Nickelodeon Collaborates with Marlou Breuls and Laauw for SpongeBob Bag Collection

From Bikini Bottom to the catwalk!

Nickelodeon has partnered with the Amsterdam based designer Marlou Breuls and the Dutch fashion brand Laauw to launch a brand-new bag collection inspired by Nickelodeon's hit animated series, SpongeBob SquarePants!

Breuls, who previously launched a SpongeBob fashion line at Amsterdam Fashion Week 2019 as part of Nickelodeon's "Best Year Ever" initiative to celebrate 20 years of the beloved property, is once again inspired by iconic property for this collaboration. "It is fantastic to get inspiration from something that everyone knows. Every '90s kid grew up with the (sea) stars from Bikini Bottom,” said Breuls, who has collaborated with global stars such as Sia and Björk.

For this reason Breuls is also delighted that her designs are now available to everyone. “My couture collections are often eccentric and exclusive and therefore not necessarily wearable for many people. In this collaboration we have taken the strong SpongeBob elements of The Icon Collection with us and translated into a bag collection for everyone.”

For Joep Klerx, one of the owners of Laauw and a SpongeBob superfan, this collaboration was a dream come true: "When we came into contact with Nickelodeon and Marlou for this collaboration, it was literally a childhood dream come true."

The main intention of the collection was to make an affordable product with a mature look.

The collection consists of a wide range of designs for women and men in shades of SpongeBob yellow, grey and black. A selection of bags feature a design with yellow dots to replicate SpongeBob's porous holes. The shape of the character's hands have also been used to close some bags. Other rectangular bags have a wavy edge that refers to the shape of the figure. Each bag bears the names of the Bikini Bottom residents, such as SpongeBob, Mr. Krabs, Patrick Star, Squidward Tentacles, Sandy Cheeks, Plankton and Pearl Krabs.

To promote the collection, a one-of-a-kind bag in the shape of SpongeBob, including arms, legs and feet was produced. Unfortunately, this isn't part of the collection.

The bag collection, entitled SpongeBob x Marlou Breuls x Laauw is available from today (Wednesday 18th November 2020), exclusively on the Laauw webshop. Prices range from 129 euros to 249 euros.

Marlou Breuls and Nickelodeon Collaborate on New Fashion Line to Celebrate SpongeBob SquarePants' 20th Anniversary

Originally published: Friday, March 8, 2019

Amsterdam based designer Marlou Breuls today unveiled a colourful brand-new clothing collection inspired by Nickelodeon's hit animated series, SpongeBob SquarePants!

Update (9/18) - Nickelodeon will be showcasing their SpongeBob x Marlou Breuls collaboration as part of Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) 2019's “Fresh off the Runway” exhibit! Details below:

N1 Entrance: Viacom Nickelodeon
SpongeBob x Marlou Breuls: A unique, authentic and creative collaboration between fashion designer Marlou Breuls and “SpongeBob SquarePants” in a crafted, heritage and sustainable story.

“Fresh off the Runway” will see a jaw-dropping display of Fashion x Licensing collabs on super-styled mannequins in each of the show’s five visitor entrances, from N1 through N5, as well as a specially curated License Global edit on stand E200. Visit License Global for more info.

Original post continues below:

Unveiled today on a Bikini Bottom themed catwalk at Amsterdam Fashion Week 2019, the collection was created through Nickelodeon's partnership with Copyright Promotions Licensing Group (CPLG) and will form part of Nickelodeon International's SpongeBob Gold campaign to celebrate SpongeBob SquarePants' 20th anniversary.

The collection features apparel in all shapes and sizes, featuring the iconic colours of the characters in the show, allowing fans to easily recognise items inspired by SpongeBob and seven of his friends: Gary the Snail, Patrick Star, Squidward Tentacles, Sandy Cheeks, Plankton, Mr. Krabs, and Mrs. Puff.

For the collection, Nickelodeon gave Breuls a lot of creative freedom. Surprisingly, Breuls didn't watch a single episode of SpongeBob SquarePants to get inspiration for the collection, instead, she researched the characters and characteristics of SpongeBob and his friends. The line also reinterprets all the characters from SpongeBob SquarePants as female characters, where Breuls' expertise in clothing design lies, so its incredibly fitting that the line launched on International Women's Day 2019.

Breuls said that shes most proud of the outfit inspired by Gary. "Gary's look is a definition of my handwriting, but also shows the SpongeBob feeling very well. Everything comes together in that look. That took a lot of effort: I had to recreate the outfit four times. So there is a lot of pain and sorrow, but also love. I am very happy with the result. Yesterday I looked at different outfits besides their sketches and it is exactly as I intended it. In some cases it has become even better."

The line, titled Spongebob x Marlou, is expected to launch at retail later this year.

'Double Dare' Season 2 to Feature 'SpongeBob SquarePants Week' & 'WWE Superstars Week'

Originally published: Saturday, March 16, 2019.

Who lives in a Pineapple under the sea, and is about to take on Nickelodeon's legendary Double Dare obstacle course? SpongeBob SquarePants!

It has been revealed that Nickelodeon has just filmed a sponge-tastic SpongeBob SquarePants Week of it's hit game show, Double Dare!

Credit: Twitter /@i3zKO.

Update (6/21) - Marc Summers has announced on Instagram that Nickelodeon USA will be hosting a special "SpongeBob Week" in July 2019! According to Zap2it, "SpongeBob Week" will begin on either Monday, July 8, 2019 or Tuesday, July 9, 2019.

Update (6/23) - Drake Bell and Guava Juice will take part in "SpongeBob Week Game 2"!

