"Lily's Driftwood Bay" - The Making Of SixteenSouth's Brand-New Preschool Series For Nick Jr. UK

To celebrate and promote Nickelodeon UK's preschool channel, Nick Jr. UK and Ireland, starting to premiere and show the brand-new mixed media animated preschool series "Lily's Driftwood Bay" from Monday 5th May 2014, the official website of the television industry magazine Broadcast has unveiled a special 'Behind the Scenes' guest article by Colin Williams, the founder of the Belfast-based independent children's television production company Sixteen South Television, who are producing "Driftwood Bay" from Nick Jr. UK, and Julie Gardner, the Head of Production at SixteenSouth, who talk in-depth about the making of Nick Jr. UK's brand-new preschool series, from pitch to production, which you can read below.

Catch Nick Jr. UK's brand-new show, "Lily's Driftwood Bay", premieres daily at 5:45pm, 5:50pm and 6:05pm from Monday 5th May 2014, only on Nick Jr. UK and Ireland (repeated at 6:45pm, 6:50pm and 7:05pm on Nick Jr.+1)!:

Lily's Driftwood Bay, Nickelodeon

There was no room for compromise on a series crafted from objects found on the beach, says Colin Williams

When I first pitched the show that became Lily's Driftwood Bay, broadcasters asked what its touchpoint was. I struggled to find comparisons. It's a mixed-media show in which everything you see on screen – sets, props, characters, you name it – has been crafted from things found washed up on the beach.

But underneath the unique design, it's a show about what it means to live in a community of inter-generational relationships. Ultimately, it's telling stories about life.

Lily is a five-year-old who lives a simple, organic existence with her dad in a beach hut on the shore. He's a woodcarver who sells his creations at the market every Saturday to buy food.

Being a dad to a young daughter, I wanted to celebrate this special relationship, which is rarely seen on screen.

Across the way is Driftwood Bay, an amazing island community of friends of all ages. Every day when a new treasure is washed up by the sea, Lily and her best friend Gull go on an imaginary adventure to the island with it.

Every producer knows that with tariffs being squeezed, compromise is often the only way to get a show made.

But I believed this show was special and committed at the outset to stand my ground on story, design and music.

When I shopped an early trailer for the show three years ago, we received many co-production offers. One of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make was to turn down a handsome commission. It would've closed our finance gap and kicked off production, but I knew that the real cost would have been shared creative control with a foreign broadcaster.

We eventually funded the show by pre-selling it as an acquisition to 20 territories and bringing in The Jim Henson Company to handle further distribution. Northern Ireland Screen, a long-time supporter, came in with production funding, and although it took longer than I had hoped, we got the greenlight with no compromises.

I wanted to avoid the familiar stories of caring and sharing and instead tell stories about the world and life around Lily – her community, her environment and her relationships.

She's not a prim princess who is never in the wrong. She often messes up and causes confusion and upset to others around her, just like the rest of us. It's real life, and I wanted us to tell stories of real life – like jealously, selfishness, love, birth and death.

Five-year journey

The journey started five years ago when artist Joanne Carmichael got in touch with me. She was selling simple pictures in her local art gallery on the Isle of Arran, which she had made from bits of pottery and seaglass found washed up on the local beach. I immediately fell in love with the idea and began to think about creating a complex world made from things washed up by the sea.

At the outset, I set some design rules. We could adjust the colour and size of the objects, but not digitally manipulate them by twisting, bending or warping. When you look closely at each object, you can see the individual items that make it up.

The sound was created at the very start, alongside the organic look. The show had to sound like it looks and look like it sounds. I took influence from modern acoustic folk artists like Mumford and Sons and Laura Marling.

Every note is played by session players on guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, accordion, Hammond, harmonium, xylophone, marimba, pots and pans and more. It is 100% real.

I wanted the setting to be a real community of different accents and drew up a wishlist of actors who played comedy characters I adored: Ardal O'Hanlon, Stephen Fry, Annette Crosbie, Peter Mullan, Jane Horrocks, Tameka Empson and Richard Dormer.

I never expected to get any of them – but they all fell in love with the show and said yes.

Creating Lily's Driftwood Bay has been the loveliest, most fulfilling, amazing – and exhausting – creative journey I have ever been on. It is a beautiful work of art and testament to a brilliant creative team of 100, every one of whom raised the bar to the highest level in story, character, casting, direction, design and score.

LILY'S DRIFTWOOD BAY: BREAKING NEW GROUND

Julie Gardner Head of production

We knew from the start we were breaking new ground. Colin wanted to create a show that looked like stop-motion using stones and ceramic fragments, which inherently would refuse to behave in a straightforward stop-motion way.

A pebble or a piece of driftwood might give the shape necessary for a character from one angle, but looked at from another, it might jar.

We couldn't achieve the look with stop-motion, so we had to photograph the beach finds from a range of angles, see what positions they would look right in, and work with those limitations.

How do you set up and manage a workflow that hasn't been done before? We looked to world-leading talents to advise us on animation techniques, software and production scheduling.

With that grounding, we were able to set up our in-house animation studio in Belfast and build a work able pipeline, which we shaped and refined as production progressed.

Last March, I battled through a blizzard to bring all 50,000 pieces of Joanne Carmichael's beach fragments from Scotland to Belfast in a transit van. In the studio workshop, all of the pieces were painstakingly sorted and individually photographed. Each one of these 50,000 pictures then had to be clipped in Photoshop, creating a huge library of digital materials.

The artwork was then digitally composited and rigged for our 12 animators to produce a style that is true to the handmade feel of cel animation.

Twelve months later, we've seen 26 episodes through to delivery and will deliver 26 more in July. We've deviated considerably from the original blueprint but have shaped a show, and a way of working, that is unique.

---

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon & Nick Jr. UK and Lily's Driftwood Bay News!

Nickelodeon's "AwesomenessTV" Returns With Season Two, Premiering Monday 5th May 2014 On Nick USA; First Episode To Be Hosted By Jack Griffo And Kira Kosarin

Nickelodeon and AwesomenessTV have announced the exciting Nick News in the following press release, from The Futon Critic, that Nickelodeon's "AwesomenessTV" kicks off its brand-new second season on Monday 5th May 2014 at 8:00pm (ET/PT) with special hosts Jack Griffo and Kira Kosarin, stars of Nickelodeon's superhero-themed original comedy series "The Thundermans"! Don't miss all-new pranks, character sketches and parodies of popular music videos. All-new episodes will continue to premiere every Monday night at 8:00pm (ET/PT) and are sure to be filled with fast-paced unpredictable sketch comedy! Guest hosts this season include 5 Seconds of Summer, who recently won a 2014 Kids' Choice Awards blimp award for Aussies' Fave Hot New Talent, plus Rixton, Fifth Harmony, Emblem3, Smosh and more!

Before the return of "AwesomenessTV", NickHeads in the USA can watch Jack and Kira in brand-new back-to-back episodes of "The Thundermans" on Saturday 3rd May 2014, beginning at 8:00pm ET/PT! In the premiere of "Pretty Little Choirs", a mean girl named Veronica sabotages Phoebe in choir and then takes advantage of Max by making him do her homework for her. Once they realize what has happened, the twins team up get even with her. The action continues in "Paging Dr. Thunderman" where Max and Phoebe take Billy to the hospital when he hurts his thumb while they are babysitting him. After Max sees a needle and faints, they all must make sure the doctors don't see his brain scan which can expose their powers.

