Nickelodeon UK Unveils Exclusive Photos From Behind-The-Scenes Of The New "House of Anubis" Special, "Touchstone of Ra"

To celebrate and promote Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK premiering and showing the brand new "House of Anubis" movie "The Touchstone of Ra" on Friday 14th June 2013 at 5.00pm (repeated at 6.00pm on Nick UK's plus-one (+1) timeshift channel, Nick+1), Nickelodeon UK have today (Wednesday 12th June 2013) unveiled two exclusive photographs taken from behind-the-scenes of the filming of "Touchstone of Ra", on their official Twitter profile page (@NickelodeonUK), which you can view below!

Nick UK's first exclusive photo features Nickelodeon Stars Brad Kavanagh and Alex Sawyer, who portray the characters Fabian Rutter and Alfred "Alfie" Lewis, respectively, in Nickelodeon's hit live-action mystery drama series "House of Anubis", on location in the woods wearing their Graduation robes:

2 days until #TouchstoneOfRa Anubis special - 5pm Friday! Check out this exclusive pic of @bradkavanagh & @AJSawyer http://ow.ly/i/2l8Cb

The second exclusive behind-the-scenes (BTS) picture from HoA: TSoR which Nick UK shared with House of Anubis Super Fans on Twitter features the cast, including Jade Ramsey, who portrays Patricia Williamson in House of Anubis, and Alex Sawyer wearing their Graduation gowns, at the Pyramid of Ra with the House of Anubis film crew:

Who wants another never seen before pic? Use #TouchstoneOfRa and tell me why you [heart symbol] Anubis and I might just show you it! :) - Wednesday 12th June 2013

You've given me LOADS of fab reasons why Anubis is amazing- EXCLUSIVE PIC ALERT! #TouchstoneOfRa - FRIDAY, 5pm! pic.twitter.com/hdEkZsrJNE - Wednesday 12th June 2013

Fisher-Price Unveils Their New "Bubble Guppies" Toy Line

The official website of the ToyNews, a monthly trade magazine for the toy business, has announced in the following article that the Fisher-Price, a toy company and wholly owned subsidiary of Mattel which produces toys for infants and children, has unveiled the toy company's brand new toy line based on Nickelodeon Preschool Animation's & Nick Jr.'s original CGI-animated preschool series "Bubble Guppies" toy line, which will include characters, vehicles, play-sets, role play toys and soft plush toys!

The firm says that the collection offers endless imaginative play opportunities for pre-schoolers aged from 18 months. The range features a 'rock n roll' musical theme, and includes the "Bubble Guppies Rock n Roll Stage" play-set and Rocker figures, plus a "Fin-tastic Guitar" and "Rockin' Microfin" for role play. Additionally, there are three plush bathtime toy characters to collect - Molly, Gil and Bubble Puppy:

Fisher-Price reveals Bubble Guppies toy line

Vehicles, play-sets, role play and plush make up new collection.

Fisher-Price has taken the wraps off its new Bubble Guppies toy line including characters, vehicles and play-sets, role play toys and plush.

The firm says that the collection offers endless imaginative play opportunities for pre-schoolers aged from 18 months. The range features a 'rock n roll' musical theme, and includes the Bubble Guppies Rock n Roll Stage play-set and Rocker figures, plus a Fin-tastic Guitar and Rockin' Microfin for role play.

In addition, there are three plush bathtime toy characters to collect - Molly, Gil and Bubble Puppy.

"We are very excited about the launch of the new toys, as Bubble Guppies continues to prove popular with pre-schoolers," said Wendy Hill, UK director of customer marketing and brand communications. "The range really captures the musical element of the show, which we know Bubble Guppies fans love, and lets children create a whole world of bubbly fun and adventure."

Mark Kingston, GM and SVP, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products, EMEA & Australia, added: "Bubble Guppies' distinctive mix of comedy and music to deliver pre-school learning, makes it a perfect property for Fisher-Price. Kids will love singing, dancing, playing and interacting with these adorable characters as they go on exciting musical and underwater adventures."

