Tuesday, July 01, 2014

Nickelodeon USA To Premiere "Dora and Friends: Into the City!" On Monday 18th August 2014

Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids and families, has today, Tuesday 1st July 2014, announced in the following press release, from Business Wire, the exciting news that global phenomenon Dora the Explorer sets off on her next big adventure in "Dora and Friends: Into the City!", a brand-new animated preschool series starring the Latina heroine in new adventures, with new friends and a new interactive curriculum, premiering in primetime Monday 18th August 2014 at 8:00pm (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon USA!



Nickelodeon's "Dora and Friends: Into the City!" (Graphic: Business Wire)

The half-hour series (20 episodes) features the iconic character Dora living in a city, attending school and at the center of a peer group that works together to give back to the community - having both real-life and magical adventures along the way. Created by Chris Gifford and Valerie Walsh Valdes ("Dora the Explorer", "Go, Diego, Go!"), the series will regularly air weekdays during the Nickelodeon preschool programming block on Nick USA. The "Dora the Explorer" series, which after 14 years remains the most-watched preschool show on TV, will continue to air.

Developed with the support of educational experts and tested by preschoolers themselves, "Dora and Friends" is set to a contemporary soundtrack of Latin-influenced pop music and features an interactive curriculum focusing on community service, problem solving, emotional skills, Spanish language and Latino culture.

Set in the fictional city of Playa Verde, Dora and her friends go on adventures, whether it's rescuing a lost stuffed monkey for a little boy in the hospital or returning a ring to an ancient Mayan Princess. Throughout her journeys, Dora uses Map App on her smartphone and a magical charm bracelet to navigate the city and overcome any obstacle. In the new series, Dora continues to be a good friend, leader, and problem-solver with a group of new friends – Kate, Naiya, Emma, Alana and Pablo - who share her passion for learning and exploring. You can find out more information about Dora's new friends in Nickelodeon's original press release below.

At the "Dora and Friends" official show webpage on Nickelodeon's award-winning website, NickJr.com, kids and parents can learn about the show, download and print ebooks and print "Dora and Friends" coloring pages. Plus, kids can play "Dora and Friends" games, including the new "Dora and Friends It's Concert Day" game, where they meet Dora's new friends, discover her city and help everyone get ready for a big concert. The series premiere episode will be on NickJr.com, as well as available for streaming and download on iTunes, Amazon, Xbox, Sony, Vudu, Nook and Fios Flex View the day after air.

Nickelodeon will begin to launch and start to premiere and show "Dora and Friends" on Nickelodeon's 40+ international channels across Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia, including Nick Jr. UK and Ireland, this Autumn/Fall.

Additionally, Nickelodeon has teamed up with Fisher-Price to expand the "Dora the Explorer" franchise with interactive dolls, playsets and accessories that will hit the market beginning in August 2014. Nickelodeon has also signed more than 130 new licensees across apparel, publishing, home goods, electronics and specialty categories, with products set to launch this fall into early 2015.

Original Nickelodeon Press Release:

Nickelodeon Takes World's Most Beloved Explorer on Her Biggest Adventure Yet with Brand-New Preschool Series Dora and Friends: Into the City! Debuting in Primetime Monday, Aug. 18, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT)

*(Screeners available upon request; artwork available at nickpress.com)

July 01, 2014 12:12 PM Eastern Daylight Time

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Global phenomenon Dora sets off on her next big adventure in Dora and Friends: Into the City!, a brand-new animated preschool series starring the Latina heroine in new adventures, with new friends and a new interactive curriculum, premiering in primetime Monday, Aug. 18, at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon. The half-hour series (20 episodes) features the iconic character Dora living in a city, attending school and at the center of a peer group that works together to give back to the community--having both real-life and magical adventures along the way. Created by Chris Gifford and Valerie Walsh Valdes (Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!), the series will regularly air weekdays during the preschool block on Nickelodeon. The Dora the Explorer series, which after 14 years remains the most-watched preschool show on TV, will continue to air.

"Dora and Friends: Into the City! expands on Dora's legacy of being a compassionate leader, friend and role model, in a setting where she can have dynamic peer relationships and experience the world around her in new and exciting ways," said Teri Weiss, Executive Vice President, Nickelodeon Preschool. "Preschoolers will explore with their favorite pal Dora and her friends while developing interpersonal skills and a sense of community that will help them navigate new social situations like starting school and making friends. And, of course, learn Spanish along the way."

Developed with the support of educational experts and tested by preschoolers themselves, Dora and Friends is set to a contemporary soundtrack of Latin-influenced pop music and features an interactive curriculum focusing on community service, problem solving, emotional skills, Spanish language and Latino culture.

