WildBrain Expands Partnership with Paramount to Bring 'Sonic Prime' to More Territories on Nickelodeon

WILDBRAIN EXPANDS PARTNERSHIP WITH PARAMOUNT TO BRING SONIC PRIME TO MORE TERRITORIES ON NICKELODEON

Fans of the “Blue Blur” across APAC, EMEA and LatAm will be able to enjoy Sonic Prime on Nickelodeon beginning July 21, 2025

Toronto, ON – July 15, 2025 – WildBrain, a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, and Paramount have doubled down on their partnership to bring the hit series Sonic Prime to more Nickelodeon fans around the world. In an expanded agreement, Paramount has extended its rights for 22 half-hour episodes of Sonic Prime and one hour-long special to include territories across APAC, EMEA and LatAm. These new territories add to those previously announced including the U.S., Australia, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the U.K. and Ireland.

Nickelodeon will begin daily roll out of the first 16 episodes in the new territories beginning July 21, 2025, with the remaining episodes rolling out at a later date. In APAC, fans will be able to enjoy Sonic Prime on Nickelodeon in New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia and the Philippines. In EMEA, territories include Scandinavia, Spain, Portugal, France, Monaco, Israel, Turkey, Central and Eastern Europe, Baltics, Russia, Benelux, Greece and Sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, in LatAm, the series will be launching in Brazil, Mexico, Central America and South America.

Katie Wilson, VP Global Sales and Acquisitions at WildBrain, said: “This expanded partnership with Paramount underscores the love that fans have for Sonic around the world. Sonic Prime delivers action-packed adventures to audiences, and we’re thrilled to bring the series to even more viewers across new territories on Nickelodeon.”

Ivo Gerscovich, Chief Business & Brand Officer of Sonic and Head of SEGA^® Brands, said: “Sonic Prime has been delighting fans around the world since its debut. By bringing this engaging series to a global audience, we've created opportunities for both longtime fans and new viewers to immerse themselves in its dynamic storytelling and vibrant world.”

In Sonic Prime, the action-packed adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog™ go into overdrive when a run-in with Dr. Eggman results in a literal universe-shattering event. Desperate to piece his prime reality back together and save his old friends, Sonic races through the Shatterverse, discovering strange worlds and enlisting new friends in an epic adventure of a lifetime.

Co-produced by SEGA and WildBrain, Sonic Prime was animated at WildBrain’s Vancouver studio, with SEGA and WildBrain jointly participating across production, distribution and licensing. WildBrain serves as global distributor for the series.

About WildBrain

At WildBrain we inspire imaginations through the wonder of storytelling. As a leader in 360° franchise management, we are experts in Content Creation, Audience Engagement and Global Licensing, cultivating and growing love for our own and partner brands around the world. With approximately 14,000 half-hours of kids’ and family content in our library—one of the world’s most extensive—we are home to such treasured franchises as Peanuts, Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Inspector Gadget and Degrassi. WildBrain’s mission is to create exceptional entertainment experiences that captivate and delight fans both young and young at heart.

Our studios produce such award-winning series as The Snoopy Show; Snoopy in Space; Camp Snoopy; Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City; Yo Gabba GabbaLand!; Sonic Prime; Teletubbies Let’s Go! and many more. Enjoyed on platforms worldwide, our content is everywhere kids and families view entertainment, including YouTube, where our network has garnered approximately 1.5 trillion minutes of watch time. Our television group owns and operates some of Canada’s most loved family entertainment channels. WildBrain CPLG, our leading consumer-products and location-based entertainment agency, represents our owned and partner properties in every major territory worldwide.

WildBrain is headquartered in Canada with offices worldwide and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: WILD).

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 46^th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. Nickelodeon is a part of Paramount's (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment brands.

About SEGA of America, Inc.

SEGA of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA CORPORATION, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment. Established in 1986, SEGA of America publishes innovative experiences for console, PC, mobile and other emerging platforms. SEGA is the first publisher to rank #1 three separate times (2016, 2020, and 2024) in Metacritic’s Game Publisher Rankings. Its globally beloved franchises include Sonic the Hedgehog, Total War™, Like a Dragon™, Football Manager™, Virtua Fighter™, and Crazy Taxi™, along with Atlus' Persona™ series and the critically acclaimed new IP, Metaphor: ReFantazio™. The company is also expanding its transmedia strategy, with numerous film and TV projects underway across multiple franchises. SEGA of America has offices in Irvine and Burbank, California. Visit www.sega.com.

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More Nick: Paramount Plus Expands Kids and Family Programming with New Slate of Films and Series from Nickelodeon Studios!

Originally published: July 16, 2025.

H/T: License Global.

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Nickelodeon Names Participants of 19th Annual Writing Program

BURBANK, CA -- Nickelodeon has selected five new participants to join its 19th annual Writing Program, including the program’s first-ever preschool-specific finalist! The Nickelodeon Writing Program offers aspiring television writers with diverse backgrounds from all over the globe the opportunity to hone their skills while writing for both live-action and animated shows. Based in Burbank, participants will develop their skills with hands-on work during the year-long program.

“Nickelodeon is thrilled to welcome this next group of creative minds and storytellers into the program,” said Sherley Ibarra, director of the Nickelodeon Writing Program. “The expansion to include a preschool-focused writing track displays our commitment to finding and growing new talent in a space where Nickelodeon remains the top destination for kids.”

All participants will have the opportunity to network with executives and show creators, gain hands-on experience writing spec scripts, pitching story ideas, and have access to workshops, seminars, classes and real-world writers’ rooms. The new preschool-focused writing path is a modified six-month program, similar to the international track introduced in 2014.

K-Ci Williams

Established in 2000, the worldwide program was developed to broaden Nickelodeon’s outreach efforts, in order to mine new generations of creative talent and nurture their development for positions on Nickelodeon network productions in Burbank, Calif.