Nickelodeon Expands Animated Shorts Program Globally

The children's entertainment and media news website Kidscreen is reporting the Nickelodeon News in the following article that after the success of their second annual US Animated Shorts Program, Nickelodeon has expanded the format globally for the first time, attracting more than 100 submissions from content creators representing 20 countries.

The 2013 international program, which is intended to cultivate creative talent and develop original comedy-driven kids content, received pitches from writers, artists, directors, designers and comedians across six continents (Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia).

Fifteen finalists, whose ideas will be developed into animated shorts with the potential to air on Nickelodeon, Nick.com and the new Nick App, will be announced later this summer. Nick announced its 12 finalists from the US program in May.

Nick has now received more than 1,000 pitches in all styles (2D, digital 2D, CGI, stop motion, mixed media) from the combined submissions of the US and global shorts programs. Finalists are able to create their shorts with help from artistic and production support teams provided by Nickelodeon.

Looking at the progress of Nick's 2012 inaugural US program, six of the final 12 created shorts are currently in series development, including "Pam and Sid's Port-a-Party", with two set for pilot orders. All of the shorts will air on the network and across Nick's websites globally (Planet Nickelodeon).

The Nick News comes after Nickelodeon recently announced the first-ever global SpongeBob SquarePants-inspired short film competition, called SpongeBob SquareShorts: Original Fan Tributes, in which SpongeBob fans and filmmakers of all ages from around the world are invited to create original, SpongeBob-inspired short films for a chance to win a cash prize and trip for four people to a screening event in Hollywood, California, USA:

Nick opens animated shorts program globally

After the success of its second annual US animated shorts program, Nickelodeon has expanded the format globally for the first time, attracting more than 100 submissions from content creators representing 20 countries.

The 2013 international program, which is intended to cultivate creative talent and develop original comedy-driven kids content, received pitches from writers, artists, directors, designers and comedians across six continents (Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia).

Fifteen finalists, whose ideas will be developed into animated shorts with the potential to air on Nickelodeon, Nick.com and the new Nick App, will be announced later this summer. Nick announced its 12 finalists from the US program in May.

Nick has now received more than 1,000 pitches in all styles (2D, digital 2D, CGI, stop motion, mixed media) from the combined submissions of the US and global shorts programs. Finalists are able to create their shorts with help from artistic and production support teams provided by Nickelodeon.

Looking at the progress of Nick’s 2012 inaugural US program, six of the final 12 created shorts are currently in series development, including Pam and Sid’s Port-a-Party, with two set for pilot orders. All of the shorts will air on the network and across Nick’s websites globally.

Tags: Animated Shorts Program, Nickelodeon

Also, from C21Media:

Nick opens global shorts scheme

ANNECY: Nickelodeon in the US has opened up its short toon programme to the global animation community to identify and develop new creative talent from around the world.

The international kids broadcasters has already received more than 100 submissions from artists, designers, writers, directors and comedians in Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia as part of the competition.

Final submissions are currently being taken by the broadcaster here at the Annecy Animation Film Festival in France. These will be added to the 900 submissions received as part of the US shorts programme, with the finalists from the international programme to be announced this summer.

A total of 15 ideas will be chosen from among the pitches submitted to be developed into animated shorts with the potential to air on Nickelodeon channels and websites around the globe, as well as via the Nick App.

“We know that great creative talent and ideas come from everywhere around the world, and we are committed to finding and cultivating the next generation of creative voices and giving them an opportunity,” said Russell Hicks, president of content and development at Nickelodeon.

“Opening submissions on a global level brings us more fresh ideas, new characters, concepts and amazingly funny stories to our audiences everywhere.”

Nina Hahn, senior VP of international production and development for Nickelodeon, said there had so far been a “striking response” from animators.

Concepts received have covered a range of animation styles, from 2D, digital 2D, stop-motion, CGI and mixed media, Nickelodeon said.

Earlier this year Nickelodeon greenlit a series called Breadwinners, created by Gary ‘Doodles’ DiRaffaele, who himself was discovered as a result of Nick’s 2012 animated shorts programme.

Nico Franks
12-06-2013
©C21Media

GENRES: Animation, Children's
COMPANIES: Nickelodeon
SECTIONS: C21Kids
COUNTRIES: US

Nelvana Enterprises And d-rights Announce Three Brand New Beyblade Spin-Off Series; Merchandise Deals

The children's entertainment and media news website Kidscreen is reporting the animation news in the following article that Canada's Nelvana Enterprises and Japan-based d-rights have announced they have started production on three brand new spin-off "Beyblade" series.

A new set of characters will set the scene for the new Beyblade series, taking place seven years after the events depicted in the previous Metal Saga installment.

The latest output from Nelvana's popular kids TV, toys and games franchise will start rolling out this fall. On deck are 26 half hours of "Beyblade: Shogun Steel" (pictured below, known in Japan as "Metal Fight Beyblade Zero-G"), 13 half-hours of "BeyRaiderz Shogun" (working title), and 26 x half-hour "BeyWarriors Cyborg" (working title) and two one-hour series' specials.

Besides the new series, Nelvana has also lined up additional licensing partners including Paris Geneve in Canada (boys sleepwear, underwear and T-shirts), Mad Dog Concepts in the US (sleepwear and socks), Eugene Textiles in the US and Canada (craft kits and fleece throws) and Black & White Shoes, which renewed its license for footwear in Canada and will be expanding into the US.

Nelvana's animated Beyblade series are currently seen in more than 80 countries, including on Nickelodeon UK's animation channel, Nicktoons, and on Nickelodeon Germany (Nick Deutschland), and more than 165 million Beyblade toys from Hasbro have been sold worldwide.

The Canadian entertainment company Nelvana Limited announced in December 2012 that Nickelodeon UK and Nickelodeon Germany had acquired the broadcast rights for "Beyblade: Shogun Steel". It is currently unknown whether Nickelodeon UK and Germany will also buy the rights to "BeyRaiderz Shogun" and "BeyWarriors Cyborg", plus the two one-hour series' specials:

Beyblade gets three new TV series, more merch deals

Canada’s Nelvana Enterprises and Japan-based d-rights have started production on three spin-off Beyblade series.

The latest output from Nelvana’s popular kids TV, toys and games franchise will start rolling out this fall. On deck are 26 half hours of Beyblade: Shogun Steel (pictured), 13 half-hours of BeyRaiderz Shogun (working title), and 26 x half-hour BeyWarriors Cyborg (working title) and two one-hour series’ specials.

Besides the new series, Nelvana has also lined up additional licensing partners including Paris Geneve in Canada (boys sleepwear, underwear and T-shirts), Mad Dog Concepts in the US (sleepwear and socks), Eugene Textiles in the US and Canada (craft kits and fleece throws) and Black & White Shoes, which renewed its license for footwear in Canada and will be expanding into the US.

Nelvana’s animated Beyblade series are currently seen in more than 80 countries, and more than 165 million Beyblade toys from Hasbro have been sold worldwide.

From Playback Online

Tags: Beyblade, d-rights, Hasbro, Nelvana Enterprises

Also, from C21Media:

Three new Beyblade series to launch

Canada’s Nelvana Enterprises and Japan’s D-Rights are launching three new seasons of kids’ cartoon Beyblade, beginning this fall.

Beyblade

A new set of characters will set the scene for the new Beyblade series, taking place seven years after the events depicted in the previous Metal Saga installment.

Aimed at kids aged six upwards, Beyblade: Shogun Steel (26x30′) will launch this fall, while BeyRaiderz Shogun (13x30′) (working title) will launch in spring 2014 and BeyWarriors Cyborg (wt, 26x30′) will follow in fall 2014 – featuring two one-hour specials.

“Shogun Steel begins the most unique and fantastical vision of the Beyblade universe we have seen yet and continues to offer an exciting world of interaction between the TV series, toys and games,” said Colin Bohm, MD of Corus-owned Nelvana.

“The series’ fresh new storylines will reignite interest from current Beyblade fans as well as invite new fans of the franchise.”

Developed by Mitsubishi division D-Rights, Beyblade emerged as a successful brand in Japan and spawned the Hasbro Beyblade merchandising line in the US.

It is now seen in over 80 countries, including Canada (YTV), US (Cartoon Network), UK (NickToons), France (Gulli), Germany (Nickelodeon) and Latin America (Disney XD).
Back in 2002, Nelvana acquired the rights for television distribution, video and DVD manufacturing and distribution.

Andrew Dickens
12-06-2013
©C21Media

GENRES: Animation, Children's
SHOWS: Beyblade
PEOPLE: Colin Bohm
SECTIONS: C21Kids
COUNTRIES: Canada, Japan

Also, from Broadcaster, Canada's Communications Magazine:

Nelvana Begins Production on Three New Beyblade Series

Nelvana Enterprises and d-rights, Inc. are proud to announce production on three brand new series of Beyblade that will not only introduce new fans to the series, but take the story in an exciting new direction. Beginning this fall, Beyblade: Shogun Steel will launch with 26 x half-hour episodes. BeyRaiderz Shogun (working title) with 13 x half hours will launch in spring 2014 and BeyWarriors Cyborg (working title) will follow in fall 2014 with 26 x half-hour episodes and two one-hour specials.

A new set of characters and a very different and treacherous Beyblade universe set the scene for the new Beyblade series. Taking place seven years after the events depicted in the previous Metal Saga series, Beyblade: Shogun Steel finds the WBBA rebuilding the Beyblade world by introducing a new Bey system, as well as training the next generation of Bladers. Gargantuan Spirit Warrior battles will be reflected in an exhilarating and innovative new direction for the brand in both the series and the upcoming new toy line from Hasbro, which will introduce new play patterns including figural battling.

“Shogun Steel begins the most unique and fantastical vision of the Beyblade universe we have seen yet and continues to offer an exciting world of interaction between the TV series, toys and games,” said Colin Bohm, Managing Director, Nelvana. “The series’ fresh new storylines will reignite interest from current Beyblade fans as well as invite new fans of the franchise.”

Along with Beyblade’s continuing new series, new licensing partners are lining up to sign deals that tie-in with the brand including Paris Geneve in Canada (boys sleepwear, underwear and T-shirts), Mad Dog Concepts in the US (sleepwear and socks), Eugene Textiles in the US and Canada (craft kits and fleece throws) and Black & White Shoes, which renewed its license for footwear in Canada and will be expanding into the U.S. Other licensees include Ferrero (chocolate eggs) and Fipotex (apparel and accessories) both in Europe and Unilever (Signal) in Germany (tooth brushes and tooth paste).

Beyblade is a modern spinning top toy system based on the traditional Japanese battling tops called “bei-goma”, and an extremely popular manga series of the same name. Since the triumphant re-launch of the TV series and toy line in 2009, Beyblade has established an astronomical following and active fan base and has sold 165 million toys worldwide. The top-rated animated TV series is seen in over 80 countries, including Canada (YTV), U.S (Cartoon Network), U.K (NickToons), France (Gulli), Germany (Nickelodeon) and Latin America (Disney XD).

Nickelodeon UK Executive Alison Bakunowich, VP Director Of Marketing And Communications, To Attend The 2013 Children's Media Conference

The official website of World Screen, a publication which covers the international media business, is reporting the Nickelodeon UK news that Alison Bakunowich, the Vice President Director of marketing and Communications at Nickelodeon UK, will be a participant at Children's Media Conference 2013, an annual conference which offers shared learning, networking and innovative creative and business development for everyone involved in producing and distributing content to kids – on all platforms. At the 2013 CMC Conference, Alison Bakunowich will be participating in the "Reimagining and Recycling" session, which, with the re-emergence of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Furby over the last year, research suggests that older brands and properties are back and in a big way but what is at about a property that lends itself to a comeback? This years conference, which will mark CMC's 10th anniversary, will be held in Sheffield, United Kingdom, between Wednesday 3rd and Friday 5th July 2013. The theme for CMC 2013 is 'Are we there yet?'.

In addition, Tina McCann, the Managing Director of Nickelodeon UK and Ireland, and Joe Godwin, Director of BBC Children's and former Head of Original Production and VP Interactive Director at Nick UK, will also be a participants at the 2013 Children's Media Conference 2013.