Set in the fictional city of Playa Verde, Dora and her friends go on adventures, whether it’s rescuing a lost stuffed monkey for a little boy in the hospital or returning a ring to an ancient Mayan Princess. Throughout her journeys, Dora uses Map App on her smartphone and a magical charm bracelet to navigate the city and overcome any obstacle. In the new series, Dora continues to be a good friend, leader, and problem-solver with a group of new friends–Kate, Naiya, Emma, Alana and Pablo-who share her passion for learning and exploring.

Meet Dora's new friends:

Kate - an avid reader who is dramatic and artistic.
Naiya - a smart girl who excels at math and science.
Emma - an accomplished musician with a drive to be the best.
Alana - an athletic, confident soccer player and animal lover.
Pablo - a smart, playful, energetic athlete and explorer.

At Dora and Friends on Nickelodeon’s award-winning website, NickJr.com, kids and parents can learn about the show, download and print ebooks and print Dora and Friends coloring pages. Plus, kids can play Dora and Friends games, including the new “Dora and Friends It’s Concert Day” game, where they meet Dora’s new friends, discover her city and help everyone get ready for a big concert. The series premiere episode will be on NickJr.com, as well as available for streaming and download on iTunes, Amazon, Xbox, Sony, Vudu, Nook and Fios Flex View the day after air.

Dora and Friends will begin rolling out on Nickelodeon's international channels this fall.

Nickelodeon has teamed up with Fisher-Price to expand the Dora franchise with interactive dolls, playsets and accessories that will hit the market beginning in August. Additionally, Nickelodeon has signed more than 130 new licensees across apparel, publishing, home goods, electronics and specialty categories, with products set to launch this fall into early 2015.

Nickelodeon Preschool is "the smart place to play," with a legacy of providing educational and entertaining programming that empowers kids to learn while they play. Through the years, Nickelodeon Preschool has consistently created highly engaging, age-appropriate, educational and innovative shows like Blue's Clues, Dora the Explorer, Team Umizoomi, Bubble Guppies and Wallykazam!. Educational consultants are used to develop a deep, unique curriculum for each show and storybook versions of every episode are tested with kids to ensure quality. The content is available on TV, online, mobile, and tablets, allowing kids to interact with and learn from their favorite characters across multiple platforms.

Nickelodeon, now in its 35th 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 more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 19 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).

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A Spanish version of the above Nickelodeon Press Release announcing the US premiere of "Dora y sus amigos: ¡en la ciudad!" is available to read here on Business Wire.

Nickelodeon USA's "Dora and Friends: Into the City!" Launch Promo/Trailer:

Dora and Friends: Into the City! Trailer from Elizabeth Cain on Vimeo.

Nickelodeon's New Animated Preschool Series, "Dora and Friends: Into the City!" Debuts this August! The new series stars Latina heroine Dora in new adventures, with new friends and a new interactive curriculum!


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Monday, June 30, 2014

It's Turtle Time at Nickelodeon Land at Blackpool Pleasure Beach this July

The Blackpool Gazette and Team Nick are reporting the Booyakasha TMNT news that it's Turtle Time at Nickelodeon Land at Blackpool Pleasure Beach this July!

As part of Turtle Time, Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Donatello - fresh from the sewers of New York City, are taking over the UK's only Nickelodeon Land, where they'll be meeting and greeting their younger fans, performing special live shows, and showing off their latest Ninja moves everyday from Tuesday 1st July 2014 until Thursday 31st July 2014! There'll also be Ninja Moves Dance Competitions and face painting and ShellHeads are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" character!

Unlimited Ride wristbands cost from £17.99 for juniors and £19.99 for adults when booking 10 days in advance at www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com.

Upcoming character-led Nickelodeon activities during the 2014 season include, SpongeBob's SplashBash Challenge in August 2014, Toddle Time with Dora and Diego in September 2014 and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in October 2014.

Nick's fearless Heroes in a Half Shell - Leo, Raph, Mikey and Donnie - recently climbed and descended down The Big One, a 235ft high steel roller coaster at Pleasure Beach, Blackpool, the UK's favourite tourist attraction on Monday 16th June 2014 for ABF The Soldier's Charity.

Don't forget to follow the crazy Team Nick gang on Twitter and Instagram for the latest Nickelodeon Land news, and take a 360 tour of Nickelodeon Land UK here on BlackpoolPleasureBeach.com!


From BlackpoolGazette.co.uk:
Fresh from the sewers of New York City



Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are taking over Nickelodeon Land at Blackpool Pleasure Beach this July. Leo, Mikey, Raph and Donny will be showing off their moves every day from July 1.

Fresh from the sewers of New York City, the Turtles will be interacting with their younger fans in shows.

Considered one of the most popular kids’ television programmes of the 1980s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a classic cartoon which was first launched in 1984. For the modern era it’s been given a 21st animation on the small screen.