In "SpongeBob Week Game 1", two four-person teams compete in a series of challenges for the chance to advance in the first-ever SpongeBob Week Tournament; only one squad will swim its way onto the obstacle course and into the next games to play with their favorite celebrities.

It's currently unknown who'll be taking on all the super sloppy and slimy challenges in the week of SpongeBob SquarePants-themed episodes of Double Dare - it could be the show's voice cast, famous SpongeBob fans, SpongeBob superfans, or a mixture of all three. It could also feature the cast of SpongeBob SquarePants itself! It's not impossible, Cat and Dog from CatDog was a panelist on a episode of Nickelodeon's Figure It Out in the '90s - and got slimed! Maybe we'll see Fred take on the famous Double Dare obstacle course!


It's also currently unknown when Double Dare's SpongeBob SquarePants Week will air, however, it's thought that SpongeBob SquarePants Week will air in either May or July 2019, as part of Nickelodeon's "The Best Year Ever" celebrations to mark SpongeBob SquarePants' landmark 20th anniversary.

The “Best Year Ever” kicks off Friday, July 12, with the premiere of “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout,” an original mixed live-action and animated special. In the one-hour special, it’s SpongeBob’s birthday, and Patrick and SpongeBob journey to the surface world and come across a few familiar characters during lunchtime rush at The Trusty Slab restaurant. Meanwhile, the Bikini Bottom residents set up a surprise party for SpongeBob. The special which feature for the first time the celebrated voice talent behind SpongeBob, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Sandy, Squidward and Plankton playing live-action doppelgänger versions of the animated characters they voice. The “Best Year Ever” will lead up to the Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies theatrical, The SpongeBob Movie: It's a Wonderful Sponge, coming summer 2020.

The SpongeBob SquarePants Week of episodes will form part of Double Dare's recently wrapped second season, which will also includes: the recently aired Kids' Choice Awards Week (March 11-14) and the upcoming WWE Superstars Week (which is speculated to air around the time of Wrestlemania 35 on April 7, 2019; two of the teams in one episodes will be Little Giants vs Generation Yes), Halloween Week (airing sometime around Halloween), and Holiday Week (Christmas Week; airing sometime around the holidays).

Update (3/22) - Nickelodeon will host Double Dare WWE Superstars Week between Monday, April 8 - Thursday, April 11, 2019! The news was announced by Double Dare legend Marc Summers! One of the child contestants taking part in the special week will be Steven Weitz.

Double Dare season two episodes were taped at CBS Studios-Radford in California between February 27-28, 2019, as well as March 2, 4-5, and 7-8, 2019. Three episodes were filmed per day. There are thought to be 20 episodes in total for season two.

A major difference between Double Dare seasons one and two is, season two features a new tournament-style to it, where "Game 1" is 4v4, then "Game 2" and "Game 3" split up half of the winning team to celebrity contestants, and "Finals" is where the winners from 2 & 3 face-off against each other.

In additional news, On Camera Audiences, which distributes tickets to watch and be in the audience of television shows being filmed, is reporting that Nickelodeon has already commissioned Double Dare season three, which is set to go into production in 2020! The news has yet to be confirmed by Nickelodeon.

Nickelodeon Marks 20 Years of "SpongeBob SquarePants" with the "Best Year Ever"

Originally published: Wednesday, February 13, 2019.

Original Nickelodeon USA Press Release | Share the news: http://po.st/SpongeBob20

NICKELODEON MARKS 20 YEARS OF SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS

WITH THE “BEST YEAR EVER”

“Best Year Ever” Kicks Off July 12 with “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout,”

Mixed Live-Action/Animated Special Featuring Voice Cast

Playing Human Versions of Their Characters

Nick Commemorates Anniversary with New Digital Content and Innovative Partnerships

in Consumer Products, Fashion and Art

Share it: @Nickelodeon @SpongeBob @NickAnimation #SpongeBob

PASADENA, Calif.--Feb. 11, 2019--Nickelodeon is commemorating 20 years of SpongeBob SquarePants with the “Best Year Ever”—a tribute to one of the most iconic TV series and characters ever created. SpongeBob launched July 17, 1999, and has reigned as the number-one kids’ animated series on TV for the last 17 years, generating a universe of beloved characters, pop culture catchphrases and memes, theatrical releases, consumer products, a Tony award-winning Broadway musical and a global fan base.

The “Best Year Ever” kicks off Friday, July 12, with the premiere of “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout,” an original mixed live-action and animated special, and leads up to the Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies theatrical, The SpongeBob Movie: It's a Wonderful Sponge, coming summer 2020.

“The tiny residents of Bikini Bottom have held the world’s attention for a remarkable 20 years and we owe it all to the monumental creator Stephen Hillenburg,” said Ramsey Naito, EVP, Animation Production and Development, Nickelodeon. “This anniversary special is a love letter to everyone in the universe of SpongeBob, from the fans across the globe to the incredible creative team, crew and talent who continue to bring these great characters to life.”

It’s SpongeBob’s birthday in “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout,” which features for the first time the celebrated voice talent behind SpongeBob, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Sandy, Squidward and Plankton playing live-action doppelgänger versions of the animated characters they voice. In the one-hour special, Patrick and SpongeBob journey to the surface world, where they come across a few familiar characters during lunchtime rush at The Trusty Slab restaurant. Meanwhile, the Bikini Bottom residents set up a surprise party for SpongeBob.

Nickelodeon will also commemorate the series with: a new product line by master toy partner Alpha Group, featuring figures that showcase SpongeBob’s iconic meme moments; collaborations with lifestyle brand Cynthia Rowley for a SpongeBob wetsuit and international mixed-media artist Romero Britto; the launch of a dedicated YouTube channel and mobile game; and more.