The five 2018 Writing Program participants include:

Halima Lucas: From Stockton, Calif., Lucas honed her craft at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, where she wrote and directed the award-winning coming-of-age thesis film, Amelia’s Closet. She recently participated in “Break The Room,” a writer’s initiative sponsored by Pop Culture Collab, MuslimArc, and Nickelodeon Writing Program alum Sameer Gardezi.

Sarah Allan: Born and raised in New England, Allan came to screenwriting by way of drama. She attended the New York University Tisch Drama Program, previously performed Shakespeare in Hell’s Kitchen and has experience terrifying visitors of Madison Square Garden’s haunted house. Following a chance opportunity, she wrote the tagline for Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and fell in love with professional writing.

Crescent Novell: A lifelong writer, Novell was named “Class Writer and Friend” in seventh grade and never looked back. As a writer of poems and songs, she published a chapbook and also performed on college tours as a spoken word artist. Working towards translating these skills to television, she is currently a writer and producer of theatre for schools and local communities.

Michael Olmo (Preschool Participant): Olmo is the program’s first-ever preschool-specific program participant. Born into a Puerto Rican family in New York, the importance of reading and writing was impressed on Olmo at an early age. He is a natural storyteller, pursuing a professional screenwriting career, inspired by creating personalized narratives every night for his daughter at bedtime.

K-Ci Williams (International Participant): Williams hails from New Zealand and has always dreamed of “writing his way out” to the United States. As a writer, and a singer, he wants to give a voice to his heritage and tell the stories of his people.

Congratulations to all! :)

Alumni of the program who have gone on to hold positions on Nickelodeon shows include Jonathan Butler and Gabriel Garza (creators, Bella and the Bulldogs), Karla Sakas (story editor, The Loud House), Jeff Sayers (staff writer, Wonder Park), Tillery Johnson (staff writer, Glitch Techs) and Josh Brown (freelance writer, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). Outside of Nickelodeon, many program alumni have gone on freelance and staff positions at various networks, including HBO, DreamWorks, Comedy Central, Disney Channel, Kids’ WB!, ABC, FOX, PBS, Cartoon Network, and the CW.

For more information on the Nickelodeon Writing Program, visit nickwriting.com, and follow @NickWriting on Twitter and Facebook.

K-Ci Williams

Crescent Novell

Halima Lucas

Michael Olmo

Sarah Allan

Source: Animation World Network; Additional source: Animation Magazine.

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Mi9 To Represent Viacom Digital Properties In New Zealand

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) have partnered with Mi9, one of New Zealand's leading digital media companies, for Mi9 to represent Viacom's digital properties in New Zealand.

VIMN, a unit of Viacom Inc, is comprised of many of the world’s most popular multimedia entertainment brands including Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., MTV, Comedy Central and more. Collectively, VIMN’s digital properties reach an audience of hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders

“We are immensely excited about this new partnership with Viacom International Media Networks,” Rhys Heron, Managing Director (MD) of Mi9 New Zealand, told B&T. “MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Comedy Central all have real brand cache that we believe is highly attractive to marketers.”

“The inclusion of these iconic brands into our suite of digital properties represents a new and exciting strategic relationship for Mi9 New Zealand and offers our clients strong digital properties with a majority youth audience.”

According to Nielsen Answers, 15-to-34-year-olds make up more than 72 per cent of monthly digital unique audiences for MTV and 83 per cent for Comedy Central in New Zealand.

“MTV and Comedy Central content is hugely popular with young audiences, particularly on mobile. This partnership offers New Zealand advertisers access to what is a highly desirable and difficult-to-reach audience,” said Heron.

VIMN will also work with Mi9 to offer brands content integrations where it can create a custom environment for advertisers and their brands online. These integrations can be supported offline with events and social media activity.

“Viacom International Media Networks is a leading provider of entertainment content and experiences, and our brands are immensely popular with New Zealand audiences,” said Vanessa Winley, VIMN’s director of advertising sales and brand partnerships.

“The partnership with Mi9 allows New Zealand marketers the opportunity to connect with preschool, kid, youth and young adult audiences across our entire digital portfolio in new, exciting and creative ways.”

The addition of Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., MTV and Comedy Central adds to Mi9 New Zealand’s extensive suite of premium digital properties, which includes more than 2.6 million desktop users across Outlook, Skype, MSN, Daily Mail and Ticketek.

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New Zealand Subscription Video On Demand Service Lightbox Acquires 400 Hours Of Nickelodeon, MTV And Comedy Central Content From Viacom International Media Networks

The entertainment news website C21Media and the television news website TBI Vision are reporting the exciting Nickelodeon International News in the following articles that the recently launched New Zealand subscription video-on-demand (SVoD) service Lightbox has acquired 400 hours of Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central content from Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN)!

Lightbox customers can now stream VIMN-owned shows including kids and adult animated series such as "SpongeBob SquarePants", "South Park" and "Beavis and Butt-Head".

These sit along other Viacom International Media Networks-owned series such as "iCarly", "Workaholics", "Awkward", as well as popular Nickelodeon Preschool series "Dora The Explorer", "Team Umizoomi" and "Bubble Guppies".

The no-contract service launched in New Zealand on Thursday 28th August 2014 and offers around 5,000 videos across PC's and laptops, iPads, Apple Airplay and Apple TV. The service costs NZ$15 (US$12.5) per month to subscribe and is operated by the digital arm of New Zealand-based telecommunications company Spark, formerly Telecom NZ, who have so far invested an estimated NZ$20 million in Lightbox.

From C21Media:

Lightbox fires up VIMN content

Fledgling New Zealand subscription VoD service Lightbox has acquired 400 hours of MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon content.

