"Avatar: The Last Airbender" Co-Creators Support Shyamalan's Live-Action Version

From SciFi Wire:

Avatar Creators Praise Night

The creators of Nickelodeon's animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender told SCI FI Wire that they are thrilled that The Sixth Sense director M. Night Shyamalan will adapt their series into a live-action feature film.

"We are thrilled that there is going to be a feature film of Avatar and that M. Night Shyamalan is writing, producing and directing it," co-creator Mike DiMartino said in an interview. "Personally, I can't wait to see Appa fly!" DiMartino referred to the bison that the lead character, a 12-year-old boy named Aang, rides in the series. (The first season and the first part of the second series have just been released on DVD.)

In Avatar, Aang and a select group of kids have learned to control the elements of water, air, fire and earth and find themselves in a battle with the inhabitants of the Fire Nation. The kids are accompanied by odd creatures and pets.

"Yeah, maybe I will get to hang out with Momo for real now!" added co-creator Bryan Konietzko about a comical flying lemur. "The movie is in the earliest stages, so it is too soon to comment on exactly what we will be doing. However, Mike and I have met with Night and, on top of really admiring his craft, he is a great guy who really respects the material. It means a lot to us that he personally chose to do this project, and we look forward to helping him in any way."

Cartoonist sues creator of SpongeBob SquarePants

From The Contra Costa Times, via The Lawrence Journal-World:

Cartoonist sues creator of SpongeBob

Walnut Creek, Calif. — Cartoonist Troy Walker created a comic strip in 1991 about a sponge with a personality.

Bob Spongee had eyes, legs and arms. He lived on Apple Street with his wife, Linda, and their daughter, Bubbles.

Walker, of Fairfield, Calif., then produced 1,000 dolls: yellow sponges with a “drawn-on” face that he sold as collectibles in flea markets and through the mail.

In 2002, he learned about Nickelodeon’s buck-toothed animated character, “SpongeBob SquarePants,” who lives underwater in the fictitious city of Bikini Bottom.

“They took all of it,” Walker said this week. “I sold the Bob Spongees all throughout Northern California. It obviously fell into the hands of one of the producers of the show. It’s a clear pattern of duplication.”

SpongeBob’s image now decorates almost any object children use — from lunch boxes and sippy cups to pillow cases and window curtains.

The 40-year-old cartoonist has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in San Francisco against Nickelodeon, Viacom, Paramount Studios and Stephen Hillenberg, the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants.

Walker has demanded $1.6 billion in damages, alleging that the defendants used his idea without his permission.

Hillenberg could not be reached for comment. Nickelodeon will not comment on pending litigation, a spokeswoman said in a written statement.

“However we believe this is a baseless claim,” the statement says.

Walker originally filed his complaint in August acting as his own attorney. Now the San Francisco-based law firm Nevin & Absalom has taken his case. Walker’s attorney, Edward Nevin, was not available to comment.

Walker’s complaint lays out Bob Spongee’s evolution during the recession of the early 1990s. In Walker’s original concept, he drew a nose and mouth on a kitchen sponge, attached plastic googly eyes and placed the effigy in a clear bag that included a small comic strip, “Sponge for hire! Meet Bob Spongee, The Unemployed Sponge.”

He said he has kept copies of the advertisements he ran for the Bob Spongee doll in the Oakland Tribune.

He cites a 2004 episode of “SpongeBob SquarePants,” called, “Sponge for hire!” as a piece of “undeniable proof” that Nickelodeon ripped him off.

“It is more than ironic that two working-class sponges are named Bob,” Walker says in his complaint. “Both characters are unemployed. Both characters live in a house concept.”

Walker said he tried to work out a settlement with Viacom’s attorneys when he first learned about SpongeBob. But Viacom stopped corresponding with him, he said.

Viacom’s attorneys have said in court documents that Sponge Bob is different than Bob Spongee.

“Defendants’ work(s) are not substantially similar to any protectible elements of any of plaintiff’s allegedly infringed works,” attorneys wrote in response to Walker’s complaint.

