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Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Pluto TV and BBC Studios Partner to Launch 'Top Gear' FAST Channel in Five European Markets

PLUTO TV AND BBC STUDIOS PARTNER TO LAUNCH TOP GEAR FAST CHANNEL IN FIVE EUROPEAN MARKETS

Through the launch, BBC Studios expands FAST footprint with Pluto TV

Cannes, October 18 2023: Pluto TV, a global leader in free streaming television (FAST), and BBC Studios today announced the further roll-out of the high-octane Top Gear FAST channel on Pluto TV in the EMEA region.

Already available on Pluto TV in Europe (Spain, Nordics) as well as in North America (US and Canada) the Top Gear FAST channel has now joined the Pluto TV line-up in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and Italy.

In the German-speaking territories, the channel showcases seasons 5 to 14 and 23 to 26, the Top Gear FAST channel in France offers seasons 9 to 27 whilst the Italian Top Gear channel includes seasons 2 to 25. All channels will be available with local language dubbing.

The Top Gear FAST channel serves as the ultimate destination for car enthusiasts who appreciate British humour, top-notch production values, adrenaline-fueled journeys and of course, enigmatic racing driver, The Stig.

Kasia Jablonska, Head of VOD at BBC Studios, commented, “Top Gear is an enduring icon in the world of motoring entertainment. It's with great enthusiasm that we now extend our reach to five new EMEA markets, sharing this exceptional content with our audiences in a new way. FAST is a great medium to bring treasured series from our rich content catalogue to new and loyal audiences.”

Katrina Kowalski, Senior Vice President, International Content Programming and Acquisitions, said “Top Gear has captivated viewers for decades with its unique blend of entertainment and automotive expertise. Adding the legendary Top Gear experience to Pluto TV across Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and France enhances our viewers' entertainment options, adding an iconic channel to our already diverse and strong content line up”

Top Gear channels launched on Pluto TV in France, Italy, Germany, Austria and Switzerland, on 13th of October 2023 and joined the BBC Studios existing portfolio of FAST channels: Doctor Who in Spain, Italy, France and Germany, BBC Drama in Spain, Italy and France, as well as BBC Food, BBC Travel and BBC History in Germany.

In the EMEA region, Top Gear FAST channel is also available in Spain on Samsung TV+ and Rakuten TV, and in the Middle East on MBC.

-Ends-

About BBC Studios

BBC Studios is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC Group with sales of £1.6bn (21/22). Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, the business is built on four pillars: a global Content Studio (producing, investing and distributing content globally); Channels & Streaming platforms in the UK and across the world; a Brands & Licencing operation which seeks to amplify the impact of IP; and the successful UK-based multi-channel network UKTV. Around 2,400 hours of award-winning British programmes are made by the business every year, with three-quarters of its revenues from non-BBC customers including Discovery, Apple and Netflix. Its content is internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms, with brands like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, Top Gear, Prehistoric Planet, Bluey and Doctor Who. BBC.com is BBC Studios’ global digital news platform, offering up-to-the-minute international news, in-depth analysis and features, including BBC Worklife, BBC Culture, BBC Future, BBC Travel and BBC Reel, for PCs, tablets and mobile devices.

About Pluto TV

Pluto TV, a Paramount Company, is the leading free streaming television service delivering hundreds of live linear channels and thousands of titles on-demand to a global audience. The Emmy ® award-winning service curates a diverse lineup of channels, in partnership with over 400 international media companies, offering a wide array of genres, languages and categories featuring movies, television series, sports, news, lifestyle, kids and much more. Pluto TV can be easily accessed and streamed across mobile, web and connected TV devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Pluto TV’s growing international footprint extends across four continents and over 35 markets.

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More Nick: Paramount and Nickelodeon Animation’s Ramsey Naito Talks Reaching Kids Everywhere at MipJunior 2023!

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Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Announces Inaugural Food & Slime Festival

NICKELODEON HOTELS & RESORTS ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL FOOD & SLIME FESTIVAL

MIAMI, Oct. 17, 2023 -- Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to introduce the first-ever Food & Slime Festival this fall at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, Mexico. The tasty fall fest is a creative spin on a traditional food and wine fair, offering guests of all ages the chance to indulge in innovative gastronomy and beverages. The event occurs from November 3, 2023 to November 30, 2023, with a special Thanksgiving menu available over the holiday. Guests who book their stay between September 9, 2023 and November 23, 2023 can save up to 60% when booking their stay.

