Showing posts with label Nickelodeon At Conferences. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nickelodeon At Conferences. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Nickelodeon to Showcase the Making of 'Max & the Midknights' at SIGGRAPH 2025

Nickelodeon is set to take attendees of SIGGRAPH 2025 behind-the-scenes at the making of their hit CG-animated series Max & the Midknights during a Production Sessions presentation!

'Max & the Midknights' season one key art

SIGGRAPH 2025, the world's premier conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques, is once again spotlighting the future of visual storytelling through two of its most anticipated programs: the Computer Animation Festival and the Production Sessions. Taking place Sunday, 10 August through Thursday, 14 August 2025 at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, BC, this year's conference marks a historic milestone for the animation showcase, with all top festival honors awarded to student-created films.

The SIGGRAPH 2025 Production Sessions invite attendees behind the scenes of some of the world's most ambitious entertainment projects, offering a rare look at the artistry and innovation behind today's blockbuster films, immersive rides, and cutting-edge games.

In a session entitled "Exploring the Novel Real-Time Pipeline of Nickelodeon's 'Max & the Midknights'," Nickelodeon Animation's Max & the Midknights team will reveal how a custom Unreal pipeline and real-time workflow powered a cinematic CG series with a handcrafted, stop-motion look. The session will take place on Sunday, 10 August 2025 between 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT in the West Building, Ballroom C.

Find out more about the presentation below!

Exploring the Novel Real-Time Pipeline of Nickelodeon’s Max & the Midknights

Description

Come hear about the creation of Nickelodeon’s hit new animated action/adventure series Max & the Midknights! The show’s Supervising Producer and CG Supervisor, along with production partner Xentrix’s Head of Pipeline and Creative Director, will share a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges they faced creating this ambitious cinematic CG show with its hand-made and stop-motion look and feel.

You will learn how Max’s design-forward pipeline, built upon a custom set of tools developed in Unreal, enabled a new agile story process that blends the best qualities of live-action and animated filmmaking. Unlike the “traditional” storyboard-based TV approach, Max’s visualization artists shoot on final models in 3D then deliver dailies to editors who leverage their live-action expertise to assemble a full episode for review. Once noted and updated, the visualization pass goes to the storyboard artists, who--thanks to the true 3D nature of the visualization work--can focus exclusively on character performance with the confidence that all of their compositions will be fully-reproducible in 3D. This hybridized process obviates the need for a downstream blocking/layout pass because the cameras and animations used to make the animatic are exported from Unreal and delivered along with the next-level animatic to Max’s Bangalore-based production partner Xentrix Studios.

In addition to Max’s unique story pipeline, you will also hear about the tools and techniques developed collaboratively between Nickelodeon and Xentrix to permit character animation in Maya with final rendering/delivery in Unreal, including a seamless alembic- and FBX-based animation transfer approach and automatic shot creation in Unreal from Maya data. The team will also highlight the creative power of real-time iteration for improving cameras, shading, and lighting later in the process than permitted in the typical pipeline, and how they were able to get broadcast-ready final pixels straight out of Unreal.

Presenters
Chris Perry, Supervising Director / Producer, Nickelodeon Animation
Sica Von Medicus, CG Supervisor, Nickelodeon Animation
Abhishek Kumar, Head of Pipeline, Xentrix Studios
Ushma Pandya, Creative Director, Xentrix Studios

Additionally, in a landmark joint session, DNEG and Wētā FX present "A Journey Through Dystopia: The Last of Us", a two-part breakdown of the visual effects that brought the second season of the incredible episodic series The Last of Us to life. From building a CG version of post-apocalyptic Seattle to designing a thousand-strong infected horde, the teams unveil the technical ingenuity required to elevate one of television's most visually compelling series.

Find more information about SIGGRAPH 2025, including registration options, at s2025.siggraph.org.

The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources, and address the field's challenges.  SIGGRAPH is a special interest group within ACM that serves as an interdisciplinary community for members in research, technology, and applications in computer graphics and interactive techniques. The SIGGRAPH conference is the world's leading annual interdisciplinary educational experience showcasing the latest in computer graphics and interactive techniques. SIGGRAPH 2025, the 52nd annual conference hosted by ACM SIGGRAPH, will take place live 10–14 August at the Vancouver Convention Centre, along with a Virtual Access option.

About Max & the Midknights

Based on the best-selling children's books by acclaimed author and cartoonist Lincoln Peirce (Big Nate), the show follows Max, a determined 10-year-old girl with big dreams of becoming a knight, as she leads her friends on epic adventures filled with excitement, bravery, and lots of fun.

Max & the Midknights made its debut on Nickelodeon on October 10, 2024 following a sneak peek on YouTube in June, with the show's first 10-episode season airing weekly. Season one will be available to stream from Wednesday, July 16 on Paramount+.

Throughout the show's freshman series, Max leads the rest of the Midknights on challenging quests filled with all-new original songs. After King Gastley steals the throne and forces an unjust rule on the Kingdom of Byjovia, Max must come to the rescue to overthrow the power-hungry foe. With her friends and Uncle Budrick by her side, Max’s courageous spirit won’t back down no matter how difficult the quest gets.

The voice cast behind the Midknights, a group of misfits each with their own unique talent, include: Blu del Barrio (Star Trek: Discovery) as Max, a brave and determined girl ready to take on any challenge headed her way; Melissa Villaseñor (Saturday Night Live) as Millie, a wacky yet super positive girl who brings the power of magic to the Midknights; Zeno Robinson (Transformers: EarthSpark) as Simon, Millie’s street-savvy and sometimes sarcastic companion; and Caleb Yen (Beyblade X) as Kevyn, the bookish genius with a photographic memory. Together, the group accomplishes nearly everything that they set their mind to achieve.

Alongside the Midknights, Jeremy Rowley (iCarly) lends his voice as Uncle Budrick, Max’s lovably silly parental figure and professional troubadour, Gary Anthony Williams (Central Park) voices Mumblin, a famous retired magician who helps guide the Midknights on their quests, Brian Stepanek (The Loud House) voices King Gastley, the nefarious ruler of Byjovia, willing to do whatever it takes to maintain his throne, and India de Beaufort (It’s Pony) voices Fendra, a dark sorceress working for King Gastley.

