve been hard at work with the Paramount Consumer Products team in development of what we believe is our strongest TMNT toy line up ever and we know that this brand is in excellent hands with Character Options. We are proud and excited to be partnering with a team of toy professionals who are as well respected, experienced, and passionate about their brands and customer service as is the team at Character. Their unparalleled distribution reach, sophisticated marketing machine and wide-ranging experience in and understanding of the action figure and collectible market is all we could ask for in a partner.”

Jon Diver, Joint Manager Director, Character Group commented, “We are delighted to be appointed by Paramount Consumer Products and Playmates as UK and Ireland distributors of the all-new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle line. TMNT is an iconic brand that has seen great success over its history and we are immensely proud to now be part of its future with the Playmates team. Our journey will begin bringing Classic range to retail for Easter 2023. This will be followed with the movie range which will coincide with the all new TMNT movie launch. We are excited for the previews ahead and can’t wait to show the full line to our retail partners in the coming months!”

Paramount Consumer Products

Paramount Consumer Products oversees all licensing and merchandising for Paramount (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, Paramount Consumer Products’ portfolio includes a diverse slate of brands and content from BET, CBS (including CBS Television Studios and CBS Television Distribution), Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and Showtime. With properties spanning animation, live-action, preschool, youth and adult, Paramount Consumer Products is committed to creating the highest quality product for some of the world’s most beloved, iconic franchises. Additionally, Paramount Consumer Products oversees the online direct-to-consumer business for CBS and Showtime programming merchandise, as well as standalone branded ecommerce websites for Star Trek, SpongeBob, South Park, and MTV.

Character Options Ltd

Character Options is the principal trading subsidiary of The Character Group plc, an independent toy company. Founded in 1991 and listed on the London Stock Exchange since 1994 (FTSE sector: leisure: FTSE AIM All-share: symbol: CCT.L), the business engages in the design, development, and distribution of a wide range of toys, games and playthings. Many of its products feature or are based on popular film, television, comic and digital characters, reproduced under licence from the brand owners. The principal markets for its products are in the UK and Scandinavia where it has direct distribution and in over 30 overseas territories where turnover is growing, particularly in the USA and other parts of the EU. It also partners on an exclusive basis with other overseas-based toy producers, either to market and distribute their products in the UK.

To read more about us please visit: www.thecharacter.com. Or to view our full current portfolio of products and brands, go to www.character-online.co.uk.

Playmates International Company Limited (PICL):

PICL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Playmates Toys Limited, a public company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Founded in 1966, Playmates Toys is among the most well-respected and innovative marketing and distribution companies in the global toy industry with a proven history in the creation of imaginative products as well as the development and management of profitable, long-term brand franchises. Playmates Toys history with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles dates back to 1987 when they were first appointed as master toy licensee for this evergreen franchise. . From its offices in Hong Kong and California, Playmates designs, develops, markets and distributes its products in over 70 countries worldwide. For more information, www.playmatestoys.com.

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Stream Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!

More Nick: Nickelodeon Readies Next Chapter of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with All-New CG-Animated Theatrical Release Produced By Point Grey Pictures!

Source: Toys n Playthings; H/T: ToyWorld Magazine.

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Nickelodeon Acquires Global Pay-TV Rights For Canada's Breakthrough Entertainment's New Animated Series "Rocket Monkeys"

The entertainment news website C21Media is reporting the Nickelodeon News that Nickelodeon has picked up the pay-TV broadcast rights to the brand new animated comedy series "Rocket Monkeys" for the networks US and international channels (Planet Nickelodeon / Planet Orange) and will start to launch the show from Spring 2013! "Rocket Monkeys" is a new 26 episode x 26 minute cartoon that is produced by Canada's Breakthrough Entertainment in association with Teletoon Canada and animation studio Atomic Cartoons.

Nick's new comedy animation Rocket Monkeys follows the adventures of two monkey astronauts and their robot sidekick. "Rocket Monkeys" was created by Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson, and developed by Alex Galatis and Mark Evestaff (also the show's producer). Executive producers include Ira Levy, Joan Lambur and Peter Williamson. Partial funding for Rocket Monkeys was provided by Shaw Rocket Fund.

Toronto-based Breakthrough is also developing a trio of online games to go with the series, "Monkeys vs Gorillas", "Monkey Business" and "Monkeys on a Mission":

Global pay deal for Monkeys

Rocket Monkeys, the new comedy animation from Canada’s Breakthrough Entertainment, has secured a global pay-TV deal for a launch this spring.

Rocket Monkeys
Nickelodeon has stepped up to acquire the 26x26′ toon for its US and international channels. The series is produced by Breakthrough in association with Teletoon Canada and animation studio Atomic Cartoons.

“Rocket Monkeys is a great fit for our global network, a funny, energetic, laugh-out-loud comedy that we are confident our audiences around the world will love,” said Jules Borkent, senior VP of global acquisitions and international programming, Nickelodeon.

The show was created by Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson, and developed by Alex Galatis and Mark Evestaff (also the show’s producer). Executive producers include Ira Levy, Joan Lambur and Peter Williamson. Partial funding for Rocket Monkeys was provided by Shaw Rocket Fund.

Rocket Monkeys follows the adventures of two monkey astronauts and their robot sidekick. Toronto-based Breakthrough is also developing a trio of online games to go with the series, the first titled Monkeys vs Gorillas.

C21 reporter
20-02-2013
©C21Media

SHOWS: Rocket Monkeys
PEOPLE: Jules Borkent
COMPANIES: Breakthrough Entertainment, Nickelodeon, Teletoon
SECTIONS: C21Kids
COUNTRIES: Canada

Also, from Kidscreen:

Nickelodeon hops on Rocket Monkeys

Canada’s Breakthrough Entertainment has inked a worldwide broadcast deal for animated comedy Rocket Monkeys with Nickelodeon (including the US) for a launch this spring.


The recently launched animated property, which is also the focus of a series of online games, is produced by Breakthrough in association with Teletoon Canada and animation studio Atomic Cartoons. The series (26×30) introduces the universe to brothers Gus and Wally, two hapless “monkeynauts” who cause more intergalactic calamity than they could ever prevent as they pursue important missions.

The show is created by Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson, and developed by Alex Galatis and Mark Evestaff (who also serves as the show’s producer).

Its Breakthrough exec producers include Joan Lambur, Peter Williamson and company co-managing director Ira Levy. Partial funding for Rocket Monkeys is provided by the Shaw Rocket Fund.

From Playback Online

Tags: Breakthrough Entertainment, Nickelodeon, Rocket Monkeys

Saban Brands Announces Nickelodeon As U.S. Broadcast Partner For Brand-New "Digimon Fusion" Series

Saban Brands has announced the Nickelodeon News in the following Press Release, from PRNewswire, that they have named Nickelodeon USA and their U.S. broadcast partner for their brand-new animated television series "Digimon Fusion Series", and will start to air on Nick USA later this year (2013)! It is currently unknown whether Nickelodeon channels and networks around the world (Planet Nickelodeon) will also air "Digimon Fusion Series".

