Sunday, July 21, 2013

Nickelodeon And Activision Reveal New "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Video Game Based On The Network's Hit CG-Animated Series

Below is Nickelodeon's official Press Release, from PRNewswire, announcing the exciting Nickelodeon News that Nickelodeon, one of the world's leading entertainment brands for kids and families, and Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard (Nasdaq: ATVI), have revealed their collaboration on an all-new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" video game inspired by the network's hit CG-animated series. The side-scrolling action-brawler game features an authentic storyline ripe with franchise-favorite characters and locations, with loads of combat and animated scenes. "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" is expected to launch Tuesday 22nd October 2013 in North America, Wednesday 23rd October 2013 in Asia and Australia, and Friday 25th October 2013 across Europe and Latin America for the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo Wii system and Nintendo 3DS. You can also watch Nick and Activision's announcement trailer featuring a first look at "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - The Video Game" below.

Original Nickelodeon Press Release:

Nickelodeon and Activision Reveal New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™ Video Game Based on The Network's Hit CG-Animated Series

NEW YORK, July 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon and Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard (Nasdaq: ATVI), today revealed their collaboration on an all-new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™ video game inspired by the network's hit CG-animated series. This side-scrolling action-brawler game features an authentic storyline ripe with franchise-favorite characters and locations, with loads of combat and animated scenes. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™ is expected to launch Oct. 22 in North America, Oct. 23 in Asia and Australia, and Oct. 25 across Europe and Latin America for the Xbox 360® games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo Wii™ system and Nintendo 3DS™.

"We're thrilled to debut this new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles video game for our younger Turtles fans," said Sherice Torres, Senior Vice President of Entertainment Products, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. "Jam-packed with all the ninjas, nunchucks and non-stop action Turtles fans crave, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is set to delight fans around the globe when it launches in time for the holidays."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is an energetic game that stays true to the classic Turtles-style gameplay and atmosphere. With four-person, local, drop-in-and-out co-op play (Xbox 360 and Wii only), the game features character upgrades, secondary items, and multiple gameplay modes. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for Xbox 360 and Nintendo 3DS is rated E 10+ (Everyone 10+ – content generally suitable for ages 10 and up) by the ESRB. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for Wii is not yet rated by the ESRB.

Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles CG-animated series premiered Sept. 29, 2012, and was an instant hit. It's currently one of the top animated series with kids and boys 2-11, and reaches approximately 24 million viewers per month on Nickelodeon*. Funnier and with more ninjutsu than ever before, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles explores the companionship of four teenage brothers learning to rely on themselves and one another as they unravel the mystery of their existence, and grow to become the heroes-in-a-half-shell that they are destined to be. The series airs regularly on Nickelodeon, Saturday mornings at 11:00 a.m. ET/PT. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles property won the 2013 TOTY Awards for Property of the Year and Boy Toy of the Year.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles CG-animated series will be available worldwide in more than 45 markets and translated into eight languages: English, Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain), German, French, Dutch, Swedish and Italian.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 34th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 18 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.

* Source: NMR, Most current, 3Q-to-date (7/1/13-7/11/13), minimum 2 telecasts

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future, including statements about the expected release date are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include unanticipated product delays and other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

Activision is a registered trademark of Activision Publishing, Inc. Nintendo trademarks and copyrights are properties of Nintendo. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Nickelodeon

RELATED LINKS
http://www.nick.com

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Announcement Trailer



Activision Publishing has announced Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a side-scrolling action brawler set in the same universe as Nickelodeon's popular animated series.

Also, from eXophase.com:
Oddly enough, the upcoming game has only been confirmed for the Xbox 360, Wii, and 3DS. No PlayStation 3 or Wii U plans yet, which is kind of weird. Well, the Wii U thing is kind of expected, but still.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Nickelodeon At San Diego Comic-Con International 2013 News Round-Up

Welcome to a special San Diego Comic-Con edition of NickALive!'s Nickelodeon News Round-Up! In celebration of Nickelodeon attending San Diego Comic-Con International 2013, below is a selection of highlights from Nick at SDCC '13, all the epic news Nickelodeon announced whilst at Comic-Con 2013, and much more!


