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New 'Blue's Clues & You!' Toys from LeapFrog Available Now

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New Blue's Clues & You!™ Toys from LeapFrog® Available Now

Interactive New Products Encourage Kids to Learn and Play with Blue and Josh

New LeapBuilders® Blue's Clues & You! Learning Letters Train from LeapFrog® is available now.

CHICAGO, Oct. 12, 2020 -- Today LeapFrog® Enterprises, Inc. announced the availability of its feature line of toys based on Nickelodeon's hit preschool series Blue's Clues & You!™. Joining LeapFrog's award-winning infant and preschool collection, these innovative, educational toys encourage a child's natural curiosity and love of learning with curriculum-based content that makes learning exciting.

"Blue's Clues & You! is beloved by so many families and we wanted to incorporate the characters they love into exciting learning toys," said Andy Keimach, President, VTech Electronics North America, LeapFrog's parent company. "We know parents will recognize the value LeapFrog brings to these toys and kids will love how we've brought the show to life with this new collection."

A remake of Nickelodeon's groundbreaking, curriculum-driven interactive series Blue's Clues, Blue's Clues & You! has a new generation of preschoolers searching for clues with beloved Blue and new live-action host Josh (Josh Dela Cruz). The new LeapFrog toys enable kids to play along with the series by using their very own Blue's Clues & You! Play & Learn Thinking Chair and Blue's Clues & You! Really Smart Handy Dandy Notebook to help solve three games of Blue's Clues. Children can also play with pals Blue and Magenta with new learning watches.

In addition, Blue's Clues & You! characters will soon be featured as part of LeapFrog's award-winning LeapBuilders® line. These smart, easy-to-hold building blocks offer an innovative take on classic block play by combining technology and interactive curriculum-based learning content. Kids can combine the new LeapBuilders Blue's Clues & You! learning blocks with other LeapBuilders sets that include an electronic Smart Star™ cube. The Smart Star will respond with fun sounds, educational songs and learning phrases that enhance building play. From a school to a train to an 81-piece blocks box, kids will be able to build with the Blue's Clues & You! characters they love.

For more information, visit www.leapfrog.com. Highlights of the line include:

New Blue's Clues & You! Play & Learn Thinking Chair from LeapFrog® is available now.

Blue's Clues & You!™ Play & Learn Thinking Chair: Sit down and think, think, think in the Blue's Clues & You! Play & Learn Thinking Chair. Hear fun phrases from the show as you play with Josh and Blue by looking for clues and figuring out what Blue wants using the non-removable Handy Dandy Notebook. Sit on the chair to hear Josh invite you to play. Stand up and Josh will encourage you to find clues! Press the light-up buttons on the arm of the Thinking Chair to hear clues and explore colors, numbers, shapes and more. Use logic and problem-solving skills to figure out Blue's Clues. At Mail Time, open Mailbox and find a letter from Blue and Magenta for more pretend play. Remove Mailbox from the chair to reveal a cup holder. Lift the seat cushion for a place to store small items. Let's figure out Blue's Clues! ($49.99; ages 2+ years; available now exclusively at Walmart)

New Blue's Clues & You! Really Smart Handy Dandy Notebook from LeapFrog® is available now.

Blue's Clues & You!™ Really Smart Handy Dandy Notebook: Learn what's new with Blue and Josh! The Blue's Clues & You! Really Smart Handy Dandy Notebook with non-removable crayon looks like Josh's Handy Dandy Notebook from the show. Learn through pretend play with 14 light-up app icons that introduce toddlers and preschoolers to colors, counting, shapes, weather, health and hygiene. The Really Smart Handy Dandy Notebook features phone, music and mail apps for pretend play with Blue, Josh and Mailbox. Pretend to talk to Josh and Blue on the phone, check your email with Mailbox and use the music app to dance to fun Blue's Clues & You!-inspired tunes. Press the button with the picture of Blue to hear a variety of her fun barks. ($14.99; ages 2+ years; available now)

New Blue's Clues & You! Blue Learning Watch from LeapFrog® is available now.

Blue's Clues & You!™ Learning Watch: Bring Blue or Magenta wherever you go with the Blue's Clues & You! Blue Learning Watch or Magenta Learning Watch. Bring time concepts to life with an entertaining wristwatch that features Josh's voice and familiar barks from Blue or Magenta! Explore daily routines with Blue and Magenta by choosing a time to discover what they want to do. Little ones can learn about time concepts with an alarm clock and timer. Play four learning games that introduce kids to counting, shapes and problem solving with Tickety Tock, Slippery Soap, Shovel and Pail. Choose between seven digital watch faces that make time-telling extra exciting. Close the watch with the protective lid featuring Blue or Magenta's adorable face. Blue Learning Watch and Magenta Learning Watch sold separately. ($14.99 each; ages 3+ years; available now)

New LeapBuilders® Blue's Clues & You! Blue's 123 School from LeapFrog® is available now.

LeapBuilders® Blue's Clues & You!™ Blue's 123 School: Go to school at the LeapBuilders® Blue's Clues & You! Blue's 123 School! Build, create and learn with this 42-piece block set, featuring figures of Blue, Josh and Magenta from the show Blue's Clues & You! Build a school for Blue, Josh and Magenta including a school bus and a show-and-tell area or use your imagination with the easy-to-hold building blocks and eight double-sided learning blocks featuring numbers and objects. For even more fun, combine the learning blocks with other LeapBuilders® sets (sold separately) that include an electronic Smart Star™ cube that responds with fun sounds and educational songs to enhance building play with learning content.  Get building with smart blocks for smart kids! ($24.99, ages 2+ years; available now)

LeapFrog® LeapBuilders® Blue's Clues & You!™ Learning Letters Train: All aboard the LeapBuilders® Blue's Clues & You! Learning Letters Train! Build, create and learn with this 33-piece block set featuring friends from the show Blue's Clues & You!, including Blue and Josh figures. Build a train for Blue and Josh to ride and go on an alphabet adventure. Build anything you can imagine using the easy-to-hold building blocks and 19 double-sided learning blocks that feature letters and objects. For even more fun, combine the learning blocks with other LeapBuilders® sets (sold separately) that include an electronic Smart Star™ cube that responds with fun sounds, educational songs and encouraging phrases to enhance building play with learning content. Get building with smart blocks for smart kids! ($17.99, ages 2+ years; available now) * See lead image.

New LeapBuilders® Blue's Clues & You! 81-Piece Jumbo Blocks Box from LeapFrog® is available now.

LeapFrog® LeapBuilders® Blue's Clues & You!™ 81-Piece Jumbo Blocks Box: Get creative with the LeapBuilders® Blue's Clues & You! 81-Piece Jumbo Blocks Box! Build and create with this 81-piece block set featuring a Blue character figure from the show Blue's Clues & You! The easy-to-hold building blocks and 13 double-sided learning blocks feature letters and objects. Inspire creativity with three double-sided building cards to build animal friends for Blue, a pick-up truck she can ride on and more. For even more fun, combine the learning blocks with other LeapBuilders® sets (sold separately) that include an electronic Smart Star™ cube that responds with fun sounds, educational songs and encouraging phrases to enhance building play with learning content. When you're done, store everything inside the convenient storage box. Get building with smart blocks for smart kids!
($19.99, ages 2+ years; available now)

About LeapFrog
LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. is the leader in innovative learning toys for children that encourage a child's curiosity and love of learning throughout their early developmental journey. For more than 20 years, LeapFrog has helped children expand their knowledge and imagination through award-winning products that combine state-of-the-art educational expertise led by the LeapFrog Learning Team, innovative technology, and engaging play – turning playtime into quality time that helps children leap ahead. LeapFrog's proprietary learning tablets and ground-breaking developmental games, learn to read and write systems, interactive learning toys and more are designed to create personalized experiences that encourage, excite and build confidence in children. LeapFrog is a subsidiary of VTech Holdings Limited, which is based in Hong Kong.  LeapFrog was founded in 1995 by a father who revolutionized technology-based learning solutions to help his child learn how to read. Learn more at www.leapfrog.com.

Subscribe to the official Blue’s Clues & You! YouTube channel! Subscribe today at https://at.nick.com/BCYSubscribe!


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BelleHarvest Debuts Kid-Focused PAW Patrol Branded Apples

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BelleHarvest Debuts Kid-Focused PAW Patrol™ Branded Apples

Better-for-you snack option featuring Chase, Skye and Marshall


BELDING, Mich., Oct. 12, 2020 -- BelleHarvest, leading Michigan apple distributor, announced the debut of its new PAW Patrol™ branded apples. "PAWfect" for children, the 3-pound pouch of apples come in three delicious varieties with a suggested retail price of $4.49 (Gala and Fuji) - $6.49 (Honeycrisp) per pouch. The product will begin to appear in the produce section of grocery stores this month with widespread distribution expected to grow in the coming months.

BelleHarvest's Lineup of PAW Patrol branded apple pouches

Families can choose from three popular apple varieties:
  • Heroic Honeycrisp: A natural leader, Chase is on the case! Heroic Honeycrisp is the ideal snack to fuel pups of all ages while they chase their dreams.
  • Gotta Fly Gala: This red apple with a mild, sweet taste is the perfect sidekick for any child as they try anything with grace and a smile – just like Skye!
  • Fired Up Fuji: Encourage bravery and action just like Marshall with Fired Up Fuji. This firm-textured apple can hang with any busy pup's lifestyle!
"PAW Patrol is a beloved brand, and we are excited to partner with Nickelodeon to help drive families towards happier and healthier lifestyles, while also connecting our product with activities that encourage children to not only eat apples, but to also have fun" said Nicholas Mascari, president of BelleHarvest.

Bringing the experience from the grocery store to the home, BelleHarvest has also developed three exciting and printable coloring pages extending the interaction from better-for-you snacks to fun and play.

To learn more and access the printable coloring pages, please visit: www.belleharvest.com/paw-patrol

BelleHarvest
For years, BelleHarvest, the leading apple distributor in West Michigan, has planted, grown, harvested and delivered healthy, flavorful food to their families, communities and beyond. As new varieties are developed, and taste becomes increasingly important, BelleHarvest is the expert partner helping the best apples get from field to store shelf. We are the trusted advocates for both grower and retailer, ensuring the industry thrives and delivering nature's greatest snack.

For more information, please visit belleharvest.com and share your family enjoying apples with @TakeBackTheSnack on Facebook and Instagram.
More Nick:'Paw Patrol' Movie from Spin Master and Nickelodeon Movies, with Paramount Pictures Distributing, Set for August 2021 Release!

Originally published: Monday, October 12, 2020.
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Nickelodeon to Premiere 'Are You Afraid of the Dark?' in Latin America and Brazil on Friday 16th October 2020

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NICKELODEON GETS SET
FOR RETURN OF ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK?

New Three-Part Limited Series Event Premieres This October on Nickelodeon in the Americas

Share it: #AreYouAfraidoftheDark #LeTemesALaOscuridad #ClubeDoTerrorVemAi


Nickelodeon is preparing for the return of The Midnight Society with the all-new Are You Afraid of the Dark? three-part limited series event. Based on the ‘90s kids’ cult classic, and reimagined for a new generation, part one of Are You Afraid of the Dark? will premiere on Nickelodeon Latin America (Latinoamérica) and Nickelodeon Brazil (Brasil) on Friday 16th October 2020 at 8 PM (Col) | 8:30 PM (Mex) | 9 PM (Arg/Ven) | 10 PM (Chi) | 21h30 (Br), with Parts 2 and 3 airing at the same times on Friday 23rd and Friday 30th October 2020, respectively.

The series is locally titled ¿Le Temes a la Oscuridad? in Latin America and Clube do Terror Vem Ai in Brazil.

Across the three hour-long episodes, Are You Afraid of the Dark? will follow members of an entirely new Midnight Society, who tell a terrifying tale of the Carnival of Doom and its evil ringmaster Mr. Tophat, only to witness the shocking story come frightfully to life. In the just-released trailer, viewers meet the new members of the Midnight Society, get a glimpse at the uncertainty that awaits and prepare for an adventure beyond their wildest nightmares.



In Part One, "Submitted For Approval", tormented by nightmares, the new girl in school feels and out of place until a mysterious group invites her to join. All she has to do is tell a truly terrifying story.

In Part Two, "Opening Night", when a friend's disappearance seems to be linked to Rachel's story, the Midnight Society decides to attend the Carnival of Doom. Is it the same carnival from her nightmares? How?

In Part Three, "Destroy All Tophats", with her friends' lives at stake, Rachel decides to take charge and end Mr. Tophat's reign of terror. Will the story have a happy ending, or is the Midnight Society doomed?


The new members of the Midnight Society are: Rachel, played by Lyliana Wray (Top Gun: Maverick); Gavin, played by Sam Ashe Arnold (Best.Worst.Weekend.Ever.); Akiko, played by Miya Cech (Rim of the World, Always Be My Maybe); Graham, played by Jeremy Taylor (IT: Chapter Two, Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween); and Louise, played by Tamara Smart (Artemis Fowl, The Worst Witch). The Carnival of Doom’s ringmaster, Mr. Tophat, is played by Rafael Casal (Blindspotting).

Are You Afraid of the Dark? is produced by ACE Entertainment (To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, The Perfect Date) with ACE founder Matt Kaplan and Spencer Berman serving as executive producers. The series is written by BenDavid Grabinski (Skiptrace, Happily) and directed by Dean Israelite (Power Rangers movie, Project Almanac), both of whom are also executive producers. Chris Foss is also an executive producer.

One of the Nickelodeon’s most iconic series from the ‘90s, the original Are You Afraid of the Dark? delivered riveting stories of horror to young audiences, all from a kid’s perspective. Are You Afraid of the Dark? is owned by DHX and was created by D.J. MacHale and Ned Kandel, who are also executive producers on the project.