To celebrate the all-new episodes of "The Thundermans" and "AwesomenessTV", Nickelodeon USA's press office has unveiled super sneak peeks of both brand-new episodes of "The Thundermans" and Nick USA's aweslime "AwesomenessTV" season trailer/promo, which you can watch in the online streaming video clips below!

Original Nickelodeon and AwesomenessTV Press Release:

NICKELODEON'S "AWESOMENESSTV" RETURNS!

Nickelodeon's AwesomenessTV kicks off its second season on Monday, May 5, at 8:00p.m. (ET/PT) with special hosts Jack Griffo and Kira Kosarin, stars of The Thundermans. Don't miss new pranks, character sketches and parodies of popular music videos. All-new episodes premiere every Monday night at 8:00p.m. (ET/PT) and are sure to be filled with fast-paced unpredictable sketch comedy! Guest hosts this season include 5 Seconds of Summer, Rixton, Fifth Harmony, Emblem3, Smosh and more!

Before the return of AwesomenessTV, watch Jack and Kira in brand-new back-to-back episodes of The Thundermans on Saturday, May 3, beginning at 8:00p.m. ET/PT. In the premiere of "Pretty Little Choirs," a mean girl named Veronica sabotages Phoebe in choir and then takes advantage of Max by making him do her homework for her. Once they realize what has happened, the twins team up get even with her. The action continues in "Paging Dr. Thunderman" where Max and Phoebe take Billy to the hospital when he hurts his thumb while they are babysitting him. After Max sees a needle and faints, they all must make sure the doctors don't see his brain scan which can expose their powers.

About AwesomenessTV:

AwesomenessTV is a #1 destination for teens and tweens for original programming on YouTube! Founded by Brian Robbins (Sonny With A Chance, Smallville, So Random, FRED) and Joe Davola (In Living Color, Smallville, MTV Networks, One Tree Hill), the channel features a broad cross section of series built around pop musicians, A-list athletes, TV personalities and YouTube stars. From talk shows to sketch comedy, plus scripted series and a handful of reality series, AwesomenessTV is redefining what it means to be a fan by blurring the lines between viewership, engagement and user generated content. Since launch in June 2012, AwesomenessTV has grown to over 1.1 million subscribers and over 260 million views; since launch in November 2012, AwesomenessTV's MultiChannel Network boasts over 84,000 channels, an aggregate subscriber base of over 35 million subscribers and over 2.9 billion views!

AwesomenessTV premieres Monday, May 5, at 8:00p.m. (ET/PT)

###

AWESOMENESSTV Premieres Monday, May 5th!! from Elizabeth Cain on Vimeo.

Nickelodeon’s AwesomenessTV kicks off its second season on Monday, May 5, at 8:00p.m. (ET/PT) with special hosts Jack Griffo and Kira Kosarin, stars of The Thundermans. Don’t miss new pranks, character sketches and parodies of popular music videos. All-new episodes premiere every Monday night at 8:00p.m. (ET/PT) and are sure to be filled with fast-paced unpredictable sketch comedy! Guest hosts this season include 5 Seconds of Summer, Rixton, Fifth Harmony, Emblem3, Smosh and more!

The Thundermans "Pretty Little Choirs" Saturday, May 3 from Elizabeth Cain on Vimeo.

Before the return of AwesomenessTV, watch Jack and Kira in brand-new back-to-back episodes of The Thundermans on Saturday, May 3, beginning at 8:00p.m. ET/PT. In the premiere of “Pretty Little Choirs,” a mean girl named Veronica sabotages Phoebe in choir and then takes advantage of Max by making him do her homework for her. Once they realize what has happened, the twins team up get even with her. The action continues in “Paging Dr. Thunderman” where Max and Phoebe take Billy to the hospital when he hurts his thumb while they are babysitting him. After Max sees a needle and faints, they all must make sure the doctors don’t see his brain scan which can expose their powers.

The Thundermans “Paging Dr. Thunderman” Saturday, May 3 from Elizabeth Cain on Vimeo.

Before the return of AwesomenessTV, watch Jack and Kira in brand-new back-to-back episodes of The Thundermans on Saturday, May 3, beginning at 8:00p.m. ET/PT. In the premiere of “Pretty Little Choirs,” a mean girl named Veronica sabotages Phoebe in choir and then takes advantage of Max by making him do her homework for her. Once they realize what has happened, the twins team up get even with her. The action continues in “Paging Dr. Thunderman” where Max and Phoebe take Billy to the hospital when he hurts his thumb while they are babysitting him. After Max sees a needle and faints, they all must make sure the doctors don’t see his brain scan which can expose their powers.

---

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon, AwesomenessTV and The Thundermans News!

Nickelodeon Nominated For 37 Awards In The 2014 Daytime Emmy Awards

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) has announced the fantastic Nickelodeon News that Nickelodeon, one of the world's leading recognized entertainment brands for kids and families, has been nominated for 37 awards in the 2014 Daytime Emmy Awards, the 41st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards!

Additionally, Nickelodeon production staff from Nickelodeon's hit action packed original animated series (Nicktoon) "T.U.F.F. Puppy" and Nickelodeon Preschool's popular CG-animated preschool series "Peter Rabbit" have been chosen from over 100 entries by a juried live panel in Los Angeles to be awarded the prestigious Emmy Award at the Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Friday 20th June 2014!

The popular CG-animated preschool series "Dinosaur Train", which, created by Craig Bartlett, the creator of the popular Classic Nickelodeon original animated series (Nicktoon) "Hey Arnold!", airs on Nick Jr. UK and Ireland, has also been nominated for a 2014 Daytime Emmy Award.

The Daytime Emmy Awards recognize outstanding achievement in all fields of daytime television production and are presented to individuals and programs broadcast from 2:00am to 6:00pm during the 2013 calendar year. This year's gala will be held the prestigious Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA on Sunday 22nd June 2014.

Congratulation's and good luck to Nickelodeon and all the stars and staff of the excellent Nickelodeon shows nominated for 2014 Daytime Emmy Awards!

Below is a list of the nominations for the 41st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, the 2014 Daytime Emmy Awards, featuring only the awards Nickelodeon have been nominated for, from the official Daytime Emmy Awards website, Emmys.com:

THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS & SCIENCES ANNOUNCES The 41st ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMY® AWARD NOMINATIONS

Daytime Emmy® Awards will be presented on June 22ND, 2014 At the Beverly Hilton Hotel

Daytime Creative Arts Emmy® Awards Gala on June 20th, 2014 To be held at the Westin Bonaventure in Downtown LA

New York – May 1, 2014 – The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced the nominees for the 41ST Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards.

The Daytime Emmy® Awards recognize outstanding achievement in all fields of daytime television production and are presented to individuals and programs broadcast from 2:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. during the 2013 calendar year. This year’s gala will be held the prestigious Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA on Sunday, June 22, 2014.

The Daytime Creative Arts Emmy® Awards gala, which honors the crafts behind the many shows that grace the Daytime genre, will be held at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles on Friday, June 20, 2014.

"With over 1,400 entries this year, the National Academy is again excited to welcome more than 350 nominees to this year’s Daytime Emmy Awards," said, Malachy Wienges, Chairman, NATAS. "We are happy to return to both the Beverly Hilton and the Westin Bonaventure for what I’m sure will be two very exciting nights for the Daytime television community!"

"These exciting nominations officially launch the 41st Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards," said David Michaels, Senior Executive Director, Daytime. "This will be a true celebration of Daytime Television focusing on those behind the scenes that make so much of the great quality and innovation we see every day and those on-screen that invite us into the worlds of daytime drama, talk, legal courtroom, culinary, game shows, animation and children’s programming we enjoy throughout the year. Congratulations to all the nominees!"