Nickelodeon's "Nick Booth" at San Diego Comic-Con International 2013; (C) Entertainment Weekly

New Korra!: The epic Nickelodeon news from #NickSDCC was that Nickelodeon announced in a trailer/promo as part of the networks "Legend of Korra" SDCC panel on Friday 19th July 2013 that Nickelodeon USA, also known as Nick, will start to premiere and show episodes from the very highly anticipated, long-awaited "The Legend of Korra: Book Two - Spirits", in September 2013!! Full news here on NickALive! Korra fans located in the USA can watch the trailer, watch a very special sneak peek video clip from the first episode, titled "Rebel Spirit", and view design artwork from the second season on Nick.com!

Nickelodeon has also shared the trailer for "The Legend of Korra: Book Two - Spirits" on their official YouTube channel, which you can watch below!



The next chapter of The Legend of Korra is almost here! Check out the trailer for The Legend of Korra - Book 2: Spirits coming this September.

Meanwhile, it was also announced by Bryan Konietzko, co-creator of "Legend of Korra", on his official Tumblr blog that storyboard work for the first episode of season 4 of "Legend of Korra" had already begun!

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Season 1 Finale: Nickelodeon debuted their trailer for the season one finale episode of Nickelodeon's CGI-animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" television series, as part of Nick's TMNT SDCC 2013 panel! The episode, which will guest star Roseanne Barr as the villainous Kraang Prime, is scheduled to premiere on Nick USA in August 2013. Watch the TMNT season one finale trailer below!:



The return of Casey Jones! Casey Jones is BACK!!! Nickelodeon unveiled a special 1st look at footage of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" menacing hockey player and maniacal vigilante, who will be voiced by Nickelodeon Star Josh Peck ("Drake & Josh", "The Amanda Show", "Snow Day"), at Comic Con 2013. Check out the trailer below!




More Mutants!: Nickelodeon unveiled exclusive sketches of characters who will be appearing in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" season two during their #TMNT #NickSDCC panel!:


Leatherhead Returns: Nickelodeon has also announced at their TMNT panel that villain Leatherhead WILL return in season 2 of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", which Nick will start to show from September 2013. The question is 'how'...

"Teenage Mutant LEGO Ninja Turtles"!: To celebrate LEGO's brand new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" playsets and minifigures, LEGO has constructed and debuted a very special "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" LEGO sculpture at SDCC 2013!:


Time to (Turtle) Power Up!: Nickelodeon and Activision Publishing announced at the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con International a brand new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" video game based on Nick's massively popular CGI-animated TMNT series called "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Video Game". The game, a side-scrolling action brawler set in same universe as Nick's TMNT series, will be released for the Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo 3DS consoles during the holiday season in Fall 2013. In the game, based on the hit Nickelodeon animated series, New York City is in danger, and the Turtle brothers are in trouble. It's time to team up with your friends and stop the evil uprising! "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - The Video Game" will act as a bridge between season one and season two of Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles". The game will have a ESRB content rating of E 10+ - Everyone 10+, and will contain comic mischief and fantasy violence. Check out the first footage of Nick and Activision's TMNT game in their trailer below:



"Sanjay and Craig" Sneak Peek: Nickelodeon gave lucky attendees to San Diego Comic-Con International 2013 a special sneak peek look of a upcoming episode of the networks newest animated series, "Sanjay and Craig"!:


"It's Morphin' Time!": Nickelodeon and Saban Brands announced during their "Power Rangers" San Diego Comic-Con International 2013 panel that in the second season of "Power Rangers Megaforce", called "Power Rangers Super Megaforce", which Nick USA will start to premiere and show from early 2014, will feature what is one of the most highly anticipated moments in television history – The Power Rangers Mega War! Taking inspiration from the original "Super Sentai" TV series (which the "Power Rangers" series is based on and uses footage from), the Mega War features the return of ever single Ranger, who must band together against an imposing force.

Plus, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the "Power Rangers" franchise, there will also be a special edition Power Rangers DVD box set released. "Power Rangers Legacy: The First 20 Years" will be a limited run of 2000 and will feature every single episode of Power Rangers to date on 98 DVDs. That is 270 hours of brightly coloured hero awesomeness! The DVD box set will also come in a very special Red Ranger bust:


Lastly, but not least, the "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" will be making their triumphant return as a complete team for the first time since 1997. "The Further Adventures of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" is a comic book series from publisher Papercutz. Each issue of the ongoing series will act as a "Lost Episode" for the series, building more on the characters and their adventures. The first volume of the series will take place before the Green Ranger is introduced to the team, and from that point the sky's the limit. ["Power Rangers" news from Capsule Computers]

Back to the Future: The creators of the classic Nickelodeon live-action series "The Adventures of Pete & Pete" and Nickelodeon's latest new Nicktoon "Sanjay and Craig", Will McRobb and Chris Viscardi, the creator of classic Nicktoon "Hey Arnold!", and the creator of Nickelodeon's upcoming brand new Nicktoon "Breadwinners", Gary "Doodles" DiRaffaele, took part in Nickelodeon's special "Nick Re-Mix" SDCC panel and signing session! Nickelodeon also made a very special Classic Nickelodeon Sizzle Reel for the panel, which fans located in North America can watch at.nick.com/12SgHeK!