"Digimon Fusion" is the sixth installment (series) of the hugely successful Japanese anime (animation) 'Digimon' franchise, which Saban Brands re-acquired in 2012. Unleashing countless Digimon combinations, "Digimon Fusion" takes today's tech-savvy children inside an adventure-packed digital world, where the heroes' courage is matched only by the fusion of their teamwork, loyalty and humor. The series features all-new Digimon action and excitement following Mikey, a human boy, who is transported into the digital realm and must team up with his new "Digimon" or "Digital Monster" friends before their world is deleted once and for all. New fusion powers allow Digimon to combine and fuse their abilities to create endless battle possibilities:

Saban Brands Announces Nickelodeon as U.S. Broadcast Partner for Brand-New Digimon Fusion Series

The Powerful Anime Icon Gets a Reboot in 2013

NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2013 /Saban Brands Press Release via PRNewswire/ -- Saban Brands announced today its new animated series, Digimon Fusion, will air on Nickelodeon in 2013. Digimon Fusion is the sixth installment of the hugely successful Digimon franchise, which Saban Brands re-acquired in 2012. Unleashing countless Digimon combinations, Digimon Fusion takes today's tech-savvy kids inside an adventure-packed digital world, where the heroes' courage is matched only by the fusion of their teamwork, loyalty and humor.

(Download image - Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130205/NY54297LOGO)
"Digimon is the longest-running Japanese anime property and has been enjoyed by kids for more than a decade," said Elie Dekel , President of Saban Brands . "We're thrilled to be bringing the all-new Digimon Fusion TV series to Nickelodeon, where we have the opportunity to introduce the series to a new generation of children while still engaging long-time fans."
The series features all-new Digimon action and excitement following Mikey, a human boy, who is transported into the digital realm and must team up with his new "Digimon" or "Digital Monster" friends before their world is deleted once and for all. New fusion powers allow Digimon to combine and fuse their abilities to create endless battle possibilities. Tap into the excitement of Digimon Fusion later this year on Nickelodeon.

Digimon Fusion will be distributed internationally (outside of Asia) by MarVista Entertainment.

About Digimon Fusion

Digimon Fusion is the all-new animated series and sixth installment of the Digimon franchise, the longest-running Japanese anime property. The series will feature all-new Digimon action and excitement following Mikey, a human boy, who is transported into the digital realm and must team up with his new "Digimon" or "Digital Monster" friends before their world is deleted once and for all. New fusion powers allow Digimon to combine and fuse their abilities to create endless battle possibilities. A property of Saban Brands , Digimon Fusion will air on Nickelodeon in the U.S. in 2013. Visit www.SabanBrands.com for more information.

About Saban Brands

Formed in 2010 as an affiliate of Saban Capital Group, Saban Brands (SB) was established to acquire and develop a world-class portfolio of properties and capitalize on the company's experience, track record and capabilities in growing and monetizing consumer brands through content, media and marketing. SB applies a strategic transmedia management approach to enhancing and extending its brands in markets worldwide and to consumers of all ages. The company provides full-service management, marketing, promotion and strategic business development for its intellectual properties including comprehensive strategies unique to each brand, trademark and copyright management and enforcement, creative design, retail development, direct-to-consumer initiatives and specialized property extensions. SB is led by a superior management team with decades of experience in media, content creation, branding, licensing, marketing and finance. For more information, visit www.sabanbrands.com.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 33rd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 18 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).

SOURCE Saban Brands

RELATED LINKS
http://www.sabanbrands.com.

Also, from C21Media:

Nickelodeon dives into Digimon

Nickelodeon has acquired Digimon Fusion, the latest installment in the Japanese anime franchise, following a deal with its new owner Saban Brands.

The kids’ cablenet will air the series later this year. It’s the sixth incarnation of Digimon, which Saban reacquired last year from Toei Animation. The show was one of the first to combine TV and virtual pets.

The new version follows Mikey, a human boy, who is transported into the digital realm and must team up with his new ‘Digimon’ or ‘Digital Monster’ friends before their world is deleted once and for all.

“Digimon is the longest-running Japanese anime property and has been enjoyed by kids for more than a decade,” said Saban Brands president Elie Dekel.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing the all-new Digimon Fusion TV series to Nickelodeon, where we have the opportunity to introduce the series to a new generation of children while still engaging long-time fans.”

The Nick pick-up comes after parent Viacom last week unveiled plans to introduce six new series in a bid to turn around its flagging ratings.

Power Rangers owner Saban first brought Digimon to US audiences in 1999 via Fox Family Worldwide. MarVista handles distribution of the property outside Asia.

C21 reporter
05-02-2013
©C21Media

Nickelodeon Picks Up Brand New Comedy Series "The Haunted Hathaways" To Series With 20-Episode Order

The entertainment news website Deadline.com is reporting that Nickelodeon has announced the exciting Nickelodeon News that, after ordering the pilot, Nickelodeon has decided to greenlight the brand new live-action Nickelodeon original comedy series "The Haunted Hathaways" to become a full television series! "The Haunted Hathaways", described as "The Brady Bunch" with a supernatural twist, is a all-new live-action comedy series about a family - a mom (Ginifer King) and her daughters (Amber Montana, Breanna Yde) - who, after they move into a house that's already being lived in by a family of ghosts - a dad (Chico Benymon) and his sons (Curtis Harris, Lil' P-Nut) - in New Orleans, Louisiana, discover that life in The Big Easy is a little more complicated and way more spirited than they thought it would be. "The Haunted Hathaways" is written by Robert Peacock, with Boyce Bugliari and Jamie McLaughlin, the creators of the Nickelodeon comedy series "Bucket & Skinner’s Epic Adventures", on board as the show's showrunners. Season one of "The Haunted Hathaways" will have 20 x 30 minute episodes:

Nickelodeon Picks Up Comedy ‘The Haunted Hathaways’ To Series With 20-Episode Order

EXCLUSIVE: Nickelodeon has handed a 20-episode order to The Haunted Hathaways, a half-hour project from veteran comedy writer-producer Robert Peacock. Created by Peacock, The Haunted Hathaways features an unconventional blended family and can be described as The Brady Bunch with a supernatural twist. It centers on a mom (Ginifer King) and her daughters (Amber Montana, Breanna Yde) who move to New Orleans and discover that their new house is already occupied by a dad (Chico Benymon) and his sons (Curtis Harris, Lil’ P-Nut)… who happen to be ghosts. Boyce Bugliari & Jamie McLaughlin, creators of the 2011 Nick series Bucket & Skinner’s Epic Adventures, have come on board as showrunners. The Haunted Hathaways was originally picked up to pilot in August. It joins another recently picked up Nickelodeon series, Dan Schneider’s Sam & Cat, starring iCarly‘s Jennette McCurdy and Victorious‘ Ariana Grande reprising their roles.

Tags: Nickelodeon, The Haunted Hathaways

Also, from C21Media:

Nick visits new Haunt

Nickelodeon in the US has greenlit a live-action comedy series in which a family moves into a house already being lived in by ghosts.

The Haunted Hathaways (20x30′) is written by Robert Peacock, who also wrote a pilot of the show for Nick last summer.

It stars Ginifer King, Amber Montana, Breanna Yde as the human family, with Chico Benymon, Curtis Harris and Lil’ P-Nut playing the three ghosts, and Nick has confirmed it’s now taking the pilot to series, as first reported by Deadline.

Another live-action series set for 2013 on Nick is Sam & Cat (20x30′), which was picked up for a full series towards the end of last year.