Produced by Nickelodeon Animation in Burbank, Max & the Midknights is executive produced by Lincoln Peirce (Big Nate) and Jane Startz (Ella Enchanted). Sharon Flynn (All Hail King Julien) and David Skelly (Toy Story 2) serve as co-executive producers and showrunners. Development and production is overseen by Claudia Spinelli, Senior Vice President, TV Series Animation, Nickelodeon, Nathan Schram, Vice President, Development, Nickelodeon Animation, and Stephanie Alpert, Vice President, Production, Nickelodeon Animation. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

A second, 10-episode season of Max & the Midknights is reportedly in the pipeline.

Max & the Midknights (Music from the Series), an album featuring songs from Nickelodeon's original animated series is available to listen to today through Republic Records: Kids & Family.

Shop Nickelodeon at ParamountShop.com

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


Original source: PR Newswire.

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Friday, September 06, 2024

Paramount, Nickelodeon Animation Chief Ramsey Naito to Receive VIEW Conference Visionary Award

President of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation Ramsey Naito will be honored with the VIEW Visionary Award next month at the 2024 VIEW Conference in Turin, Italy. The conference will be held from Oct. 14-19, featuring an array of global professionals in the fields of animation, VFX, gaming and more for a week filled with talks, presentations, workshops and masterclasses.

Ramsey Naito
Ramsey Naito | Credit: Beth Coller

“Words cannot express how excited I am to present the 2024 VIEW Visionary Award to Ramsey Naito,” says conference director Maria Elena Gutierrez. “Ramsey’s contribution to animation throughout her career has been immeasurable, and she truly deserves this accolade.” Previous recipients include Cartoon Saloon’s Nora Twomey, cinematographer Roger Deakins, pioneering visual effects supervisor Denis Muren and Pixar designer/director the late Ralph Eggleston.

Naito has led Nickelodeon Animation since September 2020, adding oversight of Paramount Animation in September 2021, overseeing all of the animation group’s operations from development through theatrical release, including last year’s hit films Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie. Future projects include The Smurfs Movie, which will premiere on Valentine’s Day, and Aang: The Last Airbender in 2026. Sequels to TMNT and Paw Patrol are also on the 2026 slate.

At Nickelodeon, Naito oversees animation content across all formats and platforms. She joined Nick in 2018, presiding over a renaissance at the studio and re-emphasizing its creator-driven culture. When her promotion to the Paramount post was announced in 2020, Naito told Variety, “When I started with [Nickelodeon] we focused on building content and we reinvigorated the culture to be creator-driven and creator-friendly and a place where artists could come and feel nurtured, where they could grow and that was inclusive and diverse across the board. It is a passion of mine to continue building that culture and making sure that the culture is inclusive and diverse.”

Before joining Nickelodeon and Paramount, Naito produced the DreamWorks Animation’s 2017 film The Boss Baby, which earned an Oscar nomination for animated feature. It also garnered a PGA nomination for outstanding producer of animated theatrical motion pictures that year for Naito.

Later this month, Paramount Animation and Hasbro Entertainment will release the highly anticipated Transformers One, directed by Josh Cooley, who also will be attending the conference and presenting a solo talk about the process of creating the Transformers’ origin story. He will also take part in a workshop about story called “Make Me Care,” discussing ways to tell a compelling tale.

Cooley worked for many years at Pixar Animation Studios, working his way up from story department intern to writing and directing, winning the Academy Award for his feature film directorial debut Toy Story 4 in 2019. With Transformers One, which will be released on Sept. 18, Cooley and his team tell the story of Optimus Prime and Megatron before they because enemies. The voice cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne and Jon Hamm.

This is the VIEW Conference’s 25th year. Other speakers attending the event include the creative team behind DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot, led by writer-director Chris Sanders, Inside Out 2 director Kelsey Mann, Ultraman: Rising director Shannon Tindle and “ animation supervisor Rob Coleman, who worked with Cooley on Transformers One and who will lead a special presentation on the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

The slate also includes speakers discussing VFX work in some of the biggest films and TV shows of the year, such as the sci-fi epic Dune: Part Two, Amazon Prime’s post-apocalyptic series Fallout, an adaptation of the hit videogame franchise, and Netflix’s mind-bending hit series 3 Body Problem. Dune second unit VFX supervisor Patrick Heinen and Wylie Co. VFX founder-CEO Jake Maymudes will talk about their work on the sequel. Overall VFX supervisor Jay Worth will discuss Fallout, while overall VFX supervisor Stefen Fangmeier will share insights about 3 Body Problem.

Other speakers include Industrial Light & Magic’s senior VP and chief creative officer Rob Bredow as well as Interdimensional VFX CEO Setareh Zargarpour and VFX supervisor Habib Zargarpour, who will discuss their anthology film series project Tales From the Woods, from Warner Bros.

Tickets are on sale and registration is open for the 2024 edition of the conference. More information is available at the conference website.

Ramsey Naito in Conversation with Josh Cooley

Recipient of the VIEW VISIONARY AWARD 2024

IN PERSON ONLY in

Ramsey Naito
President, Paramount, Nickelodeon

Josh Cooley
Director, Transformers One

Ramsey Naito, President of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation is the recipient of the 2024 VIEW VISIONARY AWARD. Come hear her in conversation with Director Josh Cooley.

As President of Paramount Animation since September of 2021, a role which she assumed in September 2021, Naito oversees all of the animation group’s operations from development through theatrical release. Naito previously served as Executive Vice President of Paramount Animation in 2018 before assuming her role as Executive Vice President of Animation Production and Development at Nickelodeon Animation.  In her role as President of Paramount Animation and Nick Animation, Naito has been a driving force in reinvigorating the studio’s feature film animation business, with a robust and diverse slate of animated features including last year’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, which helped the two franchises earn a combined 2.5B at retail in 2023 alone. Looking ahead, this September brings the highly anticipated Transformers ONE, the first animated Transformers film in 20 years, with an all-star voice cast including Chris Hemsworth as Young Optimus Prime, Bryan Tyree Henry as Young Megatron, Scarlett Johansson as Elita, and Keegan-Michael Key as fan favorite Bumblebee.  