Are You Afraid of the Dark? made its world premiere on Nickelodeon in the U.S. on Friday, Oct. 11, at 7:00 p.m. (ET/PT), as part of the network's Halloween programming highlights. A second season has been commissioned and an podcast series is in the works.

Fans can visit nickelodeon.la and nickelodeon.com.br to find out more about their favourite Nickelodeon shows as well as watch video clips. Fans can also Like the official Nickelodeon Facebook pages (LatAm | BR) and Instagram (LatAm | BR) pages and subscribe to Nickelodeon's official YouTube (en Español | em Português) channels for the latest Nickelodeon news and highlights.

From Magazine.HD:

Quem Tem Medo do Escuro? está de regresso, no Nickelodeon

Bem a tempo do Hallowen, o Nickelodeon volta a apresentar “Quem Tem Medo do Escuro?”. Ainda se lembram da série dos anos 90 que conquistou os jovens?

É uma das séries mais adoradas do público jovem, foi um sucesso nos anos 90, e este ano está de regresso bem a tempo do Halloween. “Quem Tem Medo do Escuro?” é a nova mini-série desta temporada do Nickelodeon e tem estreia marcada para 17 de outubro.

Um remake da série dos anos 90, é composta por três episódios, cada um com uma hora, e volta a apresentar-nos a Sociedade da Meia-Noite. Composta por um grupo de amigos, a Sociedade junta-se ocasionalmente em locais secreto para contar histórias de terror… e perceber realmente quem tem medo do escuro.

Originalmente criada por D.J. MacHale e Ned Kandel, esteve no ar entre 1992-1996 e por mais uma temporada em 1999-2000. Agora é apresentada com produção da ACE Entertainment (“To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before”) e com produção executiva de Matt Kaplan e Spencer Berman. Foi escrita por Ben David Grabinski e realizada por Dean Israelite.

A nova versão de “Quem Tem Medo do Escuro?” tem na sua Sociedade da Meia-Noite os amigos Gavin (Sam Ashe Arnold, “Best.Worst.Weekend.Ever.”), Akiko (Miya Cech, “Rim of the World”), Louise (Tamara Smart, “Artemis Fowl”), Graham (Jeremy Taylor, “It”) e Rachel (Lyliana Wray, “Top Gun: Maverick”e “Black-ish”). O mestre de cerimónias do Circo da Desgraça, Mr. Tophat, será interpretado por Rafael Casal (“Blindspotting”).

A série irá para o ar no Nickelodeon todos os sábados, a partir de 17 de outubro, às 17h10, estando o último episódio marcado para dia 31 de outubro.

Os mais jovens aí de casa conhecem a saga “Quem Tem o Medo do Escuro” ?

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More Nick:Nickelodeon Latin America Announces 'Kids' Choice Awards México 2020' Nominees!

Originally published: Sunday, October 11, 2020.

H/T: Special thanks to @BRTadeuGT and @Joheruchan! Additional sources: Anime, Manga y TVTVLaint.

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon The Americas and Are You Afraid of the Dark? News and Highlights!

ViacomCBS to Rebrand CBS All Access as Paramount+ in Early 2021

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ViacomCBS Unveils Brand for Upcoming Global Streaming Service: Paramount+

CBS All Access to Be Rebranded as Paramount+ in Early 2021

International Launch in 2021 with Initial Debut in Australia, Latin America, and the Nordics

Additional Exclusive Original Series Planned for Paramount+ from CBS, BET, MTV and Paramount to Join Its Unique Combination of Live Sports, Breaking News and Premium Entertainment

Plans Include Five New Original Series for the Service: THE OFFER, a Limited Event Series About the Making of “The Godfather,” One of the Most Legendary Films in Paramount’s History from Oscar and Emmy-Nominated Writer Michael Tolkin; LIONESS, from “Yellowstone” Creator Taylor Sheridan; a New Edition of BEHIND THE MUSIC from MTV; THE REAL CRIMINAL MINDS True Crime Docuseries; and a Revival of BET’s THE GAME

Additional Original Series to Be Announced in Advance of Launch


New York--September 15--ViacomCBS (NASDAQ: VIAC, VIACA) today unveiled“Paramount+” as the brand name for the company’s upcoming global streaming service, building on a legacy of innovation and superior storytelling that distinguishes one of the most iconic brands in Hollywood. The company’s transformed subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, CBS All Access, will be rebranded as Paramount+ in early 2021 as part of the service’s expansion to feature content from ViacomCBS’ leading portfolio of broadcast, news, sports and entertainment brands. ViacomCBS will also bring Paramount+ to international markets with an initial debut in Australia, Latin America and the Nordics in 2021.


“Paramount is an iconic and storied brand beloved by consumers all over the world, and it is synonymous with quality, integrity and world-class storytelling,” said Bob Bakish, President and CEO, ViacomCBS. “With Paramount+, we’re excited to establish one global streaming brand in the broad-pay segment that will draw on the sheer breadth and depth of the ViacomCBS portfolio to offer an extraordinary collection of content for everyone to enjoy.”

Today, ViacomCBS also revealed plans for additional new original series for Paramount+:

  • THE OFFER, a scripted limited event series from Paramount Television Studios, based on Oscar-winning producer Al Ruddy’s extraordinary, never-revealed experiences of making “The Godfather.” The 10-episode event series is written and executive produced by Michael Tolkin (“Escape at Dannemora” and “The Player”). Ruddy will also serve as executive producer, and Emmy-winning producer Leslie Greif (“Hatfields & McCoys”) will executive produce and be a writer on the series.
  • LIONESS, a spy drama created by Taylor Sheridan (“Yellowstone”) with Sheridan, Jill Wagner, David Glasser, David Hutkin, and Bob Yari set to executive produce. Based on a real-life CIA program, LIONESS follows a young Marine recruited to befriend the daughter of a terrorist to bring the organization down from within. The series is produced by Paramount Network and 101 Studios.
  • A reimagination of the Emmy®-nominated series “Behind the Music” entitled MTV’s BEHIND THE MUSIC – THE TOP 40, which will unlock MTV’s vault from the past 40 years for a unique and intimate look at the 40 biggest artists of all time, through their voices and their eyes. The series will be produced by Creature Films and MTV Studios.
  • THE REAL CRIMINAL MINDS, a true crime docuseries based on the hit CBS Television series, and produced by XG Productions in association with CBS Television Studios and ABC Signature.
  • The service is also developing a revival of THE GAME as part of BET’s programming on Paramount+ from CBS Television Studios and Grammnet Productions.

The new original series announced today join the service’s previously announced plans for KAMP KORAL, a new original children’s series from Nickelodeon’s SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, and the service’s role as the exclusive SVOD home to THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN in early 2021. Additional new original content will be announced ahead of launch.

This programming will join CBS All Access’ robust existing offering of more than 20,000 episodes and movies from BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and more, as well as exclusive original series including THE GOOD FIGHT, THE TWILIGHT ZONE, TOONING OUT THE NEWS, NO ACTIVITY, WHY WOMEN KILL, INTERROGATION, THE THOMAS JOHN EXPERIENCE and TELL ME A STORY, as well as upcoming series THE STAND, THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH, THE HARPER HOUSE, and GUILTY PARTY. The service is also the exclusive domestic home to STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, STAR TREK: PICARD, the animated series STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS and the upcoming U.S.S. Enterprise-set series STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS.

Since the transformation of CBS All Access began in late July, the service has experienced significant growth and engagement. With the addition of a diverse mix of content, including UEFA, BIG BROTHER LIVE FEEDS, STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS and more than 3,500 episodes from across ViacomCBS’ brands, the service broke a new record for total monthly streams in August and experienced one of its best months ever in terms of new subscriber sign-ups. In addition, the average age of new subscribers in August was measurably younger than the service’s overall average subscriber age, due in large part to the addition of UEFA and the newly added content from various ViacomCBS brands.

Leading up to the early 2021 rebrand to Paramount+, CBS All Access will expand its content offering to more than 30,000 episodes and movies and continue to develop additional original series across brands including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and more, transforming it into a diversified super service for the ViacomCBS portfolio.

“The response from consumers in just the early weeks of the service’s expansion already illustrates the tremendous opportunity ahead of us in bringing these phenomenal ViacomCBS brands together in one premium streaming home under the new Paramount+ name,” said Marc DeBevoise, Chief Digital Officer, ViacomCBS and President & Chief Executive Officer, ViacomCBS Digital. “With the addition of even more content from across the portfolio as well as the new exclusive originals we are announcing today, we look forward to the early 2021 rebrand and bringing existing and new subscribers more of the compelling, genre-spanning live sports, breaking news and mountain of entertainment ViacomCBS has to offer.”

ViacomCBS currently uses the Paramount+ brand for its international OTT app, which is available in Latin America, the Nordics, Eastern Europe, Russia and Latin America. Like CBS All Access, Paramount+ also features content from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr.

Additionally, ViacomCBS has launched a similar Nick+ (Nickelodeon+) product in Portugal, Greece, Germany and Canada.

About CBS All Access:

CBS All Access is ViacomCBS’ direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service. CBS All Access gives subscribers the ability to watch more than 20,000 episodes and movies on demand – including exclusive original series, current and past seasons of hit shows from the CBS Television Network and growing libraries from brands across the ViacomCBS portfolio including BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Smithsonian and more, as well as a wealth of films from Paramount Pictures. The service is also the streaming home to unmatched sports programming, including every CBS Sports event, from golf to football to basketball and more, plus exclusive streaming rights for major sports properties, including some of the world’s biggest and most popular soccer leagues. CBS All Access also enables subscribers to stream local CBS stations live across the U.S. in addition to the ability to stream ViacomCBS Digital’s other live channels: CBSN for 24/7 news, CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis, and ET Live for entertainment coverage.

The service is currently available across all major device platforms including online, mobile and connected TV and OTT platforms and services. Versions of CBS All Access have launched internationally in Canada and Australia (10 All Access), with unique but similar content and pricing plans. For more details on CBS All Access, please visit https://www.cbs.com/all-access.

About ViacomCBS:

ViacomCBS (NASDAQ: VIAC; VIACA) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, its portfolio includes CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, CBS All Access, Pluto TV and Simon & Schuster, among others. The company delivers the largest share of the U.S. television audience and boasts one of the industry’s most important and extensive libraries of TV and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, ViacomCBS provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution and advertising solutions for partners on five continents.

For more information about ViacomCBS, please visit www.viacomcbs.com and follow @ViacomCBS on social platforms.

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Official ViacomCBS Australia & New Zealand press release:

ViacomCBS Unveils New Brand For Transformed 10 All Access And Global SVOD Services: Paramount+


• 10 All Access to be rebranded as Paramount+ in 2021.
• ViacomCBS’ global subscription video on-demand services will also carry the Paramount+ name.
• Rebranded service to feature Original series Lioness, from Creator Taylor Sheridan, First Ladies and The Offer.

Sydney, Australia – September 16, 2020 – ViacomCBS Australia & New Zealand today announced its subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, 10 All Access, will be rebranded as Paramount+ in 2021.

ViacomCBS global subscription video on-demand services will also be named Paramount+, establishing one cohesive global consumer brand that illustrates the breadth of content and genres these services provide under the banner of one of Hollywood’s most storied legacies.

David Lynn, President and CEO, ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), said: “With the global launch of Paramount+ we are poised to become as powerful a player in streaming as we are in TV. VCNI is focused on building a meaningful, global brand presence in our key markets, generating material advertising, subscription and licensing revenue from streaming.

“By leveraging the iconic Paramount brand, leading edge infrastructure from ViacomCBS along with an incredible, super-sized pipeline of must-see content, Paramount+ will deliver an exceptional consumer entertainment experience and significantly disrupt the streaming industry.”

Chief Content Officer & Executive Vice President of ViacomCBS Australia & New Zealand, Beverley McGarvey, said: “The rebrand of 10 All Access to Paramount+ confirms its place in ViacomCBS’ global streaming network which will carry iconic ViacomCBS library content.

“As we continue to build out our multi-platform offering and with a firm focus on building our streaming offering, we’re really thrilled to be bringing the Paramount+ brand to local audiences.”

Today, ViacomCBS also revealed plans for three new original series for Paramount+ in Australia. Lioness, a spy drama created by Taylor Sheridan (“Yellowstone”) with Sheridan, Jill Wagner, David Glasser, David Hutkin, and Bob Yari set to executive produce. Based on a real CIA program, Lioness follows a young Marine recruited to befriend the daughter of a terrorist to bring the organization down from within. The series will mark the first original for Paramount Television on the service.

Paramount+ will be the exclusive home of SHOWTIME premieres, including the hour-long drama First Ladies, starring and executive produced by Oscar®, Emmy® and Tony® winner Viola Davis winner Viola Davis, who will play former first lady Michelle Obama.

The service has also ordered The Offer, a scripted series from Paramount Television Studios based on Oscar®-winning producer Al Ruddy’s extraordinary, never revealed experiences of making “The Godfather.”

The 10-episode limited event series is written and executive produced by Michael Tolkin (“Escape at Dannemora” and “The Player”). Ruddy will also serve as executive producer and Emmy-winning producer Leslie Greif (“Hatfields & McCoys”) will executive produce and be a writer on the series.

This programming will join 10 All Access’ existing offering of more than 10,000 episodes and movies from CBS, CW and Network 10, as well as original series like The Good Fight, The Twilight Zone, Tooning Out The News, Interrogation, Why Women Kill and Tell Me A Story.

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From TheWrap:

Bob Bakish Explains Why ViacomCBS Chose Paramount+ Name for Rebranded Streaming Service

ViacomCBS CEO calls newly-named streamer the start of “an exciting new chapter” for the studio

ViacomCBS CEO Bob Bakish explained why the company landed on the name Paramount+ for its rebranded streaming service.