In addition to our esteemed nominees, the following individuals were chosen from over 100 entries by a juried live panel in Los Angeles and will be awarded the prestigious Emmy® Award at our Daytime Creative Arts Emmy® Awards on June 20th, 2014.

Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation: Winners

Ernie Gilbert, Character Design
Program: T.U.F.F. Puppy, Nickelodeon

Eddie Gribbin, Background Design, Marten Johnmark, Storyboard,
Stephen Robinson, Production Design, Program: Peter Rabbit, Nickelodeon

Jose Lopez, Character Design, Yasuhiro Motoda, Character Animator,
Program: Transformers Prime Beast Hunters, HUB Network

Jennifer Oxley, Production Design, Program: Peg + Cat, PBS

Christopher Voy, Color. Program: Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Cartoon Network

The 41st Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards is a presentation of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in cooperation with the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS).

A breakdown of the awards by network, as compiled by the independent accounting firm of Lutz & Carr, LLP, follows.

EFEX Marketing, Inc, is the official provider of the Daytime Emmy® Award Almanac, the official program for the event. Yangaroo, Inc. is the official provider of the Digital Media Distribution System Awards Management Solution ("DMDS") for the submission, judging and voting of all programs in the 41st Annual Daytime Emmy® Awards. Off the Wall Productions is the official provider of the Official Emmy Gift Lounge and Gift Bag.

A full list of all nominees in all categories can be downloaded from our website at www.emmyonline.tv.

About The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) is a professional service organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational and technical achievements within the television industry. It recognizes excellence in television with the coveted Emmy® Award for News & Documentary, Sports, Daytime Entertainment, Daytime Creative Arts & Entertainment, Public & Community Service, and Technology & Engineering. NATAS membership consists of more than 13,000 broadcast and media professionals represented in 19 regional chapters across the country. Beyond awards, NATAS has extensive educational programs including Regional Student Television and its Student Award for Excellence for outstanding journalistic work by high school students, as well as scholarships, publications, and major activities for both industry professionals and the viewing public. For more information, please visit the website at www.emmyonline.tv For more information, please visit the website at www.emmyonline.tv

Press Contact:
Paul G. Pillitteri, Director, Communications - ppillitteri@emmyonline.tv

Social Media Contacts:
B. Harlan Boll – h.boll@dcpublicity.com
Lisa England – lisa.england@dcpublicity.com

NETWORK TOTALS
CBS - 61
SYNDICATED - 50
PBS - 44
NICKELODEON - 37
ABC - 30
HUB NETWORK - 24
NBC - 18
TOLN.com - 11
CARTOON NETWORK - 10
DISNEY CHANNEL - 8
Univision - 6
Youtube.com - 6
ABC Family - 5
FOOD NETWORK - 5
Cooking Channel - 4
CNNE - 4
Game Show Network - 3
OWN - 3
MeTV - 3
MTV - 2
Sprout - 2
Netflix - 2
www.devanity.com - 1
Blueworldtv.com - 1
Here TV - 1
Hallmark Channel - 1
MTVU - 1
www.mlpromise.com - 1
www.venicetheseries.com - 1
DisneyXD - 1
HGTV - 1
Fusion - 1
E! - 1
mun2 - 1
CNN - 1
Telemundo - 1
HBO - 1

MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS (Program)

The Young and the Restless - 26
The Bold and the Beautiful - 18
General Hospital - 16
Sesame Street - 15
Days of Our Lives - 14
The Ellen DeGeneres Show - 9
Peter Rabbit - 8
The Mind of a Chef - 7
One Life To Live - 7
Disney Sofia the First - 6
Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade - 6
Spooksville - 6
The Aquabats! Super Show! - 5
El Gordo y la Flaca - 5
Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness - 5
Rachael Ray - 5
R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour The Series - 5
The Talk - 5
All My Children - 4
Peg+Cat - 4
Star Wars: The Clone Wars - 4
Beware the Batman – "Secrets" - 3
Born to Explore with Richard Wiese - 3
CBS Sunday Morning - 3
The Dr. Oz Show - 3
Giada In Paradise - 3
Green Screen Adventures - 3
Joseph Rosendo’s Travelscope - 3
Let's Make a Deal - 3
Made in Israel - 3
Monsters Vs Aliens - 3
Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin - 3
The View - 3
The Wonder Pets! - 3
This Old House - 3
The American Bible Challenge - 2
America Now - 2
Arthur - 2
Bobby Flay's Barbecue Addiction - 2
Bubble Guppies - 2
The Chew - 2
Curious George - 2
Dan Vs. - 2
The Fresh Beat Band - 2
Giada At Home - 2
Good Morning America - 2
Jack Hanna's Into the Wild - 2
The Price Is Right - 2
The Queen Latifah Show - 2
Sabrina Secrets of a Teenage Witch - 2
The Scarecrow - 2
Steve Harvey - 2
Superbook - 2
Super Soul Sunday - 2
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - 2
Today Show - 2
Turbo FAST - 2
Wheel of Fortune - 2

[...]

Outstanding Pre-School Children's Series

Dino Dan - Nickelodeon
Executive Producers
J.J. Johnson, Blair Powers
Co-Executive Producer
Christin Simms
Producer
Matt Bishop

The Fresh Beat Band - Nickelodeon
Executive Producers
Scott Kraft, Nadine van der Velde
Consulting Producers
Heather MacGillvray, Linda Mathious
Producer
Susan R Nessanbaum-Goldberg
Line Producer
Chris Robinson

Sesame Street - PBS
Executive Producer
Carol-Lynn Parente
Supervising Producer
Nadine Zylstra
Senior Producer
Benjamin Lehmann
Coordinating Producer
April Coleman
Producer
Mindy Fila
Line Producer
Stephanie Longardo

Yo Gabba Gabba! - Nickelodeon
Executive Producers
Jon Berret, Michael Polis
Co-Executive Producers
Christian Jacobs, Scott Schultz
Producer
Ritamarie Peruggi, Justin Lyon
Line Producer
Irene Diaz Oncley

Outstanding Pre-School Children's Animated Program

Curious George - PBS
Executive Producers
Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Ellen Cockrill, Carol Greenwald, Dorothea Gillim,
David Kirschner, Jon Shapiro
Supervising Producer
Share Stallings
Coordinating Producers
Paul Higgins, Melissa Bush
Co-Producer
Matthew Baughman

Disney Sofia the First - Disney Channel
Executive Producers
Jamie Mitchell, Craig Gerber
Line Producer
Clay Renfroe

Peg+Cat PBS
Executive Producers
Jennifer Oxley, Billy Aronson, Vince Commisso, Kevin Morrison
Supervising Producers
Alia Nakashima, Tanya Green
Producer
Jaclynn Demas
Animation Producer
Robert Powers
Line Producer
Christine Davis

The Wonder Pets! - Nickelodeon
Executive Producer
Josh Selig
Supervising Producer
Mason Rather
Producers
Jennifer Oxley, Melanie Pal, Tom Brown, Jeffrey Lesser
Line Producer
Sharon Gomes Thomas

Outstanding Children's Animated Program

Beware the Batman - "Secrets" Cartoon Network
Executive Producer
Sam Register
Producers
Glen Murakami, Mitch Watson
Line Producer
Amy McKenna

