Kids
Hit Entertainment signs first direct sale with Sri Lankan channel
MUMBAI: Children’s entertainment brand Hit Entertainment has done its first ever direct sale with Sri Lanka.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com this afternoon, Hit Entertainment brand director Asia Sheetal Merchant said, “We have sold the Barney series 4-9 to Sri Lankan broadcaster Art TV as well as the classic Jim Henson puppet animation series Fraggle Rock. Both these series and characters from this are very well known in Sri Lanka. I am delighted to have established this relationship with Art TV and we hope to build our relationship further moving forward into 2006.”
In January this year Hit Entertainment had launched its licensing business in India in conjunction with Licensing Plus – India (LPI) as its licensing partner. The first show was Bob The Builder.
Now Merchant says that Excel Video, which is Hit’s home entertainment partner in India, is launching its first ever direct to video special called Snowed Under for Bob the Builder and this will be available exclusively on video only for the time being as it has not been broadacast on Cartoon Network. It is a 50-minute special.
“Excel is launching the first VCD/DVDs of Barney in India and they will be launching 20 December with four titles including Let’s Play School, Rhyme Time Rhythm, Night Before Christmas and Sing & Dance with Barney. Sterling Publisher will also be launching the Barney books in December.”
Meanwhile, another popular character from the Hit stable Thomas is celebrating his 60th anniversary this year as the original books on which the television series is based were first launched in 1945! Excel video will be lauching the VCD/DVD and Eurokids will be launching books of this classic next year in India.
Talking about shows that are airing on Indian television, Merchant points out that Angelina Ballerina launched on Cartoon Network’s Half Ticket Express pre-school block last month. Angelina Ballerina can be seen at 11:30 am and at 1:30 pm from Monday to Friday and at 11:30 am on Saturdays.
“There are seven series in total currently on air on Half Ticket Express and Tiny TV on Cartoon Network and Pogo respectively. These include Bob the Builder, Oswald, Pingu, Kipper, Thomas, Barney and Angelina Ballerina,” points out Merchant.
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!