“It’s a brand with a history of innovation, it’s over a century old, and a legacy of producing great content,” Bakish said Tuesday during the Goldman Sachs Communacopia Conference Tuesday. “It’s a brand that has always brought people together to enjoy the entertainment experience. Importantly, it’s a brand that also leverages ViacomCBS’ global position with near universal brand recognition. The fact is consumers all over the world know the Paramount brand, and they love it. So it’s a natural choice for us.”

Bakish argued plastering the Paramount name on its streaming service could also bolster the studio’s footprint. “It is really the beginning of an exciting new chapter for one of the most storied brands in Hollywood,” he said.

On Tuesday morning, ViacomCBS revealed that CBS All Access will be called Paramount+ beginning early next year.

The rebranding is the second, and much bigger, phase of the two-phase expansion of CBS All Access, which first launched in 2014 and was among the earliest entrants in the streaming space. In July, All Access added more than 3,500 episodes from Viacom networks BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon and Smithsonian Channel, along with a smaller redesign that incorporates hubs for the Viacom networks.

ViacomCBS says in the weeks since the July addition of content, All Access broke a new record for total monthly streams in August and experienced one of its best months ever in terms of new subscriber sign-ups (though revealed no actual numbers). In addition, the average age of new subscribers in August was measurably younger than the service’s overall average subscriber age, due in large part to the addition of UEFA and the newly added content from various ViacomCBS brands.

“We feel very good about the growth projection that we’re on,” said Bakish.

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From IBC365:

INTERVIEW: TED SCHILOWITZ, PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Paramount’s resident futurist talks AR and VR, branching narratives, volumetric video and how the pandemic has helped accelerate new ways of working.

Remote working is second nature to Ted Schilowitz, Paramount’s resident futurist who adds - without irony – he’s just been waiting for the rest of the world to catch up with him.  

“My work’s always been about remote everything and digital assets - many of the things that have become everyday occurrences now have been part of my word for years,” he says.  

Home-based since the pandemic forced Hollywood’s studios to shut six months ago, the man responsible for shepherding Paramount’s future – and that of its parent enterprise ViacomCBS – has lately been involved in advising staff on how to manage remote workflows and video coms during lockdown.  

“My main advice is just to get comfortable with it, it’s just another way to communicate, to understand things like network latency, to be short and pithy with your responses and to try not to talk over people.”  

On this latter point he adds, “Duplex communication hasn’t caught up with video world. If you are in a big group of 40 people there is the software out there to alert people to the fact that you want to say something - but nothing beats just raising your hand.” 

With a remit to explore new technologies, new platforms and new ways of working, Schilowitz is also looking beyond the video call, and is encouraging content creatives to use VR tools and avatars for social, business and personal communications.  

He adds that the company uses a cross-platform software called Spatial to enables users to use their own choice of VR or MR headsets. 

 “It’s working well, we’ve moved beyond the experimental phase. We can do strategy meetings, creative meetings and project planning meetings and we can bring up all these assets as if we were in a real room,” he says.  

And he’s convinced that this form of immersive communication offers added value over standard video conferencing technology. 

 “Think about any kind of conversation that you’d have over lunch, a dinner or a coffee with a small group of people versus sitting by a video window with two computers. Almost anything can be better if it feels more real.” 

Extending reality 
Part of Schilowitz’s role is to keep tabs on consumer trends and he adds that what audiences choose to do in their leisure time forms “the broad starting point” for most of his future mapping.  

In the case of VR, he notes that the Home Entertainment sector has seen a massive uptick since the Pandemic, as people spend more time at home and look to take a break from the real world – to the extent that there were reported shortages of Oculus Quest headsets for a time.  

While most content consumed on these platforms is interactive, Schilowitz observes that the medium is slowly evolving to offer experiences that are “more of a mix between passive engagement and interactivity” – something that arguably works better on TV platforms.  

It’s an area he notes, that Apple is keen to move into, with news reports last month claiming the tech giant is set to add AR content to its Apple TV+ streaming video service.  

“I still don’t think that the RED camera gets the credit it deserves”

‘Bonus’ features may include characters or objects from a show that are able to integrate into the surrounding environment.  

Schilowitz believes that this is a precursor to what Apple has been working one the last five years, the endgame being its own VR/ MR headset/ glasses. He notes that Apple’s move into AR TV also follows the acquisition of a series of immersive startups, the most recent being Next VR, in May.  

“Apple hasn’t talked specifically about headsets, but all you have to do is look at the companies they’ve acquired and the tech that they’ve implemented and the job postings and you can make approximations that they are working on something big in this area,” he says.   

On how this might shape content specifically, Schilowitz is not yet clear, but he predicts that in the next three to five years (“or five to seven if we’re being conservative”) there will be a “huge piece of MR cross platform entertainment content” that is set to “eclipse Pokémon Go in terms of its magnitude”.  

On Paramount’s own plans all he will reveal is that it is “definitely working on lots of things that relate to that.” 

Branching narrative  
Another big area for the studio is choose-your-own-adventure-style branching narrative TV shows, especially for Viacom’s Youth brands, which include MTV, Nickelodeon and Noggin.  

“We’ve experimented using a user group with a controlled movie – now we’re pivoting towards home user multi-user choice,” he says. 

He adds however, that TV branching narratives are still very much in their infancy.  “I don’t think that it’s a very mature pursuit yet when you compare it to how video games tackle narrative - but its something to keep a close eye on.” 

The way the games industry continues to have a huge impact on the way TV and film content is made - thanks to the real time 3D rendering capabilities of gaming engines such as Unity and Unreal - will continue to evolve, he predicts.  

“Games engines have become hypercritical to us- especially in the age of the pandemic. Just from a safety standpoint we continue to look at virtual production, virtual backgrounds, and continue to be more successful in making that movie magic happen,” he says.  

Volumetric video  
There’s a vision that in the not-to-distant future as we move from the flat screen into the spacial realm, it will be possible to move around inside live action video and cinema imagery, which may lead to new kinds of Holographic-style immersive entertainments.  

Volumetric capture and video is area that Schilowitz is deeply invested in. He’s involved in a number of startups in this area including 3Infinate (formerly HypeVR.  

However, he is less impressed by the big tech firms’ early explorations into this realm – the 2018 Red and Facebook volumetric project Manifold being a prime example. 

“That’s a case of a  ‘Look See” discussion involving two very large companies who were trying to throw as much of a resource tree as they could at something without the intimacy and understanding of how to tackle a problem,” he says.  

“Big organisations are not getting it right yet and are tending to acquire smaller start ups which are. And that’s an area of long-term purist for me - and others,” he says.  

A more successful Red foray was convincing Hollywood to move to digital away from film – something that Schilowitz played a key role in at the time.  

 “Considering Red very much changed the face of that industry, I still don’t think that it gets the credit it deserves,” he muses.  

Another move that earned him his futurist stripes was through the co creation and launch of G-Tech’s advanced hard drive storage products - ultimately bought by Hitachi and used worldwide.  

According to Schilowitz, a common denominator in successful launches is having the foresight to understand what the market wants and being able to deliver on that promise.  

“It’s a deep study of the desire for people to have the best creative tools that they can, without the shackles and restrictions of one that very few can access.  

“The tenant of my professional career has been: If you can build something that is exceptionally good, and also breaks down barriers to entry, you have a successful combination.  

“That opens up huge horizons for so many more people to be a part of it – and if you can enable this, then amazing things will happen.” 

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More Nick:Nickelodeon Upfront 2020 Roundup!

Originally published: Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 17:39 BST.

H/T: Seeking Alpha; Additional source: TrekMovie.com.

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'The Gift' Sneak Peek | Tyler Perry's Young Dylan | Nickelodeon

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Get set to meet Dylan's mom in the brand new Tyler Perry's Young Dylan episode "The Gift", premiering Saturday, October 3, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon! Check out a awesome sneak peek below!:


In the all new Young Dylan episode "The Gift," Dylan (Dylan Gilmer) has a dream about his mom returning to get him, and reveals that he doesn’t want to leave. This becomes a reality when Viola (Aloma Wright) reveals that Dylan’s mom is back, and planning to take Dylan home with her.




The Young Dylan episode "The Gift" marks the show's first season finale, following the season wrapping early earlier this year due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. It's currently unknown whether the series will be renewed for a second season, so this could be the show's series finale.

In an interview with WORLD SCREEN, Tyler Perry revealed how Young Dylan was created!:

WS: How did Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan come about?
PERRY: That was Brian Robbins, who was at Paramount and is now running Nickelodeon. He called and said, “Listen, I found this kid, Dylan Gilmer. We’ve got to do something with him.” We put the show together, and it worked very well. My son loves it. I’m just excited for those kids.

WS: If television can change hearts and minds, is it especially important in children’s programming to feature the world the way it is? At what age do you start telling children the truth about the world?
PERRY: I’m struggling right now with a 5-year-old who will be 6 in November. I’m going to have this conversation about race with him. But the beauty about where he is now is that he is unaware of it. As long as I can hold [back] that conversation from him, I’m willing to do so. It’s very important that people are shown how they are, as they are, to everyone, so that it’s not like it was when I was growing up that everything that was beautiful was blue-eyed and blond. And everybody who was on television was blond or white. It was very rare to see a Black person on tele­vision in my very early years. Then it got a little better into the mid-to-late ’70s, and I started to see more and more of us. It’s just important that we see people as we are.

WS: I’ve found that children retain that innocence until middle school unless they come from toxic families. The prejudice seems to kick in after middle school. But 6 is a beautiful age. Do you love seeing the world through your son’s eyes?
PERRY: For sure, it’s so beautiful. It’s so pure. He talks about all his friends at school and never mentions them by race.

You can read WORLD SCREEN's full interview with Tyler Perry here on worldscreen.com!


MIPCOM: Tyler Perry Talks Production and Representation in 2020

Perry, who was honored with MIPCOM's World Screen Trendsetter Award, detailed how he has shot 82 episodes of his shows amid the pandemic and how important TV has been to the racial justice movement.

Tyler Perry was honored with international television market MIPCOM's World Screen Trendsetter Award on Monday, where the director, producer and actor spoke about resuming production amid COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Perry's 330-acre Atlanta studios — built on Fort McPherson, a Confederate army base where "there's still streets that are named after Confederate generals and soldiers that are being taken down, as I've erected monuments to Black people like Denzel Washington and Oprah Winfrey and Cicely Tyson and Whoopi Goldberg and their names are on sound stages on the same land"— have housed the casts and crews of four different shows and seen the completion of 82 episodes ready for 2021. Before stepping on set, people quarantined for two weeks on the lot and there's been regular testing and mask wearing.

"I had to do everything I could and go above and beyond to make sure that the cast and crew was safe, especially because Black and brown people are the ones who are dying the most from the disease," Perry said, adding he also wanted to bring some levity to the quarantine experience by hosting outdoor movies, workout classes and food trucks at the studio.

"It was really fun, so much so that all of the casts are asking, 'Can we come back next year?' I'm like, 'Listen, if there's a vaccine and COVID is over, this is over,'" he joked, noting that pandemic safety precautions are adding 15 to 20 percent to his shows' traditional costs.

Elsewhere in the virtual conversation with World Screen’s group editorial director Anna Carugati, Perry touched on his childhood and path to becoming a media mogul, as well as the power of television to create change during a time of racial justice movements in the U.S.

"What made the civil rights movements so powerful were the visuals and the images from television. That is television at its best, when you can take an image and show it to the world and affect change," Perry said. "That is exactly what happened with George Floyd's horrific murder. The very visual of watching it played out in real time spoke to every human being on this planet who had a heart to say, 'Listen, this is not right.' That is the power of this business: that is the power of an actor, of a writer, of a news anchor. That is the power of television, and when it's used in the right way and for the right thing, it can change the world."

Speaking on his new Nickelodeon family comedy Young Dylan and importance of depicting diversity for younger audiences, he added that despite the highly publicized attacks on the Black community and current political climate, he maintains hope by looking back at history.

"I have to hold on to the fact that we came here in slave ships, that we were enslaved. I have to hold on to the fact that there were colored and white water fountains and all of these things, these injustices, that we have gotten past," Perry said. "As I look to the future of all the things that we still have to fight our way through, I look at how much heavy lifting has already been done. If I ignored the history and didn't pay attention to the history, the future will look very dim, but I know there have been changes so I have to look forward."

The superproducer, who has a long-term TV and film pact with Viacom, has written 1,275 episodes of television, 22 feature films and more than 20 plays, most of which he has also directed.

MIPCOM's in-person event, originally set to run Oct. 12 to 14 in Cannes, was called off in September amid the pandemic and rescheduled for the online-only MIPCOM Online+, which goes through Friday.

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Originally published: Wednesday, October 30, 2020 at 01:57 BST.

More Nick:Tyler Perry’s ‘Young Dylan’ Scores Nickelodeon’s Biggest Live +3 Lifts In Three Years!


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'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Martial Arts Consultant Sifu Kisu Wants to be Involved With Netflix's Live-Action Adaptation

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Originally published: Thursday, July 09, 2020.

Beyond The Bending With Sifu Kisu — Martial Arts Consultant For “Avatar: The Last Airbender”


Image Source: Kisu Stars via Instagram

“Water. Earth. Fire. Air.”

The iconic intro to Nickelodeon’s beloved animated Avatar: The Last Airbender series is as unforgettable as the show itself. Avatar premiered a decade and a half ago, and the children who grew up wanting to be element benders have proven that they’re now adults who still want to bend the elements — the show shot to the number-one spot on Netflix after being released on the streaming platform in the United States in May. As it turned out, Uncle Iroh’s wisdom has been just what a lot of us needed to get through these past few months.