The Fairly OddParents Nickelodeon
Executive Producer
Butch Hartman
Supervising Producer
George Goodchild
Producers
Ray DeLaurentis, Randy Saba

Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness Nickelodeon
Executive Producer
Peter Hastings
Co-Executive Producer
Bret Haaland
Supervising Producers
Randy Dormans, Gabe Swarr
Producers
Joann Estoesta, Andrew Huebner

Monsters vs. Aliens Nickelodeon
Executive Producers
Bret Haaland, Mark McCorkle, Bob Schooley
Supervising Producer
Chris Neuhahn
Producers
Andrew Huebner, Kellie Smith

Turbo FAST Netflix
Executive Producers
Chris Prynoski, Jack Thomas
Supervising Producer
Ben Kalina
Producers
Sharon Barrett Prynoski, Jennifer Ray

Outstanding Special Class Animated Program

Dan Vs. Hub Network
Executive Producers
Dan Angel, Dana Booton, Chris Pearson
Co-Executive Producer
Dan Mandel
Supervising Producer
Brian Sheesley
Producers
Taesoo Kim, Lizbeth Velasco

Peter Rabbit Nickelodeon
Executive Producers
Francesca Dow, Mary Durkan, Ronnie Fairweather, Cathal Gaffney,
Darragh O'Connell, Paula Rosenthal
Supervising Producer
Megan Laughton
Producers
Gillian Higgins, Karen Ialacci, Erik Vignau
Co-Producer
Sarah Blondine Mullervy

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Cartoon Network
Executive Producer
George Lucas
Supervising Director
Dave Filoni
Producer
Cary Silver
Line Producer
Athena Yvette Portillo

Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Hub Network
Executive Producers
Stephen Davis, Jeff Kline, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Shuzo John Shiota
Co-Executive Producer
Duane Capizzi
Producer
Shinji Santoh
Animation Producer
Therese Trujillo
Line Producer
Meiko Sato

[...]

Outstanding Promotional Announcement – Episodic

2013 MTV Video Music Awards - Katy Perry MTV
Executive Producer
Kris Walter
Producer
Janie Brown Kelley
Director
Patrick Cummings
Writers
Allan Broce, Eric Chang, Steve Elliott, Dave Laden, Paul Wig
Editor
Erik Auli
SVP, MTV On-Air Promos
Amy Campbell
VP/Creative Director, MTV On-Air Promos
Lu Chekowsky
VP, Strategy, MTV On-Air Promos
Lauren Epstein
Director of Photography
Jeff Cutter
Production Designer
Dan Butts
Art Director
Rich Browd
Audio
Colin Thibadeau
Editorial Director, MTV On-Air Promos
Justin Russell

The Doctors SYNDICATED
Executive Producers
Jay McGraw, Carla Pennington, Dr. Phillip C. McGraw, Andrew Scher
Producer
Debbie Haderle, Mat Berris,
Associate Producer
Brian Smith
Editors
John Campbell, Jasen Frisby, Morgen Kassel, Rainbow Shalom Hayes
Graphic Design
Jake Infusino
Promo AE
Ryan Cates

Hispanic Heritage Month Campaign DisneyXD
SVP/CMO Disney Channels Worldwide
Richard Loomis
VP, Marketing and Creative DXD
Jill Hotchkiss
Creative Director
Vincent Aricco

Nature PBS
Producer
Kathryn Daily
Creative Director
Derrick Chamlee
Writer
Eric Yeater
Sr. Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Lesli Rotenberg
Senior Director, Primetime Strategy & Advertising
Jennifer Allen

World Wide Day of Play 2013 Campaign Nickelodeon
Senior Producer
Lynn McTeague
Producers
Karen Ammon, Devin Melillo
SVP, Creative Director
Jay Schmalholz
Writer
Danielle Luzzi
SVP, Creative Director - Design
Matthew Duntemann
VP, Creative
Anthony Gelsomino
VP, Editorial
Michael Pecoriello
VP, Production
Patty Henry-Robinson
VP, Creative Strategy
Laura Lundgren
Director of Project Management
Michael Tenney
Line Producer
Amy Heiss
Director of Production
Jennifer Bryson
Art Director
Stefanie Shank
Graphics Manager
Nicole Watson
Animators
James Bartley, Brent Chesanek, Dave Heiss, Bomi Jin, Jeremy Sawyer

Outstanding Promotional Announcement – Institutional

Awkward / It's Your Sex Life - Gimme an "S" MTV
Producer
Matt Sears
Director
John Sinclair
Writers
Jessica Bianco, Liz Epp, John Sinclair
Art Director/Graphics
Rich Browd
Audio
John Wilkinson
Editor
James Emmerich
Director of Photography
Steve Gainer
Sr. Director, Public Affairs, MTV
Liza Vadnai
SVP, MTV On-Air Promos
Amy Campbell
SVP, Public Affairs, MTV
Jason Rzepka

General Hospital ABC
Executive Producers
Mark Feldstein, Brad Roth
Producer
Hema Mulchandani
Creative Directors
Jonas Morganstein, Ashley Rideau, Leeanne Irvin,
Art Director
Stephen Kirklys
Designer
Kenneth Lee
Production Manager
Karen Higginbotham

Nick 2013 Halloween Campaign Nickelodeon
SVP, Creative Director - Design
Matthew Duntemann
Director of Production
Sarah Jackson
Line Producer
Kate Brennan
Project Manager
Dana Burkart
Animation Director
Chris Papa
Associate Animation Director
Rob Kohr
Digital Animation Supervisor
Dennis Shelby
Illustrator
Martin Allais
Senior Producer
Dennis Shinners
Art Director
Shannon Macneilage
Animators
Jason Clarke, Nelson Diaz, Scott Kennel
Sound Design
Gina Zdanowicz
Sound Designer
Spencer Bambrick
SVP, Creative Director
Jay Schmalholz
VP Creative
Anthony Gelsomino
Digital Animators
Tyler Kakac, Pablo Smith
VP Creative Strategy
Laura Lundgren

Nick Letter IDs Nickelodeon
SVP, Creative Director - Design
Matthew Duntemann
SVP, Creative Director
Jay Schmalholz
Senior Producer
Lynn McTeague
Production Manager
Kate Brennan
VP Creative
Anthony Gelsomino
Animators
Miguel Cesti, Ruben Stremiz
Animation Director/Animator
Fernan Graziano
Director/Writers
Samuel Albert Borkson, Arturo Sandoval
Director of Project Management
Adam Weiner
Senior Project Manager
Randy Koshinskie
Art Directors
Santiago Graziano, Steve Saiz
Original Score/Sound Design
Norman Bambi
Art/Animatic Director
Gabriel Fermanelli

Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program

Peter Rabbit Nickelodeon
SARAH BOLT, as Jemima Puddleduck

Arthur PBS
ALAN CUMMING, as Sebastian Winkleplotz

Peg+Cat PBS
HAYLEY FAITH NEGRIN, as Peg

Peg+Cat PBS
DWAYNE HILL, as Cat

Sabrina: Secrets of a Teenage Witch Hub Network
ASHLEY TISDALE, as Sabrina Spellman

[...]