Nico Franks
21-01-2013
©C21Media

TAGS: New series
GENRES: Children's
SHOWS: The Haunted Hathaways
COMPANIES: Nickelodeon, Viacom International Media Networks
SECTIONS: C21Kids
COUNTRIES: US

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Nickelodeon UK and Nick Germany Acquire Broadcast Rights For New "Beyblade" Animated Series "Beyblade: Shogun Steel"

According to the following article from Anime News Network (ANN), the Canadian entertainment company Nelvana Limited has announced Nickelodeon News in their MIPCOM 2012 report that Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon Germany (also known as Nickelodeon Deutschland) have picked up the television broadcast rights to the brand new animated show "Beyblade: Shogun Steel", which is known in Japan as "Metal Fight Beyblade Zero-G" and is a sequel to the Japanese anime [Japanese animation] television series "Beyblade: Metal Fusion". Nickelodeon UK is expected to start to premiere and show "Beyblade: Shogun Steel" on their action channel Nicktoons UK and Ireland in 2013 as part of "2013 on NickToons UK":

Nelvana to Release Beyblade Zero-G as Beyblade: Shogun Steel

2nd season of Beywheelz also scheduled

Nelvana released details for its upcoming North American release of the Metal Fight Beyblade Zero-G spinning top anime in its MIPCOM 2012 report. (Note: The link is a direct download link to Nelvana's PDF report.) In the report, Nelvana confirmed that it will release Metal Fight Beyblade Zero-G under the title Beyblade: Shogun Steel in 26 half-hour episodes. The Metal Fight Beyblade Zero-G television anime series premiered in Japan in April, and the 36th episode in the series aired on December 9. Each episode is approximately 15 minutes in length.

The report also noted that the new series will air in Canada on YTV, in the United States on Cartoon Network, in the United Kingdom and Germany on Nickelodeon, and in France on Gulli.

Nelvana describes the story as follows:

The WBBA has worked tirelessly over the last 7 years to rebuild the Beyblade world by introducing a new Bey system and train the next generation of Bladers. Our new hero, Zyro Kurogane, aspires to be just like Gingka and become the World's Best Blader; with the help of his new friends, he trains hard, gains strength, and learns groundbreaking new battle techniques along the way. Unknowingly, there are mysterious and sinister powers at work with plots to take over the WBBA! Friends will battle each other and dark forces come out of the shadows in an unprecedented event where strategic new combinations create EVEN MORE powerful NEW Beys!

The report also confirms a 13-episode second season of the Beywheelz spin-off series. Beywheelz is a separate storyline set "in the futuristic city of Destection where our hero, Sho, is champion of the Beywheelz World Tournament! This peaceful city is home to exciting and challenging battles between friends and allies until suddenly the city is attacked by an evil Beywheelz army called the Dominators." The spin-off was created exclusively for the North American version of Beyblade.

Nelvana adapted the Metal Fight Beyblade anime as Beyblade: Metal Fusion in North America in 2010, and then released the second Metal Fight Beyblade anime under the name Beyblade: Metal Masters. Metal Fight Beyblade 4D, the sixth Beyblade anime series, has been airing in Japan since April, and Nelvana has been offering it overseas under the title Beyblade: Metal Fury.

The report also mentions that the status of its localization of the Paboo & Mojies preschool anime series is currently "in development."

[Via I Miss Bionix]

Also, from

Nickelodeon USA To Premiere "House Of Anubis" Season Three In January 2013!

The entertainment news website Entertainment Weekly's 'the Family Room' television news column has announced the Nickelodeon News / "House of Anubis" News in the following article that, as with season 1 and season 2 of HoA, Nickelodeon USA will start to premiere and show season three of Nickelodeon's hit mystery drama series "House Of Anubis" from January 2013 (broadcast times and dates to be confirmed by Nick US)! SIBUNA!

Please Note - The following Nick News article from EW: the Family Room contains spoilers about the third season of Nickelodeon's popular mystery drama show "House of Anubis", including one of the major storylines/plots, that some NickALive! readers may prefer to avoid. Please continue to scroll down the page if you would like to read Entertainment Weekly's 'the Family Room's' SIBUNA news article:

Get ready for the 2013 return of 'House of Anubis': EXCLUSIVE VIDEO

If you’ve been missing Nickelodeon’s otherworldly live-action telenovela-style series House of Anubis since it's season 2 finale in March, never fear. The series, which follows a group of students solving mysteries at an English boarding school, while dealing with normal teenage tumult, is set to return in January. And season 3 raises the stakes for the kids and introduces new characters, love interests, and villains. The teens go up against the teachers as they race to defeat an ancient curse and prevent a great evil from reawakening forever. Enter K.T Rush (Alexandra Shipp), an adventurous, perky, and tenacious American girl, who becomes a vital part of the Sibuna gang and partners with Eddie (Burkely Duffield) to unlock the new Anubis House mystery. Louisa Connelly-Burnham also joins the show as Willow, a bright and quirky student from another boarding house who yearns to join Anubis House. This season fans will also get to see different parts of the Anubis House campus (both above and below ground) that they’ve never seen before and and find out new things about old characters.

But it’s really a game-changer of a year for Eddie,who returns to school thinking he can spend another term hanging out and eating pancakes. But an Osarian vision tells him that he needs to stop a great evil and save the lives of his friends, and he finds himself with an inexplicable connection to new girl KT. Watch their first meeting in the exclusive promo [here on the official Entertainment Weekly: the Family Room website, family-room.ew.com].

[...]

Are you looking forward to the new season?

Tags: House of Anubis, Nickelodeon, TV

Are you looking forward to the new season of "House of Anubis"? Let NickALive! know on Twitter @DailyNickNews!

Stay tuned to NickALive! and @DailyNickNews for the latest Nickelodeon and House of Anubis Season 3 news and sneak peeks!

Nickelodeon USA Unveils New Sneak Peak Photograph From "House Of Anubis" Season 3!

To celebrate and promote Nickelodeon USA, along with Nickelodeon channels around the world (Nickelodeon International / Planet Nickelodeon), including Nickelodeon UK, starting to premiere and show season three of Nickelodeon's hit mystery drama series "House Of Anubis" in 2013, Nickelodeon USA has posted and unveiled on their official Tumblr blog, nickelodeon.tumblr.com, a special image featuring a sneak peek photograph of a scene from the brand new third season (series) of "House of Anubis"! SIBUNA! Nickelodeon USA's brand new "House of Anubis" sneak peek picture features returning HoA character Eddie Miller (played by Nickelodeon Star Burkely Duffield) with new "House of Anubis" character KT Rush ('KT' stands for Kara Tatiana; portrayed by new Nickelodeon Star Alexandra Shipp), who is holding a mysterious key:

Tags: Hmmmm house of anubis sneaky nickelodeon burkely duffield alexandra shipp original sneak peek

To celebrate Nickelodeon USA starting to premiere and show "House of Anubis: Season Three" soon, Nick USA has also unveiled a teaser trailer for the all-new third season of "House of Anubis", which you can view here on NickALive!.

Stay tuned to NickALive! and @DailyNickNews for the latest Nickelodeon and House of Anubis Season 3 news and sneak peeks!

Nickelodeon Talks About Their Brand New Adaptation Of "Peter Rabbit"; To Fully Premiere On Nickelodeon USA In March 2013; To Be Supported With Merchandise; "Peter Rabbit's Christmas Tale" To Air In The UK Christmas Eve On BBC1

From The New York Times:

Bet Your Camomile Tea, Peter, You're a TV Star Now

Nickelodeon approached “Peter Rabbit” with the hopes that the series would have built-in appeal to parents who grew up with the blue-coated anthropomorphic bunny.

