US kids are watching more TV than they have in years; in fact kid TV viewing is at an eight-year high, according to new findings from The Nielsen Company.
The report says K2-5 are spending an average of 32+ hours a week in front of the TV, while K6-11 (who spend a chunk of their day in school) are watching about 28 hours per week.
Being in front of the TV includes actually watching what is on TV, as well as watching programming on DVR, DVDs and videos as well as video games. Nielsen says that increases in kid TV screen time mirrors that of overall increases in media consumption they've been tracking over the last two years, which includes TV, internet, video games and mobile phones, but still most of that is watching live TV.
Average Weekly TV and Peripheral Consumption
Among All Kids 2-5
Total Over 32 hrs
TV 24hrs 51mins
DVR 1hr 29mins
DVD 4hrs 33mins
VCR 45min
Game Console: 1hr 12mins
Among All Kids 6-11
Total Over 28 hrs
TV 22hrs 9mins
DVR 59mins
DVD 2hrs 28mins
VCR 18mins
Game Console: 2hrs 23mins
It is no surprise that both K2-5 and K6-11 are using DVRs easily, but the findings also point to the fact that K2-5 (50%) are watching more TV commercials in DVR playback mode in primetime for the four big broadcast networks during May sweeps, versus K6-11 (44%), Teens 12-17 (43%), People 18-34 (44%), People 35-54 (43%) and People 55+ (44%). Source: Nielsen Media Research
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
BBC kid's content
Following the BBC Trust's mostly positive review of children's services earlier this year, the BBC lays out plans for the additional $41.8 million it pledged for BBC kid's content across its services over the course of three years:
The funds will help support of existing big budget successful programs such as The Sarah Jane Adventures, Horrible Histories and My Almost Famous Family, as well as further seasons of 3rd & Bird and Kerwhizz for CBeebies. Additionally, funds will be earmarked for development of new original series, specifically comedy and dramas.
Funds will also go towards bolstering kid-targeted audio offerings such as streamed, downloadable audio content for kids. The CBeebies website is set to re-launch next month with every page featuring a link to a new version of the CBeebies Radio Player.
Plans also include growing the CBBC website, which had seen a decline, to achieve its weekly reach to 900,000 by April 2010. To achieve this goal, the site will see improved navigation. The site will be refreshed in early 2010, and feature newly created areas for kid shows like Horrible Histories, Tracy Beaker and Serious Explorers to keep visitors longer.
Money will go towards regaining audience lost when kid's programs were shifted earlier in BBC One's afternoon schedule, and development of a new weekday program to play during the CBBC block on BBC One at 5:30p, which would serve as a strong lead-in to the 6p news. If a new show is developed and is successful, over the next two years the BBC will consider reinstating Blue Peter and Newsround to their original time slots. In the meantime, however, the CBBC programming block on BBC One will stay put at 3:05-5:15p.
BBC will also continue to address digital programming for kids by looking to extend CBBC channel hours and providing its programs on-demand via the kid's iPlayer.
The funds will help support of existing big budget successful programs such as The Sarah Jane Adventures, Horrible Histories and My Almost Famous Family, as well as further seasons of 3rd & Bird and Kerwhizz for CBeebies. Additionally, funds will be earmarked for development of new original series, specifically comedy and dramas.
Funds will also go towards bolstering kid-targeted audio offerings such as streamed, downloadable audio content for kids. The CBeebies website is set to re-launch next month with every page featuring a link to a new version of the CBeebies Radio Player.
Plans also include growing the CBBC website, which had seen a decline, to achieve its weekly reach to 900,000 by April 2010. To achieve this goal, the site will see improved navigation. The site will be refreshed in early 2010, and feature newly created areas for kid shows like Horrible Histories, Tracy Beaker and Serious Explorers to keep visitors longer.
