Yellowjackets Season 2 Premiere: Cast Q&A | SHOWTIME
The Yellowjackets cast, including Christina Ricci and Melanie Lynskey, answers questions about Season 2 during the Premiere Event at the TCL Chinese Theater in Los Angeles. Also starring Tawny Cypress, Juliette Lewis, Sophie Nelisse, Samantha Hanratty, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sophie Thatcher, Liv Hewson, Courtney Eaton, Kevin Alves, Steven Krueger, Warren Kole, Ella Purnell, Lauren Ambrose, Simone Kessell, and Elijah Wood. New episodes of Yellowjackets stream every Friday on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com.
About Yellowjackets:
Wildly talented high school girls' soccer players descend into savage clans after their plane crashes in the remote northern wilderness. Twenty-five years later, they discover that what began in the wild is far from over.
Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favourites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 20, 2022 -- Paramount Global announced today the "Paramount Global Summit on Disability," to be held virtually and in person at the company's Hollywood Gower office in Los Angeles on October 31, 2022.
Presented by the Paramount Office of Global Inclusion, the day-long summit for employees and external partners will feature immersive discussions with performers from award winning series and films; company leaders; and philanthropic and non-profit champions to call attention to the need for greater disability inclusion in media and entertainment. In addition to engage the entire industry in our learnings and to share next and best practices.
The event will also honor October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which recognizes the essential contributions of people with disabilities in the American workforce.
"People with disabilities are responsible for creating some of society's most beloved films, shows and characters, yet these professionals remain woefully underrepresented in media and entertainment. As we build on our commitment to disability inclusion and equality, our goal for the summit is to activate the Paramount community around this critical issue and use our learnings to engage the industry around next practices," said Marva Smalls, EVP, Global Head of Inclusion, Paramount Global.
Programming for the summit will center on three moderated fireside chats and a concluding keynote address, with topics to include the experiences of performers and content creators with disabilities; disability advocacy in the entertainment industry; and solutions for a more inclusive and equitable workplace:
"Representation Looks Like This" with Claudia Lyon, EVP, Talent and Casting, CBS, and actor, director and professional athlete Kurt Yaeger (Sons of Anarchy, Quarry, Tell Me A Story, SEAL Team, The Village, NCIS LA, Another Life)
"Using Comedy for Social Change" with stand-up comedians, Nic Novicki, Founder & Director of Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, and actor and writer Danielle Perez (Russian Doll, Curb Your Enthusiasm)
"Disability in the Workforce" with Shira Ruderman, Executive Director, Ruderman Family Foundation, and Deborah Calla, CEO, Media Access Awards, moderated by actress Nicole Evans (Dahmer-Monster, Superstore, Good Trouble)
"State of the Industry" keynote address by actor, comedian and activist Danny Woodburn (Seinfeld, Bones, Watchmen, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)
The summit, which serves as an extension of Paramount Global's annual Inclusion Week, builds on the company's increased focus on disability equality. Most recently, the company announced the "CBS Performers with Disabilities Talent Initiative" that commits the broadcast network to increase casting opportunities and create a casting database for disabled talent, in addition to providing customized support for career advancement. In 2019, CBS became the first entertainment company to sign the Ruderman Family Foundation pledge to increase television and film auditions and roles for performers with disabilities. Additionally, both Nic Novicki and Danielle Perez are alumni of SHOWCASE, the annual industry-leading variety comedy show started by CBS that is designed to highlight diverse actors and creators.
These efforts align with broader social impact work driven by Content for Change, a Paramount Global initiative to challenge bias, promote inclusive storytelling and strengthen diverse representation on-screen and off.
About Paramount
Paramount Global (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic studios, networks and streaming services, Paramount's portfolio of consumer brands includes CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+, Pluto TV and Simon & Schuster, among others. Paramount delivers the largest share of the U.S. television audience and boasts one of the industry's most important and extensive libraries of TV and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, the company provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution, and advertising solutions.
For more information about Paramount, please visit www.paramount.com and follow @ParamountCo on social platforms.
Nickelodeon, Paramount+, Pluto TV and the MTV networks will join CBS for the annual pitch to advertisers.
ViacomCBS will return to Carnegie Hall in midtown Manhattan for the company’s upfront presentation on May 18.
“We’re thrilled to return to the iconic stage at Carnegie Hall this year and spotlight the power of ViacomCBS in what will surely be a show-stopping event,” Jo Ann Ross, the company's president and chief advertising revenue officer told The Hollywood Reporter whilst confirming the news. “We look forward to delivering an entertaining and informative presentation that addresses the dynamic needs of our clients, which is absolutely critical as the marketplace continues to transform at a rapid pace.”
It will be the first in-person upfront for the company since 2019, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the 2020 and 2021 events to go virtual. It will also be live-streamed for those who want to watch from their homes or offices.
While CBS has held its upfront at Carnegie Hall for decades, the 2022 will nonetheless break with precedent by including the rest of the ViacomCBS portfolio, which includes the streaming services Paramount+ and Pluto TV, and the MTV Entertainment Group, which includes Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central and Paramount Network, among others.