[Above image courtesy] Nickelodeon;
Lily Bobtail, Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny in the holiday special “Peter Rabbit’s Christmas Tale,” appearing Dec. 14 on Nickelodeon. A series begins in March.
In Beatrix Potter’s first version of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” a menacing Mrs. McGregor leans over a kitchen table and presented a steaming-hot pie to Mr. McGregor, who holds a knife and fork at the ready. The pie, of course, is stuffed with the remains of Peter’s father.

An original illustration of Peter Rabbit from 1902.
Potter’s publisher, Frederick Warne & Company, said the image was too horrific for young children. She protested, and the publisher decided to keep the story line but remove the illustration from the 1902 edition.

You might think young viewers today would be much harder to shock. But Nickelodeon, which is remaking Potter’s books as a “Peter Rabbit” animated series, concluded that the death by pie was still too horrific for children even 110 years later. But executives did want the story to be set up around a single mother, which appealed to test audiences.

“Here’s a single mom raising four bunnies,” said Teri Weiss, executive vice president of production and development for Nickelodeon preschool. “That’s an important element we thought kids could connect with.”

Nickelodeon embarked on “Peter Rabbit” with the hopes that the series, regular episodes of which are to go on the air in March, would have built-in appeal to parents who grew up with the blue-coated anthropomorphic bunny. The network, which has seen its ratings decline recently, took a similar approach with older viewers in September when it introduced an updated “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”

But redoing “Peter Rabbit,” one of the most popular and beloved children’s properties, comes with potential pitfalls. Change too much, and audiences who loved the original will cringe. Don’t change enough, and it could come off looking like a stale imitation of the idyllic original.

“You can’t fundamentally mess with something that has been around for that long,” Cyma Zarghami, president of Viacom’s Nickelodeon Group, said. “It was about freshening up his look.”

The new “Peter Rabbit” features computer-animated imagery in soft pastel hues. Peter and his friends get into the same type of outdoorsy adventures as they used to, set against the backdrop of the sweeping landscapes of the Lake District in England, which Potter devoted her later life to preserving. Animators visited the district and took more than 3,000 photos before embarking on recreating the scenery.

[Above image courtesy:] Nickelodeon; The newer [Peter] rabbit.
A team of animators worked exclusively on the fur of the bunnies, foxes and badgers. They made sure it blew in the wind realistically as the characters slid down a frozen lake or looked sufficiently damp after a snowball fight. “Capturing that warmth in CGI is really important,” Ms. Weiss said. “You want to feel like you’re holding a furry bunny in your hands.”

But showing Peter’s father’s death didn’t seem so warm and fuzzy. “That would scare a 4-year-old witless, and it wouldn’t get past standards and practices these days,” said Waheed Alli, the British media mogul whose Silvergate Media bought the rights to “The World of Beatrix Potter,” which includes Potter’s library of animals, and is a co-producer of the Nickelodeon version.

The series instead portrays a fatherless Peter and a cruel Mr. McGregor but doesn’t go into gory detail. In “Peter Rabbit’s Christmas Tale,” a holiday special having its premiere Dec. 14 on Nickelodeon, Peter’s mother passes down his father’s journal, filled with chronicles of adventures, and several empty pages for Peter to fill in.

Peter and his risk-averse buddy Benjamin get into outdoor mischief similar to what was in the books. The only rule the Potter estate insisted on was that Peter wear his royal-blue coat, a hand-me-down from his father, in the television series. Nickelodeon added a character, Lily Bobtail.

Lily, a city rabbit whose doctor father recently moved the family to the rural Lake District, has a pet ladybug and a “just-in-time” pouch that stores an array of helpful items that get the bunnies out of problematic situations. “We wanted a strong female lead and that was Lily,” Lord Alli said.

In the British edition, which will be broadcast on Christmas Eve [Monday 24th December 2012] on BBC1, the bunnies will have English accents. (Mr. McGregor is English in both versions.) Lord Alli said the timing was fortuitous given the recent news that the duchess of Cambridge, the wife of Prince William, is pregnant. “Princess Diana was a huge fan, and William grew up with Peter Rabbit,” he said. “We’re really keen to have a royal baby with Peter Rabbit.”

Potter initially wrote and illustrated stories about a troublemaking rabbit named Peter in the 1890s to entertain the ailing 5-year-old son of her former governess. After several publishers rejected the book, she published “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” herself in 1901. Frederick Warne & Company put out a commercial edition a year later. “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” became one of the best-selling books of all time and, along with the next five titles in the series, sold more than 150 million copies in 36 languages.

Shortly after the first 28,000 copies of “The Tales of Peter Rabbit” hit bookshelves in Britain in 1902, knockoffs began to appear in the United States. With no United States copyright, unlicensed issues of “Peter Rabbit” started to emerge, and Potter and her publisher could not stop them.

“Nickelodeon’s series is just one of a long run of spinoffs going back to the original first edition,” said John Bidwell, the curator of an exhibition on Potter’s illustrated letters currently on display at the Morgan Library & Museum in New York.

And like the Nickelodeon series, in most of those spinoffs publishers and animators took out Potter’s scarier story lines. “I think it’s a just criticism of the modern Beatrix Potters is that they lack the sardonic humor that makes Beatrix Potter so much fun for kids and grown-ups,” Mr. Bidwell said.

Of course the Nickelodeon version is not a knockoff. Penguin Group, which now owns the “Peter Rabbit” publisher Frederick Warne & Company, is much more vehement about copyright. Warne retains underlying ownership and has global rights to all publishing based on the classic books and the new series. Lord Alli’s Silvergate owns merchandising, licensing and animation rights to “The World of Beatrix Potter.” Viacom partnered with both companies to bring “Peter Rabbit” to Nickelodeon.

In addition to the “Peter Rabbit” television series, a line of plush bunny toys, books and related accessories will arrive in stores soon. Nickelodeon already sells products to go with its aging “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Dora the Explorer” series. The company said “Peter Rabbit” clothing and stuffed animals could help it make inroads with babies and their parents, a group that a competitor, Disney, already appeals to.

That may initially sound like a big United States media conglomerate turning an artistic classic into a commercial cash cow, but it’s not far from what Potter herself did after she realized she had a hit. She had Peter-inspired dolls, wallpaper, tea sets and porcelain dishes, which she called her “side shows,” Mr. Bidwell said.

Lord Alli added, “She was the first person to do licensing and merchandising.”

Nickelodeon Greenlights "Sam And Cat", A Brand New Spin-off Series From Hitmaker Dan Schneider Starring Nickelodeon Stars And Fan Favorites Jennette McCurdy And Ariana Grande!

Nickelodeon has announced the exciting Nickelodeon News in the following Press Release that, after ordering the pilot, Nickelodeon has decided to greenlight Dan Schneider's brand new live-action Nickelodeon original comedy show "Sam & Cat" to become a full television series! Production on the first season (season 1) of "Sam & Cat" is due to start in January 2013 in Los Angeles, California, USA, with Nickelodeon planing to premiere the brand new Nickelodeon sitcom "Sam & Cat" in 2013 as part of Nickelodeon's 2013 programming highlights.