Money will go towards regaining audience lost when kid's programs were shifted earlier in BBC One's afternoon schedule, and development of a new weekday program to play during the CBBC block on BBC One at 5:30p, which would serve as a strong lead-in to the 6p news. If a new show is developed and is successful, over the next two years the BBC will consider reinstating Blue Peter and Newsround to their original time slots. In the meantime, however, the CBBC programming block on BBC One will stay put at 3:05-5:15p.
BBC will also continue to address digital programming for kids by looking to extend CBBC channel hours and providing its programs on-demand via the kid's iPlayer.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Baby Abuelita Productions
Baby Abuelita Productions, a manufacturer of Spanish-lullaby singing dolls that look like grandparents and animated DVDs focusing on Hispanic heritage, partners with Procter and Gamble (P&G) for a grocery store promotion aimed at Hispanic consumers nationwide.
Shoppers who buy a designated amount of P&G products will be able to mail-in for an Abuelita Rosa and/or Pancho doll. Retailers in P&G Food Channel can run the promotion any time between November 23, 2009 and June 30, 2010.
Shoppers who buy a designated amount of P&G products will be able to mail-in for an Abuelita Rosa and/or Pancho doll. Retailers in P&G Food Channel can run the promotion any time between November 23, 2009 and June 30, 2010.
Friday, October 16, 2009
CBBC
CBBC commissions new kid-targeted reality and factual series about different cultures and environments around the world and also focus on teamwork:
Hai! Karate - Journey to Japan (10 episodes) - the reality series follows five UK kids, each with a parent, as they travel to Japan for an intensive three-week karate training course with the hope of qualifying to participate in the World Karate Championships in Okinawa. Each kid also has a goal of improving their relationship with their respective parent. In addition to karate, during their time in Japan the kids will also be educated in Japanese culture and traditions. Slated to debut on CBBC in 2010.
Natural Born Hunters (13 episodes) - hosted by wildlife presenter Steve Backshall and CBBC's barney Harwood, the series explores the animal kingdom's greatest and dangerous predators and how they survive day to day. The series features footage from the BBC's Natural History Unit. The series is set to bow in spring 2010.
Serious Explorers: Livingstone (11 episodes) - The Serious adventure series returns in spring 2010 with this new expedition to East Africa's Tanzania. The series features 8 kids as they retrace the steps of explorer David Livingstone in a month-long expedition.
Safari 8 (13 episodes) - eight kids, four from the UK and four from South Africa, team up to train for a month to become game rangers in South Africa's Kruger Game Reserve. Set to premiere in January 2010, the kids will learn to work as a team and develop a range of skills.
Barney's South America (26 episodes) - This time around Barney Harwood and Gemma Hunt use their humorous approach to investigate the various wildlife living in South America. A joint production with CBBC and NHU, the series will premiere in spring 2010.
Hai! Karate - Journey to Japan (10 episodes) - the reality series follows five UK kids, each with a parent, as they travel to Japan for an intensive three-week karate training course with the hope of qualifying to participate in the World Karate Championships in Okinawa. Each kid also has a goal of improving their relationship with their respective parent. In addition to karate, during their time in Japan the kids will also be educated in Japanese culture and traditions. Slated to debut on CBBC in 2010.
Natural Born Hunters (13 episodes) - hosted by wildlife presenter Steve Backshall and CBBC's barney Harwood, the series explores the animal kingdom's greatest and dangerous predators and how they survive day to day. The series features footage from the BBC's Natural History Unit. The series is set to bow in spring 2010.
Serious Explorers: Livingstone (11 episodes) - The Serious adventure series returns in spring 2010 with this new expedition to East Africa's Tanzania. The series features 8 kids as they retrace the steps of explorer David Livingstone in a month-long expedition.
Safari 8 (13 episodes) - eight kids, four from the UK and four from South Africa, team up to train for a month to become game rangers in South Africa's Kruger Game Reserve. Set to premiere in January 2010, the kids will learn to work as a team and develop a range of skills.
