Viacom Partners with Brightcove to Deliver Video-rich Native Apps Across iOS, Android and Xbox Devices

We are excited to announce today that Viacom has partnered with Brightcove to deliver native app video experiences across multiple device platforms. Viacom media brands are using Brightcove Video Cloud and our native video player solutions for Apple iOS, Google Android and XBox devices to deliver high-quality, long-form video experiences that include support for closed-captioning, audience measurement and in-stream advertising. The apps feature TV Everywhere authentication support as well, enabling Viacom to deliver long-form premium content to cable and satellite subscribers on these devices.

The first brands to launch with Brightcove-powered video experiences include MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central native video apps for the iPhone, iPad and Xbox devices, with future plans to expand to Android devices.

As consumer attention has shifted to smartphones, tablets and gaming consoles, Viacom is making a major bet on video-rich apps as a key part of their multi-screen distribution strategy and as a way to build direct-to-consumer engagement across its popular brands, which currently reach approximately 700 million global subscribers. Brightcove removes the complexity of video publishing and distribution across devices for Viacom and enables the company to quickly innovate and deliver new apps and video experiences at scale.

We are thrilled to partner with Viacom and help support the company’s continued innovation around delivering great content and consumer experiences on every screen. Working with Brightcove enables Viacom to focus on producing great content and consumer experiences with smart advertising and monetization models without having to be a software company too. Brightcove provides the platform that helps Viacom navigate the complexity of reaching every screen and lets the company innovate where it matters to them, and we look forward to more exciting collaborations in the future.

TAGS video cloud, viacom, TV Everywhere authentication, nickelodeon, native player SDK, Native Apps, MTV, Comedy Central

Will Viacom Deal Boost Brightcove's Shares?

On September 10, Brightcove — a video cloud services provider with 6,300 customers in 65 countries — announced that Viacom is using its service. My September 10 interview with Brightcove CEO, David Mendels, suggests that this deal could accelerate the company’s growth.

More specifically, Viacom — that broadcasts MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central — is using Brightcove Video Cloud to deliver videos on “device platforms” including Apple iOS, Google Android and Xbox. The videos will help Viacom measure audiences and deliver in-stream advertising.

Brightcove is helping Viacom deliver what its consumers want. According to David Kline, SVP at Viacom, “Consumers today want to access their favorite shows from any device at any location. Brightcove makes it easy for us to expand our second screen and TV Everywhere offerings.”

Mendels explained that the Viacom service will make it easier for consumers to choose more of the video content they want. As he said, “If a consumer is watching a two minute video of comedian, John Oliver, and she wants more, she can click on the video and it will seamlessly deliver another 30 minutes of Oliver’s routine.” And of course, Viacom can deliver more advertising on this 30 minute segment.

Before joining Brightcove Mendels spent 16 years at Macromedia and Adobe where one of his jobs was to do acquisitions . “One of the companies we acquired was Allaire [for $360 million] in 2002. Jeremy Allaire, its founder, became chief technology officer and was part of the team (based on Adobe’s acquisition of Macromedia) that added video to Flash. This turned out to be very popular because it meant that people no longer had to download a video player each time they wanted to view a video,” said Mendels.

Allaire left to found Brightcove. “Jeremy came to the conclusion that every company would be a video company. And in order to satisfy that need, he wanted to build a public place where companies could go to build their video libraries. Brightcove would be a complete video publishing system in the cloud — video as a service like Salesforce,” explained Mendels.

Brightcove focused on landing high-end clients. According to Mendels, “Our accounts included the New York Times, Le Figaro, and the UK’s Channel 5. And our channels included Home Depot, Oracle, Toyota, and Puma.”

And Mendels is promising profitability next quarter. “We will post $107 million in 2013 revenues — getting paid through annual subscription fees based on the number of video streams and some professional services, are growing at 24% year-over-year, are generating cash and will be profitable next quarter. But it’s early days — even though video on smart phones is growing in popularity, more people still watch TV.”

And Brightcove will win because of its ability to manage complexity. Mendels argues, “We are competing with companies doing what we do themselves and three or four others in the U.S. But we are the only one that operates globally and we deliver on many platforms and handle the complexity of many functions — such as playing videos on many platforms, security, digital rights, social sharing, advertising, close-captioning and analytics.”