Outstanding Casting for an Animated Series or Special

Beware the Batman Cartoon Network
Casting Director
Andrea Romano

Disney Sofia the First Disney Channel
Casting By
Brian Mathias

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Nickelodeon
Casting By
Sarah Noonan, Gene Vassilaros
Casting Supervisor
Meredith Layne

The Polar Bears Movie YouTube.com
Casting Director
Matthew Jon Beck
Casting By
Ruth Lambert, Robert McGee

Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation

WINNERS

Ernie Gilbert, Character Design
T.U.F.F. Puppy Nickelodeon

Eddie Gribbin, Background Design
Peter Rabbit Nickelodeon

Marten Johnmark, Storyboard
Peter Rabbit Nickelodeon

Jose Lopez, Character Design
Transformers Prime Beast Hunters HUB Network

Yasuhiro Motoda, Character Animator
Transformers Prime Beast Hunters HUB Network

Jennifer Oxley, Production Design
Peg+Cat PBS

Stephen Robinson, Production Design
Peter Rabbit Nickelodeon

Christopher Voy, Color
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Cartoon Network

Outstanding Writing in a Preschool Animated Program

Bubble Guppies Nickelodeon
Head Writer/Writers
Jonny Belt, Robert Scull
Writer
Clark Stubbs

Dinosaur Train PBS
Writers
Craig Bartlett, Joe Purdy

Disney Sofia the First Disney Channel
Writers
Doug Cooney, Laurie Israel, Erica Rothschild, Rachel Ruderman
Writer/Story Editor
Craig Gerber

Peter Rabbit Nickelodeon
Writers
Mark Huckerby, Nick Ostler

The Wonder Pets! Nickelodeon
Head Writer
Billy Lopez
Writers
Billy Aronson, Dustin Ferrer, Chris Nee, Melanie Pal

Outstanding Writing in an Animated Program

Arthur PBS
Executive Story Editor
Peter K Hirsch
Writers
Craig Carlisle, Jacqui Deegan, Matt Hoverman, Dietrich Smith

Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness Nickelodeon
Writers
Gene Grillo, Peter Hastings, Scott Kreamer, Doug Langdale, Paul Rugg

Martha Speaks PBS
Head Writer
Ken Scarborough
Writers
Joe Fallon, Raye Lankford

Wild Kratts PBS
Head Writers
Chris Kratt, Martin Kratt

[...]

Outstanding Directing in an Animated Program
Beware the Batman - "Secrets" Cartoon Network
Supervising Director
Butch Lukic
Directors
Curt Geda, Sam Liu, Rick Morales
Voice Director
Andrea Romano

Curious George PBS
Supervising Director/Director
Jeff McGrath
Director
Andrei Svisloski
Voice Director
Susan Blu

Dan Vs. Hub Network
Supervising Director
Brian Sheesley
Directors
Stephanie Arnett, James Krenzke, Ashley Lenz
Supervising Animation Director
Hyeonsu Park

Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness Nickelodeon
Directors
Aaron Hammersley, Lane Lueras, Michael Mullen
Voice Director
Peter Hastings

The Scarecrow YouTube.com
Directors
Limbert Fabian, Brandon Oldenburg

Outstanding Achievement in Main Title and Graphic Design

Beware the Batman - "Secrets" Cartoon Network
Animation Supervisor
T.J. Sullivan

Lalaloopsy Nickelodeon
Title Designer
Melissa Suber

The Mind of a Chef PBS
Director of Design
Adam Lupsha
Title Design/Graphic Artist
Daniel de Graaf, Mike Houston

Sabrina Secrets of a Teenage Witch Hub Network
Title Designer
Stan Lim
Graphic Artists
Rouja Koleva, Flavio Mandrola, Manny Mazaria

Superbook ABC Family
Title Designer
Manoj Menon
Graphic Artist
Aneesh Kurian
Graphics Producer
Marty Kossoff
Creative Director - Graphics
Owen Hurley
Director - Graphics
Ratheesh Kalathil

Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing – Animation

Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness Nickelodeon
Production Mixer
Gary Falcone
Re-Recording Mixer
Thomas J Maydeck C.A.S.
SFX Mixer
Rob McIntyre

Monsters Vs Aliens Nickelodeon
Re-Recording Mixers
Fil Brown, Melissa Ellis

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Cartoon Network
Production Mixer
Cameron Davis
Re-Recording Mixer
David Acord
Foley Mixer
Frank Rinella
Scoring Mixer
Mark Evans

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Nickelodeon
Re-Recording Mixers
DJ Lynch, Jeff Shiffman

Turbo FAST Netflix
Re-Recording Mixer
Konrad Piñon

Young Justice Cartoon Network
Re-Recording Mixer
Carlos Sanches

Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Animation

Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness Nickelodeon
Supervising Sound Editor
Gary Falcone
Supervising Music Editor
Thomas J Maydeck C.A.S.
Sound Editors
Jessey Drake, Andrew Ing
Dialogue Editor
Anna Adams
Foley Editor
Roberto Alegria
Foley Artist
Cynthia Merrill
Sound Designers
Rob McIntyre, Marc Schmidt

Monsters Vs Aliens Nickelodeon
Dialogue Editor
Michael Petak
Sound Effects Editor
Robert Neal Poole
Foley Editor
Roy Braverman
Foley Artist
J Lampinen

Sanjay and Craig Nickelodeon
Supervising Sound Editor
Devon Bowman
Dialogue Editor
Mischelle Fordham
Sound Effects Editors
Ian Nyeste, Lawrence Reyes
Foley Editor
Aran Tanchum
Foley Artists
Tara Blume, Vincent Guisetti

SpongeBob SquarePants Nickelodeon
Supervising Sound Editor
Devon Bowman
Dialogue Editor
Mischelle Fordham
Sound Effects Editor
Jeff Hutchins
Foley Editor
Aran Tanchum
Foley Artist
Vincent Guisetti

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Cartoon Network
Supervising Sound Editor
Matthew Wood
Music Editor
Dean Menta
Sound Editors
Jeremy Bowker, Erik Foreman, Pascal Garneau, Steve Slanec
Foley Editor
Frank Rinella
Foley Artists
Dennie Thorpe, Jana Vance
Sound Designer
David Acord

Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition

The Backyardigans Nickelodeon
Music Director, Composer
Evan Lurie
Composer
Douglas Wieselman

Bubble Guppies Nickelodeon
Music By
Michael Rubin
Score By
John Angier

Disney Sofia the First Disney Channel
Composer
Kevin Kliesch

The Wonder Pets! Nickelodeon
Music Director
Jeffrey Lesser
Lead Composer
Larry Hochman
Composer
Josh Selig

Outstanding Original Song

Let's Make A Deal CBS
"30,000 Reasons to Love Me"
Composer
Cat Gray
Lyricist
Wayne Brady

Sesame Street PBS
"ABC's of moving"
Composer
Chris Jackson
Lyricist
Joseph Mazzarino

Disney Sofia the First Disney Channel
"I Belong"
Lyricist
Craig Gerber
Composer & Lyricist
John Kavanaugh

Sesame Street PBS
"Rhymes with Mando"
Composer
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lyricist
Luis Santeiro

Peter Rabbit Nickelodeon
"Spring Has Sprung"
Composer & Lyricist
Peter Zizzo

Outstanding Original Song – Main Title and Promo

Disney Sofia the First Disney Channel
"Disney Sofia the First: Main Title Theme"
Lyricist
Craig Gerber
Composer & Lyricist
John Kavanaugh

PAW Patrol Nickelodeon
"PAW Patrol Theme Song"
Composer
Michael "Smidi" Smith
Lyricist
Scott Krippayne

Peter Rabbit Nickelodeon
"Peter Rabbit Theme Song"
Composer & Lyricist
Peter Luyre

Superbook ABC Family
"Superbook Open"
Lyricists
Mark Hammond, Marty Goetz

Opening Number Fusion
"We're Fusion"
Composer
Adam Schlesinger
Lyricist
David Javerbaum

Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design/Styling

The Ellen DeGeneres Show SYNDICATED
Key Costumers
Ric Renae Huges, Brooke Weller
Wardrobe Supervisors
Maggie Kaiser, Jamie Salazar
Costume Designer
Kellen Richards

The Fresh Beat Band Nickelodeon
Costumers
Frank Alexander, Laura Flett, Kiki Garwood, Jessica Torok, Kacy Treadway
Costume Supervisor
Gene Barnhart
Costume Designer
Joyce Kim Lee

Green Screen Adventures MeTV
Costume Designer
Nancy McDonald
Costume Designer/Puppets
Jessica Honor Carleton

Sesame Street PBS
Costume Designers
Brian Hemesath, Jared Leese
Costume Designer/Muppets
Erin Slattery Black, Elizabeth Hara, Michelle Hickey, John Douglas James,
Rollie Krewson, Lara Mclean, Colette Nickola, Anny Ozar,
Connie Peterson, Jane Pien, Sierra Schoening, Polly Smith, Jason Weber

Spooksville Hub Network
Costume Designer
Rebekka Sorensen

---

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon News!

Viacom International Media Networks To Acquire Channel 5 Broadcasting For £450 Million

Viacom Inc. (Nasdaq: VIAB, VIA) and Northern & Shell Media Group have today, Thursday 1st May 2014, announced in the following press release, from VIMN's official Press Centre, a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Channel 5 Broadcasting Limited by Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) for £450 million (approximately $757 million)!

The transaction brings Viacom one of British television's biggest brands, and the only commercial public service broadcaster (PSB) to consistently grow viewership share in recent years. Channel 5's diverse programming slate is viewed by more than 80% of the UK population each month, benefits from the programming grid prominence associated with its public service broadcaster status, and will complement Viacom's popular pay TV networks, which connect with focused and valuable audiences.

The acquisition of Channel 5 builds on Viacom's long and successful track record of investment in the UK. The company launched MTV in the market in 1987, followed by Nickelodeon in 1993 and Comedy Central in 1995 (as Paramount Channel and Paramount Comedy), growing to more than 20 branded TV networks currently on air, including BET, VIVA and VH1. Viacom's continued growth resulted in it being the most successful international supplier of pay TV channels to the UK market in 2013. MTV enjoyed its highest ratings in eight years in 2013, while Nickelodeon and Comedy Central were also among the top networks for their target demographics.

Under the terms of the agreement, Viacom will acquire all brands and assets of Channel 5 Limited, including:

* Channel 5 launched as the UK's fifth public service broadcaster in March 1997. Over 42 million UK viewers watch Channel 5 in any given month tuning in to programming as diverse as "The Gadget Show", "Big Brother", "Home and Away", "Neighbours", "Under the Dome", "Ice Road Truckers", the "CSI" franchise, "5 News" and the award winning children's strand, "Milkshake!".

* 5* launched as Five Life in October 2006, becoming FIVER in April 2008 and 5* in March 2011. The channel attracts a growing audience of younger viewers with a targeted mix of films, and acquired and original programming.

* 5USA launched in October 2006 and is the 11th highest rating multichannel in the UK during prime time. The network showcases American programming including "CSI", "CSI New York", "CSI Miami", "Person of Interest", "NCIS", "The Mentalist" and films.

* Milkshake! is one of the commercial brand leaders for pre-school children's programming in the UK, broadcasting a morning block throughout the week that features many of the world's favorite pre-school characters, including "Peppa Pig", "Bert and Ernie", "Noddy" and others. The Milkshake! website is a popular destination for kids, and the brand has a strong track record of producing live children's entertainment events in the UK.

* Demand 5 is Channel 5's video-on-demand (VoD) service, which is offered on more viewing platforms than any other commercial broadcaster in the UK, and delivered over 23 million views in January 2014.

The purchase price of the acquisition will be financed by Viacom's existing cash balances and the transaction is expected to be accretive immediately after closing. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Original Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Press Release:

Viacom International Media Networks to Acquire Channel 5 Broadcasting for £450 Million

* Deal will Improve Content Offering for UK Viewers Across Channel 5 and Viacom Networks

* Combination with UK's Largest Privately Owned Public Service Broadcaster to Enhance Distribution Opportunities for Viacom Content

* Acquisition Builds on Viacom's Long Track Record of Successful Investment in the UK

LONDON & NEW YORK, 1 May 2014 - Viacom Inc. (Nasdaq: VIAB, VIA) and Northern & Shell Media Group today announced a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Channel 5 Broadcasting Limited by Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) for £450 million (approximately $757 million).

The transaction brings Viacom one of British television’s biggest brands, and the only commercial public service broadcaster to consistently grow viewership share in recent years. Channel 5’s diverse programming slate is viewed by more than 80% of the UK population each month, benefits from the programming grid prominence associated with its public service broadcaster status, and will complement Viacom’s popular pay TV networks, which connect with focused and valuable audiences.

"The acquisition of Channel 5 accelerates Viacom's strategy in the UK, one of the world's most important and valuable media markets," said Viacom President and CEO Philippe Dauman. "Channel 5's momentum is indisputable, with impactful programming, increasing popularity and a growing digital platform. Channel 5's management and employees have done an outstanding job building their brand and we are pleased to welcome them to our team. Viacom's global resources, technology and expertise will help Channel 5 develop even more compelling programming and provide content to consumers in exciting new ways. In addition, we will introduce our popular content to new UK audiences and create a comprehensive offering for our commercial partners on-air and on-line.

"This deal will dramatically increase Viacom's investment in content produced in the UK, which has a widely admired public service broadcasting culture and a globally influential production sector. We look forward to partnering with local producers to introduce more UK-created content to global audiences, and will continue to explore opportunities in the UK, both in the free-to-air and pay television markets."

Paul Dunthorne, Chief Operating Officer of Channel 5, said, "Since Northern & Shell's acquisition of Channel 5 in 2010, the financial and operating performance of the business has been transformed with improved audiences and content offering. The combination of Channel 5 with Viacom's global resources, technology and expertise adds further to the momentum of the business and offers numerous exciting opportunities for the channel's future."

The acquisition of Channel 5 builds on Viacom’s long and successful track record of investment in the UK. The company launched MTV in the market in 1987, followed by Nickelodeon in 1993 and Comedy Central in 1995, growing to more than 20 branded TV networks currently on air, including BET, VIVA and VH1. Viacom’s continued growth resulted in it being the most successful international supplier of pay TV channels to the UK market in 2013. MTV enjoyed its highest ratings in eight years in 2013, while Nickelodeon and Comedy Central were also among the top networks for their target demographics.

Under the terms of the agreement, Viacom will acquire all brands and assets of Channel 5 Limited, including:

* Channel 5 launched as the UK’s fifth public service broadcaster in March 1997. Over 42 million UK viewers watch Channel 5 in any given month tuning in to programming as diverse as The Gadget Show, Big Brother, Home and Away, Neighbours, Under the Dome, Ice Road Truckers, the CSI franchise, 5 News and the award winning children's strand, Milkshake!

* 5* launched as Five Life in October 2006, becoming FIVER in April 2008 and 5* in March 2011. The channel attracts a growing audience of younger viewers with a targeted mix of films, and acquired and original programming.

* 5USA launched in October 2006 and is the 11th highest rating multichannel in the UK during prime time. The network showcases American programming including CSI, CSI New York, CSI Miami, Person of Interest, NCIS, The Mentalist and films.