Unlimited Ride wristbands cost from £17.99 for juniors and £19.99 for adults when booking 10 days in advance at www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com.

Other character-led activities during the 2014 season include, SpongeBob’s SplashBash Challenge in August, Toddle Time with Dora and Diego in September and the Turtles in October.

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon Land UK and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles News!

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Salta Burgers To Open Real Life Krusty Krab In Ramallah, On The West Bank Of Palestine

Ever wanted to bite into a Krabby Patty fresh off the grill? SpongeBob fans will be able to realize that dream soon! The International Business Times, the Los Angeles Times, Metro, Fox News and The Huffington Post Canada are reporting the Sponge-tastic news that a company called Salta Burgers is building an exact replica of the Krusty Krab - the fast food joint SpongeBob SquarePants and his neighbor Squidward Tentacles work in the hit Nickelodeon original animated series, "SpongeBob SquarePants" - in Ramallah, on the West Bank of Palestine!


The building is being designed to be an exact replica of the fast food restaurant, complete with a lobster trap-shaped structure with nets on the windows, five flags strewn across the roof, and sailing ship steering wheels as tables. A model of Mr. Krabs, the founder and greedy owner of the Krusty Krab restaurant, where SpongeBob works as a frycook, even makes an appearance outside the building.

The Krusty Krab's official Facebook page, managed by Haytham Darwish, shows that the restaurant still under construction, and that the owners are looking for employees - cooks, cashiers, cleaners and security guards. There's no word on when the place opens and the menu and staff uniforms remain a bit of a mystery. It is also unclear whether the Palestinian entrepreneur/proprietor has gained permission from Nickelodeon and/or Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), the owners of the "SpongeBob" brand, to build a real life Krusty Krab, or whether Plankton is planning to build a Chum Bucket right across the street.

It is not the first to make use of the Krusty Krab name, with an establishment in Costa Rica – which has since closed – also paying homage to the famous Bikini Bottom hangout.

Check out a selection of photos from Salta Burgers' construction of the real world Krusty Krab!:






You can find more photographs of the Krusty Krab being built here on Salta Burgers official Krusty Krab Facebook profile page, Facebook.com/Salta3Burger.Palestine!
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Saturday, June 28, 2014

It's Morphin Time! Saban's Iconic Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger Joins The 88th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade With A New Giant Balloon

Saban Brands has announced in the following press release, from PR Newswire, the exciting "Power Rangers" News that, to celebrate Thanksgiving 2014, the legendary Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger will make his epic debut as he morphs into a giant helium balloon for the 88th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday 27th November 2014! Marking the first-ever Power Ranger balloon, the Red Ranger will captivate millions of spectators and television viewers nationwide as he flies across the skies of New York during the holiday event.

Saban has also announced that Nickelodeon USA will continue to premiere and show brand-new episodes of "Power Rangers Super Megaforce" from Fall/Autumn 2014, and confirmed that Nick USA will debut the upcoming 22nd season, Saban's "Power Rangers Dino Charge", in early 2015.

Additionally, Saban Brands and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq: JAKK) recently announced their strategic collaboration on the development of a new multi-platform property, "Emojiville". Saban Brands will launch Emojiville as an original web series this fall, and is also developing a television series for the brand to debut in the near future. This new kids' series follows five emoji friends and their hilarious antics in "Emojiville" - a colorful town filled with spirited personalities and awesome adventures.

Original Saban Brands Press Release:

It's Morphin Time! Saban's Iconic Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger Joins The 88th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade® With A New Giant Balloon



First-Ever Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger Balloon Sketch for the 2014 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade(R) (attributed to Saban Brands) (PRNewsFoto/Saban Brands)

LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, June 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- This Thanksgiving, the legendary Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger will make his epic debut as he morphs into a giant helium balloon for the 88th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade® on Thursday, Nov. 27. Marking the first-ever Power Ranger balloon, the Red Ranger will captivate millions of spectators and television viewers nationwide as he flies across the skies of New York during the holiday event.

"We look forward to creating a larger than life Mighty Morphin Power Ranger balloon that will entertain generations of fans while sharing the Power Rangers core values of teamwork, responsibility and helping others," said Elie Dekel, President of Saban Brands. "Seeing the Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger soar in the Macy's Parade will truly be legendary."

"The super-sized Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger will be an incredible addition to the stellar line-up of balloons taking to the sky this Thanksgiving," said Amy Kule, Executive Producer of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. "As one of the most recognizable characters in television history and a powerfully relevant star for today's generation of kids, the Red Ranger will take his rightful place in the skies over New York City and sail into the homes of more than 50 million fans who tune in on Parade morning. We are honored to welcome the Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger into the Macy's Thanksgiving Day balloon family."