ABI Research agrees with Mendels’ assessment. It used several factors — market share, geographies and pay-TV businesses served, support for live and VOD video, ability to integrate with existing systems, ability to serve all types of devices, and other features to meet changing consumer video behaviors — to conclude that Brightcove was the market leader “followed by Ooyala and Akamai.”

Until it achieves profitability, this is one that looks like it’s worth watching because it could boost its customers revenues and profits — but I am not yet sold on whether to invest until it demonstrates fast profit growth.

Nickelodeon Expands 'Thundermans' Episode Order Ahead of Series Premiere (Exclusive)

The live-action series, which will be sneak-peeked Oct. 14, centers on a family of suburban-dwelling superheroes.

Nickelodeon has expanded the episode order for its new live-action series TheThundermans ahead of its premiere, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively.

The cable network has ordered seven additional episodes, which brings the total order to 20, following the initial 13-episode pickup in February, as THR first reported. The cast and crew were informed of the news Friday afternoon.

[...]

In addition, Nick is sneak-peeking an episode of the series Oct. 14 ahead of its official debut later in the fall.

The Thundermans, created by Jed Spingarn, revolves around a family of suburban-dwelling superheroes.

The show centers on Phoebe and Max Thunderman (Jack Griffo and Kira Kosarin), 14-year-old fraternal twins. Like any twins, these two share a healthy sibling rivalry -- turbocharged by their superpowers. Phoebe is the good-natured one who tries to do the right thing, while Max is a troublemaker who dreams of one day becoming a super villain. With their younger siblings and parents, the pair must attempt keep their powers under wraps and lead a normal life.

Rosa Blasi, Chris Tallman, Diego Velazquez and Addison Riecke also star in the series.

Spingarn executive produces with Dan Cross and David Hoge.

[...]

The Thundermans' premiere follows on the heels of other recent live-action series bows on Nickelodeon, including Sam & Cat in June and The Haunted Hathaways the following month.

Both shows initially received 20-episode orders; in July, as THR first reported, Nick ordered 20 more episodes of Sam & Cat, an iCarly and Victorious crossover spinoff.

[Tags:] NICKELODEON

Nickelodeon

Nicktoons

Nick Jr.

Rocket Monkeys: new episodes

The universe needs heroes and our Rocket Monkeys are ready to get back into action! From September 23 every day from Monday to Saturday at 18:15 await new episodes of Rocket Monkeys. Gus and Wally new face of crazy ... and we suspect it will eventually get into a lot of trouble!

Wally is looking for new friends and that's why he joined the social network Spacebook. YAY-OK becomes a bully, while from a parallel dimension comes the bad versions of Gus and Wally. And what happens when the spirits of the bananas eaten by Rocket Monkeys decide to come back to life? We'll find out in the new episodes!

While waiting for new episodes, you also live with a space adventure online game Monkeys in Mission !

[Italian to English translation by Google Translate]

Rocket Monkeys: i nuovi episodi

L'universo ha bisogno di eroi e le nostre Rocket Monkeys sono pronte a tornare in azione! Dal 23 settembre da lunedì a sabato ogni giorno alle 18:15 ti aspettano i nuovi episodi di Rocket Monkeys. Gus e Wally affronteranno nuove folli imprese… e sospettiamo che finiranno per cacciarsi in molti guai!

Wally cerca nuovi amici e per questo si iscrive al social network Spacebook. YAY-OK diventa un bullo, mentre da una dimensione parallela arrivano le versioni cattive di Gus e Wally. E cosa succede quando gli spiriti delle banane mangiate dalle Rocket Monkeys decidono di tornare in vita? Lo scopriremo nelle nuove puntate!

In attesa dei nuovi episodi, vivi anche tu un'avventura spaziale col gioco online Scimmie in Missione!

[...] Take Part

Be at the exclusive Sam & Cat UK Premiere

The fun never stops at Nickelodeon and with even more new shows set to hit your screens over the coming months, the kids are guaranteed to be tuned in.