Nickelodeon's brand new live-action original comedy series "Sam & Cat" will be a spin-off from Dan Schneider's hit live-action Nickelodeon comedy shows "iCarly" and "Victorious", and will feature Nickelodeon Stars Jennette McCurdy ("iCarly"'s Sam Puckett) and Ariana Grande ("Victorious"' Cat Valentine) reprising their roles from their respective hit shows, and will feature the pair as unlikely roommates who become teen entrepreneurs by starting their own after-school babysitting business.

Nickelodeon has also announced in the same Nickelodeon Press Release that the North American premiere of the series finale episode of the popular Nickelodeon comedy series "iCarly", "iGoodbye", received a great send-off by being watched by 6.4 million total viewers and topped all that weeks basic cable ratings! From PRNewswire:

Nickelodeon Greenlights Sam & Cat, New Spin-off Series From Hitmaker Dan Schneider Starring Fan Favorites Jennette McCurdy and Ariana Grande

Production Commences on 20 Episodes Featuring iCarly and Victorious Stars Who Embark on Crazy Adventures as Unlikely Best Friends and Part-Time Babysitters

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of last week's series finale of iCarly that topped all basic cable with 6.4 million total viewers, Nickelodeon is announcing the series pick-up of Sam & Cat (20 episodes), a spin-off comedy from award-winning creator and executive producer Dan Schneider (iCarly, Victorious, Drake & Josh, Zoey 101). Starring Jennette McCurdy (iCarly's Sam Puckett) and Ariana Grande (Victorious' Cat Valentine) reprising their roles from their respective hit shows, Sam & Cat features the pair as unlikely roommates who become teen entrepreneurs by starting their own after-school babysitting business. Sam & Cat will premiere in 2013, with production beginning this January in Los Angeles.

(Download image - Nickelodeon 'Sam & Cat' Press Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121130/NY21546; Caption: Nickelodeon Greenlights Sam & Cat, New Spin-Off Series From Hitmaker Dan Schneider Starring Fan Favorites Jennette McCurdy and Ariana Grande. (PRNewsFoto/Nickelodeon) )
"Jennette and Ariana are adored by our audience, and it's great to unite these talented actresses in this hilarious new comedy from Dan Schneider," said Russell Hicks, President, Content Development and Production, Nickelodeon. "This show promises to deliver on what our audience loves most about these two favorite characters -- laugh-out-loud humor and non-stop adventure, and is sure to be a compelling new chapter for our new comedic duo."

Best known for her comedic portrayal of Sam Puckett on the mega-hit Nickelodeon series iCarly, Jennette McCurdy most recently wrapped production on Nickelodeon's original TV movie Swindle. In addition, she was featured in two other Nick original TV movies, Fred: The Movie and Best Player. McCurdy has also guest starred on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Strong Medicine, Law & Order: SVU, Medium and Judging Amy.

Prior to garnering attention as the beloved character Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon series Victorious, Ariana Grande performed on Broadway in the musical 13. This holiday, Ariana will star as Snow White at The Pasadena Playhouse in a presentation of "A Snow White Christmas" alongside Neil Patrick Harris and Charlene Tilton. Grande's other acting credits include a feature role in Nickelodeon's original TV movie Swindle and voiceover work on the animated Nick series Winx Club. Grande is also signed to Universal Republic Records and her first single, "Put Your Hearts Up," debuted at #24 on the pop charts. Grande is leading the way with her social media efforts on Twitter, Instagram and Keek, and her YouTube account has garnered over 115 million views.

Writer-producer Dan Schneider has established himself as a dominant force in the world of family entertainment by creatively drawing on his affinity for youth culture at Nickelodeon. Under his Schneider's Bakery Productions, he has carved a unique, progressive niche in the world of kid and family entertainment, most recently as creator and executive producer of the mega-hit Nickelodeon series iCarly starring Miranda Cosgrove, Victorious starring Victoria Justice and Zoey 101 starring Jamie Lynn Spears—all of which have received Emmy nominations. Schneider also created/executive produced The Amanda Show starring Amanda Bynes and Drake & Josh starring Drake Bell and Josh Peck. Schneider began with Nickelodeon as executive producer and show runner on the network's groundbreaking sketch comedy series All That from 1994 to 1998, and then returned to run the show in its seventh season. He then went on to produce Kenan & Kel, starring Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. Schneider also created the hit WB series What I Like About You, starring Amanda Bynes and Jennie Garth. His comedic success has also translated to the big screen for which he wrote and produced the popular films, Good Burger and Big Fat Liar.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 33rd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 17 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

SOURCE Nickelodeon

RELATED LINKS
http://www.nick.com.

Also, from C21Media:

Nick orders i-Carly, Victorious spin-off

Nickelodeon has commissioned a live-action series based on characters from its recently concluded series i-Carly and soon-to-end Victorious.

Sam & Cat (20x30′), created and exec produced by Dan Schneider, features two characters from the earlier series, which Schneider also created for the Viacom-owned children’s channel.

The story follows two girls, played by Ariana Grande (Victorious) and Jennette McCurdy (i-Carly), as they start their own babysitting business while rooming together at high school. Nick ordered a pilot of the show in August.

i-Carly’s hour-long finale, after six seasons on air, attracted 6.4 million viewers in the US last week, according to Viacom. Victorious is due to end next year

Nico Franks
30-11-2012
©C21Media

TAGS: Series commission
GENRES: Children's
SHOWS: Sam & Cat
PEOPLE: Dan Schneider
COMPANIES: Nickelodeon, Viacom International Media Networks
SECTIONS: C21Kids
COUNTRIES: US

Also, from Kidscreen:

Nickelodeon greenlights spin-off comedy Sam & Cat

Viewers will be seeing a lot more of iCarly‘s Jennette McCurdy and Victorious‘ Ariana Grande as Nickelodeon has greenlit the spin-off comedy Sam & Cat.

The new 20-episode series, set to premiere in 2013 with production beginning this January in L.A., sees McCurdy reprise her role as Sam Puckett and Grande continue in her role as Cat Valentine.

In Sam & Cat, the two characters play unlikely roommates who launch an after-school babysitting business. Dan Schneider (iCarly, Victorious, Zoey 101) is the new show’s creator and executive producer.

The timing for the new series comes as iCarly said goodbye last week with 6.4 million viewers tuning in for the long-running show’s season finale and the recent news that Victorious is ending its run at three seasons.

Both McCurdy and Grande recently wrapped production on Nickelodeon’s original TV movie Swindle, a comedy film based on a children’s book by popular Canadian/American author Gordon Korman.

Tags: Ariana Grande, Dan Schneider, Jennette McCurdy, Nickelodeon, Sam & Cat

Nickelodeon Benelux Picks Up The Broadcast Rights To The Canadian-Korean 3D Stereoscopic Animated Children's Series "Bolts & Blip"; To Premiere On Nickelodeon Belgium And Nickelodeon Netherlands From February 2013

From StereoscopyNews:

Nickelodeon Gets 3D kids Series Rights

Nickelodeon has acquired rights on the Canadian-Korean 3D stereoscopic kids series Bolts & Blip for Belgium [Nickelodeon Belgium] and the Netherlands [Nickelodeon Netherlands]. The Viacom-owned broadcaster has closed a deal with KidsPlant Distribution to air the Redrover/Toonbox-produced series in February 2013.

Bolts & Blip (trailer here under), which follows the adventures of two robot friends, is one of the first 3D stereoscopic animated kids series and airs in more than 70 territories including the USA via 3net, in the UK via BSkyB and in Korea via Skylife.