Originally debuting in 1993, Power Rangers is one of the longest running boys live-action series in television history and continues to be a top-rated series entertaining fans of all ages. New episodes of Saban's Power Rangers Super Megaforce, return this fall on Nickelodeon, followed by the premiere of the 22nd season, Saban's Power Rangers Dino Charge, in early 2015.

For more information, please visit www.powerrangers.com and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. The 88th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade airs nationwide on NBC-TV, on Thursday, November 27, 2014 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; in all time zones.

About Saban's Power Rangers

Saban's Power Rangers franchise is the brainchild of Haim Saban, creator and producer of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers hit series that launched in 1993. Following its introduction, Power Rangers quickly became the most-watched children's television program in the United States and remains one of the top-rated and longest running boys live-action series in television history. The series follows the adventures of a group of ordinary teens who "morph" into superheroes and save the world from evil. It is seen in more than 150 markets around the world, translated into numerous languages and is a mainstay in the most prominent international children's programming blocks. For more information, visit www.powerrangers.com.

About Saban Brands

Formed in 2010 as an affiliate of Saban Capital Group, Saban Brands (SB) was established to acquire and develop a world-class portfolio of properties and capitalize on the company's experience, track record and capabilities in growing and monetizing consumer brands through content, media and marketing. SB applies a global omni-channel management approach to enhancing and extending its brands in markets worldwide and to consumers of all ages. The company provides full-service management, marketing, promotion and strategic business development for its intellectual properties including comprehensive strategies unique to each brand, trademark and copyright management and enforcement, creative design, retail development, direct-to-consumer initiatives and specialized property extensions. SB's portfolio of properties currently includes Power Rangers, Paul Frank, Julius Jr., Digimon Fusion and Popples, among many others. For more information, visit www.sabanbrands.com.

About the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
With more than 50 million viewers across the country and more than 3.5 million spectators that line up along the streets of New York City each year, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national icon that has grown into a world-famous holiday event. For more than 85 years, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has marked the official start of the holiday season. Growing in size and scale, the Parade proudly marches down a more than 2-mile route in New York City with more than 8,000 participants in tow including Macy's employees, their families, celebrities, athletes, clowns and dance groups spreading holiday cheer. The Parade also features America's best marching bands, fabulous floats and Macy's signature giant helium character balloons. For more information on the Macy's Parade please visit www.macys.com/parade or call the Parade hotline at (212) 494-4495.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140616/118490

SOURCE Saban Brands

RELATED LINKS
http://www.sabanbrands.com

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Steve Viksten, "Hey Arnold!" Writer And Voice Actor, Passes Away

The Huffington Post is reporting the news that Steve Viksten, a writer and voice actor on Nickelodeon's iconic original animated series (Nicktoon) "Hey Arnold!", sadly died on Monday 23rd June 2014 at the age of 54. As well as writing many episodes of "Hey Arnold!", Steve also voiced the character Oskar Kokoshka in the series and wrote the show's theatrical movie. The Huffington Post's article, below, features a statement from Nickelodeon confirming the news, as well as a memorial post about Steve Viksten by Craig Bartlett, who created "Hey Arnold!", which Craig posted to his official Facebook profile page on Tuesday 24th June 2014, along with the following photo:



Steve Viksten is pictured bottom row center; Source: NICKandMore; Photo copyright Craig Bartlett
Steve Viksten Dead: 'Hey Arnold!' Voice Actor Dies At 54

"Hey Arnold!" writer and voice actor Steve Viksten died Monday at the age of 54.

Viksten voiced the character Oskar Kokoshka, a mooch with an ambiguous Eastern European accent, on the iconic Nickelodeon TV show. There’s no word yet as to the cause of his death.

(Story continues below)



In addition to his memorable performance as Oskar, Viksten shined as a writer. According to The A.V. Club, Viksten wrote the "Hey Arnold!" movie, as well as some fan-favorite episodes including "Arnold's Hat" and "Stoop Kid." His writing credits also include episodes of "Rugrats," "Recess," "Duckman" and "The Simpsons."

"We are deeply saddened to learn that Steve Viksten has passed away. Steve was a gifted artist and we were honored to have the opportunity to work with him on our beloved shows 'Hey Arnold!' and 'Rugrats.' Our heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones," Nickelodeon, which confirmed news of his death, said in a statement to The Huffington Post.

Craig Bartlett, who created "Hey Arnold!", posted a memorial about Viksten to his Facebook page on June 24.

"Steve Viksten, who wrote many of my favorite Hey Arnold! Stories, died yesterday. I was lucky to be near to so much talent for so long. RIP," the post reads.

Commenters have since been showering the thread with their condolences.

"RIP Steve Viksten... Thank you've for using your talent and allowing it to bring joy to thousands of kids, teens and adults," wrote one.

"RIP, thanks for contributing greatness to my childhood," wrote another.