Among the most exciting additions to the line up this autumn is the all new Sam & Cat which follows the lives of the most unlikely of best buds.

Sam is loud, independent and as tough as nails, quite a contrast to her cute, bright eyed best friend Cat. So what does this mismatched duo get up to?

You could be the first in the UK to find out and witness their wild adventures as we’re giving one Sky TV customer the chance to win a family trip to London for the show’s UK Premiere.

Showing at the Sky SuperScreen at The O2 Cineworld, London, you’ll get travel and four star accommodation as well as the chance to meet the terrible twosome at an exclusive meet and greet with Sam and Cat on 12 October.

To be eligible for this prize, you must be available to travel to London between Friday 11 October and Sunday 13 October.

Terms and Conditions

Competition closes at 10am on 3 October.

Sign in with your Sky iD [here] to continue

If you don't already have a Sky iD, you can create one now.

Sam & Cat

Find out more

Prepare to meet the strangest match made in bestie mate heaven in Nickelodeon's all new Sam & Cat.

Sam (Jennette McCurdy, iCarly) is loud, fearless and always ready for action. Cat (Ariana Grande, Victorious) is as sweet as pie and wouldn't hurt a fly. How these two came to be such good friends is a complete mystery.

Their unlikely friendship keeps them busy with a whole bunch of fun and wacky adventures to embark on. But with very little cash, it soon becomes clear that they need a well-paid job to continue their escapades.

Setting up their very own babysitting business, the fun loving pair find a solution to their empty-pocket problems. And with an extra bit of money to spend, it can only mean more exciting adventures are on the horizon for the most mismatched buddies around.

Watch Sam & Cat on Nickelodeon (HD channel 604, Sky channel 632) every Monday at 6pm from 14 October 2013.

Find out more

More exclusive rewards for Sky customers.

'Laverne & Shirley' Reunion On 'Sam & Cat': Jennette McCurdy Helps Penny Marshall

Everybody ready? "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated!": A "Laverne & Shirley" reunion is afoot on "Sam & Cat." Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams will guest star on the Saturday, Nov. 9 episode of the Nickelodeon series.

In the exclusive clip above, Marshall's character meets with Sam (Jennette McCurdy) to discuss meeting with her nemesis, her former "Salmon Cat" partner (played by Williams). Watch the two bond over Cheez Whiz and a barking dog.

The official description for "#SalmonCat": "Sam (McCurdy) and Cat (Ariana Grande) are ordered to rename their babysitting business because it's too similar to 'Salmon Cat,' a TV show from the ‘70s. Sam and Cat must track down the show's two original creators (played by Marshall and Williams) and resolve their three decade-long feud."

In the premiere of "See Dad Run," Scott Baio will reunite with "Happy Days" creator Garry Marshall. The official description: "David’s (Baio) TV dad Bernie (played by Garry Marshall) visits, but the reunion sours when he runs off and leaves his new baby. David must convince Bernie that being a real dad will be his best role. Marshall’s son Scott Marshall directs."

"Sam & Cat" airs Saturdays, 8 p.m. ET on Nickelodeon, "See Dad Runs" airs Sundays, 8 p.m. ET on Nick at Nite.

[Tags:] Reality-Free, Laverne And Shirley, Penny Marshall, Television, Jennette McCurdy, Laverne And Shirley Reunion, Sam And Cat, Sam And Cat Laverne And Shirley, Tv Previews, Entertainment News

Penny Marshall, Cindy Williams together again

[In the] image [above] released by Nickelodeon shows, from left, Penny Marshall, Jennette McCurdy, Ariana Grande and Cindy Williams in a scene from the series "Sam & Cat." Marshall and Williams, best known from their comedy series "Laverne and Shirley," will guest star in the episode airing Saturday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m. EST. NICKELODEON, LISA ROSE / AP PHOTO

LOS ANGELES -- Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams play feuding ex-TV partners on an episode of Nickelodeon's "Sam & Cat," but they brush aside any comparison to their past.

The former "Laverne & Shirley" stars, who back in the day of their 1976-83 sitcom were reported to have crossed swords, said they were never enemies and remain friends despite lingering suggestions to the contrary.