If you’ve seen Avatar, chances are you get the hype. If you haven’t, you should start watching now (and beware, as this article contains a few small spoilers). Though made for children, the show tackles a lot of adult themes like genocide, childhood abuse, sexism, spirituality, and many, many others. And it manages to do it all while incorporating a comprehensive magic system that directly involves martial arts.

The four types of bending — that is, water bending, earth bending, fire bending, and air bending — are all based on real martial arts: tai chi, hung gar, Northern Shaolin, and bagua, respectively. And if you really want a fighting chance at shooting fire out of your fists, Sifu Kisu is the instructor to learn from.


Sifu Kisu is, quite literally, the man behind the magic of the Avatar universe. As the show’s martial arts consultant, he brought the writers’ ideas to life and created the movements that the heroes and villains use to bend their respective elements. With a lifetime of martial arts experience and decades of instruction behind him (the word “Sifu” meaning “master” or “teacher,” which Aang also uses in the show to respectfully refer to Toph and Katara when they teach him how to bend earth and water), he got started with the role after taking on Avatar co-creator Bryan Konietzko as a student.

“[Bryan] had mentioned the series to me a couple of times,” Sifu Kisu told the Jiu-Jitsu Times. “I’d had a run with the entertainment industry, and it’s stressful and strange. When I saw his storyboard drawings, he had an amazing eye for perspective, probably one of the best artists I’ve ever met.”

The road to working on Avatar was a long one for the martial artist, which began when he was just a baby watching his uncles (who were about 18 at the time and in the military) practicing judo, jiu-jitsu, and karate. “They taught me how to keep my dukes up in a fight,” he says, adding that he “got beat up a lot” when he was a kid.

Sifu Kisu started training in karate when he was about seven or eight years old, then got involved with taekwondo when he was a teenager. “I met my taekwondo teacher in the military. He would take me off to Korea and Canada to train, so I got to get some high-end training. When I went to Los Angeles, I met some of my classmates with our kung fu association, the Northern Shaolin association. That was in the late ’70s. So I’m still affiliated and train with my teacher.”

Now 60 years old, Sifu Kisu has passed on his love for martial arts to his students, children, and grandchildren. Though he says that he doesn’t have “half the strength or half the wind” that he did when he was younger, he still trains six days a week and runs around his condo complex or the cow pasture near his Colorado home (about 2.5 to 3 miles) a couple of times a week as well. “People say kung fu is garbage, and a lot of it is. This has served me just for health and exercise,” he says. “The Northern Shaolin, the traditional form, some of them have 60 or 70 kicks. There’s ground techniques. It’s super demanding, and it’s kept me very healthy.”


While fans of the show may know that the design of Master Piandao — who becomes Sokka’s swordmaster in Book 3, episode 4 — was based on the appearance of Sifu Kisu, the real Kisu says he most closely identifies with Uncle Iroh out of all the Avatar characters. “He’s so freakin’ gentle until he’s fed up, which is how it should be. When it’s time for war, war is a whole different thing than training in the dojo.”

He speaks from experience. Sifu Kisu joined the military when he was young “out of boredom and out of employment,” ultimately getting involved with a special ops group in the Air Force. Though he prefers not to speak in-depth about his time in the service, he says he took some valuable lessons from it. “The big takeaway from that was everything is temporary; you can endure anything for a limited amount of time. In the end, you’re always on your own, even when you have a whole army there waiting to help you. It taught me self-sufficiency.”

He also has a background in competitive fighting, though you aren’t likely to see his performances on a professional highlight reel. “I fought these underground fights in Venice, California for $1,000 a fight. They’d match you with somebody who thought they could kick your behind,” he says. “Empty swimming pool, underground garage, city park, you mix it up. I won a few, I lost a few, I quit a couple times, but I needed the money. Venice Beach back in the old days was kind of wild. There were a lot of people with questionable means, as it were. People with too much money and no sense who want to bet on the outcome of something. People who didn’t like me betted against me, and they were disappointed.”

It’s no great surprise that Sifu Kisu seems to embody Iroh’s beloved vibe of ‘do no harm, but take no sh*t.’ In addition to his experience in the military and competitive fighting, he’s also used his expertise to defend himself in public, though he says he took no joy in it. “Once I was at an ATM and a dude came up behind me, and I kicked him off his feet when he tried to take me down. I felt really bad about that, but this guy was gonna do me harm. He would’ve been really disappointed with the $60 in my bank account,” he says. “I guess an educated person wouldn’t behave that way. If you wonder what’s wrong with the world today, we need more education.”

Having experienced both the toughest and most gentle ends of the martial arts spectrum and everything in between (and yes, that includes jiu-jitsu), Sifu Kisu ended up being the perfect person to develop a martial-arts-based magic system that was built for war, but designed for a kids’ show. After teaching martial arts for years, the transition back to a 9-to-5 job wasn’t easy, but the reward was worth it.


“Creating the show was an eye-opener for me. I’d never worked in animation. The process that we followed had never been done before. Generally, we’d get a script, and the script would suggest certain actions or bendings. We had a conversation about what that would look like. They’d pitch me with some ideas, I’d pitch them back with some ideas. I’d come up with some moves,” he says.

Originally, the martial arts moves used in Avatar were going to be made up specifically for the show, but Sifu Kisu decided to take movements directly from the curriculum of his teacher, who’s an expert in hung gar. “Hung gar uses low stances that are close to the ground, and I thought it would be a really great thing, visually. We got into this whole fantasy — how would that work? If I stomp down hard enough, would a chunk of the earth jump up in the air for me to kick into your face? We had to tone a lot of that stuff down because you know what happens when you get hit with a big rock, when you get burned, when you get hit with a giant deluge of water.”


That balance between efficiency and aesthetics is present not only in the animation, but in the arts themselves. “In tai chi, it’s thirteen postures and positions, but a lot of people don’t realize it’s really thirteen nasty throws,” says Kisu. “You see these tai chi masters getting their butts kicked lately — these guys that have never fought in their life popping up and going, ‘I will fight you with my tai chi,’ and, you know, come on. It’s just a tool. In jiu-jitsu, you have your forms, too. You have different ways of seizing, crawling on the outside, crawling on the inside, shimmying up the body, catching the leg for a takedown. It’s the same process. Tai chi has all these pretty names, and if you just do it in the air, it’s nothing, but if you think of ‘rollback push’ like you’re pushing your dad’s pickup truck, that’s not a gentle thing. You’ve gotta get your back into it.”

We see in Avatar how each style of bending can be used for peaceful tasks (such as heating up a cup of tea) or to cause destruction (such as burning an entire naval fleet), and Sifu Kisu applies this concept to all forms of martial arts as well. “Everything has its greater and lesser form. An advanced jiu-jitsu player is really dangerous, like a freaking anaconda. It’s the same thing with a hung gar player,” he says.

“It’s not about which martial art is the best, it’s which player applies themselves to it and is great within the realm of that practice. Are you just playing around in the sandbox, or are you going to war? If I’m going to war, I’m not just going to try to knock your hands off, I’m going to try to break your arm. If I grab your legs, I’m going to snap them, I’m not just going to try to roll you over. It’s a whole different emphasis. There’s no ‘greater’ martial art, there’s greater martial art practitioners. I caution everyone out there in your audience to have respect for all martial arts. Don’t let your ego write a check that your behind can’t cash.”


The process involved in developing the scenes that required bending would take three or four meetings per episode. “The start for every bending was a breath,” says Sifu Kisu, adding that the animators had never animated breathing in a cartoon prior to this. “Everything had a process that made it very organic, so it wasn’t like the teenage witch wrinkling her nose and having something happen. There was some sort of internal process that started with a thought, to a breath, to some wind-up movement, to some manifestation movement.

“The second meeting, we’d come back and decide what the movements were going to be, what the structure was going to look like. The third meeting, we’d come back and film me and Bryan or someone else from the angle that was going to be in the animation. And then the movements were literally rotoscoped one frame at a time, then you’d marry that into a character design.”

The process was a combination of childlike wonder and decades’ worth of professional experience. “It was really fun. As a kid, you live in your own little fantasy world. I got to imagine all these great powers and got to watch the process of that happening,” he says. “It was a very complex process. I don’t think anything like that had ever happened. Generally in the animation world, you have keyframes, or what you’d see as you were looking through in a comic book. Then you have what are called the in-betweens of the movements. That’s a very tedious process. I think Avatar was the first show that ever detailed legit martial art movements.”


The Last Airbender’s (TLA) sequel series, The Legend of Korra (LoK), reflects the development and growing popularity of martial arts as they became more mainstream through professional MMA, which we see in the execution of the Pro Bending League. “Bryan and Joaquim [dos Santos] and Mike [Dante DiMartino] got into watching UFC and got really enamored with it. They were crazy about Anderson Silva (which, I’m a big fan of him as well),” says Sifu Kisu, who says that although the UFC isn’t his “cup of tea,” he still respects it as an “amazing” testing ground. “The producers and some of the directors of [LoK] had some different ideas about how they wanted it done and even some strong ideas of the action they wanted to see. I kinda felt like I had a diminished role in that one. Then they brought on a couple of other guys. It was like ‘Team UFC’ with different types of elemental bending, which I thought was kind of cute.”

Kisu says he had a few “triumphs” in the series, such as Korra and Tenzin’s work with the airbending gates on Air Temple Island. Like many critics of the follow-up series, though, he wasn’t necessarily a fan of everything about LoK. “There were a lot of hands in that pot. A lot of people had a lot of ideas. Artistically and structurally, it was an amazing show. There was a lot of stuff that I didn’t think was very well executed… They did a lot of this kicking stuff. They had a lot of these young men that were trickers. I used to flip around when I was younger. I don’t do that stuff anymore, but I thought the execution in that came off a little bit iffy.”

Many of the differences between LoK and TLA come from the very different ways that the shows were produced and planned. Unlike TLA, which has a grand plotline that spans the length of all three seasons (or ‘Books’), LoK’s four books are more distinctly separated. According to Kisu, this was largely because the series was originally supposed to consist of only twelve episodes, with the producers initially intending to do a series of “many different shows about the different lives of different Avatars,” such as Avatar Wan.

“A lot of people don’t know there was a huge gap between the first and second season — a two-year gap. There was a lot of executive input there. [Korra] was going to lose her powers, and then I think it got political about the first woman hero losing her powers, so I can kinda see where they went with that. Then they snuck in Avatar Wan and a couple of the others,” he says.

Sifu Kisu ended up only working on LoK until the third book due to being involved with other projects and says that he doesn’t even know how the series ended. But despite the criticism he has for the second Avatar series, he also has plenty of praise for it. “It’s not a small thing — probably over $1 million per episode with probably a couple thousand people working on it from beginning to end. And the animators in Korea, Studio Mir, the animation is just unparalleled. They did stuff that had never been done in animation. I gotta hand it to those guys — it was clean, it was beautiful, it was seamless. A lot of really detailed work. If you were to go and watch it frame by frame, you can see the detail as you track your particular type of motion.”

Having seen his own children make their way through life, he also acknowledges the bittersweet feelings that many Avatar fans had as they saw their favorite animated children grow old and leave a legacy behind. “I really liked how it continued the stories of the descendants of the Avatar. It kinda broke my heart. It’s like being a father and having your kids have kids, and you’re on your deathbed, and their kids have some kids. It’s like you’re getting ready to leave when life is so rich. Age is a crazy thing. It’s kinda scary. Not for me, though. I do kung fu,” he says with a laugh.


Sifu Kisu has already built an incredible legacy of his own, but make no mistake: he’s nowhere near done yet. His focus has simply shifted over the years, taking what he’s learned from his own martial arts journey and passing it along to others as a representative of the Northern Shaolin Kung Fu Association. “I have less and less ego involved in this thing now. Now I’m really interested in the people that I’m teaching and seeing them go through the strata of learning how to own their own space,” he says. “Most people, they don’t want to be a jiu-jitsu champion or a kung fu master. They just want people to leave them alone and stay off of them. They don’t want to get jumped and have their money taken or have their person violated. I get it. I think a lot of that is owning your own mind and being present and knowing where you’re at. Some people don’t look up when they should.”

Though he’s an accomplished instructor, he still strives to achieve perfection in both his own education and the continuation of that knowledge. “I’m part of the first group of non-Chinese practitioners that got to learn the style. There’s racism everywhere we go, and when you learn Chinese kung fu, that creates a little barrier in understanding and connection,” he says. “I would like to think one day I’ll be as good as my teacher. He’s probably one of the best martial artists I’ve ever met. And so as I teach, I’m attempting to pass along what I learned in the most pure fashion that I can muster without adding into it, but more importantly without leaving anything out of it.”

He encourages others — both in martial arts and in the entertainment industry — to strive for this same level of perfection through their practice and instruction, too. “There’s a lot of people out there that are teaching before they’re qualified to teach. Don’t let your ego get in the way. Study, get certified, and then grow your group slowly. Don’t let it turn into just a business for yourself… If you see shows out of Hong Kong — Shaw Brothers stuff, Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen (one of my heroes) — they get a chance to approach the art for entertainment way differently than in the U.S. I think there’s a bunch of people who are unqualified who are choreographing fights.”

Although a lot has changed since his time working on the Avatar series, Sifu Kisu still looks back on his time working on the show with pride. “People probably saw me at my best self at that time. I had been practicing, and I was very pure in my practice. There was very little of my ego and a whole lot of my training that made it into the show. I think that people kind of see that authenticity. The episode where the guy gets attacked by the platypus bear [S1, E14, “The Fortuneteller”] and just avoids it with stance work — I think that was one of the coolest things that we got away with,” he says, emphasizing that “finesse” is even more important in brutality when it comes to fighting. “Especially if you’re a young woman and you’re against a big strong man, if you can learn finesse and outmaneuver them with footwork and good technique, that’s real martial arts.”