Barney's South America (26 episodes) - This time around Barney Harwood and Gemma Hunt use their humorous approach to investigate the various wildlife living in South America. A joint production with CBBC and NHU, the series will premiere in spring 2010.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
satisfied subscribers
ID, The Investigation Discovery Channel, ranked as the basic digital network that satisfied subscribers the most in the most recent Beta Research Digital Cable poll with 65% of viewers expressing satisfaction.
PBS Kids Sprout ranked second with a 63% score. Gospel Music Channel and NFL Network tied in terms of Ave. Perceived Value, pegged at $2.06.
Nat Geo Channel was the favorite among Men 18+ and Hispanics; NickToons TV was tops among teens and TV One and Nat Geo Channel tied for tops among African Americans.
Top Basic Digital Cable Networks in terms of Viewer Satisfaction
Top-Ranked Digital Basic Networks Viewers of Network Very Satisfied
ID, Investigation Discovery 65%
PBS Kids Sprout 63%
Gospel Music Channel 62%
Discovery Health Channel 62%
History International 59%
National Geographic Channel 59%
Source: Beta Research Corp.
PBS Kids Sprout ranked second with a 63% score. Gospel Music Channel and NFL Network tied in terms of Ave. Perceived Value, pegged at $2.06.
Nat Geo Channel was the favorite among Men 18+ and Hispanics; NickToons TV was tops among teens and TV One and Nat Geo Channel tied for tops among African Americans.
Top Basic Digital Cable Networks in terms of Viewer Satisfaction
Top-Ranked Digital Basic Networks Viewers of Network Very Satisfied
ID, Investigation Discovery 65%
PBS Kids Sprout 63%
Gospel Music Channel 62%
Discovery Health Channel 62%
History International 59%
National Geographic Channel 59%
Source: Beta Research Corp.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Moonscoop,PBSKids
Moonscoop begins production on the new 2D HD flash-animated series, The DaVincibles (52x11), co-created and co-produced with Italy's Neo Network, which is part of Zodiak Entertainment.
Targeted to K7-11, the series is a co-production with Rai Fiction, SLR, Telegael and Big Animation. The show has already pre-sold to Gulli (France) and Seven (Australia) and is set for delivery in late 2010.
Worldwide distribution for The DaVincibles will be handled by Moonscoop, with Neo Network managing the rights in Italy, and Big Animation handling Asia and SLR overseeing sales in Australia and New Zealand. The comedy caper revolves around siblings, Lisa and Pablo, and their inept Uncle Leo DaVinci as they travel the world in search of artifacts to sell at Leo's shop and meet up with villains trying to thwart their efforts.
PBSKids will premiere a special episode of the preschool science series Sid The Science Kid, entitled Getting a shot: You Can Do It!, on Monday, October 26 (check local listings).
With flu season upon us, the special explores the basic science of germs and viruses and how to stay healthy, including the use of vaccinations, in a kid appropriate way.
Produced by The Jim Henson Company and KCET/LA, the special episode is also supported by online games, activities and resources for kids, parents and educators at
PBSKids.org/sid ( www.pbskids.org/sid ), PBS Parents ( www.pbsparents.org ), and PBS Teachers ( www.pbsteachers.org ), the latter of which will host a live webinar for educators about staying healthy at school. Getting a shot: You Can Do It! is funded by The Department of Health and Human Services, The Association for Prevention Teaching and Research (APTR), First 5 California and The Boeing Company.
Targeted to K7-11, the series is a co-production with Rai Fiction, SLR, Telegael and Big Animation. The show has already pre-sold to Gulli (France) and Seven (Australia) and is set for delivery in late 2010.
Worldwide distribution for The DaVincibles will be handled by Moonscoop, with Neo Network managing the rights in Italy, and Big Animation handling Asia and SLR overseeing sales in Australia and New Zealand. The comedy caper revolves around siblings, Lisa and Pablo, and their inept Uncle Leo DaVinci as they travel the world in search of artifacts to sell at Leo's shop and meet up with villains trying to thwart their efforts.