Next year brings The Smurfs Movie to theatres on Valentine’s Day, also with a star-studded voice cast, led by James Corden and Rihanna, who is voicing Smurfette in addition to writing, producing and performing original songs. And SpongeBob, which is celebrating its landmark 25th anniversary, is back and bigger than ever for Christmas 2025 with The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. 

In 2026, the much-anticipated Aang: The Last Airbender hits theaters in Q1, followed by a third installment of the PAW Patrol Movie series, and a sequel to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, slated for October release. 

At Nickelodeon, Naito oversees animation content across all formats and platforms—spanning linear, digital, TV movies, theatrical motion pictures and SVOD. Since joining the network in 2018, Naito has overseen a renaissance at the studio of animation content and production in scale and creativity. 

Naito produced DreamWorks Animation’s Oscar®-nominated feature, The Boss Baby, while also earning her a PGA nomination for Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures.

###

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


Originally published: September 06, 2024.

Original source: Variety; Additional source: 24700.

Follow NickALive! on TwitterRedditInstagramFacebookGoogle NewsTumblrvia RSS and more for the latest Nickelodeon and Paramount Global News and Highlights!

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Kidscreen Summit 2024 to Host 'PAW Patrol' Session on February 6

Kidscreen has announced that it'll be hosting a special PAW Patrol session during Kidscreen Summit 2024!

PAW Patrol

Titled "Big Brand Power: PAW Patrol is on a roll," the 45-minute session will take place on Tuesday, February 6 in Pacific 21 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego, and feature Keith Chapman, the creator of the beloved preschool series, along with several executives from Spin Master and Nickelodeon/Paramount, and will be moderated by Angela C. Santomero, the co-creator of Nickelodeon's Blue's Clues!

Full details about the PAWsome panel can be found below! For more information about Kidscreen Summit 2024, visit https://summit.kidscreen.com/

Big Brand Power: PAW Patrol is on a roll
Tuesday, February 6
2:00pm - 2:45pm
Pacific 21

Spin Master’s 10-year-old preschool powerhouse certainly has a lot of success to celebrate. The TV series has aired in 350 million homes, a robust consumer products program has generated US$14 billion in retail sales worldwide, and its first two movies have earned US$300 million (and counting) at the global box office. We’ve invited PAW Patrol’s creator and chief brand-builders to share the origin story and roadmap leading to one of the most lucrative franchises in kids entertainment history. 

Featuring:

  • Keith Chapman, Creator, PAW Patrol, Keith Chapman Productions
  • Laura Clunie, SVP Development, Current Series & Feature Film, Spin Master
  • Cat Demas, VP, Entertainment Design, Spin Master
  • Jamie Drew, EVP, Consumer Products & Experiences, Paramount

Moderating:

  • Angela C. Santomero, Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Santo Studios NYC

Keith Chapman
Creator, PAW Patrol, Keith Chapman Productions

Keith Chapman

Renowned creator of award-winning, globally famous kids’ IP; including smash hits Paw Patrol, the world’s biggest and most successful preschool show with a theatrical movie that launched August 2021, and Bob the Builder.

Currently developing or in production on several TV, movie, NFT, theatrical, and publishing projects, for toy and TV production companies, animation studios, publishers, and global brands worldwide. Chapman’s recent preschool shows are Mighty Express, produced by Spin Master Entertainment, and launched on Netflix in September 2020, and Jonny Jetboy, produced by Wildbrain and China’s iQiyi, due to launch in early 2024.

Chapman's environmentally themed family movie, Ozi, animated by Mikros Paris, has Hollywood legends Mike Medavoy and Leonardo DiCaprio onboard as producers. Voice talent includes Laura Dern, Donald Sutherland, Djimon Hounsou, RuPaul, and Amandla Stenberg. The movie will launch in cinemas in the summer of 2024.

Chapman’s creations have generated global sales of US$20 billion to date.

Chapman received an Honorary Doctorate from Norwich University of the Arts in 2009 and was presented with an Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award at the UK Licensing Awards in 2018.

Laura Clunie
SVP Development, Current Series & Feature Film, Spin Master

Laura Clunie

Laura Clunie is the Senior Vice President of Development and Feature Film at Spin Master Entertainment, a leading global children’s entertainment company. In her role, she oversees creative strategy which includes long-form, short-form, and feature film projects and the development of new intellectual property across the portfolio. Laura also acts as a Producer, leading the creative on greenlit theatrical and long-form content.

In her eight years at Spin Master, Laura has led the creative for the hit preschool series PAW Patrol, producing the franchise’s first feature film, PAW Patrol: The Movie and the second big screen release PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie. Currently, she is also directing creative for Spin Master’s newest production, Unicorn Academy, a fantasy-adventure series premiering on Netflix globally in November 2023, and Vida the Vet, an animated series debuting across premiere children’s broadcasters this fall.

Laura has a rich background in developing children’s programming. Before joining Spin Master, she served as Vice President of Creative Affairs at eOne Family, overseeing all creative initiatives for global hit properties Peppa Pig, PJ Masks and Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom. She also served as a Producer for Chorion LTD (now Silvergate Media) in London, England (Noddy, Olivia The Pig, Famous Five). Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University and a Masters of Film Studies from University College Dublin.

Cat Demas
VP, Entertainment Design, Spin Master

Cat Demas

A design and innovation visionary, Cat Demas has successfully combined the exciting worlds of toys and entertainment for more than 25 years.

Ms. Demas joined Spin Master Corp. in 2011. In her role as Vice President and Global Business Unit Head of Preschool and Girls at Spin Master, she provides creative and strategic direction for a number of the award-winning toy and entertainment company’s brands. Among her many accomplishments, she is proud to have launched Paw Patrol, the number one preschool brand franchise for 2015.

From her first position at Hasbro, working on My Little Pony, she has long held a passion for the preschool and girls categories. She has also held roles with Matchbox in the Preschool and Girls division, and Tyco, as a key member of the Inventor Relations and Preliminary Design teams. Ms. Demas was later recruited by Mattel to work on the Disney Princess theatrical and core toy lines. During her 17 years at Mattel, she also led design on the Barbie Entertainment brands, served as Vice President of Design on Girls Inc. brands, and led the design launch team for Monster High.

Ms. Demas holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The University of the Arts. She is based in Los Angeles, California.