He heavily acknowledges how his experience with martial arts has shaped not only his career, but his personal development as well. “You can’t cheat yourself in martial arts. You either do the work or you don’t. It’s caused me to meet some very interesting people and travel the world and have opportunities I don’t think I would’ve had the opportunity to have,” he says. “Collaboratively with martial arts, I got involved with certain spiritual practices and a lot of yoga. It started as me wanting to defend myself from mean people to wanting to get in touch with myself and my spirit.”


If you want to see more of Sifu Kisu’s work beyond the original Avatar series, keep your fingers crossed — he’s currently working on a project called Legends of the Sword Society, and although the forthcoming live-action Avatar series is still in the very early stages of development (and has been further stalled due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic), he’s hoping to be involved with it when the time comes, especially given that the creators of the original series will be the ones working on it. “They’re still working on what a live-action show would look like, which makes me feel good that they didn’t rush it. I’m hoping if they have their way, that I’m involved with it, you’ll see some of what you saw in the original TV series. And we’ve all matured since then — we’ve learned a lot,” he says.

Just as the rest of the “Gaang” made the world a better place through their mastery of themselves and their arts, the impact of Sifu Kisu’s contributions to the series has extended far beyond the realms of the fictional world he helped create. “I remember when the first show came out, in the first couple years, I’d get emails from people in the martial arts community, and they’d say, ‘We don’t know who you are or what you did, but there are children in our tai chi class for the first time ever.’ Stuff like that was better than money.

“I love martial arts, and to have an impact on the martial arts world at large, to have someone make a little dough because of something I did, was kind of flattering. It’s a great fantasy. I mean, who doesn’t want to shoot fire out of their hands? Who doesn’t want to cause a hole to drop under their enemy and see them disappear?” he says. “All those things are really cool things. It’s the cutest thing that there ever was. I’m really proud to have been involved with it.”

You can keep up with Sifu Kisu on Instagram (@lokhopkuen) and Facebook (Sifu Kisu of the Harmonious Fist Chinese Athletic Association).

From Polygon:

Avatar: The Last Airbender’s use of martial arts went deeper than fight scenes

Fight consultant Sifu Kisu explains the tireless work that went into the show’s choreography

Avatar:Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of the most beloved animated shows of the 21st century. But as time passes, and the Nickelodeon series becomes more ubiquitous, few may realize how much work went into its development — particularly in its treatment of the martial arts. The styles featured in the series were coordinated by Sifu Kisu, a practitioner of fighting styles and the show’s martial arts consultant.

“I started martial arts when I was seven or eight years old with my crazy uncles,” Kisu tells Polygon. “They’d gone off to the military and learned Judo, so they came back and were throwing each other around the apartment.” At around the same time, Bruce Lee secured a role as Kato on The Green Hornet. Kisu was riveted. He needed to do that.

From training with family friends to practicing Taekwondo at the marine station in Kāneʻohe Bay in Hawaii, Kisu spent years mastering the martial arts. In his early 20s, however, he encountered his current teacher, Kenneth Hui, and fell in love with Northern Shaolin. “I’ve been his student ever since, even though I [now] have two generations of my own students,” Kisu explains.

So how did this lead to Avatar? “[One day], I was teaching in the backyard of my house in LA, and one of the creators, Bryan Konietzko, was one of my students.” Despite Konietzko’s attempts to get Kisu on board with the project, he was done with the entertainment business after working as a stunt player on shows like Power Rangers and BeetleBorgs. According to Kisu, being a stunt player in Hollywood isn’t easy. “It’s very political,” he explains. “It’s very catty, it’s very backstabbing.”

Kisu originally turned Konietzko down. Then he turned him down several times afterward. It wasn’t until Konietzko finally showed him some of the drawings he had that Kisu decided this was a project worth working on. “It was some of the most amazing artwork I had ever seen in my life,” he says. “So [the fighting in] Avatar kind of started in my backyard.”

Kisu and the team began to work together in an extremely collaborative process. Creatives on the show would forward him scripts, and he would innovate on the staff’s action scenes. “But the best writers are smart enough not to try to write action,” he says with a laugh.

Bending quickly became more than a form of combat. For every “Zuko shoots a fireball” in a script, there were smaller moments, like Aang moving water from a table to a glass. Kisu would advise on how that could be visualized: the breath, stance, preparatory movement, executionary movement, manifestation of the element, and subsequent decline to pull the whole cycle back into a natural position.

“Originally, bending was gonna be lumped into this one big category of martial arts manifestation that created rocks flying or fire coming out of hands,” Kisu says. Connecting these elements to martial arts involved a deep understanding of the body. Kisu notes that his teacher — who he has been with for over 40 years — maintains a vast curriculum, and as a result, he was able to pair styles he had expertise in with elements that heavily resonated with them. Kisu says Tai Chi and water were a perfect fit.

Once things started to come together, the team designed a pencil test, a low-grade rendering of the animation. In Kisu’s eyes, the (unaired, but recently released) pilot they designed was “weak sauce” compared to what the show ended up accomplishing. “I think we ended up pushing the boundaries between 2D and 3D,” he says. “I had never been involved in anything like it.”

Kisu would meet the animation team three or four times per episode in order to be as imaginative as possible. The first discussion would always focus on intent; the second workshopped movements that made sense to the scripts; and the third was when the filming took place. Sometimes there was a fourth, just to really put the icing on the cake.

“We took a lot of time for the martial arts,” Kisu says. “If you’ve seen the Hong Kong movies, the fight scenes are really involved, but if you look at an American or European production, it pales in comparison.” He notes that, especially in America, applying this type of time to martial arts alone is unheard of, and is how the team ended up pushing the boundaries of what was possible.

In terms of the martial arts selected, Kisu opted to use styles he had the most respect for. “Tai Chi had a certain utility to it and could be used to ward off an attacker,” he explains. “Hung Ga, I always had great respect and a little bit of fear for people who were really good at that style […] Bagua, I had been practicing for about 10 years, and thought that would go really well with airbending. I’m not a Bagua expert, so some of the things that ended up in the show weren’t canon.”

His favorite, though, and one of the styles that made a huge impact on Avatar, is Northern Shaolin. “The style has so much utility, and it trains the practitioner to defend or attack in any direction with little or no wind-up,” Kisu says. “It’s pretty much all I’m practicing now. Northern Shaolin is beautiful — it’s aerobatic, it’s acrobatic, it’s physically demanding, the high long kicks, the low stances. There’s arrow attacks and feather-like retreats.”

“There are weapon sets that go back hundreds of years,” he continues. “The spear for instance was a specialty of the great Grandmaster and I was lucky enough to learn that technique. I think I was in the first generation of non-Asians to learn it. It was very secretive, and still is to a point. My teacher’s main effort for teaching traditional Chinese martial arts is to keep the culture alive.”

The series drew on more than the martial arts as they ostensibly appear. Each of the individual styles is linked to mythology, according to Kisu, such as the Water Margin stories and the Three Kingdoms. “There were cultural consultants [too],” Kisu says. “There was one guy who did nothing but make sure the calligraphy was spot on.”

As the team started to talk about how these stories could influence Avatar, where things that aren’t endemic to the real world could easily be realized, they began to focus on opposites like yin and yang, light and dark, front and back — the “duality of existence,” in Kisu’s words.

“We started to explore the aspects of what is yin and what is yang,” he explains. “You could have fire that’s yang, which would be a big blast that would blow a hole in a building, or you could have fire that’s yin that’s almost like a black hole, that does a reverse burn. It’s so not there that it takes everything with it.” This is where phenomena such as blood-bending eventually entered the fold. “We really thought about the physics of this world, and since the body is mostly water, we talked about all these dark things in bending.”

Kisu says the boundary-pushing powers put some people on edge, and a few pitches were even rejected out of caution for “imitative behaviour.” The last thing anyone wanted was for kid to try out firebending by grabbing their parents’ lighter fluid and burning down the house. But by ensuring that the emphasis was always on the responsibility that comes with power, they created a children’s show that sometimes verged on dark, but never quite went the whole way — especially when you consider the warmth that drastically outweighed it.

“I thought it was really cool that Aang, in his fervor of being a firebender, accidentally burns his best friend,” Kisu says. “There was a lot of that in the show: honor, duty, loyalty, friendship, love. I don’t think you had seen much of that, at least not in an American production.” The martial artist notes that the series was heavily influenced by anime out of Korea, especially the animated film Wonderful Days. The team even brought on a storyboard artist from the film, Seung-Hyun Oh, to direct three episodes and storyboard for the final season.

The end of Avatar: The Last Airbender and the whole run of Legend of Korra that followed it, were different to what came before. The series became less about innocence, sweetness, and the spiritual side of bending, and more about how it could relate to contemporary phenomena outside of itself. The original concept for the sequel season leaned into that even more.

“Korra was not supposed to be an entire series,” Kisu says. “They actually wanted to do a series of mini-shows based on the lives of different Avatars. Korra was only going to be 12 episodes long and she was going to lose her powers. That was the moral of the story — each one of them was going to be some sort of morality tale about the lives of different Avatars, their triumphs and failures, and Korra was going to be a failure because of her lack of spirituality. She had great physical prowess but she lacked a connection to the Spirit World.”

The fighting in Korra also evolved past what Kisu established in the first series. “While they were trying to figure out what to do next, Bryan, Mike, and Joaquim [dos Santos, director] had gotten enamored with the UFC,” Kisu says. “I think it’s cool, I did stuff like that when I was young, but it doesn’t have much substance as a martial art [...] I think that really came across as a glaring aspect in Korra.”

Still, Kisu keeps massively fond memories of the time he spent on the team who made Avatar a cultural phenomenon.

“Being taken seriously in that environment was a big kick in the head in the beginning,” he says. “The level of respect it started out with were some really amazing feelings. I [still] have a box full of VHS tapes and DVDs — we taped every reference session, and we did that three times over 61 episodes [...] I even choke up a little talking about it, because I watched Bryan and Mike and some other animators doing 14 or 18 hour days, just sitting there drawing, and that will break your back. I’ve got great respect for those guys.”

As Kisu reminds me, every episode of Avatar was the concerted effort of several hundred people — animators, writers, post-production crew, colorists, background artists, and the consultants who did what he did. “There’s never been anything like it and there will never be anything like it again,” he says.

But the legacy is found in the real world. The really big payoff of the job, for Kisu, has been seeing people flock to martial arts. Before Avatar, the trainer never saw kids in Tai Chi classes — that was for the older generation. Now the Northern Shaolin community is growing.

“I don’t take myself that seriously and I’m not running around tooting my own horn going at how great I am because I did something like this, I’m just really happy that it made an impact, that the kids who were fans of this 15 years ago are grown people now. They’re out in the world and they’re dictating the times, and I’d like to think that our work made a better generation of people.”

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Subscribe to the NEW official Avatar: The Last Airbender YouTube channel!: https://at.nick.com/AvatarSubscribe

Watch Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix& CBS All Access and The Legend of Korra on CBS All Access!

More Nick:Netflix to Host Open Casting Call for Live-Action 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Series!

Originally published: Thursday, July 09, 2020.

Additional source: Avatar Wiki.
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ViacomCBS International Studios Elevates Content Sales Leadership, Launches ViacomCBS International Studios Distribution

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VIACOMCBS INTERNATIONAL STUDIOS ELEVATES CONTENT SALES LEADERSHIP, LAUNCHES VIACOMCBS INTERNATIONAL STUDIOS DISTRIBUTION


LONDON / NEW YORK, OCTOBER 7, 2020 – ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS), a division of ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), today announced a new unified structure, ViacomCBS International Studios Distribution, which will encompass all studio sales business including co-productions, presale, formats, tape sales and co-developments. Under the unified structure, the company’s former IPS (International Program Sales) division, which previously focused on tape and format sales for network-branded content outside Latin America including the Nickelodeon library and MTV formats, is now combined with VIS’s sales division, which previously focused on VIS original content revenues only. 

To lead ViacomCBS International Studios Distribution, Lauren Marriott has been appointed Senior Vice President of Sales & Business Operations and Distribution Lead for the UK, and Laura Burrell will serve as Vice President, International Formats, both effective immediately. Marriott will dually report to Pierluigi Gazzolo, President, Studios and Streaming, VCNI, and Arran Tindall, Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial & Content Distribution, VCNI. Burrell will report to Kate Laffey, Vice President, VIS.


Marriott and Burrell will collaborate closely with Laffey to grow VIS’s global footprint. The new division will play an integral part in supporting ViacomCBS’s larger studio and media networks businesses. The streamlined sales division will ensure access to broad content distribution rights across all platforms and will promote a centralized leadership structure to ensure timely, efficient processes that better serve clients worldwide. Distribution Leads within each cluster will lead Content Sales Specialists, who will also focus on co-pros & pre-sales.

Marriott has been with ViacomCBS since 2008, and in her new role will drive a central strategy to expand VIS’s sales and distribution by collaborating closely with ViacomCBS Media Networks in the U.S. and VCNI’s international brands, including Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central and BET. In addition to oversight of Tape Sales for ViacomCBS’s legacy branded networks business, Marriott will manage all  tape sales internationally for VIS original products in partnership with the clusters. As well as managing stakeholder relationships across the company’s international studios and brands, Marriott will oversee central business operations, including legal, operations, finance, marketing, and global content licensing revenues.  