SpongeBob SquarePants has hit a wide variety of milestones in 20 years:

• Every four seconds, someone in the world is talking about SpongeBob on social media.
• The franchise has garnered $13 billion in lifetime retail sales of consumer products.
• The series is the recipient of multiple Emmy Awards: Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program for Tom Kenny (2018), Outstanding Children’s Animated Series (2018), Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing (2014), and Outstanding Special Class Animated Program (2010), along with a special honor presented to Stephen Hillenburg at the 2018 Daytime Emmy Awards for his contribution and impact in the animation field.
• SpongeBob was the first square-shaped balloon in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade history.
• A new species of tulip was named after SpongeBob in Holland (2010).
• San Francisco State University discovered a new mushroom species and named it after SpongeBob (2011).
• United States Postal Service mailboxes across the country were wrapped in a custom SpongeBob design (2013).
• SpongeBob SquarePants has “saved lives:” a Long Island girl saved her friend from choking because she learned the Heimlich from SpongeBob (2012); an Australian man lost at sea was found by a helicopter that spotted his yellow SpongeBob trunks (2012); and an entire family was saved from a sinking boat by plugging up the hole with a SpongeBob football (2007).

Highlights of Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants “Best Year Ever” include:

Programming

• This summer, Nick will premiere some of the funniest new SpongeBob episodes ever, which will put the characters in situations they’ve never been in before: SpongeBob closes the gap in his teeth and his personality changes; his dream comes true when he becomes boss for the day at The Krusty Krab; and Plankton and Karen, somehow, have a baby.

Consumer Products

• New global master toy partner Alpha Group will debut a brand-new line of toys, collectibles, plush and novelties. The imaginative range includes: a “Masterpiece Meme” line of vinyl figures, bringing to life fan-favorite viral memes like Mocking SpongeBob, Imaginaaation SpongeBob, Surprised Patrick, SpongeGar and Handsome Squidward; and for the first-time ever, SpongeBob toys that incorporate Nickelodeon Slime. Select toys are available now on Amazon and will roll out to other retailers worldwide.
• New categories launching in consumer packaged goods and health and beauty, including the first-ever range of SpongeBob cosmetics, as well as special-edition product.

Digital

• The debut of an official global SpongeBob SquarePants YouTube channel, featuring the most iconic SpongeBob moments, music from the show, brand-new content, including the short-form series “Bikini Bottom Mysteries,” which explores the secrets, scandals, and unsolved mysteries of SpongeBob SquarePants, and more. Themed content added weekly will include Tuesday Tunes, Throwback Thursdays and SpongeBob Saturdays.
• Launch of a brand-new global mobile game, which will allow fans to share SpongeBob’s experience of being a fry cook in Bikini Bottom.
• Brand-new short-form content across YouTube, Facebook, Facebook Watch, Instagram and Twitter, celebrating fans and their favorite episodes, cast moments and more.

Art and Fashion Partnerships

• The lifestyle brand Cynthia Rowley will feature a SpongeBob SquarePants wetsuit in their New York Fashion Week runway show on Tuesday, Feb. 12.
• International artist Romero Britto will reimagine SpongeBob SquarePants with his trademark vibrant, bold and colorful style in a mixed media art installation that will be exhibited at pop-up SpongeBob experiences across the U.S.

SpongeBob SquarePants is currently seen in 208 countries and translated into more than 55 languages. The series is created by Stephen Hillenburg. Marc Ceccarelli and Vincent Waller serve as co-executive producers. SpongeBob SquarePants is produced by Nickelodeon in Burbank.

Nickelodeon, now in its 39^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 company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number-one-rated kids’ basic cable network for 22 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. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).

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Update (4/22) - Via Kidscreen:

Can birthdays be big business opps for brands?

Barbie, SpongeBob and Sesame are seeing strategic opportunities in their major milestones, taking celebratory marketing beyond just cake and balloons.

The average person celebrating a birthday can expect a silly hat, a song and (hopefully) some cake. Barbie, though, is anything but average, and that’s why she’s getting a massive consumer products program on her 60th anniversary this year. And while most 15-year-olds may be mortified to spend their birthdays with their own parents—let alone someone else’s—Peppa Pig is inviting families from around the world to celebrate with her in a series of live performances and events. Sesame, meanwhile, is throwing a shindig big enough for the entire neighborhood in celebration of its 50th anniversary (talk about a Street party).

Birthdays are much more than just a chance for a sugar fix. They can be an opportunity for brands to build engagement, drive revenue, reflect on the past and even map out the future.

For kids (and kids at heart)

Nick is targeting kids and adults for Spongebob’s 20th birthday

SpongeBob SquarePants occupies a unique position in the kids space, and that’s not even taking into account the fact that he lives in a pineapple under the sea. He’s just as popular with the adults who grew up watching the animated series as he is with kids today. To tap into that dual love, Nickelodeon is commemorating 20 years of SpongeBob with a big splash on screen and in stores, designed to appeal equally to both audiences.

The year-long celebration will be bookended by new content, beginning with the premiere of mixed live-action and animated special SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout in July and ending with the launch of feature film The SpongeBob Movie: It’s a
Wonderful Sponge in summer 2020.

Nick’s master toy partner Alpha Toy Group will bow kid-focused products from its new range throughout the year, including toys, collectibles, plush, novelties and playthings that incorporate Nickelodeon’s famous slime.

SpongeBob’s popularity with the older crowd has not waned in recent years, thanks to social memes and the popularity of gifs from the series. For these big-kids-at-heart, Alpha is launching vinyl figures designed to cater to fans familiar with SpongeBob’s online popularity, with figures inspired by viral moments like Mocking SpongeBob or Surprised Patrick. Another adult-focused agreement will see fashion designer Cynthia Rowley launch a SpongeBob-themed wetsuit.