* Milkshake! is one of the commercial brand leaders for pre-school children’s programming in the UK, broadcasting a morning block throughout the week that features many of the world’s favorite pre-school characters, including Peppa Pig, Bert and Ernie, Noddy and others. The Milkshake! website is a popular destination for kids, and the brand has a strong track record of producing live children’s entertainment events in the UK.

* Demand 5 is Channel 5’s video-on-demand service, which is offered on more viewing platforms than any other commercial broadcaster in the UK, and delivered over 23 million views in January 2014.

The purchase price of the acquisition will be financed by Viacom’s existing cash balances and the transaction is expected to be accretive immediately after closing. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

About Viacom International Media Networks

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is comprised of many of the world's most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Channel, VH1, VIVA, COLORS, Game One and Tr3s: MTV, Música y Más. Viacom brands are seen globally in more than 600 million households in 170 territories and 37 languages via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties. For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com. Keep up with Viacom news by following Viacom's blog at blog.viacom.com and Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/Viacom.

About Channel 5

Channel 5 launched as Britain's fifth public service broadcaster in March 1997 and was bought by Northern & Shell in July 2010. It currently attracts well over 42 million viewers a month. It delivers programmes that combine creative flair and popular appeal, and continues to bring viewers a mix of smart new shows that sit alongside popular long running series such as Ben Fogle's Animal Clinic, Killers Behind Bars, and The Hotel Inspector . Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother are well established in the schedule with entertainment at their core. They sit alongside ratings stalwarts like Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers and The Hotel Inspector. Channel 5 acquires the best of international drama including Wentworth Prison, Under the Dome, Person of Interest, and The Mentalist, as well as Aussie soaps Neighbours and Home and Away. For sports fans, Channel 5 is the free-to-air home of all England Cricket domestic summer Internationals and regular title boxing. Channel 5 News delivers the news and debates the main topics of the day. The channel is committed to children's programing with their award winning strand Milkshake!. Sister channels 5* and 5USA compliment Channel 5 with a mix of must see entertainment and US Drama including American Idol and the CSI franchise. Demand 5 is a free service to catch up with the latest programmes on Channel 5, 5USA and 5* available to watch whenever you want together with an archive of classic shows. It is available across platforms and devices including Virgin Media, BT Vision, Xbox1, iOS, You View, Sky On Demand, Android, Freesat, PS4, and Roku. For all the latest about Channel 5, follow us on twitter.com @channel5press and @channel5_tv.

About Northern & Shell

Northern & Shell Media Group is present in several major areas of consumer publishing and has a diverse portfolio of interests across print, television, new media, distribution, investment and property. The portfolio includes four UK national newspaper titles - the Daily Express, Sunday Express, Daily Star and Daily Star Sunday, celebrity magazines OK!, new! and Star, and the Health Lottery. It is also a 50% joint venture partner in the Irish Daily Star.

About Viacom

Viacom is home to premier global media brands that create compelling television programs, motion pictures, short-form video, apps, games, consumer products, social media and other entertainment content for audiences in more than 160 countries and territories. Viacom's media networks, including MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, BET, CENTRIC, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, Nick at Nite, Comedy Central, TV Land, SPIKE, Tr3s, Paramount Channel and VIVA, reach approximately 700 million households worldwide. Paramount Pictures, America's oldest film studio, is a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.

For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com. Keep up with Viacom news by following Viacom's blog at blog.viacom.com and Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/Viacom.

Viacom Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains both historical and forward-looking statements. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations concerning future results, objectives, plans and goals, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and which may cause future results, performance or achievements to differ from forecasts. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others: the public acceptance of Channel 5's programming in the United Kingdom (UK); technological developments and their effect on the UK markets and on consumer behavior; competition for audiences and distribution; the impact of piracy; economic conditions in the UK generally, and in advertising and retail markets in particular; changes in applicable UK laws and regulations, particularly regarding public broadcasting, foreign investment and the nature and amount of advertising that may be included in programming; and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting businesses in the UK generally. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document, and we do not have any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. If applicable, reconciliations for any non-GAAP financial information contained in this news release are included in this news release or available on our website at http://www.viacom.com.

Contacts

Viacom
Jeremy Zweig, +1 212-846-7503
[...]

or

Viacom International Media Networks
Matt Baker, +44 203 580 2101
[...]

or

Northern & Shell / Channel 5
Mimi Turner, +44 (0) 20 8612 7030

Also, from Broadcast:

Analysis: Viacom's C5 strategy under the microscope

Viacom believes the Channel 5 brand has huge potential and that it can grow its share by investing in original content.

The C5 brand will be retained by Viacom, which believes it can supercharge the broadcaster’s existing momentum.

VIMN chief executive Bob Bakish and VIMN UK managing director David Lynn sent C5 staff a reassuring “business as usual” earlier today, and it is not expected to usher in any sudden strategy or personnel changes.

It is thought that Viacom has plenty of admiration for the job done by C5’s management team and is inclined to retain the likes of Ben Frow, currently C5 director of programmes. It will also look to secure key C5 programming brands, most notably Big Brother.

There is a general expectation that Viacom will spend more on originations than Northern & Shell has in recent years.

While there are no guarantees, the toe-in-the-water commissioning strategies for channels such as Comedy Central make more economic sense if they are supplemented by a major free-to-air network.

Viacom plans to leverage that increased investment by playing content it orders for Channel 5 on its other stations around the world, including in the US.

While the £450m deal may not be financially transformative for a company of Viacom’s vast scale, strategically it is hugely significant.

Viacom has free-to air-assets in some major territories, including Nickelodeon in Germany and Paramount Channel in Spain, but it is primarily a pay operator and does not own a mainstream general entertainment channel akin to Channel 5.

It has been widely expected that Sky Media will take over the C5 sales account, and while this remains a possibility, it is not a foregone conclusion.

It is thought that Viacom has been impressed by C5’s in-house sales division and changes are unlikely in the short term. Viacom could choose to hand sales for its 20 UK pay channels to the C5 division, to sell across pay and free-to-air.

It is not yet clear whether Viacom will look to relocate C5 to its Camden headquarters.

Also, from Broadcast:

Viacom’s vision for Channel 5

Viacom is keen to bolster links between its US and UK assets once it completes its £450m acquisition of Channel 5, ramping up coproduction opportunities between the British broadcaster and the likes of MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon.

The US giant has committed to boosting C5’s spend on originations, but will do so with one eye on its global network.

Viacom chief executive Philippe Dauman said: “There’s a lot of possible co-operation between the US and the UK in both directions for Channel 5.”

MTV US is developing more scripted content, such as a remake of horror fi lm Scream, and male-skewing stablemate Spike TV is working on a 6 x 60-minute drama about ancient Egyptian king Tutan khamun. Both could play on C5, alongside younger-skewing comedies such as Comedy Central’s Amy Poehler-produced Broad City.

The Viacom deal also paves the way for originated scripted series to return to C5, with UK projects receiving backing from US channels, and for C5’s reality and popular factual shows to air overseas.

Viacom’s US channels, particularly MTV, have commissioned a slew of content from British indies in recent months, including Alaskan reality series Slednecks from All3Media America, One Bad Choice from Optomen and competition series Beyond Dance from Zodiak USA, while key supplier 495 Productions, which makes Jersey Shore, has been acquired by UK-based Fremantle Media.

One indie boss with several projects in development across MTV’s US channels said it will be interesting to see whether any of these projects migrate back to the UK. “Historically, there’s not been too many links between MTV in the US and the commissioners in the UK,” said the producer.