Burrell, who joined ViacomCBS in 2009, will oversee the continued growth of VCNI and VIS’s format libraries. Burrell will focus on increasing revenue from 3rd party format sales, co-productions and pre-sales, in addition to supporting VCNI’s local channel format adaptations. She will also oversee an increased portfolio that now includes all scripted and non-scripted titles, including those from Telefe, Awesomeness TV and Ananey. She will also be responsible for multi-territory and strategic 3rd party format deals, while overseeing sales in all territories worldwide. She will lead on the development of global rollout strategies for new formats to ensure success and visibility of all properties. In her new role, Burrell will be the key point person for all format-related business for VCNI and VIS.

Pierluigi Gazzolo said, “As we continue to expand our studio’s global footprint, our new content sales division will allow us to unlock efficiencies and simplify client touchpoints, enabling us to take full advantage of the unprecedented demand for quality content worldwide. ViacomCBS International Studios is critical to ViacomCBS’ overall content ecosystem, and I am confident that Lauren and Laura are ideally suited to lead our now streamlined content sales division. ” 

Lauren Marriott said, “As a one-stop-shop for all for all content, our sales division will support crucial priorities across our studio and media networks business. I look forward to this new chapter and helping support VIS’s growth and diversification as we continue to become a key competitor in the global content business.”
 
Laura Burrell said: “In today’s media landscape, there has never been a more important time for ViacomCBS to have a truly global content library. I’m excited to take on this new role and support VIS in delivering hit global formats for every platform worldwide.”  

ABOUT VIACOMCBS INTERNATIONAL STUDIOS (VIS)

Introduced in 2018, ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) is a division of ViacomCBS Networks International that produces content for ViacomCBS brands and platforms, including Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, Paramount Channel, Channel 5, Network 10, Telefe and Porta Dos Fundos, as well as for third parties. VIS global sales include original productions, co-productions, formats sold for local adaptations, and sale of ready-made content. The content that VIS produces covers all genres, from soap operas to dramas, short and long-form comedy formats and, feature film productions.

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The promotions come as VIS adds new kids content to its slate. Sharkdog is the studio’s first international series made for Netflix as part of a multi-year output deal signed by Nickelodeon and the SVOD this past November. VIS also inked a first-look deal with Santiago Segura, the director, writer and producer of top-grossing Spanish-language family comedy feature Father There Is Only One, and has acquired the audio-visual rights to Ruth Rocha's hit Brazilian children's book series, Marcelo, Marmelo, Martelo.

From TV LATINA:

ViacomCBS International Studios lanza estructura de ventas unificada

ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) anunció una nueva área unificada, ViacomCBS International Studios Distribution, que abarcará todos los negocios de ventas del estudio, incluyendo coproducciones, preventa, formatos, ventas de latas y codesarrollos.

Tras esta nueva estructura, la antigua división IPS (International Program Sales) – que anteriormente se enfocaba en las ventas de latas y formatos para branded content de señales fuera de América Latina, incluyendo la biblioteca de Nickelodeon y los formatos de MTV – ahora se combina con el área de ventas de VIS, que hasta entonces se enfocaba únicamente en el negocio del contenido original de VIS.

Con el propósito de liderar ViacomCBS International Studios Distribution, Lauren Marriott fue nombrada VP sénior de ventas y operaciones comerciales y líder de distribución para el Reino Unido; y Laura Burrell, VP de formatos internacionales. Marriott reportará a Pierluigi Gazzolo, presidente de estudios y streaming de VCNI, y a Arran Tindall, director comercial y VP ejecutivo de distribución comercial y de contenido de VCNI. Mientras que Burrell reportará a Kate Laffey, VP de VIS.

Marriott y Burrell colaborarán estrechamente con Laffey para fortalecer la presencia global de VIS. La nueva división desempeñará un rol integral en el apoyo a los negocios más grandes de las señales y estudio de ViacomCBS. La nueva división de ventas garantizará los derechos de distribución de contenido en todas las plataformas y promoverá una estructura de liderazgo centralizada para garantizar procesos oportunos y eficientes para un mejor servicio hacia los clientes de todo el mundo. Los responsables de distribución de cada clúster liderarán a los especialistas en ventas de contenido, quienes también estarán enfocados en las coproducciones y las preventas.

Marriott forma parte de ViacomCBS desde 2008, y en su nuevo rol impulsará una estrategia central para expandir las ventas y distribución de VIS, colaborando estrechamente con ViacomCBS Media Networks en Estados Unidos y las marcas internacionales de VCNI, incluidas Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central y BET. Además de la supervisión de las ventas de latas para el negocio de las marcas tradicionales de ViacomCBS, Marriott gestionará todas las ventas de latas a nivel internacional de los originales de VIS en colaboración con los clústers. Además de gestionar las relaciones con los stakeholders de los estudios y marcas internacionales de la compañía, Marriott supervisará las operaciones comerciales centrales, incluidos los aspectos legales, operativos, financieros, de marketing y de licencias de contenido global.

Burrell, quien se unió a ViacomCBS en 2009, supervisará el crecimiento continuo de las bibliotecas de formatos de VCNI y VIS. Burrell se enfocará en incrementar los ingresos de las ventas de formatos de terceros, coproducciones y preventas, además de apoyar las adaptaciones de formatos de canales locales de VCNI. También supervisará un ampliado portafolio, que ahora incluye todos los títulos de ficción y no ficción, incluidos los de Telefe, Awesomeness TV y Ananey. También será responsable de los acuerdos de formatos de terceras partes estratégicas y de múltiples territorios, mientras supervisa las ventas de todos los territorios del mundo. Asimismo, liderará el desarrollo de estrategias globales para nuevos formatos, con el objetivo de garantizar el éxito y la visibilidad de todas las propiedades. En su nuevo rol, Burrell será la persona clave para todos los negocios relacionados con el formato para VCNI y VIS.

Gazzolo dijo: “A medida que continuamos expandiendo la presencia global de nuestro estudio, nuestra nueva división de ventas de contenido nos permitirá mayor eficiencia y simplificar el intercambio con los clientes, lo que nos permitirá aprovechar al máximo la demanda sin precedentes de contenido de calidad en todo el mundo. ViacomCBS International Studios es fundamental para el ecosistema de contenido en general de ViacomCBS, y estoy seguro de que Lauren y Laura son ideales para liderar nuestra ahora unificada división de ventas de contenido”.

Por su parte, Marriott agregó: “Como una propuesta única para todos los contenidos, nuestra división de ventas apoyará las prioridades de nuestro negocio de señales y del estudio. Estoy ansiosa por este nuevo capítulo y por apoyar el crecimiento y la diversificación de VIS a medida que continuamos convirtiéndonos en un competidor clave en el negocio de contenido global”.

Mientras, Burrell comentó: “Frente al panorama que transitan los medios de comunicación actualmente, nunca ha sido tan importante como hoy que ViacomCBS cuente con una biblioteca de contenido verdaderamente global. Estoy muy entusiasmada de asumir este nuevo rol y apoyar a VIS en la distribución de formatos globales exitosos para todas las plataformas de todo el mundo”.

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ViacomCBS lanzó VIS Distribution y potencia su presencia internacional

Con la designación de Lauren Marriott como SVP de Ventas y Operaciones Comerciales, y Laura Burrell como VP de Formatos Internacionales, la nueva unidad de negocios ViacomCBS International Studios Distribution abarcará todos los negocios de ventas del estudio, incluyendo coproducciones, preventa, formatos, ventas de latas y co-desarrollos.

VIS Distribution, división de ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), organizó sus áreas internacionales de co-desarrollos, co-producciones, preventa y ventas de formatos y latas y codesarrollos bajo esta nueva unidad que potenciará aún más su rol de estudio a escala planetaria. En esta nueva estructura, la vieja división International Program Sales (antes enfocada a ventas de latas y formatos para branded content de señales fuera de América Latina, incluyendo Nickelodeon y formatos de MTV) se combina ahora con el área de ventas de VIS, que hasta entonces se enfocaba únicamente en el negocio del contenido original de VIS.

Al frente de VIS Distribution fueron confirmadas Lauren Marriott, SVP de Ventas y Operaciones Comerciales y Líder de Distribución para UK, y Laura Burrell, VP de Formatos Internacionales. Marriott reportará a Pierluigi Gazzolo, presidente de Estudios y Streaming de VCNI, y a Arran Tindall, director Comercial y EVP de Distribución Comercial y de Contenido de VCNI. Mientras que Burrell reportará a Kate Laffey, VP de VIS.

Lauren Marriott y Laura Burrell

Marriott y Burrell fortalecerán con Laffey la presencia global de VIS. La nueva división desempeñará un rol integral en el apoyo a los negocios más grandes de las señales y estudio de ViacomCBS. Y garantizará los derechos de distribución de contenido en todas las plataformas, al tiempo que promoverá una estructura de liderazgo centralizada para garantizar procesos oportunos y eficientes para un mejor servicio hacia los clientes de todo el mundo. Los responsables de distribución de cada clúster liderarán a los especialistas en ventas de contenido, quienes también estarán enfocados en las coproducciones y las preventas.

Marriott buscará expandir las ventas de VIS mancomunadamente con ViacomCBS Media Networks (USA) y las marcas internacionales de VCNI (Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central y BET). Además de la supervisión de las ventas de latas para el negocio de marcas tradicionales, gestionará todas las ventas de latas a nivel internacional de los originales de VIS en colaboración con los clústers. Además de gestionar las relaciones con los stakeholders de los estudios y marcas internacionales de la compañía, la ejecutiva supervisará las operaciones comerciales centrales, incluidos los aspectos legales, operativos, financieros, de marketing y de licencias de contenido global.

Burrell promoverá el crecimiento continuo de los formatos de VCNI y VIS. Buscará incrementar los ingresos de esas ventas a terceros, coproducciones y preventas, además de apoyar las adaptaciones de formatos de canales locales de VCNI. También supervisará un portfolio ampliado, que ahora incluye todos los títulos de ficción y no ficción, incluidos los de Telefe, Awesomeness TV y Ananey. También será responsable de los acuerdos de formatos de terceras partes estratégicas y de múltiples territorios, mientras supervisa las ventas de todos los territorios del mundo. Asimismo, liderará el desarrollo de estrategias globales para nuevos formatos, con el objetivo de garantizar la visibilidad de los IPs.

Gazzolo explicó: 'Mientras expandimos la presencia global del estudio, esta nueva división nos permitirá mayor eficiencia y simplificar el intercambio con los clientes, aprovechando al máximo la demanda sin precedentes de contenido de calidad en todo el mundo. VIS es fundamental para el ecosistema del grupo, y estoy seguro de que ambas son ideales para liderar la división unificada de ventas'.

Marriott comentó: 'Apoyaremos las prioridades de nuestro negocio de señales y del estudio. Estoy ansiosa por este nuevo capítulo y por apoyar el crecimiento y la diversificación de VIS a medida que continuamos convirtiéndonos en un competidor clave en el negocio de contenido global. Burrell completó: 'En el ecosistema actual, nunca ha sido tan importante como hoy que ViacomCBS cuente con una biblioteca de contenido global. Estoy entusiasmada de asumir este nuevo rol y apoyar a VIS en este momento'.

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WorldScreenings: ViacomCBS International Studios Americas

Amid productions being on hold and premieres delayed, the arrival of new players and the changing needs of established clients, ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) has adapted quickly to the challenges that have emerged. Guillermo Borensztein, VP of content sales and co-productions at VIS Americas, lists three key factors that made this possible: “First, we have the advantage of owning our own content,” he says. “The second factor is the ability to be flexible to accommodate specific customer needs. Finally, rethinking the way we connect to our teams and leverage their expertise.”

In terms of meeting the content needs of the marketplace, Borensztein notes a “sustained and growing demand” for Nickelodeon content, as well as for Telefe family series and premium series from the studio. There is also a growing interest in content for young adults (such as that from AwesomenessTV or Ananey), and in local films in a variety of genres that go directly to the platform as a first window. “We have an advantage because we do not depend on a single catalog,” he says. “In fact, we always say that our catalog is a set of catalogs, which includes local productions in different countries of the region, U.S. productions and content for preschool kids, young adults and the family as a whole. The content is generated by our brands, co-produced with or directly from third parties, and ranges from films and series to documentaries and movies. It’s a unique position to occupy in the market in these times.”

From its scripted slate, Pequeña Victoria (Victoria Small), which takes a look at gender roles in a unique way, was recently nominated for an International Emmy Award for best telenovela. “It is a recognition that goes beyond the success it had with the Telefe audience,” says Borensztein. “It represents our continued commitment to addressing issues of inclusion, as was done previously with 100 Days to Fall in Love on Telefe and other projects from our brands. Our studio has diversity and inclusion embedded in our DNA, and these values are infused into almost all of our projects and, as a result, transmitted to our audience as well.”

With regard to formats, Sres. Papis has been sold and adapted in more than 15 countries, including Chile, Mexico, Peru, Slovakia, Ukraine and the Middle East, among others, “a feat few countries in Latin America have accomplished,” Borensztein says. He also highlights the global success of ADDA. Amar después de Amar, the original version of which was sold to more than 20 countries, while Mexico, Greece, the Middle East, Portugal and Spain opted to adapt the format.

In terms of development and production, VIS is continuing to prioritize the health and safety of its employees by “complying with the protocols defined by the organization, while we move forward with the reactivation of productions throughout the region,” explains Borensztein. “At the moment, we are completing ongoing projects or have started new productions in Mexico (Asesino del Olvido and Backdoor), Spain (Parot), Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. We are also searching for partners and clients for projects we are developing in the next few months and hope to start producing in 2021.”

From a distribution standpoint, he adds, “we are committed to maintaining the level of sales in recent months (mainly in regard to finished programming), closing the last quarter by fulfilling our commercial objectives and expanding our client portfolio.”