Jamie Drew
EVP, Consumer Products & Experiences, Paramount

Jamie Drew

Jamie Drew is Executive Vice President, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and LatAm, Consumer Products and Experiences. Jamie’s approach to building market-specific and scalable strategies, coupled with her inclusive leadership style, creativity, and global mindset has translated to double-digit revenue growth across these key regions.

As a 20-year Nickelodeon and Paramount executive, Jamie has a proven track record of masterful collaboration across divisions and forging strategic partnerships that have translated to meaningful commercial opportunities for the company at large. She spearheaded the acquisition of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Garfield franchises, led our definitional partnership with Spin Master for PAW Patrol, oversaw Nickelodeon’s 360 deal for social media sensation JoJo Siwa, and played an integral role in bringing SpongeBob SquarePants to Broadway. Jamie has served as co-chair of our Consumer Products and Experiences People and Culture Diversity Pillar since its inception in 2020 and was a former board member of the Children’s Museum of Manhattan on behalf of Nickelodeon. 

Angela C. Santomero
Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Santo Studios NYC

Angela C. Santomero

Angela Santomero is the Co-Creator and Executive Producer of the breakthrough and award-winning Blue’s Clues, Blue’s Room, and the new hit, Blue’s Clues & You (Nickelodeon) which boasts 1.5 billion views on YouTube alone. She also wrote the highly rated and New York Times-reviewed, Paramount + live-action family movie, Blue’s Big City Adventure. In The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell referred to Blue’s Clues as "One of the stickiest TV shows ever made.” Angela is also the Creator, Executive Producer, and Head Writer of the smash hit Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (PBS), as well as Super Why! (PBS), Creative Galaxy (Amazon Studios), Wishenpoof! (Amazon Studios), Charlie’s Colorforms City (Netflix), Hello, Jack (Apple) and the upcoming Dee & Friends in Oz (Netflix) which is inspired by Frank Baum’s classic book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Angela is a Founding Partner at Out of the Blue Enterprises in NYC, which was sold to 9 Story Media Group in 2018, where she has been the Chief Creative Officer for the past five years.

Described by Joanne Rogers as “a modern-day Fred Rogers,” and by Fatherly.com as “the driving force behind the best educational programming for children,” Angela’s work has awarded her with an Emmy for Outstanding Preschool program, 25-plus Emmy nominations, a prestigious Peabody award, two TCA awards, and numerous Parents Choice Gold and Silver Awards. Angela's legacy has forever changed how kids and families watch television by presenting them with unique programs that break the mold in children’s media.

As an author and speaker, Angela has a new book coming out this February entitled Life Clues: Unlocking the Lessons to an Exceptional Life (Loyola Press); Preschool Clues: Raising Smart, Inspired and Engaged Kids in a Screen-Filled World (Touchstone/Simon and Schuster), and Radical Kindness (Harper Collins), which she did a PBS Pledge Special.

Angela has also written numerous children’s books for Blue’s Clues and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (Simon and Schuster), which sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Her new original interactive children’s book series is currently in contract. Angela has a BA from The Catholic University of America, which awarded her The Young Alumni Merit Award. She acquired her Master's degree in Child Developmental Psychology and Instructional Media and Education from Columbia University, Teacher’s College, which awarded her with a 1999 Early Career Award. Angela’s background has successfully integrated education, entertainment, music, and active participation, enabling children to learn through play.

PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie is streaming now on Paramount+, perfect for a Family Movie Night! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!

PAW Patrol fans can also stream full episodes of PAW Patrol on Paramount+. Try it FREE today at ParamountPlus.com.


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Nickelodeon Staff to Take Part in Kidscreen Summit 2024

Kidscreen has announced that Nickelodeon staff will be taking part in a raft of sessions at the Kidscreen Summit 2024!

Nickelodeon Splat logo (2023 rebrand)

Being held San Diego for the first time between Sunday, February 4 - Wednesday, February 7, Kidscreen Summit is renowned as the kids entertainment industry’s most important annual event. Top executives attend Kidscreen Summit to take advantage of the year’s best business networking, and to engage in critical dialogue on issues that affect the industry.

The winners of the 2024 Kidscreen Awards, in which Nickelodeon has received a slew of nominations, will be announced and celebrated live at a special awards ceremony taking place on Monday, February 5 during Kidscreen Summit 2024.

For more information about Kidscreen Summit 2024 and to register to attend, please visit https://summit.kidscreen.com. #Kidscreen24

Kidscreen Summit 2024 Sessions Featuring Nickelodeon Staff:

Sunday, February 4

2:00pm - Ask an Expert
Pacific 17

This drop-in session is your opportunity to get free advice and guidance from experienced specialists in niche areas of the kids entertainment industry.

Featuring:

  • Daniel Barnes, Executive Producer & TV Development Executive, Cloudco Entertainment
  • Ben Cawood, SVP, TV Development, DreamWorks Animation
  • Elizabeth Foster, Director, Content & Communications, Licensing International
  • Cheryl Gotthelf, Founder & President, Cheryl Gotthelf Consulting
  • Bob Higgins, President, Trustbridge Entertainment
  • Lynn Kestin-Sessler, Senior Creative Director, Nickelodeon Podcasts, Nickelodeon
  • Ian Lambur, EVP, Content Strategy, Co-Productions & Global Distribution, Cloudco Entertainment
  • Ramsay McBean, Producer, Untitled TMNT Sequel, Paramount Animation
  • Kate Sanagan, Head of Sales & Distribution, Sinking Ship Entertainment
  • Brett Snelgrove, Social & Video Content Strategist, Independent

Tuesday, February 6

10:00am - Demo Dive: Preschool/Bridge
Pacific 18

This session series is designed to help you more deeply understand your audience and reflect their unique needs and desires in the content you make for them. For each age group, we’re bringing together a highly experienced broadcaster, producer, creative talent and researcher/childhood expert for a conversation about what makes these kids tick, and what they want and need to experience when they settle in to be entertained. 

Featuring:

  • Kim Berglund, VP, Development, Disney Junior
  • Isaac Mogajane, Producer, Writer, Director & Co-Founder, Diprente Films
  • Andrea Strauss, SVP, Nickelodeon Brand & Content Insights, Nickelodeon
  • Kristofer Updike, Executive, Hickory House Entertainment

Moderating:

  • Sandy Wax, Co-Founder, WAXON Group

11:00am - 30 Minutes with… Layla Lewis, Nickelodeon
Pacific 17

A returning favorite at the Summit, our 30 Minutes with… sessions give you a chance to hear about the future plans and priorities of the kids industry’s major content investors first-hand, as well as participate in some Q&A and meet-and-greets. You are welcome to attend as many of these popular buyer briefing sessions as you can fit into your schedule! Space will be filled on a first-come, first-seated basis until we hit room capacity.