It's currently unknown whether Nickelodeon will also host a standalone Upfront presentation in addition to being included in the ViacomCBS event. Last year, Nickelodeon held Nickelodeon Virtual Upfront Show: Bring Your Kids!, a virtual upfront which invited marketers to attend with their kids. The show started out like a typical Zoom meeting, before veering off into a Nickelodeon wonderland and this virtual world.
ViacomCBS joins NBCUniversal in returning to its pre-COVID home for the upfront. Earlier this week, NBCU announced it would hold its presentation at Radio City Music Hall on May 16 and host a Telemundo-branded party that evening. The company is also planning a virtual developer conference in March and an in-person content preview in April, in New York and Los Angeles. NBCU had already shifted to an upfront that featured all of its TV and streaming brands.
Fox Corp., meanwhile, will leave its traditional upfront home for lower Manhattan, and will for the first time include Fox News, Fox Sports and the streaming service Tubi into its presentation to advertisers on May 16. Disney has not yet revealed its upfront plans, but with Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall undergoing renovations, will move to a new venue for 2022.
Watch all your favorite shows on Nickelodeon and Paramount+! Try Paramount+ for FREE at ParamountPlus.com.
Wednesday, December 18th 2019: ViacomCBS Networks International and The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) partner to bring VidCon, the world’s largest celebration of online video, to the UAE for the first time. The inaugural edition of VidCon Abu Dhabi will be held at ADNEC from March 25 – 28, 2020.
VidCon is the world’s largest immersive experience for fans, content creators, executives and brands who build, celebrate and belong to online communities. The event is an essential meeting point for brands and executives who are passionate about digital creators, online video and social-first content. VidCon offers an opportunity for fans and industry leaders to meet the most influential local and international content creators while experiencing the future of video consumption and online storytelling.
HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi “After the outstanding success of the recent Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, which formed part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Family Week, we are delighted to be building upon our relationship with ViacomCBS with VidCon. Bringing such a globally significant event to Abu Dhabi reinforces our commitment to providing the very best and most innovative events for both residents and visitors in the emirate. Such an event represents the cutting edge of modern culture, and Abu Dhabi prides itself on providing leadership in the technological and cultural sectors.”
Raffaele Annecchino, President, ViacomCBS Networks Southern and Western Europe, Middle East and Africa “We are excited to take VidCon to Abu Dhabi, expanding our collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, with whom we recently held the first-ever Kids’ Choice Awards Abu Dhabi. Bringing VidCon to Abu Dhabi is a further testament to our continued commitment to investing in this key market, creating unforgettable experiences for our audience, fans and partners. The Middle East is a vibrant hub for content creators, with millions of young people turning to online video to connect with others, creating compelling content, building audiences and finding entertainment. The Middle East is the second biggest region for online video after the US, so we are excited for VidCon to highlight the impact of creators, the digital community and the industry.
Jim Louderback, General Manager, VidCon “As we continue to develop our international presence and celebrate the universality of the online video experience, we are excited to bring our event to Abu Dhabi in 2020. There are millions of young people in the Middle East who turn to online video to connect with others and find entertainment, comfort, and acceptance in social content and community-first content creators. At VidCon Abu Dhabi, we want to bridge their online and offline worlds to create an unforgettable experience for fans and spotlight and celebrate the talented creators throughout the Middle East.”
Tickets for the inaugural VidCon Abu Dhabi are now available at www.ticketmaster.ae: early bird tickets are available until January 15th 2020.
For more information and all updates about VidCon Abu Dhabi, please visit the official website: https://vidconabudhabi.com/. Stay up on all things related to VidCon Abu Dhabi by following it on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, on VidCon Abu DhabiYouTube channel and on Snapchat @vidconabudhabi.
About Vidcon
VidCon is the world’s largest event for fans, creators, executives and brands who are passionate about online video and building diverse communities. Their flagship show, VidCon US, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, welcoming 75,000 attendees and over 120 brand exhibitors. VidCon continued its global expansion this year, announcing the first-ever VidCon Asia Summit, which is set for December 2019, and VidCon Mexico, coming in 2020, adding to its roster of international events in Australia and London. VidCon was founded by veteran YouTube creators John and Hank Green (Vlogbrothers) and was acquired by Viacom in 2018.
ViacomCBS Networks International
ViacomCBS Networks International, a unit of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAC), is comprised of many of the world’s most iconic consumer brands. Its portfolio includes Network 10, Channel 5, Telefe, Viacom 18, ViacomCBS International Studios, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Network and Pluto TV among others. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, ViacomCBS Networks International provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution and advertising solutions for partners on five continents and across more than 180 countries.
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world- Globally, sustainable destination of distinction, which enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The organization manages the emirate’s tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programs relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including Zayed National Museum, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. DCT – Abu Dhabi supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate’s heritage. A key role is to create synergy in the destination’s development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.
Additional source: Business Wire.Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon Arabia and Kids' Choice Awards Abu Dhabi 2019 News and Highlights!