Nickelodeon Unveils Star-studded Lineup to Celebrate 20th Anniversary Milestone Kids' Choice Awards, Saturday, March 31

From NickKCAPress.com:

Nickelodeon Unveils Star-studded Lineup to Celebrate 20th Anniversary Milestone Kids' Choice Awards, Saturday, March 31

Music Superstars Gwen Stefani and Akon to Perform

Beyoncé, Jessica Alba, Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Queen Latifah, Mike Myers, Jamie Lynn Spears, Hilary Duff, George Lopez, Jon Heder, Chris Evans, Ice Cube, Drake Bell, Emma Roberts, Jesse McCartney, Nelly, Ciara, Tom Kenny, Zac Efron, Bindi Irwin, Shia LaBeouf, Hayden Panettiere, Masi Oka, Ty Pennington, Tyler James Williams, Nat Wolff, Alex Wolff, Devon Werkheiser, Lil' JJ, Chris Brown and Ryan Sheckler Will Join Host Justin Timberlake in Live Telecast

Los Angeles, Calif. – March 14, 2007 – Nickelodeon's 20th Annual Kids' Choice Awards has set a glittering, super-sized constellation of Hollywood's hottest stars to join host/nominee/two-time Best Burp winner Justin Timberlake for the live milestone telecast Saturday, March 31 (8 p.m. ET; tape delay PT) from UCLA's Pauley Pavilion. Beyonce, Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Queen Latifah, Mike Myers, Zac Efron, Bindi Irwin, Hilary Duff, Jessica Alba, Jamie Lynn Spears, George Lopez, Jon Heder, Chris Evans, Drake Bell, Emma Roberts, Jesse McCartney, Nelly, Ciara, Shia LaBeouf, Hayden Panetierre, Ice Cube, Masi Oka, Ty Pennington, Tyler James Williams, Devon Werkheiser, Lil' JJ, Nat Wolff, Alex Wolff, Chris Brown, Tom Kenny and Ryan Sheckler will amp up the wattage at the event often hailed as an Oscars for kids, as they participate in the record-breaking kudos/mess-fest.

"Kids' Choice is a fantastic mix of mega-stars and mega-mess, and our 20th anniversary show will be the biggest, loudest, messiest, star-filled spectacle in two decades," said Marjorie Cohn, Executive Vice President, Development and Original Programming. "This is the event where Hollywood celebrities come to play and this year if you want to be seen, you gotta go green because we'll be breaking the slime barrier."

In her first-ever KCA performance, Grammy Award-winning superstar Gwen Stefani and popular singer-songwriter Akon will ignite the kid crowd with the hit title song from Stefani's new album "The Sweet Escape."

Kids' Choice veteran/2007 nominee Timberlake, who'll grab the reins as a first-time host, will set the stage for Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice traditions including the Wannabe Award, an honor bestowed on a celebrity role model who kids most "want to be." Past recipients (chronologically 2001-06) are: Tom Cruise, Janet Jackson, Will Smith, Adam Sandler, Queen Latifah and Chris Rock.

Throughout the show the slime will flow – who knows where, when and on whom – and true to tradition an astonished star will get the goo. Sloshing through history, past star slimees include: Jack Black, Robin Williams, Johnny Depp, Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, Tom Cruise, Jim Carrey, James Earl Jones, Rosie O'Donnell, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Will Ferrell and Ben Stiller. The sixth annual burp contest will offer a terrific new twist, featuring kids and stars, and take the noise level to a new high. Past Burp Award winners include: Cameron Diaz, Jessica Alba and Steve Irwin (shared honor), Justin Timberlake (two-time winner) and Hugh Jackman.

Nickelodeon's "Slime Across America," a 50-market interactive tour that brings the green goo directly to kids, one city at a time, kicked off at the Nick Hotel in Orlando on February 26 and continues -- in an 18-wheel Slime Mobile driven by Pick Boy -- to 20 slimy stops before arriving in LA for Nickelodeon's 20th Annual Kids' Choice Awards. The tour features the Nick Live! Slime Edition stage show, a user-generated area where kids can create content to submit to Nick's new ME:TV interactive day-part (5-7 p.m. ET/PT), Nick stars and costumed characters, karaoke, auditions -- and of course slimings! Various slimings are featured on Nick throughout March during ME:TV. (A schedule of tour stops may be found at www.nick.com/slime. Nickelodeon's GoCityKids website also will also offer tour info.)

In a unique star-studded pre-show telecast hosted by TEENick's J. Boogie, the Orange Carpet arrivals will interlace programming from 6 to 8 p.m. ET/PT. Celebrity interviewees will climb atop a unique stage – a.k.a. the "Slime Across America" truck, conveniently parked next to the Orange Carpet.

Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards has emerged as one of the biggest events in Hollywood, boasting a massive popular vote and sweeping audience participation. It is the only award show that gives kids the power to vote for their favorites in movies, television, music, sports and much more – and honors their opinions with a live show filled with the stars they love.

