Monday, February 16, 2015

Nickelodeon UK Announces "Road to the KCAs"; Hosted By Jordan Banjo And Perri Kiely Direct From The USA

Nickelodeon UK has announced the very exciting Nick UK news in their brand new promo/trailer that, to celebrate the Nickelodeon 2015 Kids' Choice Awards, Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK will be holding a very special Kids' Choice Awards-themed programming stunt in the weeks leading up to the 2015 KCAs presented by Diversity stars Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely called "Road to the KCAs", in which Jordan and Perri, the UK hosts of Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards 2015, will be touring the United States and sending back the very latest Orange Carpet gossip, showcasing the very best of Nickelodeon and covering all the excitement in the build-up to this years slime-tastic extravaganza!


Catch Jordan and Perri stateside as they countdown to the biggest show of the year, the Nickelodeon 2015 Kids' Choice Awards, "Nickelodeon's 28th Annual Kids' Choice Awards", in "Road to the Kids' Choice Awards", from Friday 27th February 2015, and watch the Nickelodeon 2015 Kids' Choice Awards, hosted by the multi-talented singer/songwriter and actor Nick Jonas, on Sunday 29th March 2015 at 5:00pm (repeated at 6:00pm on Nickelodeon +1), less than 24 hours after the live US show, only on Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK!


The presenting international sponsors of the 2015 "Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards" are Heelys, Why Walk? and Dreamworks' comedy movie, "HOME". The UK sponsors are Nickelodeon Land at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Nickelodeon UK's award-winning The Nick App.
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Nickelodeon Spain To Hold First SLIME FEST Event In May 2015

Nickelodeon Spain (Espana) has announced the very exciting Nickelodeon International news in the 'Noticias' section on their recently relaunched official website, nick.es, that, following the tremendous success of Nickelodeon Australia's annual SLIMEFEST event, Nickelodeon Spain will be holding their first ever SLIMEFEST event, the BIGGEST kid-powered, star filled family slimefest of the year, this Spring!


Nickelodeon Spain will be holding their first ever SLIME FEST concert, titled "¡Nickelodeon SLIME FEST: El Festival De Musica Para Toda La Familia!", at the Barclaycard Center of Madrid (Palacio de Deportes) on Saturday 2nd May 2015!

Nickelodeon Spain has also announced that the first artists confirmed for SLIME FEST 2015 are Gemeliers, Xuso Jones, Critika & Saik and Calum!:
¡NICKELODEON SLIME FEST: EL FESTIVAL DE MÚSICA PARA TODA LA FAMILIA!

¿Siempre has querido asistir a un festival de música como los mayores? ¿Has soñado con tener a tus artistas favoritos juntos en un mismo escenario? ¿Quieres descubrir qué es eso de ser "Slimeado"? ¡Pues no esperes más! El próximo 2 de mayo podrás vivir una experiencia alucinante en el Barclaycard Center de Madrid porque llega: ¡EL NICKELODEON SLIME FEST: EL FESTIVAL DE MÚSICA PARA TODA LA FAMILIA! Tras su exitazo en Australia, donde se ha celebrado tres años seguidos en ciudades como Sidney y Melbourne, el NICKELODEON SLIME FEST se celebra por primera vez en España para convertirse en el que sin duda va a ser ¡el evento MÁS PEGAJOSO del año! ¡Y el MÁS DIVERTIDO! Toneladas de SLIME, ese moco verde seña de identidad de la casa, cubrirá los asistentes mas atrevidos además de a ¡TUS ARTISTAS FAVORITOS! Los primeros confirmados: ¡GEMELIERS, XUSO JONES, CRÍTIKA Y SAIK y CALUM! Y muchos más aún por llegar… Todos ellos estarán el día 2 mayo en el NICKELODEON SLIME FEST para presentar sus nuevos trabajos y darlo todo en un evento inolvidable. ¿¡A qué esperas!? Hazte con tu entrada en www.ticketmaster.com y prepárate para bailar, cantar, saltar, gritar, divertirte y, por supuesto, PRINGARTE en el ¡NICKELODEON SLIME FEST!

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Sunday, February 15, 2015

Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Mutate And Roll Into The 2015 North American International Toy Fair

Original Nickelodeon and Playmates Toys Press Release via PRNewswire:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutate And Roll Into The 2015 North American International Toy Fair

Playmates Toys to Debut All-New 2015 Offerings Featuring Cool Mutations and One-of-a-Kind Die-cast

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Feb. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresh off a wildly successful 2014 in which the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures were ranked the #1 selling toy according to the NPD Group, Playmates Toys, the company behind the popular toy line, is thrilled to reveal its all-new 2015 offerings during North American International Toy Fair. Inspired by season 4 of Nickelodeon's hit TV series, Playmates Toys will introduce its biggest extension to date in the line called Mutations, extensions to the successful Half Shell Heroes preschool line and a new die-cast segment called T-Machines; in addition to new action figures, vehicles, role play and playsets. The new Turtles lineup will be on display from February 14-17, 2015 in booth #761.