Original Mountain Dew Press Release via PR Newswire:
Mtn Dew® Kickstart™ And NickSplat Are Rebooting '90s Sensation Double Dare at Comedy Central Presents Clusterfest 2018
Original Host Marc Summers Returns, Along with Comedian Haha Davis and Other Celebrity Guests, Giving Fans the Opportunity to Relive the Messy, Raucous Fun of Everyone's Favorite '90s Game Show Double Dare at Clusterfest
Last Chance to Win VIP Clusterfest Experience and Opportunity to Run the Double Dare Course
(PRNewsfoto/Mountain Dew)...
PURCHASE, N.Y., May 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On your mark, get set, GO! Today, Mtn Dew Kickstart announced a partnership with NickSplat and Comedy Central to provide a refreshing boost to the beloved classic '90s game show Double Dare. The game show will return as part of Comedy Central Presents Clusterfest, a three-day comedy and music festival created by Comedy Central and Superfly, the brains behind Bonnaroo, and Outside Lands co-producer Another Planet Entertainment.
From Friday, June 1 to Sunday, June 3, 2018 in San Francisco, Mtn Dew Kickstart will give Clusterfest attendees the chance to quench their thirst for messy, nostalgic fun by racing through iconic Double Dare challenges and interacting with surprise celebrity guests. The event will culminate in a one-hour Double Dare show presented by Mtn Dew Kickstart on June 3, hosted by none other than the iconic Marc Summers, complete with an authentic Double Dare set and a DEW®-themed obstacle.
"Double Dare is the voice of a particular generation. Maybe a few generations! It has been more than 30 years since the show debuted, and not a day goes by where somebody doesn't approach me, no matter what city I might be in, and asks if they can take the physical challenge," said Summers. "I am very excited to be a part of Clusterfest and hope to make many people's dream come true."
Now, let's meet our teams. The Blue Team, comprised of four Comedy Central comedians, led by Haha Davis, will face four cast members of MTV's "The Challenge" on the Red Team, including Chris "CT" Tamburello, Jenna Compono, Leroy Garrett and Kam Williams. Both teams will compete head-to-head during the Double Dare special. Follow Comedy Central's Facebook page to see live moments from the show.
"Dew Nation is loyal, whether it's to their favorite beverage or TV show, and as a brand we love rewarding our fans by bringing them the best of both worlds," said Chauncey Hamlett, senior director of marketing, Mountain Dew. "We're excited to celebrate '90s nostalgia by bringing back Double Dare this summer, and plan to add a bold, refreshing new twist."
And because no game show is complete without fabulous prizes, Mtn Dew Kickstart recently launched an online consumer sweepstakes to give one lucky fan and a guest the chance to attend Clusterfest as VIPs, participate in the Double Dare course themselves, and become the envy of every '80s and '90s kid in the country. The grand prize will also include opportunities to meet surprise celebrity guests.
Mtn Dew Kickstart recently introduced a new flavor that offers the bold taste of the original Mtn Dew flavor they love, with an extra boost of caffeine. Mtn Dew Kickstart Original DEW brings the flavor of original Mtn Dew with a boost – containing 80 calories and 91mg of caffeine per 16 oz. can. Mtn Dew Kickstart Ultra Original DEW contains five calories, no added sugar and 91mg of caffeine per 16 oz. can. Both flavors contain five percent juice and Vitamins B and C.
To enter the Mtn Dew Kickstart Double Dare sweepstakes through May 9 and for official rules, please visit www.dewnationrewards.com to sign up for a free Dew Nation Rewards account and submit your entry via the website's program store under the "Sweepstakes" category. Follow the conversation @mountaindew #mtndewkickstart.
About Mountain Dew
MOUNTAIN DEW®, a product of PepsiCo North America Beverages, is the No. 1 flavored carbonated soft drink in the U.S. With its one-of-a-kind citrus taste, MOUNTAIN DEW exhilarates and quenches with every sip. In addition to the original MOUNTAIN DEW and DIET MOUNTAIN DEW®, the permanent DEW® product line includes MTN DEW ICE™, MTN DEW® KICKSTART™, MOUNTAIN DEW CODE RED®, MOUNTAIN DEW PITCH BLACK®, MOUNTAIN DEW VOLTAGE®, MOUNTAIN DEW WHITE OUT® and MTN DEW® Label Series. For more information, check out www.mountaindew.com, www.facebook.com/mountaindew or follow on Twitter @mountaindew.
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $63 billion in net revenue in 2017, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
At the heart of PepsiCo is Performance with Purpose – our fundamental belief that the success of our company is inextricably linked to the sustainability of the world around us. We believe that continuously improving the products we sell, operating responsibly to protect our planet and empowering people around the world enable PepsiCo to run a successful global company that creates long-term value for society and our shareholders. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.
About NickSplat
NickSplat is a fan-driven brand spanning television and seven social media platforms covering the most loved Nick content from the 1990s and beyond. Celebrating the characters and shows that are definitional to millennials who grew up in the '90s, NickSplat consists of: a seven-hour television block airing daily from 11 p.m.–6 a.m. (ET/PT) on TeenNick, featuring landmark Nickelodeon programs and classic programming stunts; a robust social media community on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, Tumblr, Twitter and YouTube platforms; and a fully integrated NickSplat-branded emoji keyboard with emoticons, stickers and GIFs.