“When we’re talking to kids, obviously they’re most connected to SpongeBob through the content. So the special is all about
SpongeBob’s birthday and that will be a great moment for the core consumer on the platform,” says Charlotte Castillo, SVP of global franchise planning for Viacom Nickelodeon consumer products.

“For kids, a collaboration with Cynthia Rowley is not as relevant, but we’ll do some social and short-form [content] around SpongeBob underwater, and that is relevant for them,” she adds. “It’s about balance, and managing both messages throughout all the activations to make sure everything will impact both [kids and adult fans].”

Nickelodeon also sees anniversaries as a prime time to differentiate at retail, whether it’s something as simple as in-store signage and anniversary imagery on packaging, or a more complex full rebrand for shorter timeline categories (picture an entire apparel range inspired by SpongeBob’s birthday). Retailers are always looking for something new to pull in kids and their families, especially when a franchise has been around for 20 years and become an accepted, expected figure on retail shelves, says Castillo.

“From a retailer’s perspective, they can galvanize around an anniversary and that makes these milestone moments really important for an evergreen property like SpongeBob,” she says. “That’s our philosophy around launching and marketing and continuing to reinvigorate our properties.”

You’re invited

While Nickelodeon is taking advantage of SpongeBob’s anniversary to refresh the evergreen brand at retail, Entertainment One is using Peppa Pig’s birthday to solidify a top spot in the world of live and location-based entertainment.

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Click here to read the article in full on Kidscreen.com

Update (6/2) - From License Global:

SpongeBob Celebrates the ‘Best Year Ever’

Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob SquarePants” is turning 20 this year, and to mark the occasion, the team is kicking off a big, big year. License Global spoke with Charlotte Castillo, senior vice president, franchise planning, Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products, about the big milestone and how the animated series has influenced a generation.

Why has ‘SpongeBob’ influenced pop culture for two decades?

Not only has he influenced kids’ television, but he has made a mark on everything from films to fashion and social media. He is a true four-quadrant evergreen franchise with an incredibly broad fan base spanning everyone from kids to adults all around the world.

Let’s discuss this year’s major milestone– ‘SpongeBob’s’ 20th.

We are focused on four main buckets for ‘SpongeBob’s’ 20th celebration–content, collaborations, experiential and product. “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout,” a onehour mixed live-action/animation special will premiere this summer; and Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies’ theatrical, The SpongeBob Movie: It’s a Wonderful Sponge, will release in cinemas worldwide in summer 2020.

‘SpongeBob’s’ official YouTube channel launched this year, and a brand-new mobile game will launch in spring 2020.

On the collaborations front, we have exciting partnerships running across the art, fashion and retail worlds. Cynthia Rowley included a ‘SpongeBob’ wet suit as part of their New York Fashion Week runway show, and ‘SpongeBob’ also appeared on Fashion Week runways in Amsterdam and Israel. Pantone named official ‘SpongeBob yellow’ and ‘Patrick Star pink’ colors. Artist Romero Britto is creating a one-of-a-kind mixed media ‘SpongeBob’ piece, and Singapore artist Johnny Lau and Mexico-based Grupo Chespirito are creating unique mash-ups. More collaborations are planned.

Fans will also be able to experience ‘SpongeBob’ in real life–we have multiple pop-ups planned, we will take him to global events like San Diego Comic-Con, celebrate him in our hotels and theme parks, as well as malls and retail stores worldwide. New product across multiple categories are planned this year.

New global master toy partner Alpha Group debuted a brand-new line of toys, collectibles, plush and novelties.

How will VNCP keep ‘SpongeBob’ fresh as it moves into the future?

Our franchises are at the center of Nickelodeon’s strategy, and it is what drives our consumer products business–and ‘SpongeBob’ is our biggest franchise. ‘SpongeBob’ is unique in that its fan base is as broad as they are diverse.

Brian Robbins, president of Nickelodeon, recently talked about planning to delve deeper into ‘SpongeBob’s’ world with new stories and multiple spin-off series with various characters across multiple platforms. In consumer products, this gives our creative teams the opportunity to keep product fresh with new style guides and ideas for new product categories.

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

Originally published: Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at 3:58am GMT.

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Alpha Group Celebrates SpongeBob SquarePants' 20th Anniversary With Fresh Line Of Imaginative, Unique Toys

Update (4/24) - Alpha Group's Sponge-Tastic line of SpongeBob SquarePants toys and collectibles are now available to purchase, including online at Amazon.com/SpongeBobSquarePants!

Official Alpha Group Press Release via PR Newswire | Share the news: http://po.st/SBtoysAlpha

Alpha Group Celebrates Spongebob Squarepants' 20th Anniversary With Fresh Line Of Imaginative, Unique Toys

New Global Master Toy Licensee To Premiere Pop Culture Collectibles, Nickelodeon Slime!, Interactive Anniversary Plush and more at North American International Toy Fair

Alpha Group’s brand-new SpongeBob SquarePants product line is certain to excite a multi-generation fan base. Masterpiece Memes figures bring to life favorite moments that have become popular viral memes.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Feb. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- "Are you ready kids?" Just in time for the 20th anniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants, Alpha Group, the new global master toy partner of Nickelodeon's iconic and top-rated animated series, will debut a brand-new, never-before-seen product line. Building upon two decades of incredible SpongeBob content and fandom, these toys have evolved from the conventional preschool toy range and are certain to excite a multi-generation fan base – Kids, Tweens, Teens and Millennials. The company's imaginative range includes collectible pop culture figures, fun-loving novelties, plush and – for the first-time ever – SpongeBob toys that include Nickelodeon Slime!