Kids will be able to vote in advance in a total of 16 categories. Surprise awards also will be announced during the show. Voting began online March 5 on Nick.com. A different category is being featured on-air in ME:TV each week. In fact, for the first time, kids can vote on all available Nickelodeon digital platforms including Nick.com, Nicktropolis, TurboNick or text in their votes via cell phones, for the Nominees they think are deserving of Nick's highest honors.

Nicktropolis will offer a brand new virtual Kids' Choice Awards themed world where kids can stroll down the Orange Carpet, check out the KCA Control Room, sneak in Backstage, create their own Kids' Choice branded room and chat about the event in real time while watching the live TurboNick webcast together in viewing parties. TurboNick, Nickelodeon's broadband video service on Nick.com, will serve as the fully interactive home during the awards show, featuring a three-hour live Kids' Choice streaming event including coverage of the Orange Carpet, Backstage, and the Kids' Choice Awards after party, all hosted by ME:TV's Alex and Jordan.

Leading up to the award show, TurboNick will feature a Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards playlist, along with various clips from past awards shows and current promotions for the 20th Annual Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards. Mini-site features of the KCA 2007 area in TurboNick will include KCA clips, quizzes, games, and more.

In addition to the ever-popular Kids' Choice Awards nominee special, Nickelodeon will be celebrating the 20th year of the Awards with a special retrospective called "Deep inside the KCAs" in TEENick on Sunday, March 18, hosted by Emma Roberts (Unfabulous).

Nickelodeon's 7th Annual Kids' Choice Awards was the first to air internationally in 1994 on Nickelodeon's channel in the UK and now, more than a decade later, the US show is seen in more than 205 million households across Nickelodeon's 34 channels in the UK, Europe, Russia, Israel, Asia, Australia, Latin America and Brazil. Since premiering the first KCAs in the US in 1987, Nickelodeon has launched eight fully localized versions around the globe starting with Meus Premios Brasil in 2000 and Mis Premios Nick Mexico in 2003. Annual events now also take place in Sweden, Holland, Italy, China and Australia with additional shows to launch later this year.

The official Kids' Choice Awards - Volume 3 CD was released on March 1 and will be available exclusively at WalMart locations. The CD is a compilation of recent hit songs selected by kids from a who's who of popular artists.

Nickelodeon's 20th Annual Kids' Choice Awards is being produced by Nickelodeon Productions in association with Bob Bain Productions. Bob Bain, Mike Burg and Marjorie Cohn are executive producers. Paula Kaplan is co-executive producer. Media outlets can reference the most up-to-date information on Nickelodeon's 20th Annual Kids' Choice Awards by logging onto www.NickKCApress.com.

About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, in its 28th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in almost 92 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for almost 12 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

Wal-Mart and Nickelodeon Ink Advertising, Promotions and Merchandising Deal for Nickelodeon's 20th Annual Kids' Choice Awards

From NickKCAPress.com:

Wal-Mart and Nickelodeon Ink Advertising, Promotions and Merchandising Deal for Nickelodeon's 20th Annual Kids' Choice Awards

Wal-Mart Signs on as Exclusive Retail Sponsor of Star-Studded Awards Event

National Retailer Offers Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Vol. 3 CD and Other Exclusive Products Highlighting Kids' Favorites in Entertainment and Video Games

Bentonville, Ark. and New York (March 15, 2007) – Wal-Mart and Nickelodeon announce today a first-time advertising, promotions and merchandising partnership surrounding Nickelodeon's 20th Annual Kids' Choice Awards airing March 31. Wal-Mart has signed on to become the first and exclusive retail sponsor for Nickelodeon's highly anticipated annual television event that celebrates top entertainment picks, as chosen by kids. The advertising and promotional agreement between Wal-Mart and Nickelodeon will be divided among several Nickelodeon platforms including Nickelodeon television, Nickelodeon Magazine and Nick online.

As an associate sponsor of Nickelodeon's 20th Annual Kids' Choice Awards, Wal-Mart has launched a substantial advertising campaign on Nickelodeon this month, which runs through mid-April. The new spots star Wal-Mart's animated "spokes-elves," Wally and Marty, and build excitement about the TV event and products in stores. Additionally, Wal-Mart will sponsor a new and exclusive category within this year's Kids' Choice Awards - the "Favorite DVD" category - and will also have a sponsored area and dance floor at the Kids' Choice Awards after party. In stores, Wal-Mart will feature exclusive products and a designated Kids' Choice Awards display, and on-line kids can vote for their favorite DVD at www.nick.com/walmart.

"We are excited to be engaged in what has become a well-recognized and highly anticipated TV event for kids each year," said Stephen Quinn, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Wal-Mart Stores. "We see this partnership as a great opportunity to share our commitment to kids, tweens and families to be the retail destination for unbeatable values on their top selections."