Nick Treats


It wouldn't be Comic-Con without the great gear available! Here is some of the great Nickelodeon SDCC Goodies Nickelodeon took along for Comic Con 2013 attendees!:

Lauren Montgomery, supervising producer, conceived and drew this lovely, whimsical illustration of "Korra's Spirit Parade" for the limited edition art print on sale at the Nick booth for the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con. Sylvia Filcak-Blackwolf, Frederic Stewart, and Bryan Konietzko also helped to paint/color the very special, very high quality, detailed, and vibrant picture. Lauren also signed copies of the image for a selection of SDCC 2013 attendees during a signing session! You can also buy a copy of the print here on the official Nickelodeon Shop!


Nickelodeon also has plenty of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" goodies at SDCC 2013, including this great Comic-Con edition Shredder, exclusive to #NickSDCC from Playmates Toys on sale in San Diego:


These great "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" postcard/print sets for lucky attendees signing up to the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" fan club at Nick's SDCC 2013 booth:


Plus these excellent "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" badges/buttons (including a Space Heroes/SpaceHeroes badge):


Pssssst anyone see the awesome stuff Nickelodeon's #NickShop brought to #NickSDCC? You can grab your own gear here: http://at.nick.com/1btgdoH

Nick Tweets


Below is a selection of Tweets made by Nickelodeon USA and TMNT Master on their official Twitter profile pages:

Tweeted by @NickelodeonTV:

Day 1 of #NickSDCC is off to a great start! We interviewed some San Diego residents to see what they're excited for: http://at.nick.com/12LsNec - Thursday 18th July 2013

Straight outta #NickSDCC we've got a clip from the first episode of #LegendOfKorra! http://at.nick.com/1axMWpU pic.twitter.com/pil7C01KJJ - Friday 19th July 2013


GIFset from yesterday's #LegendOfKorra #NickSDCC panel and signing! @janetvarney's reactions say it all! http://at.nick.com/15wM8i3 - Saturday 20th July 2013


Kyoshi warriors won the final #KorraNation prize pack during last night's #NickSDCC scavenger hunt! #MakesSense http://at.nick.com/18uQKuJ - Saturday 20th July 2013

Tweeted by ‏@TMNTMaster

These prints look familiar?? Sign up for the #NickTurtles fan club at our #NickSDCC booth to get a set!! pic.twitter.com/gacyk7pPxq - Thursday 18th July 2013

This Shredder is siiiiiick! Exclusive to #NickSDCC from @PlaymatesToys! pic.twitter.com/WXU5QAF4jF - Thursday 18th July 2013

How AWESOME is this Comic Con exclusive Shredder figure?! Stop by the #NickSDCC booth to get one! pic.twitter.com/VENoe6Gbsu - Thursday 18th July 2013

The Turtles are taking over! Check out this Lego TMNT Tower at #NickSDCC pic.twitter.com/kMjZy9V4Od - Thursday 18th July 2013

There's some seriously cool TMNT things here at Comic Con, like this exclusive @IDWLimited Comicfolio! #NickSDCC pic.twitter.com/V0ylOxWp1H - Friday 19th July 2013


The #NickTurtles are taking over local San Diego news! pic.twitter.com/ixBQcLvyvb - Friday 19th July 2013


Can't make it to our #NickSDCC booth? You can still get cool gear like this Kraang shirt here: http://at.nick.com/197QUYq pic.twitter.com/NLQMPfm69V - Friday 19th July 2013


Donnie's just trying to blend in with the crowd at Comic Con! #NickSDCC pic.twitter.com/4XpPBQYly1 - Friday 19th July 2013


Now at the #NickSDCC booth, @yakkopinky is giving away handsome looks, free with a signed item |;|) pic.twitter.com/fMVPyXyuBo - Friday 19th July 2013