"We're so excited for guests to experience the first-ever Food & Slime Festival at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts," said Frank Maduro, President of Premier Worldwide Marketing. "With Slime-centric entertainment, decor, and elevated food & beverage offerings, this immersive event promises playful surprises for guests of all ages, all included in their stay."

At Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, guests can savor Daily Epic Eats at select restaurants featuring Slime-inspired culinary delights like Polpettine della Slime (aka green pasta topped with juicy meatballs), Shrimp with Slime Pasta, Double Slime-Drenched Burger boasting flavorful green buns, Slime Inner Core featuring cheesecake parfait encased in green chocolate, and the Bring on the Slime Roll with sushi dressed in honey green sauce. The weekly pop-up Gourmet Slime Fair offers green cotton candy, green popcorn, cocktails, and mocktails to satisfy guests' sweet tooth. In addition to these tasty bites, Gourmet Slime Fair goers can have their face painted, queue up for a bouncy house, meet their favorite Nick characters, enjoy thrilling performances by Green Party Band, attend a weekly Slime Beach Party, or delight in the ultimate Nickelodeon honor with triple the Slime opportunities.

The Food & Slime Festival at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya also offers Daily Epic Eats that are sure to bring on the nostalgia. These novel fares include Slurp 'n Slime, Slime-a-tini, Waffles with Slime Syrup, Ravioli con Slime, Ceviche Verde embellished with the catch of the day, Aquachile with Slime, Sublime Slime Lubina, and SlimeTime Burger with green cheddar cheese sauce. All month, guests can have the Slime of their life with Super Slimings, memorable pop-up culinary experiences, popular brick oven pizzas, and a night full of dancing at the Tiki Beach Party or Mexican Fiesta. Guests can visit Plaza Orange to bring on the green with Slime Nights, the ultimate party experience featuring interactive photo ops, physical challenges, dancing, and more.

With two locations, one in Riviera Maya, Mexico, and one in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the 5-star family experiential resorts are designed to allow guests of all ages to tap into Nickelodeon's unique and irreverent humor and love of all things play with additional signature seasonal events available throughout the year including Nick Jr. Friends Event, Summer of Spongebob, Nickelodeon Holiday Extravaganza, and Slime Break Getaway. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts offer guests complimentary access to Aqua Nick water park, spacious and themed family suites featuring the brand's globally beloved shows and characters, Nickelodeon™ Place, Club Nick for kids, signature Sliming events, and the renowned Gourmet Inclusive® Experience by Karisma.

For info about the Food & Slime Festival, or to book, visit https://www.karismahotels.com/nickelodeon-hotels-resorts/specials/food-and-slime-festival.

About Karisma Hotels & Resorts

Karisma Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning luxury hotel collection that owns and manages an impressive portfolio of properties in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Property brands include Margaritaville Island Reserve® by Karisma; El Dorado Spa Resorts by Karisma; Azul Beach Resorts by Karisma; Generations Resorts by Karisma; Hidden Beach Resort by Karisma; Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts; and Margaritaville St. Somewhere by Karisma. Properties have been honored with the industry's top accolades, including Conde Nast Traveler's "Top 100 Hotels in the World," Conde Nast Traveler's "Top 30 Hotels in Cancun," TripAdvisor® Traveler's Choice "Best Hotels for Romance," and AAA's "Five Diamond Award'' and "Four Diamond Award." Karisma Hotels & Resorts is committed to employee and community support while delivering authentic experiences to guests, receiving worldwide recognition for its compassionate and creative approach to hospitality management and product innovations.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 44th 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 brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. Nickelodeon is a part of Paramount's (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment brands.

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More Nick: Karisma Hotels & Resorts Launches Autism Concierge!

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Mattel Announces Collaboration Between Masters of the Universe and Paramount’s 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'

Mattel Announces Collaboration Between Masters of the Universe and Paramount’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

The Two Heritage Brands Partner to Create New Toy Line, Turtles of Grayskull, Available in 2024

Mattel's Masters of the Universe announces collaboration with Paramount's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to unveil the Turtles of Grayskull toy line.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--Oct. 17, 2023--Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced today the collaboration between its celebrated brand, Masters of the Universe and the iconic franchise, Paramount’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, to unveil The Masters of the Universe Origins Turtles of Grayskull toy line. Combining the power of Eternia with the sewer-dwelling heroes of New York, The Masters of the Universe Origins Turtles of Grayskull toy line represents an exciting overlap of two beloved worlds to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 2024.