Lightbox customers can now stream Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN)-owned shows including kids and adult animated series South Park, SpongeBob SquarePants and Beavis and Butt-Head.

Other titles available on Lightbox include Netflix’s Orange is the New Black and House of Cards as well as Breaking Bad, Heroes, Misfits, Seinfeld, The Office, The Thick of It, The X-Files and Outlander.

These sit along other VIMN-owned series such as Workaholics, Awkward and iCarly, as well as preschool cartoons Dora The Explorer, Team Umizoomi and Bubble Guppies.

The service, which launched in New Zealand on August 28, claims to be offering viewers 5,000 hours of TV content and costs NZ$15 (US$12.5) per month to subscribe.

It is operated by the digital arm of New Zealand-based telecommunications company Spark, formerly Telecom NZ.

Nico Franks
02-09-2014
©C21Media

GENRES: Animation, Children's, Drama
SHOWS: Beavis and Butt-head, South Park, SpongeBob SquarePants
PEOPLE: Jonathan Chinn, Simon Chinn
COMPANIES: Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Viacom International Media Networks
SECTIONS: C21Drama, C21Kids
COUNTRIES: New Zealand

Also, from TBI Vision:

Kiwi SVOD service bags Viacom shows

A new Netflix-style subscription on-demand service has acquired Beavis and Butt-Head, South Park and SpongeBob SquarePants.

Lightbox’s deal with Viacom International Media Networks is for more than 400 hours ofprogramming, handing the locally-owned SVOD service streaming rights to theshows.

Also included in the package are live action series such as Workaholics, Awkward and iCarly, and preschool series Dora The Explorer, Team Umizoomi and Bubble Guppies.

Spark New Zealand’s digital arm launched Lightbox last Thursday (August 28) as a no-contract service that offers around 5,000 videos across laptops, iPads, Apple Airplay and Apple TV.

A 30-day free trial is being offered to entice customers. Subsequent monthly fees will be NZ$15 (US$12.50).

Spark New Zealand was formerly known as New Zealand Telecom. It has invested an estimated NZ$20 million in Lightbox so far.

Spark New Zealand, Lightbox, Beavis and Butthead, Dora The Explorer, Team Umizoomi, South Park, SpongeBob SquarePants, Workaholics, Awkward and iCarly.

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Nickelodeon Australia And New Zealand To Show "One Direction: Up All Night Live" Concert Special On Friday 28th September 2012

According to the 'Television Highlights' webpage on the official website of SKY TV, New Zealand's main pay-television operator, Nickelodeon Australia & New Zealand will premiere and show the 'One Direction' live concert special called "Up All Night Live", which was recently shown on Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK in August 2012, and which was recorded at a live 'One Direction' concert held at Bournemouth International Centre on Tuesday 3rd January 2012, where Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson were captured on film during the band's first sold out tour, performing all their hits - "Na Na Na", "Stand Up", "I Wish", "I Gotta Feeling"/"Stereo Hearts", "Valerie"/"Torn", "Moments", "Gotta Be You", "More Than This", "Up All Night", "Tell Me a Lie", "Everything About You", "Use Somebody", "One Thing", "Save You Tonight", "What Makes You Beautiful", and "I Want", and also features a few 1D surprises, on Friday 28th September 2012 6.30pm:

One Direction: Up All Night Live

New boy band phenomenon One Direction have already taken the US by storm by becoming the first British group in history to top the Billboard 200 chart with their debut album. Now Louis, Harry, Zayn, Liam and Niall take to the stage at the BIC Arena to play their first sell-out tour to a devoted teen fan base.

Including performances of their recent hit singles Gotta Be You, One Thing and the UK Number 1 smash What Makes You Beautiful.

Showing Friday 28th September 6:30pm

Nickelodeon Australia And New Zealand Announces Plans To Show The Brand New "Big Time Rush" Nickelodeon TV Movie, "Big Time Movie", On Sunday 23rd September 2012 At 6.00pm

According to the 'Television Highlights' webpage on the official website of SKY TV, New Zealand's main pay-television operator, Nickelodeon Australia & New Zealand will premiere and show the brand new original Nickelodeon TV movie, "Big Time Movie", which is based on the hit Nickelodeon series and Nickelodeon boy band "Big Time Rush", on Sunday 23rd September 2012 at 6.00pm, as part of Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand's brand new programming stunt "Nickelodeon At The Movies":

Big Time Rush: Big Time Movie

Hit boy band Big Time Rush have just completed a massive US tour with UK pop band One Direction. Now it’s their turn to take the UK by storm in their first original TV movie ‘BIG TIME MOVIE’ premiering exclusively on Nickelodeon Sunday September 23 at 6pm. The Beatles meet James Bond in this comedy adventure movie which starts out as an exciting world music tour and turns into a world saving mission! This hilarious, action charged movie will feature covers of the beloved Beatles classics, Help!, A Hard Day’s Night, We Can Work It Out and Revolution, as well as music from Big Time Rush’s sophomore album, Elevate.

The US premiere of BIG TIME MOVIE reached over 4.1 million viewers* and stars Kendall (Kendall Schmidt), James (James Maslow), Carlos (Carlos Pena) and Logan (Logan Henderson) as they head to London for their first big world tour but instead get mixed up in a mission to save the world. With their bags switched at the airport, they inadvertently gain possession of a fearsome device that, in the wrong hands, could destroy the world. The guys must tap their inner spy as their adventure finds them driving exotic cars and jumping out of helicopters, while trying to make it to their first world tour concert on time. Hot on their trail are evil henchmen named Maxwell, British secret agents and Swedish spies as well as billionaire businessman, Sir Atticus Moon who wants back his precious device code named “The Beetle” an anti-gravitational device with enormous power. Once they learn they’re carrying this precious cargo, the guys get pulled into a madcap mission throughout London, which threatens the onset of their world tour. With the help of teen spy Penny Lane, the guys set out to save Penny’s father M16 Agent Simon Lane and stop Sir Atticus Moon’s plot to use “The Beetle” to gain world domination.