"The Kids' Choice Awards are one of the biggest events on kids' television today, and we are thrilled to be working with Wal-Mart in marking the 20th anniversary of the show as the exclusive sponsor in the retail category," said Jim Perry, Executive Vice President, 360 Brand Sales for Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group. "Wal-Mart's creative promotional concept really signifies how marketers are able to take advantage of all Nickelodeon has to offer, with many platforms on which to partner to create customized programs."

Among the exclusive products available in Wal-Mart stores is the new Nickelodeon Kids' Choice, Vol. 3 CD, by Nick Records/SONY BMG's Commercial Music Group, retailing for $13.88. The CD marks the third installment of the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards music franchise. Over 18,000 kids voted on this year's cover design. The CD features 16 songs from today's most popular recording artists including Justin Timberlake, Carrie Underwood, Alicia Keys and Ashlee Simpson. It also includes up and coming acts like Danity Kane and the stars of Nickelodeon's latest live-action hit: The Naked Brothers Band.

Included with the in-store Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards displays and among Wal-Mart DVD movie selections will be exclusive DVD movie 2-packs for only $9.44. These include the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards "Winner's Collection" bundled with top kid movie favorites such as the Drake & Josh Go Hollywood DVD, the first television movie event based on the top-rated tween series, and the DVD of the hit theatrical film The Spongebob SquarePants Movie. A wide range Nickelodeon branded toys will also be featured prominently on in-store displays.

For movie fans who like to share their vote with friends, Wal-Mart and Nickelodeon have created a promotional web site (www.nick.com/walmart) where kids can vote for their favorite movie DVD. Wal-Mart character elves, Wally and Marty, also "host" the site and bring the fun of these selections to life, by showing visitors how to vote on their favorite DVD movie and share their vote with friends. Kids and parents can also see how other kids around the country are voting on their favorite DVD, minute by minute. The "favorite DVD" will be unveiled online on www.nick.com/walmart on March 31.

Shoppers can find more information about voting for favorite movies on the site, including the consolidated collection of toys, movies, video games and music on Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards in-store displays.*

Nickelodeon's 20th Annual Kids' Choice Awards takes place on Saturday, March 31 (8-9:30 p.m. ET/PT), and will honor kids' favorites from the worlds of film, music, sports and television in a star-studded live, milestone telecast (tape delayed for West Coast) from UCLA's Pauley Pavilion. Nickelodeon's no-holds-barred kudos/mess-fest will mark two decades monumentally by breaking the slime barrier. True to tradition, kids will rule and stars will rejoice with them. Singer/actor/two-time Best Burp Award winner and 2007 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards nominee, Justin Timberlake, will serve as the host of this year's awards show.

Nickelodeon's Annual Kids' Choice Awards is one of the network's highest rated events of the year. Last year's event earned top honors as the highest-rated Kids' Choice Awards with kids 6-11 and total viewers ever, garnering a record 5.9 million persons 2+ and 27 million votes.

(*Displays are available at 1,963 stores. Exclusive product offers are available at all stores and at www.walmart.com.)

About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, more than 127 million customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club locations across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $245 million to local communities in the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartfacts.com, www.walmartstores.com, or www.walmartfoundation.org.

About SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT is a global recorded music joint venture with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars, as well as a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT is 50% owned by Bertelsmann A.G. and 50% owned by Sony Corporation of America.

About Nick Records
Nick Records is a kids and tween focused music partnership between Nickelodeon and the Sony BMG Strategic Marketing. The Nick Records label focuses on showcasing emerging young artists as well as established talent from the network, through soundtracks based on its hit shows and compilations. Nick Records' niche is delivering quality music for kids. All of Nick Records releases have been leaders on the Billboard kid's music charts – with major hits including, Dora's Dance Fiesta!, and SpongeBob SquarePants' The Yellow Album.

About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, in its 28th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in almost 92 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for almost 12 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

Nickelodeon To Open First-Ever Nickelodeon-Themed Theme Park At Minnesota's Mall Of America

From Cynthia Turner's Cynopsis:

Nickelodeon Is the Leader

Kids' favorite properties and characters will come to life in the first-ever
Nickelodeon-themed park at Minnesota's Mall of America.

It's Just One Reason We've Remained #1 for 12 Straight Years.*

* Source: NMR, NHI (2Q'95 thru 1Q'07 td-(01/01/07-02/11/07, by quarter) for K2-11, based on NAT%
and imp across all comp cable nets, total prog day. Live Feed. Qual avail upon request. © 2007 Viacom.