Borensztein is optimistic about the prospects that 2021 brings for the company. He says, “What happened this year on a global scale once again demonstrates the power of the entertainment industry—and the content it creates—to entertain, inform and accompany people in their day-to-day lives. Through ViacomCBS International Studios, as well as the different ViacomCBS brands ranging from broadcast and pay-TV to SVOD and AVOD platforms, we seek to engage our audience with the best content and the most flexible entertainment experience. This is reflected in the $13 billion per year our company invests in content. At VIS, our objective is to become the premier studio in Latin America. We remain committed to producing locally more often, partnering with the best players and talent, maximizing the potential of our properties through their entire operating cycle, continuing to be global leaders in the distribution market and diversifying our lines of business. We want to continue being leaders, from Latin America to the world.”

See VIS’s Fall 2020 Showcase here.

###


H/T: World Screen; Additiional source: Kidscreen.

Originally published: Wednesday, October 07, 2020.

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Anton Mikhalev Wins 'Best Director' Award at 2020 TEFI Kids Awards for Work on Nickelodeon Russia's 'All-o-logy'

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Russian director and actor Anton Mikhalev (Антон Михалев) picked up the award for best "Director of a Television Program for Children" ("Режиссер телевизионной программы для детей") for his work on Nickelodeon Russia's (Россия) his locally-produced series All-o-logy (Всеология) at the 2020 TEFI Kids Russian National TV Awards (ТЭФИ-Kids), which, founded by the Academy of Russian Television (Academy of Russian Television) with the aim of honouring those who help made outstanding locally produced television. Congrats Anton!


Below is Nickelodeon Россия's official press release announcing the exciting news!:

«Всеологию» наградили на «ТЭФИ-Kids»: Антон Михалев стал лучшим режиссером телевизионной программы для детей

Игровое шоу «Всеология», произведенное Nickelodeon Россия, отмечено национальной премией «ТЭФИ-Kids» в номинации «Режиссер телевизионной программы для детей». Награду получил режиссер, актер и педагог Антон Михалев.

«„Всеология“ – это свободный и творческий проект, который канал Nickelodeon производит в России. Здорово, что на телевидении появилась передача, где дети и взрослые могут быть самими собой, хулиганить и весело проводить время, получая невероятный заряд эмоций. Я очень рад, что мне посчастливилось стать частью этого замечательного шоу и надеюсь, что оно будет существовать как можно дольше», – сказал Антон Михалев.

«Всеология» — популярное семейное развлекательное шоу собственного производства, которое Nickelodeon Россия представил в 2019 году. В нем принимали участие как зрители телеканала, так и знаменитости: им предстояло пройти увлекательные испытания на любознательность, эрудированность и ловкость. Так, в самых непредсказуемых конкурсах гостям предлагали построить башню из пены на голове у одного из членов команды и сообща собрать слова из букв, найденных в тарелках с йогуртом. Режиссером «Всеологии» стал Антон Михалев, член гильдии кинорежиссеров России и один из создателей «Ералаша», а ведущим выступил актер и сценарист Анвар Халилулаев.

В этом году церемония награждения Российской национальной премии за лучшие телевизионные передачи для детей «ТЭФИ-Kids» состоялась в московском театре «Et Cetera». «ТЭФИ-Kids» была учреждена в 2019 году Академией Российского телевидения с целью поощрения наиболее значимых работ профессионалов на отечественном детском телевидении.


###


Originally published: Tuesday, October 13, 2020.

Additional source: imago images.

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ViacomCBS Ensures Employees Have Their Voices Heard

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ViacomCBS Ensures Employees Have Their Voices Heard

Civic Engagement

As a civic-minded company, time after time ViacomCBS has demonstrated its commitment to empowering audiences and employees to exercise their rights, represent their interests and vote.

This election is critical. From COVID-19 (coronavirus) to the ongoing fight for social justice, it’s never been a more important time for voters to have their voices heard. With the election weeks away, ViacomCBS is ensuring that employees have the flexibility and support they need to do their civic duty and get engaged in the democratic process:

Flexible-Work Schedule

  • Flexible-Work Schedule: Many will have the option to vote early this year – by mail or in person – while others will choose to vote at their local polling location on Election Day. For this upcoming election, the company is implementing a flexible-work schedule to allow the day that works best for each employee to cast a safe vote.
  • Election Day: For employees who are planning to head to the polls on Election Day, supervisors and teams will limit or proactively not schedule any meetings for Tuesday, November 3rd and begin the process of rescheduling any meetings that are currently planned for that day.
  • Poll Worker Time Off: In addition to flexible time for voting, ViacomCBS is encouraging interested and eligible employees to consider working as poll workers for the upcoming election. COVID-19 has created a shortage of poll workers and many of the company's brands have been working to Power the Polls by recruiting new poll workers to ensure polling sites stay open and operate efficiently across the country.
  • New Civic Hours Program:  ViacomCBS is proud to be launching a new Civic Hours Program running through Tuesday, November 3rd. Through this program, all full-time, benefit-eligible employees will be able to track volunteer time for charitable dollars. For every hour volunteered with a nonpartisan, 501c3 organization working on civic engagement, ViacomCBS will award a $25 credit to the employee's charitable giving account, which can then be donated to any eligible 501c3 organization within its existing ViacomCBS Gives charitable contributions system, up to 10-hours per employee.

Get Involved

ViacomCBS and its brands have also continued to come together to support and inspire audiences to vote. Here’s a snapshot of all the great work happening:

  • BET: In partnership with the National Urban League and other key civil rights organizations, BET launched its #ReclaimYourVote campaign to harness the Black collective power and increase participation in the election. As part of the campaign, it held the first-ever National Black Voter Day on September 18th to aid Black citizens against suppression tactics and ensure that their votes count.
  • CBS: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert launched Better Know A Ballot, a nonpartisan voter information campaign featuring customized messages from Colbert for all 50 states and Washington, D.C. explaining how to register, vote early by mail or vote in person. The campaign also launched www.betterknowaballot.com, which includes specific voter information for all 50 states. 
  • CBS News: CBS News, CBSN, CBS News Radio, CBSNews.com, NewsPath and our local CBS Television Stations will offer definitive coverage of the election. CBS News'"America Decides: 2020" will dedicate special coverage to voter integrity; the use of misinformation aimed at influencing the electorate; and listening to voters around the country. Combined with the CBS News Battleground Tracker, which will continue to offer the most extensive polling in the industry, CBS News’ multiplatform, division-wide coverage will help inform Americans as election day approaches. CBSNews.com/politics will offer continuous coverage of the Election including a state-by-state informational guide on how and where to vote.
  • Entertainment & Youth Group: In partnership with the Ad Council and led by ViacomCBS' Entertainment and Youth Group, ViacomCBS also just announced the launch of Vote For Your Life, a mass voter registration, early voting, and get-out-the-vote campaign crafted to respond to the specific challenges of the 2020 election season. As part of this campaign, MTV is funding the cost of ballot application printing and postage for 100,000 voters at www.VoteForYourLife.com and www.VoteEarlyDay.org.
  • Nickelodeon: Nickelodeon’s Kids Pick the President campaign will also be offering kids a voice and a choice. Since the campaign’s inception in 1988, kids have correctly picked the winner six out of the last eight cycles.

Make A Plan

Civic engagement is in ViacomCBS' DNA, and the company is proud of everything its teams are doing to encourage a strong turnout and ensure a safe and fair election for all voters.


VIACOMCBS
ViacomCBS is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, its portfolio includes CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, CBS All Access, Pluto TV and Simon & Schuster, among others. The company delivers the largest share of the U.S. television audience and boasts one of the industry’s most important and extensive libraries of TV and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, ViacomCBS provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution and advertising solutions for partners on five continents.

More Nick: ViacomCBS launches Vote For Your Life campaign in partnership with the Ad Council!
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Funko to Release Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Bebop Soda Vinyl Figure

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COWABUNGA! Bebop, the fan-favorite warthog supervillain - and one-half of Bebop and Rocksteady - from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is joining Funko's Vinyl Soda line!


This Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Bebop Vinyl Soda Figure measures approximately 4 1/4-inches tall. Packaged inside a collectible soda can, it includes a "POG" shaped collector card. The limited edition item even includes a chase figure to hunt and collect!

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Bebop Vinyl Soda Figure is slated for release in January 2021, and has already pre-sold out on Entertainment Earth!

Also joining the line-up is Mr. Stay Puft from Ghostbusters!

Bebop joins previously released Donatello, Michelangelo, Leonardo and Shredder Funko Vinyl Soda figures. No word whether Rocksteady will be joining Bebop at a later date, but you can't have one without the other!

More Nick:Nickelodeon Readies Next Chapter of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with All-New CG-Animated Theatrical Release Produced By Point Grey Pictures!
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'PAW Patrol' Unveils Moto Pups Theme

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New images have emerged of Chase and Marshall from PAW Patrol wearing never-before-seen space suits! Could it be from a new "Space Patrol" theme on the horizon for Nickelodeon's beloved CG-animated preschool series? Or maybe "Mission Skye"? Check out an out-of-this-world first look, and make sure to ;et me know in the comments below!:


Update (10/13) - A 'gallery' image featuring all the PAW Patrol pups in their Moto gear has been unveiled!:




Update (9/25) - The mystery has been solved! The Pup's new suits are part of a brand new PAW Patrol theme called "Moto Pups"!:


More Nick:Nickelodeon Launches PAW Patrol Safety First! Global Campaign!

Originally published: Friday, May 22, 2020.

Additional source; Update H/T: Special thanks to @TVShowsFan!; Additional source: @MarshallPupFan.

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SpongeBob ScarePants | Theme from SpongeBob's Spookiest Scenes Countdown Special

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OOOOOOOHHHH WHO LIVES IN A PINEAPPLE UNDER THE SEA? SPONGEBOB SCAREPANTS! Check out the opening theme song and intro to SpongeBob's Spookiest Scenes Countdown Special!


What did you think of "SpongeBob's Spookiest Scenes Countdown Special"? Vote in the spooktacular poll here!: http://nickalive.blogspot.com/2020/10/what-did-you-think-of-new-spongebobs.html

Watch SpongeBob SquarePants on Nickelodeon!

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Runis coming to Netflix on Thursday, November 5, 2020! * Excludes U.S. (sorry!)

Listen to The SpongeBob Musical here!: https://spongebobmusical.blogspot.com

SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydratedis now available on PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch!

CALLING ALL GOOFY GOOBERS! (ROCK!) Are ya ready for a deep dive into the world of SpongeBob SquarePants? The SpongeBob YouTube channel is THE PLACE for all fan-favorite SpongeBob moments! We’re serving up everything from legendary scenes to remixes of classic songs to deep dives into Bikini Bottom lore. Be sure to check back every week for Music Mondays, Wumbo Wednesdays, and Flashback Fridays! Subscribe now at https://www.youtube.com/SpongeBobOfficial!

Shop SpongeBob!: https://www.spongebobshop.com - SpongeBob face masks now available, with ALL proceeds going to charity!

More Nick:CBS All Access to Premiere 'Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years' During Early 2021!

Originally published: Friday, September 18, 2020.
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Nickelodeon to Premiere New Episodes of 'The Loud House' and 'The Casagrandes' on Friday, October 16, 2020 | Trailer

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Get ready for the most exotic, hypnotic night on Nickelodeon with brand new episodes of The Loud House and The Casagrandes, premiering Friday, October 16, 2020 from 7:00 p.m. (ET/PT), only on Nick! It's going to go viral! Check out the trailer below!


7:00 p.m. - The Loud House - Blinded By Science; Band Together: After searching for her next big scientific breakthrough, Lisa discovers Flip is a marvel of modern science; Luna has to decide between playing in a band with her friends or with playing with professionals. (#506)

7:30 p.m. - The Casagrandes - What's Love Gato Do With It?; Dial M. for Mustard: After a magician hypnotizes Bobby into thinking he’s a cat, the family needs to snap him out of it!; Ronnie Anne and her friends uncover a town mystery: what happened to Bruno’s hot dog cart? (#120)

"What's Love Gato Do With It?" sneak peek:

More Nick:Nickelodeon USA's Halloween 2020 Highlights!

Originally published: Saturday, October 10, 2020.
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Nickelodeon to Premiere 'Nickelodeon's Unleashed' on Thursday, October 22

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CALLING ALL PETS!

COMEDIAN GABRIEL “FLUFFY” IGLESIAS TO HOST NICKELODEON’S UNLEASHED,
ALL-NEW COMEDIC PET TALENT COMPETITION SERIES
PREMIERES THURSDAY, OCT. 22, AT 7 P.M. (ET/PT)

Judges Peyton List, Preacher Lawson and Utkarsh Ambudkar to Decide
Which Acts are the Most Entertaining Pets Around


Share it: @Nickelodeon

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--Oct. 2, 2020--From the backyard to the big stage, the search is on for America’s most entertaining pets in Nickelodeon’s all-new comedic competition show, Unleashed (10 episodes).  Hosted by superstar comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, the series brings the most impressive animal acts together to compete on stage in front of a jury comprised of kids and celebrity judges Peyton List (Cobra Kai), Preacher Lawson (America’s Got Talent, Connecting) and Utkarsh Ambudkar (Brittany Runs a Marathon, Free Guy) for the title of “Most Entertaining Pet” of the night.  The first two episodes of Unleashed premiere back-to-back on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon.

Said Iglesias, “We have a squirrel that can water ski, enough said! You have to watch Nickelodeon’s Unleashed!”


Each episode of Unleashed will feature three animal-loving pet owners and their loyal companions as they take the stage to showcase their pet’s extraordinary talents.  From jaw-dropping tricks to hilarious skills, the pet contestants demonstrate their unique abilities… but anything can happen once the cameras start rolling.  Acts throughout the season include a water-skiing squirrel, a cheerleading goat, a hedgehog with a knack for agility tricks and a soccer-playing horse.  As each act performs, the celebrity judges and kid jury give their reactions before voting to crown the “Most Entertaining Pet” of the night.