Showing Sunday 23rd September 6:00pm

Nick Jr. Channel Australia And New Zealand To Premiere The Brand New "Bubble Guppies" Special Titled "Fintastic Fairytale" On Monday 6th September 2012

According to the 'Television Highlights' webpage on the official website of SKY TV, New Zealand's main pay-television operator, Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand's preschool channel, Nick Jr. Channel Australia & New Zealand, will be premiering and showing the brand new "Bubble Guppies" special called "Fintastic Fairytale" on Monday 6th September 2012 at 8.30pm:

Bubble Guppies Fintastic Fairytale – Special Double Episode

In a special new double episode titled ‘Fintastic Fairytale’, the Bubble Guppies are on a wonderful fairytale adventure. Molly and Gil take Bubble Puppy up a hill to fetch a pail of water. But when a mean Witch, played by comedian Wanda Sykes, turns Bubble Puppy into a frog, Molly and Gil enlist the help of some famous fairytale friends to undo her mean green spell. And they’d better work fast or else no one in the Enchanted Forest will live happily ever after!

Bubble Guppies, Nickelodeon’s new interactive CG-animated preschool series is created and executive-produced by Jonny Belt and Robert Scull and co-executive produced by Janice Burgess, the Emmy Award-winning team behind the hit Nickelodeon series’ The Backyardigans and Little Bill. Focusing on a wide-range of topics and everyday experiences kids can relate to – from dinosaurs to dentists, rock n’ roll to recycling, and colours to cowboys, this musical comedy set in a vibrant 3D underwater environment follows a group of diverse preschoolers with guppy tails who go on adventures discovering their world.

Showing Monday 6th September 8:30pm

Former Strategy And Development Manager For MTV Networks Australia, Pip Jamieson, Who Helped Launch Nickelodeon New Zealand, Named A 'Successful Kiwi In Australia'

From interest.co.nz:

Successful Kiwis in Australia: Denise McNabb finds a wildly successful recruiting website grown by a Kiwi TV marketing manager

Setting up an online recruitment website in competition with job search sites run by publishing giants might sound like economic suicide.

Not for Pip Jamieson and business partner Matt Fayle who, based on their own work experience, had spotted a gap in the market for a specialised employment website for creative industry professionals.

In December 2009 they launched www.theloop.com.au, achieving critical mass such a short a short time that this year one of Australia’s big media players came knocking to see if they would sell.

Jamieson happily declined. She knows theloop.com.au is actively taking business off this company.

The site has 120,000 unique visitors a month with traffic growing by 45 per cent a week; 35,000 professionals have signed up as members, and more than 5,000 client in television, publishing, digital media, animation, film, music, marketing, public relations, sales, entertainment and other creative fields are using it to headhunt talent.

Jamieson says some of those clients use the site exclusively because it avoids having to sift through a flood of job applicants who don’t have the right skills.

Fayle was director of digital networks for Australasia at MTV when he proposed the idea of the website to Jamieson late in 2008 when she was marketing manager for MTV in New Zealand. She had already clocked up milestones, spearheading the introduction of the MTV and Nickelodeon channels and receiving an industry award for organising the MTV Mile High music gig on a trans-Tasman Air New Zealand flight.

Jamieson says it was always hard finding the right talent at MTV.

"You put a position up on a job board and it’s like ‘spamville’ with 1,000 people applying just because they want to be in television." And though 94 per cent of her hires were through word of mouth she says this didn’t necessarily mean the best people were getting the job.

Jamieson was so enamoured with Fayle’s web idea she quit her job in the middle of the global financial crisis in February 2009, moved to Sydney with her husband and joined Fayle to create the website.

They were shrewd enough to know their timing was good as companies facing tough times were looking for new recruitment strategies and cost-effective ways to employ quality staff.

Nine months after sinking their savings into the venture and working in a cavernous top floor of a building in the back-blocks of Surry Hills, theloop.com.au went live, originally as “looped” but Jamieson says it was too hard to say on the phone so they changed the name.

Trying to convince well-known brands to link with an unknown web recruiter was not easy. It involved lot of cold-calling, viral marketing through social media and word of mouth to get the critical mass.

In 2010 the company hired its first employee and since then, has raised $2.39 million in two capital-raising rounds in Australia. A new potential investor must remain secret because he is the head of a media company in competition with the loop.com.au but wants to invest in a private capacity.

"We broke even before our last round of investment but as we scale up again we are burning through the cash," says Jamieson.

They have eight staff in Sydney, seven developers in Sri Lanka and a further four will join the team there.

Jamieson says they hired an Australian-educated Sri Lankan through a digital agency to develop theloop.com.au. Their professional relationship was so strong that when he went back to Sri Lanka with his family they hired him in-house to oversee a Sri Lankan team.

Last year theloop.com.au won the best enterprise category in the AIMIA (Australian Interactive Media Association) awards.

Jamieson says the UN estimates 8 per cent of the world's population work in the creative arena.

She says the key objective of theloop.com.au is to help creative people commercialise their skills promote themselves, collaborate, network and be connected with employers.

"An algorithm at the back end of the system detects if someone is being followed by a lot of people on the site,” says Jamieson.

"You go higher up on the search results depending on the quality of people following you. That is reflected in the calibre of your CV and recommendations from previous employers."

"If you are a junior followed by 100 of your mates you will not feature as strongly in the results as a senior being followed by Google, BBC or Saatchi and Saatchi, for instance."

"The crowd curates the platform so when companies search for people the best will always come to the top."

