Kids
12-year-old designs character for Cartoon Network US’ ‘Miguzi’ block
MUMBAI: Not many American kids can boast that they created an animated character that will appear every day on Cartoon Network US.
12-year-old Kyler Spears of Sacramento, California, however, can make such a claim
From 9 May 2005 his character Yoke will appear on the broadcaster’s afternoon adventure franchise Miguzi. Spears conceived, drew and entered Yoke into the network’s Miguzi Make a Monsterpiece” contest. This was a seven-week on-air, online and print campaign that ran from 22 November, 2004 to 15 January, 2005.
It challenged viewers to create and submit a Miguzi-style monster of their own. More than 100,000 entries were received on official print entry forms placed in popular youth magazines. Kids then voted at CartoonNetwork.com for the winner from the top 10 finalist entries as determined by Cartoon Network’s expert team of animators. Following more than 570,000 online votes, Spears’ entry emerged as the winner, securing its permanent addition to the Miguzi cast of characters.
In addition to Yoke soon appearing as a character in Miguzi, Spears and his family were flown from Sacramento to Atlanta in order to personally meet with Miguzi’s creative team and to observe the animation process that will bring Yoke”to life.
Computer animation will be used to create a full three-dimensional look to the character, as well as realistic movement for the character and interaction with the other cast members: Erin, Big Stalks, Flip, Curly, Tre, Remo, Woofer and Tweet. Spears said, “It was so cool to come to Atlanta and meet everyone involved with bringing Yoke to life. I wasn’t exactly sure how he would look but the Miguzi team made him look just like I thought he would. This experience has been so much more than I ever thought it would be.”
Launched in April 2004, Mihuzi is Cartoon Network’s daily afternoon destination for the best action-adventure entertainment for kids 6-11. The block is built around a fantastic undersea environment, where kids find compelling animated action-adventure programming along with comedic elements.
Miguzi is set on an abandoned spaceship buried in the ocean. Each day, The Leviathan, a giant sea monster, transports Erin, the franchise’s CG host, to the submersed ship. Once inside the spaceship, Erin and the sea creatures all settle in to watch the shows, when the fun begins. Miguzi also features live-action segments profiling entertainers, athletes and everyday heroes ranging from comic book artists to the country’s top street basketball players. These lifestyle pieces further bridge the gap between real life action-adventure and animation.
Kids
Sony YAY! launches ‘House of Masti’ to celebrate 20 years of Shin chan
Comedian Kiku Sharda joins the fun with a special rap track as the mischievous icon returns to Indian TV.
MUMBAI: Shin chan is back and this time, he’s bringing the whole house of masti with him! Sony YAY!, India’s leading kids’ entertainment channel, has unveiled ‘House of Masti’, a specially curated programming block to mark 20 years of the iconic animated series Shin chan on Indian television. The campaign transforms the beloved character’s mischievous world into a fresh, high-energy viewing experience. It features new episodes, fan-favourite moments, and themed programming stunts, all designed to stand out from regular broadcasts.
Adding extra sparkle to the celebration, popular comedian Kiku Sharda has joined the campaign. He anchors the integration with a lively rap track titled ‘Shin chan ka YAY! Dhamaal’, infusing contemporary music and humour into the beloved series.
Sony YAY! business head of kids and animation Ambesh Tiwari said, “Over the past 20 years, Shin chan has built a strong and enduring connection with audiences in India. With ‘House of Masti’, we are celebrating this milestone through a differentiated, campaign-led experience. Kiku Sharda and the rap track add a fun, high-energy layer that will resonate with today’s kids and families.”
Starting 27 April, viewers can enjoy the World Television Premiere of Shin chan along with new episodes and an exciting lineup of blockbuster movies on Sony YAY!.
By blending nostalgia with fresh, engaging content, Sony YAY! is ensuring that the cheeky, laughter-filled adventures of Shin chan continue to entertain and connect with new generations across the country.
In a world full of serious cartoons, Shin chan remains delightfully naughty and with ‘House of Masti’, Sony YAY! is making sure his brand of chaos stays as fresh and fun as ever. Get ready for some serious masti!