SpongeBob SquarePants has emerged as a global pop culture phenomenon since first premiering on Nickelodeon in July 1999. The series has been the most-watched animated program for more than 17 consecutive years, is seen in over 208 countries and translated in more than 55 languages. The year-long 20^th anniversary celebration – The Best Year Ever – includes a series of collaborations with designers, artists and retailers, experiential events, an on-air special and more.

Alpha Group will unveil the new product line at North American International Toy Fair, February 16-21 (booth #2965). Merchandise begins rolling onto retail shelves in Spring 2019. Product lines include:

COLLECTIBLE VINYL FIGURES - Designed for the older fan that has grown up with SpongeBob and now enjoys collecting figures from their favorite nostalgic shows.

• Masterpiece Memes - 8-inch collectible vinyl figures bring to life fan-favorite show and movie moments that have now become some of the most popular viral memes. Featuring exceptional details and window packaging for collector displays, the Spring Masterpiece Memes figures include Mocking SpongeBob, Imaginaaation SpongeBob, Surprised Patrick, Spongegar and Handsome Squidward. For Ages 6+, SRP: $19.99
• SpongePop CulturePants - The 4.5-inch vinyl collectible figures celebrate and capture iconic pop culture in a unique SpongeBob way. The Spring line includes B-Movie SpongeBob, Patrick and Dr. Plankton, based on the horror episodes from the show, as well as Old-Timey SpongeBob, Patrick and Squidward in an all-new timeless style inspired by the golden age of animation. For ages 6+, SRP: $9.99
• Spongesicles - These Fall 2019 vinyl figures look just like the real SpongeBob ice pops you buy at your local ice cream truck, except they won't melt! With four unique designs – three of them with a melted look and one perfect – which will you get? Includes removable stand. For Ages 6+, SRP: $9.99

NICKELODEON SLIME - For the first time ever, two Nickelodeon favorites come together for an epic experience, as now SpongeBob and friends get "slimed" with official Nickelodeon Slime!

• Slimeez with Nickelodeon Slime - Experience the world of Bikini Bottom like never before with SpongeBob Slimeez Figures! Load each 3-inch figure with Nickelodeon Slime (included), push and watch the ooey gooey Slime ooze through the figures. Six figures arrive on shelves this Spring, each packaged with 2oz. Slime and collectible SpongeBob cube for the ultimate blind package experience. Will you find the rare Gold SpongeBob Slimeez? Seven figures debut in Fall. Ages 6+, SRP: $6.99
• Plankton's Slimetory - Get even messier with the all-new Plankton's Slimetory playset. Featuring three colors of Nickelodeon Slime and an exclusive SpongeBob Slimeez figure, kids can mix slime colors and fling it on SpongeBob by using the catapult! Ages 6+, SRP: $19.99

TOYS WITH A TWIST - Totally wacky ways to play with SpongeBob with your friends!

• StretchPants - Play with SpongeBob in a crazy new way! Stretch his arms and legs to activate over 20 unique silly sounds and phrases from SpongeBob himself! Parents, siblings and friends can join in the fun by grabbing an arm and a leg. Keep pulling to hear what he will say next! The more you pull, the funnier he gets! Available this Spring. Ages 4+, SRP: $24.99
• Giggle Blaster - SpongeBob is silly and wacky and now kids can be too with the SpongeBob-styled Giggle Blaster. Featuring a real working periscope, the fun-themed blaster sprays aerosol party string (included) and shouts over 15 SpongeBob phrases and sounds. Packaged with one can of aerosol party string, and compatible with most standard size cans, the Giggle Blaster arrives in Fall. Ages 6+, SRP: $19.99

NOVELTY COLLECTIBLES - Young-and-old alike will dig playing with the novelty collectibles!

• SpongeHeads - Dress up as your favorite SpongeBob SquarePants characters with the 20-inch soft, inflatable headwear! Made to fit most kid and adults heads, SpongeHeads allow fans of all ages to show off their favorite characters in a silly fashion-statement! Let the party begin! Available Spring 2019. Ages 6+, SRP: $12.99

ALL-NEW PLUSH CHARACTERS - From 4-inch clip-on collectibles, 6-inch minis and an assortment of interactive and squeezable plush, new SpongeBob SquarePants plush roll out beginning this Spring.

• Mini Plush - Bring Bikini Bottom to the toy collection with these soft, 6-inch Mini Plush friends! These adorable little SpongeBob characters are perfect for play and display. Six characters debut in Spring. Ages 4+, SRP: $7.99
• Exsqueeze Me Plush - The 8-inch Exsqueeze Me Interactive Plush burp and fart! Fans will love to squeeze and laugh with these soft, plush pals. Coming in two waves, each featuring SpongeBob and Patrick: Spring 2019 and Fall 2019. Ages 4+, SRP: $14.99
• Huggable Plush - A new huggable plush of favorite SpongeBob characters arrive this Fall including Doe Eye SpongeBob, SpongeBob with Glasses, Patrick and Plankton. Ages 4+, SRP: $19.99
• SpongeBob LaughPants - Celebrate SpongeBob SquarePants' 20th anniversary with the soft, huggable joke-telling +17-inch plush. Among his many jokes and wacky sounds: "How did Patrick do on his bubble test?" "He blew it!" Featuring articulated arms and hips, and premium material including real pleather shoes and belt, SpongeBob LaughPants debuts in Fall. Ages 6+, SRP: $39.99

About the Alpha Group
The Alpha Group US is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alpha (Alpha Group Co., Ltd), one of the leading animation and toy companies in China. With a mission of providing engaging entertainment experiences, linking superior animation content with high-quality toys and games for kids and their parents, Alpha takes play seriously. The company's growing portfolio of brands includes SpongeBob SquarePants™, Super Wings™, WWE™, Infinity Nado™, TerraSect™, Grrrumball™ and Sky Rover™. Visit www.alphatoys.com for more information.

About Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products
Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products (VNCP) oversees all merchandising and retail operations for Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the world's leading multimedia entertainment companies and home to such powerhouse brands as Nickelodeon, MTV, Paramount Network, Paramount Pictures and Comedy Central. With a diverse portfolio spanning animation, preschool, youth and adult licenses, VNCP is committed to providing key partner development and innovative marketing solutions, ensuring the highest quality product offering across some of the world's most powerful TV and entertainment properties, including SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

SOURCE Alpha Group

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There are six toys available in Alpha's Masterpiece Meme Collection line. Each one is 8″ and has an MSRP of about $21, and are available via Amazon right now.

Toys in the Masterpiece Meme Collection are:

- SpongeGar
- Imaaaaaaagination SpongeBob
- Surprised Patrick
- Handsome Squidward (open eyes)
- Handsome Squidward (closed eyes)
- Mocking SpongeBob

Juliaus Kalinsko and Nickelodeon Collaborate on New Fashion Line to Celebrate SpongeBob SquarePants' 20th Anniversary

Lithuanian fashion designer Juliaus Kalinsko today (Friday 12th April 2019) unveiled a colourful brand-new clothing collection inspired by Nickelodeon's hit animated series, SpongeBob SquarePants (Kempiniukas Plačiakelnis) at Mados infekcija, Lithuania's biggest fashion event. Comprising of apparel and accessories, the SpongeBob x Juliaus Kalinsko collection will form part of Nickelodeon International's SpongeBob Gold campaign to celebrate SpongeBob SquarePants' 20th anniversary.

From 15min.lt:

Pirmoji „Mados infekcijos“ diena: pagerbtas jubiliejų švenčiantis Kempiniukas

Penktadienio vakarą prasidėjo dvi dienas (balandžio 12 ir 13 d.) truksiantis didžiausias Lietuvoje mados renginys „Mados infekcija“. Šį vakarą renginio svečiai išvydo aštuonias žinomų lietuvių dizainerių, jaunųjų kūrėjų ir svečių iš užsienio – Italijos ir Latvijos – kolekcijas.

Penktadienio vakarą savo kolekcijas pristatė Krista Stark, „Status by Shtamguts“ (Latvija), Kotryna Lipkevičiūtė ir Urtė Vosyliūtė („Injekcijos“ nugalėtojos), Justas Taroza ir Augustė Zukaitė („Injekcijos“ nugalėtojai), Lina Gudanavičiūtė, Laima Jurča (Latvija, „Injekcijos“ nugalėtoja), Simonas Crackeris (Italija) ir lietuvių duetas „Leonsenberg“.

[...]

Simono Crackerio kolekcijos pristatymas Šia kolekcija dizaineris kartu su „Nickelodeon“ televizija švenčia Kempiniuko jubiliejų – personažui 20 metų. Bendradarbiavimas atsispindi podiumą pagyvinančiuose drabužiuose ir aksesuaruose.

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More Nick: Nickelodeon Marks 20 Years of "SpongeBob SquarePants" with the "Best Year Ever"!

Additional sources: Google Translate, Wikipedia (II).

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SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout | Teaser Trailer | Nickelodeon

It's SpongeBob's birthday, and we're all invited! Tune into the brand-new hour-long SpongeBob SquarePants 20th anniversary special "SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout", premiering Friday, July 12, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT), only on Nickelodeon USA!



In the one-hour special, “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout,” which will feature for the first time the celebrated voice talent behind SpongeBob, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Sandy, Squidward and Plankton playing live-action doppelgänger versions of the animated characters they voice, Patrick and SpongeBob journey to the surface world, where they come across a few familiar characters during lunchtime rush at The Trusty Slab restaurant. Meanwhile, the Bikini Bottom residents set up a surprise party for SpongeBob!


More Nick: Nickelodeon Marks 20 Years of "SpongeBob SquarePants" with the "Best Year Ever"!

Originally published: Sunday, March 24, 2019 at 2:00am GMT.

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Bob Esponja cumple 20 años, así serán las celebraciones en ‘Fondo de Bikini’ | Nickelodeon Latinoamérica

Below is a Latin American Spanish version of Nickelodeon's press release detailing their plans to celebrate SpongeBob SquarePants' 20th anniversary. An English version can be read here.

From 90minutos.co:

Bob Esponja cumple 20 años, así serán las celebraciones en ‘Fondo de Bikini’

Bob Esponja estrenó el 17 de julio de 1999, y ha reinado como la serie animada de televisión número uno de los niños durante los últimos 17 años

Bob Esponja cumple 20 años, así serán las celebraciones en ‘Fondo de Bikini’

Nickelodeon está conmemorando 20 años de Bob Esponja con “El Mejor Año de la Historia”—un homenaje a una de las series de televisión y personajes más icónicos jamás creados.

Bob Esponja estrenó el 17 de julio de 1999, y ha reinado como la serie animada de televisión número uno de los niños durante los últimos 17 años, generando un universo de personajes queridos, frases y memes de cultura pop, lanzamientos teatrales, productos de consumo, un musical de Broadway ganador de un premio Tony y una base de fans global.

“El Mejor Año de la Historia” empieza el viernes, 12 de julio, con el estreno de “La Gran Celebración de Cumpleaños de Bob Esponja” una mezcla original de animación con acción en vivo, seguido por la obra de teatro de Paramount Pictures y Nickelodeon Movies, La Película de Bob Esponja: Es una Maravillosa Esponja, que llega en verano de 2020.