Jamieson describes the site as a fuller, more tailored version of LinkedIn where you don’t need to have a prior connection to find other people, and where you can showcase work and create a community.

The site earns money through clients paying to use it to headhunt and advertise for full-time staff, through universities paying to list courses and educational opportunities through the advertisement of creative workspaces.

Jamieson says 56 per cent of the site’s members are in full-time work but 95 per cent of those are freelancers. Next step for freelancers is a calendar to let employers know when they have down time.

An only child, she was born and raised in Wellington while her London-born father was running the New Zealand arm of music giant EMI. Today she calls herself a Bondi-based "Kiwi-Pom".

After achieving a first class masters degree in Economics at Edinburgh University in 2002 Jamieson became an economist, advising on drug and prostitution legislation in the British public service.

But she soon tired of "tweaking" spreadsheets so left to work with the organisers of the Brit Awards, the equivalent of the NZ Music Awards.

After a year in London she moved to Australia to become strategy and development manager at MTV before moving with the broadcaster to New Zealand.

"It has just been magic watching all this explode."

She will head off soon to the UK for six months to launch a British version of the site.

Would she and Fayle bring the business to New Zealand?

"My life is about to become short bursts with London for six months - maybe New Zealand after that for a while, but I am going to be a rolling stone for a few years".

Nickelodeon Australia And New Zealand Schedules To Start To Show Nickelodeon's Brand New CGI-Animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" TV Series From Monday 8th October 2012!

Nickelodeon Australia has announced and revealed the Nickelodeon/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles News that Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand will premiere Nickelodeon's brand new CGI-animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" television series on Monday 8th October 2012 at at 4.30pm, only nine days after Nickelodeon USA starts to show "Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" from Saturday 29th September 2012! Nickelodeon UK has also announced plans to premiere and show Nickelodeon's brand new CGI-animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" TV series from Monday 1st October 2012!

From Throng.co.nz:

ALL NEW TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES SERIES COMES TO NICKELODEON IN OCTOBER

NEWS TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

Prepare to be shell-shocked this October when Nickelodeon debuts the all-new, CG-animated series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with a one-hour special event on Monday, October 8 at 4.30pm.

The 26-episode, half-hour action-comedy series breathes new life into the wildly popular band of reptile brothers played by Jason Biggs (American Pie) as “Leonardo,” Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings) as “Raphael,” Greg Cipes (Teen Titans) as “Michelangelo” and Rob Paulsen (Planet Sheen) as “Donatello” (Paulsen also voiced the original “Raphael” from 1987-1996 in the very first TMNT series).
Rounding out the cast in the series’ key roles are: Mae Whitman (Parenthood) as “April O’Neil,” a gutsy and independent sixteen-year-old who befriends the Turtles after they save her from an alien attack; Hoon Lee (Royal Pains) as “Master Splinter,” the Turtles’ sensei and father figure and Kevin Michael Richardson (Penguins of Madagascar) as “Shredder,” the commander of an evil ninja army called the Foot Clan and one of the deadliest martial artists in the world.

"We are thrilled to present this latest series to loyal Turtle fans and introduce the camaraderie of the four teenage brothers – Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello – to new viewers," said Brown Johnson, President, Animation, Nickelodeon. “The addition of Whitman, Lee and Richardson completes our exceptionally talented group of actors lending their voices to the all-new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”

With sneak peeks of “the mutation in progress” shown recently at Oz Comic-Con, and an impressive Turtles presence generating excitement just days ago at the original, ultimate Comic-Con event in San Diego, Gen X fans are gearing up for their nostalgic memories to resurface along with the new Turtles.

“New Zealand fans are bound to be as excited as the rest of the world when the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles finally re-emerge to entertain a whole new generation of fans,” said Ben Richardson, General Manager of Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand.

“Nickelodeon Australia has just launched the first series of sneak peeks for the new Turtles on air, and an immersive vertical website will soon go live. We’re really looking forward to seeing the response from kids and older fans alike as we build excitement towards the October 8 show launch.

As one of the most popular character franchises of all time, Nickelodeon has planned so much more beyond the new TV show. We’re also working towards the introduction of a whole new range of consumer products next year, starting with a ‘classics’ line for original fans, and further down the track in 2014, the new Michael Bay feature film will command mainstream attention all over the world,” said Richardson.

Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV series begins as the turtles emerge from their hidden lair in the sewers for the very first time, ready to confront the wondrous and hostile world of New York City and face enemies more dangerous and pizza more delicious than anything they could have imagined.

Funnier and with more Ninjutsu than ever before, the show will explore the companionship of four teenage brothers learning to rely on themselves and one another as they unravel the mystery of their existence and grow to become the heroes in a half-shell that they are destined to be. The premiere episode was executive produced by Ciro Nieli, Joshua Sternin & Jeff Ventimilia and Peter Hastings.

Considered one of the most popular kids’ television programs of the 1980s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a classic, global property created in 1984 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. It first debuted as a successful comic book series and then became a hit animated TV show, a live-action television series and later spawned four blockbuster theatrical releases. The property also has translated into a significant consumer products business—with DVDs, video games, toys and more–that has generated billions of dollars at retail.

Nickelodeon Australia To Launch Brand New "Nickelodeon At The Movies" Programming Stunt From 19th August 2012; Announces Plans To Premiere The Brand New Nickelodeon Original TV Movies "Big Time Movie" And "Rags"!

According to the official Nickelodeon Australia website, to celebrate the Australian winter holidays (as Australia is in Earth's southern hemisphere (the hemisphere south of the Equator), the country has their winter season between June to August every year), Nickelodeon Australia will launch a brand new Nickelodeon Programming Stunt called "Nickelodeon At The Movies", where, every Sunday at 6pm from Sunday 19th August 2012, Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand will show a selection of great kids' movies, including the Australian premieres of the brand new Nickelodeon Original Television Movies "Rags" and "Big Time Movie" (based on the hit Nickelodeon television series "Big Time Rush")!:

NICKELODEON AT THE MOVIES

Every Sunday at 6pm from the 19th of August, join us for a movie mix of fresh Premieres and all your Nick Flick favourites. Includes the Australian Premieres of Rags and Big Time Movie!