"That was rumors. Any show you work on for eight years, you're gonna argue at some point," said Marshall. "Way overblown."

Williams agreed, but added a bit of detail.

"Yes, it was a bit overblown," she said. The actress added that she and Marshall have "very different personalities" with contradictory styles of working, which sometimes led to on-set clashes.

That said, Williams regularly visits Marshall's house to watch and discuss TV. There's a chill in the air, Williams said, but only because Marshall keeps her thermostat turned down and, to compensate, provides down coats and blankets for guests.

Marshall, whose big-screen directing credits include "A League of Their Own" and "Big," is busy working on a documentary about provocative ex-NBA player Dennis Rodman. But she and Williams were enticed by "Sam & Cat" creator Dan Schneider to guest star on the comedy airing at 8 p.m. EST on Saturday.

"He loved our show," Williams said. "He wanted to do a little tribute."

In the episode, Sam (Jennette McCurdy) and Cat (Ariana Grande) face having to rename their baby-sitting business because it's similar to "Salmon Cat," a faux 1970s TV show. The young women track down the show's creators (Marshall and Williams) and try to dissolve their enmity.

In another Nickelodeon reunion, "Happy Days" creator Garry Marshall (brother of Penny Marshall), makes a guest appearance on "See Dad Run" starring Scott Baio, a cast member on the 1974-84 sitcom starring Henry Winkler and Ron Howard.

The "See Dad Run" episode airs 8 p.m. EST on Sunday.

---

Online:

http://www.nick.com.

We're about to unleash a deadly duo... NEW @BigTimeRush PLUS Big Time Deadly with @HeffronDrive - Starts Mon @ 5pm. http://ow.ly/qzvLy.

We're about to unleash a deadly duo...

Join us for Big Time Rush PLUS Big Time Deadly with Kendall - Starts Monday @ 5pm. http://ow.ly/qzuuh

Robot and Monster Song (2013) from Max Kinder on Vimeo.

Robot and Monster Song composed by Max Kinder [Nickelodeon UK Associate Producer] and Fred Ashworth [music consultant / composer at The Jungle Group]

NickJr - The Lost Treasure of Timmy the Dog from Kim Majkut on Vimeo.

Time to take an adventure in the magical world of the cardboard box.

WRITTEN & DIRECTED: KIM MAJKUT [senior designer at Nickelodeon UK] & AKIN AKINSIKU [former Art Director at Nickelodeon UK]
MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN: WILL COHEN

ANIMATION PRODUCTION: NOT TO SCALE
ANIMATION DIRECTORS: PIERRE + BERTRAND

PRODUCTION MANAGER LINDSAY TRACEY
DOP: BRUCE JACKSON
CAMERA ASSISTANT: ED TUCKER
SPARK: PHIL PENFOLD
SOUND GEORGE MCMILLAN
ART DIRECTOR: SONYA YU, JO WISE
ART DEPARTMENT: SAM MORRISON

CHILD WELFARE MANAGER: WINCIE KNIGHT
CHILD WELFARE OFFICER: SARAH CALLAGHAN
PRODUCTION ASSISTAN: NATASHA COLLIE

Nickjr Cardboard Box Adventures- the lost treasure of timmy the dog from akinakinsiku on Vimeo.

Every kid can relate to this,the best present your parents never bought you: the cardboard box.
Myself and Kim Majkut wrote and directed this homage to the kinds of places these simple objects take you.

TeenNick HALO Awards: Kevin Jonas to Co-Host, Enrique Iglesias to Perform (Exclusive)

Enrique Iglesias and Kevin Jonas [...] Getty Images

Nickelodeon star Jennette McCurdy will co-host alongside Jonas and Nick Cannon, while "Twilight's" Nikki Reed has come aboard as a presenter for the Nov. 17 event.

Kevin Jonas and Nickelodeon star Jennette McCurdy have been tapped to co-host the TeenNick HALO Awards, joining regular emcee Nick Cannon.