There will also be scope for C5, MTV and Comedy Central to work together on acquisitions. Viacom will look to bolster C5’s daytime acquisitions, which largely comprise older series such as Columbo.

Many of C5’s major US acquisitions, such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and NCIS, are sold globally by CBS Studios International, a sister company to Viacom, also owned by Sumner Redstone, meaning that they are unlikely to be affected by a change in ownership.

OWNERSHIP: WHO IS SUMNER REDSTONE?

Viacom owner and executive chairman Sumner Redstone is a mercurial fi gure in American media. The 90-yearold billionaire owns both Viacom (including the Paramount movie studio) and CBS, the US broadcast network and studio operated by Les Moonves.

Viacom chief exec Philippe Dauman is widely considered to be Redstone’s chief lieutenant, although he does not possess the showbusiness sparkle of Moonves.

Redstone has had corporate tussles with Rupert Murdoch, John Malone and Barry Diller over the years, and famously fi red MTV boss Tom Freston after he failed to buy social networking site MySpace.

VIACOM: A MAJOR PLAYER IN THE US

Selling C5 for £450m represented a tidy profit for Northern & Shell, but the deal was small fry for Viacom. The latter turned over $2.38bn (£1.44bn) in the last quarter, generating profits of $502m (£303m). It also operates in a US market in which channel deals can be far larger. Scripps paid $1.1bn (£666m) for 65% of the Travel Channel in 2009, for example.

Also from Broadcast:

C5 deal opens door for Pact

Viacom’s acquisition of Channel 5 represents an opportunity for new terms of trade to be struck between Pact and the UK broadcaster.

Relations between previous owner Northern & Shell and Pact had become strained and terms of trade negotiations broke down last year. Viacom is expected to be a tough negotiator, but is likely to bring a more collaborative approach to talks once the deal closes, which could take between three and six months.

There have been fears that C5 could become purely a depositary for US series under Viacom, but this will not be the case. The group told US analysts it is committed to ordering originations for C5, and one of the prerequisites of the 10-year licence that Ofcom awarded C5 last year was that it airs at least 50% original commissions.

Viacom will look to take more international rights for such commissions, to play them across its global portfolio of channels, particularly in Europe and Australia. But it knows it will have to pay for those rights and does not want to “frighten the horses” in the indie sector, and hopes they will buy into the opportunities Viacom offers.

One example of the indie perspective came from Firecracker Films managing director Sue Oriel. She said: “My biggest concern will be the potential erosion of terms of trade; while C5 maintains its terrestrial licence, these should apply, but Viacom surely will wish to retain rights to supply its other global networks.”

The MTV owner stressed that it wants to strengthen its ties to the “vibrant” UK production marketplace. “We believe that we will be able to invest in more programming for Channel 5 that will make the channel even more vibrant and utilise some of that programming on our UK pay channels and, even more importantly, on our existing and future networks around the world,” said Viacom chief executive Philippe Dauman.

Viacom will not “rip up” the existing structure of the C5 commissioning team, led by director of programming Ben Frow, and while there will be a more joined-up commissioning process between C5 and Viacom’s pay channels, there is unlikely to be a centralised commissioning process.

MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon will continue to commission content in the UK, but will likely carve out a terrestrial window for their shows.

Nickelodeon will work more closely with C5’s Milkshake! brand, and Comedy Central, which has been aggressively ramping up its original slate with series such as Big Talk’s Mummy’s Boys and Clerkenwell Films’ Medics, will benefit from a wider window, given the cost of such shows.

Also, from TBI Vision:

UK indies seek dialogue with new Channel 5 owner Viacom

Independent producers in the UK are seeking to meet with top executives from new Channel 5 owner Viacom to discuss programming plans and build relationships.

UK indies trade body Pact yesterday issued a release that said the sector would seek to meet Viacom “very soon”.

The body noted indies had regularly met with Northern & Shell, Channel 5’s previous owner. However, some indies have privately complained about Northern & Shell’s tough terms of trade.

“I am sure indies will see Channel 5’s acquisition as an opportunity to do business with one of the world’s biggest media companies,” said Pact CEO John McVay. “Historically, Channel 5 has been the home for content from many of the UK’s independent production companies.

“We hope that we can start a positive dialogue with Viacom as soon as possible, in the same way that indies have worked so successfully with other UK public service broadcasters.”

New York-based Viacom, which owns Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and MTV, acquired Channel 5 for £450 million (US$760 million) earlier this month, subject to regulatory rubberstamps. This made it the latest US media group to buy into the UK TV market.

Viacom expects Channel 5 will boost the group’s international programme sales and create a new pipeline of original content for other networks in the stable.

UK indies will seek to use Viacom’s ties to the US market to boost their own stateside business, Pact noted. “The US broadcasters are very familiar with British creative content and programming from UK indies has never been in greater demand from American interests.”

In related news, Channel 5 has commissioned UK indie Barcroft Productions and Shine International to produce OAPs Behaving Badly, which is a 1x60mins doc about pensioners who act anti-socially in Tenerife. Characters include a 74 year-old [...], a granddad who has blown his family inheritance working at a bar and a grandmother who parties with friends half her age.

Guy Davies, commissioning editor, factual and features at Channel 5, said: “These entertaining and larger than life characters will capture viewers’ imagination and open their eyes to how some choose to spend their twilight years.”

---

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon and Viacom News!

Nickelodeon's Northern European Channels To Premiere Brand-New "Sam & Cat" Special "#TheKillerTunaJump" This Weekend

Nickelodeon channels across Northern Europe have announced the exciting Nickelodeon International news that they will premiere and show the brand-new one-hour special episode of Nick's original buddy comedy series "Sam & Cat" titled "#TheKillerTunaJump: #Freddie #Jade #Robbie" over the weekend!

Below are the days and TX (transmission) times each local Nickelodeon channel within Nickelodeon Europe will air the all-new "Sam & Cat" special:

Nickelodeon Benelux:

Nickelodeon Netherlands (Nederland) - Saturday 3rd May 2014 at 7:25pm (19:25; locally titled "De Gevaarlijke Tonijnsprong"/"The Dangerous Leap Tuna")

Nickelodeon Belgium (België; Flanders) - Saturday 3rd May 2014 at 7:30pm (19:30; locally titled "De Gevaarlijke Tonijnsprong"/"The Dangerous Leap Tuna")

Nickelodeon Scandinavia:

Nickelodeon Denmark (Danmark) - Sunday 4th May 2014 at 6:30pm (18:30; locally titled "Dræbertun-springet")

Nickelodeon Sweden (Sverige) - Sunday 4th May 2014 at 5:15pm (17:15; locally titled "Dödshoppet Över Tonfisk"/"Death Jump Over Tuna")

Nickelodeon North:

Nickelodeon Germany (Deutschland) - Thursday 1st May 2014 at 2:45pm (14:25; locally titled "Der killerthunfisch Sprung")

Nickelodeon Austria (Österreich) - Thursday 1st May 2014 at 2:45pm (14:25; locally titled "Der killerthunfisch Sprung")

Nickelodeon Switzerland (Schweiz) - Saturday 3rd May 2014 at 7:25pm (19:25; locally titled "Der killerthunfisch Sprung")

Nickelodeon Poland (Polska) - Saturday 3rd May 2014 at 6:30pm (18:30; locally titled "Skok przez tuńczyki"/"Over The Tuna")

Nickelodeon Norway - TBA

---

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon Northern Europe and Sam & Cat News!