Kids
Nick US to boost online offerings with NickMail Maker
MUMBAI: In a bid to boost its online presence, kids brand Nickelodeon in the US will later this week debut NickMail Maker on its site Nick.com.
This is an animated messaging product for kids. A hybrid of email, instant messenger and animation applications, NickMail Maker allows kids to communicate with one another imaginatively with messaging technology that enables them to make their own animation.
Nickelodeon Online senior VP and GM Mike Skagerlind says, “We wanted to provide kids with a safe messaging system that allows them to communicate and express themselves in a creative way. NickMail Maker offers kids a sense of community by connecting with each other in the Nick.com community, and a chance to explore their creativity by becoming ‘animators’ in their own right.”
To create these unique messages, NickMail Maker includes a kid-friendly dictionary, offering more than 7,500 words. Kids can also pick from a variety of pictures including characters from The Fairly OddParents and other Nick shows, sounds, and backgrounds — some static and some animated — to add more visual elements to their messages. Sounds from shows, musical fanfares and audio FX are also included. These components will be refreshed on a weekly basis. The animation comes alive with the option to time specific effects and motions in the messages. Several pre-made messages are also available to send. Kids can also add onto existing messages and forward them to other users.
Kids can visit Nick.com to see a demonstration of NickMail Maker, but in order to send a message they must be logged on the site. Users can communicate via their “Nick Names” and icons that they use on Nick.com. Nick
Messages can only be sent to those who are registered on the Nick website. When a user logs on to the Nick.com site, they will have a message bug alerting them if a Nick Message is waiting for them.
A teaser for NickMail Maker will be located on the Nick.com homepage, near the “My Nick” feature. A help section will also be located on Nick.com so kids can easily navigate the animation process. NickMail Maker relies entirely on the anonymous registration system that already exists on Nick.com, and it does not allow kids to unwittingly divulge
personal, identifiable information.
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!