Sun 19th August - School of Rock
Sun 26th August - Rags [Nickelodeon Original TV Movie]
Sun 2nd Sept - SpongeBob SquarePants Movie [Nickelodeon Movie]
Sun 9th Sept - The Best Player [Nickelodeon Original TV Movie]
Sun 16th Sept - First Day
Sun 23rd Sept - Big Time Movie [Nickelodeon Original TV Movie]
Sun 30th Sept - Lemony Snickets, a Series of Unfortunate Events [Nickelodeon Movie]

US Brokerage Firm PFGBest's New Zealand "SpongeBob SquarePants" Coins Won't Cost The NZ Mint

From the New Zealand Herald:

SpongeBob coins won't cost NZ Mint

[

"In SpongeBob We Trust" - Photograph of a SpongeBob SquarePants coin by the New Zealand Mint - Source: TVNZ]The collapse of a US brokerage PFGBest won't mean any financial loss for local company NZ Mint - which made Spongebob Squarepants gold coins for it.

The collapse of a US brokerage PFGBest won't mean any financial loss for local company NZ Mint - which made Spongebob Squarepants gold coins for it. Photo / SuppliedThe collapse of Iowa-based brokerage PFGBest won't leave NZ Mint out of pocket after the local precious metal minter was paid in full for its novelty SpongeBob Squarepants coins.

Last year, NZ Mint was commissioned by PFGBest's PFG Precious Metals unit to manufacture and produce a limited edition range of coins based on the eccentric underwater characters in the Nickelodeon cartoon.

This week, PFGBest collapsed after its regulated Peregrine Financial Group unit and owner allegedly defrauded customers and lied to regulators to hide a shortfall of more than US$200 million.

PFGBest was responsible for the sale and distribution of the tender, with a set of four coins selling for US$259 on the spongebobcoins.com website. NZ Mint has distanced itself from the coin range, and is no longer promoting it.

"All monies due for the manufacture and production of the product was paid in full and NZ Mint will sustain no loss through the unfortunate liquidation of PFGBest," vice president of US operations Chris Kirkness said in an emailed statement.

That leaves NZ Mint in a better position than Peregrine's clients who may face a shortfall, according to media reports in the US. Peregrine has filed for liquidation with between US$500 million and US$1 billion of assets, and between US$100 million and US$500 million of liabilities. .

The US National Futures Association jumped on PFGBest on Monday and froze the broker's accounts after the industry body received information chairman Russell Wasendorf Snr may have falsified bank records.

Since then, the regulator has launched a suit against the broker, [read in full here on nzherald.co.nz].

PFGBest's collapse comes after broker MF Global's demise, with some US$1.6 billion of client money still unaccounted for.

Nickelodeon Australia Announces Plans To Premiere The Animated Original Nickelodeon Series "The Legend Of Korra" On Monday 3rd September 2012 At 4.30pm!

Nickelodeon Australia has announced on Nickelodeon Australia's official websites' brand new official "The Legend Of Korra" website that Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand will premiere Nickelodeon's animated original Nickelodeon series "The Legend Of Korra" on Monday 3rd September 2012 at 4.30pm!

When Avatar Korra arrives in Republic City to master her airbending, she comes face to face with criminal bending gangs as well as members of a vocal anti-bending revolution.

Before long, Korra's Avatar skills are put to the test when she encounters a group of Chi-blockers led by the charismatic and mysterious Amon, who threatens the city and all the benders in it. Despite the immense danger, Korra vows to fight the growing anti-bending revolution. But will she be able to stop Amon before he rises to power and makes his vision of a bending-free world a reality? Tune-in to Nickelodeon Monday September 3 at 4:30pm to watch the premiere!

According to Nickelodeon Australia's brand new "Avatar: The Last Airbender - Book One: Water" promo/trailer which was made by Nickelodeon Australia Associate Producer Cameron Jeong (high quality video clip below with transcript), to countdown and celebrate Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand starting to show "The Legend Of Korra", Nickelodeon Aus & NZ will be repeating the original series that started the adventure, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" (also known as "Avatar: The Legend of Aang"), every weeknight, which will lead up to Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand premiering the brand new animated original Nickelodeon show "The Legend Of Korra" from Monday 3rd September 2012 at 4.30pm:

Avatar: The Last Airbender - Book One: Water from Cameron Jeong on Vimeo.

Soon, Nickelodeon will open the doors to a brand new adventure, from the creators of Avatar [Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko]!

But before this new chapter begins, relive the legend of Aang, with Book One: Water.

Catch double episodes every weeknight, counting down to The Legend of Korra, coming this September.

Don't miss Avatar: The Last Airbender. Book One starts next Monday at 7.00pm [8.55pm], only on Nickelodeon!

Nickelodeon Australia Announces Plans To Premier The Second Season Of "House of Anubis" From 7th May 2012

According to a 'Brand New Episodes House of Anubis' banner advertisement on the official Nickelodeon Australia website 'The Nick Shack' (below), Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand will start to premiere and show the brand new second season of the hit original Nickelodeon live action teen mystery/drama television show "House of Anubis" from Monday 7th May 2012 at 6.30pm. UPDATE - According to Nickelodeon Australia's new "House of Anubis, the brand new season" promo/trailer, Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand will also be showing a one hour special House of Anubis event on Monday May 7 2012 from 5.30pm:

New Students. New Secrets. New Season. Nickelodeon House of Anubis Season 2, Starts Monday May 7 @ 6.30pm, Only On Nickelodeon
You can visit Nickelodeon Australia's official "House of Anubis" website here on Nickelodeon.com.au.