About Comedy Central
Available on-air, online and on-the-go via the Comedy Central App, Comedy Central (www.cc.com) is the #1 brand in comedy and is owned by, and is a registered trademark of, Comedy Partners, a wholly-owned unit of Viacom Inc. For up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs visit Comedy Central's press Web site at press.cc.com and follow us on Twitter @ComedyCentralPR for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
About Clusterfest
Comedy Central and Superfly, the brains behind Bonnaroo, and Outside Lands co-producer, Another Planet Entertainment have joined forces as creators of Comedy Central Presents Clusterfest, a groundbreaking weekend long comedy and music experience, June 1-3 in San Francisco, CA. Clusterfest features more than 70 acts ranging from some of the biggest names in comedy and rising talent, as well as immersive comedy attractions, bringing to life contemporary and legacy comedy properties. To round out the festival experience, Clusterfest also features a top tier music lineup, creating one of a kind opportunities for surprise collaborations and can't miss moments. The three day festival takes place at Bill Graham Civic Center in the heart of San Francisco. More details at www.clusterfest.com
COMEDY CENTRAL AND SUPERFLY ANNOUNCE LINEUP FOR THE RETURN OF COMEDY CENTRAL PRESENTS CLUSTERFEST TO SAN FRANCISCO JUNE 1-3, 2018
SPECTACULAR LINEUP INCLUDES JON STEWART, AMY SCHUMER, THE LONELY ISLAND AND TREVOR NOAH
THREE-DAY CELEBRATION FEATURING ICONIC COMEDY ATTRACTIONS INCLUDING COMEDY CENTRAL’S SOUTH PARK COUNTY FAIR AND THE DAILY SHOW, NICKELODEON’S DOUBLE DARE AND FXX’S IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA
ADDITIONAL COMEDY AND MUSICAL PERFORMANCES BY TIFFANY HADDISH, JIM JEFFERIES, THIRD EYE BLIND, DAVID CROSS, MICHAEL CHE, SALT-N-PEPA, DESUS & MERO, MARIA BAMFORD, ACTION BRONSON, KYLE MOONEY & NATHAN FIELDER’S VIDEO TREASURES, REGGIE WATTS, BRIDGET EVERETT & THE TENDER MOMENTS, ROY WOOD JR., AND MORE
SAN FRANCISCO, February 13, 2018 — Comedy Central, the #1 brand in comedy, Superfly, the brains behind Bonnaroo, and Outside Lands co-producer Another Planet Entertainment, announced today the extraordinary lineup for the return of Comedy Central Presents Clusterfest, a three-day comedy and music festival, headlined by Jon Stewart, Amy Schumer, The Lonely Island, in their first ever live concert performance, and Trevor Noah. Now in its second year, Clusterfest will once again take place in the heart of San Francisco at Civic Center Plaza and Bill Graham Civic Auditorium from Friday, June 1 to Sunday, June 3, 2018. Tickets are on sale now exclusively at www.clusterfest.com.
Clusterfest is a celebration of comedy in all its forms, paired with musical performances and the most delicious food the Bay Area has to offer. Festival attendees will enjoy stand-up and sketch performances, live podcast recordings, as well as immersive attractions from some of the most beloved comedy franchises.
This year’s festival lineup includes a diverse group of established and emerging artists such as Tiffany Haddish, Jim Jefferies, Third Eye Blind, David Cross, Michael Che, Roy Wood Jr., Maria Bamford, Salt-N-Pepa, Bridget Everett & The Tender Moments, Action Bronson, Desus & Mero, Kyle Mooney & Nathan Fielder’s Video Treasures, This Is Not Happening, Bert Kreischer, Last Podcast on the Left, John Early and Kate Berlant, Alaska Thunderf**k, Manila Luzon, Jinkx Monsoon, and many more. The full lineup is available at www.clusterfest.com.
“After last year’s spectacular success with fans, talent and the entire comedy community, we’d have to be insane to not return for another round,” said Kent Alterman, president of Comedy Central. “While we are concerned anything better than last year might blow Bay Area minds into oblivion, we are prepared to take that chance.”
“Last year’s Clusterfest exceeded our expectations and we’re excited to build off that success, reimagining the live comedy experience,” said Jonathan Mayers, co-founder of Superfly. “If timing is everything, we’re exactly where we need to be as we all need to laugh now more than ever.”
In addition to comedy and musical performances, Clusterfest attendees will step into the worlds of their favorite television shows with interactive attractions from The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, South Park, Double Dare and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
- The South Park County Fair will invite attendees to “Come on down to Clusterfest and have yourself a time!” Festival goers can enter the world of South Park and join characters at the County Fair where attendees can try their luck at classic carnival games infused with a South Park twist.
- The Daily Show Presents: The Donald J. Trump Presidential Twitter Library, attendees will explore the finest works from Trump’s Twitter collection, his preferred vessel for “communicating” with the public. The Library will feature visual installments and a fully interactive experience for hands of all sizes, giving patrons the opportunity to memorialize and celebrate many of the “unpresidented” moments of President Trump’s Twitter history.