Limited edition Casey Jones prints, signed by the master himself, Ciro Nieli! #NickSDCC #NickTurtles pic.twitter.com/JLrqcgd0Xj - Friday 19th July 2013

Anyone else collecting the Turtles prints from the @IDWPublishing booth at #NickSDCC? pic.twitter.com/CtzkTV2JN1 - Friday 19th July 2013


This is what happens when you leave @GregCipes backstage at #NickSDCC... pic.twitter.com/4OblEWMd5p - Saturday 20th July 2013


Yesterday at #NickSDCC: @ClevelandJr (Kevin M. Richardson) and @maebirdwing giving props to the #NickTurtles Fan Club! pic.twitter.com/Le48MgXKYT - Saturday 20th July 2013


Plus, PJ Byrne, who voices Bolin on "Legend of Korra", posted a exclusive photo of some of his favorite Korra cosplay attendees at this years Comic-Con on his official Twitter profile feed (@PJ_Byrne):

Korra fans! The best! @NickelodeonTV #bolin pic.twitter.com/mS2BPFmQ7X - Friday 19th July 2013


Interviews


Below is a selection of interviews held with Nickelodeon stars and staff at San Diego Comic-Con International 2013:

IGN Live presenters Greg Miller and Eric Goldman interview Mae Whitman, Rob Paulsen and Sean Astin, who voice April O'Neil, Donatello and Raphael, respectively, on Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" about season 3, Casey Jones, what the voice actors are currently working on, and their least favorite pizza toppings. Greg Cipes (voice of Michelangelo) also stops by for a photobomb!:



IGN reporter Joey Esposito interviews Greg Cipes, Peter Hastings, who's in charge of writing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Ciro Nieli, who is a executive producer on Nick's TMNT, about what's coming up on the show, upcoming characters and guest stars, Karai, and Dimension X:



IGN Live interviews Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko and Janet Varney, the creators and star of "The Legend of Korra", at Comic-Con 2013, about what's coming up for Korra in Book 2: Spirits, why season two took so long, working on three seasons (Book 2, Book 3 and Book 4) at the same time, upcoming guest stars - James Remar, who whoo voice Korra's father, Tonraq, Lisa Edelstein, who will play Kya, Tenzin's Waterbender sister, Richard Riehle, who will voice Bumi, Steven Yeun, who will play Avatar One, Wan, plus Aubrey Plaza and John Michael Higgins - plus Korra cosplay, a animated "Legend of Korra" movie, and much more!:

Friday, July 19, 2013

John Conlon, Vice President Director Of Research At Nickelodeon UK, Unveils Nick UK's Latest Research On What Children Think About Christmas, Santa And Gift-Giving

In his latest exclusive column for ToyNews, a monthly trade magazine for the toy business, John Conlon, who is Vice President (VP) Director of Research at Nickelodeon UK, has unveiled Nickelodeon UK's latest research on children's thoughts about Christmas, Santa Claus (also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle and Father Nickelmas/NickMas) and gift-giving:
Audience Watch: Children's thoughts on Christmas, Santa and gift-giving



Presented by Nickelodeon

In an exclusive column for ToyNews, each month John Conlon, VP Director of Research at Nickelodeon UK, will present the latest research on kids and their families. Don’t miss this essential guide for anyone in the toy business

It feels as though we’ve only just fired up the BBQs to mark the timid beginnings of summer, but for many retailers, advertisers and planners, Christmas is already on the agenda with seasonal line and catalogue launches on the horizon for this month.

In our latest piece of Nickelodeon research, the festive fervour seems to be well worth it. Christmas reigns as the most important annual event in the kid calendar – beating out birthdays, summer holidays and Halloween. Kids get excited and prepared for Christmas early with 40 per cent planning what they want two to three months before December 25th. In fact, 15 per cent of kids have already begun planning six months in advance.

In terms of what kids want to find in their stocking, technology ranks high, with boys and girls citing games consoles, tablets and phones as top gift choices. For younger kids, toys including LEGO, football kits as well as posters and apparel featuring the pop band One Direction are seen as desirable Christmas items. Two out of three UK kids make a Christmas wish list, but only a third feel they get what they ask for.

As for the man in the red suit, just over half of kids aged four to nine (only 51 per cent) named Santa as the giver of Christmas gifts. For the non-believers, mum is unsurprisingly viewed as the most likely to buy them their Christmas gifts, while Dad comes a close second.

