Kids
Nick to launch in Germany in September
MUMBAI: MTV Networks Europe (MTVNE) has announced that it will launch kids’ channel and web site Nickelodeon in Germany on 12 September 2005. This will be part of the company’s commitment to providing high quality, complementary programming on its four channels in the market.
A new cross-brand advertising sales house, Viacom Brand Solutions, has been created to market the portfolio of the channels. Additional investments will include the launch of new programming on both Viva and MTV in Germany.
MTV Networks Europe CEO Somon Guild says, “We are committed to offering a broad range of programming to German audiences through diverse, complementary channels. The launch of Nickelodeon as a dedicated channel created specifically for German kids is a significant development in the overall expansion of the brand across Europe. By launching Viacom Brand Solutions, we will offer clients unparalleled flexibility through customised, multi-platform sponsorship opportunities targeting kid, youth and adult audiences in Germany.”
Nickelodeon will be a locally managed and programmed channel and Web site seen in 28.6 million German households. It will feature animated series such as the global phenomenon, SpongeBob SquarePants, Danny Phantom, Avatar and Jimmy Neutron, as well as the Emmy nominated preschool series, Dora the Explorer and Blue’s Clues. Live-action series will include Drake and Josh and Unfabulous, starring Julia Roberts’ niece Emma Roberts. In the
evening Nickelodeon will switch to series for a 14+ demo.
Local productions and acquisitions will be announced shortly. Nickelodeon will replace the music channel MTV2 Pop in the market, broadcasting alongside MTVNE’s other German channel offerings that include VIVA, VIVA PLUS and MTV. The newly launched Viacom Brand Solutions sales house will market MTVNE’s new German channel family.
A one-stop shop, Viacom Brand Solutions (VBS) will plan and develop creative, as well as deliver airtime, sponsorships, promotions, events and digital media opportunities for clients. With successful launches in the UK, Ireland and Spain, VBS will work with German agencies and clients to deliver results driven solutions based around its kid and youth entertainment brands.
Viva and MTV’s complementary positioning will provide German youth audiences with greater music and programming diversity. Viva will address viewers with mostly German artists, chart-oriented pop music and a quirky programming schedule. MTV will skew towards edgier programming mixed with international and trend setting music play lists. 17 new VIVA and MTV shows will premiere over the coming months. New MTV shows include Pimp My Bicycle (a local take on the international hit Pimp My Ride). New Viva shows include Shibuya (a karaoke challenge), Liebe, Sex & Videos (a music and talk show offering advice on relationships) and Mein Block (a real life soap about family, friends and hip-hop).
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.