PBSKids will premiere a special episode of the preschool science series Sid The Science Kid, entitled Getting a shot: You Can Do It!, on Monday, October 26 (check local listings).
With flu season upon us, the special explores the basic science of germs and viruses and how to stay healthy, including the use of vaccinations, in a kid appropriate way.
Produced by The Jim Henson Company and KCET/LA, the special episode is also supported by online games, activities and resources for kids, parents and educators at
PBSKids.org/sid ( www.pbskids.org/sid ), PBS Parents ( www.pbsparents.org ), and PBS Teachers ( www.pbsteachers.org ), the latter of which will host a live webinar for educators about staying healthy at school. Getting a shot: You Can Do It! is funded by The Department of Health and Human Services, The Association for Prevention Teaching and Research (APTR), First 5 California and The Boeing Company.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Networking quotes: Branded Content Networking Lunch
(Branded Entertainment | MIPCOM, 07.10.09)
When leading brands like Red Bull show up at MIPCOM, you know they’ve reached beyond product placement: they’ve become entertainment media. Bringing brands and content creators together was the theme of Tuesday’s Branded Content Networking Lunch, sponsored by the Branded Content Marketing Association.
The BCMA’s Chairman Morgan Holt sparked a spirited conversation, navigating the thorny issue of measuring the estimated $20 billion in worldwide branded content spend. The Association showcased its branded content evaluation system (BCES), which it hopes will become the universally accepted tool worldwide to measure and evaluate branded content effectiveness before, during and after placement.
Here’s what they said:
“Advice to brands: If it’s not about the audience, it isn’t branded content. Advice to producers: brands are not attached to single TV shows.”
Morgan Holt, Chairman, Branded Content Marketing Association, London
“Consumers interact because they can, that’s the role of mobile apps developers. They’ll opt if they’re incentivised, that’s the role of brands.”
Richard Morris, Director of Video, TV & Applications, Player Mobile Media, London
“Reality check for content producers and distributors, your role now is to drive a 360 marketing strategy for brands.”
Doug Scott, Senior Partner, President, Ogilvy Entertainment, New York
“Producers talk about 360, but what matters to brands is the upside and downside of each platform.”
Julius Just, CEO, Just News International, London
When leading brands like Red Bull show up at MIPCOM, you know they’ve reached beyond product placement: they’ve become entertainment media. Bringing brands and content creators together was the theme of Tuesday’s Branded Content Networking Lunch, sponsored by the Branded Content Marketing Association.
The BCMA’s Chairman Morgan Holt sparked a spirited conversation, navigating the thorny issue of measuring the estimated $20 billion in worldwide branded content spend. The Association showcased its branded content evaluation system (BCES), which it hopes will become the universally accepted tool worldwide to measure and evaluate branded content effectiveness before, during and after placement.
Here’s what they said:
“Advice to brands: If it’s not about the audience, it isn’t branded content. Advice to producers: brands are not attached to single TV shows.”
Morgan Holt, Chairman, Branded Content Marketing Association, London
“Consumers interact because they can, that’s the role of mobile apps developers. They’ll opt if they’re incentivised, that’s the role of brands.”
Richard Morris, Director of Video, TV & Applications, Player Mobile Media, London
“Reality check for content producers and distributors, your role now is to drive a 360 marketing strategy for brands.”
Doug Scott, Senior Partner, President, Ogilvy Entertainment, New York
“Producers talk about 360, but what matters to brands is the upside and downside of each platform.”