“Los pequeños residentes de Fondo de Bikini han llamado la atención del mundo por unos notables 20 años y todo se lo debemos al creador monumental Stephen Hillenburg”, dijo Ramsey Naito, EVP, Producción y Desarrollo de Animación, Nickelodeon. “Este especial de aniversario es una carta de amor para todos en el universo de Bob Esponja, desde los aficionados de todo el mundo hasta el increíble equipo creativo, personal y talento que continúan dándole vida a estos grandes personajes”.

Es el cumpleaños de Bob Esponja en “La Gran Celebración de Cumpleaños de Bob Esponja”, que cuenta por primera vez con el gran talento de voz detrás de Bob Esponja, Patricio, Don Cangrejo, Arenita, Calamardo y Plankton interpretando versiones Doppelgänger de acción en vivo de los personajes animados a los que dan voz. En el especial de una hora, Patricio y Bob Esponja viajan al mundo de la superficie, donde se encuentran con algunos personajes familiares durante la hora del almuerzo en el restaurante Crustáceo Cascarudo. Mientras tanto, los residentes de Fondo de Bikini organizan una fiesta sorpresa para Bob Esponja.

Nickelodeon también conmemorará la serie con: una nueva línea de productos por el socio de juguetes Alpha Group, con figuras que exhiben los momentos icónicos de memes de Bob Esponja; colaboraciones con la marca de lifestyle Cynthia Rowley para un traje acuático de Bob Esponja y el artista internacional Romero Britto; el lanzamiento de un canal de YouTube y un juego móvil dedicados a Bob Esponja; y más.

Bob Esponja ha alcanzado una gran variedad de hitos en 20 años:

• Cada cuatro segundos, alguien en el mundo está hablando de Bob Esponja en redes sociales.
• La franquicia ha cosechado 13 billones de USD en ventas minoristas de productos de consumo desde sus inicios.
• La serie ha recibido múltiples premios Emmy: Intérprete Sobresaliente en un Programa Animado para Tom Kenny (2018), Serie Animada Infantil Sobresaliente (2018), Logro Sobresaliente en Edición de Sonido (2014), y Programa Animado de Clase Especial Sobresaliente (2010), junto con un honor especial presentado a Stephen Hillenburg en los premios Daytime Emmy en 2018 por su contribución e impacto en el campo de la animación.
• Bob Esponja fue el primer globo cuadrado en la historia del desfile de Acción de Gracias de Macy’s.
• Una nueva especie de tulipán fue nombrada después de Bob Esponja en Holanda (2010).
• La Universidad Estatal de San Francisco descubrió una nueva especie de hongo y la nombró después de Bob Esponja (2011).
• Los buzones del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos en todo el país estuvieron envueltos en un diseño personalizado de Bob Esponja (2013).
• Bob Esponja ha “salvado vidas”: una chica de Long Island salvó a su amiga de la asfixia porque aprendió el Heimlich de Bob Esponja (2012); un hombre australiano perdido en el mar fue encontrado por un helicóptero que vio su traje de baño amarillo de Bob Esponja (2012); y una familia entera fue salvada de un barco que se hundía tapando el agujero con un balón de fútbol de Bob Esponja (2007).

Los puntos destacados del especial “El Mejor Año de la Historia” de Bob Esponja de Nickelodeon incluyen:

Programación

• Este verano, Nick estrenará algunos de los nuevos y más divertidos episodios de Bob Esponja, lo que pondrá a los personajes en situaciones en las que nunca han estado antes: Bob Esponja cierra el espacio entre sus dientes y su personalidad cambia; su sueño se hace realidad cuando se convierte en jefe por un día de Crustáceo Cascarudo; y Plankton y Karen, de alguna manera, tienen un bebé.

Productos de Consumo

• El nuevo socio global de juguetes Alpha Group lanzará una nueva línea de juguetes, coleccionables, peluches y novedades. La gama imaginativa incluye: una línea de figuras de vinilo llamada “Obra Maestra Memes”, trayendo a la vida los memes virales favoritos de los fanáticos como Mocking SpongeBob, Imaginaaation SpongeBob, Surprised Patrick, SpongeGar y Handsome Squidward; y por primera vez en la historia, juguetes de Bob Esponja que incorporan Slime de Nickelodeon. La selección de juguetes ya está disponible en Amazon y también se va a vender en otras tiendas por todo el mundo.
• Nuevas categorías lanzadas en bienes de consumo y de salud y belleza, incluyendo la primera gama de cosméticos de Bob Esponja en la historia, así como productos de edición especial.

Digital

• El debut de un canal de YouTube oficial de Bob Esponja a nivel mundial, que contendrá los momentos más emblemáticos de Bob Esponja, la música de la serie, nuevo contenido, incluyendo los cortos de “Los Misterios de Fondo de Bikini”, que exploran los secretos, escándalos y misterios sin resolver de Bob Esponja, y más. El contenido temático que se agregará semanalmente incluirá Tuesday Tunes, Throwback Thursdays y SpongeBob Saturdays.
• Lanzamiento de un nuevo juego móvil global, que permitirá a los aficionados compartir la experiencia de Bob Esponja de ser un cocinero en Fondo de Bikini.
• Nuevo contenido de cortos en YouTube, Facebook, Facebook Watch, Instagram y Twitter, celebrando a los fanáticos y sus episodios favoritos, momentos del elenco y más.

Alianzas de Arte y Moda

• La marca de lifestyle Cynthia Rowley contará con un traje acuático de Bob Esponja en su desfile de la semana de la moda de Nueva York el martes, 12 de febrero.
• El artista internacional Romero Britto re-imaginará a Bob Esponja con su característico estilo vibrante, audaz y colorido en una instalación de arte multimedia que se exhibirá en las experiencias pop-up de Bob Esponja en todo Estados Unidos.