Iglesias is no stranger to Nickelodeon, having appeared in season 6 of Nickelodeon's hit sketch comedy series All That in 2000.

Unleashed is produced by Fremantle (America’s Got Talent, American Idol, Celebrity Family Feud, Double Dare), with Jayson Dinsmore and Joni Day serving as executive producers.  Nikki Varhely-Gillingham (The Masked Singer) serves as executive producer and showrunner, with Nickelodeon’s Vice President of Unscripted Content Mandel Ilagan also serving as executive producer.  The series is directed by Ivan Dudynsky (The Voice, Hollywood Game Night).  Production for Nickelodeon is overseen by Rob Bagshaw, Executive Vice President, Unscripted Content.






About Fremantle

Fremantle is one of the largest and most successful creators, producers and distributors of scripted and unscripted content in the world. From the Got Talent and Idol franchises to “My Brilliant Friend,” “Family Feud,”, “The Young Pope,” “American Gods,” “The Price is Right,” “Neighbours,” “The X Factor” and “Deutschland 83” - Fremantle is behind the world’s most-loved and most-watched shows.

Fremantle has an outstanding international network of production teams, companies and labels in over 30 countries - the Fremantle family includes UFA (Germany), Wildside (Italy), Abot Hameiri (Israel), Miso Film (Denmark, Sweden and Norway), Blue Circle (Netherlands), Original Productions (USA) and Easy Tiger (Australia) to name a few.

Fremantle produces in excess of 12,000 hours of original programming, rolls out more than 70 formats and airs 400 programs a year worldwide. Fremantle also distributes over 20,000 hours of content in more than 200 territories.

As a world leader in digital and branded entertainment, Fremantle has more than 370 million subscribers across 1,500 social channels and over 100 billion views across all platforms - and is the creator of Facebook’s most viewed video of all time, “The Sacred Riana.”

For more information, visit www.fremantle.com, follow @FremantleUS or visit its Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 41st 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. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC).

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More Nick:'The Astronauts' Blasts Off Friday, November 13, 2020 on Nickelodeon!

Originally published: Friday, October 02, 2020 at 18:32 BST.

Additional source: @NickSchedules.

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Culture Fly Launches The Bikini Bottom Box Soon

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ARE YOU READY KIDS? The Bikini Bottom Box, the first-ever SpongeBob SquarePants subscription box is here!


What’s Inside?
The Bikini Bottom Box delivers exclusive SpongeBob SquarePants merchandise to your door 4 times a year. Each box is packed with exclusive apparel, accessories, collectibles, homeware and decor inspired by iconic moments from the show.


Here's what you'll be getting!:
  • Apparel: T-Shirts, hoodies, socks, gloves, hats and beanies!
  • Accessories: Bags, pins, stickers, keychains and stationary!
  • Collectibles: Vinyl figures, plush, and replica props!
  • Utility: Umbrellas, USB drives and bottle openers!
  • Homeware: Mugs, glasses, planters and kitchen goods!
  • Decor: Magnets, picture frames and pillows!
What will be in the next box?

The first Bikini Bottom Box will be the Winter 2020 edition, however, the only way to find out what's in the box is to become a subscriber! Come on down to Bikini Bottom today. There’s someone who lives in a pineapple under the sea waiting for you. Sign up today for brand new SpongeBob exclusives delivered every season. https://thenickbox.com/pages/the-bikini-bottom-box

How does it work?
  • Easily order online. Annual plans start at $39.99 a box.
  • A new box is delivered quarterly, every season. A total of four boxes a year.
  • Share with friends using #BikiniBottomBox on social!
The Bikini Bottom Box is from Culture Fly – the same folks that do the The Nick Box!

Original post:

ARE YOU READY KIDS? The Bikini Bottom Box, the brand new SpongeBob SquarePants subscription box is launching soon!


And it’s made by Culture Fly – the same folks that do the The Nick Box!

"The new subscription made by The Nick Box team will be filled with exclusive Spongebob Squarepants items you can’t get anywhere else"!

Not much more information is currently available, however, fans can sign up for updates at https://thenickbox.com/pages/the-bikini-bottom-box.

The cost of each box is TBA, but will likely $39.99 plus shipping (most likely limited to the U.S. and Canada at launch).

Are you going to sign up when it is available?


Since its launch July 17, 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has reigned as the number-one kids’ animated series on TV for the last 17 years, while generating a universe of beloved characters, pop culture catchphrases and memes, theatrical releases, consumer products, a Tony award-winning Broadway musical and a global fan base. SpongeBob SquarePants is the most widely distributed property in Viacom International Media Networks history, seen in more than 170 countries, translated in 30+ languages, and averaging more than 140 million total viewers every quarter. SpongeBob SquarePants is created by Stephen Hillenburg and produced by Nickelodeon in Burbank, Calif. The character-driven cartoon chronicles the nautical and sometimes nonsensical adventures of SpongeBob, an incurably optimist and earnest sea sponge, and his undersea friends.
Watch SpongeBob SquarePants on Nickelodeon!

Listen to The SpongeBob Musical here!: https://spongebobmusical.blogspot.com

SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydratedis now available on PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch!

CALLING ALL GOOFY GOOBERS! (ROCK!) Are ya ready for a deep dive into the world of SpongeBob SquarePants? The SpongeBob YouTube channel is THE PLACE for all fan-favorite SpongeBob moments! We’re serving up everything from legendary scenes to remixes of classic songs to deep dives into Bikini Bottom lore. Be sure to check back every week for Music Mondays, Wumbo Wednesdays, and Flashback Fridays! Subscribe now at https://www.youtube.com/SpongeBobOfficial!

Shop SpongeBob!: https://www.spongebobshop.com - SpongeBob face masks now available, with ALL proceeds going to charity!

More Nick:CBS All Access to Premiere 'Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years' During Early 2021!

Originally published: Thursday, October 8, 2020.

Additional source: My Subscription Addiction.
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Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for Monday, October 12, 2020 | Nickelodeon

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Classic Rugrats Comic Strip for Monday, October 12, 2020 | Nickelodeon
Rugrats, provided to Creators Syndicate by Nickelodeon, based off the popular animated television series has been created for children and family's to laugh and enjoy together.

Follow these comics and their take on real episodes of the show and their own spin on hilarious adventures.

Read more Rugrats comic strips!: https://www.creators.com/features/rugrats

More Nick:Nickelodeon and Paramount to Bring 'Rugrats' Back for the Next Generation of Kids!
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Jace Norman to Guest Star in New Episode of 'Danger Force', Premiering Saturday, November 7th on Nickelodeon

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Danger Force is coming back and so is Henry Hart!
Jace Norman makes his big return as Henry Hart/Kid Danger in an upcoming new episode of Danger Force, the Nickelodeon spinoff from his original series Henry Danger.

If you recall, the last 'regular' episode of Danger Force, "Chapa's Crush" ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, with Henry Hart/Kid Danger (Jace Norman) making a return. Unfortunately, that was the last episode to be filmed before the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic shut down production, so fans have had to wait a little while to find out why Henry was back. Thankfully, production resumed during mid-September.

In “Return of the Kid,” Henry Hart (Norman) is back from Dystopia and stealing Ray’s attention from crime fighting.

Danger Force (Havan Flores, Terrence Little Gardenhigh, Dana Heath and Luca Luhan) is forced to go on a bunch of exhausting missions without Captain Man (Cooper Barnes), but the mood dims when a scary Bounty Hunter from Dystopia comes to Swellview looking for Henry.

Danger Force returns with all new episodes on Saturday, November 7th at 8pm ET/PT, followed by the series premiere of Side Hustle!

During quarantine, the stars of Danger Force filmed some remote minisodes, as well as a quarantine special with guest star Frankie Grande, who returned as the fabulous fan-favorite villain, Frankini.

In addition to guest starring on the Danger Force, Norman also produces the series with Barnes.

"It was so great working with @Jace Norman  again. I missed the kid!  It was a great reunion with him and @Cooperbarneschannel too!," actor Schwoz (Michael D. Cohen) said on YouTube.


More Nick:'The Astronauts' Blasts Off Friday, November 13, 2020 on Nickelodeon!

Originally published: Sunday, October 11, 2020.

Original source: Just Jared Jr.

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Cooper Barnes Returns to Cameo for a Limited Time

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I’m back on Cameo for a limited time! | Cooper Barnes


"Hey! Go to cameo.com and search for me & I’ll do a personalized video for you. Full proceeds go to the Biden victory fund. Why? Because Nazis suck, that’s why. #Vote #BidenHarris2020"https://www.cameo.com/cooperbarnes1

Register to vote today at www.vote.org!

More Nick: ViacomCBS launches Vote For Your Life campaign in partnership with the Ad Council!
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SpongeBob Scares | Scary Loud Horrid Sponge | Nickelodeon UK

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SpongeBob Scares | Scary Loud Horrid Sponge | Nickelodeon UK


Lift your spirits with Scary Loud Horrid Sponge, as he takes us through SpongeBob's top 5 scares!

The Loud Horrid Sponge is back this Halloween on Nicktoons UK & Ireland! It's Halloween, and Loud Horrid Sponge has got a few trick and tricks up his sleeve, including the scariest episodes of all your favourite 'toons, plus brand new The Loud House! Join the Scary Loud Horrid Sponge for the ultimate Halloween takeover, this October, only on Nicktoons UK & Ireland! Info: http://nickalive.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-scary-loud-horrid-sponge-to-host.html

More Nick:Nicktoons UK to Premiere 'Ollie’s Pack' on Monday 19th October 2020!
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Ramsey Naito Navigates 2020 with Raft of Projects for Nickelodeon

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The recently appointed president on using her background to bolster Nickelodeon's movie slate, providing stability during turmoil, and promoting D&I goals.


When Ramsey Naito landed her Vice President (VP) of Nickelodeon Movies role in the late ’90s, she was brought in through a diversity and inclusion initiative. Now, as president of Nickelodeon Animation, Naito wants to make sure she’s giving the same opportunities to other producers and creatives.

Naito oversees the network’s animated content across all formats and platforms, including linear, digital, TV movies, theatrical motion pictures and SVOD. She manages day-to-day operations for Nickelodeon’s current series and development slate, as well as the net’s key franchises—SpongeBob SquarePants, The Casagrandes, The Loud House, Baby Shark, Blue’s Clues & You!, Santiago of the Seas and the upcoming Rugrats reboot (she started in the industry as a production assistant on the original). She’s also put a number of new series into production for Nickelodeon, including Middlemost Post, Big Nate, Star Trek: Prodigy, Tiny Chef, Real Pigeons Fight Crime and Phoebe and her Unicorn. Naito also oversees the studio’s recent movie offshoots, including a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theatrical film currently in the works.

It’s a far greater scope than when Naito rejoined Nickelodeon in 2018 as Executive Vice President (EVP) of animation production. In the two short years since her return, the ViacomCBS-owned channel has expanded its studio and movie business significantly, she says.


But her strategy forward is clear: “My plan is to create brand-new shows that come from new ideas, from new creators who are diverse and inclusive in front of and behind the screen,” Naito told Kidscreen's Alexandra Whyte.

Diversity and inclusion are incredibly important to Naito, both personally and professionally. To send that message through the ranks, the first thing she tackled was a leadership shuffle at Nickelodeon Animation Studios.

“We reorganized and hired leadership that would represent and mirror the audience in inclusion, so we could attract and identify with diverse creators who might want to come and sell their shows to us.” One such recent hire was Conrad Montgomery as VP of current series animation. Kelley Gardner also was promoted from director to VP of current series animation, overseeing Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years, SpongeBob SquarePants and Star Trek: Prodigy as executive-in-charge.

Naito’s efforts are aligned with broader efforts at Nickelodeon—earlier this year, Camille Eden joined the company as VP of Nickelodeon recruiting and talent development, with the specific goal of bolstering diversity in the talent pool.

When Naito left her role as VP of Nickelodeon movies in the early 2000s, her career focused largely on films. She worked at Cartoon Network as head of movies before moving on to Blue Sky Studios and Paramount. But it’s her experience as a producer at DreamWorks—specifically on The Boss Baby—that Naito says has been the most formative.

At DreamWorks, she was responsible for a crew based in Los Angeles, Northern California and India. But over the course of the film, there were two regime changes at DreamWorks that resulted in the closure of both the Northern California and India offices.

“One of the things I learned on that film was [how to bring] stability to a project during a time of great change,” says Naito. These are learnings she’s leaning heavily on now in order to help everyone at Nickelodeon weather the COVID-19 (coronavirus) storm. And while other studios have suffered layoffs, Nick’s Animation Studio has been doing quite well, with Naito going on a 200-person hiring spree since March.

She has a few other changes up her sleeve, including a number of new shows for ViacomCBS’s Paramount+ (the upcoming rebrand of CBS All Access). “There’s no question that it will be a destination for us.” Her first foray onto the platform will be with SpongeBob spinoff Kamp Koral

“It used to be that we were only making things for linear. But now we’ve opened up our gateway and we’re making things for digital— for our own streaming platform and for other platforms like Amazon and Apple,” she says. There’s also the multi-year output deal with Netflix, which has already seen the launch of co-pros Pinky Malinky and Glitch Techs, and revival movies Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling and Invader ZIM: Enter the Florpus. The streamer will also debut movies inspired by The Loud House and Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

And with a wide array of projects on the go, Naito is happy to be back with her roots. “I went and worked at many places, and I always missed the culture here, I missed Nick. I loved that I was hired at Nickelodeon through a diversity and inclusion initiative because that gave me an opportunity,” says Naito. “It’s been great to come back in this capacity and help bring back that culture of inclusion that was still here but needed to be amplified again.”

More Nick:Nickelodeon Upfront 2020 Roundup!

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