The gift giver matters too – 30 per cent of kids said that part of what makes a present a good one is that the gift comes from someone special.

Also, with almost half of all kids aged ten to 15 saving up pocket money to buy friends and family gifts, and over a third of kids the same age helping their parents with Christmas dinner, it seems that, among our children, the spirit of giving is certainly present (pun intended) at Christmas time.

About the author

John Conlon is Viacom International Media Networks VP Director of Research, UK Cluster. Overseeing all of VIMN’s research activity within the UK, Australia and Eastern Europe, John’s focus is to guide and support the development of VIMN’s business units through the provision of audience intelligence, analysis and insight.

John has overseen numerous research initiatives including brand positioning and consumer product studies, as well as audience investigations.

For research and advertising enquiries please contact partnerships@nickelodeon.co.uk

For licensing and retail opportunities please contact consumerproducts@nickelodeon.co.uk

TAGS christmas,audience watch,john conlon

Nickelodeon USA To Debut "The Legend of Korra" Book Two: Spirits (Season 2) In September 2013!

Some Breaking Nickelodeon News coming in from San Diego Comic-Con International 2013! Nickelodeon has just announced in a trailer/promo as part of the networks "The Legend of Korra" SDCC panel that Nickelodeon USA, also known as Nick, will start to premiere and show episodes from season two of Nickelodeon's original animated series (Nicktoon) "The Legend of Korra", called "Book Two: Spirits", in September 2013!!

Let NickALive! know what you think of this epic "Legend of Korra" news on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ and/or Facebook!

Very lucky attendees to Nick's TLoK SDCC panel will also get to watch a very special screening presentation of the entire, long-awaited first episode of Book 2! Follow the action of Nickelodeon at the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con International event on Twitter using hashtag #NickSDCC!


Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon and Legend of Korra news!

UPDATE: Below is a online streaming video of Nickelodeon's official Book 2 trailer that premiered at the LoK panel! Click play to watch!



Attention Comic-Con goers! Starting this evening (Friday 19th July 2013) at 5pm PDT, Korra Nation is hosting a scavenger hunt. AMAZING prizes are up for grabs, including exclusive Comic-Con swag signed by Mike and Bryan themselves! Check back on Korra Nation's official Tumblr blog for the first scavenger hunt clue. Each clue will lead to an intersection within walking distance of the Comic-Con convention center. Be the first to solve their clues and you could be one of their lucky winners! Who's ready? Full info at korranation.tumblr.com!

Nickelodeon Announces The Finalists For The First-Ever SpongeBob SquarePants Global Short Film Competition, SpongeBob SquareShorts: Original Fan Tributes

Nickelodeon, one of the world's leading recognized entertainment brands for kids and families, has today (Friday 19th July 2013) announced in the following press release, from Nickelodeon's Kids and Family Press Site, NickPress.com, the top five finalists in two categories (under 18 years of age, and 18 and over) for the first-ever global SpongeBob SquarePants-themed short film competition, "SpongeBob SquareShorts: Original Fan Tributes"!. More than 1,000 SpongeBob-inspired short films–celebrating the positivity and optimism of SpongeBob–were submitted by fans and filmmakers of all ages from all corners of the world during the submission period, which ran from Monday, May 6 2013 to Friday, June 28 2013.

SpongeBob SquarePants fans can visit www.spongebobsquareshorts.com from now through Friday, August 2, 2013 at 8:00p.m. EDT, to watch the finalist videos and vote for their favorites in each category via the website and/or via Twitter. To cast a vote via Twitter, tweet the unique hashtag associated with each of the short films. A winner from each category will be announced by Friday 9th August 2013 and awarded a $2,500 cash prize and a trip for four people to a screening event at the recently announced SpongeBob Fan Shellabration at Universal Studios in Hollywood, California, USA!

Congratulations and good luck to all the finalists in Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquareShorts contest!

Original Nickelodeon Press Release:

NICKELODEON ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR FIRST-EVER SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS GLOBAL SHORT FILM COMPETITION, SPONGEBOB SQUARESHORTS: ORIGINAL FAN TRIBUTES

More than 1,000 Entries Received Globally

View the Finalists at www.spongebobsquareshorts.com and Vote for Your Favorites Online and Via Twitter Through August 2

Tweet this: Nickelodeon announces Top 5 for 1st ever global SpongeBob #SquareSHORTS competition, vote for your favs @ www.spongebobsquareshorts.com

Click here to download the SpongeBob SquareShorts: Original Fan Tributes sizzle [reel].