- NickSplat, Nickelodeon’s programming block dedicated to its legendary library of hits from the ‘90s and 2000s— will bring Double Dare Presented by Mtn Dew Kickstart to Clusterfest. Attendees will get to race through iconic challenges from this beloved classic June 1-3, culminating with a one-hour Double Dare show on Sunday, June 3. Who knows, some surprise talent guests might even stop by the course!
- A fan favorite at the inaugural Clusterfest, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia will once again bring Paddy’s Pub to life, serving thematic food and drink such as “Beef and Beer” and “Rum Ham” and hosting interactive programming unique to the show, such as Flipadelphia and pub trivia.
Festival goers will also enjoy food and beverages from acclaimed San Francisco chefs and restaurants serving menus inspired by their favorite comedic moments.
Clusterfest partnered with local nonprofits, including Larkin Street Youth Services, Downtown Streets and United Playaz by donating a portion of all festival ticket sales to help each organization support the San Francisco community.
Clusterfest has also teamed up once again with the renowned SF Sketchfest as a programming partner for a select number of comedic performances.
Tickets are on sale now at www.clusterfest.com. Three-day general admission starts at $234.50 and VIP packages starting at $599.50. New for 2018, Clusterfest offers a layaway plan for all ticket types that allows ticket buyers the option to split the cost of purchase into multiple payments over time.
About Comedy Central
Available on-air, online and on-the-go, Comedy Central provides its audience access to the cutting-edge, laugh-out-loud world of comedy wherever and whenever they want it, featuring award-winning late night, sketch, scripted, and animated series, along with stand-up specials and series, including Emmy® Award-winning series The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, South Park and Drunk History, along with critical and fan favorites Broad City, Tosh.0, Nathan For You, The Jim Jefferies Show, Detroiters, Another Period, Corporate and The Opposition w/ Jordan Klepper. Comedy Central’s online, mobile and app experiences include comedycentral.com, a leading online video platform featuring exclusive Comedy Central content and the Comedy Central App. The #1 brand in comedy, Comedy Central also produces nationwide stand-up events, boasts a Grammy® Award-winning record label (Comedy Central Records), and operates Comedy Central Radio on SiriusXM (Channel 95). In addition, Comedy Central’s category-leading branded gaming and licensing contribute to one of the most successful home entertainment divisions in the industry.
About Superfly
Superfly is passionately driven by curating culture through experiences, immersive live events and creating award-winning campaigns for some of the most recognized brands in the world. Founded in 1996, Superfly’s expertise is building hand crafted cultural experiences with a distinct identity, such as the iconic Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Outside Lands, Clusterfest and Lost Lake. Additionally, Superfly strategically helps brands establish and raise their profile through programming, design, digital, social and experiential platforms. Superfly is headquartered in New York, with offices in Chicago and San Francisco. Learn more at http://superf.ly/, and follow Twitter @Superfly, Facebook www.facebook.com/superfly and Instagram @superflypresents.
About Another Planet Entertainment
Since 2003, Another Planet Entertainment (APE) has produced and promoted thousands of events with artists as diverse as Radiohead, Neil Young, Chance the Rapper, Daft Punk, Adele, The Weeknd, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Lorde, Metallica, Bruno Mars, twenty one pilots, Bruce Springsteen, Mumford & Sons, Paul McCartney and Kanye West. Named the Top Independent Promoter (U.S.) by Billboard Magazine in 2015 and 2016 and Top Promoter (Worldwide) in 2017, APE is the exclusive promoter for the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, the Fox Theater in Oakland, the historic Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, The Independent in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys and operates a private events division, Another Planet Event Group. APE also produces three major annual festivals – Outside Lands (since 2008), Treasure Island Music Festival (since 2007) and Life Is Beautiful (since 2013) in Downtown Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.APEConcerts.com.
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Watch all your '90s Nickelodeon favorites on NickSplat, your late-night destination for your favorite childhood Nickelodeon cartoons and live-action shows! NickSplat doesn't question football-shaped heads, but embrace them - along with Reptar bars, a Big Ear of Corn, orange soda, and even slime for Pete (and Pete's) sake. Make your slime-covered Nickelodeon childhood dreams come true every night at 11 PM ET/PT, only on TeenNick USA! #NickSplat!
It’s official: Viacom has announced the acquisition VidCon, host of the world’s biggest conference dedicated to YouTube and online video.
Credit: Ed Crisostomo/The Orange County Register via AP
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. It was first reported on Monday that Viacom was near a deal to acquire the confab, which began in 2010. UTA, which represents VidCon, brokered the deal with Viacom. UTA will continue to rep VidCon, overseeing sponsorship sales globally and helping to expand the conference internationally.
The move is part of Viacom’s efforts to expand beyond its TV legacy into next-generation entertainment platforms, as well as to expand the media conglomerate’s live-events business. The acquisition also raises the prospect of VidCon coverage and related programming being carried on Viacom’s cable nets, which include Nickelodeon and MTV. In recent years, Nickelodeon has had a sizeable presence sizable presenceon the show floor at VidCon events.