Featuring:

  • Layla Lewis, SVP, Global Acquisitions & Content Partnerships, Kids & Family Group, Nickelodeon

12:45pm - Lunch & Learn: Beyond TV
Pacific 23/24

Spend some quality time in small groups with experts who can give you advice about how to use an alternative launchpad or maximize your kids IP in other channels. This is designed as a networking opportunity, so please save your pitch for a private meeting. NOTE: Advance sign-up is required.

Featuring:

  • Michael Connolly, Founder & CEO, Retail Monster
  • Steve Couture, CEO & Executive Producer, Epic Storyworlds
  • David Di Lorenzo, SVP, Kids & Family, Future Today
  • Alli Guglielmino, SVP, Growth, Gamefam
  • Hollie Holmes, VP, Global Licensing, Moose Toys
  • Craig Hunter, Executive Producer & Consultant/Advisor, Independent
  • Lynn Kestin-Sessler, Senior Creative Director, Nickelodeon Podcasts, Nickelodeon
  • David Kleeman, SVP, Global Trends, Dubit
  • Jasen Wright, VP, North America, WildBrain CPLG
  • Andy Yeatman, Managing Director of Americas, Distribution, Moonbug Entertainment

2:00pm - Big Brand Power: PAW Patrol is on a roll
Pacific 21

Spin Master’s 10-year-old preschool powerhouse certainly has a lot of success to celebrate. The TV series has aired in 350 million homes, a robust consumer products program has generated US$14 billion in retail sales worldwide, and its first two movies have earned US$300 million (and counting) at the global box office. We’ve invited PAW Patrol’s creator and chief brand-builders to share the origin story and roadmap leading to one of the most lucrative franchises in kids entertainment history. 

Featuring:

  • Keith Chapman, Creator, PAW Patrol, Keith Chapman Productions
  • Laura Clunie, SVP Development, Current Series & Feature Film, Spin Master
  • Cat Demas, VP, Entertainment Design, Spin Master
  • Jamie Drew, EVP, Consumer Products & Experiences, Paramount

Moderating:

  • Angela C. Santomero, Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Santo Studios NYC

Wednesday, February 7

11:00am - Speed Pitching 5
Temecula

Sit down one-on-one with top broadcasters and investors who have the power to greenlight your project. This highly effective format will feature 10-minute meetings, and you should prepare to spend eight minutes delivering the perfect elevator pitch. NOTE: Advance sign-up is required.

Featuring:

  • Natalie Falk, Manager, Global Acquisitions & Content Partnerships, Kids & Family Group, Nickelodeon
  • Edward Galton, CEO, CAKE
  • Claire Heinrich, Head of Acquisitions, Children's & Youth Department, France Télévisions
  • Brenda Maffuchi, Chief of Co-Productions, Licensing and Sales Officer, DeAKids
  • Gary Milne, Head of Content Development, Banijay Kids & Family
  • Helena Nylander, Acquistions Executive, Children, SVT Swedish Television
  • Irene Pothecary-Huse, Acquisitions & Commissioning Executive, NRK Super
  • Anna Taganov, Head of Content & Programming Strategy, BBC Children's
  • Kitty Walsh, Executive Director, Development, Atomic Cartoons

11:15am - KID INSIGHT - Wellness Matters: How kids TV can normalize mental health journeys
Pacific 21

Envision a society that proactively addresses the youth mental health crisis, rather than merely reacting to it. Where psychological wellbeing is just as prioritized and destigmatized as physical wellbeing. Nickelodeon Consumer Insights is presenting the results of an important new study at Kidscreen Summit that explores effective and practical mental wellness strategies for children, regardless of their current state of psychological health.

This unique research consults mental health professionals, children and their families to gain a comprehensive understanding of needs and best practices from those who are closest to the battle for stronger minds. The NCI team will share key insights on how to authentically show children caring for their mental health on screen in everyday moments in order to normalize these audience experiences and model useful tools and strategies for not just coping, but thriving.

Featuring:

  • Makeda Mays Green, SVP, Digital & Cultural Consumer Insights, Nickelodeon
  • Colleen Russo Johnson, PhD, VP, Digital & Cultural Consumer Insights, Nickelodeon

Biographies:

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Paramount UK Eyes Outdoor-Themed Shows for Milkshake!, Girl-Skewing Toons for Nick Jr., Live-Action Slapstick Comedy for Nickelodeon

Paramount UK & Ireland is in the market for shows relating to the outdoors for Channel 5's preschool kids’ block Milkshake!, as well as girl-skewing animation for Nick Jr. that complements the upcoming reboot of Dora the Explorer.

Dora and the Fantastical Creatures
Dora and the Fantastical Creatures

Speaking to C21 Media at MipJunior in Cannes on Saturday, October 14, Paramount UK & Ireland’s General Manager (GM) for kids and family Louise Bucknole noted that content related to the outdoors is especially crucial after all the Covid-related lockdowns.

“We’re looking at content around that subject at the moment because play and the outdoors is very important to kids, particularly after the Covid years,” she said.

Also for Milkshake!, Bucknole said she is still in the market for STEM-based live-action, factual shows and slapstick comedies, echoing comments she made at the Children’s Media Conference in Sheffield in July. Slapstick comedy, in particular, is a genre where the exec sees a gap at the Channel 5 programming block.

“Anything around play patterns is really interesting to us and we follow the Early Years Foundation on Milkshake! as well. That’s very important. While it’s not curriculum-based, we always have that underlining soft learning and educational focus because we’re a public service broadcaster,” she added.

Meanwhile at Nick Jr., Bucknole wants to find an animated series for girls that could complement Dora!, in addition to live-action comedy in a similar vein to The Thundermans and Henry Danger for Nickelodeon.

“On the Nick side, we’re looking for big character IP, animation particularly, for both preschool and older kids and we look at how we can have brands that expand out as well,” the exec said, citing examples like Transformers, Monster High, The Loud House and SpongeBob SquarePants.