Julius Just, CEO, Just News International, London
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
A gURLs wURLd, Penelope K, FlickerLab
Southern Star Singapore, Southern Star Entertainment (Australia) and Nord Deutscher Rundfunk (Germany) unveil their US$9million international co-production of A gURLs wURLd (26x30), a tween-targeted live-action series supported by the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) and Screen Australia, Australia's film and TV agency. The series will be distributed by Endemol Worldwide Distribution, and is set to premiere on ARD Network (Germany) and Channel Nine (Australia). Shot in part on location in Singapore, A gURLs wURLd is a multi-platform property that will feature unique content and virtual communities online for fans around the world created by Southern Star Singapore and Southern Star Entertainment. The series revolves around three teen girls, one each from Australia, Germany and Singapore, who become friends while attending school in Singapore. At the end of the term the girls return home and find that through technology they can transport them via a chat room portal to one another's home and thus a range of adventures.
BBC Worldwide Channels commissions a new live-action preschool series Penelope K, By The Way (25x12), the first original production for the international CBeebies channel. Developed by Australia's Blink Films the property was selected earlier this year from 100 submissions as part of a local production initiative in Australia. Produced by Blink Films in association with Freehand, Penelope K, By The Way will debut on CBeebies in Australia next year, followed by CBeebies in the UK and then rollout around the world. The series revolves around Penelope K and the Information Station she runs, which is a place where one goes to find answers to questions. Penelope K and her friends help collate information and provide answers to inquiring minds.
FlickerLab launches its newest K8-12-targeted animated series, The Wild Life (26x5), at Mipcom. The story driven series, which debuted earlier this month on TV2 (Denmark), is designed to teach kids about climate change and is produced using FlickerLab's real time animation software, Go. Each episode is comprised of a three minute story introducing a theme, followed by a two minute animated Climate Cartoon on that theme. Additionally, viewers can use FlickerLab's Animtoon animation software to create and share their own Climate Cartoons, the best of which will be shown with customized introductions by the series characters. There is also a corresponding website for the show that features a range of information, games and activities and other interactive elements. FlickerLab plans to expand The Wild Life into a longer form series (40x11) with production set to begin in fall 2010.
BBC Worldwide Channels commissions a new live-action preschool series Penelope K, By The Way (25x12), the first original production for the international CBeebies channel. Developed by Australia's Blink Films the property was selected earlier this year from 100 submissions as part of a local production initiative in Australia. Produced by Blink Films in association with Freehand, Penelope K, By The Way will debut on CBeebies in Australia next year, followed by CBeebies in the UK and then rollout around the world. The series revolves around Penelope K and the Information Station she runs, which is a place where one goes to find answers to questions. Penelope K and her friends help collate information and provide answers to inquiring minds.
FlickerLab launches its newest K8-12-targeted animated series, The Wild Life (26x5), at Mipcom. The story driven series, which debuted earlier this month on TV2 (Denmark), is designed to teach kids about climate change and is produced using FlickerLab's real time animation software, Go. Each episode is comprised of a three minute story introducing a theme, followed by a two minute animated Climate Cartoon on that theme. Additionally, viewers can use FlickerLab's Animtoon animation software to create and share their own Climate Cartoons, the best of which will be shown with customized introductions by the series characters. There is also a corresponding website for the show that features a range of information, games and activities and other interactive elements. FlickerLab plans to expand The Wild Life into a longer form series (40x11) with production set to begin in fall 2010.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Gonzoft Television and the boss, Rich Ross and loads of Freemantle news
FlickerLab and Gonzoft have agreed to merge to prepare for the launch of Gonzoft Television Animation's live animation software in the U.S. The newly renamed FlickerLab LLC focuses on socially and environmentally conscious media and the building of sustainable media brands, such as an animated segment in Michael Moore newest feature Capitalism: A Love Story.