VidCon was founded by YouTube’s popular Vlogbrothers, John and Hank Green. Each year, VidCon attracts thousands of attendees to the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California for four days of events, all aimed at creators, fans, and executives within the online video world. Eight years after it was founded by Vlogbrothers co-hosts Hank and John Green, VidCon is the preeminent event of its kind, at least within its own industry; In 2017, VidCon’s flagship event in Anaheim attracted more than 30,000 attendees, 80 sponsors, and 45 exhibitors.
“VidCon has become the foremost gathering place for the passionate online video community, and the access to talent, experts and education that VidCon provides for attendees is unparalleled,” said Jason Jordan, Viacom’s Executive Vice President (EVP) of multiplatform strategy and operations, said in announcing the pact.
The explosion of online video content internationally has prompted organizers to introduce editions in Amsterdam and Australia. VidCon Europe will take place March 22-24 in Amsterdam and VidCom Australia will take place Sept. 1-2 in Melbourne. With the acquisition, Viacom sees an opportunity to expand the conference franchise footprint to new international and domestic markets.
Under the deal, VidCon will remain a standalone subsidiary operating independently, according to Viacom. VidCon will continue to be led by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jim Louderback and remain in its current offices in Montana. Co-founder Hank Green will continue be involved and work closely with the team.
“I’m so happy that we found such a strong, successful, and progressive company to give our team the stability and resources needed to make bold moves at home and grow what we’re doing internationally,” Hank Green said in a statement, adding that Viacom “has decades of expertise creating incredible live events for fans.”
Over the past year, Viacom has been ratcheting up its focus on social media and internet video — an attempt to reach Gen Z and millennial audiences, demos that have been at the core of its TV properties.
VidCon will continue to be based in Green’s home state of Montana. Jim Louderback, who ascended to the company’s CEO position last year, will retain his role after the deal is finalized. UTA, which has been helping VidCon from a strategic and sponsorship sales standpoint since 2012, will also maintain its role post the acquisition.
The financial terms of Viacom’s acquisition have not been shared publicly at this time.
Viacom's latest acquisition will allow the business to gain access to digital-native influencers and their passionate fans. The conglomerate previously expanded into online video hiring veteran exec Kelly Day - previously chief business officer for Awesomeness — to run a newly formed digital studio dedicated to short-form content. “We’re huge fans of the VidCon team, and we share the same enthusiasm for the power of connecting talented creators with their incredible fan communities,” said Day in a statement. “This team has built an unprecedented live experience that brings together the global online video community in celebration of the people and platforms shaping the future of content, and we’re excited to join forces as we look to expand our slate of original digital programming and partnerships.”
Last month Viacom acquired Whosay, an influencer marketing firm incubated by CAA that specializes in targeting young audiences online with branded content.
Viacom Acquires VidCon, Boosting Live Event and Digital Businesses
In a move that will accelerate its participation and investment in next-generation platforms and expand its focus on live events, Viacom has acquired VidCon, host of the world’s largest multi-day conference for the global online community.
VidCon – which will remain a stand-alone entity and retain its senior leadership team – will be able to considerably expand its global reach with the start-up spirit that has allowed it to flourish.
“VidCon has become the foremost gathering place for the passionate online video community, and the access to talent, experts and education that VidCon provides for attendees is unparalleled,” said Jason Jordan, Viacom executive vice president of Multiplatform Strategy and Operations. “We’re excited to partner with the team to help achieve their vision and expand VidCon’s reach around the world while maintaining the grassroots energy and authenticity that makes the experience so unique and special to so many.”
Moving Viacom to the center of the online video landscape
The announcement follows Viacom’s November launch of Viacom Digital Studios under President Kelly Day and last month’s acquisition of influence marketing firm WHOSAY, underscoring the company’s push onto the next-generation digital platforms at the center of our fans’ lives.
Even as VidCon expands the reach of its eponymous events, the company’s capabilities will both complement and bolster Viacom’s ongoing digital efforts.
“We’re huge fans of the VidCon team, and we share the same enthusiasm for the power of connecting talented creators with their incredible fan communities,” said Day. “This team has built an unprecedented live experience that brings together the global online video community in celebration of the people and platforms shaping the future of content, and we’re excited to join forces as we look to expand our slate of original digital programming and partnerships.”
Boosting Viacom’s growing live event portfolio
Last year, Viacom launched Comedy Central’s inaugural ClusterFest, which attracted 40,000 fans and rave reviews. The BET Experience brought in 165,000 fans. Paramount Network’s Bellator MMA visited New York’s Madison Square Garden for the first time.
This was all part of Viacom CEO Bob Bakish’s long-term strategy to considerably increase the number, reach and impact of live events in the company’s portfolio. VidCon fits perfectly within those plans.
With more than 30,000 attendees and 80-plus sponsors (including, for many years, Viacom), at its flagship Anaheim event, VidCon has become the largest multi-day conference of its kind and cemented itself as the premier event for the worldwide online video community. And while VidCon has already carried this momentum into events in Amsterdam and Melbourne, Viacom’s global network of platforms and properties give it the resources to supercharge that reach both internationally and within the United States.
