NBC Universal Global Networks today unveiled an integrated organizational structure, following the acquisition of Sparrowhawk Media in October. The organization has been realigned over the past weeks in order to support the growth of NBCU's globally recognized channel brands - Sci Fi, 13th Street, Universal Channel, Studio Universal, the international Hallmark channels, Diva TV, Movies 24 and a stake in KidsCo.
Kicking off the New Year with a healthy dose of anime, Anime Network has announced the VOD television premieres of four exciting new series:
Premiering Jan. 3, 2008MAGIKANO -- Produced by Studio Gonzo (WELCOME TO THE NHK, AFRO SAMURAI) and directed by Seiji Kishi (RAGNAROK THE ANIMATION), MAGIKANO is a magical comedy about a middle school student who is seemingly ordinary, with the exception of his three witch sisters and his own soon-to-be-awakened mystical powers.
Premiering Jan. 17, 2008
Popular children's brand ACK Media has recently acquired Bangalore-based animation and gaming studio Quietmen Studios, reports ANIMATION XPRESS.The studio has changed its name to Katha Studios and will develop products for a variety of platforms based on new and old properties.
The age-old game of Twenty Questions has just been Simpsonized! SIMPSONS enthusiasts can now put their knowledge of America's first animated family to the test through an online trivia challenge that tests players on the people, places, and things of Springfield. Moreover, fans will actually help build the content database. Swing by 20Q.net/simpsons to check it out.
Beginning next month, major production centers including Toronto and Ottawa will benefit from an additional C$10 million (US$9.8 million) in tax credits, reports C21 MEDIA. The Ontario Film & Television Tax Credit for domestic productions will increase from 30 % to 35%, while the Ontario Production Services Tax Credit for foreign productions made in the province will increase from 18% to 25%. The action will support the more than 30,000 people who work directly in the entertainment industry in Ontario.
Los Angeles-based licensing and marketing agency Brandolution has been tapped by the Jim Henson Co. to manage all U.S. and Canadian licensing for its new animated preschool series SID THE SCIENCE KID (previously known as WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA?), reports KIDSCREEN. The merchandising campaign for the science-readiness-based series will include toys, books, activities, party products, apparel, and home furnishings. Roll out driven by toys and books is planned for the 2008 holiday season, with another phase to follow in 2009.
4Kids Ent., Inc. announced today that it has appointed Barry Stagg as SVP, Corporate Communications. In his new position, Stagg will be responsible for implementing a global communications program to expand the awareness of 4Kids' current properties and operations, as well as new brands and business ventures.
FXLabs Studios, India's leading developer of video games, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire U.S.-based IMT, Inc., owner of one of the world's largest online casual games portals, Knibble.com. FXLabs will pay US$3 million in stock to acquire 100% of IMT.
With over 10,000 online causal games that can be played for free, Knibble has emerged as the best destination for game developers to showcase their talent, allowing registered members to submit new games, add a description, suggest a content rating and add tags.
DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. announced today that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program of $150 million of the Company's outstanding shares of Class A common stock. Under the new program, the Company may purchase shares in the open market, in block trades or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and actual number of shares purchased may depend on a variety of factors, such as price, regulatory requirements, corporate considerations, alternative investment opportunities and other market conditions.
After just four weeks on the air, Marathon Media's MONSTER BUSTER CLUB (52x30) is among the highest-ranked French-produced shows among kids 4-10 in France, topping BEN 10 and SCOOBY DOO. Marathon's first full 3D animation, the series has already been sold throughout Europe, with other sales pending to several broadcasters around the world.
Taffy Ent. has made further international sales for DIVE OLLY DIVE! (52x11) with broadcasters in Europe, Asia and Latin America. The UK's GMTV has bought the property for its preschool children's strand "Wakey Wakey," which airs on ITV1 and CiTV channel, and Spain's TVE has picked up the series for both terrestrial TV and its digital kids' channel Clan. Further deals for the show include Cartoon Network Latin America, MTV3 in Finland, Cineplex Thailand and TPI in Indonesia. It has also been picked up by local distributors in Poland, South Africa and English-speaking African territories.
Starz Ent. will present ANIME: DRAWING A REVOLUTION on Monday, Dec. 17 at 9 pm (ET/PT). Part of the monthly series "Starz Inside" hosted by film critic and author Richard Roeper, the program takes a provocative, in-depth look at the art of anime and its influence on worldwide culture and leading Hollywood filmmakers.
Multi-platform kids' program service Kabillion has partnered with interactive pioneer Little Director to offer an online site where kids can turn their artwork into animated movies. The free area at www.Kabillion.com enables kids to create drawings and submit them to LittleDirector.com, where, for a reduced fee of $19.95, the drawings will be converted into a short animated movie, complete with music soundtrack. The movies are viewable on Kabillion and can be delivered by mail on a DVD.
Following a year-long inquiry, the European Commission has accepted a French proposal to grant tax credits specifically dedicated to videogame production. The measure, which could take effect as early as Jan. 1, 2008, signals the EC's recognition of videogames as a cultural industry.
Molly Chase has been named VP and exec producer for Cartoon Network New Media. In her new role, Chase will oversee several Cartoon Network New Media departments including the design studio, technology group, game studio and the production team, and will be responsible for directing all aspects of production for CartoonNetwork.com, Awesomehouseparty.com and ToonamiJetstream.com.
The first season of Nickelodeon and Nicktoons Networks' hit animé series KAPPA MIKEY is now available for purchase and download on the iTunes Music Store. Twenty-six full-length episodes -- viewable on a Mac, PC, iPod or iPhone -- are available for $1.99 each.
Preschool TV channel JimJam is launching its first feed across Central Europe, adding a further 1.4 million subscribers. Adding to the existing channel reach on Sky Italia children's package, the channel is set to exceed six million television households by early 2008.
The new launches mark the ambitious roll-out plans of owners Chellomedia, the European content division of Liberty Global, Inc. and HIT Ent. Together, HIT and Chellomedia's subsidiary, Chello Zone, will continue to launch and distribute the channel internationally throughout 2008.
London-based Impossible Pictures has acquired Manchester animation company Firestep, enabling the company to explore new ways to approach factual and drama, as well as tapping opportunities in the children's market. Co-founded by Steve Maher and Jonathan Doyle, Firestep is best known for its work on "The Infinite Quest," an animated DR. WHO adventure for the BBC.
Pokemon USA, Inc. has announced that Akira Chiba, who has led the American branch of the company since 2002, will resign at the end of the year. Chiba joined Pokemon USA when the company's New York office was established -- the brand's first corporate headquarters outside of Japan and helped to re-establish Pokemon as a successful global brand.
PorchLight Home Ent., a new division of the Los Angeles-based production company, has acquired the DVD rights to the Australian series FARMKIDS from FARMkids Pty Ltd., reports KIDSCREEN. The acquisition is part of an energetic campaign to build up its DVD distribution schedule for 2008.
The CG-animated FARMKIDS follows a group of pampered city animals who are moved to a rural setting. Production of the first season is nearing completion, with a movie special planned for release in 2010.