Bob esponja es actualmente visto en 208 países y traducido a más de 55 idiomas. La serie es creada por Stephen Hillenburg. Marc Ceccarelli y Vincent Waller actúan como co-productores ejecutivos. Bob Esponja es producida por Nickelodeon en Burbank.

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More Nick: Nickelodeon Marks 20 Years of "SpongeBob SquarePants" with the "Best Year Ever"!

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Tom Kenny Describes Filming the Live-Action Scenes for SpongeBob SquarePants' 20th Anniversary Special

Making ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ Doppelganger Birthday Special “Like Having Sex With Lights On” – TCA

Playing live-action versions of their SpongeBob SquarePants characters was a bit unnerving, the animated show’s voice actors admitted at TCA.

“I don’t want to live in a live action world I want to live in the cartoon world,” Tom Kenny, who voices SpongeBob admitted to TV critics of the live action tribute, in which he had to perform in character on a Krusty Krab set with people he’d been in the booth with 20 years, also of whom also were dressed like their characters.

He credited Mr. Krabs voice actor Clancy Brown with best explaining the weirdness. “He put it so perfectly, looked around and said ‘This is like having sex with the lights on’,” Kenny remembered.

The one-hour mixed live-action and animation special to mark the show’s 20 years, will mark the first time the voice talent behind SpongeBob, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Sandy, Squidward and Plankton play live-action doppelganger version of the characters they voice. The special is set to premiere on Nickelodeon USA on Friday, July 12, 2019.

Doug Lawrence, aka Mr. Lawrence, aka the voice of Plankton, got asked where his character’s iconic “My Eyes” line came from. It was an ad lib, he said as cast mates credited him with being the show’s “buttoner.”

One critic wondered how the series became so much a part of our cultural zeitgeist. The cast informed them “zeitgeist” was their drinking game word for the TCA Q&A.

SpongeBob’s outlook on life is so sunny that even on the couple of occasions when something controversial broke out about the show, “SpongeBob still ends up winning,” unlike the NFL or Maroon 5, Kenny joked.

Though they insist SpongeBob SquarePants is a comedy series that the whole family can watch, they nonetheless have been surprised to discover some of its unabashed fans. Former President Barack Obama, for one, who one said in an interview he loved watching their show – and The Wire.

David Bowie also claimed to be a big fan, and once invited them to be his guests at one of his concerts. Only they had to park “30 miles away” and shuttle to the venue, where they were seated in some nosebleed section.

“When you do cartoons you’re always a little bit in the cartoon ghetto,” Kenny explained.

Still Grinnin’ Gigglin’ & Guffawin’ after 20 years !!! Let’s do 20 more @spongebob and @nickelodeon !!! Photo Cred: @unicornfightclub pic.twitter.com/9vE42DQzhP

— Clancy Brown (@RealClancyBrown) February 12, 2019

"We want to be popular on other planets," says Mr. Lawrence of what is left for #SpongeBobSquarePants to do after 20 years. ##tca19 #nickelodeon

— Damian Holbrook (@damianholbrook) February 12, 2019

Original source: Deadline; H/T: Anime Superhero Forum /@kanc; Additional source: Nickandmore!.

Also, via Variety:

Cartoon’s China Anniversary

Nickelodeon Outlines SpongeBob SquarePants' 20th Anniversary Celebration Plans

Nickelodeon prepares to celebrate SpongeBob SquarePants' landmark 20th anniversary in 2019. An international pop culture icon, the show airs in more than 208 countries and 55 languages, making him a character with worldwide and cross-generational appeal. SpongeBob is currently the No. 2 show on Nicktoons in the UK with children aged 4-15, after Horrid Henry.

Having generated millions of UK sales to-date, SpongeBob SquarePants remains a powerhouse brand, spanning all product categories and lines including toys, video games, publishing, apparel, accessories and homeware.

The brand has been supported with theatrical releases such as The Spongebob SquarePants Movie (2004), which grossed $140 million worldwide, and the follow-up, The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (2015), more than doubled that total with $325m worldwide, as well as high profile fashion collaborations. A limited edition SpongeBob Gold range, created by leading international designers, was launched at London Fashion Week in 2017, and a Vault by Vans apparel and footwear collection has also been produced.

Nickelodeon will mark SpongeBob's 20th anniversary with the SpongeBob Imagination Shellabration, which will feature a host of activities, including on-air stunts, new retail and experiential activations, a dedicated marketing campaign, and digital product launches, including a new app, a podcast, and YouTube series.

Master toy partner, The Alpha Group LLC, will launch a new line of toys, collectibles, plush, novelties and more, appealing to kids, teens and millennials. Highlights of the line include a SpongeBob Stretch Pants and a SpongeBob SLIMEEZ figures which ooze slime. Alpha's new SpongeBob SquarePants toy line will launch globally in 2019 as part of Nickelodeon's SpongeBob iMaGiNATiOn Shellabration initiative, and will be supported by a TV driver, eye popping packaging, consumer PR events, a social and digital media marketing campaign and TV advertising.

A further 60+ UK licensee deals are fuelling excitement ahead of the March 2019 launch of season 12 on Nicktoons UK & Ireland. This activity will build up to the big screen release of The SpongeBob Movie: It’s a Wonderful Sponge, which is launching in summer 2020. The film will feature a origin story of how little SpongeBob met the rest of the Bikini Bottom gang at summer camp.

More Nick: 2019 on Nickelodeon | New Shows, Specials, Events, Movies, Episodes, and More!

Original source: The January 2019 issue of Toy World Magazine.

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