Additionally, Bucknole is interested in book-based properties for both Milkshake! and the Nickelodeon brands, like Milkshake!’s preschool animation Pip & Posy from Magic Light Pictures.

“We also very much try to ensure we have relatable series that reflect how kids see themselves in the world. We have a ‘no diversity, no commission’ policy and that is very, very important for us in making sure we are authentic in the stories we tell and with the families and kids we represent,” she added.

More from C21 Media:

Paramount seeks STEM, slapstick shows for Milkshake!, larger-than-life stories for Nick Jr

Jellyfish Originals and Jolly Wise commission 'Stan & Gran'
Jellyfish Originals and Jolly Wise commission 'Stan & Gran'


CMC: Paramount UK and Ireland is looking for STEM-themed and slapstick content for its UK broadcaster Channel 5’s Milkshake! kids’ block and “larger-than-life” stories for Nick Jr, according to general manager for kids and family Louise Bucknole.

Speaking at the Children’s Media Conference in Sheffield on Wednesday, Bucknole said she is looking to fill slots in Milkshake! for 2025 and 2026 in both animation and live-action.

“For live-action we’re interested in shows focused around STEM [science, technology, engineering and maths]. We’re in development or production on some animal series and we’ve got something in space and [relating to] the outdoors, so those are areas we have covered.

“But slapstick, physical comedy, play patterns and messy play are some of the themes we’re looking for,” she said, adding that coproductions are attractive since Milkshake!’s budget is “quite moderate.”

For Nick Jr, Bucknole is interested in big IP-based properties and characters that will carry globally, since the channel operates around the world.

“It’s understanding kids and it’s [showing] the best of kids and their world, but better. Shows with larger-than-life characters, like Paddington, Paw Patrol and Baby Shark, are the kind of shows that really work on the platform,” she said.

“Everything must always be from a kid’s point of view: funny, broad, relatable content that is energetic. Franchises are absolutely key to our global strategy,” Bucknole added.

Bucknole’s also announced a slate of kids’ commissions and acquisitions for Milkshake! at CMC.

Stan & Gran (52×11’), from producers Jellyfish Originals and Jolly Wise, is a CG animated series following the mystery-busting adventures of Stan Breakwater, a curious and excitable young nature lover, and his fun-loving, dynamic Gran.

eOne Unscripted factual series 'Animal Care Club'
eOne Unscripted factual series 'Animal Care Club'

Animal Care Club (25×11’), from eOne Unscripted, is a new factual series that sees pairs of young carers team up with experts at a variety of locations around the UK. One episode might see the pairs team up with a vet, in others they help a zookeeper care for amazing exotic animals, or they might help at an animal sanctuary or farm.

Finally, Chip & Potato (40×11’), from WildBrain Studios and Darrall Macqueen, is a series focusing on a curious pug puppy who carries a tiny mouse with her to help navigate life at kindergarten.

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Sunday, October 15, 2023

Paramount’s Ramsey Naito Talks Franchise Management at MIPJunior 2023

In conversation with TV Kids’ Anna Carugati at MIPJunior on Saturday (Oct. 14), Ramsey Naito, the president of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation, weighed in on franchise management, the crucial role of theatrical releases and reinventing classic properties like Dora the Explorer.

Ramsey Naito, president of Animation for Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation at MipJunior Keynote.

Naito took part in her keynote conversation with Carugati, the editor-at-large at World Screen and TV Kids, as MIPJunior officially kicked off in Cannes.

Paramount Global’s prolific animated slate runs “across theatrical, linear TV and digital,” Naito said, “powered by the most loved and biggest kids’ brand in the world, Nickelodeon. Our company’s commitment to kids’ and family content is firm and unwavering. We are working hard at growing our footprint, expanding our influence and filling our pipeline of movies, series and specials that, on the one hand, feature some of the most beloved characters ever and, on the other, produce original ideas that captivate today’s audiences everywhere. And though the content we create is largely for our own platforms first, we’re open to partnering with local third parties and platforms to distribute our shows and characters to even wider audiences around the world. As we already do, with TF1, Televisa and Super RTL, among many others.”

The Paramount Animation lineup “combines the fabled movie studio’s legacy of visionary filmmaking with the playful sensibility and cool factor of Nickelodeon,” she said. “We’re unleashing our biggest and best characters through the strategy that leads with theatricals. There’s still nothing bigger than a global release and marketing campaign that cuts through all the content choices out there and drives so many other key businesses, from linear TV and digital projects to consumer products, games, music and more.”

This has played out in the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, which was a global theatrical hit, with a successful L&M campaign, and has now logged almost 6 million streams on Paramount+. “Now we’re teeing up an original streaming series and a theatrical sequel that will propel the franchise even further.”

It’s a similar story for PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, which hit theaters two weeks ago. “It’s the biggest preschool property in the world through linear TV, consumer products and two theatricals, with a third in production right now. On Paramount+, the first movie has been streamed more than 130 million times.”

That theatrical release was paired with an animated short for the brand-new Dora the Explorer series. Coming up on the theatrical front are Transformers One, the first animated Transformers film since 1986, produced in partnership with Hasbro Entertainment, which hits theaters in 2024; and a new animated The Smurfs movie featuring Rihanna as Smurfette. There’s also a new film on tap for SpongeBob SquarePants, “which has evolved from a linear-first property to a universe of spin-offs, SVOD content, theatrical releases and a Broadway musical.” The beloved brand marks its 25th anniversary in 2024, culminating in July 2025 with The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. That year will also see a new theatrical release for Avatar: The Last Airbender. “We are so excited about this movie because it will usher in a new generation of fans into this incredibly rich universe filled with amazing storytelling and mythology.”

Naito continued: “All of these theatrical titles illustrate the power of our library IP, but we are equally invested in originals that are potential future franchises in the making, such as Superworld,” a book-based property.

At Nickelodeon Animation, meanwhile, there are almost 60 series in production across series and theatricals, “with franchise plans in place for our biggest properties.”

