ChangeX and Paramount Global Launch World Mental Health Day Community Fund
August 23, 2024
New grant initiative funded by Paramount Global now available to support communities to turn awareness into action on World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2024.
Funding will support up to 200 community projects across 10 countries, and can now be accessed HERE.
ChangeX, the community engagement platform, and Paramount Global, today announced the launch of the World Mental Health Day Community Fund, a new multi-region mental health and well-being focused community fund.
The fund will support communities to start or expand projects that positively impact mental health and well-being in the UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Mexico, Argentina, Germany, Netherlands, France and Chile. Communities can apply for funding now through September 14, 2024, to encourage action to commence on World Mental Health Day on October 10 2024.
This initiative is part of Paramount’s ongoing commitment to support mental health and well-being around the world. The World Mental Health Day Community Fund builds on the success of the U.S. focused grant program timed to Mental Health Action Day (the third Thursday in May) spearheaded by Paramount’s SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios and supported by select CBS-owned local stations. This year, grants were provided to 22 non-profit organisations reaching young people across the country for local activations.
“At Paramount, we are committed to our legacy of creating impact through initiatives and campaigns to drive change in support of critical social issues, including mental health. Launching this initiative in many markets around the world will further the ability of communities to take action and promote mental health and well-being,” said Crystal Barnes, Executive Vice President of Social Impact and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Paramount.
Niamh McKenna, co-founder and head of impact, ChangeX, said: “We are delighted to partner with Paramount to support communities in 10 countries, providing support to local projects that promote mental health and well-being.”
The fund will support up to 200 community projects with grants of up to $2,000 USD available. Applicants can apply for funding for one of two options: to bring a proven mental health and well-being focused idea to life, such as mindful meals and sidewalk listening, or fund an original idea for a mental health and well-being focused community project. Funding to adopt proven ideas will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to qualifying applicants.
About ChangeX
ChangeX is a community engagement platform designed to get funding and resources directly into the hands of ordinary people to lead impactful projects in their neighborhoods. ChangeX was established in 2015. It works with social innovators to scale proven solutions to environmental, economic and social issues and partners with companies and foundations to support local communities with the necessary funding. Its funders include Microsoft, Accenture and the LEGO Foundation, among others. ChangeX is an international non-profit organisation, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with teams based across Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia.
Paramount Global (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA) is a leading global media, streaming and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, Paramount’s portfolio includes CBS, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+ and Pluto TV. Paramount holds one of the industry’s most extensive libraries of TV and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, the company provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution, and advertising solutions.
The six-part series will debut exclusively on Paramount+ this Autumn.
Paramount+ has revealed first look photos of UK original series Curfew. The six-part thriller is produced by Vertigo Films (Monsters, Britannia, Mammals) in association with Evolutionary Films (I Am Vengeance: Retaliation), and wrapped production earlier this year in London.
An adaptation of Jayne Cowie’s Novel After Dark, the series is set in an alternative reality where all men live under ‘The Women’s Safety Act’, bound by a strict curfew from 7PM to 7AM every night with their movements tracked by an ankle tag 24 hours a day. When a woman’s body is discovered brutally murdered during curfew hours and left on the steps of the Women’s Safety Centre, veteran Police officer Pamela Green (Sarah Parish) believes that a man is responsible. But in a world where men are bound by the curfew system, her theory is rejected. The introduction of The Women’s Safety Act almost three years ago is widely considered as effective at protecting women, who have been able to go out at night without looking over their shoulders, and nobody wants to hear different.
If Pamela proves a man committed this murder, it could bring The Women’s Safety Act crashing down… people in high places are determined to make the curfew a success and will do all it takes to prevent Pamela from discovering the truth.