NEW YORK – July 19, 2013 – Nickelodeon announced today the top five finalists in two categories (under 18 years of age, and 18 and over) for the first-ever global SpongeBob SquarePants-themed short film competition, SpongeBob SquareShorts: Original Fan Tributes. More than 1,000 SpongeBob - inspired short films–celebrating the positivity and optimism of SpongeBob – were submitted by fans and filmmakers of all ages from all corners of the world during the submission period, which ran from May 6 to June 28.

Entries were received in animation, stop-motion, and live-action, among others. Featuring original storylines, the top five finalist videos in both categories highlight SpongeBob's endearing attributes: humor, overflowing happiness and persistent positivity. Finalists were chosen by a panel of judges comprised of Nickelodeon executives from all corners of the globe. Videos were judged on originality & creativity, incorporation of SpongeBob’s attributes, and overall appeal.

Now through Friday, August 2, at 8:00p.m. EDT, fans can visit www.spongebobsquareshorts.com to watch the finalist videos and vote for their favorites in each category via the website and/or via Twitter. To cast a vote via Twitter, tweet the unique hashtag associated with each of the short films. A winner from each category will be announced by August 9th and awarded a $2,500 cash prize and a trip for four people to a screening event at the recently announced SpongeBob Fan Shellabration at Universal Studios in Hollywood, Calif.

The finalists for the inaugural SpongeBob SquareShorts: Original Fan Tributes competition include:

Top Five finalists in the "18 and over" category – Twitter voting hashtag

Diligence by Joshua (United States) – #SquareShortsVOTE1
Finally Home by Nicole (South Africa) – #SquareShortsVOTE2
SpongeBob My Best Friend by Arisdagues (Mexico) – #SquareShortsVOTE3
SpongeBob – Old Krabby Patty (SpongeBob – Alter Krabbenburger) by Jürgen (Germany) - #SquareShortsVOTE4
The Interview by Brett (United States) – #SquareShortsVOTE5

Top Five finalists in the "under 18 years of age" category

The Krabby Patty Formula Music Video by Keith (United States) – #SquareShortsVOTE6
SpongeBob Jellyfish Catcher (SpongeBob Quallenjagd) by Alessio (Switzerland) – #SquareShortsVOTE7
The Silver Screen by Matthew (United Kingdom) – #SquareShortsVOTE8
The Krabby Commercial by David (United States) – #SquareShortsVOTE9
Get Out of Here! By David (United States) – #SquareShortsVOTE10

For additional details on the official rules and voting rules, please visit www.SpongeBobSquareShorts.com.

SpongeBob SquarePants is a world-renowned and beloved character-driven cartoon that chronicles the nautical and sometimes nonsensical adventures of SpongeBob, an incurably optimistic and earnest sea sponge, and his undersea friends. The series is seen in more than 170 countries and territories and in more than 35+ languages. The series consistently ranks as the #1 program in its time slot vs. all other kids’ channels in Brazil, Canada, Spain, Hungary, Mexico, and the Netherlands, and is a top 10 program on Nickelodeon in markets including the UK, Russia, Australia, Germany and Italy. It is the most widely distributed property in Viacom Media Networks history.

SpongeBob SquarePants is executive produced by creator Stephen Hillenburg, who previously worked as a writer, director and creative director on Nickelodeon's animated series Rocko's Modern Life. Paul Tibbitt served as a director and writer on SpongeBob SquarePants for its first three seasons and is currently executive producer. The series is a Nicktoons Production and is produced at the Nickelodeon Animation Studios in Burbank, Calif.

About Nickelodeon

NICKELODEON is one of the most globally recognized and widely distributed multimedia entertainment brands for kids and family. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company’s portfolio includes television programming and production around the world, plusspecial events, consumer products, digital offerings, recreation, books, feature films and pro-social initiatives. Nickelodeon's brands are seen globally in more than 450 million households in over 100 countries and territories via more than 70 locally programmed channels and syndication. Outside of the United States, Nickelodeon is part of Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.

# # #

Media Contacts:

Katelyn Balach
Nickelodeon/NY
Katelyn.Balach@nick.com
212-846-6283

Jean Yoo
Nickelodeon/LA
Jean.Yoo@nick.com
310-752-8824
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, and/or Facebook for the latest news about Nickelodeon and SpongeBob SquarePants!