The partnership between Masters of the Universe and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles allows fans to create new storytelling moments with the Turtles of Grayskull line which outfits characters including Leonardo and Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo with Eternian-style battle gear, and He-Man from Masters of the Universe will battle his Mutagen Mutation while Skeletor will don Turtle-inspired Armor. Merging these worlds, which are both narratively jam-packed with creative possibility, unlocks even more storytelling opportunities for fans across both brands.

“Bringing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles into Masters of the Universe is a dream come true for many action figure fans. This is an unprecedented moment to collide fan-favorite properties – never been done before in the rich history of both brands,” said PJ Lewis, VP and Global Head of Action Figures at Mattel. “This collaboration represents two great brands that will ignite the imaginations of fans young and old alike.”

“It’s thrilling to see this special collection between Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Masters of the Universe come to fruition,” said Dion Vlachos, Executive Vice President, Licensing and Retail, Consumer Products & Experiences, Paramount. “Two incredibly popular franchises with multi-generational appeal coming together for a one-of-a-kind crossover toy line is something we know fans will embrace.”

Prepare to have the legendary characters of Masters of the Universe and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles united like never before, bringing a new dimension of excitement to both universes! The Masters of the Universe Origins Turtles of Grayskull toy line will be available starting in January 2024.

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Monster High® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming and digital experiences, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com.

About Paramount Consumer Products

Paramount Consumer Products oversees all licensing and merchandising for Paramount (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, Paramount Consumer Products’ portfolio includes a diverse slate of brands and content from BET, CBS (including CBS Television Studios and CBS Television Distribution), Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and SHOWTIME®. With properties spanning animation, live-action, preschool, youth and adult, Paramount Consumer Products is committed to creating the highest quality product for some of the world’s most beloved, iconic franchises. To view our range of consumer products and Paramount branded apparel, visit ParamountShop.com.

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Stream Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie on Netflix!

Subscribe to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles OFFICIAL YouTube channel - the ultimate home for all things TMNT! Here you’ll find Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello’s best moments from all your favorite TMNT series. Join the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in their fight against evil, and be the first to get notified of exclusive original content you won’t find anywhere else! https://at.nick.com/TMNTSubscribe

More Nick: ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’ Movie Sequel and Paramount+ Series in the Works!

H/T: Silicon.

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Showtime Documentary Films Acquires Daniel Peddle’s Follow-Up ‘Beyond the Aggressives: 25 Years Later’

Showtime has acquired rights to Beyond the Aggressives: 25 Years Later, a follow-up to director Daniel Peddle’s pioneering documentary about masculine-presenting people of color who were assigned female at birth, Variety is reporting.

A quarter of a century after 2005’s The Aggressives, the sequel catches up with four of the original subjects to see what has been going on in their lives since the first film. A press release describes the follow-up as “more than just a ‘where are they now’ and hears directly from the subjects about topics they’ve experienced, like being held in ICE detention, seeking gender-affirming care and starting their own families. The new chapter also delves into how much the language, culture and visibility of the trans community has evolved and grapples with many of the complexities around gender identity and representation.

Beyond the Aggressives: 25 Years Later will open in New York and Los Angeles on Nov. 17 to coincide with Transgender Awareness Week following the world premiere at NewFest in New York City on Oct. 18. It will premiere this spring on streaming and on demand for Showtime subscribers before making its on-air debut at a later date.

Showtime President and CEO Chris McCarthy praised the original film, which he says “documented a queer revolution and inspired a generation of young people.”

“In the vein of 7 Up and Boyhood, Beyond the Aggressives: 25 Years Later provides a powerful and unflinching look at the evolution of the original subjects as they navigate the universal struggles and joys of family, community and of finding your way,” he said in a statement.

Peddle, whose other credits include 2014’s Sunset Edge and 2017’s Moss, believes “film has an incredible power to change hearts and minds.”

“I witnessed this firsthand with The Aggressives, a true labor of love that I never imagined would touch so many when I started shooting it 25 years ago,” Peddle said in a statement. “Our sequel, Beyond The Aggressives celebrates the accomplishments and transformations of our participants while also reflecting on their continued struggles. The fact that this modest indie film has gained the support of such an acclaimed network as Showtime means more people will have the opportunity to see our humanizing approach.”

The film is directed by Peddle and produced by Wellington Love with executive producers Robert A. Maylor, Tiq Milan, Stephen Friedman, Jacqueline Woodson, Kristen Wolf and Gerald Herman. The film was edited by Yvette Wojciechowski with cinematography by Peddle and Jeanny Tsai and music by Aidan Salier.

Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!

More Nick: Paramount Plus Expands Kids and Family Programming with New Slate of Films and Series from Nickelodeon Studios!

Originally published: October 18, 2023.

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Paramount Global To Shutter Showtime Sports; Network Will No Longer Broadcast Boxing

Paramount Global, the parent company of Showtime, has announced that it will close down Showtime Sports as a department by the end of this year, and will no longer broadcast boxing after 2023.

The premium cable network has televised boxing since March 1986, when it aired Marvin Hagler’s 11th-round knockout of John Mugabi, and it has remained one of the sport’s most prominent platforms for nearly four decades. Showtime has had a particularly successful run since it signed Floyd Mayweather to an exclusive six-fight deal for the undefeated superstar to headline its pay-per-view shows in February 2013.

Paramount Global’s decision was based on the company focusing exclusively on scripted programming moving forward and eliminating eight-figure annual budgets previously allocated for live sports, primarily “Showtime Championship Boxing” and Bellator, an MMA promotional company that Paramount Global also owns. The positions of nearly 40 employees in Showtime Sports will be eliminated after December 29.

By December, Showtime and HBO, the sport’s two most prominent platforms for many years, will have exited the sport five years apart. HBO announced that it would stop televising boxing in September 2018 and aired its last live show in December of that year.

Showtime has two more boxing telecasts scheduled for November 25 and December 9 as part of the network’s exclusive content agreement with Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions.

The November 25 pay-per-view show will be headlined by super middleweights David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino’s Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. The fights for its December 9 event, probably a pay-per-view show as well, have not been determined, but it will likely be held at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Stephen Espinoza, Showtime’s president of sports and event programming, issued a statement to BoxingScene.com and other media outlets once the news became public knowledge Tuesday (Oct. 17) afternoon.

“It is with profound disappointment that I shared this morning’s news that the company has decided to shut down Showtime Sports at the end of this year,” said Espinoza, who has headed Showtime Sports since November 2011. “For over 37 years, Showtime Sports and Event Programming has occupied an important position in the sports media ecosystem, delivering premium storytelling, bold and provocative documentaries, thoughtful analysis and discussion and, of course, outstanding live production of the biggest combat sports in history. We have helped illuminate the intersection of sports, culture and society, and we have boldly and unapologetically explored stories and themes that others couldn’t or wouldn’t. And we have done it all with the highest standards of care and quality.

“The company’s decision is not a reflection of the work that we have done in recent years, nor our long and proud history. It is not an indictment on the value we have delivered to this network for 37 years, nor, in particular, in 2023. Unfortunately, in a rapidly evolving media marketplace, the company has had to make difficult choices allocating resources, resetting priorities and reshaping its content offering.”

Espinoza emphasized that while the network had one of its strongest years in boxing in recent memory – particularly with pay-per-view events that were headlined by Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia, Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. and Canelo Alvarez and Jermell Charlo – factors outside of his department led to Paramount Global’s decision.

“While today’s news is certainly difficult and disappointing, it is entirely out of our control,” Espinoza said. “So, as we have done when faced with similar challenges in the past, we will control the things that we can control. We will continue to deliver on our promise to subscribers and our content partners for the remainder of the year; namely to continue to deliver the highest quality, industry-leading boxing programming that has established us as the unequivocal No. 1 destination for the sport worldwide and to finish what we started in 2023, perhaps the best year in our department’s history.

“From Emmy Award-winning documentaries to the three highest-grossing pay-per-view events in television history, I am extremely proud of our content and our events – but I am far more proud of our people. [Their] diligence, dedication and passion have inspired me every day, and it is those qualities that will be the enduring legacy of Showtime Sports.”

Showtime and HBO were co-distributors of the Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao extravaganza, which produced a record 4.6 million pay-per-view buys in May 2015. Mayweather-Pacquiao made more than $600 million in overall revenue, far and away a boxing record.

Showtime later exclusively distributed Mayweather’s win over UFC superstar Conor McGregor, which generated 4.3 million pay-per-view buys in August 2017. The network previously partnered with HBO on the Lennox Lewis-Mike Tyson heavyweight title fight, which produced nearly two million buys in June 2002.

Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!

More Nick: Paramount Plus Expands Kids and Family Programming with New Slate of Films and Series from Nickelodeon Studios!

Originally published: October 18, 2023.

Additional sources: Sports Business Journal, @A_S12; Special thanks to @916786wc for the news!

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