SpongeBob, for example, has a season 15 in the works, plus two spin-offs, Kamp Koral and The Patrick Star Show. There’s a PAW Patrol spin-off in Rubble & Crew, Transformers: EarthSpark with Hasbro Entertainment and a holiday movie for Baby Shark. A highlight for MIPJunior is the brand-new series for Dora, “which exemplifies our method of how and when we bring back beloved characters. It’s the carefully considered balance of audience feedback and creativity. An unofficial maxim at Nickelodeon is to always let the kids lead, in both our creative and business decisions. Our audience led us back to Dora, who changed the method of preschool television and continues to lead generations of kids deeper into diversity and the love for other cultures.”

The team at Nickelodeon saw how much traction Dora clips were gaining on YouTube. “Our research showed that the series may have been out of production, but this character never really left the lives of kids and families around the world. So, we began to consider how to bring her back in a way faithful to the fans who continue to love her while modernizing the show for brand-new fans.”

The new series is animated in CG and has retained Dora’s “aspirational and multicultural qualities,” Naito said. “She still cares about animals and the environment and her culture, and she will still help kids learn Spanish in the United States and English in other countries. The online love for Boots has moved him from a sidekick to a co-star. The adventures are on a bigger scale.”

Nick followed the global theatrical short with exclusive online content leading up to spring’s global launch. “When Dora originally debuted, the marketing was mainly on-air promos. Those days, for all of us, are long gone. Now, it’s all about surround sound plans designed to break through and reach audiences everywhere they are, on all platforms. Everything, everywhere and all at once.”

Naito also highlighted Rock, Paper, Scissors, a new original IP that emerged from the company’s Intergalactic Shorts Program “designed to find and elevate new voices and new creators.”

In conversation with Carugati, Naito talked about the challenges of reaching kids given the abundance of options they have for how to spend their free time. “The power we have is our brand. People see a show with our brand on it, they know that it will be funny, it will be character-driven, it will have stories with meaning. It is a refuge for kids to have fun and relax. The power of our brand means something in a world where there are so many choices.”

Naito also talked about the thought process that goes into reinventing a classic property, discussing how Paramount worked with Seth Rogen on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. “He loved the show and knew all the characters. He’d grown up with it. That love was poured into this reimagining. It embraced the core fundamentals, the core idea of the show, but infused it with a new voice that related to today’s audience. In short, the way to go about reimagining great IP is to find a superfan who knows how to reimagine, embrace the core values and bring something new.

The combination of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation under Naito’s remit “has allowed us to embrace theatricals and series and franchise planning in a way that is smart. It allows us to launch a movie and think about how we are launching a series thereafter and how we may want to plan for character-driven movies that will continue to expand the universe and connect to an audience.”

Naito also weighed in on the “character-driven DNA” at the heart of Nickelodeon and its approach to taking risks with talent “and allowing for their vision and their voice to shine. That delivers great characters that feel whole and authentic, that you can relate to and that you love.”

On the keys to maintaining the success of a franchise like Dora, Naito said: “Make sure that you have a filmmaker or showrunner in the middle of the show with a vision that is inspired and fresh and connected.”

Naito also emphasized the breadth of Paramount’s footprint, allowing it to reach kids wherever they are. “We have a theatrical platform, linear television, YouTube, Paramount+; all of those things allow us to connect with kids everywhere and anywhere.”

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Paramount and Nickelodeon Animation’s Ramsey Naito Talks Reaching Kids Everywhere at MipJunior 2023

Delivering MipJunior’s keynote on Saturday, October 14, a composed Ramsey Naito, president of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation talked up some of the recurrent themes at this weekend’s kids content confab, not to mention the network’s strategies for its slew of successful franchises. 

Ramsey Naito, president of Animation for Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation at MipJunior Keynote. Credit: © S. D4Halloy – Image & Co
Ramsey Naito, president of Animation for Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation at MipJunior Keynote. Credit: © S. D4Halloy – Image & Co

In her current position, the Nickelodeon veteran has overseen huge expansion. Five years ago, she said, there were only nine animation properties in development.  That figure has now risen to 60, and includes some of the most successful properties in the business, including PAW Patrol, Dora, Transformers and SpongeBob.

Naito said allowing creatives to follow their vision and taking risks has been part of this success.  Not to mention the kids themselves. 

“Nickelodeon always lets the kids lead in creative and business decisions,” she said. 

She added: “When I started working at Nickelodeon in the late ‘90s, straight out of art school, what attracted me was that it had true creator DNA. That’s a secret ingredient. It’s creator driven. It is not one size fits all. Another secret ingredient is taking risks with talent. Ultimately that delivers great characters that feel whole and alive.”

Ramsey Naito, President of Animation for Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation at MipJunior Conference. Credit: © S. D4Halloy – Image & Co
Ramsey Naito, President of Animation for Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation at MipJunior Conference. Credit: © S. D4Halloy – Image & Co

Paramount and Nickelodeon Animation becoming one has allowed the companies to reach an increasingly scattered kids landscape. 

“Two years ago, when Nick and Paramount came together, it was quite historic. Today they are one. It really has allowed us to think big picture, and have control over the big picture strategy,” she said. 

Both parties bring something to the table. “What’s so great about Paramount is that we have YouTube, Paramount Plus, and various platforms. This diversification helps us to reach kids everywhere, which is harder and harder. We are so much more with all these other platforms,” she said. 

Key themes at the confab include reaching kids globally across digital screens and platforms, diversity in story-telling, and the rise of AI, some of which Naito spoke to.

“When there were a wave of hate crimes in the U.S. a few years ago we looked at how to address this in our content, as well as entertaining kids,” she said. 

Latina heroine Dora is one diversity success story. “Dora clips were reaching millions of views on the Internet. It was out of production but never really out of the lives of fans. We began to work on how to bring her back. I’m very proud of Dora.”

Naito also talked about the pledge taken by Nickelodeon to champion diversity, both on the screen and behind the camera. "Nickelodeon has made a pledge to embrace a culture of inclusivity, which has cascaded across all our productions. It's what I'm most proud of in my career."

Original content has helped her transform Nickelodeon and Paramount’s animation pipeline with new original series and movies.

“We are committed to originals at Nick,” she said. 

The Nickelodeon Animation Studios is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. During the last five to six years, the studio has expanded to include Nick Animation West (Burbank), Nick Animation East (New York) and offices in Hollywood on the Paramount lot.

Ramsey Naito MipJunior. Credit: © S. D4Halloy - Image & Co
© S. D4Halloy - Image & Co

“Kids entertainment isn’t just a job. It’s a calling,” she said. 

