Lana Castleman
Nickelodeon unveils 650 new eps
TVDespite lingering controversy over its fall ratings drop, it was best-foot forward at Nickelodeon’s annual upfront presentation in New York this afternoon. The overall leading US kidsnet announced its upcoming season, unveiling plans to air 650 new episodes of programming across all genres. Additionally, Nick greenlit three new animated series and three original live-action shows.
Kidscreened
- Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax scores biggest US box office opening of 2012 (L.A. Times)
- Going down litigating? Broadcasters team up to sue US internet service for copyright infringement (MediaPost)
- Speaking of litigation…for those still following this never-ending lawsuit, Mattel requests US$310 million payment to MGA be reversed (Bloomberg)
- A tribute to the most existentially terrifying kids books ever written (Slate)
Jennifer Bennett moves to Fisher-Price
COMPANIES / CONSUMER PRODUCTS / PEOPLE MOVESIn the wake of Stan Clutton’s passing last December, Mattel has appointed Jennifer Bennett to assume part of the veteran Fisher-Price SVP’s remit. Bennett has joined Mattel brand Fisher-Price as director of licensing acquisitions, and will be overseeing inbound licensing for the preschool-oriented toy maker.
And the 2012 Kidscreen Awards go to…
NEWS / TVPlaying to a packed house, The Daily Show‘s Samantha Bee handed out the 2012 Kidscreen Awards in a brisk, lively and laugh-filled ceremony this afternoon held at the New York Hilton. Big winners tonight included Cartoon Network, which took a total of six Kidscreen Awards across Broadcast, Programming, Creative Talent and Viewer’s Choice categories. The UK’s Kindle Entertainment and New York-based Sesame Workshop also picked up multiple trophies. For the full list of winners, read on.
Asian Animation Summit launches
BROADCASTING / TVAnnounced yesterday at Kidscreen Summit, ABC Australia, Korean organization KOCCA and Malaysia’s MDeC, in partnership with Kidscreen, are launching a brand-new event. Slated for the first week of December, to run adjacent to Asia Television Forum, the Asian Animation Summit will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Neil Ross Russell leaving BBC Worldwide – Updated
COMPANIES / CONSUMER PRODUCTS / PEOPLE MOVESBBC Worldwide MD of Licensed Consumer Products & Global Children’s Brands Neil Ross Russell is set to leave his post at the end of this month.
And the Children’s BAFTAs go to…
TVAt a gala ceremony held last night in London, BAFTA handed out its Children’s Awards. Among the shows that took home more than one nod were eOne’s Peppa Pig, CBBC’s Deadly 60 and Cartoon Network/Turner International’s The Amazing World of Gumball.
Spin Master conducts layoffs across global ops
CONSUMER PRODUCTSToronto, Canada-based Spin Master Toys has made significant staff cuts across its global operations, including its Toronto, L.A. and Asian offices.
9 Story’s Animals builds new license
CONSUMER PRODUCTS9 Story Entertainment’s Almost Naked Animals has landed UK-based Character Options as its construction toy licensee in the territory.
Domo goes Gallic
CONSUMER PRODUCTSWith Brand Licensing Europe kicking off tomorrow in London, New York’s Big Tent Entertainment has announced the impending move of viral hit Domo into the French licensing market.
The definitive kids ent resource.Photos
Kidscreen Summit 2010 -