"As the Turtles continue to be one of the hottest brands, we're excited to introduce toy segments that bring all-new levels of play to the Turtles world," said Karl Aaronian, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Playmates Toys. "For example, kids will now be able to recreate the Turtles' mutation, transform an action figure into a playset, or roll through the sewers and streets with the new die-cast vehicle collection."

"After five years of an incredible partnership, we are excited to be working with Playmates Toys on what is now the most sought-after toy property, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," said Manuel Torres, Senior Vice President, Global Toys and Publishing, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. "The new toy segments we're launching will elevate the Turtles' popularity even more to fans around the world."

Highlights of the 2015 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line from Playmates Toys include the following:


Mutations Segment
Kids can now recreate the Turtles mutation story over and over again with the Pet Turtle to Ninja Turtle action figures. Fun and easy, kids can transform the four Heroes from pet turtles to 5.5", fully articulated Ninja Turtle action figures, each coming with their signature weapons and ready to fight evil everywhere!


With Mix & Match Mutations, kids can find out how it looks if the Turtles had Metalhead's power, Shredder's armor, Tiger Claw's stripes and Splinter's quick reaction hands. Kids can mix and match the heads, arms, legs and torsos of the fully articulated 4.5" tall action figures to create hundreds of different mutations.


A 24" Leonardo ninja turtle transforms into a complete Sewer Lair Playset with the 24" Leonardo Turtle to Playset. This set provides hours of Ninja fun with nine different rooms and over 30 features including spring activated surprises, false floors and so much more.

The Turtles can easily transform to different modes with the new assortment of Mutations vehicles. They can transform from fight to flight mode, tearing up the terrain or speeding through the skies with the Quad Rotor, which transforms from a motorcycle to a quad copter and includes exclusive Cloud Cruisin' Leo figure and with the Tri-Flyer, which transforms from an AT-3 to a jet and includes exclusive Jet Jammin' Raph. Additionally, the Turtle Turbo Charger allows kids to transform the Turtles from speed mode into battle mode. The vehicle features spring-fired mutant missiles and the hood can be lifted for battle mode.


T-Machines Segment
T-Machines is an all-new collection of die-cast vehicles and playsets, providing a unique play environment for kids. The fast-rolling vehicles feature a die-cast chassis, flashy rims and an action-posed, non-removable figure driving each vehicle. The 1/50 scale vehicles are available in an assortment of single-packs, as well as 2 and 4-pack vehicle sets. Also included in the world of T-Machines is the Shell Launcher, which gives a powerful boost to all of kids' T-Machines vehicles.

Additional vehicles in the collection include the T-Machines Sound Vehicles, which allow kids to hear the engines roar, tires squeal and their favorite Ninja Turtles scream out battle cries. Each 1/50 scale vehicle plays 10-15 different sound effects. Featuring over 30 phrases and sound effects, kids can let the party begin with another vehicle, Leo's Audio Tuner Party Van. Kids can push the 1/24 scale Party Van to hear Leo speak at different speeds and volumes, adjusting to how fast or slow the vehicle is pushed. For even more fun, kids can continually push Leo back and forth to listen as he audio tunes his words!

Rounding out the line is a variety of playsets, including the Sewer Gas Station, Garage & Lair, Turtles' Revenge and Race to the Sewer playsets. Compatible with all the T-Machines vehicles, the playsets include tunnels, lifts and other features for kids to roll and battle their vehicles. They can also be snapped together to create a bigger T-Machines play environment.

Half Shell Heroes Preschool Segment
The Half Shell Heroes segment, which successfully launched last year, is sized just right for smaller preschool hands. The collection features brighter colors, softer expressions and safe play features, allowing kids as young as three to experience open-ended imaginative play with the whole family of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles heroes and mutants.

Extensions to the line include the introduction of new 2.5" action figure characters including Baxter Fly, Slash and Tiger Claw, as well as an assortment of new vehicles that each come with a 2.5" action figure. The line also features toys that bring fun to the tub, including Bath Tub Squirters and Bath Tub Vehicles. Young Turtle fans can even become their favorite Ninja Turtle with the new Soft Foam Electronic Talking Role Play sets and the Soft Training Shell.

About Playmates Toys
With a history of nearly 50 years, Playmates Toys is today among the most well-respected and innovative marketing and distribution companies in the global toy industry with a proven history in the creation of imaginative products as well as the development and management of profitable, long-term brand franchises. Key brands include today's #1 selling male action brand TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES. From its offices in Hong Kong and California, Playmates designs, develops, markets and distributes its products in over 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.playmatestoys.com or http://facebook.com/playmatestoys.

About Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Since its launch in 2012, Nickelodeon's all-new CG-animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has re-energized these iconic characters of this wildly popular franchise. Currently in its third season, the series is seen in over 170 countries and territories, and translated in over 50 languages. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles follows four mutant turtles—Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo—trained in the art of ninjutsu by their mutant rat sensei, Master Splinter, who teaches the turtles to battle evil from the New York City sewers. Executive produced by Ciro Nieli and Brandon Auman, the series is created at Nickelodeon Animation Studios in Burbank, Calif.