Singer Enrique Iglesias also has been added to the bill for the fifth annual event, which takes place Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Hollywood Palladium and will be broadcast live on Nickelodeon beginning at 8 p.m. ET (tape-delayed on the West Coast). He joins previously announced performers Fall Out Boy and Austin Mahone.

"I'm excited about performing my new single 'Heart Attack' on the TeenNick HALO Awards," Iglesias said. "This award show is special to me because we get to honor real teens who have earned their way on the show by doing community service."

Additionally, Twilight star Nikki Reed has been confirmed as a presenter, joining a slate that already includes Darren Criss (Glee), Dax Shepard (Parenthood) and Chloe Bennet (Marvel's Agents of SHIELD).

The HALO Awards also will host a social media lounge, dubbed the HALO Hive, that will be led by YouTube personality iJustine. New York-based duo The Jane Doze has been tapped as the event's official DJs.

The TeenNick HALO Awards, executive produced by Cannon, Alex Coletti and Sal Maniaci, spotlight four teenagers from all over the country who are helping and leading others. They are paired up with celebrities who share a similar passion for their cause. Josh Hutcherson, Shay Mitchell, Chris Paul and Queen Latifah participated this year.

Resort characters in Harrods parade

Amanda Thompson OBE with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from Nickelodeon Land at the Harrods Christmas Parade in London

Blackpool characters filled the streets of London as part of a Christmas parade.

All the characters from Nickelodeon Land at Blackpool Pleasure Beach including SpongeBob and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were invited to the Harrods Christmas Parade, which shut the streets of the capital on Saturday morning, along with managing director Amanda Thompson.

She said: "It was a fabulous way to show off Blackpool’s best in London."

Cork bakery targets slice of global pizza market after breakthrough

An Irish bakeryhopes to double its workforce and take a major slice of the global bakery market after making a major food technology breakthrough which is poised to revolutionise the sector.

[...]

O’Keeffe’s Bakery in Ballincollig, Co Cork, which employs 75 people, announced details yesterday of its groundbreaking new frozen dough technique, and the recruitment of 32 staff.

Stephen O’Keeffe, the managing director of the family run company, also launched a suite of DIY pizza kits with bases made using the new technique.

However, he said this process has such huge potential he hopes to create an additional 20 jobs within two years.

The company is at the completion stage of contract negotiations with Nickelodeon Television for a major licensing agreement.

Mr O’Keeffe said the deal would allow them use images of the pizza-loving Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on its packaging in Ireland, the UK, and the Channel Islands, as the company targets new markets.

“This endorsement would give us a huge platform to get our new products out there,” he said.

Food Minister Simon Coveney praised the ambition of the company which ploughed almost €1m into research and development to perfect the technique in recent years.

“This is a great family, business and food story for Ireland,” he said.

Mr O’Keeffe said that research, development, and innovation are the key to any business.

The company set out to solve an ongoing challenge for bakers — how to freeze dough without losing the viability or the baking performance of the yeast.

Usually, yeast becomes inactive or dormant in frozen dough quite quickly.

O’Keeffe’s have now perfected a method of prolonging the shelf life of yeast within the frozen dough.

They have spent months testing the product with input from food giants like Odlums, Bakel Ingredients and German bakery equipment specialists, MIWE.

Mr O’Keeffe said the new technique could lead to a whole range of new frozen dough-based consumer products.

The company’s two DIY pizza kits — a 7in pizza for children and a 10in pizza for adults — recently won an Irish Quality Food Award. It has also launched a DIY garlic bread kit.

The pizza kits include frozen dough, as well as additive-free mozzarella, pizza sauce, flour, and baking paper. The products are now listed in Dunnes Stores, Tesco, and Musgraves.

O’Keeffe’s has achieved listings with OCADO, the British online grocery retailer, and is at advanced talks with leading multiples in Britain.

O’Keeffe’s bakery was established 30 years ago by Stephen’s parents, Liam and Marie, after they bought a bread round.

They went on to buy a second bread round before deciding to bake their own bread. The company now operates from a state-of-the-art bakery in Ballincollig.

The company produces fresh handmade bread which is distributed throughout Cork City and county, and par-baked products distributed nationwide, throughout Britain, and recently to Dubai, under the Irish Country Cuisine brand.