Rich Ross steps up to Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. Ross, currently President/Disney Channels Worldwide, takes over the position left vacant last month when former Chairman, Dick Cook, announced his resignation. Ross will oversee worldwide production, distribution and marketing for the studio's live-action and animated movie banners, including Walt Disney, Touchstone, Miramax and Disney/Pixar. No word yet on who will take over Ross' responsibilities at Disney Channel etc. though now that Ross' appointment has been confirmed the rumor mill has shifted to that topic. Ross joined Disney Channel in 1996 and has since overseen the growth of the channel domestically and internationally across brands such as Disney Channel, Playhouse Disney and Disney XD, their respective websites. He has also overseen Radio Disney. Under his watch, Disney Channel has delivered a range of TV successes including the tween series and TV movies Lizzie McGuire, Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and High School Musical among others. Prior to Disney, Ross was part of the team that launched FX Networks, and held senior positions at Nickelodeon for several years.
http://www.mipworld.com/en/Industry-insight/articles/FremantleMedia-CEO-Tony-Cohen-keynote-report/
FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) launches a new kid's division and appoints Sander Schwartz as EVP, Head/Children and Family Entertainment. Schwartz is reporting to David Ellender, Global CEO, FME. A long time member of the kids entertainment community, Schwartz was a producer on the animated series The Batman for Kids WB!, and previously served as President, International Production/Sony Pictures Television International and President/Warner Bros. Animation, as well as Sony Pictures Family Entertainment's first President, as well as heading Columbia TriStar Televisions Children's Programming.
The Fremantle Corporation teams up with UK-based producer Strict Machine to co-produce the new kids animated vampire series, Fang Force(26x13). Fremantle is showcasing the series at Mipcom this week. Fang Force revolves around the Browns, a typical suburban family except for that they are a family of crime fighting vampires that is. The Brown family includes Mom (cooking and chemistry genius), Dad (an inventor), Laurie (14), Ziggy (11) and their baby sister Annie (18-months), as well as the family pet vampire bat Desi, and 7-foot tall shape-shifting butler, Mouldorf.
Rich Ross steps up to Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. Ross, currently President/Disney Channels Worldwide, takes over the position left vacant last month when former Chairman, Dick Cook, announced his resignation. Ross will oversee worldwide production, distribution and marketing for the studio's live-action and animated movie banners, including Walt Disney, Touchstone, Miramax and Disney/Pixar. No word yet on who will take over Ross' responsibilities at Disney Channel etc. though now that Ross' appointment has been confirmed the rumor mill has shifted to that topic. Ross joined Disney Channel in 1996 and has since overseen the growth of the channel domestically and internationally across brands such as Disney Channel, Playhouse Disney and Disney XD, their respective websites. He has also overseen Radio Disney. Under his watch, Disney Channel has delivered a range of TV successes including the tween series and TV movies Lizzie McGuire, Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and High School Musical among others. Prior to Disney, Ross was part of the team that launched FX Networks, and held senior positions at Nickelodeon for several years.
http://www.mipworld.com/en/Industry-insight/articles/FremantleMedia-CEO-Tony-Cohen-keynote-report/
FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) launches a new kid's division and appoints Sander Schwartz as EVP, Head/Children and Family Entertainment. Schwartz is reporting to David Ellender, Global CEO, FME. A long time member of the kids entertainment community, Schwartz was a producer on the animated series The Batman for Kids WB!, and previously served as President, International Production/Sony Pictures Television International and President/Warner Bros. Animation, as well as Sony Pictures Family Entertainment's first President, as well as heading Columbia TriStar Televisions Children's Programming.
The Fremantle Corporation teams up with UK-based producer Strict Machine to co-produce the new kids animated vampire series, Fang Force(26x13). Fremantle is showcasing the series at Mipcom this week. Fang Force revolves around the Browns, a typical suburban family except for that they are a family of crime fighting vampires that is. The Brown family includes Mom (cooking and chemistry genius), Dad (an inventor), Laurie (14), Ziggy (11) and their baby sister Annie (18-months), as well as the family pet vampire bat Desi, and 7-foot tall shape-shifting butler, Mouldorf.