Nick Jr. Australia Announces Plans For A Brand New In-House Produced Preschool Puppet Show Called "Didi and B"

From C21Media:

Nick Jr Oz buzzing for Didi and B

Viacom-owned Nick Jr in Australia is set to launch its latest local original production, with a short-form preschool puppet series featuring an optimistic butterfly and a friendly spelling bee.

Didi and B

Music-themed series Didi and B comes from Nick Australia’s creative director and head of production Kristie Phelan, who also executive produces, while Kala Ellis produces.

It’s the first local production of its kind for the channel since Ollie – a Muppet show spin-off created with Sesame Workshop. May 1 has been pencilled in as the TX date.

Didi will feature the butterfly and bee, which are best friends, in eight musical segments that will aim to help kids wake up, have lunch and go to bed. The episodes will features topics such as the alphabet and days of the week.

The production “fills an ongoing need for unique, locally-produced preschool content in Australia and New Zealand,” said Phelan. “This short-form series is the result of recognising the need for fresh characters for our childhood audience, not only on Nick Jr but within the wider realm of preschool edutainment.”

Jesse Whittock
11-04-2012
©C21Media

GENRES: Children's

SHOWS: Didi and B, Ollie

PEOPLE: Kristie Phelan

COMPANIES: Nick Jr, Nickelodeon, Viacom

SECTIONS: C21 Kids

COUNTRIES: Australia, New Zealand

Also from C21Media:

Disney XD picks puppet comedy

US children’s channel Disney XD has ordered a new puppet show it claimed will offer a “fresh take” on the buddy comedy genre.

Multi-camera live-action series Crash & Bernstein will follow a teenage boy whose toy puppet comes to life to give him a male foothold in a female-dominated household.

It’s a Laugh Productions will begin shooting the series, from Eric Friedman (Austin & Ally), in Hollywood next month ahead of a fall premiere. Bruce Leddy (Mad TV) directed the pilot.

“The series offers a fresh take on the typical buddy comedy and brings together an everyday kid and his ‘know no limits’ puppet as they navigate life’s adventures,” said Disney’s senior VP of original programming Adam Bonnett.

The series continues the renewed trend for original puppet-based children’s series. Yesterday, C21 reported Nickelodeon Australia would use the medium for its latest in-house series, Didi and B.

Meanwhile, UK pubcaster the BBC has been working with The Jim Henson Company on new ideas around the genre and CBBC/Henson series Me and My Monsters was sold to Italian broadcaster Switchover Media.

Jesse Whittock
12-04-2012
©C21Media

TAGS: Puppetry

GENRES: Animation, Children's

SHOWS: Crash & Bernstein, Me and My Monsters

PEOPLE: Adam Bonnett, Bruce Leddy, Eric Friedman

COMPANIES: CBBC, Disney XD, It's a Laugh Productions, Nickelodeon Australia, Switchover Media, The Jim Henson Company

SECTIONS: C21 Kids

COUNTRIES: US

Also from C21Media:

C5 takes to the air with Abby

UK terrestrial Channel 5 (C5) has snapped up a new 3D CGI series from Sesame Workshop, the latest in a spate of shows based on puppet characters.

C5 has added Abby's Flying Fairy School to its roster, and plans to launch the programme later this month on its morning Milkshake! strand.

The Sesame Workshop-produced series is the first to use CGI for a Sesame Street character, originating from a segment in that show. Created by Peter De Séve, Abby’s Flying Fairy School is about a fairy-in-training and her gang of eclectic friends.

The pick-up comes hot on the heels of Disney XD’s acquisition of multi-camera live-action puppet series Crash & Bernstein and Nickelodeon Australia’s move to add short form series Didi and B, also of the genre, to its line-up.

Elsewhere, the BBC has been working with The Jim Henson Company to develop a new Saturday night access primetime puppet series, with the latter having launched its recent Muppets movie. A sequel film is planned.

Jim Henson is also working on a children’s series based on stage musical John Tartaglia’s ImaginOcean, as reported by C21 in March. The show launched at MipTV earlier this month.

Jesse Whittock
16-04-2012
©C21Media

GENRES: Animation, Children's

SHOWS: Abby's Flying Fairy School, Crash & Bernstein, Didi and B, Sesame Street

PEOPLE: Peter De Séve

COMPANIES: BBC, Channel 5, Disney XD, Nickelodeon, Sesame Workshop, The Jim Henson Company

SECTIONS: C21 Kids

COUNTRIES: Australia, UK, US

Nickelodeon Australia And New Zealand Hires Tina McIntosh As Director Of Marketing And Commercial Partnerships

From Animation Insider:

Nickelodeon Down Under (Nickelodeon Australia and Nickelodeon New Zealand) has hired Tina McIntosh as Director of marketing and Commercial Partnerships. McIntosh fills a post occupied by at least two others in the past calendar year, dedicating some time to develop brand profile and reputation notes for creativity among key constituents, and building marketing partnerships to drive distribution. Nickelodeon Australia is available to 2.3 million households.

Nick Jr. Australia And New Zealand Buys "Olive The Ostrich"

From MuMbrella:

Nick Jr. buys Olive the Ostrich

Nick Jr. Australia and New Zealand has bought animated preschool series Olive the Ostrich through Distribution360. The series, 52x five minute episodes is produced by UK-based Blue-Zoo production house and is narrated by Rolf Harris.

The announcement:

Distribution360 sells Olive the Ostrich to Nick Jr. in Australia and New Zealand

Toronto, Ontario (December 12, 2011)—Distribution360 has announced the sale of Blue-Zoo’s hit animated preschool series Olive the Ostrich (52 x 5’ episodes) to Nick Jr. in Australia and New Zealand, set to launch in early 2012. The series, narrated by Australian-born entertainer Rolf Harris, has been receiving stellar ratings since its September launch on Nick Jr. in the UK. Olive the Ostrich is owned and produced by Blue-Zoo.