“I couldn’t imagine a better partner to help VidCon continue its mission of democratizing the creative economy around the world,” said Jim Louderback, CEO of VidCon. “Viacom’s expansive reach across all of our key constituents will give us the opportunity to expand our global footprint more rapidly. We’re also looking forward to their expertise in pioneering and executing live fan-first events – from the Video Music Awards and BET Experience to Comedy Central’s ClusterFest – as we continue to make VidCon a life-changing experience for those that create and love online video.”
VidCon will remain a standalone subsidiary and voice for democratizing the creative economy
From its offices in Missoula, Montana, Louderback and co-founder Hank Green lead a 20-person team that has established an important meeting place, safe space, and community-driven destination for online video creators and their fans. They have long partnered closely with United Talent Agency, who has pushed global sponsorship sales to maximize the organization’s visibility and impact.
None of this will change (though Louderback will report to Viacom’s Day and Jordan) – Viacom will simply provide more resources and a bigger microphone to allow VidCon to continue nurturing the online video community and ecosystem.
“I’m so happy that we found such a strong, successful, and progressive company to give our team the stability and resources needed to make bold moves at home and grow what we’re doing internationally,” said Green. “Viacom has decades of expertise creating incredible live events for fans, and we are building something truly unique by blending that with our team’s deep care and passion for the community and culture of online video. I’m so excited to be part of this team and to continue our work connecting people, providing amazing experiences and helping creators create.”
Viacom is close to acquiring VidCon, Variety has learned from individuals with knowledge of the transaction.
VidCon 2016 | Tara Ziemba/WireImage
VidCon is a popular online video conference held annually in southern California since 2010. VidCon will become an independent division of Viacom and its team will remain intact at the same offices. Jim Louderback, who became CEO of VidCon last summer, will continue to lead the company.
Its leadership team will remain intact. A formal announcement is expected to be made later this week if the deal closes.
For Viacom, VidCon adds to a growing portfolio of influencer marketing assets. VidCon likely fits into Viacom’s efforts to connect with youth audiences, who gravitate more and more to digital platforms than the linear cable channels that are the conglomerate’s core assets. Just last month Viacom also acquired WhoSay, an influencer marketing firm that specializes in targeting young audiences online with branded content. Through VidCon, Viacom, the home to young-skewing networks like Nickelodeon and MTV, will also have access to a haven for YouTube stars and other talent bubbling up in the increasingly valuable digital sphere and to the thousands of engaged young fans and access who descend on the Anaheim Convention Center each year to meet their favorite YouTube stars.
Viacom Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bob Bakish has been aggressive about remaking Viacom as the company looks to get back on its feet. He has also begun to engage CBS Corp. in a potential merger at the behest of National Amusements, which owns controlling interests in both conglomerates.
The annual conference got its start in 2010 when the YouTube creator community was just beginning to blossom. John and Hank Green, aka the “Vlogbrothers,” whose popular YouTube channel now has more than 3M subscribers. (John Green is also the author of books like the bestselling The Fault in Our Stars) founded VidCon as a way to encourage vloggers from across the country to meet up and share tips.
Often compared to Comic-Con, VidCon is a mix of young YouTuber fans who get a chance to mingle with their favorite stars, most of whom are barely older than them. While YouTube typically has a dominant presence at the event, other digital giants who court the influencer crowd have become more active in recent years including Facebook, Instagram and Musical.ly.
The event has grown significantly in the years since, moving to the Anaheim Convention Center in 2013 to accommodate its increasingly larger crowds. Last year's flagship VidCon hosted over 30,000 fans, creators and industry executives and is set to add square footage at the convention center. It has also grown to include events in Europe and Australia.
VidCon has also become an increasingly popular destination for media companies looking to promote upcoming movies and TV shows to the Generation Z crowd who tend to favor digital stars. Viacom has been a past participant, with Nickelodeon among the brands with a sizable presenceon the show floor. NBCUniversal, Scripps and Fox have also made their presence known at the Anaheim-based event.
In August, VidCon announced that longtime programming executive Louderback would become CEO and Green would transition into the role of chairman. At the time, Louderback told THR that he would focus on growing the business through the creation of new events.
Viacom declined to comment on the transaction.
UTA manages the VidCon business. It's ninth edition of VidCon is scheduled to take place at the Anaheim Convention Center on June 20-23; international editions of the event are also in operation, a nod to the robust overseas marketplace for digital influencers. The explosion of online video content internationally prompted organizers to add editions in Amsterdam and Australia. VidCon Europe will take place March 22-24 in Amsterdam and VidCom Australia will take place Sept. 1-2 in Melbourne.
Being at the forefront of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection, Viacom18 on Wednesday (23rd August 2017) announced its partnership with the Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM), a professional body under the aegis of Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) to launch a sustained behavior change and capacity building campaign around protection of proprietary content and fight against piracy, reports exchange4media.com.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) are increasingly becoming crucial drivers of social and economic growth in the 21st century. In this context, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) is organising a three-day “National Workshop on Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights” from 22nd to 24th August, 2017. The workshop was inaugurated on Wednesday by Hon’bleUnion Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh. This workshop is designed to help police officials and prosecutors across the country in understanding and appreciating the importance of their role in effective enforcement of IPRs. It is also providing an opportunity to the officials to share their experiences, exchange best practices and coordinate effectively with each other.