The Paramount Pictures feature film premiered Aug. 8, 2014, landing at #1 opening weekend with $65MM. To date, the film has grossed $477MM worldwide and a sequel is set to be released in 2016.

About Nickelodeon
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 20 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).

SOURCE Playmates Toys

RELATED LINKS
http://www.playmatestoys.com

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Oni Press Hints They're Planning To Launch A "Invader ZIM" Comic Series

The North American independent comic book publisher Oni Press has hinted in a image posted on their official Tumblr blog that they may soon be launching a comic book series based on Nickelodeon's cult animated series "Invader ZIM"!

In the image, below, Oni Press has written "Doom is Coming" on top of a purple background, two themes used on the show, using the font used in the credits of "Invader ZIM". Oni Press also mentions in their post that more news will be announced on Friday 20th February 2015! Jhonen Vasquez, the creator of "Invader ZIM", also retweeted the news on his official Twitter profile page, @JhonenV:



Stay tuned for more - 2/20/15

Source: ToonZone forum member Dudley.
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Sakar Renews Nickelodeon License, Launches New Dora, SpongeBob and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Toys & Electronics

Original Nickelodeon and Sakar International, Inc. Press Release via PRNewswire:

Sakar Renews Nickelodeon License, Launches New Dora, SpongeBob and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Toys & Electronics


NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- TOY FAIR -- Global youth electronics leader Sakar International today announced the renewal and worldwide expansion of its long-standing licensing partnership with Nickelodeon. As part of the deal announced today at the 2015 Toy Fair New York, Sakar will launch new lines of Dora and Friends, SpongeBob SquarePants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles products this spring, all with a totally refreshed design based on the latest character iterations.


"We've had a terrific partnership with Nick over the last five years delivering electronic toys, accessories and more featuring some of the most beloved characters in the industry," said Liza Abrams, VP of licensing for Sakar. "With Dora's new look, the new SpongeBob movie now in theaters and the latest Turtles movie still reaching new audiences, these products are perfectly timed to cater to a whole new generation of Nick fans."

"The combination of Sakar's electronics with our globally popular Dora, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and SpongeBob has led to some of the most in-demand, on-trend items available," said Manuel Torres, Senior Vice President, Global Toys and Publishing, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. "We're incredibly happy to continue this great partnership with Sakar."

Sakar's new Nick lineup includes:

* Dora and Friends clock radio-molded Bluetooth speaker and password journal, projection flashlight, a microscope and flashlight explorer pack and more. Now of school-going age, Dora and her new group friends are sporting an updated look, with seven all-new programming specials set to run through Fall 2016.

A top 10 pre-school show for ages 2-5, Dora and Friends celebrates learning through discovery. With its learning-based, multicultural content, Dora and Friends boasts 71% awareness and 88% purchase interest among moms. The new product launches will be accompanied by exclusive retail initiatives at Target for Spring 2015 and the "Off to Preschool" program at Walmart for Back to School 2015.

* SpongeBob SquarePants earbuds, plush headphones, smartphone and tablet cases and molded karaoke machines. Celebrating the theatrical debut of The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water last week, these new products are designed for SpongeBob fans young and old. While the series is the #1 animated show for kids age 2-11, one-third of its audience is comprised of adult fans ages 18-49.

With the SpongeBob movie debut supported with a major retail push at Walmart, Target, Toys 'R Us and Meijer, these new Sakar products will leverage the brand momentum throughout 2015.

* Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action cameras, headphones, karaoke boom box and phone cases. Fresh off last summer's Michael Bay epic action adventure, and with a TMNT 2 coming to theaters in Summer 2016, the heroes in a half shell have become the #1 action figures at retail, amassing an 18 percent market share in the boy's toy sector and over $3 billion in global retail sales.

The #1 show on cable for boys ages 2-11, the animated television series has also had a refresh, featuring a smoother, more modern look with advanced CGI-animation graphics. Now in its third season, the fourth installment of this latest iteration debuts this fall.

For more information about Sakar's new line of Nickelodeon products due in-store this Spring and Summer, visit Sakar at Booth #1717 during the 2015 Toy Fair New York going on now through February 17, or visit www.sakar.com.

About Sakar International

Sakar International, Inc. is a leading provider of consumer electronics and accessories. With a rich heritage of technology innovation since 1977, Sakar has developed a global presence by consistently evolving alongside technology to develop on-trend, cutting-edge products. Sakar licenses over 40 major entertainment brands and has maintained a diverse portfolio of product offerings, including: digital cameras, video recorders, karaoke machines and small appliances, along with audio, tablet, camera, smartphone and computer accessories.

Sakar is the parent company to Vivitar, a full-spectrum consumer tech company specializing in the production of tablets, cameras, camcorders, mobile accessories, and health and wellness products. Sakar is headquartered in Edison, New Jersey, with additional offices in the United Kingdom, Canada, Latin America, Australia, Hong Kong and China.

About Nickelodeon

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 20 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).

SOURCE Sakar International, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.sakar.com

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