Kids
CTPAA in the US recognises Nick’s social initiatives
MUMBAI: Kids brand Nickelodeon in the US has been recognised for its social initiatives. It won eight awards at the Beacon Awards competition which recognises excellence in public affairs throughout the American cable industry.
The Beacon awards are sponsored by the Cable Television Public Affairs Association (CTPAA). Nickelodeon’s Let’s Just Play initiative which encourages kids to go and get involved in outdoor activities won four Beacon Awards. It was also a 2005 Golden Beacon Award finalist.
Nickelodeon Networks public affairs executive VP Marva Smalls says, “It is an honour to be recognised by our colleagues in the industry. They have looked at all of the campaigns from the various networks, and decided to bestow these awards upon our initiatives. We are an entertainment company that believes we have a responsibility that extends beyond entertainment. As part of our mission to connect with our audiences, it has been a part of our DNA to incorporate pro-social campaigns to help empower them.”
Let’s Just Play is Nickelodeon’s long-term, pro-social commitment to encourage kids to participate in active, healthy, and playful lifestyles. The broadcaster states that the initiative a much needed antidote to reports of the rise in childhood obesity. It also helps the concern about the reduction of physical education in schools and in after-school programmes and the over-scheduled and sedentary lifestyles of kids today.
In addition to using the power of Nickelodeon’s air, online sites, and celebrity support, the channel devotes significant year-round resources to build a grassroots infrastructure to support physical play opportunities in communities everywhere. In partnership with local cable affiliates, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the National PTA, Nickelodeon’s Let’s Just Play provides programmatic support for communities to host their own play activities.
Another initiative that was recognised was TV Land & Nick at Nite’s Family Table: Share More Than Meals. This was created by the two networks in 2003 and seeks to remind its viewers about the emotional and social benefits that come from taking the time to sit down and share with one another.
Through a series of promotional spots – which both networks air in regular rotation daily – TV Land and Nick at Nite have committed over $11 million in on-air time over three years to encourage viewers to experience the benefits of dining together. Parents who dine with their kids four times a week or more are more likely to raise kids with better verbal skills, who perform better in school and are less likely to abuse cigarettes, drugs and alcohol during adolescence than families who do not make consistent family dining a priority.
From the hundreds of entries received in this year’s Beacon Award competition, 76 winners were chosen by cable public affairs professionals in an extensive two-phase judging process.
Kids
Mukta Arts and Green Gold ink MOU to animate iconic film IPs
Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan to spawn animated shows plus features.
MUMBAI: When classic hindi movie meets animation, the result is a fresh reel of nostalgia with a cartoon twist. Mukta Arts Ltd. and Green Gold Animation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on animated shows and feature films drawn from Mukta Arts’ four-decade treasure trove of iconic IPs. The partnership taps Mukta’s SGM Animation Studio launched in 2025 as its dedicated animation and games arm and Green Gold’s proven track record in building scalable, homegrown franchises. Creative teams from both sides have already kicked off discussions, with the first project currently in development.
The slate will draw inspiration from landmark Mukta films including Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Khalnayak, Saudagar and Iqbal, plus character-led spin-offs from those universes. The aim is to reimagine these stories for today’s young, global audiences while preserving their emotional core.
Green Gold Animation (home of Chhota Bheem) founder and CEO Rajiv Chilaka said, “This partnership with SGM Studios allows us to apply our experience in building long-lasting animation IPs to a truly iconic film catalogue. Together, we aim to create animated worlds that are rooted in these legendary stories, yet designed to connect with today’s young, global audiences.”
Mukta Arts Ltd. filmmaker and founder Subhash Ghai added, “Mukta Arts has always believed in creating stories with lasting emotional value. Through animation, we are extending our IP into a new medium for the next generation.”
In an industry where timeless tales never go out of fashion, this collaboration promises to bring beloved characters back to life with a modern, animated glow proving that some stories are too good to stay in live-action. Stay tuned for the first animated frame to drop.
