Kids
Nelvana to scout for partners at Toy Fair; inks deal with Enemes
MUMBAI: With North American broadcasters on board for its new 2-D animated comedy Grossology, Nelvana will be on the hunt for toy partnerships at Toy Fair 2006.
Nelvana has also entered into a partnership with Korean studio Enemes for the production, distribution and merchandising of 3-D animated fantasy-adventure series Z-Squad.
“This property naturally lends itself to the novelty toys, confectionery and activity toys categories, and we’ll be looking for partners that can translate the irreverent humour and gross-out action of this series into a unique and engaging merchandising program,” said Nelvana executive vice president business development Doug Murphy.
“This futuristic series explores the universal adolescent themes of social status, friendship and finding your place in the world, with fantasy, adventure and magic woven throughout a captivating storyline. Z-Squad combines all of the elements necessary to creating an aspirational brand that lends itself to a whimsical toy line,” said Murphy.
Targeted for kids ages 6 to 14, the show chronicles the adventures of tween girls Chaney, Haemi and Jeanie, and their newfound, cuddly alien counterparts (Zoots) as they search for 144 enchanted crystals in a quest to save the Earth and Z-Nation from a cast of bumbling baddies.
“Enemes is thrilled to have this opportunity to partner with Nelvana. With our first original animated series Z-Squad, Enemes hopes to become the flag bearer of the Korean animation industry, particularly in the 3-D arena,” said Enemes president and CEO Jin Choi.
After previewing the brand to potential toy partners at Toy Fair 2006, Nelvana will market Z-Squad to broadcast buyers at MipTV.
The company recently inked 26-episode broadcast agreements with Discovery Kids in the US and YTV in Canada for Grossology.
Based on the book series by Sylvia Branzei, the show follows the crime-solving adventures of brother and sister team Ty and Abby Archer, who report to the secret government Department of Grossology.
Nelvana is currently sourcing US partners and expects to make announcements early in 2006 around their popular preschool consumer products program Max & Ruby.
Nelvana knew that it had a loyal audience for Max & Ruby, consistently a top-ranked program on Canadian Treehouse. But it wasn’t until live character events began drawing record crowds of up to 5,000 attendees that the company realised the brand’s merchandising potential.
“Max & Ruby, our two favorite bunnies, have taken the Canadian licensing world by surprise. We plan to launch in the US next year and expect the same level of industry and consumer buzz,” said Nelvana vice president licensing, the Americas Mark Northwood.
Max & Ruby airs on Treehouse in Canada and Nickelodeon’s networks in the US. Max & Ruby DVD titles distributed under the Treehouse Presents label by Nelvana Home Entertainment and kaBOOM! reached platinum-level sales in their first year (2004-2005).
Products from Canadian master toy partner Danawares debuted in major Canadian retailers in spring 2005 and continues to perform well. The program expands this holiday season, and product from Adorable Kids (sleepwear) and Dan River (bedding) is slated to hit shelves in 2006.
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!