More than 1,000 delegates from 60 countries are expected at MipJunior this weekend, according to organizers. 

MipJunior runs Oct. 13-15 in Cannes. 

Paramount Global presented MipJunior 2023's Opening Night party, which included a Dora the Explorer mural:


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


Original source: Variety; H/T: Special thanks to RegularCapital for the news!

Paramount and Nickelodeon Animation’s Ramsey Naito Talks Reaching Kids Everywhere, Producing: Kids Entertainment Isn’t Just a Job, It’s a Calling’

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Saturday, October 14, 2023

Ramsey Naito To Deliver Keynote Speech at MIPJunior on Oct. 14

Nick News Brief: Ramsey Naito, President of Paramount Animation/Nickelodeon Animation, will deliver a keynote speech at MIPJunior in France on Saturday, October 14. They address will take place at the Grand Theatre between 12:00 - 12:45.

Ramsey Naito

MIPJUNIOR KEYNOTE: RAMSEY NAITO, PRESIDENT OF ANIMATION FOR PARAMOUNT ANIMATION & NICKELODEON ANIMATION

Where: Grand Theatre
Date: Saturday, 14th Oct
Time: 12:00 - 12:45

Join Ramsey Naito, President of Paramount Animation/Nickelodeon Animation, for a deep dive into the world of animation to discuss navigating changes in the kids’ industry over the last few years, transforming challenges into opportunities while continuing to grow Nickelodeon’s animation business beyond linear, the power of creating and sustaining franchises for kids of all ages, authentic and diverse storytelling and leadership, how to reach kids globally across digital screens and platforms, advances in technology and the rise of AI, and more.

Since joining Nickelodeon, Ramsey has overseen a renaissance of animation content and production, growing the division in scale and creative vision, while launching hits on Paramount+. She has transformed Nickelodeon and Paramount’s Animation pipeline with new original series and movies, while fostering an environment of inclusivity and diversity.

As an artist herself, Ramsey continues to build a creator-driven culture at Nickelodeon and Paramount Animation. The studios are home to some of the biggest global franchises under her helm including, SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Avatar, Dora the Explorer, PAW Patrol, and more. Ramsey continues to bring audiences new and fresh content featuring the characters they love, with an upcoming slate of theatricals and new series on the horizon.

Ramsey Naito
President of Animation, Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation

Ramsey Naito is President of Animation for Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation. 

As President of Animation for Paramount Animation, a role which she assumed in September 2021, Naito oversees all of the animation group’s operations from development through theatrical release. Naito previously served as Executive Vice President of Paramount Animation in 2018 before assuming her role as Executive Vice President of Animation Production and Development at Nickelodeon Animation. 

At Nickelodeon, Naito oversees animation content across all formats and platforms--spanning linear, digital, TV movies, theatrical motion pictures and SVOD.  She has been a driving force at the network bringing new projects, top talent and key partnerships to Nickelodeon Animation, to further bolster its content pipeline across preschool, kids, theatrical and its studio business. Since joining the network in 2018, Naito has since overseen a renaissance at the studio of animation content and production in scale and creativity. Naito has transformed Nickelodeon’s Animation pipeline from 6 projects to over 70 series and movies, while emerging to launch hits on Paramount+, which have helped build the platform to the fastest growing streaming service in the US. 

At Paramount Animation, Naito’s oversight includes developing and ushering upcoming Paramount film titles including some of the studio’s key franchises such as: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, produced in partnership with award-winning Point Grey Pictures’ Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver and directed by Jeff Rowe, PAW Patrol: The Movie and its sequel PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie (September 29, 2023), in partnership with Spin Master Entertainment and directed by Cal Brunker; Untitled Transformers Animation as well as The Tiger’s Apprentice (set for release in 2024), starring Henry Golding and directed by Raman Hui and co-directed by Paul Watling & YongDuk Jhun; Untitled Smurfs Animated Musical and an Untitled Avatar Animation film focusing on Aang avatar (first of three Avatar animated theatricals).

Simultaneously, Naito manages the day-to-day operations of Nickelodeon’s current series and development slate, overseeing the network’s key franchises including: SpongeBob SquarePants, The Loud House, Big Nate, The Tiny Chef Show, Transformers: EarthSpark, The Casagrandes, Baby Shark, Blue’s Clues & You!, Blue’s Clues Movie, Bossy Bear, Santiago of the Seas, The Patrick Star Show, the Rugrats reboot, and the animated reboot of Dora the Explorer. New upcoming series include: Zokie of Planet Ruby, The Hamsters of Hamsterdale, Super Duper Bunny League and Hex Vet.

To continue growing Nickelodeon’s animation business beyond linear, in 2019, Naito oversaw the network’s multi-year output deal with Netflix to produce original animated feature films and television series, based both on the Nickelodeon library of characters as well as all-new IP for kids and families globally. This deal marked an expansion of the existing relationship between the companies, which has already brought several popular titles to Netflix, including movies based on Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Loud House, and animated specials Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling and Invader Zim: Enter the Florpus.

Building an inclusive and diverse culture at the animation studio and developing emerging and homegrown talent has been a strong point in Naito’s mission throughout her time at Nickelodeon. Naito has brought in more than 1400 new employees across dozens of Nickelodeon and Paramount animation productions, and since employees began working remotely in March in 2020, over hundreds of new positions have been filled with studio productions operating virtually at 100%. Nickelodeon currently has over 70 animated shows in production across series, its studio business and movies. Under Naito’s leadership, Nickelodeon also held its first-ever virtual job fair this year, garnering nearly 6000 attendees

Anna Carugati Guise
Editor At Large, World Screen

Anna Carugati Editor at Large, World Screen Anna Carugati conducts the group's signature interviews with the industry's top executives, show creators and stars, and can be found moderating panels and keynotes at key industry events throughout the year. Anna has been a reporter throughout her professional life, having worked at CBS in Chicago and Mediaset in Italy, as well as for trade journals such as The Hollywood Reporter and Electronic Media. Fluent in English, French and Italian, Anna is also the recipient of an Emmy award for journalism, a duPont Columbia honorable mention and the Associated Press award for editorial excellence. She has been with World Screen since 1996.

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Originally published: October 14, 2023.

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