Bolts & Blip Trailer



Storyline

This animated series is set in the year 2080. Thanks to a genius scientist Dr. Tommy, the Earth is at peace. He created the Moon C.R.A.T.E.R Project, the wackiest intergalactic sports circuit, where Robots, known as the Lunar League, settled Earth’s disputes. Two Central City misfits, Bolts & Blip, accidentally find themselves as members of the Leagues last placed team THE THUNDERBOLTS and are now out to show the fans what they can do. With the help of their rag-tag band of teammates, the two friends discover what they are made of, especially once they discover that all is not what it seems... Both the Moon and the Earth are being threatened by Dr. Tommy’s arch-nemesis – Dr. Blood.

Worldwide Distribution

At the same time as the Nickelodeon deal signature, Redrover also signed a deal to distribute the series in Poland where they will be distributed through Canal+ 3D and teleTOON+.

Info

Visit the Bolt&Blip website.

Also, from Kidscreen:

Bolts and Blip zap to Nickelodeon and Canal+

Stereoscopic 3D kids series Bolts and Blip has two new broadcast partners in Europe thanks to deals secured by Netherlands-based KidsPlant Distribution and the show’s producers Toon Box and RedRover.

KidsPlant has inked a deal with Nickelodeon to air the series in Benelux in 2013. The second deal signed by Canada’s Toon Box and South Korea-based RedRover will see Poland’s Canal + broadcast the show on its stereoscopic channel for spring 2013 and on its sister net teleTOON+ from February.

The series, which follows the adventures of two best robot friends who find themselves in over their heads after being suddenly drafted into the Lunar League of Robotic Sports, debuted in 2D on Canal+ (France) in April 2010 and in 3D on 3net (US) in September 2011.

It has since gone on to air in more than 70 territories in 2D and on 3D channels including 3net (US), BSkyB (UK), and Skylife (Korea).

The brand has also successfully diversified into the digital apps space with two apps currently available for iOS mobile devices on the App Store.

KidsPlant signed on to rep the 26 x 22-minute series for Benelux in June and is also on board to handle distribution rights for the recently released Bolts and Blip movie in Germany, Benelux, Scandinavia and Poland.

Tags: Benelux, Bolts and Blip, Canal+, KidsPlant Distribution, Nickelodeon, Redrover, Teletoon, Toon Box

Also, from C21Media:

Nick, Canal+ take 3D toon

Nickelodeon and Canal+ have picked up a Canadian and Korean 3D animated coproduction for two of their European feeds.

Nick will air comic adventure cartoon Bolts & Blip (26x22′) on its Benelux feed next year, while Canal+ in Poland will air the toon on its stereoscopic 3D channel in the spring.

Netherlands-based KidsPlant Distribution secured the deal in Benelux on behalf of the coproducers, Canuck studio Toonbox Entertainment and South Korea-based 3D producer RedRover.

Canal+ sister net Teletoon+ will also broadcast the animation in Poland from February. The show, aimed at seven- to 11-year-olds, is set on the moon and follows two misfit robots.

Marta Szwakopf, channel director of Teletoon+, said she expects the series “will win viewers’ hearts.” Two digital apps based on the series are available.

Nico Franks
23-11-2012
©C21Media

TAGS: Acquisition
GENRES: Animation, Children's
SHOWS: Bolts & Blip
PEOPLE: Marta Szwakop
COMPANIES: Canal+, KidsPlant Distribution, Nickelodeon, Teletoon
SECTIONS: C21Kids
COUNTRIES: Canada, Korea

Also, from TBI Vision:

Nickelodeon acquires 3D stereoscopic kids series

Nickelodeon has acquired stereoscopic 3D kids series Bolts & Blip for its networks in Benelux.

The Viacom-owned broadcaster has closed a deal with Dutch distributor KidsPlant Distribution to air the ToonBox Entertainment and Redrover-produced series in the region in the new year.

Separately, ToonBox and Redrover have sold the series in Poland via Canal+’s stereoscopic network and its sister channel teleTOON+.

Bolts & Blip, which follows the adventures of two robot friends, is one of the first stereoscopic animated kids series and airs in more than 70 territories including the United States via 3net, in the UK via BSkyB and in Korea via Skylife.

KidsPlant’s Robbert Ladan said: “We are very proud to have found a home for our brave two Robot heroes at Nickelodeon in Benelux.”

“I’m extremely glad that Bolts & Blip will be broadcasted on teleTOON+ in February 2013. I deeply believe that this modern animated series about a world of robots and heroes that are loved by children, will win viewers’ hearts,” added Marta Szwakopf, channel director MiniMini+/teleTOON+.

Nickelodeon USA Unveils A "House Of Anubis" Sneak Peak Featuring The Script Of One Of The Opening Scenes For "House Of Anubis" Season 3!

To celebrate and promote Nickelodeon USA, along with Nickelodeon channels around the world (Nickelodeon International / Planet Nickelodeon), including Nickelodeon UK, starting to premiere and show season three of Nickelodeon's hit mystery drama series "House Of Anubis" in 2013, Nickelodeon USA has posted and unveiled on their official "House of Anubis" message board on the official Nickelodeon USA website, Nick.com, a special image featuring a sneak peek scan of a "House of Anubis Season 3" script page featuring character dialogue and scene directions for one of the opening scenes for the brand new third season (series) of "House of Anubis"! SIBUNA!:

Oh! Look What We Found!!

From: NICKFrog

What do you think is happening here?

The taxi pulls up and Fabian runs over. He grins as he opens the taxi door, assuming it's Nina. But Eddie steps out. A large kit bag and assorted sporting equipment tumbles out after him.

Fabian [Brad Kavanagh]
1 Woah! You're not Nina!

Eddie [Burkely Duffield]
2 (Laughs) Not last time I checked! Hey! Good to see you, roomie!

Fabian laughs and slaps his friend on the back. Mr. Sweet hurries over and pays the taxi driver.

Eddie (Cont'd)
3 Hi Dad!

He goes to hug him, but it's a bit awkward. This is still clearly new to them both.

Mr. Sweet [Paul Anthony-Barber]
4 Good to have you back, son...

He's about to say more, then there's acommotion oov- two cars sounding their horns at each other. Mr Sweet hurries off to deal with it, looking a little frazzled.

Sweet
5 (over shoulder) Nose clean this term, Edison!

Eddie
6 (Calls back) Call me Eddie and I'll consider it!

Fabian picks up acouple of Eddie's bags.

Fabian
7 So did you see Nina...?

Eddie looks up sharply

Eddie
8 Huh?

Fabian
9 ...at the airport.

We might notice relief across Eddie's face. In the background Jerome [Eugene Simon] and Mara [Tasie Dhanraj] spot each other across the crowded yard...

Eddie
10 Fabes, you've got to play it cool, dude!

To celebrate Nickelodeon USA starting to premiere and show "House of Anubis: Season Three" soon, Nick USA has also unveiled a teaser trailer for the all-new third season of "House of Anubis", which you can view here on NickALive!.

Nickelodeon UK Presenter Anna Williamson Announces Upcoming Nick UK Project For Herself And Her Co-Host Jamie Rickers!

Nickelodeon UK and Ireland presenter Anna Williamson has announced the Nickelodeon UK News on her official Twitter profile page to Nickelodeon UK Fanblog NickUKHub that she (Anna) and her Nickelodeon UK co-host Jamie Rickers (Nickelodeon UK's "Camp Orange", "Jamie's & Anna's Big Weekend", "UPick Summer") will be part of an exciting programme for Nickelodeon UK project in 2013 as part of "2013 on Nickelodeon UK"!:

NickUKHub (@NickUKHub): Hi Anna! Any confirmed plans on you and Jamie returning to Nick? :D - Friday 16th November 2012

Anna Williamson (@annawilliamsTV): working on it...news next year prob now - Friday 16th November 2012.

The show type and details of Anna Williamson and Jamie Rickers' latest Nickelodeon UK project are currently unknown, but it is speculated Anna Williamson and Jamie Rickers' latest Nick UK series could be the third brand new season of Nickelodeon UK's adventure reality show for best friends, "Camp Orange UK", "Camp Orange 2013", Nickelodeon's 'behind-the-scenes of House of Anubis' "Anubis Unlocked" series (for the premiere of the upcoming brand new third season of "House of Anubis" ("House of Anubis Season 3"), which expected to air on Nickelodeon UK during Spring 2013), in-vision live studio continuity links for a Nickelodeon UK programming block, and/or "Nickelodeon's Fruit Shoot Skills Awards 2013".

Nickelodeon USA Unveils First Teaser Trailer For "House Of Anubis" Season 3!

Below is a streaming video and transcript of Nickelodeon USA's brand new official "Coming In 2013" "House of Anubis" Season 3 trailer/promo which Nick USA unveiled on-air on Saturday 27th October 2012 to celebrate and promote that Nickelodeon USA, along with Nickelodeon channels around the world (Nickelodeon International / Planet Nickelodeon), including Nickelodeon UK, will start to premiere and show season three of Nickelodeon's hit mystery drama series "House Of Anubis" in 2013!

Nickelodeon USA's brand new official "House of Anubis" Season 3 promo gives SIBUNA fans and Nickelodeon USA viewers a first-look sneak peek look at the all-new third season of "House of Anubis", and includes interviews with some of the cast of "House of Anubis", who give fans and viewers a exclusive insight into season three of "House of Anubis", including what one of the storylines will be and who will be this years villein, and also gives a first look at one of the new "House of Anubis" characters who will be introduced in "House of Anubis" season 3!:

Coming in 2013, the mystery that kept you on the edge your seat will return, and something inside this house will reawaken!

[Screams]

In the brand new season of House of Anubis!

[Burkely Duffield 'Eddie': This year, on House of Anubis, there's a lot more of, I'd say everything!

Jade Ramsey 'Patricia': So season three kind of picks up where season two ended.

Brad Kavanagh 'Fabian': We found out that Eddie turned out to be the Osirian, so, all the [...] in the house, everything, are all now on Eddie.

Ana Mulvoy Ten 'Amber': SIBUNA is having [...] a bit of a makeover.]

[Patricia Williamson, Fabian Rutter and Amber Millington: SIBUNA]

[Brad Kavanagh: And the bad guy, you guys would not believe. It's a bad guy we've always known about, but never assumed was still around.]

[Amber Millington screams]

So where will this season lead?

[Burkely Duffield: As it always is with House of Anubis, who can you trust? When can you trust them? And, you never really know who and how people are gonna turn out in the end.]

In a brand new season of House of Anubis, coming in 2013, only on Nick!

One of the main plots in the third season of "House of Anubis" will be about the teens battling against the teachers as they race to defeat an ancient curse and prevent a great evil from reawakening forever. Season Three of "House of Anubis" will also introduce brand new characters to "House of Anubis" fans and Nickelodeon viewers, including a brand new character called 'KT Rush' (portrayed by new Nickelodeon Star and actress Alexandra Shipp), who will be "an adventurous, sunny and tenacious American girl who becomes a vital part of the Sibuna gang and partners with Eddie to unlock the new Anubis House mystery", and 'Willow Jenks' (played by new Nickelodeon Star and actress Louisa Connolly-Burnham), who will be "a student from another boarding house who yearns to join Anubis House". Unfortunately, Nickelodeon Star and "House of Anubis" actress Nathalia Ramos, who plays the primary protagonist SIBUNA character 'Nina Martin' in the first two seasons of Nickelodeon's popular mystery series "House Of Anubis" has announced and confirmed that she won't be returning to be in the cast of season three of "House of Anubis" due to school related issues. Roger Barclay, who plays "House of Anubis" villain Rufus Zeno/The Collector, has also confirmed that he also won't be returning to be in the cast of season three of "House of Anubis". Nickelodeon Star and "House of Anubis" actor Bobby Lockwood, who played the HoA character 'Mick Campbell' in the first two seasons of Nickelodeon's popular mystery series "House Of Anubis", has also announced and confirmed that he won't be returning to be in the cast of season three of "House of Anubis".

Nick Jr. UK Acquires The UK Broadcast Rights To SLR Productions' Brand New Animated Preschool Series "Guess How Much I Love You – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare"; Set To Premiere In 2013

From Kidscreen:

Nick Jr. picks up Guess How Much I Love You

Sydney, Australia's SLR Productions' preschool animated book-based series Guess How Much I Love You – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare has been acquired for Nick Jr. UK and Ireland by Nickelodeon UK.

The 52 x 11-minute series, produced with Singapore's Scrawl Studios and Germany’s KI.KA, will launch on Nick Jr. in 2013. The series currently airs on Disney Junior (US), KI.KA (Germany), ABC4Kids (Australia), TV2 (Norway), Hop! (Israel), RTP (Portugal), Disney (Spain and Italy), ZAPP (Netherlands), TRT (Turkey), Mini Mini (Poland), VRT (Belgium), EESTI (Estonia), TFO and TVO (Canada) and YLE (Finland).

Guess How Much I Love You, based on the bestselling picture book by Sam McBratney and published by the Walker Books Group, features the love-themed seasonal adventures of Nutbrown Hare’s family and their friends.

Toronto, Canada-based CCI Entertainment holds the worldwide distribution and licensing rights in Latin America, Asia, Middle East and Africa.

Tags: CCI Entertainment, Guess How Much I Love You - The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare, Ireland, Ki.Ka, Nick Jr. UK, Sam McBratney, Scrawl Studios, SLR Productions

Also, from MuMbrella:

The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare picked up by Nick Jr UK

SLR Productions, one of Australia’s leading production houses specialising in children’s TV show has had its show Guess How Much I Love You – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare, a 52×11 minute series, picked up by CCI Entertainment and Nickelodeon UK.The announcement:

CCI Entertainment is pleased to announce a partnership with Nickelodeon UK for preschool series GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU- The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare. The 52 x 11 minute series, from Australia’s SLR Productions, Germany’s KI.KA and Singapore’s Scrawl Studios will launch on Nick Jr. in The UK and Ireland.

“A beautiful interpretation of the popular book series, GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare, is a fantastic property that has a warmth and charm that we love,” said Tim Patterson, VP Scheduling Director, Nickelodeon UK. “The success of the show in other territories is testament to the great work achieved by everyone involved and we look forward to working closely with SLR Productions and CCI to launch this beguiling property on Nick Jr.”

“Nick Jr. is a terrific home for this series in the UK and Ireland” said Jill Keenleyside EVP at CCI Entertainment. “We are delighted to be working with them once again, on such a charming and beautiful classic property.”

“I am thrilled to see the continued acquisition of GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare for countries across the globe. It has become a much-loved and treasured series by parents and preschoolers in countries where it has already gone to air and I know its broadcast on Nick Jr. will have just the same success” said Executive Producer and CEO of SLR Productions, Suzanne Ryan.

The series continues to air on Disney Junior US, KI.KA Germany, ABC4Kids Australia, TV2 Norway, Hop! Israel, RTP Portugal, Disney Spain & Italy, ZAPP Netherlands, TRT Turkey, Mini Mini Poland, VRT Belgium and EESTI Estonia, TFO and TVO Canada and YLE Finland.

GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare keeps love as the major theme and each adventure in the series has a particular season as its backdrop, the wildflowers of Spring, the long, lazy days of Summer, the brilliant colours of Autumn or the frozen landscape of Winter.

The animated preschool series is the first time the bestselling picture book, GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU™, has been adapted into a television show. The series relates the adventures of the Nutbrown Hares family and their friends with the same endearing simplicity and love that has made the book a timeless classic.

The picture book, written by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram and published by the Walker Books Group, has become an international publishing phenomenon, selling more than 28 million copies worldwide.

Source: SLR Productions

Also, from C21Media:

UK, Ireland feel the Love

Children's channel Nick Jr has picked up a German-Australian preschool animated coproduction to air in the UK and Ireland.

Guess How Much I Love You – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare (52x11′) is coproduced by Australia's SLR Productions, German kidsnet KiKa and Scrawl Studios in Singapore.

The series, based on the book by Sam McBratney in which a father and son attempt to measure how much they love each other, has previously been sold to networks including Disney Channel in Australia and New Zealand; ABC (Australia); TFO and Knowledge (Canada); and SVT (Sweden).

Tim Patterson, VP and scheduling director at Nickelodeon UK, said the cartoon was a “beguiling property with a warmth and charm that we love.”

Canada's CCI Entertainment holds worldwide distribution rights.

Nico Franks
04-10-2012
©C21Media

TAGS: Acquisition
GENRES: Animation, Children's
SHOWS: Guess How Much I Love You
PEOPLE: Tim Patterson
COMPANIES: Nick UK, Nickelodeon
SECTIONS: C21Kids
COUNTRIES: Australia, Canada, Germany, Singapore, UK

"Sopranos" Star James Gandolfini Set For Cameo in Nickelodeon's Upcoming Original Television Movie "Nicky Deuce"

From Broadway World:

James Gandolfini Set For Cameo in Nickelodeon's NICKY DEUCE

As first reported on Deadline.com, James Gandolfini will join his former 'Sopranos' co-stars in the upcoming Nickelodeon movie NICKY DEUCE. The actor will make a cameo appearance in the film which is based on Soprano's scripe Steve Schirripa's children's book. Schriripa will also produce and star in the film.

Production on Nicky Deuce is currently underway in Montreal. The cast features former 'Soprano' cast members Michael Imperioli, Tony Sirico and Vincent Curatola. The film follows Nicholas Borelli II, (Noah Munck), described as "a nerdy, over-protected teen who gets caught in the adventure of a lifetime when he is sent to Brooklyn, NY to spend the summer with an uncle (Schirripa) and other members of his Italian American family he never knew he had." Eventually, Nicky uncovers family secrets and learns the hard way about life on the streets of Brooklyn.

Gandolfini, who filmed his role this past weekend, will portray Bobby Eggs, described as "a two-bit guy from the neighborhood who gets unintentionally "scrambled" by the young Nicky (Munck)."

Nicky Deuce is scheduled to premiere next year [2013] on Nickelodeon and Canada's YTV.

The Official Nickelodeon USA Website Reveals Information About The Brand New "House Of Anubis Season 3" Character 'KT Rush', Portrayed By New Nickelodeon Star 'Alexandra Shipp'

From the 'Nickelodeon Stars' section of the (geo-locked) official Nickelodeon USA website, Nick.com:

Alex Shipp Debuts on House of Anubis Season 3!

We know there are tons of surprises in store for season three of House of Anubis (like your fave characters going against their teachers to crack all new codes and puzzles!), but there's even more twists to look forward to! This season will introduce some brand new characters, including a new series regular KT Rush (played by actress Alexandra Shipp)! She's an adventurous, sunny and tenacious American girl who becomes a vital part of the Sibuna gang and partners with Eddie to unlock the new Anubis House mystery. (Whoa, talk about showing up in style!)

How will KT fit in to the crew of case-cracking mystery solvers? We'll just have to wait and see. But one thing's for sure. It's gonna be good.

With production for HOA season 3 officially underway, the series will be arriving back in our lives faster than we can say Sibuna. And it'll totally be worth the wait!

"House of Anubis" Season 3 is due to premiere on Nickelodeon in 2013.

Nick Jr. UK Acquires The UK Broadcast Rights To Sixteen South's Brand New Mixed Media Animated Preschool Series "Driftwood Bay"; Set To Premiere In 2013

From C21Media:

Nick Jr plays at Driftwood Bay

UK preschool channel Nick Jr has acquired a new mixed media toon from Belfast-based indie Sixteen South Television.

Driftwood Bay
Production on Driftwood Bay (52x7') is set to begin this summer for delivery in mid 2013.

The acquisition is the latest push into preschool for Viacom-owned Nickelodeon UK. Kids from the age group make up 44% of the territory's viewers, according to local VP of scheduling Tim Patterson.

Driftwood is set on an island that exists in the mind of a little girl. She creates adventures and friendships from the different treasures she finds washed up on beach where she lives.

The show comes from children's artist Joanne Carmichael, who created the characters from items she found outside her beach hut on the Scottish island of Arran.

Sixteen South plans to pitch the series to further potential partners at the Cartoon Forum in Toulouse, France, in September.

Jesse Whittock
09-07-2012
©C21Media

TAGS: Cartoon Forum
GENRES: Animation, Children's
SHOWS: Driftwood Bay
PEOPLE: Joanna Carmichael, Tim Patterson
COMPANIES: Nickelodeon, Sixteen South
SECTIONS: C21 Kids
COUNTRIES: UK

Also, from Kidscreen:

Dispatches from the Children's Media Conference – Day 3

The final day of the Children’s Media Conference (a conference in the UK for everyone involved in developing, producing and distributing content to kids – on all platforms) has come and gone. I am happy, tired, overstimulated and homesick. I miss Mary, Buffy, bagels and Mexican food. I started my day today at a panel sponsored by the good folks at UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) called “Focus on Malaysia.” Having back-packed through Malaysia as a twenty-something, I was eager to attend this session and I must say I was very impressed by the Singapore-style incentives that the Malaysian government is putting in place through its Multimedia Development Corporation, better known as MDec. The session made me want to return to Malaysia this year to visit the many new animation studios that are sprouting up across this country like mushrooms after a rainstorm.

Next up was “Meet The Commissioners: Commercial,” which featured the various buyers and executives from Turner Broadcasting, Disney, CiTV and Nickelodeon. What stood out most during this session was the preponderance of farts and fart jokes that were peppered throughout the show reels [including one featuring a showcase of Nickelodeon's brand new CGI-animated "Teenage Mutant Minja Turtles" series (see photograph above)] of these esteemed broadcasters. If I ever had any doubts about my decision to focus my career on making shows for preschoolers, this panel put those doubts to rest. The bright spot of the session was the announcement that Driftwood Bay, a lovely show from my friends at Sixteen South in Ireland, has been commissioned by Nickelodeon UK.