Monday, October 5, 2009
KidMango, Yo Gabba Gabba!, 9 Story Entertainment, PorchLight
Online family video producer KidMango struck new distribution partnerships with Yahoo! Kids and media software interface Boxee, increasing the potential audience for a range of shows from producers such as Millimages, Your Family Entertainment AG and Devine Entertainment. Weekly shows will be added to the Yahoo Kids lineup via kids.yahoo.com. The deal also includes the creation of Boxee's first kid-targeted app, offering access to full episodes from KidMango.com, organized by age level.
Peace Arch Entertainment Group partners with producer Barnet Bain to acquire the movie rights to the kid's book, Milton's Secret: An Adventure of Discovery through Then, When, and the Power Of Now, by spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle and Robert S. Friedman. The plan is to adapt the movie as a live-action family-aimed movie.
RDF Rights, a division of RDF Media Group, completes deals for Yo Gabba Gabba! Produced by Magic Store and Wildbrain, season three of the live-action preschool series has been acquired by Disney Latin America, Treehouse TV (Canada), while seasons one and two are picked up by ATV (Hong Kong) and Mediacorp (Singapore) for Okto Channel. RDFR has sold Yo Gabba Gabba to 10+ international territories, with broadcast deals including ABC (Australia), Nick Australia, Nickelodeon Asia and Hop! TV (Israel).
In other news, 9 Story Entertainment is partnering with Just For Laughs to develop and co-produce Standup4Kidz (26x11, working title), a new kid-targeted standup comedy series based on a concept from Big Hug Productions. The mixed live-action and animated series will feature top comedians performing their cleanest/family-friendly comedy.
PorchLight Entertainment's KidMango is on the ground in Cannes searching for new programming content (shorts, series and feature length) and additional distribution partners. KidMango recently added distribution through partnerships with Yahoo! Kids and Boxee, which will expand KidMango's service to millions of potential new viewers. With its current library of 1500+ hours of programming, KidMango distributes content via three channels, online at KidMango.com (www.kidmango.com) in North America, through online syndication with the KidMango Content Network, and on-air through KidMangoTV, a programming block in partnership with PorchLight Entertainment and MyFamilyTV.
Peace Arch Entertainment Group partners with producer Barnet Bain to acquire the movie rights to the kid's book, Milton's Secret: An Adventure of Discovery through Then, When, and the Power Of Now, by spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle and Robert S. Friedman. The plan is to adapt the movie as a live-action family-aimed movie.
RDF Rights, a division of RDF Media Group, completes deals for Yo Gabba Gabba! Produced by Magic Store and Wildbrain, season three of the live-action preschool series has been acquired by Disney Latin America, Treehouse TV (Canada), while seasons one and two are picked up by ATV (Hong Kong) and Mediacorp (Singapore) for Okto Channel. RDFR has sold Yo Gabba Gabba to 10+ international territories, with broadcast deals including ABC (Australia), Nick Australia, Nickelodeon Asia and Hop! TV (Israel).
In other news, 9 Story Entertainment is partnering with Just For Laughs to develop and co-produce Standup4Kidz (26x11, working title), a new kid-targeted standup comedy series based on a concept from Big Hug Productions. The mixed live-action and animated series will feature top comedians performing their cleanest/family-friendly comedy.
PorchLight Entertainment's KidMango is on the ground in Cannes searching for new programming content (shorts, series and feature length) and additional distribution partners. KidMango recently added distribution through partnerships with Yahoo! Kids and Boxee, which will expand KidMango's service to millions of potential new viewers. With its current library of 1500+ hours of programming, KidMango distributes content via three channels, online at KidMango.com (www.kidmango.com) in North America, through online syndication with the KidMango Content Network, and on-air through KidMangoTV, a programming block in partnership with PorchLight Entertainment and MyFamilyTV.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
PBS Kids Go! - Yo Gabba Gabba and Go Go Lingo!