This is not the first time that Viacom18 has been championing the cause of IPR protection. Earlier this year, along with the Bombay High Court, the media conglomerate conducted a crack-down on counterfeit merchandise of their licensed character Dora the Explorer. This initiative was primarily targeted to protect children from hazards of using inferior quality products under their misrepresentation of them as Viacom18 Consumer Products merchandise. The company, which owns Nickelodeon, Sonic, Nick Jr. and Viacom18 Motion Pictures, had previously led a campaign against film piracy.
Speaking about this initiative, Sujeet Jain, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, Viacom18 said, “When it comes to consumption and circulation of pirated content, there is very limited knowledge about its economic and social impact. In furtherance to the National IPR Policy adopted by the Government of India and through this partnership with CIPAM, we hope to raise awareness amongst youth and children about the perils of piracy and need for the protection of IPR.”
Rajiv Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion said, “A possible solution to the problem of piracy lies in creating awareness about IPR among the masses. It is pertinent to note that one of the main objectives enshrined in the National IPR Policy is creating awareness about IPRs to build a healthy IP ecosystem in the country. We are glad that Industry is helping us in our journey of making Creative India; Innovative India. I thank Viacom 18 for taking lead to rally the cause of IPR protection.”
As a part of the association with CIPAM, Viacom18 has created behaviour change awareness videos for kids involving its popular animated characters of its flagship kids’ channel Nickelodeon and Sonic, Motu Patlu and Shiva, respectively, spreading the message of how piracy is equivalent to stealing. The campaign will see CIPAM and Viacom18 airing these videos across schools, colleges and various educational institutions, in addition to the network’s kids channels, to educate young minds on the ills of piracy.
Held in Partnership with Change Catalyst, Second Annual Event Will Focus on Improving Diversity & Inclusion in Technology, Media and Entertainment
Viacom and Change Catalyst today announced that Viacom will host the 2017 Tech Inclusion New York Conference on August 10th at Viacom’s Times Square headquarters. The second annual event will explore innovative ways of improving and expanding diversity and inclusion in the technology, media and entertainment sectors.
Kodi Foster, Senior Vice President (SVP), Data Strategy, Viacom said, “We’re proud to be part of this important event with Change Catalyst to showcase the many opportunities that are created by fostering an inclusive and dynamic workplace. At Viacom, our business is strengthened by the individual perspectives and experiences of our employees, and we’ve made it a priority to be an employer of choice for a talented, diverse workforce that reflects the audiences we serve around the globe.”
“My first career was in entertainment and media, and then I fell in love with the tech industry. These two industries are increasingly intertwined in defining our culture, our economy and our future,” said Melinda Briana Epler, Founder & CEO of Change Catalyst. “We are incredibly excited to partner with Viacom to shine the spotlight on inclusive innovation across technology, media and entertainment.”
Tech Inclusion New York focuses on promoting access and opportunity for media and technology professionals. The conference will feature keynotes and panel discussions to highlight the importance of driving workplace inclusion and diversity across the technology, media and entertainment spheres, and to promote these practices in new and creative ways. The roster of speakers includes Niels Schuurmans, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Paramount Network, TV Land and CMT; Bryson Gordon, Executive Vice President (EVP), Advanced Advertising, Viacom; and Jennifer Brown, the author of “Inclusion: Diversity, The New Workplace & The Will to Change,” among others.
The event will incorporate a networking happy hour for attendees, and follows a full day career fair for underrepresented tech candidates hosted by Change Catalyst at the West SoHo campus of Galvanize, a school for engineers, entrepreneurs and data scientists.
Change Catalyst hosts additional Tech Inclusion events, conferences, startup showcases, career fairs and forums across the world to improve diversity and inclusion throughout the technology ecosystem.
In addition to Viacom, the 2017 Tech Inclusion New York Conference is sponsored by Accenture, Galvanize, Squarespace, Twitter, Yelp and PayPal. Full details about the event, a complete list of speakers, and registration information are available here: https://ny17.techinclusion.co/.
About Viacom
Viacom is home to premier global media brands that create compelling television programs, motion pictures, short-form content, apps, games, consumer products, social media experiences, and other entertainment content for audiences in more than 180 countries. Viacom's media networks, including Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, Spike, BET, CMT, TV Land, Nick at Nite, Nick Jr., Logo, Nicktoons, TeenNick, Channel 5 (UK), Telefe (Argentina) and Paramount Channel, reach over 3.9 billion cumulative television subscribers worldwide. Paramount Pictures is a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. Paramount Television develops, finances and produces programming for television and other platforms.
Change Catalyst empowers diverse, inclusive and sustainable tech innovation – through education, mentorship and funding. Our Tech Inclusion programs explore and develop innovative solutions to tech diversity and inclusion. We partner with the tech community to solve diversity and inclusion together through conferences, career fairs, strategic consulting and training. Our work spans the full tech ecosystem, including: Education, Workplace, Entrepreneurship and Policy.
Viacom celebrated the opening of its brand-new Hollywood Headquarters on Thursday 26th January 2017! Check out what went down at the opening ceremony with the following articles!:
