Riley Gantt, 15, from Sherman Oaks, California is one of the four inspirational recipient's of the 2015 Nickelodeon HALO Awards for his work in the community!
While most 10-year-olds were complaining about homework, Riley realized the importance of these assignments. She also knew that many students took for granted the ability to complete them. During a field trip to one of the elementary schools in her community, Riley had an eye-opening conversation with a girl in kindergarten. Like many other students, this young girl did not have the supplies to complete her homework because her family could not afford them. Inspired by the conversation, Riley founded Rainbow Pack, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing students with materials that will help make them successful learners, regardless of their economic circumstances. Even schools without a great deal of financial support manage to acquire supplies for the classroom. However, the real disadvantage for students occurs at home. Simple tools, like a pencil or a ruler, can be the difference between success and failure. When students are able to complete their homework, they perform better in the classroom and are less likely to drop out of school.
Riley Gantt, at Universal Orlando Resort filming a segment of the 2015 Nickelodeon Halo Awards with Nick Canon premiering November 29, 2015, on November 6, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Nickelodeon)
With funds raised through fundraising, grants, social media and school supply drives, Riley has successfully donated over 9000 backpacks filled with school supplies to kids in the Los Angeles area. In all of the schools where Riley and Rainbow Pack have helped, the teachers attest that almost all of their students complete their homework and are more excited about learning!
Watch Riley Gantt, along with her fellow HALO Awards honorees - Joshua Williams, Miami Beach, Florida, Ethan Cruikshank, 16, Mechanicsville, Virginia, and Ruchita Zaparde, 18, Plainsboro, New Jersey - receive their honors at the must-see concert event of the season, the 2015 HALO Awards, hosted by Nick Cannon, premiering Sunday, November 29th at 7pm (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon USA, TeenNick, Nicktoons, TV Land, CMT, Nick.com and the Nick App! For more information about the 2015 Nickelodeon HALO Awards and Riley's fantastic work, visit nick.com/halo-awards and rainbowpack.org. Congratulations to all Nickelodeon HALO Awards honorees!Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon HALO Awards 2015 News and Highlights!
14-year old Miami Beach, Florida resident Joshua Williams is one of the four inspirational recipient's of the 2015 Nickelodeon HALO Awards for his work in the community! Joshua's commitment to eradicate hunger started with a roadside donation to a starving man when he was four and a half years old. Through William's organization, Joshua's Heart Foundation, he designed a food distribution system in local churches, schools and community centers, and continues to raise awareness of hunger and poverty at speaking engagements.
"We have food drives and we have food distributions where we help people in our community," Williams said. His foundation has over 6,000 youth volunteers and has distributed over 1.1 million pounds of food in South Florida, Jamaica and Africa to date, and helped feed over 50,000 people nationwide.
Like the three other honorees, Williams found out that he was selected for the HALO Awards by a drone which delivered the message. "I was just skateboarding in the park and all of a sudden this drone came down and surprised me," he said.
Universal Orlando Resort will also be featured as part of the 2015 Nickelodeon HALO Awards for the first time in the history of Nickelodeon's community service recognition special.
A portion of the 2015 Nickelodeon HALO Awards filmed at Universal Orlando Resort Nov. 7, including appearances by Nick Cannon and a performance by alternative rock band Walk The Moon. The show will air Nov. 29, at 7 p.m. across Nickelodeon, TeenNick, Nicktoons, TV Land, CMT, Nick.com and the Nick App.
The show and organization honors teenagers that are making a difference in their communities. The HALO Awards, which is an acronym for "Helping And Leading Others," airs Sunday at 7 p.m. across Nickelodeon USA, TeenNick, Nicktoons, TV Land, CMT, Nick.com and the Nick App.
"There's no feat too big or too small when you think about actually helping your community," said host, creator and executive producer Nick Cannon. "All of these amazing honorees that we have with us right now come from different walks of life and actually have their own mission and their own passion and that's the beauty of HALO."
The Universal Orlando segment of the show was recorded on Saturday 7th November 2015 and featured a performance from alternative rock band Walk the Moon.
"One of the greatest things that has come from this amazing couple of years for us is that we found we have a really incredible fan base with young kids and families," lead singer Nicholas Petricca said. "Having a positive message and having a positive impact is important to us, in addition to just playing music for fun."
The 2015 HALO Awards will also feature performances by Fifth Harmony, DNCE with lead singer Joe Jonas, Flo Rida and Tori Kelly. Justin Bieber will be presented the first-ever HALO Hall of Fame Award for his work with Make-A-Wish foundation. Those segments were recorded at New York's Pier 36 on Saturday 14th November 2015.
In addition to the surprise concert by Walk the Moon, the four honorees had time to enjoy Universal Orlando Resort.
It was Williams' first visit.
"We rode some roller coasters, met Optimus Prime and saw a parade," he said. "It was a really good time."
Watch Joshua Williams, along with his fellow HALO Awards honorees - Ethan Cruikshank, 16, Mechanicsville, Virginia, Riley Gantt, 15, Sherman Oaks, California, and Ruchita Zaparde, 18, Plainsboro, New Jersey - receive their honors at the must-see concert event of the season, the 2015 HALO Awards, hosted by Nick Cannon, premiering Sunday, November 29th at 7pm (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon USA, TeenNick, Nicktoons, TV Land, CMT, Nick.com and the Nick App! For more information about the 2015 Nickelodeon HALO Awards and Joshua's work, visit nick.com/halo-awards and joshuasheart.org. Congratulations to all Nickelodeon HALO Awards honorees!
You can watch a exclusive interview with Nick Cannon and the honorees of the 2015 Nickelodeon HALO Awards at Universal Orlando Resort here on OrlandoSentinel.com!Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon HALO Awards 2015 News and Highlights!
Entertaining new spot for popular kids meals features updated brand character K.C. Penguin and 'Hotel Transylvania 2' tie-in.
CHICAGO, IL -- K.C. Penguin, the brand icon for KidCuisine kids meals, just can't seem to get away. That's the premise behind the new spot "On The Run," featuring 3D animation by Calabash via agency Nickelodeon Creative Advertising, New York. The new spot, directed by Matt and Jason Docter (aka The Docter Twins) and edited by Glenn Conte of Northern Lights, New York, features a clever tie-in to the new animated feature film starring Adam Sandler, as well as a revamped animated K.C. Penguin character.
"We were excited to work with Nickelodeon Creative Advertising on this well-established brand and character," commented Sean Henry, Calabash's Executive Producer. "It is always a fun challenge to update an existing character. Our goal was to freshen up K.C.'s look without straying too far from the existing design. It was important that he remain recognizable and retain his personality and attitude."
"On The Run" opens with a comically terrified K.C. Penguin running down a hall holding a Kid Cuisine meal in each hand and shouting, "they're coming!" The 'they' of course is the cast of Hotel Transylvania 2. Thinking he's safe behind a closed door, K.C. is immediately confronted by something even scarier, hungry kids who love the character-shaped chicken nuggets and mac n' cheese found in special Hotel Transylvania 2 Kid Cuisine meals. The spot ends with kids gone and K.C. sneaking up to the table to deliver his new signature line, "Fun tastes goo-oo-oo-oo-ood!."
"K.C. Penguin is an iconic character, but the creatives wanted to take him to the next level," Wayne Brejcha, Calabash's Creative Director notes. "We gave him a more physical appearance and made his faux-hawk haircut look a bit more feathery. Ironically it takes huge effort, thought, experience and long hours to make KC fit in the setting and feel effortless in his animation."
For Northern Lights editor Glenn Conte the creative challenge was taking all of the various elements (Calabash's 3D animation, the live action shots and footage from the actual film) and making it all work together seamlessly. A task, he notes, was made easier thanks to Calabash's understanding of the K.C. character.
"To be able to work with a company like Calabash is great for an editor because they know how take an animated character to a whole other level and fully grasp its essence, its DNA," Conte says. "Besides the look, they added to his personality in a way that elevated the entire project. A spot like this takes a lot of teamwork, and working with Calabash was a pleasure."
Henry adds, "Directors Matt and Jason Docter did a terrific job with the live action, capturing dramatic angles and lighting, and a sense of drama while still keeping it light for the intended family audience. Nickelodeon Creative is an agency that understands the animation process innately. They gave us clear communication about their own ideas, but were also open to ideas and approaches from us."
Original Moody Gardens Press Release via PR Newswire:
PLAY FAIR - "A Celebration of Play & Entertainment for All Ages" - to Unite Play Lovers, Toys & Pop Culture Fans
Toy Industry Association & LeftField Media Team Up to Produce Inaugural Event
February 13-14, 2016 | New York City
NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Play Fair – "a celebration of play and entertainment for all ages" – will bring new and beloved toy and pop culture brands together under one roof this February for an interactive and fun-filled live event open to families, collectors, and media. Powered by the Toy Industry Association (TIA) and LeftField Media, Play Fair will take place Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14 at New York City's Javits Center North.
At the heart of Play Fair will be immersive, rewarding experiences, allowing the public to touch, feel, and interact with their favorite toys, games, and entertainment brands. Fans – from kids to adults – will experience toy reveals, photo ops, character interactions, stage performances, author readings, celebrity signings, live music, and giveaways. Retail areas will allow attendees to purchase show exclusives, limited edition products, and rare variants of beloved toys and games.
The inaugural Play Fair is timed and co-located with the 113th edition of TIA's North American International Toy Fair, the largest toy trade show in the Western Hemisphere and a massive marketplace welcoming 30,000 manufacturers, distributors, importers, and sales agents from over 90 countries to New York City.
"Play Fair will provide toy lovers of all ages with unique and unparalleled access to enriching immersive events and experiences built around the power of play," said Marian Bossard, Toy Industry Association SVP of Global Market Events. "It's a truly one-of-a-kind event for families and fans to explore nostalgic and innovative toys and brands in an all-ages atmosphere that can't be beat!"
"We're humbled and thrilled to work together with TIA on Play Fair," said Greg Topalian, President of LeftField Media. "For more than a century, TIA has gathered the professional side of the toy world together at Toy Fair, and now families, fans, and collectors will finally get to experience this excitement inside their own event. Play Fair will be a space to create fun, engaging, and rewarding connections between brands, their current fans, and the fans of tomorrow – and get a glimpse at new toys before anyone else on the planet!"
Play Fair will be headquartered inside New York's Javits Center and will turn all of Manhattan into a giant "game board," encouraging attendees to visit various iconic New York institutions and landmarks to make the most of their time in the city and unlock Play Fair discounts, exclusives, and rewards.
"Our launch of Play Fair couldn't come at a better time, as we're seeing a growing number of studies and reports that underscore play's crucial developmental benefits to children, and its impact on the happiness and well-being of adults," added Steve Pasierb, TIA President & CEO. "We look forward to welcoming families from far and wide for a spectacular event filled with magical moments and playful experiences that they will be re-living and talking about long after they leave the show."
Play Fair is launching as part of a new partnership between the Toy Industry Association and LeftField Media. The LEGO Group and Nickelodeon have been confirmed as presenting sponsors.
About the Toy Industry Association (TIA)
TIA is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. TIA is the owner and operator of the North American International Toy Fair, held annually in New York City. Toy safety is the number one priority for the toy industry. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 30 years ago. TIA continues to work with government, consumers and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play. For more information, please visit www.toyassociation.org, www.toyfairny.com, or www.thegeniusofplay.org.
About LeftField Media, LLC
LeftField Media, LLC is an events company focused on developing face-to-face events in a range of communities rooted in contemporary culture and shared passion. LeftField Media was formed in partnership in 2014 by Greg Topalian (President, LeftField Media), Britton Jones (President & CEO of Business Journals, Inc.), Mac Brighton (Chairman & COO of Business Journals Inc.), and Sharon Enright (Executive Vice President of Business Journals Inc.). While LeftField Media is a new company, its founders have over 100 years of combined experience in media and event production. With a keen sense of the ever-evolving needs of the industry as well as the new opportunities created by change, LeftField Media takes a clean slate approach to the business. Innovation and launching new events has the been the cornerstone of the notable success of the Business Journal Fashion Group as it has been through Greg Topalian's storied career as former Senior Vice President at Reed Exhibitions and founder of New York Comic Con. LeftField Media is headquartered in historic South Norwalk, CT. Visit www.leftfieldmedia.com to learn more.
Fantastic news, congratulations Moody Gardens, Super 78 and Nickelodeon!
Original Moody Gardens Press Release via PR Newswire:
Moody Gardens Receives International Recognition With A THEA Award For Its SpongeBob SubPants Adventure Attraction
GALVESTON, Texas, Nov. 27, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Moody Gardens, a world class attraction located in Galveston, TX has been selected to receive the 2016 THEA Award for Outstanding Achievement for its SpongeBob SubPants Adventure attraction. The announcement was made last week at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo (IAAPA).
The SpongeBob SubPants Adventure is a one-of-a-kind interactive experience that allows guests to go on a submarine voyage to explore the world of Bikini Bottom with the help of their captain, Patrick Star. Visitors are able to choose their path through the wild and silly deep-sea adventure and have real-time conversations with Patrick. The attraction takes visitors from digital to real time through exciting 4D sensory elements which brings the adventure to life through scents, bubbles and bouncing beach balls.
Children and parents wearing 3D glasses enjoy a wild and silly submarine voyage as they're immersed in special effects during the SpongeBob SubPants Adventure opening Memorial Day Weekend at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas.
Moody Gardens partnered with Nickelodeon, Super 78 and SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment to create this innovative attraction that opened in May. Harnessing the power of modern computer technology and classic artistic techniques, a group of designers, engineers, fabricators responsible for many of the world's leading theme park attractions collaborated to create the SpongeBob SubPants Adventure.
Super 78, an attraction design and production company based in Los Angeles, was also recognized with a THEA Award in the Technology Breakthrough category for the creation of their groundbreaking Gepettoo™ Animation Control System. This is a proprietary digital puppetry that delivers feature film 3D animation in real time used in the SpongeBob SubPants Adventure attraction. This Animation Control System allows a performer behind the scenes to control all aspects of the full-sensory experience on screen in front of audiences. The performer's voice becomes an on-screen character, and he has an unlimited palette of animation options which brings the character to life. The performer also runs the lights, sounds, bubbles, and scents with the push of a button.
Children and parents view a brass dive helmet and crab trap near the Bikini Bottom mural before entering the new Nickelodeon SpongeBob SubPants Adventure. It [opened] Memorial Day Weekend at the Discovery Pyramid at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas.
"We consistently strive to offer new and immersive experiences the whole family can enjoy together," said John Zendt, Moody Gardens President and CEO. "This was a highly innovative and creative team that created an exceptional attraction and we are honored to be receiving this THEA award."
Visitors will enjoy a new one-of-a-kind, immersive and interactive experience as SpongeBob SubPants Adventure opens to kick off the summer vacation season at Moody Gardens in Galveston, TX
The Thea Awards were created by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) in 1994 to help realize a key mission of the association: bringing recognition to achievement, talent and personal excellence within the themed entertainment industry. TEA's Thea Awards have become internationally recognized as a symbol of excellence. The award will be presented to Moody Gardens at the 22nd Annual THEA Awards Gala scheduled for April 2 in Anaheim, CA.
A mother and daughter view colorful coral in the Neptunes Kingdom aquariums in the Pre Show I area before entering the SpongeBob SubPants Adventure theater. The new attraction [opened] Memorial Day weekend at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas.
This permanent attraction takes excitement to new depths in a non-stop whirlwind of surprises with fun for the whole family to enjoy only at Moody Gardens. Admission is $18.95 for adults and $16.95 for seniors and children. It is also included in a Moody Gardens Value Pass.
Moody Gardens® is a public, non-profit, educational destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research.
Additionally, Original Super 78 Press Release via PRWeb:
Creative Entertainment Studio SUPER 78 Honored By Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) With 2016 THEA Award For Outstanding Achievement: Technology Breakthrough
Geppetto Animation Control System by Super 78
ORLANDO, FLORIDA (PRWEB) NOVEMBER 18, 2015
Los Angeles based Super 78 received the 2016 Thea award for Outstanding Achievement: Technology Breakthrough for their creation of Geppetto ACS™, a proprietary digital puppetry that delivers feature film quality 3D animation in real time; it was announced today by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA.) Additionally, Moody Gardens' SpongeBob Subpants Adventure, created and designed by Super 78 (using the Geppetto technology), was honored with the 2016 Thea award For Outstanding Achievement: Attraction.
Spongebob Subpants Adventure at Moody Gardens, created and designed by Super 78, receives the 2016 THEA Award for Outstanding Achievement: Attraction
Super 78's President and Creative Director Brent Young and CEO and Executive Producer Dina Benadon, jointly stated, "We are both thrilled and honored, along with our amazing team, to be recognized by TEA for our Geppetto ACS™ technology. We are also privileged to have collaborated with the talented folks at Moody Gardens and Nickelodeon on the SpongeBob Subpants Adventure and we share in their excitement and congratulate them on their outstanding achievement."
"Our objective is always to provide that fun, educational experience that is so important to parents and kids, and the SpongeBob SubPants Adventure attraction will achieve this in a new and exciting way," said Moody Gardens President and CEO John Zendt.
The innovative technology behind Geppetto ACS™ can supercharge entertainment experiences --whether it's at a theme park, movie theater, concert or even a televised awards show -- bringing a new level of immersiveness to the audience. The opportunities are infinite. And the experience is in real time! To learn more about Geppetto ACS™ go to: Geppetto Informtation Sheet
Through the Geppetto ACS™ groundbreaking technology, The Moody Gardens' SpongeBob Subpants Adventure was created and designed by the artists and technicians at Super78 in conjunction with Nickelodeon. The immersive and one-of-a-kind experience brings to life the internationally beloved characters in interactive exhibits, real sea-life aquariums and state-of-the-art 3D digital puppetry. Audiences can actually control the submarine while having a one-on-one conversation with one of the main characters. No two shows are ever the same.
The SpongeBob Subpants Adventure marks Super 78's third collaboration with SimEx-Iwerks! And Nickelodeon joining Dora & Diego's 4D Adventure: Catch That Robot Butterfly and SpongeBob Square Pants 4D: The Great Jelly Race.
Super 78's digital puppetry technology behind Moody Gardens' SpongeBob SubPants Adventure.
About Super 78
Super 78 is an award-winning creative entertainment production studio and an industry leader in innovation and design. Known for its cutting edge technology and great storytelling, the award-winning artists and technicians deliver entertaining and educational experiences to audiences of all ages, across all platforms. Founded in 1997, the company extends well-known brands and intellectual properties into special venues and the experiential marketplace. With offices in Los Angeles and partners worldwide, Super 78 continues to expand by creating, producing and owning live action, animated and graphic content for the global market. Super 78 has earned recognition and numerous accolades including Emmy, THEA, Visual Effects Society, Telly and Create Awards and nominations. To learn more about Super 78 go to: Super78.com
About the Thea Awards
The Thea Awards were created by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) to help realize a key mission of the association: bringing recognition to achievement, talent and personal excellence within the themed entertainment industry. From a modest beginning in 1994, the Thea Awards have become internationally recognized as a symbol of excellence. The public is welcome to attend the black-tie 22nd Annual Thea Awards Gala, which will be held April 2, 2016 at the Disneyland Hotel, Disneyland Resort, Anaheim California USA. Tickets go on sale in early 2016 at http://www.teaconnect.org. The name of the award is a play on three words: the first is "Thea," the Greek goddess from whom all light emanates. Thea was the mother of Helios (the sun), Eos (the dawn), and Selene (the moon). The second key word is "Theater," a word derived from the goddess Thea. The third word, is TEA, for the Association.