PBS Kids Go! and Boston-based CloudKid are set to launch Fizzy's Lunch Lab (www.pbskidsgo.org/lunchlab) a new health-themed comedy web-only animated series, on November 16. The Lunch Lab will rollout over 10 months (40 weeks), with a new animated video and corresponding activities for kids/families simultaneously featured online. Aimed at younger elementary school kids, the series revolves around the adventures of Professor Fizzy and his pals as they prepare snacks and investigate the difference between good and bad food, and follow where food goes after it is chewed up and swallowed. Funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Fizzy's Lunch lab features a range of short video segments, interactive games and recipes and food facts. The website and webisodes are designed to entertainment and help bring kids and adults together to make healthy food choices, plan and make meals and snacks without making a force-fed experience. Additional resources will be featured at PBS Parents (www.pbsparents.org) and PBS Teachers (www.pbsteachers.org).
A week of new Yo Gabba Gabba! episodes will premiere Monday-Friday, October 12-16 at 1p on Nick Jr. (the channel f/k/a Noggin). The new episodes feature a range of celebrities including Andy Samberg (SNL), The Roots and MGMT as well as Biz Markie in the recurring Biz's Beat of the Day segment, and the great singer/illustrator/composer Mark Mothersbaugh (DEVO) in the recurring Mark's Magic Pictures drawing segment, skateboarder Ray Barbee and Reeve Oliver, Lady Tigra and little Ones. Yo Gabba Gabba! is created by Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz and is produced by The Magic Store and Wildbrain. The new DVD Yo Gabba Gabba!: Meet My Family, released by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment, will be available at retail on October 20, 2009.
GoGolingo.com (www.gogolingo.com) is new bilingual edutainment site from LA-based Bilingo Club, designed to immerse K3-7 in games and virtual experiences to help them learn Spanish. The story-driven curriculum utilizes interactive activities that build upon a kid's knowledge. The site also has a Tamogotchi-inspired element paring each kid with a virtual pet who accompanies them through the activities.
Ken Warun joins KO Creative as Creative Director. Warun previously served as VP, ABC Entertainment Marketing and Creative Director at Style, E! and GSN. KO Creative has produced a combination of key art, on-air promotions and websites and consumer marketing campaigns for Disney Channel's Hannah Montana and High School Musical, PBS' The Electric Company, MTV's VMAs and The Hills as well as Oxygen's Naughty Kitchen.
A week of new Yo Gabba Gabba! episodes will premiere Monday-Friday, October 12-16 at 1p on Nick Jr. (the channel f/k/a Noggin). The new episodes feature a range of celebrities including Andy Samberg (SNL), The Roots and MGMT as well as Biz Markie in the recurring Biz's Beat of the Day segment, and the great singer/illustrator/composer Mark Mothersbaugh (DEVO) in the recurring Mark's Magic Pictures drawing segment, skateboarder Ray Barbee and Reeve Oliver, Lady Tigra and little Ones. Yo Gabba Gabba! is created by Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz and is produced by The Magic Store and Wildbrain. The new DVD Yo Gabba Gabba!: Meet My Family, released by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment, will be available at retail on October 20, 2009.
GoGolingo.com (www.gogolingo.com) is new bilingual edutainment site from LA-based Bilingo Club, designed to immerse K3-7 in games and virtual experiences to help them learn Spanish. The story-driven curriculum utilizes interactive activities that build upon a kid's knowledge. The site also has a Tamogotchi-inspired element paring each kid with a virtual pet who accompanies them through the activities.
Ken Warun joins KO Creative as Creative Director. Warun previously served as VP, ABC Entertainment Marketing and Creative Director at Style, E! and GSN. KO Creative has produced a combination of key art, on-air promotions and websites and consumer marketing campaigns for Disney Channel's Hannah Montana and High School Musical, PBS' The Electric Company, MTV's VMAs and The Hills as well as Oxygen's Naughty Kitchen.
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