The photos, below, courtesy of Get Your Comic On, see Sarah Parish (Stay Close) in action for the first time as lead investigator Pamela Green, alongside Mitchell Robertson (Mayflies) who is rookie cop Eddie, shadowing Pamela on his first murder investigation. Mandip Gill (Doctor Who) joins the cast as Sarah, an employee at the local Women’s Safety Centre at the heart of Pamela and Eddie’s investigation. Alexandra Burke (Sister Act), winner of the fifth series of The X Factor (UK), joins the cast as Helen, a well intentioned local school teacher, advocator for the curfew and close friend of Sarah’s.
Rounding out the cast for the series is Lucy Benjamin (Detectorists), Larry Lamb (Gavin and Stacey), Bobby Brazier (EastEnders), Anita Dobson (EastEnders) Tommy McDonnell (Alice & Jack), Adam Korson (This Is Us), Amy Louise Pemberton (DC’s Legends of Tomorrow), Imogen Sandhu (Casualty), James Craven (Coronation Street), Selorm Adonu (Man to Man) and newcomer Raphael D’Alterio. Further imagery will be released at a later date.
Joasia Goldyn (Britannia) is the Series Director, whilst Lydia Yeoman (The Haze) is the lead writer. Joining Yeoman in the writing team is Jess Green (EastEnders), who will write episode three and Sumerah Srivastav (Manifest) will write episode five. Allan Niblo, Jane Moore and Nathalie Peter-Contesse are Executive Producers on the series for Vertigo Films. John Adams (Damaged) serves as Producer with Diane Shorthouse (Cyberbully) as Co-Producer.
The series was commissioned by Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, UK, and Paul Testar for Paramount+, and the series will debut on the service in the UK this Autumn, whilst Federation Studios will handle global sales.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Begins Production on Season 1
The all-new Original Series from CBS Studios will follow the adventures of a new class of Starfleet cadets.
StarTrek.com
School is in session, cadets!
Today (August 26) marks the official start of production on the original CBS Studios series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, which will follow the adventures of a new class of Starfleet cadets as they come of age in one of the most legendary places in the galaxy.
Here's everything we know about Star Trek: Starfleet Academy so far:
School is in session, cadets! Today marks the official start of production as the #StarTrek Stage welcomes #StarfleetAcademy.
Additional cast members include Tig Notaro and Robert Picardo, reprising their roles as Jett Reno and The Doctor, and guest stars Oded Fehr and Mary Wiseman, reprising their roles as Admiral Vance and Sylvia Tilly, as well as recurring guest stars Gina Yashere and Paul Giamatti.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy introduces viewers to a young group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves, and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself.
Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau serve as co-showrunners and executive produce the series alongside executive producers Gaia Violo, Aaron Baiers, Olatunde Osunsanmi, Jenny Lumet, Rod Roddenberry, Trevor Roth, Frank Siracusa and John Weber. The series' premiere episode is written by Gaia Violo. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is produced by CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is the latest addition to the expanding Star Trek franchise on Paramount+, which includes the fifth and final season of Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks, and Star Trek: Section 31, an original movie event with Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh. All seasons of the critically acclaimed original series Star Trek: Picard, starring Patrick Stewart reprising the iconic role of Jean-Luc Picard, are also available to stream. Try Paramount+ for free at ParamountPlus.com.
Stream the Star Trek Universe on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
Explore the Star Trek universe on StarTrek.com and relive all of your favorite moments at StarTrek.com/Where-to-Watch! And be sure to follow @StarTrek on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X/Twitter.
Star Trek Joins Universal Studios Hollywood's Universal Fan Fest Nights
The all-original, immersive and interactive after-hours experience's inaugural event to debut in Spring 2025!
StarTrek.com
In Spring 2025, Universal Studios Hollywood will introduce guests to Universal Fan Fest Nights, an all-new interactive and immersive separately ticketed event that brings the most compelling worlds of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming and Anime to life from the creators of its highly-acclaimed Halloween Horror Nights event.
Featuring a slate of all-new, thrilling and unique fan favorite experiences, the inaugural Universal Fan Fest Nights 2025 at Universal Studios Hollywood will debut these exciting properties with more to be announced soon.
Star Trek: This experience is inspired by the Star Trek universe, one of television's most enduring franchises, which is known for its groundbreaking storytelling that addresses social, political, and cultural issues as well as entertaining millions of fans. Star Trek's optimistic view of the future and reflection on what it means to be human has inspired generations of dreamers and doers.
Back to the Future: This exciting experience is inspired by the blockbuster 1985 Back to the Future movie. The groundbreaking adventure sparked one of the most successful trilogies in film history, won an Academy award, and launched a franchise that would go on to generate almost $1 billion globally.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: 2024 has been a banner year for DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (D&D). On the heels of the acclaimed film, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, and the smash hit video game Baldur's Gate 3, D&D is celebrating 50 years of the WORLD'S GREATEST ROLEPLAYING GAME. More than 64 million D&D fans love rolling dice, slaying monsters and envisioning themselves as the amazing heroes they all are inside.
Universal Fan Fest Nights will be a limited-time, after-hours experience, exclusive to Universal Studios Hollywood that will showcase a dynamic line-up of captivating, immersive in-world experiences along with engaging celebratory activations throughout the theme park, from live entertainment to cosplay, inviting guests to embrace their favorite characters and share their enthusiasm with like-minded fans.
"For decades, Universal Studios Hollywood has been a leader in creating and executing innovative special events that are consistent with our brand," said Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Universal Studios Hollywood. "From our esteemed Halloween Horror Nights event to this all-new Universal Fan Fest Nights experience, we are thrilled about how this breakthrough program will continue to elevate the guest experience in an all-new way."
Additionally, fans can look forward to an enticing menu of themed foods and new merchandise, including collectibles, apparel, drinkware, accessories and more, to show off their fandom during Universal Fan Fest Nights and beyond.
Universal Studios Hollywood invites guests and fans to visit Universal Fan Fest Nights to sign up and be among the first to learn about Universal Fan Fest Nights as details become available.
More information about this unique, breakthrough themed event will be shared soon.
Garraka's alive!Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire will be part of this year's Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando and Hollywood! A Quiet Place will also be featured. For more information, head to Ghostbusters News.
Stream the Star Trek Universe on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!
Explore the Star Trek universe on StarTrek.com and relive all of your favorite moments at StarTrek.com/Where-to-Watch! And be sure to follow @StarTrek on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X/Twitter.
Kartoon Studios Premieres Second Season of Shaq’s Garage Starring Shaquille O’Neal on Kartoon Channel! Across North America
First season significantly contributed to subscriber and revenue growth and profit for the Company’s Kartoon Channel! streaming business
Baby Shaq nursery rhyme series to roll out in Q4
Kartoon Studios
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Aug. 23, 2024 -- Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) today announced a second season of the hit animated kids’ series, Shaq’s Garage, is now available to stream via its kid-friendly streaming business Kartoon Channel! Shaq’s Garage: Maximum Horsepower can be viewed on Amazon Prime Video Channels, Tubi, Pluto TV, Xumo, Comcast, Cox, Dish, Sling, and via the Kartoon Channel! app on Apple iOS, Android mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, Samsung and LG Smart TVs.
The first season of Shaq’s Garage significantly contributed to the growth of the company’s kid-friendly streaming platform, which recently reported positive subscriber growth, revenue growth, and profit. Today, Kartoon Studios also announced it will roll out a nursery rhyme series, titled Baby Shaq, which is expected to premiere in Q4.
“The first season of Shaq’s Garage drove significant growth for our kid's streaming service, Kartoon Channel!, in terms of subscribers and revenue growth,” said Todd Steinman, president of Toon Networks at Kartoon Studios. “The second season has even more high-energy adventures, heartwarming moments, and positive messages. We are excited to continue our partnership with Shaquille O’Neal and deliver more engaging, value-oriented content that our audience loves."
Starring global icon Shaquille O’Neal, who also serves as Executive Producer, Shaq’s Garage is an animated adventure series for children inspired by Shaq’s love for cars, and helping the community. In the show, Shaq stars as himself and voices one of the main vehicle characters, a larger-than-life truck named Biggie D. Each episode follows Shaq and his diverse crew of vehicles as they embark on exciting adventures, helping out and doing good in their hometown of Ollanta and beyond. The Shaq Paq is a lovable cast of characters whose missions are always focused on positive messaging, promoting teamwork, and giving back to the community.
Joining Shaq in this animated world is NFL Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski, who voices the comical and loyal Gronk Mobile, a key member of the Shaq Paq. Together, they lead the team through challenges with humor, heart, and a lot of horsepower.
Kartoon Studios
On the heels of Shaq’s Garage: Maximum Horsepower, Kartoon Studios will roll out a series of nursery rhymes starring Baby Shaq. Baby Shaq will have the whole family singing along to favorites like “ABC,” “Wheels on the Bus,” and more. Baby Shaq first appeared in season 1’s “Babysitters” episode and now takes center stage in his very own Baby Shaq nursery rhyme series. The sing-alongs extend Shaq’s Garage's reach to preschoolers younger than the current viewing audience.
About Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal is one of the world’s most successful athlete-turned-businessman, whose accomplishments both on and off the court have translated into a highly sought-after consumer brand. As an entrepreneur, sports analyst, DJ, restauranteur, and brand ambassador, Shaquille O’Neal’s signature “Business of Fun” mantra resonates throughout each of his countless endeavors.
The 15-time NBA all-star’s unprecedented athletic career spanned nearly two decades and earned him countless awards and honors, including NBA Most Valuable Player, NBA Rookie of the Year, four NBA championships and a First Ballot NBA Hall of Famer. Currently, O’Neal is an analyst on TNT’s Emmy Award-winning “Inside the NBA.”
Kartoon Studios (NYSE AMERICAN: TOON) is a global end-to-end creator, producer, distributor, marketer, and licensor of entertainment brands. The Company’s IP portfolio includes original animated content, including the Stan Lee brand, “Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; “Shaq’s Garage,” starring Shaquille O’Neal, on Kartoon Channel!; “Rainbow Rangers” on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; the Netflix Original, “Llama Llama,” starring Jennifer Garner, and more.
In 2022, Kartoon Studios acquired Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media, along with its subsidiary, Mainframe Studios, which is one of the most successful animation service houses in the world, producing top brands for 3rd parties, including “Cocomelon,” “Barbie’s Playhouse,” Unicorn Academy,” and “SuperKitties.” Additionally, the company made a strategic investment becoming the largest shareholder in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment AG (FRA:RTV), one of Europe’s leading distributors and broadcasters of high-quality programs for children and families.
Toon Media Networks, the Company’s wholly owned digital distribution network, consists of Kartoon Channel!, Frederator Network, and Ameba. Kartoon Channel! is a globally distributed entertainment platform with near full penetration of the U.S. market. Kartoon Channel! and Ameba are available across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android Mobile, Web, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, Pluto TV, Comcast, Cox, Dish, Sling TV, Android TV, Tubi, Xumo, and Samsung and LG Smart TVs. Frederator Network owns and operates one of the largest global animation networks on YouTube, with channels featuring over 2000 exclusive creators and influencers, garnering billions of views annually.
Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements include statements regarding rolling out a series of nursery rhymes starring Baby Shaq in Q4 and extending Shaq’s Garage's reach to preschoolers, younger than the current viewing audience. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the Company’s ability to launch Baby Shaq as planned; the Company’s ability to generate revenue or achieve profitability; the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, if at all; the potential issuance of a significant number of shares, which will dilute the Company’s equity holders; fluctuations in the results of the Company’s operations from period to period; general economic and financial conditions; our ability to anticipate changes in popular culture, media and movies, fashion and technology; competitive pressure from other distributors of content and within the retail market; the Company’s reliance on and relationships with third-party production and animation studios; the Company’s ability to market and advertise its products; the Company’s reliance on third-parties to promote its products; the Company’s ability to keep pace with technological advances; the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and those other risk factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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