Olive the Ostrich is a CGI animated series for kids about a young ostrich named Olive who goes on fun adventures to all sorts of amazing imaginary places. Animators bring to life real pictures drawn and submitted by children, which are then integrated into the TV show. Inquisitive and enthusiastic, Olive loves to solve problems and help people whenever she can. She’ll try anything once, which can get her into trouble, but always finds fun and inventive ways of getting herself out of it.

“Olive became an instant hit with preschoolers in the UK, and we’re excited to be working with our partners at Blue-Zoo to share this series with markets internationally,” says Stéphanie Röckmann-Portier, Head of Sales, Distribution360. “We’re looking forward to delighting Australian and New Zealand audiences with Olive’s curiosity as she embarks on all sorts of fun adventures.”

“We’re thrilled to add Olive the Ostrich to our Nick Jr. programming line-up for 2012,” says Hugh Baldwin, Director of Television and Digital Content for Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand. “Rolf Harris is an Aussie icon, and there are parents out there who will have fond memories of his unique artwork and wobble-board music. Lending his distinct voice to narrate Olive adds a special dimension to the storytelling of this engaging series. We’re sure it’s going to be very well-received by both Australian and New Zealand audiences on Nick Jr.”

For more information, please visit:
www.distribution360.com
www.blue-zoo.co.uk
www.nickjr.com.au

Source: Distribution360 press release

New Zealand Mint To Create "SpongeBob Squarepants" Silver Coins

From Scoop News:

NZ Mint To Create SpongeBob Squarepants Silver Coins

Press Release: NZ Mint

Media Release

NEW ZEALAND MINT PARTNERS WITH PFG PRECIOUS METALS
AND NICKELODEON TO CREATE LIMITED EDITION COINS
FEATURING CHARACTERS FROM SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND — Auckland-based New Zealand Mint has partnered with PFG Precious Metals, a division of PFGBEST, to manufacture, produce and distribute a limited edition four-coin set featuring characters from Nickelodeon’s global pop culture phenomenon SpongeBob SquarePants.

The world’s most famous sea sponge, SpongeBob SquarePants, will be immortalized on a square, legal tender silver bullion coin, along with friends, Patrick, Gary, and Sandy. The set presents the SpongeBob SquarePants characters packaged in a unique treasure chest, complete with a certificate of authenticity issued by New Zealand Mint.

For a limited time these one-of-kind coins can be pre-ordered through New Zealand Mint and PFG Precious Metals for US$279 (approx. NZ$350).

“This coin collection is extremely exciting for us,” says Chris Kirkness, vice president for USA Operations at New Zealand Mint. “With SpongeBob having such a huge fan base, we believe the issue will be a global bestseller. To marry a premium bullion coin with a fun and exciting brand such as Nickelodeon is a one–of-a-kind opportunity for New Zealand Mint.”

Peter Thomas, director of business development for PFG Precious Metals, agrees.

“This partnership joins a beloved television character with a collectible currency that stands the test of time,” Thomas notes. “Coin enthusiasts the world over will be delighted with a precious metal asset in the form of a 4-coin set that features SpongeBob.”

For more information and to pre-order, go to www.newzealandmint.com/spongebob or www.spongebobcoins.com. Shipping is scheduled to begin by mid-December 2011.

About The Coins: The set includes four, 1-ounce silver legal tender bullion coins packaged in a unique treasure chest, reminiscent of one found in “Bikini Bottom,” where SpongeBob and his friends live The silver coins depict SpongeBob; his pet snail, Gary; his best friend, Patrick Star; and his friend, Sandy Cheeks, a squirrel. The obverse of the coin features The Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II, sovereign of the commonwealth of Niue. Each coin in the set is struck from 1 ounce of pure bullion silver. No more than 100,000 coins for each design will be issued by New Zealand Mint.


Coin Specifications – 1oz Silver Coins
Weight & Purity - 1oz .999 Fine Silver
Country of origin - Niue
Year of issue - 2011
Denomination - $2.00
Dimensions - 35mm x 35mm
Quality - Bullion
Number of designs - 4
Mintage per design - 100,000

About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 32nd 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 16 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

About New Zealand Mint: New Zealand Mint has been minting legal tender commemorative coins, gold bullion and medallions for more than four decades. As New Zealand's only precious metal mint and one of the first world mints to adopt the .9999 standard for gold coin purity, New Zealand Mint prides itself on high quality design and production work. In 2009, New Zealand Mint opened the Bullion Exchange, the first of its kind in New Zealand which offers a comprehensive service for buying and selling gold and silver bullion as well as on-site insured storage. Leading the way with innovative, colored, silver and gold commemorative coins, New Zealand Mint is known globally for quality and design excellence. New Zealand Mint also produces several ranges of jewelry that cater to many tastes and styles, including the Boh Runga and Trelise Cooper for New Zealand Mint collections.

About PFG Precious Metals: PFG Precious Metals, a division of PFGBEST, is a full-service wholesale trading company. The website for more information about it is www.pfgpreciousmetals.com. PFG Precious Metals is a member of the Certified Coin Exchange, a dealer-to-dealer exchange connecting more than 350 U.S. coin dealers. The company sells gold, silver, platinum and palladium in the form of bullion bars and bullion coins. The majority of the bars and coins are fresh current year, straight from suppliers’ vaults. PFG Precious Metals services include buying and selling of precious metals, inventory hedging, qualified IRAs and the Gold and Silver Accumulation Program, and its dealers have more than 55 years combined experience in the financial services industry.

Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.